10 north girls basketball players to watch this season
WRITTEN BY CRYSTAL SANDS | special to the BDN
EMILY ADAMS • Sr., G, Bangor
As a senior with depth of experience, Emily Adams of Bangor is a varsity girl to watch from Class AA North. At 5’9″, Adams is adept with the ball and provides stability for the Bangor team. “Emily handles the ball well and is great at both dribbling and shooting,” coach Jay Kemble said. “She understands how to play the game — and she can score.” Adams will be attending St. Joseph’s next year to play college basketball.
ELLIE AUSTIN • Sr., G, Penobscot Valley
Ellie Austin is a 5’11” guard who averaged 18 points per game and 11 rebounds per game last year. Last year, Austin was an Honorable Mention for the BDN All-Maine Team and is looking to lead her team to even greater success this year. “Ellie is built like a post with guard skills and should be in the running for Miss Basketball this year,” coach Nathaniel Case said. Case is relying on her experience this year. “She’s also just a great kid.”
ARIANNA BRADEEN • Sr., G, Mount View
This 5’10” senior had a breakout season her sophomore year and has been gaining experience and skills ever since. She averaged 13.5 points per game last year and was Second Team All-Conference for the 2023-24 season. In 2024, Bradeen was voted one of Eastern Maine Sports Athletes of the Week. Bradeen is a team leader, who adds experience to the Mustangs’ roster. She can shoot from both inside and outside and is not afraid to take the threes.
MADELYNN DEPREY • Sr., G, Caribou
Reaching 1,000 points as a junior, this senior is a competitive player who also serves as a leader for the team. At 5’10”, Deprey averaged 22.9 points per game and 8.8 rebounds. She’s been named the Big East Conference Player of the Year the last two years in a row. Coach Kayla Brown says Deprey is a great leader and “has every desire to win a team championship as a senior this year.” Deprey led Caribou in points, rebounds, steals, and assists last season.
CLAIRE GAETANI • Sr., PG, John Bapst
This 5’6″ point guard from Bapst is set to score her 1000th point early this coming season. She averaged 18 points per game last year, along with a whopping 4.1 steals, making her the conference leader for steals last year. She was named John Bapst’s Defensive Player of the Year. “Claire is an exceptional athlete, an amazing person, and an incredible leader on our team,” coach Matt Smith said. “She’s smart, dedicated, and always looks to outwork everyone in the gym.”
AVA LERMAN • Jr., G, Wisdom
At 5’4″, this junior from Wisdom is a standout on her team and in Class D North. With strong leadership skills, her versatile playing style is sure to help Wisdom advance deep into the tournament this year. Head coach Kayla Donne said, “Ava is a natural athlete and leader. She puts the time in beyond practice. I see good things coming from her this season.”
ABBY MORRILL • Sr., SG, Cony
At 5’10”, Morrill is not only a leader on the court but is a scholar-athlete who has earned honors for her academic performance. Morrill helped lead her team to the Class A North title last year. A star on the court, Morrill also supports her team and emphasizes that the strength of Cony is in how well the team works together.
ELLA PELLETIER • Sr., SF, Oxford Hills
At 5’11”, Pelletier is a small forward who can also shoot a three. Last year, she averaged 19.7 points per game and 10.8 rebounds. Pelletier has committed to Division 1 Stonehill College to play next year. Coach Cimeron Colby says Pelletier is a huge asset to the team. “She manifests success because she’s always so positive. She lifts the team up and that shows in our game. She’s not only a great scorer, she’s also our team’s biggest cheerleader.”
MADDIE PROVOST • Jr., PG, Lawrence
Provost is a 5’8″ guard with strong ball handling skills and a beautiful outside shot. Provost had a stellar season as a sophomore, so hopes are high for her upcoming junior year. Last year, she was named to the Maine Varsity All-State Team and was an Honorable Mention for the BDN All-Maine Basketball Team. She was a part of the team that won the state championship when she was a freshman and is already receiving offers from several colleges. “She doesn’t shy away from the big moments,” said coach Keith Chesley.
ABBY RADEL • Sr., PG, Ellsworth
This 5’5″ point guard from Ellsworth is looking to lead her team to another title again this year. Radel averaged 12.5 points per game last year and was named Most Valuable Player in Class B North in 2023. “Abby has a depth of experience and know-how to shine in the big moments,” said head coach Andy Pooler.
