GIRLS BASKETBALL ALL-STARS State prominence puts area athletes on the map

Champions Ursuline and West Branch led a contingent of talented players.
COURTNEY DAVIDSON
School/grade: Ursuline, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-State Division III, Player of the Year, NEO first team and Player of the Year, MVP of state championship game, all-time leading scorer at Ursuline with 2,064 points.
Name a person who has been a positive influence in your athletic career: My Lord and Savior -- without him I wouldn't be where I am today. My parents instilled the Lord into my life at a young age, and that has been with me ever since.
Best memory from this season: Defeating the four-time defending state champion Regina! Also, winning state and being able to play my last high school game in front of the ones I love, and doing all that for the state championship.
Surprised to learn: Every time I think about Michigan State University, the only down side is ... now I have to be a Spartan! That's scary!
ASHLEY ARMSTRONG
School/grade: West Branch, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: She averaged 13.3 points, 5.7 assists, 3.3 steals and 4.3 rebounds per game for the state champion Warriors. She was named Division II Player of the Year for the Northeast Inland District and the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. She was named to the state's all-tournament team and was named first-team all-Ohio. She played in the North/South and the Kentucky/Ohio all-star games.
Positive influence: My family, my personal motivator, and my team are my positive influences. Highs and lows are inevitable, but as I was surrounded and built up daily by these amazing people, I certainly had a senior season
full of highs.
Best memory: The best memories that I will take from this season are the innumerable times the team spent together. What made our season so successful was not the wins, awards, or even the "ship." Being a part of the most perfectly fit together team was a once in a lifetime experience. The chemistry that existed among the teammates made each day a live dream and is what will give this season a special place in our memories.
Surprised to learn: I want to be a lawyer in a big city.
VICTORIA ARNDT
School/grade: West Branch, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting 52 percent from the field and 69 percent from the free throw line. Has 1,012 career points. MVP of the state finals, second team All-State, first team All-Northeastern Buckeye Conference, All-OGBM Dream Team selection.
Positive influence: Coach Chuck Campbell because he has made me do the things that I don't want or feel like doing in practice so that I could be the player I am today.
Best memory: 2003-04 state champs.
Surprised to learn: I want to become a preacher.
AMBER BLAND
School/grade: Boardman, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Scored 660 points in a single season, 2,190 in a career and a record 51 points in one game. Leader of career points in the Mahoning Valley. Averaged 31 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals per game. Co-Player of the Year in Ohio as sophomore and senior, NEO Player of the Year as a sophomore, junior and senior; adidas All-American 2004 game MVP, MVP in Al Beach Classic.
Positive influence: My older brother, Chris. He has always been there for me. He cares for me and always influences me to do better. He always tells me to never let the little negative things get me down because I have bigger and better things ahead, and when I am knocked to my knees, I am in good position to pray.
Best memory: Watching Brittany Durkin come back after her injury and being able to play with her one last time. Being able to enjoy my last year at Boardman with the girls on the basketball team, on and off the court.
Surprised to learn: Throughout my career at Boardman, with all my awards and honors, I have never thought of myself to be better than anyone else.
AMBER JENAE BODRICK
School/grade: Cardinal Mooney, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-Steel Valley, second team Northeast Ohio Division III, honorable mention All-Ohio.
Positive influence: My family, friends and most importantly, God. These are the people who've given me their support through the good times and bad, and that's what keeps me going!
Best memory: The district championship game, although we were beaten by Ursuline. The team gave it all we had, and we played great together. I was also satisfied with the type of game I played.
Surprised to learn: I have two brothers and one sister. I started playing basketball in seventh grade at Youngstown Christian School. I'm dedicating this upcoming season to my grandma (Ruth Bodrick), who recently passed away.
LYNLE CORNELL
School/grade: Hubbard, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-TAC, first team All-Northeast Ohio, Trumbull County Player of the Year, special mention All-State, Hubbard's all-time leading scorer for career and season.
Positive influence: Definitely my mom. She has always encouraged me and taught me the values I needed to be a good athlete and teammate. She taught me that quitting just wasn't an option. If you started something, you were to do it and do it well.
Best memory: Beating Champion in triple overtime. I was on the bench because of fouls and being a captain watching my team fight their way to a victory. So actually, it was the best and worst -- the best because we won; the worst because I had to sit there and watch.
Surprised to learn: I love math and solving math problems. When I was in eighth grade, I was on a team that competitively solved math problems, called T.A.P.S.
ALYSON COTTER
School/grade: Salem, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: 13.6 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game. Four school records -- 3-pointers in a game (5), in a season (49), in a career (142); free throw percentage (89). Second team All-Ohio, first team All-Metro Athletic Conference, MAC Player of the Year, first team All-NEO Inland District, first team Columbiana County. District, MAC, regional champions. State Final Four.
Positive influence: Coach Steve Stewart has definitely influenced me over my four years to become a true leader. He put a lot of faith in me and helped me develop my role as a team leader. He has pushed and encouraged me and is supportive of everything I do.
Best memory: Winning the regional championship against Bay Village was the best feeling in the world. Making it to Columbus had been my dream since the 1993-94 team went to state. The entire Final Four experience was unforgettable.
Surprised to learn: I plan on attending Baldwin-Wallace College majoring in sports management and will continue playing basketball.
JESSICA DEVILLE
School/grade: Leetonia, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Averaged 24.6 points and 14.6 rebounds per game. Division IV All-Ohio co-Player of the Year, first team All-Ohio, Northeast Inland All-District Player of the Year, first team Northeast Inland All-District, academic All-Ohio team.
Positive influence: My dad, Dave. He has sacrificed a tremendous amount of his life in order for me to have endless basketball opportunities. There is no doubt in my mind that without my dad, I would not be where I am today. Love you so much, Dad! Thanks for everything!
Best memory: Playing in the TCL-ICL All-Star game. It was nice to play on the same team with the girls who were my opponents during the regular season. It was fun to just be friends, play together and beat the ICL!
Surprised to learn: I'm graduating first in my class with a 4.286 GPA. After studying pre-medicine at the University of Akron, I wish to attend medical school and possibly pursue a career in forensic pathology.
STEFFI GRAF
School/grade: Poland, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-MAC, second team All-District, honorable mention All-State. Averaged 13.9 points and 4.4 assists per game, and shot 80 percent from the free throw line.
Positive influence: My family has always been there to support me, especially my two older sisters. I was able to watch them compete through high school and college, and they still are willing to practice any sport with me.
Best memory: We had some fun and interesting times at camps over the summer, but the game that definitely sticks out in my mind is our victory at Canfield.
Surprised to learn: I am attending Ohio Wesleyan University next year and playing basketball and possibly volleyball or softball.
TYRA A. GRANT
School/grade: Ursuline, sophomore.
Statistics/accomplishments: Averaged 18.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 2.3 steals and 3.1 assists per game. Named Player of the Game in the state semifinals, first team All-Steel Valley Conference, second team All-Ohio, Division III All-tournament team.
Positive influence: My mom because she has been there for me through the good and bad times. She has been there to take me to wherever I need to go. She has always pushed me to succeed in life and to never give up. She has been there from the beginning to help through life's obstacles.
Best memory: Getting over that hump, beating four-time state champion Regina and knowing that anything is possible. Most of all, the best memory is being part of Ursuline's first girls basketball team to win the Division III state championship.
Surprised to learn: People might think that I'd rather lead my team in scoring, but I'd rather help on the defensive end of the court.
TANIESHA HOLLAND
School/grade: The Rayen School, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Averaged 21 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.6 steals and 5 assists per game. Shot 41 percent from the field and 65 percent from the free throw line. In three years, she has scored over 1,000 points (1,205) for her career. Scored game-high point totals of 35 against Chaney and 34 against East Liverpool. First team All-City selection.
Positive influence: My mom and dad, my coach Ms. Seimetz and my brothers and uncles. They all believe in me and are also supportive of me. They encourage me to know that I can accomplish things and make something of my life. My family and coaches have faith that I can continue my education at a Division I school if I can continue to work hard in the classroom as well as on the court. Who knows, I may even be headed for the WNBA!
Best memory: When the Rayen Tigers played Chaney, and I reached my 1,000 points for my career. That was an awesome game! In that game, I scored 35 points with 23 rebounds. Also during the season, I was selected for All-City first team and All-State honorable mention.
Surprised to learn: Usually I am a quiet, reserved and laid-back person. But once I am on the basketball court, I tend to be different. People are surprised to see just how competitive and aggressive I can actually be.
DESIRAE L. JENKINS
School/grade: Warren Harding, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-SVC. Was also selected to the Northeast Ohio District, Trumbull County and Mahoning County teams. Special mention All-Ohio.
Positive influence: My dad, who is also our coach. He has taught me mostly everything I know about basketball. He works with me in my weak areas and tells me what to do to be a better and more successful player.
Best memory: When we beat the Canton McKinley Bulldogs and I scored 29 points, including four 3-pointers, to help us come from behind for the victory. Also, when we beat our rivals, the Massillon Tigers, in the first round of the playoffs (23 points and three 3-pointers).
