When Alani-Skye Wilkerson arrived at Terry Sanford for her junior season, expectations were already high.

The Bulldogs had built a reputation as one of the premier girls basketball programs in the state, coming off of three deep postseason runs.

But what followed for Wilkerson wasn't just a seamless transition, it was a takeover.

Alani-Skye Wilkerson is the 910Preps Girls Basketball Player of the Year,

"She came in and led us in two of the major statistical categories in points and rebounds," coach Chris Goodman said. "Her presence inside was very key for us, especially without having Nina (Spraggins) this year due to injury. She really held that down."

Wilkerson averaged 14.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, helping the Bulldogs reach the NCHSAA 6A Championship. But her value extended past her numbers; her impact was felt in the locker room, on the team bus, and in mismatch situations on the floor.

"She wasn't just limited to the post," Goodman said. "She could step outside the arch and knock down shots. She was one of our better shooters, and she played hard every game. She gave everything she had at practice and became a total asset for us throughout the season."

And her versatility was the perfect missing piece to the Bulldogs puzzle, along with her mentality.

"I've always been told not to limit myself," the 5-foot-11 Wilkerson said. "I can play inside, outside, shoot, and handle the ball if needed. My game is simple. I just get to it."

Her game may be boundless, but her impact inside the locker room proved to be just as vital, being known for her energy and ability to connect with teammates, keeping them loose and confident throughout a demanding season.

"She can make friends with anybody," Goodman said. "Whether it was music, dancing, or just keeping spirits high, she was always uplifting everyone."

The reigning Player of the Year’s focus is already on next season. With most of the Bulldogs roster returning with key players, the expectations are once again high for what's to come.

"I'm excited to play those big teams again and prove that I can compete with anyone," Wilkerson said. "We've been in the gym already, and we're ready." (Fayetteville Observer)

First team

• Jaidiah Blake, junior, Terry Sanford — Blake's impact is undeniable for opposing teams, paving the way to become the District 4 Player of the Year. The Division I recruit recorded nine double-doubles on the year with an average of 12.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.3 steals, and four assists per game.
•  
• Allison Lett, junior, Freedom Christian — As far as progression, Lett has made the biggest leap of all of the first team members on the all-stars list. The 6-foot-3 Towson and Howard recruit has always put up large numbers in the stat book. However, this year, the averages became more impactful, leading to NCISAA Sandhills Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles, with Player of the Year honors attached. Lett put up 27.3 points per game for No. 8 in the state, 14.3 rebounds for fifth in the state, 3.4 blocks, and 2.2 steals throughout the season. Her season was just short of perfect, but her team fell short with a third-round exit in the playoffs.

• Jewel Gully, junior, Seventy-First — Gully is arguably the scrappiest player in Cumberland County, and she was named the Eastern Sandhills Athletic Conference Player of the Year after leading the Falcons to the 6A East Regional Finals. She had to take on the No. 1 role early in the season with teammate Kariana Williams out due to injury, and Alani-Skye Wilkerson transferring, and excelled mightily in the role. Gully averaged 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 steals.

• Ameya Brown, senior, Terry Sanford — The Bulldogs' lead-by-doing combo guard surpassed 1,500 points this past season, and landed herself at No. 3 in the program's history in all-time scoring. The Fayetteville State signee's intangibles have been the driving force in her career at Terry Sanford, as she averaged 13.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and steals, and 3.4 assists — all career-highs.

• Amy Harrington, junior, Terry Sanford — Harrington continuously improves each year. One of the original members of the Fab Four, the Elon recruit has showcased her scoring ability at all three levels of the floor, and defensively, she can hold it down in the paint and at the perimeter to guard smaller guards. As a junior, she averaged 11.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and nearly two steals per game.

Second team

• Azariah Brunson, senior, E.E. Smith — Brunson had a bounce-back year after dealing with nagging injuries last season. Her mental and on-court toughness was the No. 1 star for the Golden Bullettes this season, helping them fight to the third round of the playoffs. The senior guard averaged 11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, three steals, and 2.3 assists.

  Alena Dilione, sophomore, Westover —  Dilione improved greatly in her sophomore season across the board. Her feet, quickness, lateral movement, and drive all made her a better competitor this season, and the results showed. The forward averaged 11 points, 8.2 rebounds, and nearly two steals per game while helping the Wolvers be a top-2 team in the conference.

  Zaniya Reddick, junior, Terry Sanford — This season, Reddick has emerged as one of the best guards in the area, and her leadership on the court was on heavy display. In a breakout season that landed her on the first-team all-conference list, Reddick averaged 8.1 points, 3.9 assists, three rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game.

  Naomi Williams, senior, Trinity Christian — Williams was a double-double machine this past season, and her efforts earned her an all-state nod. Her ability to showcase her talent all across the court helped her average 15.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks in her senior year.

  Honorable Mentions:

  • Azaria Burks, freshman, Jack Britt
  • Jazmine Bynum, junior, Seventy-First
  • Kaydence Campbell, freshman, Seventy-First
  • Ja'naisha Carney, junior, Westover
  • Layla Fox, senior, Gray's Creek
  • Elisabeth Kirkland, senior, Seventy-First
  • Zarah Lewis, junior, Freedom Christian
  • Sarah Milsap, senior, Northwood Temple
  • La'Naija Walker, junior, Northwood Temple

Fayetteville Observer (James F. Moore Jr.)

Click here to return to the Home Page