By Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE — Three Hewitt-Trussville players made The All-Tribune team, though if you asked them, they’d probably rather still be playing basketball at this stage.
The Huskies weren’t the only team to feature multiple members, as Springville’s Tigers also featured multiple players on the roster. The Tribune’s coverage area featured strong play from a variety of young women at each position.
Here is the team:
Jordan Hunter, Hewitt-Trussville
Hunter brings a unique blend of speed and shooting acumen, but where she may shine brightest, honestly, is with her quick hands and feet on defense. She’s the kind of heady player you’d expect from a coach’s kid, as she’s the Huskies’ coach Tonya Hunter’s daughter.
Audre Benson Hewitt-Trussville
Possibly the fastest basketball player in 7A, Benson’s ability to take the ball and streak past defenders is something to see. She has the ability to create one-on-one, and the Huskies were often at their most dangerous with the ball in Benson’s hands.
D’Yona Jones, Hewitt-Trussville
The first healthy season for Jones showcased why she’s a great player. The Huskies were one of only two teams to defeat Vestavia in the regular season, and they did it the first time by going to Jones again and again in the low post. She was money on the blocks all season, making baskets and drawing fouls.
Makalyn Kyser, Springville
Nominally a shooting guard, Kyser never really acted like it. She was the tough heart of a very disciplined Tiger defense, and she was enough of a physical presence that she could be tough to defend down low, too. Her ability to box out and get rebounds puts her squarely on this list.
Abbie Talton, Springville
Talton, a senior, was the offensive machine for the Tigers. She’s a 1,000-point scorer, and was dangerous from anywhere in the half-court, from inside to outside. Pure shooter. But even when her shot wasn’t falling, Talton was concentrating on doing the right things on defense to disrupt Springville’s opponents.
The Sixth Woman: Kamoriah Gaines, Clay-Chalkville
The ‘sixth woman’ designation for Gaines is a bit misleading, as she was a huge presence (and starter) for the Cougars this season. A dangerous scorer, she could take charge of a game. Injuries to other players also forced her to become a floor general at times.
Coach-on-the-Floor: Zoie Galloway, Leeds
Three-sport athlete Zoie Galloway was already successful before she ever stepped foot on the court for Lees this season. Galloway, badly injured in a car accident in the Spring of 2021, came back to play volleyball, basketball, and now softball for the Green Wave. She’s tough, she’s a leader, and everything you could want in a gutsy player.
Honorable mention:
April Hooks, Hewitt-Trussville
Tanita Swift, Center Point
Maddie Barfield, Moody
Katelyn Sims, Leeds
Bella Bullington, Springville
Chrischandria James, Hewitt-Trussville