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

Derrick Webb, Staff Writer

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 35 area players who were at their best throughout the winter season.

Bree Allen | Junior | Forward | Fairland

On a nightly basis, Allen gave opponents fits. The junior led the Dragons in scoring at 13.4 points per game and added 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 3.3 steals. That helped Fairland win OVC, sectional, district and regional titles. When she enters her senior year, she’ll be viewed as the team’s best all-around player while trying to add to 1,159 career points and 594 rebounds.

Sienna Allen | Freshman | Forward | Portsmouth

Bad news for Portsmouth’s opponents … they’re going to have to find a way to stop Allen from scoring for the next three seasons. If you’ve watched her play, you know that’s much easier said than done. In her first varsity season, Allen averaged 19.2 points and was a main reason why the Trojans advanced to a Division III district championship game. She’s, in a word, special. 

Gracie Ashley | Junior | Center | Notre Dame

Every single season, Notre Dame just plain racks up victories. It’s their forte. But that doesn’t happen without players like Ashley. The junior averaged 10.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.5 steals for a team that finished 24-3 and reached a regional final game. There’s no reason to expect anything less next year. Ashley will be the leader of the group going forward.

Kam Barnitz | Junior | Guard | Fairland

Consistently, Barnitz was lethal from behind the 3-point arc. In total, the junior shot 32 percent from deep and nailed 31 triples. She was also a 84 percent free throw shooter while posting 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Those numbers were a huge help to a team that won 27 games and won a Division II regional crown. She’ll be a leader in 2023-24.

Amaris Betts | Junior | Guard | Unioto

Time and time again, Betts proved to be one of the region’s best pure shooters. Give her even an inch near the 3-point arc, and chalk it up in the scoring column. Her junior year was her best yet as she averaged 14 points and 3.1 steals per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and 41 percent from the arc, aiding the Tanks to 25 wins. Her 59 triples were a league-high.

Maddie Blakeman | Freshman | Forward | Circleville

The Tigers’ freshman played like a seasoned veteran all year long. Blakeman scored 13 points per night and helped her teammates piece together a 19-5 overall record and a 10-4 mark in one of the region’s toughest conferences. A sectional championship was on the docket this year. Next season could be even more special and Blakeman will undoubtedly lead the charge.

Emily Buckley | Senior | Guard | Amanda-Clearcreek

Throughout her career at Amanda, Buckley has been the ‘go-to’ player for the Aces. The senior certainly didn’t do anything to hurt that reputation this past winter. While averaging 13 points per night, she led Amanda to 14 wins and a district semifinal appearance. Buckley was a first-team all-league honoree and a second-team Central District recipient. Well-deserved honors.

TJ Carpenter | Junior | Forward | Jackson

For the second consecutive year, Carpenter’s Ironladies won a Frontier Athletic Conference title. The junior led the way, scoring 15.3 points per night, earning the FAC’s Player of the Year honor and being named first-team all-district and second-team All-Ohio. She’s helped her team completely revamp the program’s identity and will look to leave her final mark next winter.

Lexi Deaver | Senior | Guard | West

To say West had its best season in program history is far from a stretch. The Senators were 25-2 and won SOC, sectional and district titles before clinching their first-ever Elite 8 bid. Those accomplishments had a lot to do with the team’s guard play and Deaver held down one of those starting positions. She averaged 11.7 points per game and helped her teammates write history.

Annie Dettwiller | Senior | Guard | Notre Dame

The definition of a leader. That’s what Dettwiller is and has been throughout her time at ND. As a senior, she was the operator of a smooth-running engine, leading the Titans to a 24-3 mark and an Elite 8 appearance. She posted averages of 11.6 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.1 steals per night — all team-highs. Needless to say, she leaves a humongous pair of shoes to fill.

Emma Garrison | Junior | Guard | Adena

Once again, Garrison played at an elite level all season. The junior, who was named the SVC’s Player of the Year, averaged 16.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. She was, in a phrase, the Warriors’ engine. Her efforts led Adena to an 18-6 overall record, a 12-2 mark in conference action and a sectional championship. One more year for Garrison. She’ll be special.

Jacey Harding | Senior | Guard | Chillicothe

If there’s one player you had to circle on the game plan when playing Chillicothe, it was undoubtedly Harding. While her teammates enjoyed a 14-win season, Harding became the program’s all-time leading scorer and set its single-game scoring mark with 44 points. She ended her senior year at 23.7 points per night and set a new standard for the Cavaliers.

Tomi Hinkle | Senior | Guard | Fairland

There aren’t words to describe the full effect Hinkle had on her teammates in Proctorville. And if you ask any of the Dragons, they’ll tell you she was the unquestioned leader. Hinkle, a first-team All-Ohioan, led Fairland to the program’s third regional championship and a 27-1 mark. She averaged 11.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.5 steals per night and leaves a legend.

