Derrick Webb

Derrick is SOSA's chief content coordinator and has worked for the Chillicothe Gazette, the Portsmouth Daily Times and Eleven Warriors. He's a 15-time award-winning journalist, a self-proclaimed baseball purist, a suffering Bengals fan and has never met a stranger.

GIRLS HOOPS: 10 players to keep an eye on this winter

Keep your eyes on these ten names.

Derrick Webb, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

After an exciting fall sports season, we have our fingers crossed for the same this winter.

With the start of high school basketball season upon us, here’s a list of 10 girls players in our coverage area, and in no particular order, to keep your eyes peeled for this coming season.

NOTE: This certainly does not mean there aren’t other players who will have great seasons. This is simply a list of 10 players we’ve randomly compiled.

Kam Barnitz, Fairland

Smooth as silk. That’s what Barnitz is. And her shot solidifies that statement. As a junior, Barnitz shot 31 percent from deep and 84 percent from the free throw line, tallying 8.6 points per game alongside 2.9 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.7 steals. She helped the Dragons win 27 games and a regional championship. This year, her role is sure to expand. Her numbers will surely rise.

Sienna Allen, Portsmouth

When Allen took the court as a freshman, she instantly became one of the most raw-talented players in Southern Ohio. And she only got better from there. Her 19.2 points per game helped the Trojans win 19 games and reach a Division III district championship game. It’s no secret … Portsmouth will be a tough out for any opponent this winter. Allen is reason number one.

Amaris Betts, Unioto

If opponents give Betts an inch of breathing room, they’re going to hear what they’ve always heard … splash. She’s a lethal shooter from beyond the arc and has next-level talent that appeared in every game last season — a year that saw Unioto win 25 games and a district title. Betts scored 14 points per night, hit 59 triples and shot 41 percent from deep. She’s elite.

Elly Lewis, Fairfield Union

There’s a reason why Lewis was a first-team all-district selection as a junior. Her ability to score, regardless of what’s going on around her, is that reason. She’s always had a knack for putting the ball in the bucket and was better than ever last season, leading Fairfield Union to 15 wins — nine straight at one point — and a district final appearance. Nothing should change in 2023-24.

Fairfield Union’s Elly Lewis looks to lead the Falcons to success this season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Gracie Ashley, Notre Dame

Death, taxes and Notre Dame’s girls basketball program making lengthy postseason runs. Yes, that’s cliche. But it’s also a fact. As a junior, Ashley helped the Titans go 24-3 and reach the Elite 8 with 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per night. She was phenomenal. Make no mistake about it … Ashley will be looked at time and time again when times get tough, as she should be.

Kamryn Sowers, Adena

If you’re looking for one of the most underrated players in the area, and for sure the most underrated player on this list, it’s Sowers. Hands down. The junior always plays with moxy and is consistently in position to make good things happen for her team. The Warriors return a ton of talent from last year’s roster. Don’t overlook Sowers. She’s imperative to Adena’s success.

Payton Johnson, Peebles

If you don’t know who Payton Johnson is by now, either you live under a rock or you’re simply not paying attention. Johnson isn’t one of the best players in our area, she’s one of the best players in our state. As a junior, she averaged 23.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, leading Peebles to 13 victories. She enters this winter looking to join the 2,000 point club.

Airah Lavy, Nelsonville-York

Lavy was a Special Mention All-Ohioan as a junior and she was one of the biggest snubs on the list. Her District 13 Player of the Year honor and 20.1 points per game both say she’s one of the best players in the state. Oh yeah, she also led the Buckeyes to their first outright TVC-Ohio title since 2005 and to a district final appearance. Put some respect on her name. She’s legit.

South Webster’s Skylar Zimmerman scored 15.7 points per night as a junior.
CREDIT: *Renee Nemeth/SOSA*

Skylar Zimmerman, South Webster

When Zimmerman walked into South Webster’s program, the Jeeps knew they had something special. After instantly making an impact at the varsity level, Zimmerman has only gotten better since. This year, she’ll again run the show. After scoring 15.7 points per game, alongside 4 assists and 2.5 steals, she’ll be looking to have the best year of her career in 2023-24.

Jessee Stewart, Miami Trace

Quick release. Dangerous from deep. Creative at the bucket. All of the above would describe Stewart. Miami Trace endured a roller-coaster-like season last winter. But there were at least two constants during that time and it was Stewart and teammate Hillery Jacobs, who has now graduated. That means it’s Stewart’s time to lead. You can expect her best every single night.