Allderdice and Obama Academy have traded City League girls basketball titles the past four seasons.
The Eagles won in 2022 and ‘23, and Allderdice has claimed the past two City League championships, including a 52-45 victory last season for their third win over the Eagles in the campaign.
The talented teams are again expected to battle for City League glory, though Carrick, Brashear, Perry Traditional Academy and Westinghouse will also work toward coveted postseason berths.
Here is a rundown of players to watch and top 3 teams in City League girls basketball this season.
Preseason Player of the Year
Bailey White, Allderdice
5-4, senior, guard
22.4 ppg last season
Players to watch
Nia Benjamin, Obama Academy
5-7, Jr., G
Jocelyn Fisher, Carrick
5-7, So., G/F
Rhyan Sledge, Allderdice
5-4, Jr., G
Arianna Treadwell, Obama Academy
5-6, Jr., PG
Preseason Top 3
1. Allderdice (20-6 last season)
After an 0-3 start, Allderdice found success in the regular season and rolled to the City League title and a trip to the PIAA tournament, where the Dragons lost to Canon-McMillan, 48-44, in the first round. Guards Bailey White (22.4 ppg) and Rhyan Sledge (12.6) return after earning All-City League recognition. White scored 24 points in the City League final and was named MVP for the second straight season. Junior guard/forward Ajah Malloy should also be an impact player for the Dragons. Allderdice will miss junior Peyton Lynch, who averaged 14.1 ppg but transferred to Avonworth before this school year.
2. Obama Academy (10-12 last season)
The Eagles had several young starters last season who have returned, notably junior guards Nia Benjamin and Arianna Treadwell. They helped the Eagles reach the City final and PIAA regional semifinals. Treadwell scored 18 points in the City League championship game last season. Sophomore forwards Dylan Stuvaints and Myonna Williams were also key contributors last season. Obama Academy will miss graduated All-City League guard Taylor Phillips (22.0 ppg).
3. Carrick (10-13 last season)
Four starters return this season for Carrick, which was a City League semifinalist and PIAA qualifier a year ago. The Raiders lost to Allderdice and Clearfield in the postseason. Guard Jocelyn Fisher averaged 16.3 ppg as a freshman last season and earned All-City League honors. Addison Schultz, Jayda Rose, Ahlai Robinson and Arianna Morant, a transfer from Brashear, will also be relied on, along with freshmen Skye Hall and Alaysia Peacock. The Raiders’ roster is made up entirely of sophomores and freshmen.