WESSON – Although she did not start playing basketball until 7thgrade, Ann Shelby Davis has developed into one of the future starsin high school girls basketball.

Davis, a 5-10 junior guard, powered the Wesson Lady Cobras tothe Division 6-2A crown in ’09 and the best team record 26-7 forthe Wesson girls since the 1980’s.

For her accomplishments, Davis has been named the Most ValuablePlayer and Miss Basketball on the 2009 All Area Girls BasketballTeam. She finished the 2008-09 season averaging 16 points, 4.2rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

Joining Davis on the All-Area Team are Macie Case of Wesson,Lindsay Clark and Caitlin Adams of Parklane, Tiaria Griffin ofLawrence County, Portia Craft of McComb and Kierra Addison andKentorria Harrell of South Pike.

The All-Area Team, composed of players outside of LincolnCounty, was selected by the DL sports department, with inputprovided by area high school and college coaches.

“My parents made me play,” explained Davis about herintroduction to basketball. “Then I started enjoying it.”

Davis is the daughter of Glenn and Minta Davis.

Davis appreciates being singled out as the Player of the Year.”It feels good.”

Davis says she has enjoyed being coached by Hugh Webb, the 09All-Area Coach of the Year.

“I love playing for Coach Webb,” stated Davis. “He knows how topush you and not to ride you.”

Webb says Davis is the the go-to player on the team. “Ann Shelbyis our franchise player. She makes us go. She is the most unselfishplayer I have ever coached.

” We need to ensure she gets more shots than she did this year,”continued Webb, “She has A good shooting percentage. She is growingand learning.”

Davis says her best game of the season was against Loyd Starwhere she scored 29 points.

Davis is high on her teammates. “It’s a good group. We all workhard. People want to watch us play. Going to state was a good sign.Our goal is to go back next year.”

Davis said the highlight of the season was was winning theDivision 6-2A title. “It was a big moment. We all gave a greateffort. We know what we can do. I think we played really well.”

Macie Case, a 5-5 junior point guard, helpedthe Lady Cobras to their successful; season averaging 9.1 points.3.2 rebounds, 3 steals, 2.2 assists a game, Case moved fromshooting guard last year to point and took on more responsibilitythis season.

“Macie just stepped in this year and did a masterful job atpoint guard,” praised Webb. “She did everything I asked her to. Sheis expected to be a force to be reckoned with next year. Herball-handling and passing skills have become masterful.

“Offensively, she is our best players,” added Webb.

Lindsay Clark, a 5-10 senior forward, poweredParklane (14-8) with a game-high 17 points and 9 rebounds agame.

“Lindsay is an outstanding athlete,” said Parklane girls headcoach Russell Cruise. “She is very versatile. She is a physicalplayer and dominated the boards.”

Clark was also named to the MPSA All-Star Team and First TeamAll-State.

Caitlin Adams, a 5-5 senior guard, was a keyscorer for the Lady Pioneers, averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2assists per game. Adams was a 3-year starter.

“Caitlin is an outstanding 3-point shooter,” stated Cruise. “Sheis extremely tough. She faced numerous injuries and never sloweddown. A good shooter and a team leader.”

Tiaria Griffin, 5-7 freshman guard, providedexcitment all year to the Lawrence County Lady Cougars and playeddifferent position during the season. On the season, Griffithaveraged 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assists pergame.

“Tiaria was out leading scorer,” said Lawrence County girlscoach Vicke Rutland. “For most of our games, she was in doublefigures and points. She’s a versatile player. Offensively that isher strength. She shots the 3’s pulls up on fast breaks and hitsthe jumper. Dynamite player for us.”

Portia Craft, a 5-3 senior shooting guard,provided senior leadership for the McComb Lady Tigers. Craft nettedan impressive 25 points, made 5 steals and had 3 assists pergame.

“Portia played a huge role in our team’s success,” said McCombgirls coach Angelia Johnson. “She’s an all-around rebounder. Sheplayed the way a senior should play. Academically, she did wellwith a 3.5 GPA. She hit it on the floor and in the class room.She’s a student athlete.”

Craft is looking at signing with Division II Lasierra Universityin Riverside, Calif.

Kierra Addison, a 5-7 senior guard, helped leadthe South Pike Lady Eagles to a 28-6 record. Addison led the teamwith 16 points. 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 5 assists per game.

“Kierra is a hard worker,” said South Pike coach Marcus Flippin.”I hate to see her go. She is good at getting the ball to the hole.She played excellent defense.”

Kentorria Harrell, a 5-9 senior guard, startedher senior year and finished with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 2 stealsper game for South Pike.

“Kentorria has long arms and runs well,” stated Flippin. “Shestepped us to the for front. Her best days are to come. A littlemore work and she will be fine.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Copiah Academy – Ashley Baham, Amanda Pyron, Madeline Cline,Lori Baham.

Franklin Co. – CeeCee Miller, Monique Starks, Detrick Winding,Vintrice Briggs.

Lawrence Co. – Samantha Showers.

McComb – Shanekqua Bibbs.

Parklane – Kellen Choate.

South Pike – Gearie Eubanks.

Wesson – Ansley Schimmel, Shauntay Walker.