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We rank the top 40 girls in Delaware high school sports for 2022-23

brad myers, delaware news journal
·7 min read

With fall season practices for the 2023-24 school year right around the corner, it’s time to close the book on 2022-23.

The best way to do that is with our overall ranking of Delaware high school athletes, across all sports.

Here is our take on the Top 40 girls from the past school year. Every one of them played a key role — many times the leading role — on successful teams. Many of them won championships, were the Player of the Year in their sport or earned All-State honors. Some of them even thrived in multiple sports.

Congratulations to all on a phenomenal season.

40. Ava Emrich, so., Tower Hill

DIAA tennis runner-up at first singles. Battled champion Aubrey Nisbet to a tiebreaker in all three matches, winning one.

Tower Hill's Ava Emrich reacts to a point in the first set as she eventually drops the first singles title match in three sets to Wilmington Friends' Aubrey Nisbet during the DIAA state tennis championships at St. Andrew's School, Thursday, May 25, 2023.
Tower Hill's Ava Emrich reacts to a point in the first set as she eventually drops the first singles title match in three sets to Wilmington Friends' Aubrey Nisbet during the DIAA state tennis championships at St. Andrew's School, Thursday, May 25, 2023.

39. Sydney Donovan, sr., Appoquinimink

All-State and Regional All-American selection in soccer. Signed with Bloomsburg.

Appoquinimink's Sydney Donovan (3) reacts with teammate Waryn Catania as the Jags get on the board first in the first half of the DIAA Division I championship game at Delaware State University's Alumni Stadium, Friday, June 2, 2023.
Appoquinimink's Sydney Donovan (3) reacts with teammate Waryn Catania as the Jags get on the board first in the first half of the DIAA Division I championship game at Delaware State University's Alumni Stadium, Friday, June 2, 2023.

38. Madge Layfield, jr., Sussex Central

Sussex Central pitcher Madge Layfield.
Sussex Central pitcher Madge Layfield.

All-State pitcher led the Golden Knights to the DIAA quarterfinals.

37. Mary Flanagan, jr., Padua

Won Division I 800-meter run at the DIAA Outdoor and at the Meet of Champions. Division I cross country runner-up.

Mary Flanagan of Padua runs in the girls Division I race at the DIAA Cross Country Championships.
Mary Flanagan of Padua runs in the girls Division I race at the DIAA Cross Country Championships.

36. Katie Payne, so., Tatnall

Division II cross country runner-up. Won the 1,600 meters and finished second in the 800 and 3,200, helping the Hornets to the team title at the DIAA Indoor. Won Division I 800 and 1,600 and finished second in the 3,200 at the DIAA Outdoor. Won 1,600 and finished second in 800 at Meet of Champions.

Tatnall’s Katie Payne heads for a second place finish as she runs in the DIAA 2022 Cross Country Girl’s Division II Championship at Killens Pond State Park in Felton, Del.
Tatnall’s Katie Payne heads for a second place finish as she runs in the DIAA 2022 Cross Country Girl’s Division II Championship at Killens Pond State Park in Felton, Del.

35. Ericka Huggins, jr., St. Elizabeth

All-State selection in basketball.

Ursuline's Emma Anthony (left) and Skylar Bolden (20) defend as St. Elizabeth's Ericka Huggins works under the basket in Ursuline's 57-45 win Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at the St. E Center.
Ursuline's Emma Anthony (left) and Skylar Bolden (20) defend as St. Elizabeth's Ericka Huggins works under the basket in Ursuline's 57-45 win Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at the St. E Center.

34. Alexi Nowakowski, jr., Cape Henlopen

All-State and All-American selection in lacrosse helped the Vikings reach the DIAA championship game.

