It was quite the season for area girls basketball teams, with Brown County making it all the way to the Class 1A Final Four and finishing third in state.<\/p>\n
Quincy Notre Dame and West Hancock also won regional championships, while Highland and Canton won district championships.<\/p>\n
Several girls reached the 1,000-points milestone this season, with Brown County junior Kenzie Kassing reaching the 2,000-point mark during the Class 1A state semifinal.<\/p>\n
Here’s a look at the best of the 2025-26 area high school basketball players.<\/p>\n
Player of the Year — Kenzie Kassing, Brown County<\/p>\n
Kassing was a pivotal piece for the Lady Hornets and helped lead them to a Class 1A third-place finish.<\/p>\n
The Brown County junior guard averaged 20 points per game and shot 53% from the field.<\/p>\n
Besides that, Kassing averaged 8.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 4.7 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.<\/p>\n
Finalists: West Hancock’s Jadyn Climer, Hannibal’s Malia Stolte and Quincy’s Jada Brown<\/p>\n
Freshman of the Year — West Hancock’s Maci Haas and Liberty’s Weslee John<\/p>\n
Both Haas and John made a huge impact on their respective teams this past season.<\/p>\n
John was Liberty’s starting point guard and scored a team-high 12.4 points per game, as well as leading the way with 3.3 assists per game.<\/p>\n
Haas became West Hancock’s leading scorer with 18.1 points per game.<\/p>\n
Both teams improved because of the presence of their standout freshmen, with West Hancock improving by nine wins and Liberty improving by 11 wins.<\/p>\n
Finalists: West Hancock’s Scarlett Yuskis and Camp Point Central’s Ali Stephens<\/p>\n
Defensive Player of the Year — Jadyn Climer, West Hancock<\/p>\n
Climer was a force for West Hancock in the paint and a player that opposing coaches had to game plan for.<\/p>\n
She averaged 3.6 steals, 0.8 blocks and 9.2 rebounds per game and just made life rough for opposing teams in the paint.<\/p>\n
Climer has committed to Carl Sandburg women’s basketball.<\/p>\n
Finalists: QND’s Tristan Pieper, Brown County’s Kenzie Kassing and Highland’s Chevie Sharpe<\/p>\n
Coach of the Year — David Phelps, Brown County<\/p>\n
After a disappointing finish in last year’s postseason by losing a late lead to Carrollton in the regional championship game, Brown County was ready to avenge that loss this season.<\/p>\n
Phelps helped foster that competitive mindset with Brown County entering the 2025-26 season with a chip on their shoulders, which led to a state run.<\/p>\n
Brown County had their most successful season in program history this past season, winning a school-record 32 games.<\/p>\n
Finalists: West Hancock’s Jerry Jerome, Highland’s Ashton Jaco and Liberty’s Paul Fessler<\/p>\n
First Team<\/p>\n
Jada Brown, Quincy junior center<\/p>\n
Brown won the Western Big 6 Conference MVP for the second season in a row after leading the Blue Devils to the conference title. She averaged 20.3 points, 2.0 assists, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. The QHS junior also was a Class 4A third team All-State selection.<\/p>\n
Jadyn Climer, West Hancock senior forward<\/p>\n
Climer helped lead West Hancock to its first regional championship since 2018 and was selected to the Class 2A All-State second team. She averaged 12.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 3.6 steals and 0.8 blocks this season.<\/p>\n
Tristan Pieper, Quincy Notre Dame senior forward<\/p>\n
Pieper was a first team All-West Central Conference selection after averaging 9.6 points per game, shooting 86% of her free throw attempts and pulling down 155 rebounds. She was one of three QND players to reach 1,000 career points this year. Pieper has committed to Maryville University.<\/p>\n
Malia Stolte, Hannibal senior guard<\/p>\n
Stolte was one of the top scorers in the area this year, averaging 24 points per game for a young Lady Pirates team.<\/p>\n
Kenzie Kassing, Brown County junior guard<\/p>\n
Kassing was a Class 1A All-State first team selection, as well as a first team All-Western Illinois Valley Conference selection after leading Brown County to a third-place state finish. She averaged 20.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 4.7 steals and 0.9 assists per game.<\/p>\n
Maci Haas, West Hancock freshman guard<\/p>\n
Haas earned second team Class 2A All-State honors after averaging 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.<\/p>\n
Second Team<\/p>\n
Mallory Griffin, North Shelby sophomore center<\/p>\n
Griffin averaged 12.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per game this season for the Lady Raiders. North Shelby was a district champion this season.<\/p>\n
Jenna Durst, Quincy Notre Dame senior forward<\/p>\n
Durst earned first team All-WCC honors after averaging 9.6 points per game, draining 63 3-pointers, shooting 67% of her free throw attempts and dishing out 115 assists. She scored her 1,000th career point this year. Durst will stay local after committing to Quincy University.<\/p>\n
Maggi Henry, Brown County junior forward<\/p>\n
Henry earned first team All-WIVC honors after averaging 8.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Khloe Nicholson, Quincy sophomore guard<\/p>\n
Nicholson earned first team All-WB6 honors and third team Class 4A All-State honors in her sophomore campaign. She averaged 12.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.<\/p>\n
Naaron Hays, Monroe City senior guard<\/p>\n
Hays was a first team All-CCC selection and Monroe City’s leading scorer after averaging 16.8 points per game. She also made 72.9% of her free throw attempts and averaged 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists. 3.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.<\/p>\n
Keera Rothweiler, Highland junior guard<\/p>\n
Rothweiler was All-CCC first team selection and was her district player of the year. The Lady Cougars junior point guard averaged 14 points per game, as well as 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.5 assists per game.<\/p>\n
Chayse Uhlmeyer, Canton junior guard<\/p>\n
Uhlmeyer was Canton’s leading scorer with 19.9 points per game this season, making 44% of her field goal attempts. She also averaged 5.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.5 steals to help lead Canton to its second straight district championship.<\/p>\n
Third Team<\/p>\n
Adalynne Means, Mark Twain senior center<\/p>\n
Means was a force in the paint for the Lady Tigers, earning first team All-EMO Conference honors.<\/p>\n
Sophie Rennecker, Western sophomore forward<\/p>\n
Rennecker was Western’s leading scorer with 14.2 points per game this season, while also averaging 10 rebounds and 3 steals per game. She was an honorable mention All-WCC selection.<\/p>\n
Aylah Pollard, Marion County senior forward<\/p>\n
Pollard scored her 1,000th career point this season and was once again the Lady Mustangs’ leading scorer.<\/p>\n
Hope Ingram, Brown County junior guard<\/p>\n
Ingram earned first team Class 1A All-State and All-WIVC selections this season. She averaged 12.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.<\/p>\n
Ari Buehler, Quincy Notre Dame senior guard<\/p>\n
Buehler was a first team All-West Central Conference selection after averaging 12.1 points per game, shooting 80% of her free throw attempts, 46.65% of her 3-point attempts and dishing out 125 assists. She reached 1,000 career points this season and has committed to Quincy University.<\/p>\n
Weslee John, Liberty freshman guard<\/p>\n
John made an immediate impact for Liberty, earning Class 1A honorable mention All-State and first team All-West Central Conference honors. She averaged 12.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.9 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Honorable Mention<\/p>\n
Leah Terwelp, Quincy Notre Dame sophomore forward<\/p>\n
Terwelp was a breakout player for the Lady Raiders this season, earning first team All-WCC honors after averaging 10.1 points per game and pulling down 126 rebounds.<\/p>\n
Addy Abell, Highland senior guard<\/p>\n
Abell averaged 9.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game, earning second team All-CCC honors. She was a second team All-CCC selection.<\/p>\n
Myley Longcor, Quincy junior guard<\/p>\n
Longcor averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Cameran Byquist, Quincy junior guard<\/p>\n
Byquist was an honorable mention All-WB6 selection after averaging 7.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Kodi Duke, Unity senior forward<\/p>\n
Duke was Unity’s force in the paint and was an honorable mention All-WCC selection. She was selected as the Lady Mustangs’ Offensive Player of the Year.<\/p>\n
Saylor Barry, Unity senior guard<\/p>\n
Barry was one of Unity’s top shooters and was a first team All-WCC selection. She was named the Lady Mustangs Defensive Player of the Year.<\/p>\n
Scarlett Yuskis, West Hancock freshman guard<\/p>\n
Yuskis was West Hancock’s other impact freshman and was deadly as a 3-point shooter. She averaged 9.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.8 assists this season.<\/p>\n
Claire Obert, Liberty junior forward<\/p>\n
Obert was a first team All-WCC selection after averaging 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.<\/p>\n
Leila Parkhill, Liberty sophomore guard<\/p>\n
Parkhill earned honorable mention All-WCC honors after averaging 7.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Chandler John, Liberty junior guard<\/p>\n
John averaged 7.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game, earning honorable mention All-WCC honors.<\/p>\n
Kenna Oliver, Canton junior forward<\/p>\n
Oliver averaged 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game this year.<\/p>\n
Brenna Brewer, Canton senior guard<\/p>\n
