2020 HockomockSports Girls Basketball Awards

Franklin senior center Ali Brigham has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Player of the Year, the ninth recipient in the site’s history. Brigham, a four-year starter, led the Panthers to back-to-back Kelley-Rex division titles, a perfect 25-0 season, and the program’s first-ever state championship.

“Ali has been one of the most dominant players in the state over her impressive career,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “She just keeps getting better every year and adding new dimensions to her game, while also becoming one of the vocal leaders of the best team in the state. It has been a lot of fun to watch her play for the past four years and this season was the perfect way to cap off her career.”

Brigham led the league in scoring during the regular season at 21.1 points per game. The George Washington-commit became the school’s all-time leading scorer, male or female, finishing with 1,692 points for her career. She was also a dominant force on the defensive end and on the glass, grabbing a school-record 1,276 rebounds in her career, and averaged a double-double for the third straight year.

“Ali is a program changing player who has made everyone around her better and inspired a whole new generation of girls playing youth basketball in Franklin,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “Ali’s focus has been on the team. Even while breaking the school rebounding and scoring record she actively sought to involve others in our offense.”

After winning the program’s first-ever sectional title last winter, the Panthers were focused on going a step further this year and they dominated from start to finish. In the playoffs, Brigham continued to control the paint, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds against Holy Name, adding 17 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks in the sectional final against Natick, and then 25 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks in the state semifinal against Minnechaug that clinched the state title.

“Over the course of Ali’s career, she made it increasingly more difficult to game plan,” said Oliver Ames coach Laney Clement-Holbrook. “Each year she expanded her skill set not just to use her height advantage against you but having the ability to go inside and outside. It was a pleasure to watch her develop and I wish her the best at GW.”

Brigham is the first Franklin player to be named Player of the Year in girls basketball and the first player to win the award twice. She is also the third player to win the Underclassman of the Year and the Player of the Year, following Foxboro’s Kat Tamulionis (2015) and Ashley Sampson (2018).

Honorable Mentions: Katelyn Mollica (Foxboro), Caroline Flynn (Oliver Ames), Nyah Thomas (Attleboro)

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Caroline Flynn – Oliver Ames – Guard
Oliver Ames junior guard Caroline Flynn was one of the league’s most versatile players this season, giving the Tigers a consistent scorer and rebounder from the point guard position and helping OA challenge Franklin for the Kelley-Rex division crown. Flynn scored more than 12 points per game, pulled down nearly nine rebounds, and dished out four assists per game, while playing strong defense against multiple positions. OA coach Laney Clement-Holbrook said, “Caroline is one of the most versatile players in the program. She has been asked to play point guard even though it is not her true position. She has shown her grit and determination by leading OA at that position.”
 

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Katelyn Mollica – Foxboro – Guard
Foxboro junior guard Katelyn Mollica reached the 1,000-point mark this season and was the top scorer for the Warriors, leading them to a fourth straight Davenport division title and to a second Div. 2 state championship in the last three years. Mollica was second in the league at just under 19 points per game in the regular season and she finished with 480 total points while knocking down 92 threes and shooting 91 percent from the line. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “Katelyn matured not only as a scorer this year but also as a more well-rounded player by improving on her defense as well as her assists per game. These skills enabled her to become an enormously gifted, well-balanced player who I am lucky to be able to coach for one more year.”
 

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Nyah Thomas – Attleboro – Guard
Attleboro senior Nyah Thomas took a huge leap this winter and put together an MVP-caliber season to help the Bombardiers get back into the state tournament. The Worcester State-commit was third in the league at 16.1 points per game but also added eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals per outing. Thomas was a unanimous choice for league all-star. Attleboro coach Marty Crowley said, “She had an awesome season both on and off the court. Her numbers were there but they pale in comparison to the effect she had on our program this season. She set the tone every day in practice for us and led us back to the tournament. The bigger the game the better she played.”
 

