Who Should Win the 2025 New Hampshire Miss Basketball Award?

We break down the 10 candidates and give you an opportunity to share your opinion with a vote

Boston University commit Kate Allard is a double digit scorer who just may be the best girls basketball player in the state of New Hampshire. / Kate Allar Instagram

Here are 10 players who deserve consideration for the 2024-25 Miss New Hampshire Basketball Award, which is chosen annually by the New Hampshire Basketball Coaches’ Organization. In addition to basketball accomplishments (50 percent), the award is based on academic excellence (25 percent) and sportsmanship (25 percent).

Bedford High School’s Lana McCarthy was selected as the 2023-24 Miss New Hampshire Basketball winner after she helped the Bulldogs defeat Pinkerton Academy in the Division I championship game. McCarthy is now playing at Purdue.

The following 10 contenders are listed in alphabetical order. The NHBCO will announce this year’s winner in mid-March. Before the official votes are cast, we ask you to weigh in and vote for the player you think is most deserving of this year’s award. Our voting will end on Feb. 28th.

Kate Allard (Bedford)

Allard, who is averaging 17.3 points per game through 15 contests, is the top player on the state’s best team. She became the program’s all-time leading scorer during a 68-20 victory over Keene and will continue her basketball career at Boston University.

Lilli Carlile (Concord Christian)

Carlile will soon become the first NHIAA player to lead her team to the playoffs in each of New Hampshire’s four divisions. Concord Christian won the Division IV championship in 2022, the Division III title in 2023 and the Division II championship last year. She was averaging 19.1 points per game through 15 Division I games this season.

Tia Ferdinando (Derryfield)

Ferdinando is the top player on the only unbeaten team in Division II, and scored the game-winning basket when Derryfield handed Laconia its only loss. A strong two-way player, Ferdinando was averaging 12.1 points per game through Derryfield’s first 12 games.

Lily George (Salem)

One of the state’s most talented all-around players, George’s chances would improve significantly if Salem made a deep run in the Division I tournament. George entered Salem’s Feb. 14 game at Nashua North averaging 15.6 points per contest.

Sydney Gerossie (Pinkerton)

Gerossie, a senior point guard, became the seventh female player at Pinkerton to record 1,000 points during her career. She was averaging a team-high 17.9 points per game through 15 games this season and has committed to play at Southern New Hampshire University.

Lilly Nossiff (Dover)

Nossiff, a senior, became Dover’s all-time scoring leader (1,222 points) when she tossed in 14 points during a 51-33 win against Goffstown on Feb. 11. She was averaging 18.2 points per contest after that victory, which stretched Dover’s winning streak to five games.

Vivian O’Quinn (Oyster River)

A Division II Second Team All-State selection last season, O’Quinn is among the leading scorers in Division II this year (19.4 ppg).

Kayla Smith (Merrimack Valley)

Like O’Quinn, Smith was a Division II Second Team All-State honoree last season. She scored 25 points in Merrimack Valley’s last game, a 50-38 victory over Coe-Brown

Samantha Sullivan (Londonderry)

Sullivan, a junior, is averaging 18.9 points per game for a Londonderry team that was unbeaten through 12 games. She was a Division I First Team All-State selection last season.

Macy Swormstedt (Laconia)

Swormstedt, a versatile guard, is arguably the top player in Division II. Through 13 games, she was averaging 20.2 points per contest for a Laconia team that is on the short-list of favorites to win this year’s Division II championship.

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TOP 25 NATIONAL GIRLS BASKETBALL RANKINGS

1. Montverde Academy (Fla.)

2024-25 record: 21-1 | TEAM PAGE

Sidestepped short-handed Long Island Lutheran (73-70) in middle game of its Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament to close out January. Now, in-state tests with DME, IMG Academy await.

2. Ontario Christian (Calif.)

2024-25 record: 25-1  | TEAM PAGE

After being one of busiest teams in America, schedule slowed considerably in late January - with wins over La Jolla Country Day (88-35) and Lynwood (77-50). Next up is CIF playoff gauntlet.

3. Bishop McNamara (Md.)

2024-25 record: 18-1 | TEAM PAGE

Mustangs post perfect 10-0 January run (mostly on road), including double sweep of Bishop Ireton and another national win over Westtown. Tough St. John's looming to close out regular season.

4. Mater Dei (Calif.)

2024-25 record: 25-2 | TEAM PAGE

Just captured a home Trinity League championship for an 18th consecutive season, but will be without junior Kaeli Wynn (knee) moving forward into CIF playoffs.

5. Etiwanda (Calif.)

2024-25 record: 21-4 | TEAM PAGE

One win away from a 25th consecutive Baseline League championship, defending national champions are healthy and playing well (17 wins in a row) heading into pivotal CIF postseason.

6. IMG Academy (Fla.)

2024-25 record: 15-3 | TEAM PAGE

Hasn't seen the court much to close out January, but did manage wins over Crestwood Prep (52-42) and Miami Country Day (55-26). Still has a path to a national title, but beating Montverde is a must-do.

7. Morris Catholic (NJ)

2024-25 record: 16-0 | TEAM PAGE

Registered a quality victory over DME Academy (51-41), but is there enough national-level cachet remaining in the schedule to move up? A state title and postseason-tournament run would help.

