By Christian Mordi (@thedribbledrop)
Name: Mya Bembry
Team: West Orange
Year: Junior
Stats: 19 points, 11 rebounds, 5 steals and a block per game
Accolades: All Group 4 first team, Super Essex County Player of the Year
Projection: 2nd Team All-State
Why they’re on the list: It was time for a change at West Orange.
Over the past three years, Wo-Town finished below 500 record wise. 2017 the program took a huge step in the right direction with a stellar record of 23-4. The key factor in this team becoming a legitimate force in the state was Mya Bembry.
After watching Mya live, it’s clear she can do it all. Bembry is creative in transition and is an elite finisher. Bembry sets the tone on defense for West Orange as well. In 2017, Mya averaged five thefts per night.
Mya clearly loves the big game. Bembry's strong play down the stretch nearly grabbed West Orange the Essex County Tournament title. The diaper dandy tallied 23 points and 13 boards in a semifinal win over University, then notched 21 and 11 in a two-point, overtime loss to Newark Tech in the final.
With a nice returning cast around her and an improved skill set, Bembry will be in for a big year. If West Orange wins the Essex County Tournament, Mya may make a legitimate push for first team All-State.
Stat to know: Mya was the Essex County Player of the Year as a sophomore.