Commercial Appeal all-metro girls basketball team
Tickets are on sale for the 2018 Commercial Appeal Sports Awards presented by Farm Bureau Health Plans, recognizing the top athletic accomplishments in Memphis area high school sports. It will be held June 5 at the Orpheum.
Now in its second year, the ESPY-style ceremony will feature as its guest speaker former University of Memphis and NFL standout running back DeAngelo Williams.
Tickets can be purchased at sportsawards.commercialappeal.com.
FIRST TEAM
Nominees for girls basketball player of the year, which will be announced at the Commercial Appeal Sports Awards on June 5.
Gabby Crawford
Munford, Sr.
Position: Guard
Why chosen: Crawford averaged 17.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists while leading the Cougars to a 22-10 record and a spot in the Class AAA sectionals for the second consecutive year. She'll play her college ball at Alabama.
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Elizabeth Dixon
Ridgeway, Sr.
Position: Post
Why chosen: The 6-4 Dixon was a Miss Basketball finalist in Class AAA after averaging 24 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. She became the first girl from Memphis selected to play in the McDonald's All-American game and has signed with Georgia Tech.
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Jayla Hemingway
Houston, Jr.
Position: Guard
Why chosen: Several Power 5 schools are clamoring for Hemingway's signature after she led the Mustangs to a 28-6 record and a runner-up finish in Class AAA. The three-year starter averaged 21.7 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 49 percent from the floor.
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Sadé Hudson
Trezevant, Sr.
Position: Guard
Why chosen: Hudson averaged 22.9 points while leading the Bears to the Class AA SCIAA championship and a 21-7 record. She has signed to play her college ball at Tennessee-Martin.
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Lanetta Williams
Arlington, Jr.
Position: Post
Why chosen: The 6-3 junior led Arlington to a 27-8 record and a spot in the Class AAA state tournament, averaging 12.5 points and 9.4 rebounds while shooting 53 percent from the floor.
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SECOND TEAM
G: Lauren Gross, Northpoint, Sr.
G: Akeria James, Craigmont, Jr.
G: Jireh Washington, Central, Sr.
G: Destinee Wells, Houston, So.
F: Jade Wells, Northpoint, Sr.
THIRD TEAM
G: Se'Quoia Allmond, Whitehaven, Fr.
G: Derrenishia Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Sr.
G: Savanna Owens, Briarcrest, Sr.
G: Johne' Stewart, Central, Sr.
F: Brittni Moore, White Station, Sr.
Teams were selected based on individual and team performance along with input from area coaches and observers.
Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas.