The News Tribune’s 2016 All-Area girls basketball team

Guard, 5-9, senior

Bio: Made seamless transition from post player to guard for her senior year and went from role player to go-to player. As a four-year starter, has led the Titans to the state tournament for the fourth consecutive season (the only four state appearances in school history), averaging 15.6 points, six assists, six steals and five rebounds per game. Added a dependable 3-point shot to her game, making that transition that much smoother.

 

Forward, 6-2, junior

Bio: Left-hander was one of the best post players in the 2A classification this season. Earned 2A South Puget Sound League co-MVP, led the Hornets to their 16th state appearance in 18 years and averaged 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.1 assists per game. Speed and ball-handling sets her apart for her size.

What coach Chris Gibson says: “Kendall does it all for us. She has played the point for us, also. … She is a very unique and dynamic player who can run the floor incredibly well for an athlete her size. Her speed is her greatest asset. She requires double and triple teams by the opponent’s defense.”

 

Center, 6-2, senior

Bio: In the 24 games leading up to Lincoln’s state regional, not one team had defended the Santa Clara signee with just one player, coach Jamila Jones said. The three-time Class 3A Narrows player of the year has led Abes to the Tacoma Dome in two of her four years. Averaging 19.6 points, 10 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 blocks this year. Has 1,623 career points.

What coach Jamila Jones says: “Tamia has not only grown as a basketball player but as a leader and the face of a program that in her four years has completely turned around. Tamia has been one of, if not the most, dominant players in our area, as seen by the fact that on a nightly basis she is doubled or even tripled teamed on every touch.”

 

Forward, 5-10, senior

Bio: Post, point guard — where can’t she play? The Class 3A Narrows co-MVP helped Wilson secure a Class 3A state tournament berth, even when the team’s leading scorer and starting point guard was lost for the year just before the postseason. Averaged 20.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.8 steals and 2.7 blocks per game.

What coach Michelle Birge says: “Does so many things that people lose sight of how special she is. She is a beast in the paint. … Teams are doubling her and she is still finding ways to step up and score.”

 

Guard, 5-8, senior

Bio: Finished the season with more than 10 points per game in all four years in the Tarriers’ program. Led them to their first Class 1A state tournament berth since 2005 before a loss to top-ranked Lynden Christian in the state regionals, averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.7 steals. Finished career with 1,459 points and more than 600 rebounds.

What coach Kate Rue says: “Shoni was our go-to player and our most consistent scorer for four years. Shoni is a humble, hardworking, talented basketball player.”

 

Guard, 5-3, junior

Bio: This point guard might be pint-sized, but that doesn’t prevent her from plowing into the paint. Combination of ultra-quickness and strength led Auburn Riverside to a 23-0 start, a state tournament berth and Williams garnering the Class 3A South Puget Sound League MVP. Her speed also made her a dominant defensive player, with a lot of her points coming on steals and transition layups.

What coach Derek Pegram says: “McKenzi Williams’ speed made her a top defensive player in the league. She also has the ability to get to the basket like no one else. Singe-handedly put her team on her back and led them to a perfect regular season.”

G Josie Matz, Wilson, jr.

F Morticia McCall, Lincoln, jr.

G Sydney Peterson, Kentlake, jr.

G Jenna Randich, Olympia, sr.

F Makenna Woodfolk, Todd Beamer, sr.

Jamila Jones, Lincoln

This story was originally published March 1, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "The News Tribune’s 2016 All-Area girls basketball team."