Cape Henlopen's Alexi Nowakowski passes on offense in the second half of Cape Henlopen's 17-6 win at Caesar Rodney, Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
Cape Henlopen's Alexi Nowakowski passes on offense in the second half of Cape Henlopen's 17-6 win at Caesar Rodney, Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

33. Emma Kirby, sr., Tatnall

All-State selection in basketball helped the Hornets reach the quarterfinals of the DIAA tournament. Signed with Sacred Heart.

Tatnall senior Emma Kirby steps through two Caravel defenders for a shot attempt during the Buccaneers 57-54 win over the Hornets in a quarterfinal girls basketball matchup on March 6, 2023.
Tatnall senior Emma Kirby steps through two Caravel defenders for a shot attempt during the Buccaneers 57-54 win over the Hornets in a quarterfinal girls basketball matchup on March 6, 2023.

32. Hannah Maney, jr., Cape Henlopen

Division I Defensive Player of the Year in field hockey helped Vikings reach the D-I championship game.

Cape Henlopen's Hannah Maney (left) controls the ball as Padua's Olivia Shimp eyes the play in the Vikings' 5-1 win in a semifinal of the DIAA Division I state high school tournament at the University of Delaware's Rullo Stadium, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.
Cape Henlopen's Hannah Maney (left) controls the ball as Padua's Olivia Shimp eyes the play in the Vikings' 5-1 win in a semifinal of the DIAA Division I state high school tournament at the University of Delaware's Rullo Stadium, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.

31. Carly Maxton, sr., Saint Mark’s

All-State pitcher led the Spartans to the DIAA quarterfinals. Signed with North Carolina State.

St. Mark's starter Carly Maxton throws in the fourth inning of the Spartans' 8-0 win against Delaware Military at St. Mark's, Thursday, March 30, 2023.
St. Mark's starter Carly Maxton throws in the fourth inning of the Spartans' 8-0 win against Delaware Military at St. Mark's, Thursday, March 30, 2023.

30. Kinsley Hall, sr., Indian River

All-State pitcher led the Indians to the DIAA championship game. Signed with Mount Olive.

Indian River pitcher Kinsley Hall
Indian River pitcher Kinsley Hall

29. Arianna Montgomery, fr., Tatnall

Won the 55-meter hurdles and finished second in the 55- and 200-meter dashes in helping the Hornets to the team title at the DIAA Indoor. Won Division II 100-meter hurdles and long jump at the DIAA Outdoor and at the Meet of Champions.

Tatnall's Arianna Montgomery anchors her team to a win in the 4x100 meter race during the New Castle County Track and Field Championships at Abessinio Stadium, Saturday, May 13, 2023. Montgomery earlier won the 100 meter hurdles.
Tatnall's Arianna Montgomery anchors her team to a win in the 4x100 meter race during the New Castle County Track and Field Championships at Abessinio Stadium, Saturday, May 13, 2023. Montgomery earlier won the 100 meter hurdles.

28. Jocelyn Nathan, sr., Wilmington Friends

All-State selection in volleyball. Signed with Penn State.

Wilmington Friends' Jocelyn Nathan chases a ball and keeps it in play against Newark Charter.
Wilmington Friends' Jocelyn Nathan chases a ball and keeps it in play against Newark Charter.

27. Brynn Crandell, jr., Indian River

Division II cross country champion. Won Division II 3,200 and finished second in 1,600 at DIAA Outdoor. Finished second in 3,200 at the Meet of Champions.

Indian River’s Brynn Crandell takes first as she runs in the DIAA 2022 Cross Country Girl’s Division II Championship at Killens Pond State Park in Felton, Del.
Indian River’s Brynn Crandell takes first as she runs in the DIAA 2022 Cross Country Girl’s Division II Championship at Killens Pond State Park in Felton, Del.

26. Georgia Colborn, jr., Charter of Wilmington

All-State selection in swimming swept the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke at the DIAA meet.

100-yard backstroke winner Georgia Colborn of Charter School of Wilmington (right) shares congratulations with second place finisher Eliza Johnson of Ursuline during the DIAA girls swimming state championships at Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.
100-yard backstroke winner Georgia Colborn of Charter School of Wilmington (right) shares congratulations with second place finisher Eliza Johnson of Ursuline during the DIAA girls swimming state championships at Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.

