Sock’s Alaina Dadzie named Sun-Gazette Girls Basketball Player of the Year
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The more resources opponents threw at her, the better she played. The bigger the games, the better she played.
Coming off a strong freshman season, expectations were high. And it's safe to say, Alaina Dadzie exceeded them. In doing so, the Loyalsock sophomore overcame a loaded field and became the 2024 Sun-Gazette Player of the Year.
Dadzie developed into one of the state's premier Class AAA post players this past season, nearly averaging a double-double while helping Loyalsock (27-4) reach the state's Final 4 for the first time. In just her second season starting, Dadzie averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, 2.7 steals, 3.5 deflections and two blocks per game as the Lancers won more games than any other Loyalsock girls' team in the 2000s. And even those impressive stats are a big misleading since Dadzie rarely played in the fourth quarter of the majority of Loyalsock's regular season games since the Lancers often blew out opponents.
Dadzie was fighting double and triple teams throughout the season, especially in the playoffs, but did not matter. She produced 23 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during the postseason, collecting four straight double-doubles. Dadzie capped her outstanding year with a 27-point, 12-rebound performance against state champion Lancaster Catholic. A hard worker who also runs and sees the court well, Dadzie has produced 873 points her first two seasons.
And her best yet may still be coming.
The following players join Dadzie on the all-star team following one of the best area seasons of the 2000s.
SUN-GAZETTE ALL-STAR TEAM
Lacey Kriebel, Loyalsock
Kriebel made a smooth transition to Loyalsock and helped the Lancers make history while also capturing HAC-III and Heartland Conference championships. Kriebel adjusted her game and averaged 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The junior sharpshooter eclipsed 1,000 career points, joining Summer McNulty as the only Lancers underclassmen to do so in the 2000s, while adding 2.4 steals and 2.7 deflections per game. Kriebel helped set the tone in state tournament wins against Columbia and Lake-Lehman and provided an outside element to open up the inside more. Kriebel has 1,084 career points, 433 rebounds and 244 steals. More important, she has helped her teams go 71-16 and win at least 21 games each season, including six state tournament contests.
Maddie Smith, Hughesville
Putting together one of the best freshman seasons in program history, Smith helped Hughesville enjoy its best season as it captured the program's first district championship, state tournament wins and reached the Class AAA state quarterfinals. A fearless player who who elevated her performance in the postseason, Smith averaged a team-high 14.3 points as well as six rebounds, three steals and an assist per game. The versatile guard hit 43 3-pointers and also was tough off the dribble. Often playing her best against Hughesville's toughest competition, Smith averaged 16.7 points in the playoffs, going for 17 points in the district final win against Loyalsock and adding 20 in a second round state tournament win against West Catholic. She also eclipsed 400 points in her first high school season.
Payton Baney, Williamsport
One of the district's top post players, Baney was the most valuable player for a Williamsport team which reached a second straight district final and won more games (17) than any Millionaire team since 2006. The senior co-captain made a run at averaging a double-double, producing 14.5 points and nine rebounds per game. Baney helped Williamsport win 11 straight games while navigating a demanding schedule and excelled in all facets. The four-year starter created opportunities for teammates and produced three assists per game while being a defensive difference-maker who blocked two shots per game. Baney hit a buzzer-beating putback against 2023 district champion Wyoming Valley West to send Williamsport back to the district final and reached a career-high in points three different times.
Gigi Parlante, St. John Neumann
One of the best players in program history, Parlante was a force in all areas, helping Neumann make history four different times while becoming the Sun-Gazette's second runner-up for Player of the Year. The only player Neumann history (boys and girls) to top 1,000 career points and rebounds, Parlante was the Mid-Penn MVP and helped Neumann win the first league, conference and district championships in program history in addition to a record 24 games. A player who should be a lock for first team Class A all-state, Parlante averaged 16.1 points, a district-high 13.9 rebounds, 3.3 steals, 2.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game, helping Neumann win a 20 straight games en route to reaching the state quarterfinals. A super leader on and off the court, Parlante led District 4 with 21 double-doubles, including in all seven playoff games. She made 57% of her shots from the field, could score at will in the paint and also took her game outside. Parlante helped Neumann reach three straight state tournaments after it had gone to states just once before her arrival. She also closed her high school career with 1,054 points, 1,107 rebounds, more than 300 steals and 200 blocks.
Peyton Dincher, Jersey Shore
Already one of the best players in Jersey Shore history, Dincher is the Sun-Gazette's runner-up for Player of the Year following her latest excellent season. Going for her second straight Class AAAA first-team all-state selection, Dincher helped Jersey Shore repeat as HAC-I champions and reach both the district final and state tournament for a second straight season. Dincher won the area's scoring title for a second straight season, averaging 20.3 points per game and scoring in just about every way imaginable often against double teams and defenses designed to slow her. The junior guard can play any position and is more than just a scorer. Dincher also averaged 6.3 points, two steals and nearly a block per game while consistently setting up her teammates for good looks. One of district's premier defenders, Dincher has helped Jersey Shore go from three wins the year before her arrival to 52 wins the past three seasons with the first league titles since 1996. Dincher can drain 3-pointers, but also does a lot of work in the post and she topped 20 points in 17 of her 27 games. Entering her senior season, Dincher has produced 1,452 career points, 366 rebounds, 158 steals, 88 assists and 70 blocks, while making 158 3-pointers and 85% of her foul shots.
