ST. GEORGE — Girls basketball coaches didn’t have to debate when it came time to choose the most valuable player on the All-Region 9 team.

Snow Canyon junior Olivia Hamlin was the obvious choice. Hamlin led the Warriors to a 24-3 record and a runner-up finish at the 4A state tournament in Orem last month.

And the Warriors went unbeaten in region games for the second consecutive year.

Snow Canyon coach Sue Hoskins told St. George News that Hamlin is more than just her impressive statistics on the court.

“I was impressed by the way she played so freely this season,” Hoskins said. “When she plays with pace and steals she is at her best. Some of the finish moves she made on the fast break were shocking to us as coaches and her teammates.”

Hamlin finished with an average of 27.5 points per game. She grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game, made 3.5 assists and pilfered 4.8 steals per contest. She made 50 3-point shots.

“She made so many clutch 3-pointers when we needed them,” Hoskins said. “She works very hard and is a great teammate but she is also humble and coachable and just a good young woman.”

Joining Hamlin on the All-Region 9 team were Warrior teammates and fellow juniors Joey Jensen (first team) and Kelly Howard (second team).

Hoskins said Jensen was steady and consistent, scoring 10.7 points per game and averaging over four rebounds and assists per game.

“The quarterback,” Hoskins said. “She plays with control and calmness. She studied film and came to every practice ready to improve.”

Howard averaged 11.5 points per game and sank 52 3-pointers for the season.

“Deadly from the 3-point line. She worked very hard this season and was the player that spent extra time in the gym with the shooting machine,” Hoskins said.

Hoskins directed the Warriors to an appearance in the 4A final game in her first year on the bench. She said the voting among coaches was very close when they selected the All-Region 9 team.

“Every team has a lot of talent and we will lose some but some will be back next season,” Hoskins said. “I think Region 9 is the toughest region in 4A. As a coach, you always have to be prepared for every game.”

All-Region 9 girls basketball team

MVP: Olivia Hamlin, Snow Canyon

First Team: Kealah Faumuina, Dixie; Joey Jensen, Snow Canyon; Annalyse Shimada, Cedar; Gabby Gomez, Cedar; Addison Crandall, Hurricane

Secnd Team: Kelly Howard, Snow Canyon, Jenna Brown, Desert Hills, Kiara Hansen, Cedar; Hannah Heaton, Desert Hills; Reese Gustin, Pine View

Third Team: Whitnie Esplin, Hurricane; Hali Smith, Dixie; Kensie Plewe, Crimson Cliffs; Nizhoni Dominguez, Hurricane; Kennedy Richey, Crimson Cliffs

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