PCA Athletes Recognized Among Top Seacoast Girls Basketball Players for 2024-25

Seacoast Online highlighted 29 standout girls basketball players from 12 high schools around the Seacoast as “Players to Watch” prior to the start of the 2024-25 NHIAA season. Among those recognized in the preseason article was PCA’s own Ava Buchanan, who continues to impress this season.

Now, at the midseason mark, an additional 29 players have been recognized for exceeding expectations and making an impact on the court—and we’re thrilled that PCA athletes Isabella Stevens and Jaela Stockbower are among them.

Take a look below at what Seacoast Online had to say about our student-athletes in both their preseason article and their midseason feature.


Excerpt from the article 29 Seacoast Girls Basketball Players to Watch from 12 High Schools in 2024-25,” written by Jay Pinsonnault for the Portsmouth Herald.

Ava Buchanan, Portsmouth Christian Academy, Junior, Guard

Buchanan averaged 18.3 points a game last season for the Eagles who lost to Woodsville in the Division IV first round and finished with a record of 11-8. 

“(Buchanan) is a great shooter from all over the floor, a skilled dribbler, and a high basketball IQ from years of experience playing high level basketball,” Portsmouth Christian Academy head coach Katie Robertson said. “We expect her to be a leader on and off the court this season.” 

Buchanan, who may reach the 1,000-point milestone this season, was a Division IV all-state first-team selection and earned a spot on the Granite State South Conference team. 

This will be Buchanan’s third year on the varsity level. Her highlight game last season was in the season-opener, scoring 40 points in a win over Pittsfield.

Ava Buchanan, Provided/Portsmouth Christian Academy athletics


Excerpt from the article “Meet 29 Seacoast girls basketball players excelling in 2024-25″ written by Brandon Brown of the Portsmouth Herald

Isabella Stevens, Portsmouth Christian Academy, Sophomore, Forward

Stevens had seven points and 13 rebounds as PCA defeated Franklin 52-30 in a Division IV game. Stevens also scored nine points in a 52-10 win over Epping.

“Isabella has grown leaps and bounds in the course of a year as a player and floor general for PCA,” PCA head coach Katie Robertson said. “She does so many things that are not recorded in stats, organizing our team on and off the court, defensive talk, teammate encouragement and screening action.”

Robertson said PCA is a better team with Stevens on the court.

“When we press, she’s calling out directions from the back court,” she said. “When we’re running our offenses, she’s reminding her teammates of their actions within the offense. She posts double digit rebounds nearly every game.”

A basketball player in a white and maroon uniform with the number 3 holds a basketball, posing on a court.

Jaela Stockbower, Portsmouth Christian Academy, Sophomore, Guard

Portsmouth Christian Academy head coach Katie Roberston said Stockbower “never stops getting better.”

Stockbower scored 17 points, pulled down 13 rebounds had five steals/deflections and blocked two shots in PCA’s Division IV win over Woodsville, 51-39. She made five-of-eight free throw attempts in the win.

Stockbower also scored 15 points in a 53-35 win over Mount Royal Academy. Stockbower leads the team in field goal percentage (41), rebounding, steals charges taken and blocks, and is second in assists and total points.

“(Stockbower) is a driven, intuitive and coachable athlete,” Robertson said. “Her athleticism and composure on the court is a huge contributing factor to our overall success every night. Her stats speak for themselves.”

Basketball player in a maroon and black uniform, numbered 14, jumps towards the hoop for a layup in a gymnasium.