The MIAA basketball season is slowly inching closer. And in this lead-up to tryouts and first practices, we have a lot of preseason questions that need answering.
What players and teams could define the upcoming winter? What are the hot topics being discussed around the state? We went to the coaches themselves to get their thoughts.
More than 30 girls coaches participated in our first MIAA survey. Coaches were granted anonymity so that they could speak freely on a number of questions regarding the state of high school basketball in Massachusetts. We'll be releasing the highlights of the survey in four parts this fall.
Here's Part 1, focusing on the players to watch once the season tips off.
Who is the best overall player in MIAA? Why?
First, a minor admission: We should have included a restriction on coaches selecting their own players for this award, because many did. In an effort to both weed out some of those maybe-biased responses and preserve the anonymity of the participating coaches, we're going to skip those answers for all of the questions you see in this story.
We also had some coaches respond with some version of "I'm not sure." Given how large the state is and that most schools won't see most of the competition outside of their region or conference, it's understandable, and I appreciate the honesty.
With that out of the way, the most popular response here by far was Wachusett's Jae Scott. The 6-foot senior forward garnered double the votes of any other player.
"Based on her tournament run, I think she cemented herself as the best overall player in the state," one coach said. "She can do it all on both ends. Her blend of size, athleticism and skill make her a matchup nightmare."
It makes sense. Scott was our MIAA Player of the Year as a junior after leading Wachusett in a remarkable campaign to the Division 1 championship. She averaged 20.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks on the season, but saved her best for last in a thrilling state championship win that clearly resonated around Massachusetts.
"I think that she showed what she could do last year in the state final," another coach said. "She was dominant on the biggest stage against an outsanding Bishop Feehan team. Her ability to score, defend, and rebound put her in a class by herself."
Scott has since committed to Tulsa and is one of the best prospects in New England's 2026 class regardless of where she plays. Coaches praised her athleticism and versatility as a dominant rebounder and defender who can take over when needed.
"She is an incredibly tough cover," one coach said. "Can get to the rim with ease, terror on the O-glass and lights out from FT line. She impacts the game so much defensively with her ability to cover ground and affect shots."
Behind Scott, Medfield junior Naya Annigeri also garnered a significant vote share. The junior point guard has won two Division 2 titles and two Tri-Valley League MVP awards in two seasons of high school ball.
A versatile player who can shoot lights-out, yet also break down her defender with elite dribbling and athleticism," said a coach. "Her first step is lethal and she possesses one of the best basketball IQs in the state. A fun player to watch and an incredibly tough player to guard."
Annigeri has come close to 50-40-90 shooting splits in both years at Medfield. Last year, she was at 49 percent from the floor, 39 percent behind the arc and 87 percent from the free throw line as a lead playmaker (16.8 points, 3.2 assists) and perimeter defender (3.8 steals).
"She impacts the game on both ends of the court. She distributes the ball really well, but also picks her times to score," another coach said. "She defends aggressively without fouling and her overall IQ is high. She never seems to tire. She is smooth player who I really enjoy watching play."
Beyond Scott and Annigeri, some additional players who earned opposing coach recognition include: Needham senior Hannah Levine, Greater New Bedford junior Jai-Ana Silva, and the Whitman-Hanson duo of Dylan Hurley and Maliah Pierre.
Who is the most underrated player in MIAA? Why?
This question elicited some fascinating answers, ranging from players I know well to new ones who I'll now be putting on my radar.
Multiple coaches landed on Bishop Feehan guard Mollie Mullen. The Stonehill commit and senior has a Division 1 title in her bag and helped her team reach the final again last winter. As a high-level guard defender and sharpshooter who's expanding her scoring game, Mullen seems primed for a leap after Feehan graduated several stars.
"She got her accolades last year but probably deserved even more," one coach said. "She was outshined by teammates in the past, and they were great players as well. But I believe she has another level to her game that she'll bring this year, as she will step up and be a leader."
Two members of last year's All-MIAA Third Team appeared here: Teegan Lanpher and Avery Gamble, both smaller, high-motor guards who can score and defend the perimeter. Lanpher helped Wachusett to its Division 1 title while starting as a sophomore. Gamble averaged nearly 20 points per game as a junior at Oliver Ames.
"Next year, she should be towards the top of everyone's list," one coach said of Gamble. "She has really been the heart and soul of that team the last two years. Last year, she shouldered a ton of responsibility on both ends of the floor. Without her, OA would not have been as successful — maybe not even a playoff team."
Celia Neilson received a shoutout for her toughness and size as a Division 1-bound uncommitted guard at Bishop Fenwick. Medway forward Anna Freeman earned a shoutout in the frontcourt.
Juniors Kaylee Maier (Dracut) and Ashley Cohen (Bedford) were mentioned as bucket-getters and potential breakout stars beyond their respective conferences. Jackie Pohl (East Bridgewater) and Sophia Foley (Mansfield) drew attention for their defense.
"(Foley's) anticipation skills are among the best I’ve ever seen, male or female, in the MIAA, and that combined with her length and athleticism make her next impossible to coach against," one coach said.