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Olivia Quinn – Franklin – Forward
Franklin sophomore Olivia Quinn made a huge leap from last season and became an integral part of the Panthers winning a second straight league title and the program’s first state championship. Quinn, the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below), averaged more than 15 points per game this season, becoming the second-leading scorer on the team. She shot 53 percent from the field and 36 percent from three, giving the Panthers a dynamic playmaker on the offensive end of the floor. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Olivia has developed into a prolific scorer that can score in many different ways. Her improvement since her freshman year is hard to believe. Liv has a work ethic that inspires her teammates.”
 

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Ali Brigham – Franklin – Center
Franklin senior center Ali Brigham led the Hockomock League in scoring (21.1 points per game) during the regular season, set new school records for career points and rebounds, and led the Panthers to a second straight Kelley-Rex division title, a perfect 25-0 record, and the program’s first-ever state championship. The George Washington-commit was named the league MVP and the HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above) for the second season in a row. She finished her career with 1,692 points and 1,276 rebounds. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Ali is a program changing player who has made everyone around her better and inspired a whole new generation of girls playing youth basketball in Franklin.”
 

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Caroline Peper – Oliver Ames – Guard
Oliver Ames sophomore guard Caroline Peper continued to be one of the league’s top outside shooters this winter, helping the Tigers push Franklin to the last week of the regular season to decide the Kelley-Rex division title. Despite battling an injury, Peper scored 12.4 points per game and shot 39 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from the free throw line. She also used her length to defend the perimeter and was a solid rebounder from her guard position. OA coach Laney Clement-Holbrook said, “Caroline’s game has expanded since her freshman season and we are looking for great things next year. Despite being injured for much of the season, Caroline remained competitive throughout.”
 

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Shyanne Trinh – Stoughton – Guard
Stoughton senior guard Shyanne Trinh stayed healthy this winter and had her best season, helping the Black Knights get within one win of a state tournament berth. The team MVP led Stoughton at 14 points per game and was also the team leader in steals. A dangerous outside threat with the handle to get into the lane and cause problems going to the basket, Trinh will play at Medaille College next season and was selected as a league all-star. Stoughton coach Charmaine Steele Jordan said, “Shyanne was the heartbeat of the Black Knights girls basketball program. She played with passion and fire on both ends of the floor. She was our general on the court and led by example and pushed her teammates to get better daily.”
 

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Amanda Kaiser – North Attleboro – Guard
North Attleboro junior guard Amanda Kaiser regularly was the focus of opposing defenses but still managed to lead the Rocketeers in scoring and get Big Red within one win of a return to the postseason. Kaiser scored 12.7 points per game and continued to be one of the top deep threats in the Hock, but she was also an impact player on the other end of the floor with her quick hands and length leading to nearly two steals per game. North coach Nikki Correia said, “Amanda played a huge role in our team’s success. When asked to guard the top player on the team it can effect your offensive game because you are working so hard. Not Amanda, she was up for the challenge every night. Absolute pleasure to coach.”
 

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Kiara Cerruti – Canton – Forward
Canton sophomore Kiara Cerruti followed up her strong rookie season with another impressive year for the Bulldogs, helping them secure a third straight postseason appearance. Cerruti led the Bulldogs with 14.9 points per game and also grabbed five rebounds, dished out 1.7 assists, and got 1.8 steals a night while playing the most minutes on the team. She has already amassed 617 points in two years and has been named a league all-star in both seasons. Canton coach Jim Choquette said, “She’s able to deliver each and every night on both ends of the court while always drawing the other teams best defenders. The sky is the limit for how good she will become and I know she’ll be working hard at all times.”
 

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Faye Veilleux – King Philip – Forward
King Philip senior Faye Veilleux was listed as a forward but was versatile enough to match up with all five positions, which was perfect for KP’s fast-paced style and helped KP book another spot in the state tournament. Veilleux led the Warriors with 13.2 points per game, but she also chipped in with 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per outing. She was selected as an all-star for the second year in a row. KP coach Dan Nagle said, “She can play/guard all five positions – score the ball at all three levels, and is a consummate leader and teammate. She is a player who you can get the ball to in big spots- who is not afraid of the moment, she was a huge part of the success we had this season.”
 

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Kameron St. Pierre – Taunton – Guard
Taunton freshman guard Kameron St. Pierre burst onto the scene this winter and demonstrated the skills to be one of the league’s most dynamic perimeter scorers. The lefty was named the team’s MVP after leading the Tigers in four offensive categories this season. She averaged 15 points per game, sixth-best in the league, and shot 73 percent from the free throw line. St. Pierre was selected as a Hockomock League all-star in her first season in the league. Taunton coach Amy Siggens said, “I am encouraged about our program’s future knowing that we have a player such as Kam to build around. The prospect of watching and helping her in her development both on and off the court is very exciting for me.”
 

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Aliyah Wright – Stoughton – Guard
Stoughton senior guard Aliyah Wright completed her impressive four years on varsity with another strong season for the Black Knights, who missed out on the playoffs by just a single win. Wright was second on the team in scoring at nearly 13 points per game and also led Stoughton in rebounding from her guard position. She had three double-doubles this season and will play next year at the University of Texas Permian Basin. Stoughton coach Charmaine Steele Jordan said, “Aliyah has really come into her own over the last four seasons. Her size at guard allowed me to play her in a variety of positions this season. She has a bright future ahead of her at the next level and I know with hard work she will achieve great things on the court.”
 

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Kayla Vine – Mansfield – Guard
Mansfield junior guard Kayla Vine jumped up from JV this winter and turned into one of the most consistent outside threats and playmakers for the Hornets. She led the team with 12.2 points per game and showed that she can not only knock down shots from the outside but also get to the basket and score at the rim. Her versatility was one of the reasons that she was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Mansfield coach Mike Redding said, “She’s always had great three-point range but has added the ability to drive to the basket and score and draw fouls to complete her game. Her ability to play shooting guard or point guard will be very valuable to next year’s team as well as her leadership and experience.”
 

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Sydney Gallery – Canton – Forward
Canton sophomore forward Sydney Gallery demonstrated her versatility in the post to help the Bulldogs make a third straight postseason appearance and finish second behind Foxboro in the Davenport division. Gallery was third on the team with 10.7 points per game and also pulled down 5.6 rebounds, dished out 2.1 assists, and grabbed 1.4 steals per game. Gallery also led the team in double-doubles, while shooting 33 percent from deep. Canton coach Jim Choquette said, “Sydney has had one goal from the moment she entered high school and that was to win. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish that goal for her team. Many times Sydney becomes the glue that holds us together.”
 

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Shakirah Ketant – Foxboro – Forward
Foxboro senior forward Shakirah Ketant gave the Warriors a legitimate post presence this winter with her rebounding, scoring, and defense, helping Foxboro to a fourth straight league title and a second state championship in the past three seasons. Ketant led the Warriors by knocking down 47 percent of her shots from the field and averaged 10.5 points per game. She also pulled down just under 10 rebounds per game and added 29 blocks. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “Shakirah made a significant impact this season, stepping immediately into a starting position. Due to her presence in the paint as both a scorer and a tough rebounder, opponents needed to focus on her every time she stepped onto the court.”
 

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Franklin sophomore forward Olivia Quinn has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Underclassman of the Year; the eighth season this award has been given out to the top freshman or sophomore in the league. Quinn was an integral piece of Franklin’s historic perfect season and first-ever state championship.

Quinn was the league’s most improved player, going from a freshman with potential to one of the Hock’s top scorers at more than 15 points per game. She became the Panthers’ second-leading scorer and a dynamic counterpoint to Ali Brigham on the offensive end of the floor.

“Olivia showed flashes last season that she could become a factor for the Panthers but no one saw her becoming the star that she was this year,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “She has all the tools, stretching the floor with her ability to shoot from distance, quickness and handle to take defenders off the dribble, and the ability to guard multiple positions. Olivia is going to be a problem for opponents for the next two years.”

