STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— The 2025–2026 PSAL high school girls’ basketball season has arrived, bringing no shortage of compelling storylines.
Four of the five teams in the league’s Staten Island division posted winning records last year, with New Dorp and Tottenville standing above the pack at 13–1 and 12–2, respectively, in the PSAL 4A Staten Island division.
The two powerhouses ultimately met in the PSAL 4A quarterfinals, where Tottenville pulled off a thrilling 61–56 victory. If last season is any indication, both programs look poised for another fierce showdown.
Curtis (10–4) and Susan Wagner (9–5) also proved they could compete with anyone, and head coaches Talia Sutton and Tom Rizzo will aim to push their squads even higher in the standings this season.
Port Richmond (4–10), 2024/2025’s last place team in the Staten Island division, may undergo the biggest transformation of any borough team, with only three varsity players returning. Still, head coach John Sce hopes to turn those unknowns into an element of surprise as the Raiders work their way back toward a winning record.
Finally, in the 3A Brooklyn/Staten Island division, borough powers Petrides (14–0) and CSI/McCown (13–1) steamrolled their regular-season competition but will be hungry for more after both were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.
Also in the mix in the 3A will be the MSIT Seagulls, who went 6-8 last season and will look to improve to .500 or better this year.
So, with plenty of Island teams putting together stellar seasons last year, how will 2025-2026 look for the borough’s PSAL teams?
Sanaya Frederick netted 31 points in Curtis’ win Saturday vs. Graphics Campus HS. (Photo courtesy of Curtis Athletics)Curtis AthleticsPSAL 4ACurtis Warriors
Head coach: Talia Sutton, 13th season
2024-25 record: 16-7 overall, 12-5 in the PSAL 4A Conference, lost in the quarterfinals
Players to watch: Sanaya Frederick (Sr., F), Jiselle Jackson (Sr., G), Kathryn Karonous (Fr., F/G), Alina Starodubenko (Fr., G), Julia Surat (Fr. PG), Janiya Thomas (Sr., F)
Outlook: Sanaya Fredrick is an athletic forward who can run the floor, finishes well around the basket and has strong rebounding skills, while Jiselle jackson shoots the three well and will be a perimeter threat for the Warriors.
Kathryn Karonous is a true gym rat, super competitive and can play inside and outside, eager to learn and already has great understanding of the game, while Alina Starodubenko, shoots the 3 well and has the ability to create shots for herself and her teammates.
Julia Surat is an athletic defender and can push the tempo. Janiya Thomas is physical and rebounds well. “This year we’re really excited about the team that has been assembled to compete and represent Curtis girls basketball,” said head coach Talia Sutton.
“It’s my first time ever having five freshmen play varsity basketball. Although most of the players are young, they are confident, courageous, committed and have strong competitive personalities,” she shared.
“Our seniors and returning players shows continuous growth since they joined the program, some of which worked really hard this summer and has returned with an increased focus, improved skills and a greater commitment to the process of getting better individually and preparing themselves to support the team … We anticipate some growing pains because the freshmen will play and will be adjusting to high school basketball in real time,” Sutton concluded.
Moore Catholic guard Brianna Caliri and New Dorp’s Olivia Andruszkow battle for the board in the semifinals of the Borough President’s Cup Tournament held at Petrides in Sunnyside on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)Staten Island AdvanceNew Dorp Centrals
Head coach: Frank Guglielmo, 10th year
Assistant coaches: Pete McIntyre, Tracey Guglielmo, Brielle Bonviso
2024-25 record: 19-6 overall, 13-1 in PSAL 4A Staten Island division, lost in quarterfinals
Players to watch: Olivia Andruszkow (Sr., C)
Outlook: New Dorp enters a rebuilding year, according to HC Frank Guglielmo, featuring a mix of returning contributors and young players who will be asked to take on significantly larger roles.
The team’s size advantage starts with Olivia Andruszkow, whose stature will give the Cougars an edge on the glass. But it’s her hard work — and the versatility she has developed on both ends of the floor — that makes her a crucial piece of the lineup, Guglielmo shared.
New Dorp expects major production from her as the group works to find its identity. The challenge will be how quickly this young roster can come together, and the faster the pieces click, the stronger the Centrals will be.
