• Sports

Holmes County represents in East-West All-Star Game

• By Dave Mast
• April 19, 2024
• 402

Four area high school girls basketball players got a chance to shine on the hardwood one more time as they bid their high school careers adieu.

The official OHSAA girls basketball season may have come to an end weeks ago following the state finals, but for some seniors, the chance to don their team’s colors and play one more time was afforded to them on Sunday, April 14 during the annual District 5 East-West All-Star Game at Harrison Central High School.

Among the players representing the West group were four Holmes County seniors who all stood out for a variety of reasons during the 2023-24 campaign.

Hiland All-Ohioans Ashley Mullet and Mallory Stutzman joined West Holmes All-Ohioans Allie McMillen and Keegan Uhl, with the head coach of the West being Hiland second-year head coach Brady Schlabach, who joined his staff in guiding the West.

“It was fun to get back on the hardwood and play coach again, and it was a great opportunity for some senior standout girls to get one last chance to wear their uniforms one final time and enjoy the game they have given so much to over the years,” Schlabach said.

While the West eventually emerged victorious, winning 83-73, it wasn’t easy.

The West got down 20-6 to start the game, only to turn up the heat thanks to the two lady Knights and others who decided enough was enough.

“Those two West Holmes kids came into the game and started to “D” up big time,” Schlabach said. “I thought they really got us charged up and rolling.”

So too did the play of Mullet, who caught fire from downtown and began putting up points at an alarming clip, enough to help the West surge to a lead and roll to victory. Her effort helped her earn the East-West MVP.

“Yeah, Ash really showed exactly why she was such a dominant player this year,” Schlabach said.

He said at first the players kind of took the game as a fun effort, but after falling behind, their competitive juices kicked in and they bore down.

“I think we all expected a lighthearted affair that would be a fun showcase, but at some point, our kids’ competitiveness just took over, and it all changed,” Schlabach said.

Each of the four Holmes County players contributed mightily to the victory, but Schlabach said it was more than just winning a game. It was about the talent and dedication of the girls on the floor.

“First, it was an honor for myself and my staff to get to coach this game,” Schlabach said. “And it was also really gratifying to get to coach Mal and Ash one more time. But it was also neat to coach a lot of players that we have played against for the past several years and watch them utilize their talents.”

He said coaching the two West Holmes players, well-known for their feisty defensive effort, also was a pleasure.

“Keegan and Allie are great kids,” Schlabach said. “They are ferocious competitors, and they bring so much energy to the floor, but they also love the game and have great personalities, and it was an honor to get to coach them.”

He said watching McMillen get after it defensively was something special because of her absolute zeal for the game and the joy she exhibits while playing.

Schlabach said the game saw many AAU players playing both together with one another and even against one another, and he said whatever the score turned out to be, this game helped create plenty of memories and built friendships among talents who were used to facing off with one another.

“It’s a special night, one they’ll remember,” Schlabach said.

Schlabach said one scenario of former foes playing together was between Mullet and Tuscarawas Valley’s post player Sally Ray. He said they developed an intriguing pick-and-roll game that produced plenty of success.

While it served as the final high school effort for most of the players, Mullet will get one more go-round as a Lady Hawk, having been invited to play in the State All-Star Game on Friday, April 26 in Columbus.