The Burlington Free Press has named a dozen extraordinary girls basketball players from Vermont, recognizing a generation that has reshaped the sport in the state.
At the top of the list stands Nicole Andres Levesque, the only Vermonter to have competed in the WNBA, having suited up for the Charlotte Sting in 1997, a milestone that still resonates in high school gyms across the state.
Becca Bright-Pugh, who led South Burlington to a Division I championship in 1991, later became the third‑all‑time leading scorer in the history of the University of Rhode Island, a testament to her relentless scoring touch.
Kari Greenbaum left an indelible mark on Brattleboro, setting school records for career points, assists, steals and blocks, numbers that still stand as benchmarks for future Generals.
Emily Kinneston guided Champlain Valley to back‑to‑back perfect seasons before reaching the 1,000‑point plateau at American University, a feat that cemented her status among the nation’s elite collegiate scorers.
Jade Huntington holds the all‑time leading scorer title in Vermont high school girls basketball history with 2,114 points, a record that reflects both durability and dominance.
Jasmyn Huntington Fletcher followed that legacy by becoming the second player from the state to breach the 2,000‑point threshold, a milestone that underscores the depth of talent that Vermont has produced.
Jennifer Niebling was a cornerstone of the University of Vermont’s NCAA Tournament appearances in 1992 and 1993, helping the Catamounts make deep runs that still inspire the program.
Cory Mullen‑Rusin earned the Free Press Miss Basketball honor and the Gatorade Player of the Year twice, in 2004 and 2005, signaling a rare blend of skill and leadership.
Sarah Schreib graduated as the all‑time leading scorer for the Hornets and contributed to James Madison’s 1996 NCAA Tournament berth, a rare achievement for a mid‑major program.
Kim Silloway powered the Hilltoppers to back‑to‑back Division II state championships in 1981 and 1982 and earned All‑ACC honors at Virginia, a combination that defined a generation.
Libby Smith, a four‑year starter at Essex, was part of three perfect seasons and four Division I state titles, a record of consistency that few programs can match.
Morgan Valley helped Rice to back‑to‑back undefeated seasons and Division I titles, ending Essex’s five‑year reign and cementing a new era of dominance.
A Community Celebration
Readers are now invited to vote for their favorite among the twelve legends, with the option to submit write‑in candidates, ensuring that the community’s voice helps shape the ongoing narrative of Vermont basketball excellence.