Port Richmond’s Abigayle Agandouch (35) with the ball. (Kara Buzga for Staten Island Advance).Port Richmond Raiders
Head coach: John Sce, 16th season
Assistant Coaches: Oluwadamilare Oyefeso and Lauren Wiedmeyer
2024-25 record: 6-15 overall, 4-10 in PSAL 4A Division, missed playoffs
Players to watch: Abigayle Agandouch (Sr., F/C), Angelica Carollo (Sr. G/F), Evangeline Martinez (Sr. F), along with newcomers Joyest Anyama (Jr. F), Jenna Blake (Sr. G/F), Brionna Cummins (Jr. G), Alycia Khan (Soph. G), Sophia Nivello (Soph. F), Arianna Rivera (Soph. F/C), Sherlin Ulloa-Sanchez (Soph. F/C), Taylor Watkins (Soph. F)
Outlook: The Raiders will be starting over this year with only three players with varsity experience. Port Richmond hopes to “continue to build its roster, stay on point academically, and play competitive basketball with steady improvement throughout the season,” head coach John Sce said.
“We have a young team with very little experience. As the season moves along we hope to improve to a point where we can play competitive basketball in a very tough division,” he concluded.
Casey McKinney (33) of Susan E. Wagner goes for a layup despite the defensive pressure of St. Joseph Hill’s Molly Keane. (Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)(Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)Susan Wagner Falcons
Head coach: Tom Rizzo, 18th season
Assistant Coaches: Catherine Drago and Clare Regolizio
2024-25 record: 16-10 overall, 10-4 in the PSAL 4A, lost in second round of the playoffs
Players to watch: Jamielyn Chin (Fr., G), Emma Jo Vargas (Soph, G), Casey McKinney (Sr., C), Jenna Salahaldin (Sr., F), Emily Goodman (Jr., G), Danielle Harrell (Sr., G)
Outlook: The Falcons look to continue their winning tradition in a very tough Staten Island 4A division. “We’ve got a very young backcourt that can be dynamic,” said longtime SW coach Tom Rizzo.
“They create a lot of havoc on defense with their speed and athleticism.” Casey McKinney has carved out a reputation as being one of the best bigs in the league, but she’ll need help. “It will be fun to watch how our youth develops against the competition in the toughest 4A division in NYC,” said Rizzo.
“It’ll be ‘baptism by fire’ for many of our girls but they look up to the challenge. Our non-league schedule is not easy, and I expect us to be tested every game. We want to get better and see improvement each game. If we execute the fundamentals, play solid defense and move the ball we’ll be back in the playoffs and a tough matchup for our opponents,” Rizzo concluded.
Araya Lichtman (21) will play a key role for Tottenville this year. (Kara Buzga for Staten Island Advance)..Tottenville Pirates
Head coach: Jessica Althoff-Brennan, second season
2024-2025 record: 18-7 overall, 12-2 in the PSAL 4A, lost in semifinals
Players to watch: Grace Anderson (Jr., G), Araya Lichtman (Sr., G), Brianna Ardolic (Jr., G ), Gabriella Ortiz (Soph., G), Kayla Souleidis (Soph., F), Deanna Vrionakis (Sr., F), Emily Greenberg (Sr, G) and Maria Bello-Osorio (Jr. F)., Emily Salafia (Jr., G), Lilyanna Goffredo (Jr., C), Kaylee Mackenzie (Jr., G), Juliana Ortiz (Jr., G)
Outlook: The Pirates have eight returning players and four transfers that should help them make another deep run in the playoffs. “I’m really proud of how well we did last year, being that we were such a young team, and we made our first-ever PSAL Final Four appearance,“ said head coach Jessica Althoff-Brennan.
“I am looking forward to seeing our progress again this year. Grace Anderson (2024-2025 Jacques All Star) had a very successful season last year, finishing with 570 points. Grace and co-captain Araya Lichtman (325 points last year) are experienced players that I will be counting on to help bring our team together,” the HC said.
Transfers Emily Salafia (quick defensively), Lilyanna Goffredo (great presence in the paint) and Kaylee Mackenzie and Juliana Ortiz, who can both shoot from long distance, give the Pirates’ more depth.
“Our philosophy this year is the same as last year — tough defense, and confident offense. Our team chemistry and communication on the court are something we stress during practice, and I know it will be a key factor in our success this season. I plan for us to be competitive in all games that we play, and I’m hoping with the strong non-league schedule that our team will continue to improve,” she concluded.
