Section V Class A Girls' All-Tournament Team 2021

Senior co-captain Lexi Green finished with 29 points to lead Pittsford Mendon to its fifth straight sectional title with a 61-41 win over Brockport in the 2021 Class A championship. (Photo: SUE KANE)

By PAUL GOTHAM

The Pittsford Mendon girls completed an undefeated season with their fifth straight sectional championship. Winning the 2019 Federation title followed by the shortened post-season a year ago, Todd Julien’s squad has ended three straight seasons with a win.

Circumstances surrounding COVID-19 prevented Section V from selecting all-tournament teams. This is the 2021 Pickin’ Splinters Class A Girls’ All-Tournament Team, starting with MVP Lexi Green.

MVP: Lexi Green, Pittsford Mendon

The term “glue” is usually reserved for the player who “holds a team together” while not necessarily compiling individual statistics. Green somehow fills both roles. A five-year performer at the varsity level, there’s not much that the Cornell University commit hasn’t accomplished. She can facilitate for teammates and finish plays when the situation dictates.

Opening tip Class A Girls Final: @BCSDBlueDevils and @mendonGVBB Lexi Green wastes no time getting the scoring started. Assist from Dani Strauf. pic.twitter.com/VN49RKvIMS
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) March 13, 2021

And she finished plenty during the 2021 sectional run. Green topped all scorers with 26 in Mendon’s 61-41 victory over Brockport in the finals. This after a game-high 19 in a semi-final win over Aquinas.

VIEW MORE SUE KANE PHOTOS HERE.

Danielle Strauf, Pittsford Mendon

Mendon opened the finals with seven assists on its first eight field goals. The Vikings finished the game with 22 makes from the floor. Three of those finishes were of the rebound and putback nature where a helper isn’t credited. Of the remaining 19, Mendon collected 14 dimes. Strauf didn’t get credit for each of those assists, but her guiding hand was part of most if not all.

Dani Strauf breaks out the spin move to set up Lily Kennedy before the 3rd quarter horn. Mendon 48 Brockport 32 pic.twitter.com/i55EK056N8
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) March 13, 2021

Lily Kennedy, Pittsford Mendon

Few could step into the starting lineup of a team that has won four straight sectional titles. Kennedy transferred from Walnut Hills (Ohio)and didn’t just earn a spot among Mendon’s starters, she provided a whole other layer to Mendon’s attack. Kennedy’s ability to make plays while running the floor sets her apart. At 5-foot-10, she’s a versatile defender who can deny in the post or initiate Mendon’s defense while limiting an opponent’s priamry ballahndler.

Chanel Alexander, Aquinas

Alexander scored 30 points while handing out five assists and grabbing six rebounds as fifth-seeded Aquinas opened sectionals with a win over fourth-seeded East. The senior guard followed that with 15 points, three assists and four rebounds in a 59-49 loss to Mendon in the semi-finals, a Mendon team with a 26-point average margin of victory. Alexander scored nine in the first half as the Li’L Irish went into the break within three points of Mendon at 29-26.

Chanel Alexander grabs the loose ball and goes the length of the floor for two. AQ on an 8-2 run leads 31-28. pic.twitter.com/Lx3IF3ran0
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) March 8, 2021

Ava Velletri, Brockport

Velletri gave Brockport hope after 16 minutes of play in the championship game. Trailing by 12 at half, it was sophomore’s threat from long range that provided Brockport a chance to stretch the Mendon defense. Velletri connected three times from deep in the game and led the Blue Devils with 13 points. She scored nine to go with eight rebounds in the semi-finals.

AvA Velletri gets the runner to fall, but Brockport GBB trails Mendon at the half, 31-19. Mendon’s Lexi Green leads all scorers with 14 points. Lily Kennedy has 6. Emma Laureano leads Brockport with 6 on 2 3-pointers. pic.twitter.com/4qWLQTixi0
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) March 13, 2021

Other notables

Anaya Coleman, Pittsford Mendon: Coleman is the primary scorer on 90 percent of the other teams in Section V. With a Mendon team that had the potential for another state-title run, the junior guard is a consistent contributor who opponents can’t leave open. All she needs is a sliver of daylight, and the 5-foot-6 Coleman will take advantage.

Anaya Coleman finds Lexi Green. Mendon 57 Brockport 39 2:05 to go. pic.twitter.com/qtd7Q7LLCw
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) March 13, 2021

Ella Fadale, Brockport: Fadale scored 21 points while collecting six rebounds and three assists in Brockport’s semi-final win over Canandaigua. Foul trouble limited the junior guard in the finals, but she still managed 11 points and three assists.

Emma Laureano, Brockport: Laureano forced Mendon’s defense to adjust when she hit two 3-pointers in the first quarter. Her second triple stopped a 13-0 Mendon run.

Kyleigh Chapman, Canandaigua: Chapman finished with team-highs of 13 and nine points in the Braves two sectional games.