Sectionals – Top Performers
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Many girls had big performances during sectional play. Some getting two games or just one game. Showcasing their talent in the early part of the postseason. We will highlight some of the top performers from sectional play below.
Abby McDonough – Doddridge County – 2023 – Guard
For most hoopers, it’s impressive to hit 30 points once in a high school season, but for Abby McDonough she made it look easy. Not only doing it multiple times this season, she did it in back-to-back fashion to open up the postseason for Doddridge County. Having 30 of the team’s 39 points in a 7 point win over Tyler Consolidated in the semifinals and 30 more points along with 15 rebounds in a 16 point win for the sectional title. The Bulldogs now will have home-court advantage for a chance to make it to Charleston against Madonna.
Olivia Toland Olivia Toland 5'9" | CG North Marion | 2023 State WV – North Marion – 2023 – Guard
One of the top players in “AAA”, Olivia Toland Olivia Toland 5'9" | CG North Marion | 2023 State WV has been leading North Marion all season. The Huskies opened up sectional play in a big win over Oak Glen where Toland dropped a career-high 35 points. North Marion would pull out a 10 point win for the sectional title over Weir with Toland leading with 27 points. Toland and the Huskies will get Keyser for a trip to the state tournament.
Sydney Baird Sydney Baird 5'7" | CG Webster County | 2023 State WV – Webster County – 2023 – Guard
The best-kept secret in West Virginia at the moment has put up dominant performances to start the postseason. Webster County guard, Sydney Baird Sydney Baird 5'7" | CG Webster County | 2023 State WV put up 33 points and 14 assists in their crushing victory over Meadow Bridge, 100-26. Baird would also put up 28 more points in their sectional championship over Richwood. Sydney Baird Sydney Baird 5'7" | CG Webster County | 2023 State WV hit her 1,000 career points mark against Richwood too, as a sophomore. The Highlanders will face a tough James Monroe team in regionals.
Jenna Burgess – Petersburg – 2021 – Guard
Petersburg getting a jump start into the postseason. Petersburg put up a dominant performance on Moorefield where Burgess led with 27 points. The Vikings would then take down the favorite, Frankfort for the sectional title. Frankfort was down some players due to COVID-19. However, Burgess put up 29 points to lift Petersburg to host the regional game against Braxton County.
Sierra Mason Sierra Mason 5'5" | CG Parkersburg | 2023 State WV – Parkersburg – 2023 – Guard
Parkersburg, being one of the known teams for the postseason, has proven “why” early this postseason. The Big Reds, being a little down from last year, have re-grouped and are looking better now. Parkersburg welcomed in Hurricane for the sectional semifinal where Sierra Mason Sierra Mason 5'5" | CG Parkersburg | 2023 State WV put up 23 points in a solid win for the Big Reds. Parkersburg then traveled to Parkersburg South for the sectional championship where the Big Reds put the state on notice in a demanding 18 point notice. Mason leading with 25 points. Parkersburg will face a talented Cabell Midland team for the trip to Charleton. However, Parkersburg is playing their best basketball right now.
Peyton Ilderton Peyton Ilderton 5'6" | CG Logan | 2022 State WV – Logan – 2022 – Guard
The top-seeded Logan Wildcats got two solid wins in the toughest section in the entire State. Led by sophomore guard Peyton Ilderton Peyton Ilderton 5'6" | CG Logan | 2022 State WV . Ilderton scored 24 points in the semifinal game to beat Lincoln County. Then, would put up 20 points in their 8 point win to claim the sectional title over Saint Joseph Central. The Wildcats will now host Winfield in regionals for a chance to Charleston.