25. Chloe Sachs, sr., Tower Hill

All-State selection led the Hillers to their first state championship in volleyball.

Tower Hill’s Chloe Sachs sets during Tower Hill’s 3-0 state volleyball championship win over St. Mark’s at the Bob Carpenter Center, Nov. 14, 2022.
Tower Hill’s Chloe Sachs sets during Tower Hill’s 3-0 state volleyball championship win over St. Mark’s at the Bob Carpenter Center, Nov. 14, 2022.

24. Sophia Holgado, jr., Padua

Division I cross country champion. Won Division I 3,200-meter run at the DIAA Outdoor and at the Meet of Champions.

Padua's Sophia Holgado (front) leads heading into the final stretch as she wins the 800 meter race ahead of second place finisher Isabelle Walsh of Middletown (center) and Tatnall's Katie Payne (third place) during the New Castle County Track and Field Championships at Abessinio Stadium, Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Padua's Sophia Holgado (front) leads heading into the final stretch as she wins the 800 meter race ahead of second place finisher Isabelle Walsh of Middletown (center) and Tatnall's Katie Payne (third place) during the New Castle County Track and Field Championships at Abessinio Stadium, Saturday, May 13, 2023.

23. Dallas Pierce, sr., Sanford

Basketball Player of the Year helped the Warriors win the DIAA championship, reaching 1,000 career points in the title game. Signed with Massachusetts.

Sanford's Dallas Pierce enjoys the final moments of the Warriors' 58-46 win against Ursuline in the DIAA state tournament championship game at the Bob Carpenter Center, Friday, March 10, 2023.
Sanford's Dallas Pierce enjoys the final moments of the Warriors' 58-46 win against Ursuline in the DIAA state tournament championship game at the Bob Carpenter Center, Friday, March 10, 2023.

22. Dru Moffett, jr., Smyrna

Division I Offensive Player of the Year in field hockey helped the Eagles win their first D-I championship. Committed to Michigan.

Smyrna High School junior Dru Moffett (11) gets ready to move the ball with Cape Henlopen High School junior Grace Wiggins (2) bearing down during the DIAA Field Hockey championship Division I game at the University of Delaware's Rullo Stadium in Newark, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Smyrna won 2-1 in overtime.
Smyrna High School junior Dru Moffett (11) gets ready to move the ball with Cape Henlopen High School junior Grace Wiggins (2) bearing down during the DIAA Field Hockey championship Division I game at the University of Delaware's Rullo Stadium in Newark, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Smyrna won 2-1 in overtime.

21. Brooke Holdsworth, sr., Caravel

All-State catcher led the Buccaneers to their third consecutive state championship.

Caravel's Brooke Holdsworth singles to open her team's at bats in the third inning of the Bucs' 7-2 win Thursday, May 4, 2023
Caravel's Brooke Holdsworth singles to open her team's at bats in the third inning of the Bucs' 7-2 win Thursday, May 4, 2023

20. Jezelle Banks, 8th, Ursuline

All-State selection in basketball helped the Raiders reach the DIAA championship game. Was recently among 40 13- and 14-year-old players from 17 countries selected to participate in the Jr. NBA Showcase in Las Vegas.

Ursuline's Jezelle Banks (left) drives as Sanford's Naomi Allen pursues in the first half of the DIAA state tournament championship game at the Bob Carpenter Center, Friday, March 10, 2023.
Ursuline's Jezelle Banks (left) drives as Sanford's Naomi Allen pursues in the first half of the DIAA state tournament championship game at the Bob Carpenter Center, Friday, March 10, 2023.

19. Emma Gioffre, sr., Archmere

All-State and Regional All-American selection in soccer. Scored three goals in 6-1 win over Saint Mark’s in the Division II championship game. Signed with Cincinnati.

