Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Best in state: G-Prep’s Laura Stockton named girls basketball 4A player of the year

Gonzaga Prep’s Laura Stockton finished up her Bullpup career with 1,308 career points and 414 assists. (Associated Press)

For the third time in three weeks, Gonzaga Prep basketball standout Laura Stockton has garnered a player-of-the-year honor.

Stockton was named the overall player of the year and 4A POY in Washington by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

“It’s a great honor obviously to be considered one of the best in the state and to be player of the year is a really good feeling,” Stockton said.

Stockton led Gonzaga Prep (27-0) to a second straight state championship. The Bullpups finished with a 50-game winning streak.

She was at the top of her game at state where she hit a step-back 3-pointer in the waning seconds to lift the Bullpups past Todd Beamer in the semifinals.

Stockton was named the Seattle Times’ player of the year and Ms. Washington by the state girls coaches association.

Stockton averaged 17.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 3.0 steals, finishing with 1,308 career points and 414 assists. She is headed to Gonzaga University next year.

Teammate Otiona Gildon and Madison Hovren of Central Valley joined Stockton on the first team.

Gildon, who has signed with Oregon, averaged 19.0 points and 9.7 rebounds. Hovren, who is headed to West Point, led the Greater Spokane League in scoring for a third straight year (22.7).

G-Prep coach Mike Arte said Stockton is most deserving of the honors.

“It’s so well-deserved because of her overall basketball skills,” Arte said. “From an overall perspective, she is the best basketball player in the state.”

In 1A, Jocelyn Cook-Cox of state runner-up Lakeside was named to the first team.

In 1B, Zoe Moser of Colton was named POY. She led Colton to a seventh straight state title.

• In boys, Trevor Allen of Clarkston, who led the Bantams to the State 2A title, was named to the first team.

In 2B, Match Burnham of state runner-up Liberty was named to the first team.

In 1B, Tyler Thurman of Garfield-Palouse was named to the first team.

• In Idaho, junior Max McCullough of Post Falls, who led the Trojans to the State 5A title, was named All-Idaho first team.

In girls, Allison Kirby and Keelie Lawler of 3A state runner-up Timberlake were first-teamers.