All-Freshman Superlatives (Part Two)
The class of 2025 has so much talent and they showcased that talent all season long. Now, they’re showcasing it for college coaches as they are kicking off their travel seasons. Before we get too deep into this next chapter,…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2025 has so much talent and they showcased that talent all season long. Now, they’re showcasing it for college coaches as they are kicking off their travel seasons. Before we get too deep into this next chapter, I wanted to give out some awards to the 2025 class for their performances with their high school squads this past winter. We put out the first 5 superlatives yesterday, but now we will look at the winners of the final 6 awards.
A couple of things to note: while some players could have earned multiple superlatives, only one was given per player. Please keep in mind that these are just for fun and they are based solely on the talent I got the chance to watch play this year.
Defensive MVP
The most valuable defensive player. The winner of this superlative is a great defender who consistently came up with blocks, steals, stops, and rebounds.
Ciara Byars Ciara Byars 6'2" | CG George Rogers Clark | 2025 State KY | George Rogers Clark | Kentucky Premier 17U EYBL
Byars does it all on both ends of the floor and was so impressive this season. Her team only lost 3 total games and she was a major factor in their success. On the defensive end, she moves her feet so well and is an outstanding shot-blocker. She really makes it hard on the offense to get anything off, especially around the rim. She can put up a double-double or triple-double against any opponent. She’s already got the strength and size to compete against the most seasoned veterans. Although her team fell to the eventual state champion, Byars earned herself a spot on the KHSAA Sweet 16 All-Tournament Team and has received All-State recognition by multiple news outlets.
Most Improved Award
This is given to a player that has really put in the work to improve their game, and that hard work shined all season long.
Hayden Barrier Hayden Barrier 5'6" | SG Montgomery County | 2024 State KY | Montgomery County | WV Thunder 16U
Barrier didn’t need to improve to be considered one of the top players in the 2025 class, but she did anyways. Barrier made significant improvements this season, especially on the defensive end. In the past, defense was my only question mark when it came to her game. However, I can say with certainty that I have zero questions after watching her play this year. She really does elevate her game every time I get the chance to watch her play and she never fails to impress me. I’d expect her to receive a ton of additional offers as she continues to grow her game this spring and summer.
Best Rebounder Award
The best rebounder award is given to a player that does a fantastic job of crashing the boards and coming up with multiple rebounds game-in and game-out.
Grace Mbugua Grace Mbugua 6'4" | PF Danville Christian | 2025 State KY | Danville Christian
As a freshman, Mbugua finished the season as the state’s leader in rebounds per game (14.9 RPG), so it’s easy to see why she earned this award. She is a phenomenal shot blocker and she is skilled at not only getting the block, but also the rebound to go along with the block. She is an impressive offensive player as well, but when you finish the season averaging 2 more rebounds than the next player on the leaderboard, you’ve earned the recognition of best rebounder.
All Heart Award
This superlative is given to a player that is reliable, tenacious, fearless, and clutch. This player needs to be a hard worker and their love for the game should shine through when they’re on the floor.
Alyssa Murphy Alyssa Murphy 5'5" | PG Corydon Central | 2025 State IN | Mercy | Kentucky Premier 16U EYBL
Murphy is such a solid and fearless player. She facilitates an offense like a veteran and she plays so hard every second she’s on the floor. She hustles, plays hard-nosed defense, and stays ready. She hit multiple clutch shots for Mercy this year and it didn’t matter if she had missed her last few shots, she shot the ball with the confidence needed to knock it down. She has good handles and makes some phenomenal passes. When you talk grit and tenacity, Murphy fits the mold. She also is a reliable free throw shooter, finishing the season with the 18th best free throw percentage in the state.
Coach’s Award
This award is given to a player that is a natural leader and a coach on the floor. They should be coachable, hardworking, and knowledgeable.
Kinsley Molden Kinsley Molden 5'6" | SG Southwestern | 2025 State KY | Southwestern | ETA Thunder 2025
If you’re looking for a competitor, Molden is going to bring it every time she plays. She’s a coach on the floor, whether getting her team huddled up or through her actions, she is a natural-born leader. She seems to listen to feedback from her coaches well and she uses that feedback to make improvements to her game. She plays so hard and her high basketball IQ comes through when you watch her play. She is a great ball handler, passer, shooter, and scorer. Molden finished her freshman season with the state’s 3rd best free throw percentage and was 32nd in 3-point field goals made per game. After putting people on notice at the state tournament, it was no surprise when Molden added to her freshman season accomplishments and earned a spot on the KHSAA Sweet 16 All-Tournament Team.
Reliable Award
This is given to a player that is consistent and can be counted on every single game.
Halle Collins Halle Collins 5'11" | SF Knox Central | 2025 State KY | Knox Central | Kentucky Premier 16U EYBL
Collins is a double-double machine, nearly averaging a double-double in her freshman season. To show how consistent she is, she finished the season with the state’s 7th best free throw percentage, along with finishing 31st in points per game and 40th in field goal percentage. She scored 19.2 points per game and grabbed 9.3 rebounds per game. She is so smart when it comes to shot selection and decision making. She works so hard on the boards and she doesn’t give up on plays. She can put the ball in the basket herself, but she’s always ready to kick to a teammate. Collins is definitely a player that you can rely on to produce impressive numbers against any given team.