Archmere's Emma Gioffre (right) blasts a shot past St. Mark's Kaileigh Brady for the first goal of the game as Archmere builds a 6-1 halftime lead before winning the DIAA Division II championship game by the same score at Delaware State University's Alumni Stadium, Friday, June 2, 2023.
Archmere's Emma Gioffre (right) blasts a shot past St. Mark's Kaileigh Brady for the first goal of the game as Archmere builds a 6-1 halftime lead before winning the DIAA Division II championship game by the same score at Delaware State University's Alumni Stadium, Friday, June 2, 2023.

18. Julia Yurkovich, sr., Saint Mark’s

Volleyball Player of the Year led the Spartans to the championship match of the state tournament. Signed with Presbyterian College.

St. Mark's Julia Yurkovich (12) goes for the spike during St. Mark's 3-1 semifinal victory over Delmarva Christian.
St. Mark's Julia Yurkovich (12) goes for the spike during St. Mark's 3-1 semifinal victory over Delmarva Christian.

17. Jordyn Hollamon, so., Delmar

Helped Wildcats win their sixth straight Division II field hockey championship, stretch winning streak to 115 games and finish season ranked third nationally by maxfieldhockey.com.

Delmar's Jordyn Hollamon (13) with a shot on goal in their 2-1 win against Cape Henlopen High School.
Delmar's Jordyn Hollamon (13) with a shot on goal in their 2-1 win against Cape Henlopen High School.

16. Zy Kilgoe, sr., Sanford

All-State selection in basketball helped the Warriors win the DIAA championship. Signed with Cornell.

Ursuline's Chamira Marshall-Brothers (top) defends as Sanford's Zy Kilgoe drives to the hoop in the second half of the Warriors' 58-46 win in the DIAA state tournament championship game at the Bob Carpenter Center, Friday, March 10, 2023.
Ursuline's Chamira Marshall-Brothers (top) defends as Sanford's Zy Kilgoe drives to the hoop in the second half of the Warriors' 58-46 win in the DIAA state tournament championship game at the Bob Carpenter Center, Friday, March 10, 2023.

15. Gabby Riley, jr., Middletown

All-State and Regional All-American selection in soccer. Scored three goals in 4-2 win over Appoquinimink in the Division I championship game. Has committed to Delaware.

Middletown's Gabby Riley (center) reacts with teammates Sara Conkling (left) and Lily Holcroft after Riley scored the first of her three goal in the Cavs' 4-2 win against Appoquinimink in the DIAA Division I championship game at Delaware State University's Alumni Stadium, Friday, June 2, 2023.
Middletown's Gabby Riley (center) reacts with teammates Sara Conkling (left) and Lily Holcroft after Riley scored the first of her three goal in the Cavs' 4-2 win against Appoquinimink in the DIAA Division I championship game at Delaware State University's Alumni Stadium, Friday, June 2, 2023.

14. Kali Clayton, sr., Tatnall

All-State and All-American selection in lacrosse helped the Hornets stun Cape Henlopen 10-9 in the DIAA championship game, ending the Vikings’ streaks of 13 consecutive state titles and 176 straight wins. Also a key contributor on a 17-4 basketball team that reached the DIAA quarterfinals. Signed with Hofstra.

Kali Clayton of Tatnall (3) locks in defensively against Cape Henlopen's Alexi Nowakowski during the DIAA Girls Lacrosse championship game Thursday night.
Kali Clayton of Tatnall (3) locks in defensively against Cape Henlopen's Alexi Nowakowski during the DIAA Girls Lacrosse championship game Thursday night.

13. Rachel Bockrath, jr., Brandywine

All-State selection in swimming swept the 50- and 100-yard freestyles at the DIAA meet, lowering her own state record in the 100 to 49.32 seconds.

