4A GIRLS HONORS: Dikes does it all for Gorman
On some basketball teams, Zhane Dikes might be listed on the roster as a point guard.
On others, the Bishop Gorman senior could be listed as a shooting guard or small forward. Still other teams might list her as a power forward.
The Gaels counted on her to do all of the above this season, and she did it well.
Dikes did a bit of everything in helping the Gaels to a 16-0 record in the Southwest League and a berth in the Sunset Region final. Her efforts were rewarded by area coaches, who voted her the Southwest’s Most Valuable Player.
“She just has a way of finding a way to get things done,” Gorman coach Sheryl Krmpotich said. “She’s able to play the point, pretty much down to the four (power forward). She’s got a great 10- to 15-foot jump shot. She can drive. She’s strong.”
Dikes averaged 14.3 points in the Gaels’ league games, but her contributions were much greater than anything that appeared in a box score.
“She’s our leader,” Krmpotich said. “When she is not at her best, we are not at our best. She’s the one who is pumping the younger kids up when they need to be, and getting in their face when they have to be.”
Dikes, who has signed to play at San Francisco next season, also shone on defense, constantly anticipating passes and jumping into passing lanes.
“When you’re a senior and a Division I kid, you find a way,” Krmpotich said. “She’s like a Michael Jordan. She leads by example.”
Gorman’s Diamond Major and April Rivers were named to the Southwest League first team, along with Desert Oasis’ Auburn Smith, Durango’s Jasmine Thomas and Western’s Brittany Moreland. Western’s Annette Megown was the Coach of the Year.
Centennial’s Jada Brown earned MVP honors in the Northwest League, with teammates Breanna Workman and Tamera Williams named to the first team. They’re joined by Palo Verde’s Jasmin Kiley and Lily Tapusoa, Faith Lutheran’s Kelsey McCourt and Legacy’s Tori Payne. Shadow Ridge’s Tyrone Henderson was the Coach of the Year.
The Northeast League had three MVPs as Valley’s Tyricia Payne, Las Vegas’ Shomari Harris and Canyon Springs’ Cherise Beynon shared the honor.
That left only four first-team members — Canyon Springs’ Pearl Paulo, Las Vegas’ Matti Ventling, Rancho’s LaKissa Martin and Valley’s Kennedy Wharton. Dorothy Kendrick of Canyon Springs was the Coach of the Year.
Basic’s Kailai Brantner was named the Southeast’s MVP.
Foothill placed two players — Bri Higgins and Christina Nash — on the first team, along with Coronado’s Sofie Cruz, Green Valley’s Angelica Mack and Liberty’s Alena Evans. Foothill’s Mike Collins and Coronado’s Bill Crego shared Coach of the Year accolades.