Holmes County Hoopers
Holmes County, located in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, is known for its beautiful scenery, authentic food and wonderful hospitality. Although Holmes County is only home to two high schools – Berlin Hiland (state champions in 2000, 2005, 2006,…
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Continue ReadingHolmes County, located in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, is known for its beautiful scenery, authentic food and wonderful hospitality. Although Holmes County is only home to two high schools – Berlin Hiland (state champions in 2000, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2014) and West Holmes (state champions in 1984, 1985, 1986 and 2014) – it is also known for its wildly successful girls basketball.
Let’s take a look at a number of talented underclassmen from these two schools.
Alicia Alexander – West Holmes – 5’8 Guard – Class of 2021
Alicia is probably the least-known of the Holmes County underclassmen that we are detailing today, however, she was arguably the most improved. After minimum contributions as a freshmen, Alicia provided consistency this year for a West Holmes team that was searching for it throughout the season. A sound defender and athlete – if her offensive game improves as much during this off-season as it did during last off-season, Alicia will be a double-digit scorer next year for the Knights.
Kyli Horn – Berlin Hiland – 5’5 Guard – Class of 2021
With the other talented players on her team and in her graduating class at Hiland, Kyli has flown under the radar through the first two years of her high school career. With that being said, she can absolutely fill it up! She has a quick first step and a refined floater that helps her make shots over taller/more athletic defenders. Her ability to blow by defenders typically gives her enough room to knock down shots from the perimeter at a high rate. She projects best at the next level as a 2-guard.
Alia Miller – Berlin Hiland – 5’11 Post – Class of 2022
Only a freshman this past year – Alia burst onto the scene as an immediate contributor, earning minutes for the Hiland Hawks. At such a young age, she is already a very good rebounder, particularly on the offensive end. As a 4/5, she knocks down the mid-range jumper at a high rate and possess the athleticism to become a good catch-and-face player from anywhere on the court. It will be fun watching her development over the next 3 years.
Zoe Miller – Berlin Hiland – 5’11 Post – Class of 2021
Perhaps the best player of this bunch – Zoe earned 1st-Team All-Ohio honors this year as a Sophomore. Her motor is rare for a player with her size and strength. Although most would label her as a “post” – she can shoot the 3-pointer off of the bounce and in catch-and-shoot situations. She does a tremendous job of working for early post position. Zoe is a relentless rebounder of the basketball – often times putting the opposition in foul trouble as she attacks the bucket hard for 4 quarters.
Hiland guard Brynn Mullet is the sharp-shooter that every high school and college team would love to have.Brynn Mullet – Berlin Hiland – 5’5 Guard – Class of 2021
Brynn is an elite shooter of the basketball who does not need much time or space to get her shot off. Not only is she deadly from the perimeter, but she possesses outstanding finishing skills around the rim. Her passing is an underrated attribute that will serve her well at the next level – where she is an ideal combo-guard for a scholarship school.
Paige Race – West Holmes – 5’2 Guard – Class of 2021
Paige is a scoring guard who is capable of putting up much larger numbers than her statistics would suggest. At almost 10 PPG this season, Paige had a handful of 20+ point outings, while also serving as a serviceable creator/distributor for her teammates. A little bit undersized for the scholarship level at this point – it is important that Paige continues to improve as a ball-handler, so that she can effectively play both guard positions down the road.
Katie Sprang – West Holmes – 5’8 Guard – Class of 2021
An outstanding athlete – Katie should only continue to develop skill on the basketball court. She is a top-notch defender who can guard multiple positions. She would probably be deemed a “slasher” by most on the offensive end – as she gets a majority of her points off of the bounce and in transition from quick-change opportunities. If she continues to improve as a jump shooter, she is one to keep an eye on.
Kelsey Swihart – Berlin Hiland – 5’11 Wing – Class of 2021
Kelsey may have the best physical tools of the Holmes County underclassmen that we are highlighting today. At nearly 6’0, she has the handles of a guard and the moves on the block of a polished post player. With her measurable attributes and the skills that she possesses – she is a very intriguing prospect. If she develops a few “go-to” moves, she will solidify herself an absolute match-up nightmare.
Krista Troyer – Berlin Hiland – 5’6 Guard – Class of 2020
Krista is the glue-girl that every successful team has. Although her impact does not necessarily show up on the stat sheet, she contributes on both ends of the floor from her guard position. A very strong defender – Krista seems to come up with every loose ball and is capable of knocking down open shots, as other teams focus on stopping her teammates. She would have a much bigger role offensively for other teams – but that is not needed in the current situation that she is in.
Hiland guard Morgan Yoder had 21 points in the state semi-final against nationally-ranked Columbus Africentric.Morgan Yoder – Berlin Hiland – 5’7 Point Guard – Class of 2021
Morgan is an outstanding lead-guard, who serves as the primary play maker and catalyst for the Hiland Hawks offensive juggernaut. She is a consistent knockdown shooter with the athleticism to get in the paint whenever she wants to. Her ability to attack the defense and make plays for her teammates gives opposing coaches nightmares. Already an all-state performer, the sky is the limit for Morgan, who routinely guards the best player for the opposition and is drawing interest from a number of D1 and D2 programs.