CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 girls’ high school basketball season, it’s time to honor players representing Montgomery County schools with the Clarksville Now All-Area Girls’ Basketball Team and Player of the Year.
There’s a variety of talented individuals who make up each team, but these players separated themselves from the rest. All statistics were contributed by Clarksville-area coaches.
First team
Malon Smith, senior guard, Clarksville High: Smith led the Wildcats in almost every major statistical category, earning district and region MVP honors. She finished the season averaging 20.3 points per game on 37% shooting, grabbing 5.5 rebounds a contest and tallied 140 total steals.
Niah Rhodes, senior guard, Clarksville Christian: Rhodes was a key piece and primary ball handler in the Centurion’s national championship run. She averaged 16.1 points a contest while dishing out 3 assists and grabbing 2.8 steals per game.
Qimara Summers, senior guard, Northeast: Summers did it all for the Eagles, averaging 15.9 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds, 3.7 steals, 1.9 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.
Ellie Hankemeir- junior forward, Rossview: Hankemeier was a bruising force in the paint for the Hawks, averaging a near-double double with 12 points per game to go along with 9.5 rebounds per contest. She also earned All-District and All-Region Honors.
Lauren Hassell, sophomore forward, Clarksville Christian: Hassell continued her already dominant career with another outstanding season, leading the Centurions to another national championship. She averaged 18.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, while also collecting 2.4 steals and 2 blocks per game.
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Second team
Shakiah Vance, junior guard, Clarksville High: Vance was the sharpshooter on the perimeter for the Wildcats during the 2024-25 season. She averaged 15.4 points per game on 40% shooting, which included 65 made threes. Vance earned All-District and All-Region Honors.
Imani Evans, senior guard, Rossview: Evans was the primary ball-handler in a guard-heavy rotation for the Hawks, and a lethal defender. She averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and three steals a contest.
Sicilly Robinson, junior guard, Clarksville Academy: Robinson was the leading scorer for the Cougars this season as she averaged 12.4 points a contest and shot an efficient 37% from behind the arc. She also added 5.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1 steal per game.
Anna Hellums, senior forward, Clarksville Academy: Hellums was the primary presence inside for the Cougars, who could also step out and knock down shots from the perimeter. She averaged 11.4 points on 47% shooting, while also compiling 6.7 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block per game.
Katarina Vidovic, senior forward, Montgomery Central: Vidovic was a bruiser inside for the Indians, averaging a near double-double with 11.6 points and 9.1 rebounds a game.
Third team
Jai Jordan, senior guard, Rossview: Jordan was a fantastic defender for the Hawks this season, who wasn’t afraid to drive to the basket. She averaged 9 points a contest while also collecting four rebounds, four assists, and 2.5 steals a game.
Jalaysia Hunt, senior guard, Northwest: Hunt had a nose for the ball, collecting 3.4 steals and 3.7 rebounds per game. On the offensive end, she averaged 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds a game.
Alessia Nesbit, senior guard, Clarksville Christian: Nesbit contributed in almost every area of the game on a night-to-night basis for CCS this year. She averaged 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game.
Grace Fuaau, senior forward, Northwest: Fuaau is another player who did a little bit of everything for her team. She averaged 8.8 points per game for the Vikings while also averaging 6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2 steals and 1.1 blocks a game.
Alaya Harris, freshman guard, Kirkwood: In her freshmen season at Kirkwood, Harris averaged 5 points per game while also averaging 4 assists per outing. She also consistently shut down the number one option on most teams, which contributed to her average of 1.5 steals per game.
Clarksville Now Player of the Year
Player of the Year – Malon Smith, senior guard, Clarksville High: Few players have had as much of an impact, not only on a team, but on a program than Malon Smith over her four years at CHS. Smith averaged 20.3 points per game throughout her senior campaign. She also compiled 155 total rebounds, 127 assists, and 140 steals in 2024-25. Smith also led the Wildcats to their fourth consecutive district championship, and third straight region championship. Following graduation, Smith will continue her playing career at Walters State Community College.
Team of the Year – Clarksville Christian: The Centurions captured their fourth straight national championship, led by FAMU signee Niah Rhodes and the No. 12 ranked recruit in the class of 2027, Lauren Hassell. Year by year, the Centurions establish themselves as a premier force in the national basketball landscape and will look to carry their momentum into 2025-26 season.
Coach of the Year – Brian Rush, Clarksville High: The Wildcats have lost three games in the last two years combined, and only one in the regular season. Despite constant changes in the world of basketball, Rush’s squad has continued to dominate, earning him Clarksville Now Coach of the Year honors.
Defensive Player of the Year – Lauren Hassell, Clarksville Christian: Hassell was an inside force for the Centurions throughout this past season of play. In addition to her 18.9 points per game, she also averaged 10.3 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 2.1 blocks per game.
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