From left to right: Brooke Howard, Grace Leighton, Jenna Griffith, Haley Miller and Alexis Russell.
Already voted to the Associated Press Class C All-State Team, Mendon senior Brooke Howard was named St. Joseph Valley League Most Valuable Player earlier this week.
Along with Howard, Hornets seniors Grace Leighton, Jenna Griffith and Alexis Russell earned spots on the All-SJV squad in the last year of the conference’s existence after Mendon rolled to a 6-0 record and league title. The program went on to compete in the state quarterfinals for the first time in school history.
Howard set a career scoring record at Mendon with 1,440 points in four years as a starter.
“it’s always an honor to get MVP,” she said. “Great way to end my senior season; just puts the icing on the cake. Another great personal achievement to put in the books for me.”
Leighton, who averaged around 10 points per game, agreed.
“It’s always a nice honor to be recognized for something and it’s exciting,” she said. “I know I am definitely going to miss basketball.”
Griffith finished the season averaging roughly 10 points and five assists per outing.
“Earning All-SJV is a huge honor because I feel that there are so many other girls that are deserving,” she said.
Russell posted around eight rebounds and eight points per game in her final year in a Mendon jersey.
“It’s definitely an honor. With there only being eight girls out of the league to make it, it’s always a nice accomplishment,” she explained.
White Pigeon senior Haley Miller also made the first team after leading the Chiefs with 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per game.
“I feel very accomplished for getting on All-SJV and I’m glad all my hard work paid off,” she said.
All-SJV
Brooke Howard (12), Mendon, MVP
Skyler Sobeski (11), Bronson
Jenna Griffith (12), Mendon
Alexis Russell (12), Mendon
Liz Baker (12), Bronson
Hailey Miller (12), White Pigeon
Kinslea Blouin (11), Bronson
Grace Leighton (12), Mendon
Honorable Mention
Madison Hunter (10), Centreville
Grace Pyles (12), Bronson
Bethany Hagner (12), White Pigeon
Special Mention
Kelsey Robinson (10), Bronson
Bailee May (10), Centreville
Cierra Furlong (12), Mendon
Rachel Brock (12), White Pigeon