2023 HockomockSports Girls Basketball Awards

Foxboro junior guard Camryn Collins has been named the 2023 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Player of the Year, the 11th recipient in the site’s history. Collins, a three-year starter, led the Warriors to the Davenport division title and to the Div. 2 state championship.

“Cam keeps finding new levels to her game,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “There are so many things that she does on the court, on both ends of the floor, that no one else in the league can. Her athleticism is off the charts but it’s also about understanding the game, reading the opposition, and seeing the floor. Cam impacts games in so many different ways that she dominates even when she’s not the top scorer.”

Collins was second on the team in scoring, averaging 17.2 points per game. She led the team with 5.8 assists, 5.9 steals, and 6.5 deflections while pulling down 7.1 rebounds per night. Her all-around performances were critical to the high-pressure, full-court style of play that has been Foxboro’s trademark. Hockomock League coaches selected Collins as the MVP.

“Cam emerged this season as an exceptional all-around basketball player – she added elements to her game that truly make her a threat in all aspects of her game,” said Foxboro coach Lisa Downs. “Offensively she is able to hit perimeter shots, attack the basket and pull up for jump shots and get to the rim like few players I have ever seen. This year she also showed an incredible ability to defend very skilled point guards as well as centers much taller than her. The maturity and focus that she brings to the court in addition to her skills make her a player that few coaches are fortunate enough to have.”

With Collins leading the way, Foxboro completed a perfect run through the Hockomock, going 16-0 in league play, and closed the season on a 20-game win streak. Collins came through in clutch moments as well. Her 15-point first half helped the Warriors overcome a slow start to pull away against Holliston, she scored 16 to knock off previously unbeaten South High, 15 points in a rout of Chicopee, and a game-high 17 points (and seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals) to beat No. 1 seed Walpole in the Final Four. In the title game, despite battling foul trouble, Collins guarded Dracut star Ashlee Talbot and scored 15 points.

Collins is the third Foxboro player to receive this award, joining Ashley Sampson (2018) and Kat Tamulionis (2015). She is also the sixth recipient from the Davenport division. In addition to the Foxboro winners, the other Davenport recipients were Candace Steadman of Oliver Ames in 2012, Sharon’s Karlie O’Driscoll in 2014, and Canton’s Fay Gallery in 2022. Collins is the second junior to earn this honor, along with Franklin’s Ali Brigham (2019).

Honorable Mentions: Katie Peterson (Franklin), Emily Sawyer (King Philip), Abby Wager (Mansfield)

---

HockomockSports First Team

Camryn Collins – Foxboro – Guard
Foxboro junior guard Camryn Collins became one of the elite playmakers in the state this season, leading the Warriors on an undefeated run through the league and to a third Div. 2 state title in the past six years. The HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above) averaged 17.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season. She also led the team with 5.8 assists, 5.9 steals, and 6.5 deflections per night, contributing in every facet of the game. Collins was chosen as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “Cam emerged this season as an exceptional all-around basketball player – she added elements to her game that truly make her a threat in all aspects of her game. The maturity and focus that she brings to the court in addition to her skills make her a player that few coaches are fortunate enough to have.”
 

---

Abby Wager – Mansfield – Guard
Mansfield senior guard Abby Wager capped off her career with another strong season, helping the Hornets get into the playoffs. The Southern New Hampshire-commit averaged 19.5 points, four rebounds, nearly three assists, more than three steals, and one block per game this winter. Despite having her sophomore season halved by the pandemic, she eclipsed the 1,000-point mark for her career with a free throw in the playoffs. Wager was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Mansfield coach Heather McPherson said, “In her senior season she really became an all-around threat, she was physically tougher and able to finish in traffic and get herself to the line. Defensively she demonstrated more self-control with less fouls and was smarter about timing her steals. She was so efficient in turning steals into baskets.”
 

---

Jasmine Davis – Sharon – Forward
Sharon junior forward Jasmine Davis has been a dominant force for her two years on varsity. Despite drawing the focus of every team that she plays against, Davis led the Hockomock League in scoring this season at 24.1 points per game and added 18.4 rebounds. She also led the Eagles in blocks and deflections, showing her ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor. Davis had a double-double in every game this season, including five with more than 30 points and nine games with 20-plus rebounds. She was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Sharon coach Matt DellaBarba said “Jasmine is an absolute pleasure to coach and has really developed into a complete player capable of scoring at all three levels while consistently defending the other team’s best post player. I’m looking forward to her having another strong season as a senior.”
 

---

Katie Peterson – Franklin – Forward
Franklin senior forward Katie Peterson was one of the league’s top all-around players this season, helping the Panthers earn a fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title and nearly upset No. 2 seed Bishop Feehan in the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen. The UMass lacrosse commit led the team in scoring with 357 points, which was good for 15.5 per night. She also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out two assists per night, while shooting 55% from two-point range. She was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Katie was a wonderful leader for our team and led us in nearly every statistical category. Her athleticism and compete level was the key to her success on the court. She will be dearly missed next season.”
 

---

Emily Sawyer – King Philip – Center
King Philip senior Emily Sawyer put together an MVP-caliber season to lead the Warriors back to the state tournament. The Sacred Heart volleyball commit dominated the paint at both ends of the floor, with her improved offensive game making her a difficult matchup even for teams focused on shutting her down. Sawyer was one of the league’s top scorers this season, averaging 19 points per game, and she added 15 rebounds and two blocks a night. She was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. KP coach Jeff Miszkiewicz said, “Emily set the tone offensively and defensively. Offensively, she saw many different looks from teams to try to stop her, but she did a great job moving, passing, and finishing. She anchored the back end of our defense by providing elite rim protection and rebounding. She was our team MVP.”
 

---

HockomockSports Second Team

Kamryn Derba – Oliver Ames – Guard
Oliver Ames freshman Kamryn Derba had a breakout rookie campaign for the defending state champions, helping the Tigers overcome a tough start and make a return to the state tournament. Derba led the team in scoring at 12.4 points per game, took control of the team’s offense from day one as the starting point guard, and became one of the league’s top three-point threats. She was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. OA coach Brittany Engle said, “I gave her tremendous responsibility as a starting point guard of a young team because I knew she could handle it. She never backed down from a challenge, demonstrating both how competitive and skilled she is. Without question, she can score, but her playmaking ability and improved defense were critical to our team turning it around this season.”
 

---

Kailey Sullivan – Foxboro – Guard
Foxboro sophomore guard Kailey Sullivan led the Warriors in scoring for the second straight season, helping them complete a perfect Hockomock League campaign and win the Div. 2 state title for the third time in six years. The HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below) averaged 17.8 points per game while running the Foxboro offense. She made 76 three-pointers and hit 78% of her free throw attempts. Sullivan was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “Kailey began her sophomore year the exact same way that she finished last season. However, this season she was an even bigger offensive threat with the year of maturity under her belt. It will be amazing to see what she accomplishes as a junior.”
 

---

Vanessa Ellis – Attleboro – Forward
Attleboro sophomore forward Vanessa Ellis emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic players this season, showing off her ability to score in multiple ways, which allowed the Bombardiers to run the offense through her when needed. After a strong finish to her freshman season, Ellis was second on the team this year with 11.7 points per game and added 10.2 rebounds per night. She was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Attleboro coach Bri Bracken said, “A great all-around player. She is a monster underneath but can attack the rim really well. She can take control of the game and I have confidence in her to have the ball in her hands at the end of the game. Can’t wait to see what she is capable of in the next two seasons.”
 

---

Kara Santos – Mansfield – Forward
Mansfield junior forward Kara Santos emerged as one of the most consistent post threats in the league this season, helping the Hornets return to the state tournament. Santos averaged 10.8 points and eight rebounds per game, demonstrating an ability to score in multiple ways, whether stepping away from the basket or finishing at the rim. She was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Mansfield coach Heather McPherson said, “This year Kara added new aspects to her game including ball-handling and increasing her shooting range. Kara has a great nose for the ball and works incredibly hard for rebounds, she is smart and did a great job finding open teammates cutting through the lane if she was double-teamed.”
 

---

Addie Ruter – Foxboro – Center
Foxboro sophomore center Addie Ruter emerged as a dominant presence in the paint this season, helping the Warriors make a perfect run through league play and win the Div. 2 state title for the third time in six years. Ruter was third on the team with 14.5 points per game but led the Warriors with 12.1 rebounds. A 78% free throw shooter, Ruter had double-doubles in each of the games during Foxboro’s tournament run. In her first varsity season, she was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “Addie’s the secret weapon that I’ve actually never had in 12 years, but few teams have. To have the scorers I do have and then you add in an inside player and it makes us a nightmare. You can’t really go to a zone because we’re going to shoot lights out and if you go to a man she’s going to beat you in there.”
 