Maelynn Howell | Senior | Center | West

When her Senators needed a boost in the most dire times, Howell was there to provide it. She was, quite literally, a walking double-double and continuously posed problems for her opponents. Howell averaged 14.7 points per night and crashed the board like a woman possessed. The team’s first-ever SOC and district titles wouldn’t have been possible without her.

Keetyn Hupp | Senior | Forward | North Adams

If there was ever a driving force behind a team’s success, it was Hupp for her Green Devils. The  senior led the program to its winningest season in history — quite the accomplishment given its past success — and led the team in scoring at 13 points per game. She was a first-team all-district selection and an honorable mention All-Ohioan. She’ll be missed immensely at NA.

Sophi Hutchinson | Freshman | Guard | Chesapeake

Everything. That’s what Hutchinson does well. Just a year ago, the Panthers were 6-16 overall. This past season? 17-7. That’s the difference Hutchinson and her freshman teammates made. Hutchinson made a quick splash on the local basketball scene to the tune of 18.7 points per night. If you’re looking for a youngin’ to keep on your radar, Hutchinson should lead the list.

Hillery Jacobs | Senior | Forward | Miami Trace

In the paint, from mid-range, from beyond the 3-point arc — we’re just naming places where Jacobs can hit shots. The senior, who’s proven her ability to score from anywhere time and time again, led the Panthers with 14.2 points per night and was an all-district and honorable mention All-Ohio honoree. Her leadership and intensity will be missed enormously at Miami Trace.

Payton Johnson | Junior | Guard | Peebles

Put any guard on Johnson and, before you do, make sure you wish them good luck and godspeed … they’re going to need it. Pound for pound, Peebles’ star junior is one of the most talented guards in Ohio. Her 23.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 4.1 steals per night illustrates that statement perfectly. She’ll enter her senior year just south of 2,000 career points.

Kenlie Jones | Junior | Guard | North Adams

We’re convinced that Jones has ice in her veins. When the game was on the line, North Adams often looked to their junior point guard to put a win on ice. She delivered the goods every single time. Jones averaged 11.8 points per game and was an automatic from the charity stripe. Her efforts led the Green Devils to a single-season program record 25 wins and a district title.

Rylee Leonard | Senior | Guard | Eastern Brown

By all accounts, including the record book’s, Leonard is the best to ever play at Eastern Brown. She’s deadly from beyond the 3-point arc with the instincts to beat any defender to the rim. As a senior, she set six school records, and was named the SHAC and Division III District POY after averaging 28.9 points per night. She ends her four-year stint with 2,036 career points.

Airah Lavy | Junior | Guard | Nelsonville-York

Nelsonville-York was a dangerous team all year long and Levy was its unquestioned leader. The Buckeyes’ guard was the TVC and District 13 Player of the Year after posting 20.1 points, 5.4 rebound and 3.7 assists per night. Those numbers led NY to its first outright league title since 2005 and a district final berth. She’ll look to lead her team to a repeat performance as a senior.

Peyton Magee | Senior | Guard | Fairfield

Now that it’s said and done, Fairfield’s basketball history is riddled with Magee’s name. Take away the wins and losses and look at how much better Magee made her teammates. She was, in every sense, phenomenal. This past winter saw her average 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.2 steals while pacing the Lions to 19 victories and a district final appearance.

Jade Massey | Junior | Guard | Lynchburg-Clay

If you’re wondering who on this list can do absolutely everything, Massey fits the bill. Scoring, rebounding, passing, defense … She’s the complete package. Her numbers back that up as she averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.1 steals for the 15-win Mustangs. If there’s a team to watch out for in 2023-24, it’s Lynchburg. Massey is a huge reason why.

Hazley Matthews | Senior | Guard | Rock Hill

There may not be a more prolific jump shot than Matthews’. If she’s pulling up mid-range, with or without a hand in her face, count it. As a senior, she led her Redwomen to a 17-7 mark and a sectional championship while posting team-highs of 17 points, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals. The Georgetown College-commit will fit in fine at the next level. The Tigers are getting a steal.

Daysha Reid | Sophomore | Guard | Portsmouth

Simply electric. Reid lit up the scoreboard and brought a moxy to the game while doing so. The Trojans were a dangerous team in 2022-23 — going 19-6 overall — and Reid spearheaded that aspect. She could knock down the trey, nail mid-range jumpers and score in traffic. Nightly, she averaged 14.9 points before earning an all-conference and second-team all-district mentions. 

Emma Sayre | Junior | Guard | West

She gets to the bucket in the blink of an eye. Ask any defender. She’s a nightmare to guard. Sayre and her Senators made history this past season, winning the school’s first-ever SOC II and district championships. She was, without question, the catalyst of those accomplishments. When next year comes, West is still an SOC title contender. Sayre is your reason why.

