Riverdale's Aislynn Hayes tops DNJ's 2018-19 all-area girls basketball team
It didn't end the way she or her teammates wanted, but the success Aislynn Hayes enjoyed in her four years at Riverdale was nearly unmatched.
Three state championships, two national titles and a state semifinals appearance are what Hayes accomplished during her career with the Lady Warriors.
The 2018 Class AAA state tournament MVP led her squad to the state semifinals in 2019 and in the process earned The Daily News Journal's all-area player of the year honor.
Hayes averaged more than 14 points and almost five rebounds and four assists during her senior season.
Following is the DNJ's 2018-19 all-area girls basketball team:
First team
Yaubryon Chambers
Providence Christian, Sr.
Position: Forward
Why chosen: The Vanderbilt signee and DII-A state tournament MVP averaged 13.2 points and 7.8 rebounds for the state champion Lady Lions.
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Aislynn Hayes
Riverdale, Sr.
Position: Guard
Why chosen: The 7-AAA MVP and MTSU signee averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists in leading the Lady Warriors to the Class AAA state semifinals.
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Alasia Hayes
Riverdale, Jr.
Position: Forward
Why chosen: Averaged 13.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in leading Riverdale to the Class AAA state semifinals.
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Makayla Moates
Eagleville, Jr.
Position: Guard
Why chosen: Led Eagleville to its first state tournament appearance in 37 years, averaging 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
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Nia Vanzant
Blackman, Sr.
Position: Guard
Why chosen: Averaged 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists as the Lady Blaze reached the Region 4-AAA semifinals.
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Second team
Jaida Bond, Blackman, Sr., Forward
Lauren Flowers, Stewarts Creek, Sr., Forward
Acacia Hayes, Riverdale, Fr., Guard
Jalyn Holcomb, Riverdale, Sr., Guard
Claira McGowan, Oakland, So., Guard
Third team
Nicole Egeruoh, Oakland, So., Forward
A.C. Markham, Providence Christian, So., Guard
Iyana Moore, Blackman, So., Guard
Taylor Patterson, Siegel, Sr., Forward
Lizzy Thompson, Eagleville, Jr., Forward
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Coach of the Year
Tara James, Providence Christian
Why chosen: Led the Lady Lions to the program's first TSSAA state championship, winning the DII-A title after losing one of the team's top players to an injury midway through the season.