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HIGH SCHOOL

Hardin Valley's Abbey Cornelius, Maryville's Spencer Lowe are players of the week

Knoxville News Sentinel

Abbey Conelius' potential was evident as an underclassman.

The Hardin Valley Academy forward started as a freshman and earned KIL Sophomore of the Year honors last season. And there's nothing to suggest she'll slow her pace as a junior.

Cornelius averaged a double-double in wins over Lenoir City (21 points; 10 rebounds) and Farragut (17; 14), making her an attractive option for online readers, who selected her as PrepXtra girls basketball player of the week.

Hardin Valley's Abbey Cornelius, right, is defended by Bearden's Jalia Arnwine, left, and Trinity Lee on Dec. 16 at Hardin Valley Academy.

Cornelius accrued 4,490 of 8,,896 online votes (50.47 percent). She and Maryville senior center Spencer Lowe, voted boys player of the week, will be featured in a televised segment by PrepXtra partner WBIR.

Lowe also averaged a double-double, in wins over Farragut, Alcoa and William Blount. He received 1,208 of 2,856 votes, in part for the 23 points and 19 rebounds he posted in a 77-75 victory over Blount County rival Alcoa.

Catholic senior point guard Luke Smith (951 votes) was second in boys voting. He scored 24 points with eight assists and four steals in a 68-48 win over Christian Academy of Knoxville. Coalfield junior guard Parker McKinney (392) was third after hitting the game-winning shot in a 59-57 win over The King's Academy. He also scored 31 points with seven rebounds, six assists and five steals in a 63-56 win over Wartburg.

Grace Christian sophomore guard Grant Ledford (305) was fourth, averaging 18 points and six rebounds in wins over Webb, Meigs County and Greenback.

McMinn Central senior guard Jacobi Lynn was second to Cornelius with 2,856 votes. She averaged 24.5 points in wins over Walker Valley and Sequoyah. Greeneville junior guard Sydni Lollar (1,112) was third, averaging 29.5 points in wins over West Greene and Grainger.

Oak Ridge sophomore guard Jada Guinn (438) was fourth after averaging 17.5 points in District 3-AAA wins over Campbell County and Clinton.

A new batch of nominees will be posted Saturday at prepxtra.com. Coaches may nominate candidates each Friday night during the regular season by email at KNS-sports@knoxnews.com or by calling 865-342-6291.