We still have two long months before the MIAA girls basketball season tips off. I'm beginning work on our preview stories and preparing myself for a fresh landscape of teams chasing state championships.
I wanted to start with a list of potential breakout players. But as I compiled names, I realized: this 2029 class looks quite strong at the top.
So we're breaking it out into its own segment to get you familiar with some important underclassmen. This is a mix of established MIAA stars, underrated contributors and some young players who impressed me during the grassroots offseason. And still, this is just the beginning, as even more sophomores will surely rise to the front of the class.
We'll get to the upperclassmen soon enough because there is a plethora of talent around the MIAA this season. For now, get excited about tracking these 10 names in the 2029 class.
Gabby Davis, Quincy
5-7 guard
Davis showed flashes of brilliance right into a leading role as a freshman. She logged a handful of breakout games, including 28 points against Framingham and 21 points against Hingham, as Quincy earned a No. 11 seed in the Division 1 bracket. Davis is a super quick slashing point guard who consistently beats defenders 1-on-1 and can finish around the rim.
Brooke Dulong, Chelmsford
5-8 guard
We've got three rising stars in the Merrimack Valley Conference. I'll start with Dulong, who quickly became one of the Lions' go-to playmakers en route to conference All-Star honors. Dulong is a knockdown 3-point shooter who plays with toughness, and she also has a go-to spin move and stepback she likes to unleash.
Lexi Linsey, Andover
5-6 guard
The Golden Warriors will be a legit Division 1 championship contender again. Linsey can help this team reach its offensive ceiling. After dealing with a broken finger for a large chunk of last winter, Linsey returned and quickly became one of Andover's best scoring guards as her team broke out to the state semis. She's a confident shooter at all three levels who knows how to read a defense and get to her spots.
Jazzy Marshall, Framingham
5-9 forward
Marshall is a new name to me but had some nice flashes at the NERR Elite 75 Frosh/Soph Showcase in September. She's a strong forward who can battle in the post and snag rebounds. I also caught some moments of nice mid-range shooting touch. The Bay State Conference is deep as usual this winter, but Marshall should help the Flyers take a step forward.
Sysy Mcausland Emmanuel, St. Mary's
5-9 guard
Hometown: Melrose, Mass.
Two players on this list stand out as some of New England's top prospects in the entire 2029 class. We'll start with Emmanuel, who's up to nine Division 1 offers including Florida most recently. She made our All-MIAA Third Team last season after averaging 15.1 points per game. I expect another leap from Emmanuel in both scoring efficiency and playmaking for her teammates as a sophomore.
McKenna O'Connell, St. Mary's
5-7 guard
St. Mary's has a strong freshman class and amid injuries last season, O'Connell emerged as a dependable, quick combo guard, earning a Catholic Central League All-Star nod. She's a solid catch-and-shoot perimeter threat with a capable handle and burst off the dribble. O'Connell is also one of the better hustle players on the team and competes with toughness that outshines her size.
Rhianna Rice, Foxboro
5-10 (estimate) forward
Rice is recovering from a knee injury, but when she returns, she'll be a cornerstone player for a perennial top program. I appreciated her effort level on the glass and her versatility as a long, mobile defensive forward when I watched last season. She can also score out of face-up drives and as a cutter.
Emma Smith, Bishop Feehan
5-7 guard
The Shamrocks have a nice core of seniors, but additional playmaking from the guard spots would help after graduating star Mollie Mullen. I thought Smith grew into a capable rotation player on last year's Division 1 semifinalist squad. She's got long arms at her position and is naturally fast. Smith can handle the ball, she makes quality cuts and she keeps her head up looking for teammates.
Zi'Yan Wallace, Springfield Central
6-0 forward
Wallace is on our 2029 watch list with four early Division 1 offers. As far as expectations for this season: I want her to show why she's a possible top-five prospect in New England. Wallace has special skill and athleticism at her size. To truly stand out, she needs to improve her consistent effort and focus on the court, as well as stay out of foul trouble. If Wallace levels up again, Springfield Central can win the Div. 1 championship.
Lily White, Dracut
5-10 wing
White and Dracut as a team should be sleeper contenders in the Merrimack Valley Conference. She's a versatile wing who can handle the ball and drive but doesn't force bad shots. I also think White is an excellent cutter. She and senior Kaylee Maier form a fun duo.
