UConn incoming freshman Saniya Chong is one of five finalists for the Miss New York Basketball Award.

Chong is a 5-foot-9 guard at Ossining High who is averaging 35.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 9.6 assists, 4.2 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. Chong is the sixth all-time leading scorer in New York girls' basketball history and owns the state record for most career 3-pointers.

Chong has led Ossining to an undefeated record against New York competition this season and leads the Pride against Ursuline of New Rochelle, N.Y. in the state playoffs tomorrow.

The other finalists are Cassidy Chapko of Hoosic Valley, Alexandrea Flint of Keshequa, Irvington's Lexi Martin and Albany's Emia Willingham-Hurst. The winner will be announced next month. Current UConn freshman Breanna Stewart was last year's winner.

Keeping on the subject of New York stars on UConn's recruiting radar, Sierra Calhoun out of Christ the King did not make the list of finalists. Calhoun has been out of action recently with tendinitis in both knees. She returned in impressive fashion last night as she had 24 points, four rebounds and six steals in a 64-43 win over Mary Louis in the quarterfinals of the Catholic High School Athletic Association Brooklyn/Queens Diocese Division I tournament. The Royals play Bishop Ford in the semifinals on Thursday.

UConn men's basketball signees Kentan Facey and Terrence Samuel are among five finalists for the Mr. New York Basketball Award.