Ms. Basketball Candidates!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a tough article to write, because there is so much talent in Ohio! The accolades that each of these student-athletes have earned are endless! Listed below are my top candidates in the running for Ms. Ohio Basketball, in no particular order. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='360697' first='Darriana' last='Alexander']- 2025, Cincinnati Purcell Marian: </strong>Dee earned the honors of winning Ms. Basketball last season as a sophomore. This young lady can do it all- last season she averaged 26 ppg and 10 reb., and is well on her way to having another phenomenal season. A nightmare of a player to guard, versatile, and confident demeanor on both ends of the court. <em>(Featured Photo)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":815456,"width":"382px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7253.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-815456" style="width:382px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='217321' first='Berry' last='Wallace']- 2024, Pickerington Central:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='217321' first='Berry' last='Wallace'], a future Illini and on the Naismith watchlist, has been such a force on the court since the day she stepped foot on the court! Wallace has always made difficult shots appear easy, as seen below, and she plays with such a level head. One of the best fundamentally skilled players I've seen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":613785,"width":"382px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/03/IMG_0433.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-613785" style="width:382px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='217310' first='Kendall' last='Braden']- 2024, Toledo Christian: </strong>I've often said that Braden has similar expertise moves to another Toledo native, Zia Cooke. Kendall plays like she has an extra set of eyes- the zing on her passes earn an A+, defense is solid, and her jump shot is picture perfect. Look for this young lady to tear it up again this year- and then, on to The University of Toledo! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":614293,"width":"384px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/03/IMG_1189.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-614293" style="width:384px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='280089' first='Sinai' last='Douglas']- 2024, Toledo Start: </strong>I remember capturing the photo below last season, and was in awe with how she gets to the basket, splitting the defense. She literally hangs in the air, making acrobatic shots, and is just as strong defensively! Douglas thrives on making big plays in high pressure moments. She's enjoyed 4 years of being a Spartan, and will continue wearing green next year with the Michigan State Spartans! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":553756,"width":"388px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/11/IMG_6553-scaled.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-553756" style="width:388px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='217339' first='Corri' last='Vermilya']- 2024, Loudonville:</strong> Vermilya has got the skills to pay the bills, and will be taking her game to Ashland University next year! Last season, she earned the Ohio Division 3 Player of the Year honors. There isn't a shot she doesn't like, exceptional outside shooter, and physical in the paint! <em>(Below in blue jersey)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":804311,"width":"384px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/10/Corri-Vermilya1-crop-4506x2959-1699581912.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-804311" style="width:384px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='537667' first='Saniyah' last='Hall']- 2026, Laurel:</strong> Often times while watching players, I'll ask myself, "How would I guard her if I was out there?" And I must admit, I don't have an answer for guarding Hall! With her size and muscle, combined with strong handles and nearly impossible to defend spin moves, she is simply extraordinary! Absolute beast! And also an Underclassman Naismith Watchlist player! <em>(Below, shooting)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":815470,"width":"381px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/image-1.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-815470" style="width:381px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='217330' first='Emily' last='Bratton']- 2024, Bloom Carroll: </strong>Bratton draws a crowd on her every game, and it doesn't matter- she's going to score! Super light feet, creative with the basketball, and her 3's are spectacular! Consistent, high scoring guard, great court vision! Miami of Ohio has a great one coming! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":815469,"width":"382px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/image.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-815469" style="width:382px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='319294' first='Mari' last='Gerton']- 2025, Princeton:</strong> My goodness, after watching Gerton's performance a few days ago at the Queen City Tip Off, she is certainly playing on another level! Her first step is so rapid, has serious springs in her feet, with marvelous dribble penetration moves to the rim! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":815462,"width":"388px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_8196.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-815462" style="width:388px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->