Milee Smith | Freshman | Guard | Unioto

Bright doesn’t begin to describe Smith’s future. The freshman was dynamic as soon as she stepped into the varsity game, pacing the Tanks to a Gold Ball and a Sweet 16 appearance. She led the team in multiple categories while posting 14.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game — all team-highs. As hard as it is to believe, she’ll be even better in 2023-24.

Gabby Pernell | Junior | Guard | Southeastern

It seems like Pernell has been at Southeastern for more than four years already. But that’s only because she’s become synonymous with being the Panthers’ leading scorer — since she was a freshman. This year was no different as she posted a team-leading 13.5 points per game and hit 41 triples. That helped the Panthers win 11 games and a sectional crown as a No. 15 seed.

Kelli Stewart | Senior | Center | Waverly

There aren’t many out there as versatile as Stewart is. The senior scored her 1,000th point this past season and was, basically, a guaranteed double-double on a nightly basis. Her 14.6 points each night helped the Tigers win 16 games and consistently compete in a talent-loaded SOC. As Stewart looks towards a collegiate athletic career, she leaves humongous shoes to fill.

Nicole Terry | Senior | Forward | Fairfield Union

Every single night, Terry imposed her will on opposing defenses, leading the Falcons to a turnaround season — the group started 6-9 and ended 15-10 after reaching a district final. But that’s nothing new. She’s been a fixture for the Falcons during her tenure and leaves a legacy of leadership behind her after averaging 13.5 points per evening during her senior season.

Bailey Vulgamore | Senior | Guard | Waverly

Many times, Vulgamore was a one-woman wrecking crew. The senior scored her 1,000th career point and then turned on the afterburners, leading the Tigers to a 16-7 mark. She was the District 14 Coaches Association Player of the Year and the SOC II POY after averaging 18.5 points per game. She was exceptional all season long and will play next year at WVU Tech.

Makenna Walker | Senior | Guard | Wheelersburg

How did Walker end her senior season? Nothing big. She just led the Pirates — a program with a long history of success — to its first-ever state semifinal appearance. She was the focus of a team that finished 25-3 in Dayton while scoring 10.8 points per game. Walker consistently stuffed the stat sheet and, quite simply, hit shots when the Pirates needed them the most. 

Addison West | Junior | Forward | Lynchburg-Clay

If West is open, and she’s shooting, go ahead and put it on the board. The junior posted a team-high 13.4 points this year and shot 40 percent from the floor. That helped the Mustangs win a sectional crown and 15 contests. She was an all-conference honoree and a second-team all-district selection. Her numbers will go up as a senior, as will the team’s win total.

Madison Whittaker | Senior | Guard | Wheelersburg

As her career ends, Whittaker goes down as one of Wheelersburg’s most prolific 3-point shooters in quite some time … and that’s saying something, considering the team’s history. The senior poured in 12.9 points per night and was a constant threat from behind the arc. She helped the Pirates win their first-ever regional championship and finish 25-3 overall. 

Skylar Zimmerman | Junior | Guard | South Webster

As a freshman, Zimmerman showed glimpses of brilliance. As a junior, she was … well … simply brilliant. The Jeeps’ scoring leader posted 15.7 points per night and combined them with 3.6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.5 steals. She was the driving force behind a 13-win Jeeps team that often pushed elite teams to the brink. She has one year left to terrorize opposing defenses.

Honorable Mention Selections

Kiannah Ingram, Logan Elm; Christian Thompson, Fairfield Union; Gabby McConnell, Circleville; Elly Lewis, Fairfield Union; Morgan Blakeman, Circleville; Ella Kirby, Notre Dame; Cadence Willams, New Boston; Maggie Swayne, Clay; Avery Erslan, Chillicothe; Jessee Stewart; Miami Trace; Payton Pryor, McClain; Kenzie Davis, Jackson; Blake Herdman, Hillsboro; Mattie Walburn, Jackson; Allie Mongold, Washington; Jaylie Parr, Whiteoak; Faith Donley, Fairfield; Macy Etienne, Lynchburg-Clay; Bry Price, Lynchburg-Clay; Anne Murphy, Fayetteville; Laney Ruckel, North Adams; Sarah Clark, Eastern Brown; Lexie Rucker, Wheelersburg; Lindsee Williams, Minford; Lexi Conkel, Minford; Amelia Uhrig, Unioto; Natalie Cooper, Piketon; Averi McFadden, Paint Valley; Kendall Dye, Paint Valley; Alexis Book, Unioto; Jazz Lamerson, Piketon; Emma Hinshaw, Huntington; Haydn Bailey, Rock Hill; Bailey Russell, Fairland; Camille Hall, South Point

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