The Sports ReportsThere were plenty of exciting girls newcomers on both sides of the border this year, but Towanda's Maris Cobb stood out above the rest, contributing to varsity teams across four different sports. She is The Sports Reports / Ziff Law Firm 2025-26 "Girls Newcomer of the Year."
Cobb won a varsity letter in all four sports, beginning things off by leading the Lady Knights to an NTL cross-country title. Individually, she was third at the District IV, Class AA Championships and earned a state medal.
In the winter, she came off the bench for the Black Knight basketball team that won their regional bracket at the Josh Palmer Tournament, along with earning a home district game.
Cobb did double-duty this spring. On the diamond, she started at second base and had a team leading 23 runs scored and 14 RBI.
In track and field, Cobb qualified for States in the 3200, while just missing out in the 1600 and the 4-by-800.
2025-26 ALL-REGION GIRLS NEWCOMERS
Maris Cobb, Towanda: See above.
Izzy Renzi, Troy: Renzi was a three-sport varsity starter for the Trojans. In soccer, the freshman started in goal and was key in the Trojans claiming the NTL title, and reaching the district finals. She started on their basketball team with her standout shooting and defense. They claimed an NTL title, and won their program's first ever state game. This spring, she started at catcher though an injury limited her time on the diamond.
Lia Fischer, Wyalusing: Fischer was a three-sport starter this year. The freshman started in the midfield for a Lady Rams team that made the playoffs. In the winter, she had a winning record on the wrestling mat. This spring, Fischer was an NTL champion in the 100-meter hurdles, and missed qualifying for states by two spots.
Jenna Morningstar, Wyalusing: Morningstar was an impact player across three sports for the Rams. She started on offense for their playoff-bound soccer team. Morningstar was a double-double threat on the hardwoods for the Rams. This spring, Morningstar was a district medalist in the long jump.
Kaylen Sluyter, Towanda: Sluyter made an impact in two sports for the Knights. She was a state qualifier on the wrestling mat, coming up one-point short in the blood round of a state medal. On the softball field, Sluyter earned a starting spot in the outfield for the 14-win Towanda team.
Marley Devlin, Elmira: Devlin led Elmira on the gridiron with 1,374 yards passing, and led them to the Section IV, Class A title game. Devlin also competed in wrestling and tennis for the Express.
Hannah Kauffmann, Corning: Kauffmann was a standout on the softball diamond, hitting .328 with 19 RBI for the regional champions. She was a third-team all-state selection.
Skylynn Payne, Athens: The standout wrestler went 27-8 on the season, and won a pair of regular season tournament titles. She qualified for States.
Vida Rossi, Tioga: Rossi excelled on the volleyball court, finishing with 124 kills, 46 digs, nine aces, and six blocks. On the wrestling mat, Rossi finished with 12 wins.
Scarlett Graham, North Penn-Liberty: Graham was a tjhree-sport athlete for the Tigers. She was an All-County all-star on the pitch with a goal and three assists. On the hardwoods, she averaged 4.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game for the Mounties. Graham qualified for states in the 400 in track and field, placing third at the District IV, Class AA Championships.
Haylie Smith, Wellsboro: Smith had 12 goals and four assists playing for the Wellsboro soccer team. This spring, she hit .328 with 27 runs, seven RBI, and nine stolen bases. She also had three triples, and three doubles.
Lainey Hackett, Williamson: A four-sport athlete, Hackett finished top 10 at the NTL Championships in cross-country, while also starting for the Williamson soccer team. She was a rotation player on the Williamson basketball team, while this spring, her 4-by-800 relay qualifier for states after taking fourth at districts.
Paisley Emick, Corning: The Sports Reports' "Volleyball Player of the Year," she led Corning to a sectional title with 533 assists, and 138 digs on the year.