8. Sidwell Friends (DC)

2024-25 record: 17-2 | TEAM PAGE

Home loss to NIKE TOC semifinalist Bullis (61-52) in a blow to national-title hopes, but Quakers still have games Long island Lutheran and rematch with Bulldogs remaining to keep faint pulse alive.

9. Sierra Canyon (Calif.)

2024-25 record: 24-1 | TEAM PAGE

Whoa! Five-star junior Jerzy Robinson went off for a career-high 50 points in an 89-45 win over Louisville. This comes on the heels of four 30-point games since mid-January. She is revving.

10. Clackamas (Ore.)

2024-25 record: 15-2 | TEAM PAGE

Hasn't lost since before Christmas, and likely won't lose the rest of the regular season as it gears up for what should be exciting Class 6A playoff run against deep field.

11. Hebron Christian (Ga.)

2024-25 record: 22-1 | TEAM PAGE

Group of six seniors will be revered for its overall impact for a long time, led by Auburn Ja'Kerra Butler (1,772 points), who became program's all-time leading scorer last week.

12. Bradley Central (Tenn.)

2024-25 record: 22-1 | TEAM PAGE

Played three games to close out January, including 47-30 win over underrated Clarksville Christian. Next stop - vying for a third consecutive Tennessee state championship.

13. Johnston (Iowa)

2024-25 record: 16-0 | TEAM PAGE

Winners of 42 games in a row, the Dragons survived a big road challenge in the rematch with Dowling Catholic - 64-62 - on Ari Phillips' game-winning free throws with 5.1 seconds remaining.

14. Long Island Lutheran (NY)

2024-25 record: 12-1 | TEAM PAGE

Even without Savvy Swords (knee), put up a good battle at No. 1 Montverde (73-70 loss) - a game in which five-star junior guard Olivia Jones scored 30 points. Future very bright.

15. Princess Anne (Va.)

2024-25 record: 16-0 | TEAM PAGE

Depth and defense have fueled what largely has been a skate-free run through Virginia basketball, led by sophomore Micah Ojo, as Cavaliers are in search of 11th state title in past 12 seasons.

16. Archbishop Mitty (Calif.)

2024-25 record: 16-3 | TEAM PAGE

Yes, Monarchs have suffered all three losses since McKenna Woliczko's injury (knee). But all have been to top-10 teams nationally. And all of them have been respectable showings.

17. Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.)

2024-25 record: 22-0 | TEAM PAGE

Royals sure know how to stay cool in the close games (8-0 in games decided by eight points or fewer) Now Maya Makalusky and company are headed off to the Indiana postseason.

18. Lawrence Central (Ind.)

2024-25 record: 21-1 | TEAM PAGE

Hoping for another shot at Hamilton Southeastern in the Indiana 4A playoffs, the Bears, led by the Lampley sisters, finished off January with three blowout victories to close regular season.

19. Clovis West (Calif.)

2024-25 record: 26-0 | TEAM PAGE

The lone undefeated squad remaining in California, no program has more wins without a loss in the country this winter. Keegan Medeiros just cracked 1,000 points for her career.

20. Westtown (Pa.)

2024-25 record: 22-3 | TEAM PAGE

Is back on track, and has one game to go (Shipley) to close out regular season. But, oh, what might have been if team did not have late-December lull (three losses in nine days).

21. Incarnate Word Academy (Mo.)

2024-25 record: 14-2 | TEAM PAGE

Five days after seeing 141-game winning streak end at competitive Hoophall Classic to defending national champion Etiwanda, team lost again, this time to Kentucky's Sacred Heart (82-76).

22. Conway (Ark.)

2024-25 record: 24-1 | TEAM PAGE

Only loss is to Aaliyah Chavez and Monterey back in late November. Otherwise, Wampus Cats have won their past 18 games in Arkansas on march to regaining state crown.

23. Putnam City North (Okla.)

2024-25 record: 18-1 | TEAM PAGE

After lone defeat to Norman in mid-December, Panthers get shot at winning season series tonight at home as marquee matchup in final four games of regular season.

24. Bishop Ireton (Va.)

2024-25 record: 18-5 | TEAM PAGE

Started week with loss to St John's - after playing Bishop McNamara in a tight game five days prior. All of their losses have come to top-40 squads nationally, including twice to the Mustangs.

25. Ridgeline (Utah)

2024-25 record: 22-0 | TEAM PAGE

Welcome to the home of the newest top-25 entrant, led by McDonald's All-American point guard Emilee Skinner (26.2 points per game). Has had one nail-biter this winter - 53-52 to Moreno Valley.

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BUBBLE

Blue Valley North (Kan.)

Bullis (Md.)

Cypress Springs (Texas)

DME Academy (Fla.)

Duncanville (Texas)

Faith Family (Texas)

Grandview (Colo.)

Langston Hughes (Ga.)

Legion Prep (Texas)

Lyons (Ill.)

Purcell Marian (Ohio)

Red Bank Catholic (NJ)

St. John's (Washington, DC)

Winston Salem Christian National (NC)

Winter Haven (Fla.)