SECOND TEAM
Taylor Rae Jones, Williamson (15.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.0 spg, 2.1 apg, 1,128 career points, 695 rebounds, 283 steals, 181 assists, 128 3-pointers) ; Jocelyn McCracken, Jersey Shore (11.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.3 spg, 1.1 bpg, 920 career points, 539 rebounds, 141 steals); Izzy Dadzie, Loyalsock (7.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.2 apg, 3.6 spg); Maddie Labatch, Montoursville (13.7 ppg, 1st team HAC-II); Alli Anstadt, Hughesville (9.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.1 spg, over 500 career rebounds, 1st team HAC-III); Addi Eyer, Muncy (10 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.5 apg, 3.6 spg, nearly 200 assists, 200 steals last 2 years)
THIRD TEAM
Abby Akers, South Williamsport (16.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.3 spg, 1.3 apg); Makenzie Wagner, Bucktail (17.2 ppg); Nadirah Tutler, Williamsport; Nolah Moyer, Muncy (10.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.1 spg, 7 double-doubles, over 500 career rebounds); Maddy Moyers, Lewisburg (11.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.7 spg); Teagan Osunde, Lewisburg
SUN-GAZETTE COACH OF THE YEAR
Second runners-up--Dustin King, Hughesville and Curtis Jacobson, Loyalsock: Both coaches helped their programs raise the bar this past season. King guided Hughesville to its first district championship and state tournament wins, as well as a record-tying 24 victories. The Spartans made a 13-win improvement, were the only District 4 team to beat Loyalsock and will graduate just two seniors. Jacobson and his staff have developed into one of the state's best and have led Loyalsock to states in all eight seasons there. Jacobson did a masterful job refocusing his team following the district final loss against Hughesville as it won three state playoff games and came within a few shots of reaching the state championship. This Lancers team was the first Loyalsock one to win multiple state tournament games in 40 years and won 23 of 24 games entering the Final 4.
First runner-up--Craig Weaver Sr., Muncy: The long-time coach has won wherever he's gone and did one of his best jobs this past season. Weaver helped Muncy capture its first district championship since 2001 and reach the state quarterfinals for the first time. All this while having just two seniors in the rotation. Weaver also has led Montgomery and Hughesville to multiple state tournaments and had Muncy surging at the perfect time. The Indians won nine straight games entering the Elite Eight, won 19 games following a 1-4 start and played stifling defense, allowing just 30 points per game. Muncy won five playoff games and did not allow more than 36 points in a postseason contest, holding Final Four participant Minersville to a season-low 28 points.
And the winner is … Jaiden Cioffi, St. John Neumann: Just five years ago, Cioffi was still playing at Neumann. Now he has completed one of the best coaching debuts in area history. Cioffi did not become the coach until four days before practices started, but he and his staff helped Neumann put together its best season ever. The Knights made massive strides from the beginning of the season to the end and did not lose to a Class A team until the state quarterfinals. Neumann eclipsed its previous wins record by six, went undefeated in league play and defeated 2023 state finalist Lourdes and 2023 district champion Meadowbrook Christian on its way to its first district championship. The Knights were a vastly improved team defensively and Cioffi helped a team replacing two four-year starters wins six postseason games.
DEFENSIVE ALL-STAR TEAM
Cierra Rainier, Williamsport
One of the area's best defensive teams, Williamsport featured a stalwart in Rainier who often effectively harassed opposing guards. The senior guard was strong whether denying the ball or guard on the ball. She and point guard Ella Wilson formed a strong backcourt and that combination defense had a lot to do with Williamsport winning 11 straight games.
Sydney Bolinsky, Lewisburg
A first team HAC-II defensive all-star, Bolinsky often drew the opponent's best guard and often slowed her down. Lewisburg's lone senior especially was skilled at preventing players from getting the ball, shadowing them all over the court. Her defense played a major role in Lewisburg returning to states after losing four starters from the previous year as did her clutch shooting.
Addi Eyer, Muncy
A terrific point guard who skillfully ran the offense all season, Eyer was at the heart of Muncy's relentless defense. As soon as the opposing point guard crossed half court, Eyer was there hounding her and making it difficult for teams to get into their sets. The junior averaged 3.6 steals per game and also forced several more turnovers by forcing errant passes and/or tipping passes. Eyer highlighted her season with 20 points and strong defense in a second round state tournament win against Sacred Heart Academy.
