Ariel Braker named Detroit News Player of the Year

2010 prospect Ariel Braker was named player of the year and 2009 prospect Destiny Williams was named along with her to the all-state team:

Ariel Braker made a name for herself during the state finals last month.

She averaged 19 points, 18 rebounds, 8.5 steals and five assists for Grosse Pointe North. Impressive, considering the 6-foot-1 sophomore averaged 14.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, seven steals and four blocks during the regular season.

Oh, and by the way, she also helped Grosse Pointe North win the school's first girls basketball state championship.

She can add another accolade to her resume -- The Detroit News Player of the Year.

"We wanted to be the first ones to make it all the way and win a state championship," Braker said. "Our whole team had the attitude that we have to win.

"I knew I had to make an impact for us to have a good tournament run."

While she made great strides on offense during the tournament, Braker still banks on one sure thing in her game: defense.

"I love defense," she said. "Defense wins games. Back when I was little I was told defense comes from the heart. You have to work hard to play well defensively. "

...

Destiny Williams, Benton Harbor: Williams, who runs the floor well and is dominant in the post, averaged 24.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, 5.2 blocks, 4.3 steals and 3.3 assists. Williams should be among the contenders for Miss Basketball next season.

Also, 2008 verbal Jamillya Hardley was honorable mention in Class A and 2009 verbals Jenny Ryan and Rachel Sheffer were named to the Class C All-State teams (Ryan first team, Sheffer second team). A number of prospects also received honors including Jasmine Hines, Nya Jordan, Amber Moore, Sharena Taylor, Sami Tucker, and Madison Williams.

Sami Tucker was named to the Lansing Journal's Dream Team as well.

Hat tip girlsbasketballrecruit blog.