Meet the 2017-18 Daily News Journal all-area girls basketball team
Cecil Joyce
Watching the Riverdale girls basketball team, it wasn't hard to see why the Lady Warriors rode a 53-game winning streak and ultimately captured their third consecutive Class AAA state title.
Talent all over the court was the catalyst for the Lady Warriors. While Riverdale had reserves who could have started for most teams in the state, the Lady Warriors' starting five was arguably the best five players in the area.
All five are first-team all-area performers. Three of those — seniors Brinae Alexander and Alexis Whittington and junior Aislynn Hayes — are finalists for the all-area girls basketball player of the year.
Alexander, a Vanderbilt signee, was a McDonald's All-American nominee and Class AAA Miss Basketball finalist, finishing at 18 points and five rebounds a contest.
Whittington, an MTSU signee, excelled on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court, averaging 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Hayes, a junior point guard, averaged more than 13 points and four assists and was named state tournament MVP.
The all-area girls basketball player of the year will be announced at an all-sports ceremony in May.
The 2017-18 all-area girls basketball team includes:
FIRST TEAM
Brinae Alexander
Riverdale, Sr., F
Why chosen: The Class AAA Miss Basketball finalist and Vanderbilt signee averaged 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and 2.6 steals for the state champion Lady Warriors.
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Aislynn Hayes
Riverdale, Jr., G
Why chosen: Averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 steals and was named Class AAA state tournament MVP.
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Alasia Hayes
Riverdale, So., G
Why chosen: Averaged 13.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, three assists and two steals for the state champion Lady Warriors.
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Alexis Whittington
Riverdale, Sr., F
Why chosen: The MTSU signee averaged 11 points, four rebounds, 2.7 steals and three assists while typically defending each opponent’s top player for state champion Lady Warriors.
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Amanda Whittington
Riverdale, Sr., F
Why chosen: The MTSU signee averaged six points, three rebounds and two steals and had a big state tournament as the Lady Warriors won their third consecutive Class AAA title.
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SECOND TEAM
G: Faith Adams, Oakland, Jr.
G: Jaida Bond, Blackman, Sr.
G: Lauren Flowers, Stewarts Creek, Jr.
F: Jaleah Goff, Blackman, Sr.
F: Jamya Rogers, Stewarts Creek, Sr.
THIRD TEAM
G: Mariah Edmonds, PCA, Fr.
F: Maggie Knowles, Oakland, Sr.
G: Sloan Mann, Oakland, Sr.
F: Maleah Scott, Cannon Co., Sr.
G: Nia Vanzant, Blackman, Jr.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Randy Coffman
Riverdale
Why chosen: The reigning national coach of the year guided Riverdale to a third-consecutive Class AAA state title and a No. 2 ranking nationally by USA TODAY.