Matthews named Most Valuable Player

Bogue Chitto junior guard Zariah Matthews smiles brightly and speaks softly when she is not terrorizing opposing teams game plans with her basketball skills as coaches work overtime devising defensive schemes to slow her down.

Matthews’ accomplishments on the court this season have earned her the title of Miss Basketball and Most Valuable Player on The DAILY LEADER’s 2015 All-Area Girls Basketball Team. Recognized for her all-around versatility and exceptional athletic skills, she averaged 16.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.6 steals per game.

Joining Matthews on the DL’s Dream Team are Hillary Wilson and Mary Claire White of Brookhaven Academy, Hanna Moak of West Lincoln, Kynitria Hill of Brookhaven High, Marcey Givens of Loyd Star and Wesson’s Kayla Britt and Jashia Smith. The team was selected by the DL sports staff, with input provided by area high school and college coaches.

Zariah Matthews, 17, is the daughter of Fredricka Perkins and Kenric Matthews. Her jersey number on the Lady Cats basketball team is No. 2.

Zariah is very well known for her high-energy level and love for the game. She helped the Lady Cats return to the Big House (a.k.a. Jackson Coliseum) for the fourth time in five years. Bogue Chitto ended up suffering a heartbreaking 57-55-overtime loss to the West Union Lady Eagles in the quarterfinals of the Class 1A State playoffs.

The Lady Cats finished their amazing season with 26-7 worksheet and the future looks really bright for Bogue Chitto as they look to make a return trip next year losing only one senior to graduation.

Matthews shared her thoughts on the Lady Cats’ amazing season. “We were happy to get back to the Big House, but we are not satisfied with the ending. The girls and I will work even harder next year to achieve our goal.”

Operating at point guard for the Lady Cats, Zariah is a team player and she will do anything to help her team win, no matter if it’s on the basketball court or on the softball field.

Matthews mentioned that she has helped the Lady Cats win three state championships in softball (one slowpitch and two fastpitch) and wants to win more, including a basketball state championship, before graduating next year.

Bogue Chitto’s coach Christi Terrell expressed her thoughts on Matthews. “Zariah has a lot of talent. She wants to win and she is a very coachable athletic girl. I expect her to be even better next year.”

Hillary Wilson, a senior guard at Brookhaven Academy, averaged 12 points and 5 rebounds per game this season helping the Lady Cougars advance to the MAIS state playoffs.

Mary Claire White,  BA’s senior forward, averaged 12 points, 3 assist and 5 rebounds per game. She also helped the Lady Cougars advance to the MAIS state playoffs.

Hanna Moak,  West Lincoln’s junior forward, averaged 13 points, 8 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.8 assists per game for the Lady Bears.

Kynitria Hill,  Brookhaven High’s senior center, averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Lady Panthers

Marcey Givens,  a senior guard for Loyd Star, averaged 12 points and 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2.1 assists per game for the Lady Hornets. They finished 20-7 overall and 8-2 in Region 7-2A.

Kayla Britt,  a senior forward for Wesson, averaged 12 points and 5 steals per game for the Lady Cobras.

Jashia Smith,  a junior center for Wesson, averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Lady Cobras.

HONORABLE MENTION

Bogue Chitto:  Karlie Williams, Christian Black, Terrah Nelson.

Brookhaven Academy:  Anna Kathryn Smith, Bailey Steward, Sophie Wilson.

Brookhaven High:  Chantel Quarles, Shoniece Smith, Asia Byrd.

Enterprise:  Alissa Barlow, Courtney Greer, Hannah Kirtfield.

 Franklin County:  Tadayla Hunt, Jada Hunt, Brianta O’Quinn

Lawrence County:  DeNeisha Dickson, Haven Johnson, Camryn Davis.

Loyd Star:  Jordan Shelby, Hannah Dickerson, Mackenzie Smith.

Wesson:  Aurianna Vaughn, Tashay Glasper, Camesha Green.

 West Lincoln: Alli Mullins, Demeshia Deer, Layton Sills.