Not only did Quinn use her 5-foot-11 frame to be a factor in the paint, but she also shot 36 percent from three-point range and 53 percent overall. She also stepped up against some of the league’s top teams and had several big games during Franklin’s postseason run, including 16 points apiece in the Central final and state semifinal wins.

Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Her improvement since her freshman year is hard to believe. Liv has a work ethic that inspires her teammates. She wants to reach her full potential and be the best teammate possible. It is a thrill to coach a young talented player like Olivia.” 

Quinn is the second Franklin player to be named Underclassman of the Year for girls basketball, following Ali Brigham, who won the award in both 2017 and 2018. She is also the fourth player from the Kelley-Rex division to earn this honor, following Mansfield’s Caroline Maher (2014) and Attleboro’s Sarah Deyo (2015).

 

Caroline Peper – Oliver Ames
Peper scored 12.4 points per game this season for the Tigers. One of the league’s top shooters, Peper knocked down 39 percent from three-point range and 81 percent at the line. She was one of the main reasons that OA challenged for the league title and returned to the state tournament. OA coach Laney Clement-Holbrook said, “Caroline’s game has expanded since her freshman season and we are looking for great things next year.”

 

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Kameron St. Pierre, Taunton
St. Pierre, a freshman guard, showed off her range of offensive skills this season to lead the Tigers in scoring at 14.6 points per game, which was sixth-best in the league. She also shot 73 percent from the line and showed off impressive range from beyond the arc. St. Pierre was named the team MVP this season. Taunton coach Amy Siggens said, “Clearly, the future is bright for this lefty sharpshooter. The prospect of watching and helping her in her development both on and off the court is very exciting for me.”
 

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Kiara Cerruti, Canton
Cerruti, a sophomore forward, has led the Bulldogs in scoring in each of her first two seasons on varsity. She averaged nearly 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game to help Canton make a third straight postseason appearance. She played the most minutes on the team and passed 600 points for her career. Canton coach Jim Choquette said, “She’s able to deliver each and every night on both ends of the court while always drawing the other teams best defenders.”

 

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Sydney Gallery, Canton
Gallery, a sophomore forward, continued to develop into one of the most versatile forwards in the league, improving her outside shot (33 percent from three this season) and leading the Bulldogs in double-doubles. She scored 10.7 points per game and grabbed more than five rebounds a night to help the Bulldogs make a third straight playoff appearance. Canton coach Jim Choquette said, “Sydney has had one goal from the moment she entered high school and that was to win. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish that goal for her team.”
 

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Olivia Quinn, Franklin
Quinn, the 2020 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see above), averaged more than 15 points per game for the league and state champion Panthers, providing them with a second scorer to complement the dominant play of Ali Brigham. Quinn shot 53 percent from the field and 36 percent from three, as she emerged as one of the top forwards in the Hock. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “She wants to reach her full potential and be the best teammate possible. It is a thrill to coach a young talented player like Olivia.”
 

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Franklin junior guard Erin Quaile has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year. Quaile is the sixth player to receive this honor in the eight years that it has been given out and the second player to have won it in back-to-back seasons.

Quaile could control games without scoring a point by dominating opposing guards on one end and keeping the Franklin offense running smoothly on the other. She locked down some of the top guards in the league and in the state, including an impressive performance against Holy Name’s star Jaini Edmonds in the Div. 1 Central quarterfinal. Quaile had 45 steals, 54 deflections, and 55 defensive rebounds this season.

“It’s honestly just fun to watch Erin play defense,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “She is tenacious, aggressive, and doesn’t give an inch no matter who she is going up against. Even the best scorers know they’re going to be in a battle if they want to put up numbers against Erin.

Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Erin is the engine that drives our team. The closest comparison I can make for Erin’s impact is current Olympian Kristi Kirshe. Erin is incredibly competitive and uses her speed and strength to take away the opposition’s strength. Whether she is covering a quick point guard, tough outside shooter, or tough slasher, Erin consistently gives her girl fits.”

