After an outstanding junior season, North Babylon's Bria Hartley joined a select group of young ladies by being named the 2008-09 New York State Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

Hartley, who averaged 22.4 points, 5.5 steals and 5.3 assists, has 1,373 career points and was a main reason why North Babylon had a 19-2 record and went to the Suffolk County Class AA semifinals.

"This honor speaks volumes about the season she had," North Babylon girls basketball head coach Mike Petre said. "The list of players on the winners list is very impressive. To achieve that is a real testament to the quality of player that she is."

Last year the honor went to former Long Island standout Samantha Prahalis, who played at Commack High School and is currently in the NCAA Tournament with Ohio State University. Although from different states, past winners include WNBA legend Lisa Leslie and Candice Parker, who both play for the Los Angeles Sparks.

"It's been a joy to watch Bria grow," said Petre, who mentioned Hartley's incredible elusiveness and speed as key attributes to her powerful game. "She's grown athletically, personally and in basketball IQ."

Rated as one of the top juniors in the nation by multiple recruiting websites and publications, Hartley is on the screen for many top-notch colleges, including the University of Connecticut, Duke University, and Stanford University.

Hartley's career-high 38 points game this season against Archbishop Molloy. With fellow teammate Eugenia McPherson off to St. John's University next season, Hartley will have plenty of opportunities to top that total.

"She's not easily satisfied," Petre said. "She knows there is always room for improvement and I expect her to make another jump between now and next season."