Hillman, Kirby earn Player of the Year honors

Sophomore Jonny Hillman of Genesis Prep and senior Allison Kirby of Timberlake were named Player of the Year in their divisions as The Idaho Statesman announced its All-Idaho high school boys and girls basketball teams this week.

Hillman led Genesis Prep to its first state 1A Division II championship, averaging 16.7 points, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals.

“A very solid player,” Mackay coach Kelvin Krosch told the Statesman. “A high basketball IQ. Whenever his team needed a bucket, he stepped up and knocked one down. Never saw him force it or make a bad decision.”

“He was the best player on the championship team,” Genesis Prep coach Marsell Colbert added.

Kirby, a 5-7 guard, helped Timberlake repeat as state 3A girls champions, averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 3.9 steals. Kirby, who repeated as Player of the Year, has signed with Idaho.

“She is the best perimeter defender I have ever coached,” said Timberlake coach Matt Miller, who was named 3A girls Coach of the Year after leading the Tigers to their second straight state title.

“How about player of the last four years?” added Priest River coach Gary Stewart.

Post Falls junior wing Jake Pfennigs was named to the 5A boys first team. Pfennigs averaged 17.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 blocks per game.

Kellogg junior guard Chase Jerome was named to the 3A boys second team.

St. Maries senior guard Jake Sieler was named to the 2A boys first team. Sieler, a second-team pick last year, averaged 15.9 points, 3.5 assists and 4.7 steals for the Lumberjacks, who placed third at state.

Genesis Prep senior center Stephane Manzi was named to the 1A Division II second team.

Post Falls junior forward Melody Kempton was named to the 5A girls first team. Kempton, who led the Trojans to a third-place finish at state, averaged 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.2 steals, 2.3 assists and 2.1 blocks per game.

Lake City senior forward Nina Carlson and Post Falls junior point guard Bayley Brennan were named to the second team.

Sandpoint junior guard Grace Kirscher was named to the 4A girls first team. Kirscher averaged 16.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.4 steals.

Timberlake senior guard Keelie Lawler was named to the 3A girls first team for the fourth straight season. Lawler, who has signed with NCAA Division II Western State Colorado, averaged 14.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 3.0 steals.

St. Maries senior forward Kelsey Auer was named to the 2A girls second team.

Genesis Prep sophomore center Bella Murekatete was named to the 1A Division II girls first team. Murekatete averaged 21.8 points, 19.6 rebounds, 5.5 blocks and 3.1 steals per game for the Jaguars, who placed third at state in their first appearance.

Lakeside senior forward Lillian Rhea and Genesis Prep sophomore point guard Rachel Schroeder were named to the second team.

The All-Idaho teams were compiled by the Statesman, following voting from coaches statewide.

The full teams can be seen at idahostatesman.com