5 Highland County girls named All-Ohio in Div. III, IV

Highland County had five players named Associated Press All-Ohio in Division III and IV for their outstanding play for the 2015-16 season, including three players from Lynchburg-Clay and one each from Fairfield and Whiteoak High Schools.

Leading the pack was Lynchburg-Clay senior forward Ali Little, who was selected third-team All-Ohio in Division III. The 6-3 senior averaged nearly a double-double this past season, with 10.3 points per game, and 9.8 rebounds per game. She also had 2.3 steals per game and 4.2 blocks per game.

During the fall season, Little was selected to the coaches’ All-Ohio soccer team, giving Little two All-Ohio honors this school year. Little was also AP first-team All-District in basketball this year and was selected to the All-Southern Hills Athletic Conference team as well.

She was a big factor for the Lady Mustangs reaching the regional semifinals, as they won the district and sectional championships, along with the team having a perfect 13-0 SHAC season, en route to a final overall record of 25-2 overall.

“First off, all three recognitions are very well deserving,” LC head coach Whitney Lewis said. “All of our girls come to practice every day with the mentality to get better and be an overall asset to the team. I feel very fortunate to coach not just these three, but all of our players. They are great athletes and even better people.

“Ali has played varsity basketball since her freshmen year. Each year, she has gained confidence and experience to further her skills and talent,” Lewis said. “This year, as a senior, she was voted as team captain, and I think she really took that role to heart. She helped lead and direct us when we needed that voice on the floor.

“Her contributions showed on both ends of the floor. She helped make our offense go with her rebounds and long outlet passes. On the defensive side of the ball, her presence was always felt. There is a quote that fits Ali perfect, ‘You don’t have to block every shot. You just have to make them think you are going to block every shot.’ Ali averaged four blocks a game, but I bet she altered just as many. She is a great player, and I am so happy she has been recognized for her contributions to our program.”

Also for the Lady Mustangs, twin sisters Hannah and McKayla Binkley were each selected as honorable mention All-Ohio. Hannah Binkley averaged 15.8 ppg. 2.3 assists per game, 2.9 steals per game and also scored her 1,000th career point this season, that coming in the fourth quarter of the district semifinals.

"Hannah has played so well this season. Her work and hours in the gym really paid off as she was able to score her 1,000 point this season,” Lewis said. “She became more aggressive and really focused on her shot this year. Her mentality this season allowed her to be a threat both offensively and defensively. I can’t wait to see what next season holds for her.”

McKayla Binkley had an average of 14.4 ppg this season, with 3.4 apg. and 2.3 spg. Both Hannah and McKayla each scored over 300 points this past year. The Binkleys were both second-team AP All-District selections, and each were on the All-SHAC team.

“McKayla’s journey has come so far. She was injured for several games last year where she had to sit out,” Lewis said. “I think that adversity has served her well for this season as she has been one of our most reliable players and floor general. Her no-quit attitude was contagious on the team. I am so happy that all of her hard work paid off this year.”

In Division IV, earning All-Ohio honorable mention honors were Fairfield sophomore Grace Shope and Whiteoak senior Emma Wardlow, as both were also AP second-team All-District selections and were named to the All-SHAC team.

Wardlow ended her senior season by averaging 13.9 ppg., as she totaled 319 points this season. She also averaged 5.8 rpg., 2.9 apg., 2.4 spg. and shot 72 percent from the free-throw line. Wardlow also collected her 1,000th career point this season.

“Emma’s attitude and desire from day one impressed me,” WHS head coach Randy Abbott said. “She has a passion for the game, she was voted team captain and has earned my highest respect. She’s a good example and role model for all players.”

Shope averaged 19.0 ppg., with 7.6 rpg., 3.3 spg. and shot 44.4 percent from the field.

“Grace works year-round, and I’m very happy for her to get recognition at the state level,” FHS head coach Chad Hamilton said.