5A All-Idaho girls basketball team: Division I talent packed the state’s toughest class
GIRLS FIRST TEAM
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DARIAN WHITE, MOUNTAIN VIEW
Why she is player of the year: The Mavericks fed off the 5-foot-6 senior point guard’s athleticism, IQ and killer instinct on their way to a 25-1 record and a second-place finish at state. White averaged 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 2.5 assists per game.
Coach’s comment: “Darian is a quick and explosive player who is tough to stop. … Her quickness and anticipation make her a great defender,” Mountain View coach Connie Skogrand said.
What others are saying: “She could lock down your best player or go off for 20-plus (points), if needed. … Her floater in the paint was virtually unguardable because of her quickness and jumping ability,” Meridian coach Matthew Creech said.
What’s next: She has signed to play for Montana State.
[Related: Full all-state boys and girls basketball teams in every classification]
MEGHAN BOYD, EAGLE
The deadeye shooter set a 5A state tournament record with 12 made 3-pointers to lead Eagle to its first state title. The Denver signee and 5-11 point guard did it all, averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.1 steals.
NAYA OJUKWU, MOUNTAIN VIEW
Opponents quickly learned to fear the 6-0 freshman center patrolling the Mavericks’ paint. Her length and athleticism made her unstoppable one-on-one, and she finished the year averaging 14.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.
AVA RANSON, TIMBERLINE
The Wolves snapped a 13-year state tournament drought in part thanks to the 5-10 junior guard. The Montana State commit could take over games in transition, off the dribble or behind the arc, averaging 18.0 points and 3.5 assists a night.
NYALAM THABACH, BORAH
The 6-4 senior forward and UC Santa Barbara signee put the Lions on her back night in and night out. She finished the year averaging a double-double of 19.2 points and 12.7 rebounds while adding 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks.
COACH OF THE YEAR: CODY PICKETT, EAGLE
After taking second the past two years, Pickett and Eagle broke through for their first title.
SECOND TEAM
Player | School | Height | Year | Position | Stats |
Jaimee McKinnie | Eagle | 5-9 | Senior | Guard | 13.7 ppg, 6.8 reb, 2.2 stl |
Peyton McFarland | Boise | 6-4 | Junior | Center | 12.9 ppg, 8.2 reb, 1.8 blk |
Makenna Baker | Highland | 5-6 | Senior | Point guard | 17.5 ppg, 3.9 stl, 3.7 ast |
Allison Ross | Boise | 5-6 | Sophomore | Guard | 11.2 ppg, 2.5 stl, 1.9 ast |
Bridget Rieken | Lake City | 6-0 | Senior | Forward | 9.2 ppg, 8.7 reb, 3.3 stl |
This story was originally published March 27, 2019 at 9:56 PM.