Jacksonville’s Izabella Hernandez looks to pass the ball against White Oak earlier this season.
Croatan’s Neely McMannen goes up for a shot against East Carteret earlier this season.
Dixon’s Lily Borden pushes the ball up the court against Northside earlier this season.
East Duplin’s Kinsey Cave drives to the basket against Southwest earlier this season.
Swansboro’s Addison King calls a play against Croatan earlier this season.
The high school basketball season is winding down as, at the moment, there is one week of the regular season remaining before conference tournaments lead the way to the NCHSAA state playoffs.
As postseason play approaches, here is a look at area girls’ players who have stood out the most this season:
Leah Johnson, Croatan: The sophomore averages 8.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, three blocks and 1.7 assists per game for the Cougars (16-3, 8-0 Coastal 5-A/6-A Conference).
Neely McMannen, Croatan: The senior averages 14.4 points, 4.3 steals, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Lily Borden, Dixon: The sophomore averages 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.1 assists for the Bulldogs (11-6, 4-4 Coastal Conference).
Leah Parker, Dixon: The senior averages 6.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.6 blocks and 1.4 steals.
Kinsey Cave, East Duplin: The junior averages 14.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.1 steals for the Panthers (14-5, 5-1 East Central 3-A/4-A Conference).
Destini Benton, Jacksonville: The junior averages 12.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 1.4 assists for the Cardinals (11-8 overall, 4-1 Big Carolina 6-A/7-A Conference).
Izabella Hernandez, Jacksonville: The junior averages 18.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.4 assists.
Alexis Paradysz, Jacksonville Christian Academy: The junior averages 10.7 points, 13.4 rebounds and two blocks for the Conquerors (6-6, 2-5 Mid-Atlantic 2-A Conference).
Addison Sweet, Jacksonville Christian Academy: The sophomore averages 13.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.3 assists.
Madison McQueen, Lejeune: The junior averages 17.4 points and 1.1 steals for the Devilpups (0-12, 0-5 Coastal Plains 1-A/2-A Conference).
Hollyn Thigpen, Liberty Christian Academy: The junior averages 13.4 points, 4.4 steals and 1.2 rebounds for the Heat (1-16, 1-6 NCISAA Coastal Plain Conference).
Saniyah Serrano, Northside: The senior averages 8.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals for the Monarchs (5-8, 3-5 Coastal Conference).
Madyson Wills, Northside: The senior averages 12.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and three blocks.
Kylie Hayward, Richlands: The freshman averages 11.5 points, seven rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.2 assists.
Mia Wells, Richlands: The senior averages 9.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.9 steals for the Wildcats (3-15, 2-7 Coastal Conference).
Jade Dollar, Southwest: The senior averages 9.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 assists for the Stallions (6-13, 3-3 East Central Conference)
Brinkleyanne Lucas, Southwest: The sophomore averages 15.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.6 steals and 2.9 rebounds.
Mattie Floyd, Swansboro: The junior averages 11.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.4 assists.
Addison King, Swansboro: The junior averages 12.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 3.4 assists.
Sidney Ferguson, White Oak: The sophomore averages 13.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 steals for the Vikings (8-11, 3-3 Big Carolina Conference).
Aariel Jemison, White Oak: The senior averages 11.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.8 assists.
Chris Miller can be contacted via email at cmiller@jdnews.com. Follow him on X @jdnsports.
