Journal-World 2016-17 All-Area girls basketball team

The Journal-World’s 2016-17 All-Area girls basketball team, from front left, Madison Piper, Free State; Tori Huslig, Veritas Christian; Abbi Folks, Perry-Lecompton; Taylor Lee, Tonganoxie; Player of the Year E’lease Stafford, Lawrence; Chisom Ajekwu, Lawrence; Coach of the Year Jeff Dickson, Lawrence. From back left, Cameryn Thomas, Free State; Alaina Howe, Eudora; Abby Ogle, Baldwin; Kayleigh Boos, Bishop Seabury; Olivia Lemus, Lawrence.

Player of the Year: E’lease Stafford, Lawrence

After recovering from a torn ligament in her left knee throughout the offseason, Stafford returned to the court and was named the co-Sunflower League Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11 junior wing, capable of scoring anywhere on the floor, averaged 13 points, five rebounds and two assists per game on her way to all-state honors.

Coach of the Year: Jeff Dickson, Lawrence

Leading the Lions back to the Class 6A state tournament for the first time since 2008, Dickson was named the Sunflower League’s Coach of the Year. The Lions advanced to state with sub-state wins over Wyandotte and Shawnee Mission South.

First team

Chisom Ajekwu, Lawrence — At times, the 6-3 center was unstoppable in the low post. Ajekwu, a sophomore, earned third-team all-Sunflower League honors after averaging nine points and nine rebounds per game. Using her height to her advantage, she recorded a team-best 67 blocked shots.

Kayleigh Boos, Bishop Seabury — When the Seahawks needed a spark on offense, they usually turned to Boos. The 5-11 senior forward averaged a team-high 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists per game, and was tasked on defense as the team’s rim protector.

Abbi Folks, Perry-Lecompton — A leader on the court, Folks led the Kaws with 9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game, shooting 48 percent from the floor. The 5-7 senior, who led PLHS to an 8-13 record, was the team’s top defender and shot 73 percent at the free-throw line.

Alaina Howe, Eudora — Howe led the Cardinals in assists, setting up the offense and putting her teammates in the right spot for easier scoring opportunities. The 5-5 junior point guard scored a team-high eight points per game, receiving an all-Frontier League honorable mention.

Tori Huslig, Veritas Christian — A four-year starter, Huslig only improved year after year into one of the most dominant players in the KCAA. The senior, who helped the Eagles to fourth place at the state tournament, averaged 20.3 points per game. She finished her career with 1,756 points.

Taylor Lee, Tonganoxie — Lee rewrote the school’s record books in career 3-pointers (103) and single-season made 3’s (53). A first-team all-Kaw Valley League selection, the senior averaged 15.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals. She set a single-game scoring record with 40 points in December.

Olivia Lemus, Lawrence — When the Lions needed a lift on offense, Lemus was there to swish 3-pointers. Helping the Lions to an 18-5 record, the 5-5 senior guard averaged nine points, three rebounds and two assists per game, picking up an all-Sunflower League honorable mention.

Abby Ogle, Baldwin — Leading the Bulldogs to a 19-3 record, Ogle was her team’s catalyst on both ends of the court. The 5-8 junior was a first-team all-Frontier League selection, averaging 18.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 6.2 steals. She registered four triple-doubles, and set a school record for steals.

Madison Piper, Free State — The 5-11 forward earned first-team all-Sunflower League honors, averaging 15.9 points and 9.9 rebounds. Piper, signed to play at Santa Clara, missed the final eight games because of a broken ankle. She finished her career as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,374 points.

Cameryn Thomas, Free State — Leading the Firebirds to a 13-7 record, the 5-7 Thomas was responsible for matching up against much taller opponents. Thomas, who received an all-Sunflower League honorable mention, averaged 9.8 points and 7.2 rebounds, adding 43 steals and 46 assists.

Jaelyn Two Hearts, Free State — During her first season in the starting lineup, Two Hearts provided consistent offense with an ability to shoot from the perimeter and drive to the rim. The junior averaged 10.1 points and 4.0 rebounds, earning third-team all-Sunflower League honors.

Honorable mention

Taylor Cawley, Baldwin; Skylar Drum, Lawrence; Lexia Jamison, Perry-Lecompton; Caely Kesten, Free State; Kayla Kurtz, Baldwin; Carly Lindenmeyer, Baldwin; Holly Scott, Veritas Christian; Hannah Stewart, Lawrence; Celia Taylor-Puckett, Bishop Seabury.