Sports
Hardwood Heroes 2017 All-Hero Teams
By: Alex Harrison
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Most players are alright, some players are good, few are great, and in the Tri-Valley Conference, 12 are heroic.
Girls
Leah Richardson – Alexander
Richardson is an offensive powerhouse for the Lady Spartans shown by the fact she is the highest score in Alexander history. Richardson led the Lady Spartans to an undefeated run in the TVC, on the way to a TVC-Ohio championship. Richardson will be missed in Albany, but for now the Lady Spartans are still rocking the tournament.
Jessie Addis – Nelsonville-York
Reaching the 1,000-point plateau is a dream for most players. Gyms have banners with players that reached the mark and Addis got her name on it. Addis, though, reached it as a junior and still has another year to add on. She is the only junior at Nelsonville-York to reach 1,000 points. Addis led the Lady Buckeyes to a second place finish in the TVC-Ohio and one playoff victory before being knocked out by Eastern Brown.
Destiny Tabler – Federal Hocking
Another player to reach the 1,000 point mark. Tabler gave the Lady Lancers an identity on the court. Federal Hocking finished last season with just four wins and upgraded heavily this season. The Lady Lancers finished with 12 wins and a sectional championship to match.
Alli Kern – Waterford
Kern may not wear it on the court, but she won a ring last season and the then-sophomore was a huge part of the season. Now, still only a junior, Kern absolutely dominates on the court for the defending champs. She’s controlled the offense and defense for the Lady Wildcats on the way to another TVC-Hocking championship.
Megan Ball – Waterford
An All-Hero list can’t have Alli Kern and not Megan Ball. The two need to be together because they are so dominant together. Everything said about Kern can be applied right to Ball. The dynamic junior duo led the Lady Wildcats to an undefeated season in the Hocking and another deep playoff run. With one more year to play together, the entire state will need to be on watch for next season.
Laura Pullins – Eastern
When Pullins can take control of a game, mark it as a win for the Lady Eagles. Pullins frequently pulls in double-doubles and has the offensive talent to drive to the basket or shoot behind the arc. Pullins has been hero for Eastern her entire career and she’s still keeping it going.
Boys
Tristan Bartoe – Vinton County
Vinton County is one of the best teams in the area and Bartoe is arguably the best scorer on that team. He’s a 1,000 point scorer and has gone head-to-head with others, usually coming out with the win. Bartoe led the Vikings to a TVC-Ohio title, losing only one conference game to Alexander. Bartoe and Vinton County are still running in the tournament with a good shot to make some waves.
Griffin Lutz – Athens
Lutz has consistently been one of, if not the best player in the area. Lutz can do it all on the court. He can drive to the basket, pull up from inside or outside the arc and can snag some rebounds too. Lutz also has some all-star handles. The Bulldogs have been led by Lutz for four years and the Bulldogs will be hard-pressed to find someone with his ability again.
Derick Jones – Vinton County
Another star for the Vinton County Vikings. Jones runs the floor for the Vikings and can score with just about anybody. The Jones and Bartoe connection has been money for Vinton County as they continue to run the table in the Division II bracket.
Jordan Welch – Waterford
Welch is a senior leader on the court for Waterford. He brings a great energy to the Wildcats that has led them to a Hocking title and an undefeated record in the Hocking. Welch has strong defense in the post which causes opponents to make bad shots or kick out and hope for an open shot.
Chace Harris – Alexander
Harris is a vital man around the rim for the Alexander Spartans. Harris can grab some rebounds put is better putting the ball in his own basket. Harris consistently reaches double digits in points and don’t be surprised if he pushes 20 or more and adds more for a double-double effort.
Isaac Huffman – Waterford
Huffman is a quarterback on the gridiron and the hardwood for the Wildcats. Huffman can pass the ball like no other and is unselfish in doing so. He can also lock down on defense and was huge for Waterford’s regular season and tournament run.