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Matthews named top player in Sky A By KRIS HENRY A constant force for the Butte Falls girls basketball team, sophomore Sarah Matthews was honored for her efforts recently by being named the Skyline A League Southern Division girls player of the year. The 6-foot post averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots per game in leading the Loggers to a 12-0 league mark and 20-6 tally overall. Although Matthews is only a sophomore, Butte Falls coach B.J. Rodgers said he wasn't surprised at all by her outstanding play this past season. "She's improved a lot since last year," said Rodgers. "MVP is usually an award that's reserved for seniors, but she was a dominant player for us. She's a force in the middle." Joining Matthews on the first team were Prospect's Sarah Gordon, last year's league MVP, Butte Falls sophomore Brianna Smeltz, Triad's Ashley Dubrey, North Lake's Staci Collins and Paisley's Sarah Billick. In Skyline A League boys voting, Hosanna Christian's Jeremy Chronister was named Sky A Southern Division player of the year. Also earning first-team nods were Nick Rodgers of Butte Falls, Paisley's Chaylon Shuffield and Eric McClellan and Hosanna Christian's Martin Axnick. Matthews' development this past season included a 28-percent improvement at the free-throw line and a more demonstrative presence in the paint on defense. "She's a good kid and works hard," said B.J. Rodgers. "She can also run the floor really well and starts our fast break with her rebounding. She got a lot of her points off of hustle." The 5-2 Smeltz averaged 8.5 points, four assists and three steals as the Loggers' point guard. "Brianna's the floor leader and basically a coach on the floor for us," said Rodgers. Three other Loggers gained recognition on the girls side, with honorable mention notice going to sophomores Asia Million and Cassy Bartel and senior Jessica Dunlap. Prospect's Lacey Tallman earned second-team recognition. In boys, Tyler Hersom of Butte Falls also earned second-team acclaim, while honorable mention notice was given to teammates Jed Rowden and Kelly Harrington. Skyline A League Southern Division All-Stars GIRLS First Team Sarah Matthews, Butte Falls; Sarah Gordon, Prospect; Ashley Dubrey, Triad; Staci Collins, North Lake; Sarah Billick, Paisley; Brianna Smeltz, Butte Falls. PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Sarah Matthews, Butte Falls. Second Team Holly Childers, Hosanna Christian; Kristy Bush, New Hope Christian; Kate Dovel, Hosanna Christian; Heather Roby, North Lake; Lacey Tallman, Prospect. Honorable Mention Cassy Bartel, Butte Falls; Asia Million, Butte Falls; Rachel Bruner, Triad; Jessica Dunlap, Butte Falls; Ashley Carlon, Paisley; Stephanie Schmidt, North Lake; Lindsey Fuller, Hosanna Christian. BOYS First Team Jeremy Chronister, Hosanna Christian; Chaylon Shuffield, Paisley; Nick Rodgers, Butte Falls; Martin Axnick, Hosanna Christian; Eric McClellan, Paisley. PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Jeremy Chronister, Hosanna Christian. Second Team Titus Lockard, New Hope Christian; Brandon Richardson, Paisley; Tyler Hersom, Butte Falls; Brandon Zieg, Triad; Craig Paulsen, Hosanna Christian; Mark Kroeker, Triad. Honorable Mention Josh Ward, New Hope Christian; Travis Griess, Brighton Academy; Jed Rowden, Butte Falls; Thomas Rios, Hosanna Christian; Kelly Harrington, Butte Falls; Miles Hohnstein, Brighton Academy; Wade Boan, North Lake; A.J. Freeman, North Lake; Taylor Swafford, North Lake. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.