Brandywine's Rachel Bockrath looks to scoreboard as she takes first place in the 100 yard freestyle during the DIAA girls swimming state championships at Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday,Feb. 25, 2023.
Brandywine's Rachel Bockrath looks to scoreboard as she takes first place in the 100 yard freestyle during the DIAA girls swimming state championships at Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday,Feb. 25, 2023.

12. Danni McGonigle, sr., Saint Mark’s

Became first Delaware girl to clear 40 feet in the triple jump (40-3). Won triple jump at the DIAA Indoor meet. Won Division II high jump and triple jump at the DIAA Outdoor meet. Signed with Florida International.

Saint Mark's Danni McGonigle competes in the Division II girls triple jump at the DIAA Track & Field Championships at Dover High on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Saint Mark's Danni McGonigle competes in the Division II girls triple jump at the DIAA Track & Field Championships at Dover High on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

11. Kaylan Yoder, sr., Delmarva Christian

Softball Player of the Year led the Royals to the DIAA semifinals. Outstanding pitcher and hitter. Signed with Liberty.

Delmarva Christian starter Kaylan Yoder greets her teammates after ending the fifth inning of the Bucs' 5-4, eight-inning win at Caravel Academy, Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Delmarva Christian starter Kaylan Yoder greets her teammates after ending the fifth inning of the Bucs' 5-4, eight-inning win at Caravel Academy, Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

10. Louise Rishko, jr., Cape Henlopen

All-State and All-American selection in lacrosse helped the Vikings reach the DIAA championship game. Also second-team All-State in field hockey and a key contributor to a 20-3 basketball team that reached the DIAA quarterfinals.

Cape Henlopen's Louise Rishko looks for an opportunity past Caesar Rodney's Elle Roberts (center) and Lauren Wark in the second half of Cape Henlopen's 17-6 win at Caesar Rodney, Wednesday, April 26, 20
Cape Henlopen's Louise Rishko looks for an opportunity past Caesar Rodney's Elle Roberts (center) and Lauren Wark in the second half of Cape Henlopen's 17-6 win at Caesar Rodney, Wednesday, April 26, 20

9. Avery McCrery, so., Tower Hill

Shot 71-65—136 to win the DIAA girls individual golf championship by seven strokes. Also parred the extra hole to help the Hillers win the team championship in a playoff against Tatnall. Recently reached first round of match play at the U.S. Girls Junior.

Tower Hill's Avery McCrery watches her tee shot on the 12th hole Wednesday at the DIAA Golf Tournament at Baywood Greens Golf Club in Long Neck. The sophomore shot a 65 to win the girls title at 8-under-par 136.
Tower Hill's Avery McCrery watches her tee shot on the 12th hole Wednesday at the DIAA Golf Tournament at Baywood Greens Golf Club in Long Neck. The sophomore shot a 65 to win the girls title at 8-under-par 136.

8. Veronica Diomede, sr., Caravel

All-State shortstop led the Buccaneers to their third consecutive state championship. Signed with Delaware.

Caravel's Veronica Diomede ends the game with an RBI hit in the bottom of the eighth inning of the Bucs' 5-4 win against Delmarva Christian at Caravel Academy, Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Caravel's Veronica Diomede ends the game with an RBI hit in the bottom of the eighth inning of the Bucs' 5-4 win against Delmarva Christian at Caravel Academy, Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

7. Desiree Zapata, jr., Smyrna

Player of the Year, All-State and All-American selection in soccer helped the Eagles reach the semifinals of the Division I playoffs. Has committed to Villanova.

Padua Academy sophomore Alexis Greenjack (23) battles for the ball against Smyrna High School sophomore Jocelyn Tejeda (14) and junior Desiree Zapata (17) during the girls soccer game at the Hockessin Soccer Club, Monday, April 3, 2023. Padua won 6-0.
Padua Academy sophomore Alexis Greenjack (23) battles for the ball against Smyrna High School sophomore Jocelyn Tejeda (14) and junior Desiree Zapata (17) during the girls soccer game at the Hockessin Soccer Club, Monday, April 3, 2023. Padua won 6-0.