Quaile joins Tracey Pisani (2014) as the second player from Franklin to earn this honor. She was the first sophomore to be named Defensive Player of the Year and joins Mansfield’s Ann Maher (2016 and 2017) as the only player to win this award twice.

 

Lizzy Davis, Foxboro
Davis, a senior guard, was critical to Foxboro’s run to a state championship. She spearheaded Foxboro’s defensive effort with her willingness to step in and take a charge and aggressiveness in the press. She averaged four steals per game. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs said, “I have been extremely fortunate to have Lizzy as the most consistent defensive player on the team for the past two seasons. She knows the importance of defense and the hard work that it requires.”

 

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Amanda Kaiser, North Attleboro
Kaiser, a junior guard, not only led North in scoring but would also get matched up against the opposition’s top scorer. Her length, speed, and quick hands helped her grab nearly two steals and three rebounds per game and sparked North’s high-tempo attack. North coach Nikki Correia said, “Not only is she huge for us on the offensive end but she is my top defender. I asked her night in and night out to guard the opposing team’s top offensive player.”

 

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Erin Quaile, Franklin
Quaile was named the HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year (see above) for the second straight season, helping the Panthers to a first-ever state championship with her ability to lock down opposing guards. She finished the season with 45 steals and 54 deflections, while grabbing 55 defensive rebounds. Quaile also had a better than 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Erin is the engine that drives our team.”

 

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Hailey Bourne, Oliver Ames
Bourne, a sophomore forward who can guard multiple positions, emerged as a force on the defensive end for the Tigers this season. With the strength to match up with bigger players in the post and the quickness to guard the perimeter, Bourne never shied away from a test. She scored 5.8 points per game and pulled down 2.8 boards per game. OA coach Laney Clement-Holbrook said, “Hailey has become a tenacious defender. She has been asked to cover some of the best players in the league and is always up for that challenge.”

 

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Ali Brigham, Franklin
Brigham, the 2020 Player of the Year (see above) and Hockomock League MVP, was an intimidating presence on the defensive end of the floor. Opposing teams struggled to score in the paint with Brigham guarding the rim and altering shots. Her presence in the post also allowed the Franklin guards to be aggressive on the perimeter because they didn’t worry about being beat off the dribble knowing that Ali was in the middle. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Ali is a program changing player who has made everyone around her better.”

 

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Coach of the Year – John Leighton, Franklin

Franklin head coach John Leighton has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. Leighton guided the Panthers to a second straight Kelley-Rex division title, a second straight Div. 1 Central crown, a perfect 25-0 record, and the program’s first-ever state championship.

Coming off a season in which the Panthers won a section title for the first time, Leighton made sure that his team put aside last year’s success and focused on doing even better this winter. Franklin rolled through a perfect 16-0 league campaign and a 25-0 overall record to win the D1 crown. Along the way, the Panthers beat a talented Holy Name team three times, beat D2 state champion Foxboro, D4 state champion Cathedral, and D1 South champion Bridgewater-Raynham.

Franklin was the league’s top offensive team (64.8 points per game) and its top defensive team, holding opponents to 37.2 points per game. The Panthers won all four of their playoff games by double digits.

“It’s not easy to turn the page on a historic season, but the Panthers did that and then some,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “John kept the team focused on the ultimate goal even as the Panthers were rolling through a dominant season. When it was challenged, Franklin always rose to the occasion and it was the state’s best team from start-to-finish.”

Leighton is the first coach to win the award in back-to-back seasons and joins Oliver Ames’ Laney Clement-Holbrook (2013 and 2016) and Foxboro’s Lisa Downs (2015 and 2018) as coaches who have earned this honor twice. He is only the second Kelley-Rex coach to receive this honor, joining Mansfield’s Mike Redding (2017).

Honorable Mentions: Lisa Downs (Foxboro), Jim Choquette (Canton), Marty Crowley (Attleboro)

 

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