CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. — Eight local high school seniors competed in the high school ranks for the final time Saturday, as players from five area schools represented team Ohio in the Ohio-Kentucky All-Star Game at Thomas More University’s Connor Convocation Center in Crestview Hills.
The area schools had a strong showing, particularly in the girls game with seven representatives.
GIRLS: OHIO 93, KENTUCKY 73
The local contingent made its presence felt early and often, contributing to a dominant Ohio performance that saw the Buckeye State girls pull away with a 20-point victory.
Leading the charge offensively were a pair of Lakota West Firebirds. Both Katie Fox (committed to Stephen F. Austin) and Sydney Williams (committed to Wright State) finished with 12 points. Fox showcased her efficiency, converting on six of her 10 attempts from the field to go along with a rebound, an assist and two steals. Williams showcased her range, tying a team-high with two made three-pointers, she finished with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. Their Firebird teammate Caroline Bayliff (committed to Walsh University) playmaking ability stood out, Bayliff led the game with five assists in addition to a steal.
Mason’s Anna Habra, the Player of the Year in the Greater Miami Conference, was a perfect 4-4 from the field for eight points to go along with four rebounds, two assists and a steal. Monroe’s Ryan Buskirk (committed to Wittenberg) chipped in with a perfect 2-2 shooting performance and two rebounds.
Rounding out the local contributors were Lakota East’s Bella Sturgill (committed to Flagler), who posted four points and four rebounds, and Springboro’s McKenzie Jones (committed to Tulsa), who added three points, three rebounds and an assist.
After losing the first quarter by a point, Ohio outscored Kentucky 68-47. Team Ohio MVP honors went to Kaylah Thornton of Fairmont High School. An Akron commit, Thornton led Ohio with 15 points, seven rebounds and four steals. For Kentucky, Butler High School’s Keziah Renee earned team MVP recognition after leading all players with 17 points.
BOYS: KENTUCKY 114 OHIO 91
Mason’s Brycen Johnson was the lone area representative in the boys game, and he held his own against a deep Kentucky squad. The Findlay commit went 2-5 from the field for four points.
Kentucky jumped out to a 28-16 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, building a double-digit advantage at halftime and cruising to a 23-point victory. Team Ohio MVP honors were given Julian Washington of Margaretta High School. The Dayton commit led Ohio with 19 points. Boyd County High School sharpshooter Jacob Spurlock earned Kentucky MVP honors. The Youngstown State commit poured in a game-high 20 points, including a game-high four three-pointers, and added four rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Bryan Miller is the Miami RedHawks beat writer for The Report. He can be reached at mbryan371@gmail.com.
