Shay It Ain't So

Frisco’s Shay Cooney-Williams has been named District 9-4A’s Most Valuable Player for two straight seasons, despite not leading the district – much less her own team – in scoring, assists or on-court celebrations. To fell the full effects of Cooney-Williams’ affect on a Runnin’ Raccoons game, you must watch her handle the ball in the team’s offense or dog opponents in a full-court press. At 5-7, one of the smallest players on the court usually takes control. “Shay is a quiet person, but leads by example on the court,” Frisco coach Bob Rose said. “She creates well for other people and can hit the big shot when she needs to.” Cooney-Williams teamed with a talented lineup that included Kierra Mallard and Tiffany Moore while leading Frisco to the No. 1 ranking in most state polls until the Runnin’ Raccoons were ousted in the region finals by a last-second shot against eventual state champion Dallas Lincoln. She averaged 13.7 points per game and five assists and also honed her aim from outside the arc, sinking 63 three-pointers. “She improved over the summer and came back a more accurate shooter,” Rose said. Frightening to area girls coaches is the fact that Cooney-Williams will return with Moore and Thomas, as well as Jazmyn Reynolds, Kendall Schwantz, Mariah Demery and Kaithlynn Waller. While Rose’s pressure-style of offense and defense fit right into Cooney-Willams’ strengths, don’t look for her to start scoring 20 points a game as a senior. She’ll just keep doing what she does best, making her teammates better, disrupting opposing guards and working her way toward a third-straight district MVP award. Our inaugural Offensive Player of the Year title is shared by Plano East senior Simone Bridges and Frisco senior Kierra Mallard, whose scoring and rebounding both helped their teams win district titles. We also had a tie for Defensive Player of the Year, with Plano senior Ashley Dolberry and Dani Thomas tormenting opposing ballhanders and shooters. Good things are in store for the next three years in McKinney where both Newcomers of the Year reside. McKinney High’s Brittany Hardy and Boyd’s Kiana Evans put up almost identical numbers in their debut seasons. Our voters also couldn’t choose only one Coach of the Year, so Plano East’s LaGwenna Mingilton and Frisco’s Bob Rose will share the honor. Both coaches guided their teams deep into the playoffs. Most Valuable Player Shay Cooney-Williams, Frisco, Jr. District 9-4A MVP and all-state selection averaged 13.7 points and 5.2 assists while 63 three-pointers. Offensive Player of the Year (tie) Simone Bridges, Plano East, Sr. 14.5 points per game, led Lady Panthers to District 9-5A title Kierra Mallard, Frisco, Sr. 16 points, 10.2 rebound per game Defensive Player of the Year (tie) Ashley Dolberry, Plano, Sr. Lady Wildcats defensive leader all over the floor Dani Thomas, Frisco, Jr. Averaged more than five blocked shots per game Newcomer of the Year (tie) Kiana Evans, McKinney Boyd, Fr. Led Boyd in scoring (14.5 points) and added10 rebounds Brittany Hardy, McKinney, Fr. Debuted with 14.6 points, 7.9 rebounds per game Coach of the Year (tie) LaGwenna Mingilton, Plano East Guided Panthers deep into postseason. Bob Rose, Frisco Led Frisco to region finals and No. 1 ranking First Team Candace Ashford, Plano West Khristina Clemmons, Frisco Wakeland, Jr. Whitney Coffey, Princeton, Jr. Nicole Johnson, Plano East, Sr. Tiffany Moore, Frisco, Jr. Lena Rivera, Allen, Sr. Second Team Crystal Anyiam, Allen, Soph. Haley Fields, Princeton, Sr. Emily Holmes, McKinney Boyd, Sr. Carson Mansion, Plano, Soph. Porsha Riley, Wylie, Sr. Jenika Sanchez, Frisco Centennial, Jr. Montric Santee, Frisco Wakeland, Sr. Jordan Strickland, Princeton, Fr. Third Team Elana Frank, Frisco Liberty, Fr. Kyla Hutson, Celina, Jr. Sara Ivey, Princeton, Jr. Jacqueline Jeffcoat, Plano West, Soph. Katie Makanani, Plano West, Sr. Emily Mital, Frisco Liberty, Fr. Whitney Polanco, McKinney, Sr. Kelly Regan, John Paul II, Sr. Honorable Mention Brooke Jackson, Allen, Jr. Madison Glendenning, Celina, Jr. Camryn Nichols, Celina, Jr. Brooke Arthur, Frisco Centennial, Sr. Felicia King, Frisco Centennial, Sr. Amber Fleet, Frisco Liberty, Fr. Haley Pilcher, Frisco Liberty, Fr. Ann Simmons, Frisco Wakeland, Jr. Haley Texada, Frisco Wakeland, Fr. Millie Rivera, Lovejoy Kynesha Nesbitt, McKinney, Jr. Kenzie Ogletree, McKinney, Soph. Amanda Mason, McKinney North, Soph. Joselyn Pugh, Plano East, Jr. Sam Curtis, Plano West, Jr. Alexann Yancey, Plano West, Soph. Abby Parmelly, Prosper, Sr. Bianca Wright, Prosper, Sr. Stephanie Poole, Wylie, Sr. Sarah Stanley, Wylie, Soph.