Loyalsock center Alaina Dadzie and Curtis Jacobson headlined a tremendous day for area girls basketball Thursday. Dadzie was named the state’s Player of the Year and Jacobson Coach of the Year. Joining Dadzie on the Pennsylvania Sportswriters’ All-State team is teammate Lacey Kriebel, who named to the second team and Hughesville’s Alli Anstadt who earned third-team honors.

Jersey Shore’s Peyton Dincher was named a first team Class AAAA all-state selection for a third straight year, becoming the first area player to do so in more than two decades.

“Being named Player of the Year is a super big accomplishment for me, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been selected among all the great players,” Dadzie said. “Knowing my hard work has paid off is super exciting, but I have more to do and more goals I want to achieve next season.”

“Being named Coach of the Year is an incredible honor. The opportunity to coach against so many great people and coaches is one of the joys of the job,” Jacobson said. “I have nothing but respect for everyone that puts so much time into the game and the kids in their programs.”

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Jersey Shore’s Peyton Dincher became a three-time first-team all-state selection in Class AAAA with the Bulldogs.

Dadize is the first area girls player to be named Player of the Year since Montoursville’s Kelly Mazzante in 2000. Jacobson is the first area coach to be named Coach of the Year in the 2000s.

Dadzie repeated as an all-state player after earning second team honors last season. The 6-foot-1 center continued grinding and raised her play even higher this season. She averaged 19 points, 8.1 rebounds, a staggering 5.0 steals, 3.5 deflections, 2.4 assists and one block per game. Even those stats are somewhat deceiving since Dadzie rarely played in the fourth quarter during the regular season since Loyalsock frequently blew out opponents on its way to a program-record 30 wins.

Despite constant double teaming and physical abuse which often went unpunished, Dadzie filled up the stat sheets, maintained her poise and continued being a threat in every aspect of the game. Once again, she also was at her best in the playoffs.

Virtually unstoppable from districts on, Dadzie averaged 24.5 points per game in eight district and state tournament games as Loyalsock became Lycoming County’s first girls basketball state champion. She lit up West Catholic for 36 points in the second round, Imhotep for 31 in the semifinals and Shady Side for 21 in the championship.

Adding a 3-point shot to her arsenal, Dadzie was seemingly impossible to guard at times and excelled as much defensively as she did offensively. She enters her senior year with 1,481 career points and 683 rebounds, having helped Loyalsock win 75 games in her first three seasons.

FRANK DIMON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville’s Alli Anstadt tries to block a shot against Mount Carmel. Anstadt was named to the Class AAA all-state team.

“I want to thank all the people who have supported and helped me along the way,” Dadzie said. “It means the world to me.”

His players mean the world to Jacobson and he and his staff have built Loyalsock into a perennial power. The program had not won a playoff game in the last five seasons before Jacobson was hired in 2016. Since then, Loyalsock has reached states every season, winning 199 games, reaching consecutive Final Fours and now tasting state gold.

Jacobson again pushed all the right buttons as Loyalsock broke the program record for wins for a second straight season while also becoming the first area girls or boys team in the 2000s to win 30 games. The Lancers played ferocious defense, made huge strides throughout the season and played their best basketball during the state tournament, especially over the final three games against Dunmore, Imhotep and Shady Side teams which won a combined 75 games.

It has been a steady climb these last nine years with Loyalsock building another layer in its foundation each season. Now, the Lancers have reached the summit.

“I am so blessed with incredible student-athletes at Loyalsock and a supportive administration. It truly takes a village to run a program, and we have that at Loyalsock,” Jacobson said. “My coaching staff is top-notch, who care so deeply about these girls. Real relationships are built, and I can’t thank them enough for what they do and challenging me daily to make me a better person/coach. My hope is that players can look back on their experience as a high school basketball player at Loyalsock and value the relationships that they made.”

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Loyalsock’s Lacey Kriebel (left, second team) and Alaina Dadzie (center, first team) were both all-state selections in Class AAA.

Kriebel created lasting memories there and becomes one of the few area players this century who can say she was a three-time all-state selection. Kriebel was named Player of the Game in the state championship after scoring a game-high 23 points and grabbing a game-best 11 rebounds. She dominated the final three games and helped her teams win 101 games the past four years, always winning at least 21 games in a season.

Amazingly, Kriebel achieved all she did this year despite playing with a fractured foot most of the season. Fighting on and excelling in the biggest moments, Kriebel closed her decorated career with 1,449 career points, 605 rebounds, 344 steals, 272 assists and 214 3-pointers.

Anstadt joins Dadzie and Kriebel on the Class AAA team and is the first Hughesville player in the 2000s to earn all-state honors. The senior takes her place among the best players in program history and was the engine powering an excellent team which won 23 games, reached a second straight district final and the state tournament’s Sweet 16 again.

There, Anstadt dominated against Imhotep, scoring 18 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and dealing three assists, the points and rebounds both game-highs. An elite defender, Anstadt helped the program enjoy its best four-year run ever and averaged 12.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.6 blocks in her final season.