6. Aubrey Nisbet, sr., Wilmington Friends

Won first singles championship at the DIAA Tournament for the third time. Signed with Wake Forest.

Wilmington Friends' Aubrey Nisbet hits a backhand on her way to winning the title at first singles during the DIAA state tennis championships at St. Andrew's School, Thursday May 25, 2023.
Wilmington Friends' Aubrey Nisbet hits a backhand on her way to winning the title at first singles during the DIAA state tennis championships at St. Andrew's School, Thursday May 25, 2023.

5. Lainey Mullins, sr., Tower Hill

Voted Delaware’s top swimmer by the state’s coaches for the second straight year. Won the 200- and 500-yard freestyles at the DIAA meet for the third consecutive season, tying the state 200 record of 1:47.69 she set in 2022. Finished career with 10 individual DIAA titles. Signed with Virginia.

Tower Hill's Lainey Mullins wins the 500 yard freestyle during the DIAA girls swimming state championships at Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.
Tower Hill's Lainey Mullins wins the 500 yard freestyle during the DIAA girls swimming state championships at Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.

4. Maci Bradford, sr., Delmar

Division II Offensive Player of the Year in field hockey helped Wildcats win their sixth straight Division II championship, stretch winning streak to 115 games and finish season ranked third nationally by maxfieldhockey.com. Signed with Maryland.

Delmar attacker Maci Bradford (4) attempts a penalty shot during the Division II title game between Delmar and Newark Charter Saturday at Dover High School.
Delmar attacker Maci Bradford (4) attempts a penalty shot during the Division II title game between Delmar and Newark Charter Saturday at Dover High School.

3. Josie Hollamon, sr., Delmar

Division II Defensive Player of the Year in field hockey helped Wildcats win their sixth straight D-II championship, stretch winning streak to 115 games and finish season ranked third nationally by maxfieldhockey.com. Signed with Maryland.

Delmar's Josie Hollamon (right) watches the ball as Cape Henlopen's Hannah Maney moves in during the second half of the Wildcats' 2-1 win at Delmar High School, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.
Delmar's Josie Hollamon (right) watches the ball as Cape Henlopen's Hannah Maney moves in during the second half of the Wildcats' 2-1 win at Delmar High School, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

2. Lydia Colasante, sr., Tatnall

Lacrosse Player of the Year helped the Hornets stun Cape Henlopen 10-9 in the DIAA championship game, ending the Vikings’ streaks of 13 consecutive state titles and 176 straight wins. Also finished third in the 800 and 1,600 meters and seventh in the 3,200 meters to help Tatnall win the DIAA Indoor track and field title. Signed with Boston College.

Tatnall School senior Lydia Colasante (4) defends control of the ball against Tower Hill High School junior Anna Schlobach (11) during the girls lacrosse game at the Tatnall turf field in Greenville, Thursday, April 13, 2023. Tatnall won 23-8.
Tatnall School senior Lydia Colasante (4) defends control of the ball against Tower Hill High School junior Anna Schlobach (11) during the girls lacrosse game at the Tatnall turf field in Greenville, Thursday, April 13, 2023. Tatnall won 23-8.

1. Juliana Balon, jr., Padua

Won three individual events at the DIAA Indoor meet for the second straight year, setting a state record of 19 feet, 2¼ inches in the long jump and sweeping the 55- and 200-meter sprints. Swept the Division I 100, 200 and 400 and long jump titles at the DIAA Outdoor meet. Swept the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the Meet of Champions.

Padua’s Juliana Balon wins the Division I girls 200-meter dash at the DIAA Track & Field Championships at Dover High on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Padua’s Juliana Balon wins the Division I girls 200-meter dash at the DIAA Track & Field Championships at Dover High on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Contact Brad Myers at bmyers@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter: @BradMyersTNJ

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware high school girls sports: Overall top 40 athlete rankings