Brewer was able to finish out her high school career with a district championship, the second straight one for the Lady Tigers. She averaged 6.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Chevie Sharpe, Highland senior guard<\/p>\n
Sharpe was Highland’s top 3-point shooter and averaged 6.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. She was also one of the team’s top defenders and a honorable mention All-CCC selection. Sharpe has committed to John Wood.<\/p>\n
Josie Murphy, Highland junior center<\/p>\n
Murphy brings size to a team that lacks it and is a big presence in the paint for Highland. She averaged 6.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.<\/p>\n
Jenna Ross, Mark Twain junior guard<\/p>\n
Ross was Mark Twain’s leading scorer this year and was a first team All-EMO Conference selection.<\/p>\n
Hannah Gaines, South Shelby senior guard<\/p>\n
Gaines averaged 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game this season. She was a second team All-CCC selection and is headed to<\/p>\n
Gracynn Lanpher, South Shelby sophomore guard<\/p>\n
Lanpher earned first team All-CCC honors after averaging 11.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Charlie Roush, South Shelby senior center<\/p>\n
Roush was the force in the paint for the Lady Birds, averaging 6.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. She was a second team All-CCC selection.<\/p>\n
Bella Cook, South Shelby senior forward<\/p>\n
Cook earned second team All-CCC honors after averaging 6.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 1.9 blocks and 0.5 blocks per game.<\/p>\n
Anna James, Palmyra junior forward<\/p>\n
James was a second team All-CCC selection and Palmyra’s leading scorer this season.<\/p>\n
Grace Grothaus, West Hancock junior guard<\/p>\n
Grothaus averaged 9.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Lexi Niekamp, Camp Point Central sophomore guard<\/p>\n
Niekamp was Central’s leading scorer with 12.1 points per game, as well as averaging 2.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Agnes Genenbacher, Camp Point Central senior guard<\/p>\n
Genenbacher averaged 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Hadlee Parsons, North Shelby junior guard<\/p>\n
Parsons finished the season averaging 11.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game. She also made 37 3-pointers.<\/p>\n
Trinity Chatman, Louisiana sophomore guard<\/p>\n
Chatman was a unanimous first team All-EMO Conference selection for a Louisiana team that won 17 games this year.<\/p>\n
Cyrinity Chatman, Louisiana sophomore guard<\/p>\n
The other Chatman twin sister for Louisiana was a second team All-EMO selection.<\/p>\n
Abby Lay, Highland junior guard<\/p>\n
Lay was a second team All-CCC selection after averaging 6.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Madelyn Hamby, Quincy senior guard<\/p>\n
Hamby was the Blue Devils’ lone senior this year and was an honorable mention All-WB6 selection who has committed to Monmouth College. She averaged 6.1 assists, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Lena Anderson, Brown County junior forward<\/p>\n
Anderson earned second team All-WIVC honors after averaging 6.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Jamie Loehr, Brown County junior guard<\/p>\n
Loehr was selected to the All-WIVC second team after averaging 6.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Sophie Gares, Monroe City sophomore guard<\/p>\n
Gares was an honorable mention All-CCC selection after averaging 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Nora Trower, Bowling Green freshman guard<\/p>\n
Trower was a second team All-EMO Conference selection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It was quite the season for area girls basketball teams, with Brown County making it all the way…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":225092,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[32555,4029,26038,4567,88490,88488,88487,88489,25209,9,24,63,64499,122,124,123,319,4030,4027],"class_list":["post-225091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-queens","tag-athletic-sports","tag-ball-games","tag-balls","tag-basketball","tag-basketball-people","tag-basketball-personnel","tag-basketball-positions","tag-basketball-statistics","tag-indoor-sports","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-positions-team-sports","tag-queens","tag-queens-headlines","tag-queens-news","tag-sports","tag-team-activities","tag-team-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225091","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=225091"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225091\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/225092"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=225091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=225091"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=225091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}