GDW analysis from local prep basketball:
McSwain to play in All-Star game:
MONTGOMERY: Ava McSwain continues to gain a lot of attention as she is in the stretch run of her senior basketball season at Good Hope High School.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) announced the roster for Team Alabama on Saturday in its upcoming matchup vs. stars from the state of Mississippi.
McSwain was selected and will be playing in this event on March 8 at the University of South Alabama.
The top scorer locally will be paired with great senior talent such as Ace Austin of Spring Garden, Brett Douglas of Hazel Green, Sarah Gordon of Vestavia, Maddie Smith of Trinity Presbyterian and Kaylee Yarbrough of New Hope. All have been seen by Gameday Weekly from last season to this year.
Alabama will be coached by Ricky Austin of Spring Garden with Emily Flanagan of Sparkman as an assistant.
Cold Springs' Tammy West will serve as an administrative coach.
Outstanding performers from last week:
Girls:
Addison Holcomb of Vinemont - Scored 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds coming off the bench in 75 to 23 victory at Falkville January 28. That win enabled Vinemont to tie a school record for victories in a single season.
Caroline Miller of Vinemont - Led the Lady Eagles with 22 points on 9 FGs, 4 treys in a 63 to 24 victory January 31 vs. JB Pennington in the 3A, Area 11 playoffs.
Miller delivered 10 points in the 3rd on 4 shots, 2 treys with Vinemont going on a 22 to 2 run to break open a close game.
Molly Wilson of Cullman - Wilson stepped into leading the Lady Bearcats offensively against Jasper February 1 in the 6A, Area 13 semifinals. Wilson had 25 points, 9 FGs, 1 trey, 5 FTs in a 61 to 53 victory from Bearcat Arena.
The sophomore center tallied key rebounds and blocked a couple of shots in the 4th to prevent Jasper from a comeback victory.
Varsity:
Brooks Loftin of Cullman - Loftin came alive with 13 of 17 points in the final period January 30 as Cullman ended the regular season defeating Fultondale 72 to 57 at Bearcat Arena.
Loftin thrilled the crowd with a dunk in the period as his role was hue for the 'Cats to finish the regular season at 25 & 4.
Gavin Pace of Good Hope - Pace got on a good pace quickly for the Raiders February 1 in the 4A, Area 13 semifinals vs, East Lawrence at West Morgan HS.
Pace hit 5 FGs in the opening half, three treys to lead the Raiders to a 45 to 19 halftime margin.
Pace had 20 as the Raiders won 70 to 48. Seven shots were made by the Raider senior, 3 treys and 3 of 3 from the Ft line.
Photo of Good Hope senior Ava McSwain (2) from the Cullman County championship game January 25. McSwain has been selected to play in the Alabama vs. Mississippi All Star game March 8.
Photo courtesy of Martha Needham.
