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As the regular season quickly winds down and postseason play approaches, it’s only natural to think about who will end up bringing home the season’s biggest awards.
That includes this year’s slate of Miss Basketball awards.
Nominations for this year’s awards came to an end on Saturday and in the next few weeks, we’ll learn who this year’s finalists are.
Before that happens, I wanted to take a look at who I think from each class will end up as this year’s winners. Here are the six names I decided on:
LIONS ON TOP: Updated 615 Preps Large/Small Class Boys Basketball Rankings
LADY WILDCATS CONTINUE TO ROLL: Updated 615 Preps Large/Small Class Girls Basketball Rankings
Class 4A
Imari Berry, Clarksville
Ultimately I think this is a two-player race between Berry and Bradley Central’s Kimora Fields. While I think Fields will likely win the award as a junior and senior, the time is now for Berry.
The Clemson signee has been on a tear for the undefeated Lady Wildcats. With Jaloni Cambridge no longer in the state, I think it’s an easy case to say that Berry is the state’s best player regardless of class and she’ll end her high school career as a well-earned Miss Basketball winner.
Honorable mention: Kimora Field, Bradley Central
Class 3A
Ellie Butler, Livingston Academy
I became a fan of Butler’s game watching her lead Livingston Academy to the Class 3A championship game last season. She’s only upped it since then and figures to be heavily involved in the Miss Basketball race.
A three-level scorer, there’s nothing on a court that Butler can’t do. Just a junior, I wouldn’t be shocked to see her win the award in back-to-back years.
Honorable mention: Celeste Reed, White County
Class 2A
Reese Beaty, York Institute
Beaty’s been a star on the court since her first game as a freshman and I think this year she finally gets recognized for it. It’s a loaded field this year in the Class 2A field but I think Beaty is the one who hears her name called on award night.
The Clemson signee runs the show for a Dragonettes side that should be viewed as one of the favorites in Class 2A this season. Scoring, passing, defense, Beaty does it all at a high level and has all year once again.
Honorable mention: Molly Masingale, McMinn Central
Class 1A
Savannah Davis, McKenzie
Davis has been the best player in 1A in my opinion since she was a freshman and once again, she’ll go out on top as a repeat Miss Basketball winner.
Rick Insell and co. have landed a future star in Davis. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor is undeniable and this year in particular she’s been at her best making this an easy call for me.
Honorable mention: Blair Baugus, Wayne County
Division II-A
Daisy Gale, PCA
Admittedly, this one was close between Gale and USJ superstar freshman Haylen Ayers. Ultimately I decided to go with the senior and the player I’ve seen dominate in person.
Gale plays with an intensity on the court that I haven’t seen a lot out of other players this year. She’s a certified bucket and when you’re the best player on the best team in the state, that’s just something I can’t get past.
Honorable mention: Haylen Ayers, USJ
Division II-AA
Syndey Mains, Knoxville Catholic
It feels like Mains has been playing at a high level for Catholic forever and well, she has. A standout since she was a freshman, there’s no Jaloni Cambridge in her way this go around as she takes home this year’s Miss Basketball award.
I’ve only ever gotten to see Mains at the state tournament but every time I’ve enjoyed her game. Averaging close to 20 points per game once again and shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc, this was an easy choice.
Honorable mention: Daria Biruk, Webb-Bell Buckle
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