The Sauk Valley Media has released its 2025‑26 All‑Area Girls Basketball Team, a showcase of the region’s most dynamic players who have turned the court into a stage for record‑breaking performances and relentless competition.
Player of the Year: Jossy James
Jossy James from Sterling earned the Player of the Year award and stands as the all‑time leader in three‑point shooting for her school, having set new marks for most threes in a single game, a season and a career. Her precision from beyond the arc and clutch performances have cemented her legacy as one of the most prolific shooters in local history.
The team also celebrates Camrynn Jones of Polo, who finished her career with a school‑record 1,820 points, and Gisselle Martin from Newman, an IBCA All‑State third‑team selection who averaged 14.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Ahmyrie McGowan of Dixon impressed with a quadruple‑double, a triple‑double and 20 double‑digit performances, underscoring her all‑around impact.
A Roster of Rising Stars
Additional honorees include Aniyah Sarver from Oregon, the All‑BNC second‑team pick who holds the school record for career defensive rebounds, and Wrenn Coffey of Fulton, an All‑NUIC South first‑team selection who posted averages of 11 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 3.9 steals. Reese Dambman from Dixon earned All‑BNC second‑team honors with 14.5 points per game, while Breleigh Hayton led her team with 12.2 points per game.
Alexa McKendry of Amboy was named to the All‑NUIC unanimous first team after averaging 13.3 points, 2.3 assists and 2.7 steals, and Lucy Oetting from Newman secured an All‑Three Rivers East unanimous first‑team spot with 10.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, three steals and three assists per game. The breadth of talent extends to players such as Carlee Grobe, Morgan Hargrave, Aubrey Huisman, Bella Yanos, Elaina Allen, Jillian Anderson, Reese Polk, Addy Lohse, Trixie Carroll, Tatum Grim, Morgan McCullough, Sienna Peterson, Lauren Abbott, Haley Smither, Sarah Eckardt, Elsa Monaco, Miley Bickett, Nia Harris and Jae James, each of whom contributed significantly to their squads throughout the season.
Beyond individual accolades, the All‑Area team reflects a broader narrative of growth and competitiveness across the region’s programs. As local talent continues to attract attention from higher‑education institutions, schools like Valparaiso University, the University of Dubuque and Viterbo University are poised to scout these standout athletes for future opportunities.