GIRLS HOOPS: Take a look at SOSA’s All-Area Team

Derrick Webb, Managing Editor

To really understand just how special this past basketball season was, you’d have to look back on every career-defining moment, every game-winning shot, and every net that was cut down in jubilation.

Southern Ohio Sports Authority was right there every step of the way, covering individual milestones, improbable feats and wins that changed history.

After a fun-filled year, take a look at our All-Area Team, which consists of 40 area players who were at their best throughout the winter season.

Sienna Allen | Junior | Forward | Portsmouth

The Division V District Player of the Year showed up and showed out all year long. Allen carried her Trojans to new heights with 13.8 points per game. Having said that, she could score however many she wanted and whenever she wanted. She’s just too good of a teammate to not pass the ball. In the state title game, she totaled 17 points and was 8-of-9 shooting in a 53-38 victory.

Allie Baker | Senior | Guard | Huntington

There’s no question that Baker was the engine that made Huntington go, helping her teammates rack up 18 wins and reach a district semifinal. The first-team all-SVC and first-team all-district honoree posted 18.9 points and 3.8 steals per night alongside 45 3-point field goals. She ends her career with 1,179 points — one of eight players in program history to score 1,000 or more.

Kate Ball | Senior | Forward | Chesapeake

If you’re not Lawrence County, Ball may be a well-kept secret. But if you’ve played with or against her, you know exactly how talented she is. The senior helped keep the Panthers afloat this season, scoring 15.5 points per night alongside 3.5 assists and 4.2 steals. She was rightfully named the District 13 Player of the Year and the OVC Offensive Player of the Year.

Kamryn Barnitz | Senior | Guard | Fairland

Barnitz is just the latest senior to graduate a legend at Fairland. Succeeding a long line of successful alums, she left her mark on a program that’s no stranger to winning titles. She helped the Dragons win a third consecutive regional crown while ending her career with 1,070 points, 246 assists and 224 steals. During her four years, Fairland was 95-14. Enough said.

Gracie Bills | Sophomore | Forward | Belpre

It had been 28 years since Belpre held up a district championship trophy. Bills helped snap that skid this season. The sophomore led the Golden Eagles in scoring with 14.5 points per night while also proving to be dominant on the board on a nightly basis. Belpre’s season eventually ended with a regional final loss, but Bills and company will be right back in the mix next year.

Katelynn Boerger | Senior | Center | North Adams

If there was ever a program synonymous with success, it’s North Adams. The Green Devils won their 11th SHAC title since 2012 and advanced all the way to a district final, winning 19 games in the process. Boerger was the leader of the group, posting 13.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per night. She was a first-team all-conference and first-team all-district honoree.

Emma Clary | Senior | Forward | South Gallia

In the past four years, South Gallia has enjoyed plenty of success. Clary has been at the center of that storm. Her play allowed the Rebels to finish 19-6 this season with a perfect 10-0 mark in SOC II play and a district final appearance. Her 15.7 points led the team and helped her earn first-team all-league and first-team all-district honors. Rio Grande is getting an absolute gamer.

Brenlee Cottrill | Sophomore | Guard | Federal Hocking

Put simply, there’s probably not a better purebread point guard in our area. Cottrill is small but mighty in everything she does, whether it be driving to the rim to draw a foul or finding an open teammate in the midst of several defenders. Her 17.5 points per night helped Federal Hocking win their first district championship since 1989 and advance all the way to a regional final.

Tylee Davis | Sophomore | Forward | Hillsboro

Davis was essentially a walking double-double all year long. Put her in the lineup and let her do what she does. Averaging a team-high 14 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, along with three assists and 3.8 steals, the sophomore helped her Indians piece together a 19-5 mark. Bad news for opponents; she’s going to be an absolute force to be reckoned with for two years to come.

Addison Edgington | Sophomore | Center | Circleville

Off the basketball court, Edgington’s strength, courage and resilience speaks for itself. But she’s also a beast in between the lines. The Tigers enjoyed yet another successful year where they went 20-5 overall with a trip to a district final. Edgington scored a team-high 16.8 points per night alongside nearly 10 rebounds, earning first-team all-MSL and all-district honors. 

