Leading off today: A pair of standout performers who led Section 5 teams to NYSPHSAA championships last week have been named players of the year in girls basketball.
The announcement came along with the all-state selections and coach of the year awards made by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports, whose annual picks are recognized by the NYSSWA as the all-state team.
Rochester-area players earning the top awards are Alyssa Fenyn of Newark in Class A and Porshe Gavin of Nazareth in Class C. The other honorees are China Crosby of Manhattan Center (Class AA), Porsha Postell of Woodlands (Class B) and Taylor Leonard of Coleman Catholic (Class D).
Apache Paschall, whose St. Michael's Academy girls dethroned beat longtime New York City powers Christ The King and Murry Bergtraum this season en route to a Federation champion, was selected coach of the year in Class AA.
The other coaches of the year are Diane Kirnie (Newark. Class A), Carlos Fidalgo (Nanuet, B), Chris Belmont (Nazareth, C) and Guy Leonard (Coleman Catholic, D).