Surprised to learn: Most people know just about everything about me. I don't really come up with any surprises.
LINDSAY JOHNSON
School/grade: Springfield, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team Inter-County League and co-MVP, first team All-Northeast Ohio, special mention All-Ohio. Averaged 18.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.5 assists per game; shot 48 percent from the field, 42 percent from 3-point range and 71 percent from the free throw line.
Positive influence: My parents have both been very influential because they have always supported me and have worked hard so that I could go to camps and play AAU basketball to get better. They make time to come to all of my games, and that means a lot to me.
Best memory: Going 20-0.
Surprised to learn: Besides playing basketball, I also like to go skiing in the winter and to the beach with my family and friends in the summer.
CACHET MURRAY
School/grade: Girard, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team TAC, Trumbull County and NEO Inland District; second team All-State. Reached the 1,000-point plateau. Division III captain.
Positive influence: My family because they have always been there to support me in everything I've done. My best friend because if I was having a bad game, she would tell me it's OK and you'll get it next time. I can do all things through Christ.
Best memory: Winning the TAC and playing Regina because no one thought we would win seven games. Our record was 21-2. Having our basketball locker room phone calls and our bus ride home talks. I'll miss our three captains, but the phone calls will live on.
Surprised to learn: I'm scared of the dark.
AMANDA NERO
School/grade: Lowellville, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team All-Ohio Division IV, first team and co-player of the year Northeast Ohio Div. IV, Inter-County League co-player of the year, first team ICL for the third straight season, school record holder for most single-game points (45) for girls and boys, career 1,326 points scored, averaged 21 points, 7 steals and 5 rebounds per game.
Positive influence: My family has always been a positive influence, and all of my coaches at Lowellville and AAU have been great. I can't leave out my teammates from both Lowellville and AAU, either.
Best memory: I have so many unforgettable memories, like scoring my 1,000th point and breaking the Lowellville girls single-game scoring record (40 points), and then two weeks later breaking the boys record with 45 at the regionals. My best memory is probably when we won the district championship game for the first time in Lowellville girls basketball history.
Surprised to learn: I am a very superstitious person. I have to do everything the same every game day.
LAUREN NICOLE TEAL
School/grade: Salem, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Final Four Division II, regional champs, district champs. 2004 All-Ohio Honorable Mention (Div. II), first team all-county, second team All-Northeastern Ohio Inland District, first team All-Metro Athletic Conference. No. 9 on Salem's all-time points scored list; No. 7 on the OHSAA career blocks list (259) and No. 27 on the single-season list (74). For the 2004 season, received academic award, four-year letter award, senior award, co-captains award; led team in rebounding (6.8 per game) and blocks (2.7). Played in 96 career varsity games.
Positive influence: Throughout my career, each of my coaches has instilled in me the qualities of leadership, hard work and competitiveness. These characteristics have helped me become the player and person I am now.
Best memory: The support of a community throughout the season, but mostly during districts, regionals and state.
ASHLEIGH TONDO
School/grade: McDonald, sophomore.
Statistics/accomplishments: First team ICL, first team Trumbull County, Trumbull County Div. IV Player of the Year, first team Northeast Ohio Inland District, special mention All-Ohio.
Positive influence: My father because he works with me to help me improve
my game. He always encourages me and gives me the right advice.
Best memory: When our team overcame a 17-2 first-quarter deficit and ended up beating Mathews by seven at home.
Surprised to learn: Last year I ran in both the cross country and track state finals.
EMILY WOLLET
School/grade: Canfield, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Averaged about 11 points a game. First team All-Conference, first team All-NEO Inland District, special mention All-State Div. I.
Positive influence: I am blessed to have been surrounded by many positive people who have influenced me. My parents have taught me the greatest lessons about athletics. I was always told to "never give up" (Rudy) and to "just have fun," regardless of the outcome of the game.
Best memory: We had a great run during the middle of our season, during which we beat North Canton Hoover. Coming together and beating Hoover allowed our team to show everyone, including ourselves, what we were capable of accomplishing.
Surprised to learn: For years, my pre-game "ritual" consisted of eating grilled cheese sandwiches, watching clips of "Love and Basketball," and getting pumped up to music like "Space Jam!"
COACH OF THE YEAR
SEAN DURKIN
School: Ursuline, sixth year.
Statistics/accomplishments: 26-2 record, Steel Valley Conference champions, reached 100 career wins.
Positive influence: The recently-passed Red Saunders, long-time coach at St. Brendan. He was my coach in grade school and instilled in me the importance of defense, fundamentals and simplicity at a young age.
Best memory: Walking out of the tunnel at the Schottenstein for the first time.