The News Tribune’s 2020 All-Area girls basketball team
Each year, with input from local coaches, The News Tribune selects its All-Area girls basketball team.
This year, nine high schools from the South Sound are represented by players and coaches selected to the first and second teams.
The 12 spots, broken down by leagues, are 4A South Puget Sound League (four), 4A North Puget Sound League (three), 3A Pierce County League (three), 3A South Sound Conference (one) and 1A Nisqually (one).
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
TIARRA BROWN
Bethel
Guard/forward, 5-10, senior
One of the most complete all-around basketball players in the South Sound, Brown led the Braves to a 24-3 record this season, an undefeated mark in the Class 3A Pierce County League and a sixth-place finish in the 3A state tournament. Averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4.6 steals, 3.2 assists and three blocks on the season, earning 3A PCL MVP honors. Noted for her strength and ability to get to the rim, Brown also improved her midrange game this season and was a consistent presence on the defensive end for the Braves.
COACH OF THE YEAR
COREY ALEXANDER
Todd Beamer
Coached the Titans to a 25-5 record, a 14-0 mark in the 4A NPSL, the West Central III/Southwest bi-district championship and a sixth-place finish in the 4A state tournament at the Tacoma Dome. Beamer has made the state tournament in all eight years with Alexander heading the program, with two third-place finishes along the way in 2015 and 2016.
FIRST TEAM
AALIYAH ALEXANDER
Todd Beamer
Guard, 5-9, senior
Praised by coach Corey Alexander for her desire to win and elevate her teammates, the Eastern Washington commit averaged 18 points per game, 7.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.3 steals on the season. The two-time Class 4A North Puget Sound League MVP converted a stunning 39-of-40 free throw attempts at the 4A state tournament at the Tacoma Dome, where Beamer took sixth place.
RAIGAN BARRETT
Rogers
Guard, 5-5, senior
The UW softball signee has been one of the best pure scoring threats in the South Sound during her high school career. The two-time Class 4A South Puget Sound League MVP averaged 22.3 points per game this season and racked up 120 rebounds, 72 assists and 99 steals, leading the Rams to the SPSL title and a 4A state tournament appearance at the Tacoma Dome. Leaves the school with the career scoring record after tallying 2,013 points for Rogers.
JULIANNA WALKER
Annie Wright
Guard, 5-6, junior
Walker was a scoring machine all season for the Gators, averaging 34.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists. The Class 1A Nisqually League MVP was also a state tournament first-team selection, leading Annie Wright to a fourth-place finish in the 1A state tournament. The junior is chasing Jennifer Stinson’s all-time state career scoring record of 2,881 points, which she set during her career at Davenport from 1992 to 1995. In three high school seasons, Walker has 2,214 points.
ESMERALDA MORALES
Bethel
Guard, 5-4, junior
One of the best pure point guards in the South Sound, Morales was part of a dynamic 1-2 punch this year alongside teammate Tiarra Brown this season, helping lead Bethel to a 24-3 record this season, an undefeated mark in the Class 3A Pierce County League and a sixth-place finish in the 3A state tournament. First-team 3A PCL selection was the league’s offensive player of the year. The Portland State commit averaged 22 points, 2.3 steals and three assists.
CALLIE STEVENS
Bellarmine Prep
Guard, 5-7, senior
When she got hot from 3-point range, Bellarmine’s offense was virtually unstoppable. The Lewis-Clark State College commit averaged 17.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.5 steals on the season, leading the Lions to a 20-6 record and an appearance in the Class 4A state tournament at the Tacoma Dome. Set school records for points in a game, with 46 against Graham-Kapowsin in just three quarters on Jan. 23 and 3-pointers in a game (nine). SPSL 4A first-team selection.
SECOND TEAM
Jordyn Jenkins, Kentridge, sr.
Julia Bordeaux, Bellarmine Prep, sr.
Ella Brubaker, Curtis, sr.
Sharayah Johnson, Lincoln, jr.
Maddie Plevyak, Yelm, sr.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
