The News Tribune’s 2024 All-Area girls basketball team
Each year, with input from local coaches, The News Tribune selects its All-Area girls basketball team.
This year, 10 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 (five), 3A Pierce County League (two), 3A South Sound Conference (two), 4A North Puget Sound League (one), 3A North Puget Sound League (one) and 2A South Puget Sound League (one).
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
JAZMYN SHIPP
Bonney Lake
Forward, 6-1, sr.
Everyone on Bonney Lake’s schedule knew the ball was going to Shipp in the post, but few opponents had any luck slowing her down. The senior forward capped off her high school career with 3A PCL MVP honors this season, leading Bonney Lake to a 20-6 record, an undefeated league record and a state tournament quarterfinals run at the Tacoma Dome. Averaged 15.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Westmont College commit.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Katie Hyppa
Sumner
Coached the Spartans to a 23-4 overall record, the 4A SPSL title and 4A state tournament semifinal appearance at the Tacoma Dome. Sumner finished in fifth place overall in the state tournament.
FIRST TEAM
AVERY HANSEN
Auburn
Guard, 5-5, fr.
When Auburn went from a good story early in the season to a legitimate 3A contender, this skilled freshman guard emerged as the Trojans’ best player down the stretch. 3A NPSL first-team selection led Auburn to the 3A District 3/4 title and a 3A state tournament appearance at the Tacoma Dome. Averaged 13 points, 3.7 assists, five assists and four steals per game. In the postseason, switched into another gear, averaging 19 points in five games.
LAINEE HOUILLON
Sumner
Guard, 5-6, sr.
4A SPSL North co-MVP was the engine of Sumner’s league champion and 4A state tournament semifinalist squad, pushing the tempo in transition and getting her teammates in the right spots all season. Averaged 16 points, five rebounds and 3.5 steals.
SORAYA OGALDEZ
North Thurston
Guard, 5-7, jr.
North Thurston’s junior guard took her game to the next level this season. The 3A SSC MVP averaged 26.9 points, 4.5 assists and 4.3 steals per game, leading North Thurston to an undefeated 3A SSC title, the 3A District 3/4 championship game and a 3A state tournament appearance at the Tacoma Dome.
NAOMI SENATO
Emerald Ridge
Guard, 5-7, sr.
The 4A SPSL South MVP was a crafty scorer for the Jaguars this season, leading Emerald Ridge to the 4A state tournament at the Tacoma Dome. Averaged 14 points, three steals and three assists per game.
JADA TRAVIS
Bellarmine Prep
Guard, 5-6, sr.
After a season-ending injury to a key teammate early in the season, Travis became the focal point of Bellarmine’s offense and put the team on her back, guiding Bellarmine to a 4A District 3/4 championship appearance, a state regional round win and a state tournament appearance at the Tacoma Dome. 4A SPSL North co-MVP averaged 21.7 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
SECOND TEAM
G Jessica Ajayi, Kentwood, jr.
G Ciona Wells, Lincoln, sr.
G Shayla Cordis, Timberline, soph.
F Bella Firnkoess, Enumclaw, sr.
G Olivia Collins, Sumner, soph.
