Region 7-3A Girls Top Performers
Girls Analysis

Region 7-3A Girls Semifinals Top Performers


Mary Mullinax2023 5-10 W Mary Mullinax – Lumpkin County
The Region 7-3A Player of the Year has improved by leaps and bounds since tearing her ACL two years ago. Mullinax has worked hard to become a complete player. Once more of an energy provider that slashed to the hoop and brought versatility on defense, now Mary is a complete player, well-rounded as a scorer and still effective as a defender. She finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals and 1 block in an 80-29 destruction of Dawson County, a 26-0 run putting the game to bed early. Mullinax knocked down 3 threes from atop the key and is connecting on over 35% of her long-range attempts, improving from last year’s 30%. Mary does the little things well. She uses her length to her advantage and keeps the ball high when rebounding and scoring inside. With a year left in her career and confidence at an all-time high, if Mullinax can take another jump from junior season to senior season, expect for her to become one of the most popular prospects in North Georgia.

Averie Jones2024 5-7 Averie Jones – Lumpkin County
Part of a 13-three barrage, Averie Jones was automatic draining 7 triples on her way to a game-high 23 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Every time the ball left Jones’ hands it felt like three points were going on the scoreboard. Aside from her accurate shooting, Jones impressed with her all-around floor game, still taking the time to do the little things as a rebounder and distributor. Averie has been in the weight room since Year 1 and is adding muscle to her frame to help her when facing physical defense. She is trending in the right direction to gain heavy attention from D-II schools and likely D-I programs as well.

Lexi Pierce2023 5-6 PG Lexi Pierce – Lumpkin County
Lexi Pierce set the tone on Saturday night. Her energy and effort were infectious as she provided relentless on-ball defense with quick hands and found herself first to every loose ball. Pierce turned over opponents and flourished in transition, finishing two And-1s in the open court. Lexi was quick on her feet when she had the ball and used a brisk crossover to get downhill in a blink, looking faster than when I last saw her. Pierce closed her night with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 steals. NAIA, D-III and even D-II schools will want to track her come senior season.

Kate Jackson2023 5-11 F Kate Jackson – Lumpkin County
Back from an ACL tear, the complete offensive package was on display for Kate Jackson, the interior presence that brings Lumpkin County to another level with her diverse skill set. Jackson scored on a pair of putbacks, three three-pointers and dive to the hoop and a post-up as she recorded 19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block before fouling out at the 4:36 mark of the fourth quarter. Jackson is a true inside-out threat. She likes to bang down low and uses her body well to score through defenders. When she steps outside, her ability to stretch the floor not only draws out opposing bigs to an uncomfortable area of guarding, but it opens the court for other Indians to slash to the basket. I like how Jackson blocks out and uses her physicality in the paint. It will be interesting to see what level she plays college at. Her high skill will surely draw a lot of attention from programs of multiple levels.

2024 5-10 F Morgan Chester – Dawson County
Chester was a bright spot for Dawson County against Lumpkin County. Morgan is a strong forward with a sturdy frame. She’s an active rebounder that scores well at the rim. She has upside as possibly becoming more of a stretch-forward long-term. Chester competed well inside with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks.

2023 5-11 F Alison Hiddema – East Forsyth
Tough as nails. That’s how Alison Hiddema plays. She’s a strong-bodied combo-forward that pounds the glass and attacks off the dribble relentlessly. She converted three And-1s and scored on two other drives in East Forsyth’s 50-43 win over White County. Hiddema lived at the line going 11-13, finishing with 24 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks.  Alison uses her physicality to her advantage with a strong first step and then uses her body to power her way to the rim and draw fouls.  She scores exceptionally well with both hands and also has the touch to step outside and bury the three. Her aggressiveness makes her a mismatch. I wouldn’t be surprised if she becomes a household name for D-II coaches next season.

2023 5-5 PG Ella Holbrook – East Forsyth
The nimble-footed guard was an X-Factor in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of her 16 points in final frame to edge White County. She also tallied 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 2 blocks.  Holbrook, much like Hiddema, likes to keep pressure on the defense by driving the ball. She uses her quickness to push tempo and find angles to get to the hoop. Holbrook likes to use her off arm when handling the ball and chicken wing’s defenders off her but has to make sure she doesn’t extend her arm too far for an offensive foul to be called. Ella went 7-11 from the foul line in the win.

Naomi Roberts2023 5-10 F Naomi Roberts – White County
An injury in a preseason scrimmage was an early setback for Naomi Roberts but at full strength she’s still one of the most intriguing prospects Northeast Georgia has to offer. She showed flashes of her take-over ability as she totaled 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks against East Forsyth especially in the third quarter. Roberts is a multifaceted combo-forward that makes an impact even without scoring. She is a versatile defender that moves her feet well and stays in front of opponents and contests shots with her length. She can start her own fastbreak and go coast-to-coast or use her court vision to find the open shooter. Naomi is a good athlete and the type of piece that can fit in in any role. As a point-forward she can space the floor with the three-point shot or drive the ball looking to either score or distribute. A breakout senior season could be on the verge.

2023 6-0 C Claire Beckman – White County
Claire Beckman is starting to grow on me with her rugged play inside. She’s a big body that rebounds, converts layups and protects the rim. She knocked down a mid-range jumper and went 5-6 from the foul line, showcasing a soft touch. Claire is a reliable competitor inside. She will be an attractive option for smaller schools come senior season.