T.C. Williams High girls’ basketball player Tierra Ruffin–Pratt was unanimously selected as the Virginia State AAA Girls Basketball Player of the Year by the Virginia High School League Coaches’ Association (VHSCA) during recent meetings in Charlottesville. Ruffin-Pratt, headed to North Carolina on a college basketball scholarship, led the Titans to the region finals this past winter season. There, T.C. lost to Oakton in the finals.
Joining Ruffin-Pratt on the All-State First Team were: sophomore Elizabeth Williams and junior Samisha Powell (both of state AAA champion Princess Anne of Virginia Beach), 0senior Tashuana Rodgers of King’s Fork (Suffolk) and Forest Park (Woodbridge)point guard Danni Jackson.
Local All-State honors went to Myesha Goodwin (Edison High) and Kyani White (Stonewall Jackson of Manassas), who were named to the Second Team. Gerda Gatling (Forest Park), Shelby Romine (Westfield), Tracy King (Mount Vernon) and Kelcyn Manurs (South Lakes) received Honorable Mention accolades. Oakton’s Fred Priester was named state AAA Co-Coach of the Year with Princess Coach Darnell Dozier. Priester led the Cougars to the state finals this past season.
At the State AA level, Mexiandra Porter of state champion Freedom High (South Riding) and Kendra Holmes of Div. 4 state champion Loudoun County were named Players of the Year in their Divisions. Coach Jason Eldredge (Freedom) and Kevin Reed (Loudoun County) were named Coaches of Year in their respective Divisions.
Priester will be the head coach of the West squad and Eldredge and Reed will assist coach Rachel Mead (Cosby) with the East Squad in the VHSCA All-Star game on July 7 in Hampton. Oakton High’s Erin McGartland will be a member of the East squad.