The New York State Sports Writers Association and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association recently released the all-state basketball teams for the 2025-26 season, recognizing nine exceptional players from Section 4 across the AAA, AA and A divisions.
Regional Representation
Among them, three standout athletes hail from Horseheads, each earning a spot on the prestigious lists.
Samantha Bonnell, a freshman point guard, secured a fifth-team Class AA berth, while junior guard Maddie Ribble earned a 12th-team nod. Sophomore Giana Hughey was also noted with an honorable mention, underscoring the program’s depth.
Horseheads’ success didn’t stop at individual honors; the team fought its way to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA final four, only to meet eventual state champion North Tonawanda, who proved too strong in that showdown.
Other local names on the all-state roster include Charlise Starns, a junior forward from Corning who made the third team in Class AAA, and Mariah Matias, a junior forward from Elmira, who added a fourth-team selection to her three-time all-state legacy.
Completing the regional representation, Joey Ryan, a junior from Norwich, captured the highest all-state honor in Class A, landing on the second team.