Taylor Evans | Junior | Guard | Amanda-Clearcreek

When AC waded into troubled waters, Evans was the calm in the storm. The junior spent her season scoring 16 points per night and leading the Aces to a 13-win season. Her efforts helped her collect first-team all-league and all-district honors, as well as a second-team All-Ohio nod. With one year left to add to her already storied career, she’ll be better than ever next season.

Addison Godby | Junior | Center | Fairland

Godby is Fairland’s Swiss Army Knife. She does anything she’s asked to do at an elite level. She spent the ‘24-25 season churning out career highs in per game averages of points (11.4), rebounds (7.2) and steals (3.2). Fairland finished 21-6 and captured district and regional championships. Godby enters next winter with 748 points, 503 rebounds and 303 assists.

Marly Halcomb | Sophomore | Forward | Adena

At the end of the 2023-24 season, Adena was forced to say goodbye to a talented senior class. But with Halcomb waiting in the wings to take over a superstar role, there was no panic in Frankfort. The sophomore was magnificent all year long, scoring 16.8 points per night alongside 5.5 rebounds and a league-leading 58 triples. Her play allowed the Warriors to go 17-7 overall.

Mya Hamilton | Senior | Guard | Unioto

When Hamilton gets going, she’s as smooth as silk. Her ability to drive to the hoops combined with an elite jumpshot allowed her to score in bunches — again — this winter. While posting 18.2 points, 2.5 assists and 2.3 steals per night, she helped Unioto go 21-5 overall with a 14-0 mark in the SVC, alongside the program’s second district crown in the past three seasons. 

Lola Hankins | Senior | Guard | Ironton

Ironton had quite the turnaround in just a 365-day period. The Fighting Tigers were 5-18 in 2023-24 and worked to improve their record to 12-12 this past season. Hankins played a huge part in that movement, scoring a team-high 18.5 points per game. She was decisive with the basketball and shot lights out in most games. She leaves a huge pair of shoes to fill.

Matti Hayslip | Sophomore | Guard | Green

The Bobcats won the program’s first conference title since 2000 and the first district championship since 1993. Neither of those things happen without Hayslip. Her 14.6 points, 4.1 assists and 2.6 steals each night were instrumental in a 22-win season that ended in a regional semifinal. But the story won’t end there. Hayslip has two years left and Green’s future is bright.

Larah Henson | Sophomore | Forward | McClain

McClain’s future is in capable hands and Henson is a key component to that statement. She provided the Tigers with a top-notch scoring option — both from deep and near the bucket — and helped her teammates win 22 contests. Her game-winning shot over Hillsboro on Feb. 1 clinched the outright league title and all but handed McClain a Gold Ball. She’s fun to watch.

Maggie Holbert | Junior | Guard | Unioto

There are certain players who command attention when they have the ball in their hands. Holbert is one of those players. If you blink, you might miss something special. She spent her junior year helping the Shermans win their second district title in the past three seasons and yet another Gold Ball. Her 8.3 points, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals per night helped Unioto finish 21-5.

Asa Holcombe | Senior | Guard | Athens

Coming into the season, Athens was expected to be good. The Bulldogs met those expectations and then some, and Holcombe led the way. The senior posted 11.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.2 steals each night, leading Athens to an 18-6 mark and an outright TVC-Ohio championship. She ends an incredible career with 1,007 points, 572 rebounds and 300 assists.

Kiannah Ingram | Junior | Guard | Logan Elm

Logan Elm had its ups and downs this season. The Braves were 12-12 overall but 9-3 outside of MSL-Buckeye action. But no matter who LE’s opponent was, Ingram balled out. She spent her junior season scoring 20.9 points per game while collecting her 1,000th career point. With a year left, she has a real shot at cementing her legacy as one of the best Braves to ever do it.