CSIM head coach Rosario Miano draws up the game-winning play during a timeout on Tuesday.Courtesy of CSIM AthleticsPSAL 3ACSI/McCown Dragons
Head coach: Rosario Miano, 9th year
Assistant coach: Nicolette D’Alessio
2024-25 record: 19-3 overall, 13-1 in the PSAL 3A, lost in quarterfinals
Players to watch: Damali Browne (Sr., G), Leonna Desilva (Sr., G) Senior, Mariam Hassan (Jr., F), Alexandra Sadik (Soph., C), Olivia Hynes (Soph., F), Brenda Tonleu-Nguepi (Soph, G)
Outlook: The Dragons had a successful campaign in the PSAL Brooklyn/Staten Island division last season, but the current crew is young and will need time to mature.
“We are a very young team whose success will hinder on how well we stay together as a team and how much we can outwork teams in the defensive end and under the basket, said CSI/McCown head coach Rosario Miano.
“We will be asking our players to move the bell quickly and develop an ability to get to the basket to draw fouls. Most importantly we will look to run an offense that looks to get all players involved.”
Damali Browne is “a high-energy player on both ends of the floor who can attack the basket, while Leonna Desilva is a solid spot up shooter from the outside.” Mariam Hassanis is “an intelligent player who is a solid shooter and has a good sense around the basket. She is a vocal leader who is growing into her role as a captain well early on.”
Alexandra Sadik and Olivia Hynes are “young, solid post options who look to help CSI/McCown on the defensive end in rebounding and shot blocking.
“Olivia is a versatile player who can play under the basket but has developed a smooth, jump shot. Alex plays with toughness under the basket and can swing momentum with her defense and ability to attack the basket,” the HC said.
Brenda Tonleu-Nguepi, worked hard in the offseason looking to man the point guard position and Miano is going to rely on her for scoring from the outside as well as attacking the basket.
Inaugural Borough President’s Cup, on Friday Jan. 26, 2024. CSIHS / McCown vs. MSIT, at Moore Catholic in Graniteville. MSIT’s Madisyn Chen (21), with the ball, on the right. CSIHS/McCown wins 50-24. (Kara Buzga for Staten Island Advance).McKee/Staten Island Tech Seagulls
Head coach: Peter LaMarca, 21st season
204-25 record: 6-8 in the PSAL Brooklyn-Staten Island 3A division
Players to watch: Madisyn Chen (Jr., G), Eva Paraskevadis (Sr., G-F), Thalia Treasure (Sr., G-F), Grace Ramirez (Jr., G), Amina Elmazi Stella (Jr., F-C) Stella Chen (Soph, G) Rebecca (Jr., C)
Outlook: The Seagulls return seven girls from last season. “We are hoping to take it a step further this year, so a playoff appearance is our next step,” said HC Peter LaMarca.
“We are expecting more scoring from Madisyn Chen, Eva Paraskevadis, Thalia Treasure and Stella Chen.”
“Also, quality play from junior Grace Ramirez. Amina Elmazi should be stronger under the boards for her junior year as well. The key to the year is how well we play defense and rebound. We are hoping with another year of experience with this group, we will take that next step,” he finished.
Asha Bell (2) will be the backbone of a young Petrides squad. (Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)(Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)Petrides Panthers
Head coach: Jenn Delahanty, eighth season
2024-2025 record: 21-4 overall, 13-0 in Brooklyn-Staten Island 3A, lost in second round of playoffs
Players to watch: Asha Bell (Jr., PG), Mackenzie Terry (Sr., G-F), Sabrina Defazio (Jr. G)
Outlook: The Panthers are in a rebuilding mode this season after making a nice run last season. “Last season, we won our first playoff game since 2017,” said head coach Jenn Delahanty.
“This year’s team has come back ready to work and push the underclassmen each day to get better individually and as a team. The girls have been working hard in the offseason to continue to improve on our previous season.”
Asha Bell returns and was the Panthers’ second-leading scorer last season with 15 PPG. “We are looking to Asha to continue to improve on her offensive output this season,” said Delahanty. “After two years of varsity experience, she is more composed and reliable to execute the offense.”
Mackenzie Terry missed the majority of last season recovering from an injury, but she is now focused and determined to build off of last season’s success, which is motivating the rest of the team to work hard.
Sabrina Defazio was called up to varsity halfway through her sophomore season. “Last year, she was a role player and brought a hardworking mentality on the defensive end. This season we will look to Sabrina to step up offensively,” Delahanty concluded.