---

HockomockSports Third Team

Chloe Fales – Franklin – Guard
Franklin sophomore guard Chloe Fales had a breakout first season on varsity for the Panthers, helping them secure a fifth straight league title and a return to the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen. Fales was able to stretch the floor with her shooting and came up with important baskets in some of Franklin’s biggest games. She finished with just under 10 points per game and grabbed more than five rebounds and had nearly two steals per night, making an impact on both ends of the floor. She was selected as a Hockomock League all-star by the coaches. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Chloe was a key to our success with her timely shooting and great defense. I am very excited to watch her develop her game over the next few seasons.”
 

---

Kayla Goldrick – Attleboro – Guard
Attleboro junior guard Kayla Goldrick controlled the game on both ends of the floor for the Bombardiers, helping them challenge for the league title and make a return to the state tournament. Goldrick ran the Attleboro offense, leading the team in scoring at 12.1 points per game and dishing out nearly five assists a night, but was also charged with guarding some of the top perimeter players in the league. She was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Attleboro coach Bri Bracken said, “She is the ultimate floor general on the court. Kayla can shoot, attack, and give it up. She makes the players around her better. She controls the tempo of the game. I cannot wait to see what next year brings for her.”
 

---

Cali Melo – Taunton – Guard
Taunton junior guard Cali Melo stepped into a much bigger role for the Tigers this season and produced her best statistical campaign. Melo led the Tigers in scoring, averaging more than 11 points per game, a significant jump from her sophomore season, and the point guard dished out six assists and recorded three steals per game. She was an impact player at both ends and emerged as an on-court leader for the Tigers. Melo was selected as an all-star by Hockomock League coaches. Taunton coach Gretchen Rodrigues said, “Cali is a coach’s dream. She is one of the hardest workers I know. She led my team as a captain and as a natural leader. Her offensive game really took off the second half of the season when she started creating and looking for her own shot.”
 

---

Samya DaSilva – Canton – Forward
Canton senior forward Samya DaSilva took on a bigger role in Canton’s offense this winter and had the best scoring season of her career. A versatile scorer, DaSilva led the Bulldogs with nine points per game, while chipping in with four rebounds and two assists per night. DaSilva was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Canton coach Jim Choquette said, “Samya pushed our team to be the best we could each day in practice and in games. She always had thoughts and ideas on how we could improve and compete with some of the best teams in the league. Samya was a great leader and captain and gave us some of our most memorable moments over her four-year career. She’s been on varsity since freshman year and has helped us grow as a program tremendously.”
 

---

Lily Routhier – Attleboro – Forward
Attleboro senior small forward Lily Routhier had a breakout second season with the Bombardiers, adding a different dimension to the offense and being a vocal leader on both ends of the floor, as they challenged for the league title and made another playoff appearance. Routhier scored 10.7 points and pulled down 7.4 rebounds per night, giving Attleboro a physical presence on the wing, someone who can hit the mid-range or step beyond the arc, and deliver an emotional boost when needed. Attleboro coach Bri Bracken said, “Lily is a powerhouse. She will lock down your best player but also create great offense. She is an awesome leader to have on the court. Lily will never back down from any challenge that comes her way. It was a pleasure to coach her.”
 

---

Foxboro sophomore guard Kailey Sullivan has been named the 2023 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Underclassman of the Year; the 10th season this award has been given out to the top freshman or sophomore in the league. Sullivan was a key piece of Foxboro’s run to a Davenport division and Div. 2 state title.

Sullivan led the Warriors in scoring for the second straight season. She averaged 17.8 points per game and is already closing in on 1,000 points for her career. One of the top long-range threats in the league, Sullivan made 76 three-pointers this season and also shot 78% from the free throw line. Her ball-handling skills were sometimes overlooked, but she was able to get the Warriors into their sets despite teams extending their defenses well beyond the three-point line to limit her shots.

“You keep forgetting that Kailey is only a sophomore,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Her composure, running the point for a state title-winning team, is incredible. Nothing seems to phase her. Big crowds, tough defenses, high stakes…she just keeps making big shots in big moments.”

Sullivan had no issues with the pressure of the playoffs. After a tough first half in the opener against Holliston, she scored 13 of her game-high 21 points in the third quarter to break the game open. She added 20 points in the win over South High, knocked down six threes for a game-high 26 in the blowout of Chicopee, and scored nine of her 12 points in the Final Four against Walpole in the second half. In the state title game, Sullivan made four shots from beyond the arc and finished with 18 points and three assists.

Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “Kailey began her sophomore year the exact same way that she finished last season. However, this season she was an even bigger offensive threat with the year of maturity under her belt. She is a rare point guard who is able to see the floor well, distribute the ball, and also show her ability to hit big threes while also being able to recognize the time to pull up or get to the rim. It is hard to believe that she is only a sophomore and I get to coach her for two more years – it will be amazing to see what she accomplishes as a junior.”

This is the fourth time that a Foxboro player has won this award. Sullivan joins Kat Tamulionis (2013), Ashley Sampson (2016), and Katelyn Mollica (2019) as Underclassmen of the Year. Tamulionis and Sampson went on to win Player of the Year honors as seniors.

HockomockSports All Underclassmen Team

Kamryn Derba – Oliver Ames
Derba, a freshman point guard, took over the reins of the OA offense this season and led the team in scoring at 12.4 points per game. A prolific outside shooter, Derba improved as a playmaker over the course of the season, helping the Tigers bounce back from a tough start to get into the playoffs. OA coach Brittany Engle said, “I gave her tremendous responsibility as a starting point guard of a young team because I knew she could handle it. She never backed down from a challenge, demonstrating both how competitive and skilled she is.”

 

---

Chloe Fales – Franklin
Fales, a sophomore guard, made an instant impact in her first season for the Kelley-Rex division champs. She slid right into the lineup and gave the Panthers additional outside shooting and perimeter defense. Fales scored just under 10 points per game while grabbing five rebounds and almost two steals a night. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Chloe was a key to our success with her timely shooting and great defense. I am very excited to watch her develop her game over the next few seasons.”

 

---

Kailey Sullivan – Foxboro
Sullivan, a sophomore guard, was one of the top scorers in the league for the second straight season, helping the Warriors secure a Davenport and Div. 2 title. She led the Warriors with 17.8 points per game, stretching opposing defenses by making 76 threes and shooting 78% from the line. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “It is hard to believe that she is only a sophomore and I get to coach her for two more years – it will be amazing to see what she accomplishes as a junior.”

 

---

Vanessa Ellis – Attleboro
Ellis, a sophomore forward, was a double-double threat every night this season, averaging nearly 12 points and more than 10 rebounds per game. A versatile scorer who is comfortable putting the ball on the floor, Ellis was one of the reasons that the Bombardiers stayed in the title race to the final week of the regular season. Attleboro coach Bri Bracken said, “She can take control of the game and I have confidence in her to have the ball in her hands at the end of the game. Can’t wait to see what she is capable of in the next two seasons.”

 

---

Addie Ruter – Foxboro
Ruter, a sophomore center, had a breakout season for the Div. 2 state champions. She scored 14.5 points and pulled down 12.1 rebounds per game this season, shot 78% from the free throw line, and came through in the clutch, recording double-doubles in each of Foxboro’s playoff games, including the final against Dracut. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “She’s fast, she’s tall, she can shoot, she does it all, and then she can also find the open player. She’s a weapon I’m happy to have for two more years.”

 

---

Mansfield senior guard Abby Wager has been named the 2023 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year. Wager is the eighth player to receive this honor in the 11 years that it has been given out and helped the Hornets finish second in the Davenport division and return to the state tournament.

Wager used her quickness and her length to be a disruptive force on the defensive end of the floor. She averaged more than three steals and one block per game, causing the opposition problems in the paint and on the perimeter. The Southern New Hampshire-commit was able to extend Mansfield’s defense full-court, get into passing lanes, and turn any mistake into a basket on the other end. The 1,000-point scorer was as good as anyone in the league in transitioning from defense to a fast break layup on the other end of the court.

“Abby could turn a defensive possession into a fast break in an instant,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Her wingspan, her athleticism, and her ability to read the game allowed her to guard multiple positions and challenge players who tried to beat her off the dribble, shoot over her, or finish at the rim.”

Mansfield coach Heather McPherson said, “In her senior season she really became an all-around threat, she was physically tougher and able to finish in traffic and get herself to the line. Defensively she demonstrated more self-control with the less fouls and was smarter about timing her steals. She was so efficient in turning steals into baskets.”

Wager is the third Mansfeld player to earn this honor, joining Jackie Carchedi (2015 and 2016) and Ann Maher (2017). She is also the second straight player from the Davenport division to be named Defensive Player of the Year, and fourth overall, following Stoughton’s Nicole Daniels (2012 and 2013), Foxboro’s Lily Sykes (2018), and Oliver Ames’ Hailey Bourne (2022).