Laila Kelley | Sophomore | Guard | Piketon

Kelley is one of the toughest athletes in SOSA’s coverage area. The Redstreaks’ point guard did it all in a season where they took a significant next step. Her 11.7 points and 3.4 assists helped Piketon compile a 15-9 record with a 10-4 mark in SVC action. She hit 41 3-point field goals and shot 70.4 percent from the free throw line. And she’s only going to get better as a junior.

Abbie Knapp | Sophomore | Center | Green

There were many reasons why Green enjoyed one of, if not the, best seasons in its history. Knapp was the main one. The sophomore lit up baskets no matter who she played. She scored a whopping 26.8 points per game — the most in the state of Ohio, according to MaxPreps — and added 13.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.2 blocks per night. She was simply immaculate.

Peyton May | Junior | Center | Wheelersburg

There may have been some that counted Wheelersburg out before the season started. May made sure to prove those doubters wrong on a consistent basis. Her 12.1 points per night not only helped the Pirates win a share of the SOC III championship, but that number also helped her earn first-team all-league and all-district honors. She’ll be the best she’s ever been in ‘25-26.

Maycee Martindill | Junior | Guard | Fairfield Union

If she gets an open look, mark it in the books. Martindill was Fairfield Union’s sharpshooter and never wavered from that identity. And, in late game situations, the Falcons trusted her to put the win on ice from the free throw line. Her 12.7 points per night helped Fairfield Union win a school record 27 games and capture its second regional championship — the first since 1999.

Paige O’Bryant | Junior | Forward | Waverly

O’Bryant is athletic as all get out and she put that on full display all year long. She’s a terror to defend in transition and routinely puts defenders on skates when those instances occur. With the Tigers forced to say goodbye to a talented senior class, O’Bryant will take on the lead role as a senior. She won’t have any problem doing so. Look for her 14.9 points per game to balloon.

Paisley Pryor | Sophomore | Guard | McClain

When McClain needed a big shot, the ball was in Pryor’s hands. She delivered the goods at every turn. The FAC Player of the Year scored a team-high 17.8 points per game, leading to first-team all-district honors. Pryor’s play lifted the Tigers to a 22-2 season that included an outright FAC championship and a district semifinal trip. She’ll be even better in 2025-26.

Daysha Reid | Senior | Guard | Portsmouth

Now that it’s all said and done, Reid’s career will be remembered as one of the best-ever at Portsmouth. As a senior, she did nothing but cement that legacy, spearheading the Trojans to a 27-1 mark and a first-ever state championship. She scored 12.7 points per night and went on a historic tear during the team’s tournament run, scoring 57 points in the team’s final three wins.

Maggie Risner | Senior | Forward | Minford

There’s not a lot that Risner can’t do on the basketball court. She passes as well as any guard, she shoots like a forward and she can play in the post if you ask her to. The Falcons’ do-it-all senior helped her teammates finish 20-6. When you talk about players who do “the little things” that don’t show up in the box score, Risner should be at the center of the discussion.

Bailey Russell | Junior | Forward | Fairland

While the Dragons put together yet another dominant season, Russell spent her junior year leading the team in scoring with 16.2 points per game. She was once again lethal from beyond the 3-point arc, hitting a career-high 71 triples and shooting 38 percent — the 20th best mark in the state. She’ll enter her senior season with 1,275 career points and 183 3-point baskets.

Lily Ryder | Sophomore | Guard | Alexander

If you’re looking for a name to keep on your radar throughout the next two seasons, here it is. Ryder is explosive with the basketball in her hands and can score from anywhere on the floor. She was the leader of a rather young group that won 17 games and contended for a league title with a 10-2 mark. Ryder posted averages of 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals per night.

Taylor Smeck | Junior | Guard | Fairfield Union

While Fairfield Union racked up a record 27 victories, Smeck ran the show offensively. The junior speedster could score 15-to-20 if she needed to. But she often facilitated the basketball to her teammates in an elite way. Earning first-team all-MSL and third-team all-district honors, Smeck played a huge role in the Falcons’ trek to the Final 4. She’s got one more go-around, too. 