Dincher made her final season one to remember as well. The all-time leading Jersey Shore scorer in girls and boys’ basketball, she becomes the first three-time first-team area selection since Mazzante and put Jersey Shore on the map.

Doing things few had ever seen at Jersey Shore, Dincher closed her historic career with 2,206 points, 579 rebounds, 232 steals, 138 assists, 223 3-pointers and 94 blocks. She is one of just five area players in the 2000s to reach 2,000 points as well and helped Jersey Shore win three straight league championships after it previously had not captured one since 1996.

“It’s an incredible honor to be named first-team all-staet for the third year in a row. Every season brings new challenges, and to be recognized like this again means a lot,” Dincher said, “I’m grateful for my teammates, coaches, and everyone who’s pushed me to keep growing.”

Like Dadzie, Dincher often was swarmed, seeing double teams and junk defenses thrown her away ever game. Despite that, the Le Moyne-bound senior won a third straight area scoring title, averaging 21.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.8 steals, 1.9 assists and 1.0 block per game. Capable of playing just about any position, Dincher could be a force inside and also made at least 49 3-pointers for a fourth straight season.

And wherever she went, Dincher received ample support. Above the statistics, that is what meant the most for the best to ever wear a Jersey Shore uniform.

“I also want to thank my community for the constant support — it really means everything,” Dincher said. “I’m excited for the next level and ready to keep putting in the work. It’s an honor to be the only one at Jersey Shore to achieve this for basketball.”

2025 PENNSYLVANIA SPORTS WRITERS ALL-STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAMS

CLASS 6A

Player of the Year: Grace Galbavy, Perkiomen Valley, 6-1, Sr., forward

Coach of the Year: John Russo, Perkiomen Valley

First Team

Grace Galbavy, Perkiomen Valley, 6-1, Sr., forward

Molly Rullo, Cardinal O’Hara, 5-11 Sr. guard

Alexis Eberz, Archbishop Carroll, 5-11 Jr., guard

Kailah Correa, Lebanon, 5-4, Sr. guard

Rylee Kalocay, Upper St. Clair, 5-9, Sr.

Second Team

Quinn Boettinger, Perkiomen Valley, 6-3, Sr., center

Haylie Adamski, Garnet Valley, 6-0, Sr., forward

Rian Dotsey, Haverford, 6-2 Sr., forward

Bella Bacani, Perkiomen Valley, 5-6, Sr., point guard

Kaitlyn Bindas, Hazleton Area, 5-6, Soph., guard

Third Team

Ella Brown, Pennridge, Sr, 5-8, guard

Bailey White, Allderdice, 5-4, Jr

Ryann Jennings, Conestoga, 5-11, Jr., guard

Maya Simmons, Cheltenham, 5-9, Jr., guard

Bella Super, Governor Mifflin, 5-7, So

CLASS 5A

Player of the Year: Ryan Carter, Archbishop Wood, 5-11, So., guard

Coach of the Year: Bryan Bennett, South Fayette

First Team

Ryan Carter, Archbishop Wood, 5-11, So., guard

Natalie Wetzel, Peters Township, 6-3, Sr.

Addie Biel, Cathedral Prep, 6-2, Sr., center

Emily Knouse, Archbishop Wood, 6-0, Sr., guard

Daniella Ranielli, Pittston Area, 5-3, Sr. guard

Second Team

Lily Fatool, Shikellamy, 5-7, Jr.

Ryan Oldaker, South Fayette, 5-10, Jr.

Juliette Leroux, South Fayette, 5-11, Jr.

Samantha Griebel, Punxsutawney, 5-7, Sr.

Jayla Koser, Middletown, 5-11, Jr., guard

Third Team

Maggie Spell, Thomas Jefferson, 5-10, Jr.

Bella Vent, Hollidaysburg, 5-6, Sr.

Jackie Gallagher, Crestwood, 5-9, Soph., guard

Taylor Phillips, Obama Academy, 5-7, Sr.

Natalia Schaffer, Fox Chapel, 5-8, Sr.

CLASS AAAA

Player of the Year: Shayla Smith, Audenried Charter, 5-10, Sr., guard

Coach of the Year: Tom Lonergan, Lansdale Catholic

First Team

Shayla Smith, Audenried Charter, 5-10, Sr., guard

Aubree Hupp, Blackhawk, 5-10, Jr.

Peyton Dincher, Jersey Shore, Sr., 6-1

Amaya Stewart, Wyomissing, 6-1, Sr

Carryn Easley, Neumann-Goretti, 5-4, Sr., guard

Second Team

Katie Boal, Franklin, 6-4, Sr

Sanyiah Littlejohn, Lansdale Catholic, 5-10, Sr., point guard

Amya Scott, Neumann-Goretti, 5-3, Sr., guard

Jenna Hillebrand, Scranton Prep., 5-9, Sr., guard/forward

Megan Jacoby, Delone Catholic, 5-5, Sr.

Third Team

Grace McDonough, Lansdale Catholic, 6-2, Sr., forward

Sonny Diehl, Clearfield, 6-0, Soph.

