Columbiana County Hoopers

<p style="text-align: center">Throughout this off-season, the Prep Girls Hoops staff will be taking a close look at some of the top underclassmen across all of Ohio’s 88 counties.</p> <p style="text-align: center">At one point in its history – Columbiana County produced more than 50% of the United States’ pottery. One of the Eastern-most locations in Ohio, Columbiana County has also produced a number of outstanding basketball players over the years. The current group of underclassmen in these 12 schools is deep and has already accomplished so much.</p> <p style="text-align: center">Let’s take a look at a number of talented underclassmen from Columbiana County.</p> [caption id="attachment_38372" align="alignleft" width="300"] Kayla Muslovski enters her senior season as Columbiana's all-time leading scorer. (Photo Credit: Morning Journal)[/caption] <strong>Kayla Muslovski – Columbiana – 5’6 Guard – Class of 2020</strong> In the state of Ohio, Muslovski is one of the most slept-on guards in the Class of 2020. The explosive playmaker was a 24 PPG scorer this year for Columbiana on her way to 1^st Team Ne-Inland District and OPSWA All-Ohio honors. She is a tremendous shooter from 3-point range and also does an outstanding job of creating for her teammates with a number of high-assist games this year. She can definitely play at the scholarship level upon graduation if she would like to. <strong>Kyla Jamison – Salem – 5’11 Post – Class of 2021 </strong> The big and strong post broke out for Salem this year, as the young Quakers had a great year. A walking double-double threat, Jamison is a great rebounder on both sides of the court – scoring a number of her points off of her teammates’ misses. Surprisingly to some opponents, Jamison will also step out and knock down the 3 if her match-up doesn’t want to leave the paint. The All-Ohio selection scored nearly 15 PPG this season. <p style="text-align: left"><strong>Echo Mayer-Kutz – Salem – 5’11 Wing – Class of 2020 </strong></p> The EBC Player of the Year in volleyball is a tremendous athlete who also had a standout season on the basketball court. Her length and explosiveness make her tough for defenders to stay in front of. She is a great finisher around the rim and does a nice job of playing through contact. Echo is a top shot-blocker who makes a tremendous impact each night out on the defensive end by altering shots and creating transition opportunities. [caption id="attachment_38373" align="alignright" width="200"] Crestview's Krista Perry is a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. (Photo Credit: Morning Journal)[/caption] <strong>Krista Perry – Crestview – 5’9 Forward – Class of 2021 </strong> Perry is a throwback type of player who may not have a true “position” but does so many things well. Everything about her game is strong and she uses her body very well to create space against larger defenders. Krista has no problem going down to the block and posting up smaller defenders, but she is also an outstanding passer in the “point forward” mold. Although she doesn’t have the smoothest release, Perry can shoot the 3 and finish with both hands around the rim. <strong>Jaliyah Mixon – East Palestine – 5’9 Post – Class of 2020 </strong> Mixon is an undersized post who scores in a number of different ways. Whether it’s scoring with a plethora of quick moves in the post or taking less athletic defenders off of the bounce, Mixon is comfortable with the ball in her hands. It is very common to see Jaliyah get a rebound and go coast-to-coast for a finish. The Honorable Mention NE-Inland District section was a 1^st Team All-Columbiana County pick. <strong>Jenna Riccardo – Beaver Local – 6’0 Forward – Class of 2020 </strong> Already Local’s leading scorer at over 1200 career points, Riccardo was chosen as the Columbiana County Player of the Year by the area’s coaches. Jenna averaged 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3 steals per game for the Beavers. She has a high release and beautiful footwork on her jumpshot – most of which come on catch-and-shoot situations from the perimeter, as she would rather drive to her right hand and finish. Riccardo possesses a good finishing package, with a Eurostep that is rare to see at her size. [caption id="attachment_38374" align="alignleft" width="300"] Izzy Perez is one of the most dynamic combo-guards in all of DIV. (Photo Credit: Morning Journal)[/caption] <strong>Izzy Perez – Lisbon David Anderson – 5’6 Guard – Class of 2020 </strong> The combo-guard – who is David Anderson’s unquestioned leader - plays with a high amount of confidence. At over 16 PPG during her junior campaign – Perez was difficult for opponents to stop, as she scored in transition at a high volume and showcased her deadly mid-range pull-up jumper in the half-court. An active defender, Izzy is one of the quickest kids on the court at all-times. She was named to the OPSWA All-Ohio team for DIV. <strong> </strong> <strong> </strong> <strong> </strong>