Milee Smith | Junior | Forward | Unioto

All season, Smith terrorized opponents. And when the tournament started, she switched into an even higher gear — take her 33-point performance in the team’s district championship win over Tri-Valley as proof. The two-time defending SVC Player of the Year averaged 25.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.6 assists per night, leading her Shermans to 21 victories.

Avery Smithberger | Senior | Forward | Waterford

Waterford’s Division VII state championship was no fluke. Division realignment had nothing to do with the team’s success. If you doubt that, their regional title was the program’s eighth since 2015. Smithberger has been part of three regional title teams — this year’s being her most notable. The 5-foot-10 senior scored 8.6 points per night and was the definition of a leader.

Laney Strickland | Freshman | Center | Notre Dame

Reload, not replace. That’s what Notre Dame does. Strickland is the latest testament to that statement. The freshman posted 11.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per night for a team that finished 15-9, seeing its season end in a district final at the hands of Waterford — the eventual state champ. The Titans will have continued success in the future. Strickland is a huge reason why.

Kendall Sury | Senior | Forward | Waterford

For good reason, Sury was the Division VII District co-Player of the Year. For ridiculous reasons, whatever they may be, she was a second-team All-Ohioan — she should’ve been a first-teamer and it isn’t close. While scoring 12 points per game, she led the Wildcats to a Division VII state championship and scored 15 points in the title game. She’s one of the best in the state. Period. 

Christian Thompson | Senior | Forward | Fairfield Union

There’s a good reason why Thompson was the Division IV District Player of the Year and she put that reason on display each time on the floor. While she averaged 19.3 points per game, her ability to alter shots defensively and find open teammates in transition was just as important to her team’s success. She was the unquestioned leader of a group that lost one game all year.

Mia Vastine | Senior | Guard | Wheelersburg

The epitome of a leader. That’s what Vastine is. Don’t take our word for it. Ask her teammates. On any given night, she was a threat to post a triple-double because of her ability to distribute and rebound the basketball. The pass-first Vastine led her Pirates to a share of the SOC III title and a district final appearance. She was recognized as the SOC III’s Defensive POY.

Avery Wagner | Senior | Center | Waterford

If you’ve seen Waterford, you know you can’t miss Wagner. The 6-foot-4 senior has been dominant throughout her career and absolutely nothing changed this winter. Her 12.7 points per game and nearly 10 rebounds each night aided the Wildcats to a 27-1 mark and yet another state championship. Players like Wagner don’t come around often. She’ll be forever a legend.

Lindsee Williams | Senior | Center | Minford

Williams has always been an elite post player, but seemed to take her game to another level this winter. In the midst of scoring her 1,000th point and pulling down her 1,000th rebound, she led Minford to the program’s best-ever season. While the Falcons flew into their first-ever Elite 8, Williams continued to be dominant, earning SOC III POY and first-team all-district honors.

Keke Woods | Sophomore | Guard | Portsmouth

If you’ve watched Woods play, you know it seems like she’s everywhere all of the time. The speed demon wreaked havoc on opposing offenses all year long and turned turnovers into transition buckets. She was a key part to the Trojans’ second consecutive regional title and first-ever state championship — a win over Creston Norwayne, where she scored 11 points.

Honorable Mention Selections

Keyairah Beard, Unioto; Brailee Hauswirth, Jaylin Forbes, Piketon; Huntington; Kyra Boyd, Hillsboro; Gracie Lovett, Miami Trace; Emma Emnett, Clay; Sophia Craft, Clay; Jaysa Bryant, Notre Dame; Lexi Conkel, Minford; Marlee Pendleton, Minford; Caris Risner, Waverly; Brayleigh Pistole, West; Macey Whisman, West; Jaylee Orsborne, Federal Hocking; Haley Alloway, Belpre; Kallie Burger, River Valley; Kaylee Hudnall, Alexander; Quinn Banks, Athens; Tabby Schumacher, Eastern Brown; Tatum Grooms, North Adams; Addy Roberts, Whiteoak; Ryley Kleemeyer, Fayetteville; Ava Layne, Fairland; Hayven Carter, Portsmouth; Maddie Blakeman, Circleville

SPONSORED BY NEIL COLEMAN INSURANCE