Eve Housley, Somerset, 5-7, Jr., guard

Annsley Baker, Beaver, 5-9, Soph., guard

Izzie Gamble, Grove City, 5-8, Sr.

CLASS AAA

Player of the Year: Alaina Dadzie, Loyalsock, 6-1, Jr.

Coach of the Year: Curtis Jacobsen, Loyalsock Township

First Team

Alaina Dadzie, Loyalsock, 6-1, Jr.

Erica Gribble, Greensburg Central Catholic, 5-11, Jr.

Makayla Presser-Palmer, Northwestern, 5-11, Jr., guard

Ava Persichetti, River Valley, 5-9, Sr.

Karis Thomas, Shady Side Academy, 5-6, Jr.

Oumou ‘Mimi’ Thiero, Quaker Valley, 6-4, Jr.

Second Team

Lacey Kriebel, Loyalsock, 6-0, Sr.

Sophia Talutto, Dunmore, 5-7, Sr., guard

Sienna Kirsch, Cambria Heights, 5-8, Sr., guard/forward

Janae Patterson, Pequea Valley, 5-6, Jr., guard

Greta O’Brien, Avonworth, 5-8, Sr.

Third Team

Cassie Sauer, Shady Side Academy, 6-2, Jr.

Alli Anstadt, Hughesville, 6-0, Sr.

Ella Wilson, Lake-Lehman, 6-0, Sr., forward

Claudia Ierullo, Our Lady of Sacred Heart, 5-6, Sr.

Skyler Gates, Brownsville, 6-4, Jr.

Mckenna Runkle, Schuylkill Haven, 5-8, Soph., forward

CLASS AA

Player of the Year: Layke Fields, Kennedy Catholic, 6-0 Sr., center/forward

Coach of the Year: Rachel Prosser, Berlin-Brothersvalley

First Team

Layke Fields, Kennedy Catholic, 6-0 Sr., center/forward

Coral Prosser, Berlin-Brothersvalley, 5-8, Soph., guard

Mylee Harmon, Redbank Valley, 5-6, Sr., guard

Addison Kilmer, Mountain View, 6-1, Jr., center

Cami Beppler, Bishop McCort Catholic, 5-7, Sr., guard

Second Team

Bella Magestro, Kennedy Catholic, 5-8 Jr., point guard

Lia Krarup, Wilmington, 5-6, Sr., guard

Jewlya McCullon, Old Forge. 5-4, Sr., guard

Addison Haight, Kane, 5-7, Fr.

Clara Steinberg, Eisenhower, 5-8, Jr.

Third Team

Aunesty Johnson, Aliquippa, 5-8, Sr.

Carla Brown, Aliquippa, 5-6, Sr.

Ella Stambaugh, Wyoming Seminary, 6-0, Soph., forward

Addy Fritz, Marian Catholic, 5-10,Jr., guard/forward

Lilly Gerwert, Bellwood-Antis, 6-1, Jr.

CLASS A

Player of the Year: Iyanna Wade, Clairton, 5-4, Sr.

Coach of the Year: Kristi Kaack, Bshop Guilfoyle Academy

First Team

Iyanna Wade, Clairton, 5-4, Sr.

Naomi Crispin, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy, 5-6, Jr., guard

Emma Larkin, Geibel Catholic, 5-5, Jr.

Desiree Smucker, Linville Hill Christian, 5-7, Sr., guard

Kylie Fruehstorfer, Union, 5-6, Sr.

Second Team

Morgan Ruggery, Bishop Guilfoyle Academy, 5-8, So.

LeeAnna Royer, Williamsburg, 5-7, Jr.

Qynne Demler, New Covenant Christian, 5-7, So., guard

Riley Hatzfeld, Our Lady of the Cross, 5-6, Sr., guard

Anberlyn Petrecca, Bishop Guilfoyle Academy, 6-0, So.

Third Team

Bella Dumbroski, Serra Catholic, 5-9, Fr.

Hannah Lokitis, Lourdes Regional, 6-1, So.

Levada Gorsuch, Williamsburg, 6-1, So.

Madison Peterson, Glendale, 5-11, Sr.

Kristin Szymusiak, Blacklick Valley, 5-10, Sr., guard

NON-PIAA Classification

Player of the Year: Jordyn Palmer, Westtown School, 6-1, sophomore wing

Coach of the Year: Fran Burbidge, Westtown School

First Team

Jordyn Palmer, Westtown School , 6-1 sophomore wing

Logyn Greer, Friends’ Central, 6-3 senior wing

Jessie Moses, Westtown School, 5-10, Soph., guard

Kaylinn Bethea, Penn Charter, 5-9 senior guard

Riley Davis, Notre Dame, 5-10 sophomore guard

Zya Small, Friends’ Central, 6-1, sophomore wing

Second Team

Nal’la Bennett, Friends’ Central, 5-5 senior guard

Kennedy Henry, Westtown School, 6-0 senior wing

Atlee Vanesko, Westtown School, 5-10 junior guard

Grace Nasr, Notre Dame, 6-3 sophomore center

Gabby Bowes, Germantown Academy, senior wing

Gabby Vaughn, Shipley School, 6-0 junior wing