Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16: Standouts (Part 1)
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Photo By: Cam Grace Anderson The Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16 tournament returned to the historic Rupp Arena last week at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, KY. This is the “Greatest Show in Hoops” the place where stars…
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Continue ReadingPhoto By: Cam Grace Anderson
The Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16 tournament returned to the historic Rupp Arena last week at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, KY. This is the “Greatest Show in Hoops” the place where stars are born, memories are made and lives are changed. Witnessing players rise to the occasion when it mattered the most whether it was a last second shot, pivotal rebound or clutch free throw was an experience like no other.
Listed below are my top performers from this event.
The #2 ranked sophomore in the nation and the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year for the second year in a row ZaKiyah Johnson ZaKiyah Johnson 6'0" | SF Sacred Heart | 2025 State KY showed that she indeed that. In a highly anticipated final four matchup against GRC she had a double-double scoring 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. She followed that up with a phenomenal performance in the championship game putting up 30 points along 8 rebounds and 5 assist. Johnson’s play helped Sacred Heart win their 3rd State Championship in a row. She was named MVP and came just 2 points shy of breaking the record for most points in a state championship game and a unanimous All-Tournament selection. (Photo Above).
Brooke Nichelson Brooke Nichelson 5'10" | CG North Laurel | 2025 State KY
Brooke Nichelson Brooke Nichelson 5'10" | CG North Laurel | 2025 State KY
The North Laurel standout Brooke Nichelson Brooke Nichelson 5'10" | CG North Laurel | 2025 State KY has made a meteoric rise to the top of the 2025 rankings with her incredible post-season play. She has an extremely quick first step and a deadly three point shooter with deep range. At the Sweet 16 a star was truly born Nichelson averaged 50 points in two game. In a first round matchup against Frederick Douglass she went off for game-high 26 points before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Her masterful performance helped the Jaguars advance to the Elite 8 where she scored 24 points in loss to GRC 63-48. Nichelson of made the All-Tournament team and her name has been ringing bells throughout Kentucky.
After making it all the way to the final four GRC fell just short of advancing to the title game in a crushing loss to Sacred Heart 57-53. Ciara Byars Ciara Byars 6'2" | CG George Rogers Clark | 2025 State KY played exceptionally well throughout the tourney. In the first round game against Mercer County she had 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Following that she put 25 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals. Byars made a major impact on both ends of the floor and her versatility combined with her height and skill level make her a really tough matchup for defenders. GRC will lose a few seniors but still have a lot of young talent returning next season. I see them getting back to the Sweet 16 next year and making a run at again.
Kenleigh Woods Kenleigh Woods 5'4" | PG Ashland Blazer | 2025 State KY
Kenleigh Woods Kenleigh Woods 5'4" | PG Ashland Blazer | 2025 State KY
The Ashland Kittens magical season was brought to an end on day two the state tournament. The All-Tournament performer Kenleigh Woods Kenleigh Woods 5'4" | PG Ashland Blazer | 2025 State KY proved she was ready for the big show she had 21 points and 6 rebounds in a first round victory over Knott Central 46-34. Woods still had a lot left in the tank in the next game against McCraken County scoring 17 points in tough loss 47-51. The Kittens headed back to Ashland with their heads high knowing they will everybody back next season as they look to return to Rupp Arena.
Highlights
Owensboro Catholic had very successful season making all the to an elite eight appearance. In two games played Hailee Johnson Hailee Johnson 5'9" | CG Owensboro Catholic | 2024 State KY stepped up in a big way she score 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. She was super consistent with her perimeter shooting knocking down shots from the three and the mid range. Johnson wasn’t done yet putting up 12 points with 3 steals in the loss to Sacred Heart 45-73. Her play earned her a spot on the All-Tournament team.