Izzy Dadzie, Loyalsock
The second runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, Dadzie could defend against guards or post players and was effective whatever the matchup. A three-year starter, Dadzie frequently stuffed the stat sheet and was that moving piece Jacobson could install in multiple ways to frustrate opponents. Dadzie averaged 3.6 steals and 2.8 deflections per game and provided excellent leadership as well. Dadzie led the area in assists as well, producing 5.2 per game in addition to scoring 7.1 points and adding 5.6 rebounds per game.
Breanna Bobak, Hughesville
Hughesville's lone senior starter is the first runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year after helping fuel a stingy unit which held five playoff opponents to 40 or fewer points. Bobak swarmed ball-handlers, moved well and allowed nothing easy. The four-year starter came up especially big in playoff wins against Loyalsock, Dunmore and West Catholic, making three steals each time, including two which helped seal the West Catholic win. Bobak averaged 2.4 steals per game in addition to 6.7 points and 3.5 assists.
SUN-GAZETTE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Shanniyah Tutler, St. John Neumann
Like a lockdown cornerback in football, Tutler made life miserable on opponents. Those encountering Tutler Island often struggled to score and/or get off shots. The junior point guard best showed this in consecutive playoff wins against Lourdes and Meadowbrook Christian. There, Tutler shut down 2023 all-state selections and 1,000-point scorers Masie Reed and Kailey Devlin. She limited that dynamic duo to eight combined points and held Devlin scoreless until late in the third quarter of the district final. That defense was vital in Neumann winning both games and the championship. A three-year starter, Tutler averaged 11.5 points, three rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
SECOND TEAM
Anna Zalonis, Muncy; Chloe Kennedy, Loyalsock; Kameron Lightner, North Penn-Mansfield; Alli Anstadt, Hughesville; Lizzie Weller, Neumann; Keely Rohrbach, Central Mountain
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Second runners-up--Teagan Osunde, Lewisburg and Kenna Thomas, Williamson: Osunde had a super sophomore season and is one of many exciting young players Lewisburg returns next year. The sophomore averaged a double-double, going for 10.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. She finished second to only Parlante in double-doubles, collecting 14. Thomas is another exciting sophomore who helped Williamson enjoy its best season in 22 years. Thomas averaged 11.1 points, eight rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. While developing into one of the NTL's top post players, Thomas also helped Williamson go 19-5.
First runner-up--Haley Litzelman, North Penn-Liberty: Building off a strong debut season, Litzelman took the next step forward and averaged a double-double while helping a young team reach districts again. Litzelman averaged a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds per game and is dangerous inside or outside. The sophomore filled up the stat sheet on a regular basis, adding 3.3 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while generating nine double-doubles.
And the winner is … Nadirah Tutler, Williamsport: After experiencing an offseason growth spurt, Tutler developed into a standout post player who runs and sees the court like a guard. Morphing her former and current positions into one, Tutler really blossomed during the season's second half and was a major reason Williamsport won 11 straight games, its longest streak in 18 years. Tutler scored at will in the paint at times, but also can take her game outside and averaged 13.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Tutler produced a double-double (21 points, 10 rebounds) in a win against state qualifier Dallas and closed the regular season with a career-high 30 points against Central Mountain.
GAME OF THE YEAR
Second runner-up--Jersey Shore 52, Shamokin 50: Jersey Shore trailed after the first quarter but dominated the second quarter and went up 13 nearly midway through the third quarter. Shamokin, however, came roaring back and took a lead in the final minute. Junior Sophie Stover then made the shot of her life, draining a go-ahead 3-pointer with 45 seconds left which made it, 50-48. Cailyn Schall hit two clutch free throws in the closing seconds and Peyton Dincher helped create a tough shot at the buzzer as the Bulldogs secured a second straight district final and state tournament appearance in dramatic fahsion.
First runner-up--Williamsport 50, Wyoming Valley West 49: Two days prior to that riveting semifinal, Williamsport and Valley West staged their own memorable showdown in the District 2-4 Class 6A semifinals. Williamsport trailed almost the entire game and was behind by as many eight but in a game which symbolized its season, it never gave up. A team which produced several comeback wins saved its best one for here and did not flinch after Valley West went ahead in the closing seconds. After a baseline jumper was just off the mark, Rainier alertly stretched our her arm and batted the ball toward Baney who was in front of the basket. Baney put the shot up just before time expired and swished it as Williamsport made its final home game as thrilling as possible and reached a second straight final.
And the winner is … Hughesville 61, Jersey Shore 58: Competing for the Mike Fought Christmas Tournament championship at Hughesville, these area heavyweights had a crowd which filled the gym rocking all night. Hughesville took an early double-digit lead but Jersey Shore stormed back, went up in the second quarter and the lead changed hands back and forth from there. After the Bulldogs went up five late in the third quarter, Smith offered a preview of things to come and scored 10 quick points bridging the third and fourth quarters as Hughesville went back ahead. She scored 23 points and Vivian Draper a career-high 20, while adding eight rebounds. Jersey Shore rallied in the final seconds but a buzzer-beating 3-pointer was long as Hughesville celebrated one of its many big wins.