9 large-school players from Section 4 named all-state in girls hoops

Three players from state semifinalist Horseheads are among those from Section 4 to be recognized on the New York State Sports Writers Association's girls basketball all-state teams for the 2025-26 season. Section 4 had nine all-state picks among classes AAA, AA, and A, with another nine players receiving honorable mention. All-state selections in classes B, C, and D will be announced at a later date.

Leading the Horseheads trio was freshman point guard Samantha Bonnell, a fifth-team Class AA selection. Horseheads junior guard Maddie Ribble was a 12th-team pick, and Blue Raiders sophomore Giana Hughey received honorable mention. More: Seton CC, Corning each put 3 players on all-state boys basketball team More: Bonnell named Elmira Star-Gazette/Corning Leader Girls Basketball Player of Year Those three helped the Blue Raiders advance to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA final four after winning Section 4 and regional titles.

Horseheads lost to eventual state champion North Tonawanda. Horseheads head coach Andy Scott, who reached 400 wins with the Blue Raiders' victory in the regional final , said it's the first time one of his teams has had three players recognized in the all-state process. Section 4 had a pair of upper-tier picks in Class AAA.

Junior forward Charlise Starns of Corning was selected to the third team after leading the Hawks to a Section 4 title . Elmira junior forward Mariah Matias became a three-time all-state choice with her selection to the Class AAA fourth team. Among Section 4 large schools, Norwich junior Joey Ryan was the uppermost all-state pick, earning second-team honors in Class A.