HockomockSports All Defensive Team

Erin Foley – Foxboro
Foley, a junior guard, was one of the unsung heroes for the Div. 2 state champions. She had 2.8 deflections and 2.1 steals per game, spearheading Foxboro’s aggressive, full-court defense and regularly getting the assignment to slow down the other team’s top perimeter player, a task that she seems to relish. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “Erin was tasked with guarding the opponent’s best playmaker. I could always depend on Erin to limit her opponent’s touches and make every possession a difficult one.”

 

---

Maddie Homer – Oliver Ames
Homer, a senior guard, was tenacious on the defensive end and on the glass for the Tigers this season. She led the team with 5.8 rebounds per game, including 66 offensive boards, despite being one of the smaller players on the court. She set the tone for an OA team that went on a run into the state tournament. OA coach Brittany Engle said, “Maddie’s toughness was unmatched, always tasked with defending the opponent’s best guard, she took pride in making them have to work for everything. Most games I couldn’t take Maddie off the floor because she did all the intangibles that are needed to win.”

 

---

Bridget Leo – Franklin
Leo, a senior guard, was the latest in a line of tough Franklin defenders. The point guard dished out 79 assists, with a plus-26 turnover margin, and helped lock down opposing guards with 42 steals and 47 deflections as the Panthers won the Kelley-Rex division for the fifth year running. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Bridget was a natural leader for us and her focus on defense set the tone for the team. She is a wonderful mix of being an unselfish player while also being fiercely competitive.”

 

---

Abby Wager – Mansfield
Wager, a senior guard, used her speed and length to cause problems on both ends of the floor. She averaged four rebounds, more than three steals, and a block per game this season, disrupting opponents in the lane and on the perimeter. She jumped passing lanes, using her length to cause havoc, and could turn any mistake into a bucket on the other end. Mansfield coach Heather McPherson said, “Defensively she demonstrated more self-control with less fouls and was smarter about timing her steals.”

 

---

Emily Sawyer – King Philip
Sawyer, a senior center, was a force on both ends of the floor this season, using her 6-foot-3 frame to control the paint and the glass and help KP make a run to the state tournament. She averaged 15 rebounds and two blocks per game, holding teams to one shot and constantly challenging any effort to get into the paint. KP coach Jeff Miszkiewicz said, “She anchored the back end of our defense by providing elite rim protection and rebounding. She was our team MVP.”

 

---

Coach of the Year – Lisa Downs, Foxboro

Foxboro head coach Lisa Downs has been named the 2023 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. Downs led the Warriors to their sixth Davenport division title since 2015, including a perfect run through Hockomock League play, and to the program’s third Div. 2 state title in the past six seasons (2018, 2020, and 2023).

The Warriors showed potential for a big season in reaching the D2 Sweet Sixteen last winter, before losing to eventual champion Oliver Ames. With its top two scorers returning, Foxboro was the favorite to win the league title, but the Warriors dominated from start to finish. An early-season comeback against Franklin was a sign of things to come and the Warriors rolled to a perfect 16-0 record in the league. It was the first time in 12 seasons under Downs that Foxboro completed a perfect league campaign.

An early season loss to Div. 1 semifinalist Wachusett was the only blemish on the season. Foxboro finished the year with 20 straight wins. Only four of Foxboro’s 24 wins were by single digits. The average margin of victory was just under 30 points, including five playoff wins by at least 16 points. Foxboro led the league in scoring (67.4) by more than 10 points per game and led it in defense (38.4 points against) by nearly six points per night.

“Foxboro put together a dominating season from start to finish,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Lisa never shied away from the expectations for this year’s team and, even with no seniors in the regular rotation, had this team ready to face every challenge. This was a young team, but there was never a let-up, never a night where the effort wasn’t there, and that’s a testament to how Lisa prepared them to embrace the journey. The scariest part is they could be even better next year.”

Downs also won Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2018 and she joins Oliver Ames’ Laney Clement-Holbrook (2013, 2016, and 2022) as the second coach to win this award for the third time. Four others have been named Coach of the Year three times in their respective sports: King Philip football’s Brian Lee, Mansfield boys basketball’s Mike Vaughan, and OA boys soccer’s John Barata. Franklin girls lacrosse coach Kristin Igoe Guarino and Canton boys hockey coach Brian Shuman are the only coaches to be honored four times.

Honorable Mentions: John Leighton (Franklin), Bri Bracken (Attleboro), Heather McPherson (Mansfield)

 

---