Newton Citizen

Precious Elkins made the best of her senior year at Salem.

In fact, she left little doubt about who would be the Player of the Year on the Citizen's 2009 All-Area Girls Basketball Team, earning that honor with stellar play for the Lady Seminoles.

Once again, Bill Roberts is the choice for Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.

The veteran sideline boss turned in another outstanding season at the helm of the Lady Seminoles. Salem posted a 23-3 record and won the Region 8-AAAA South subregion title before falling to Cedar Shoals in the Region 8-AAAA Tournament.

· Precious Elkins (Senior, Salem): Elkins averaged a double-double for the Lady Seminoles, chalking up 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. The senior earned several all-state postseason honors. She is continuing her basketball career at Lenoir-Rhyne College.

· Ariel Wynter (Junior, Salem): Wynter combined with Elkins to give the Lady Seminoles a strong inside presence. The junior center averaged 11 points and nine boards a game for Salem.

· Jade Cook (Sophomore, Eastside): Cook led the Lady Eagles in scoring at 11 points a game and assists at five per game. She was second on the team in rebounding at eight per contest.

· Qaiserah Shariff (Sophomore, Newton): Shariff tossed in a team-high 10.5 points a game for the Lady Rams. She also chipped in 2.5 assists and 2.2 steals a game.

· Sarah Herrington (Senior, Heritage): Herrington was the Lady Patriots' top scorer and best outside shooter, averaging a team-high 14 points a game. She also added three rebounds and three steals a game.