Five Houston High School basketball players were honored for standout seasons by being named to the all-SCA team. Here’s a look at the players and their honor:
KYLEE ELMORE, FIRST TEAM
A second-team all-SCA selection as a freshman, Elmore was a unanimous first-team pick as a sophomore. Elmore averaged 14.8 points per game to lead HHS and ranked third in the conference. She led the Lady Tigers in 3-pointers (29), assists (3.4) and steals (2.0). She also averaged 3.0 rebounds and shot a team-best 69 percent from the free-throw line. Elmore was named a member of the Class 3 District 10 team as well.
COACH BRENT KELL SAYS: “She was probably the backbone of our team. She not only led us in scoring, but she set people up and got her hands on a lot of balls defensively. When she wasn’t on the court, we weren’t as good. Even though her shooting percentage was a little down, she drove the ball to the basket better and went to the free-throw line more.”
DEVIN COULTER, SECOND TEAM
The team’s fourth-leading scorer as a sophomore, Coulter became one of the top scorers in the region his junior season. He averaged 21.0 points per game and reached double figures in all but one contest. Coulter made 76 3-pointers –– the second-most by a HHS player in the past decade. Coulter was also named to the all-district team in Class 3 District 10.
COACH RICHARD ROSE SAYS: “Devin is a special young man. His team relied on him to produce every night out on the court. There is quite a bit of pressure on players that have that responsibility. If Devin was off, it was unlikely we had a chance to win. Lucky for us, he cared a great deal about winning and playing his best. We never got less than his best effort.”
ALEXA ICHORD, SECOND TEAM
A three-year varsity starter, Ichord was named to the all-conference team for the first time as a senior. She scored 10.1 points per game to join Elmore as the only Lady Tigers in double figures. Ichord shot a team-best 52 percent from the floor and led Houston with 7.2 rebounds per game. She also blocked 37 shots –– no other player had more than 9.
COACH KELL SAYS: “There were nights she was dominant in the post, and that made us a better team. She was our top threat in the post with her ability to score and rebound the ball. She was also efficient by shooting such a high percentage from the floor. We will miss her presence in the post next season. She has been a consistent player for us throughout her career.”
AMBER SILLYMAN, HONORABLE MENTION
Sillyman, who made the move from shooting to point guard as a senior, ranked third on the team with 6.2 points per game. She ranked second on the team in 3-pointers (20), assists (2.4) and steals (1.4). She played just under 27 minutes per game –– second on the team.
COACH KELL SAYS: “This was her first year playing the point, and that’s the toughest position on the floor to play. She went through four games at the beginning of the season where she only had one turnover. The way she made the transition was just tremendous –– and she was recognized for that.”
WESTON WALKER, HONORABLE MENTION
A three-year starter, Walker was the Tigers’ floor general as point guard. He ranked second on the team with 11.0 points per game and made 22 3-pointers to earn all-conference honors for the first time.
COACH ROSE SAYS: “There was always a great deal of pressure on him to take care of the ball and keep everyone involved. I was very impressed with the way he dealt with that role. We could always count on Weston to take care of the ball and compete at a high level. That position will be very difficult to replace. I am proud of his effort and his leadership for this team.”
BOYS
First team: James Denton, Liberty; Jaelon Acklin, Liberty; Austin Gastineau, Ava; Levi Hargrove, Thayer; Chad Elliott, Salem
Second team: Taylor Bay, Cabool; Devin Coulter, Houston; Jacob Foley, Thayer; Bobby Otwell, Mountain Grove; Drew Pearson, Cabool
Honorable mention: Ben Loge, Ava; Cooper Emerich, Ava; Brandon Guengerich, Ava; Austin Baker, Cabool; Hunter Barnes, Liberty; Harrison Miller, Mountain Grove; Tyler Clinton, Willow Springs; Mitch Webber, Thayer; Cody Whitaker, Salem; Brady Floyd, Salem, Weston Walker, Houston; Haden Smith, Willow Springs.
Player of the year: James Denton, Liberty
Coach of the year: Rob Brown, Liberty
GIRLS
First team: Jordan Alford, Thayer; Elly Burrell, Thayer; Kylee Elmore, Houston; Sadie Dugger, Mountain Grove; Kyra Bunch, Willow Springs; Kyndall Bunch, Willow Springs.
Second team: Alexa Ichord, Houston; Emily Eckman, Thayer; Savannah Hanning, Salem; Sarah Gray, Cabool; Kassidy Ledgerwood, Liberty.
Honorable mention: Maddie Halford, Mountain Grove; Kamber Collins, Mountain Grove; Hannah Johnson, Ava; Bailey Lee, Ava; Courtney Hargrove, Thayer; Kristin Hemken, Salem; Amber Sillyman, Houston; Shilo Letterman, Willow Springs; Kelsey Caldwell, Liberty; Brittany Whetstine, Cabool.
Player of the year: Jordan Alford, Thayer.
Coach of the year: Kristi Chester.