Before listing candidates (top 10 list) for the Nebraska 2019-2020 Gatorade Player of the Year we decided to research past winners. Below are the past 10 years worth of winners of the award given annually to the best girls high school basketball player in Nebraska. Include is the college they initially signed with.
Past Winners
2018-2019 Jayme Horan (Jr) Millard South HS * (Creighton)
2017-2018 Quinn Weidemann (SR) Omaha Westside HS # (Wyoming)
2016-2017 Chloe Dworak (JR) Lincoln Christian *# (Creighton)
2015-2016 Rylie Cascio Jensen (SR) Fremont (Nebraska)
2014-2015 Maddie Simon (SR) Lincoln Pius X # (Nebraska)
2013-2014 Jessica Shepard (JR) Fremont * (Nebraska)
2012-2013 Jessica Shepard (SO) Lincoln Southeast *# (Nebraska)
2011-2012 Brianna Craig (Sr) Lincoln Northeast (Kansas State)
2010-2011 Alexis Akin-Otiko (Sr) Bellevue West (Creighton)
2009-2010 Jordan Hooper (Sr) Alliance (Nebraska)
#- State Champion, *- Underclassmen
Numbers Don’t Lie
4- State Champions- 40% (Shepard, Simon, Dworak, Weidemann)
4- Underclassmen- 40% (Shepard, Shepard, Dworak, Horan)
1- Repeat Winner- 33% (Shepard repeated as Jr, but not Sr, Horan could repeat)
3- Non Class A School- 30% (Hooper, Simon, Dworak)
10- Went on to play D1 Basketball- 100%
1- Sophomore- 10% (Shepard)
0- Teams did not make the State Tournament
0- Players from classes C2, D1 or D2
8- Players initially signed to play at either Nebraska or Creighton- 80% (all but Craig & Weidemann)
Results over the past 10 years highlight a few things
1- You need to be on a team that makes the state tournament.
2- You need to be on your way to playing Division 1 basketball.
3- You need to be at a school in Class A, Class B, or Class C1.
4- It helps to be signed/committed to Creighton or Nebraska
2019-2020 Top 10 Candidates
Jayme Horan (Sr) Millard South HS
The list starts with Jayme Horan from Millard South who was the recipient of the 2018-2019 Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year award. Jayme is a 6’0 versatile guard/forward who is strong inside and also an excellent 3 point shooter. She signed with Creighton.
Stats: 22.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg
Morgan Maly (Sr) Crete HS
Morgan is a 6’0 guard/forward who can score both inside and out and features a big time stepback. She signed with Creighton.
Stats: 19.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg
Maddie Krull (Sr) Millard South HS
Maddie is a 5’10 point guard who is always at the top of the state in both assists and steals. She signed with South Dakota. Stats: 15.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.5 spg, 5.0 apg
Nyayongah Gony (Sr) Lincoln High HS
Nyayongah is a 6’2 forward who is long, athletic, and also has guard skills to play on the perimeter. She signed with Miami
Stats: 11 ppg, 9 rpg
McKenna Minter (Sr) Lincoln Northeast HS
McKenna is a 5’8 guard who is athletic and is a very good finisher around the basket. She signed with Seton Hall.
Stats: 16.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg
Whitney Brown (Sr) Grand Island Northwest
Whitney is a 5’6 point guard who can score in a variety of ways. Whitney will be a preferred walk on for Nebraska.
Stats: 16.4 ppg, 3.0 apg, 2.5 spg
Nicole Avila-Ambrosi (Sr) Millard North HS
Nicole is a 5’8 combo guard who is athletic and has a good mid range game. She signed with Cal Baptist.
Stats: 13.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.0 spg
Alexis Markowski (JR) Lincoln PiusX
Alexis is a 6’3 forward who is strong, and finishes well around the rim. She is committed to South Dakota State.
Stats: 13.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg
Allison Weidener (Jr) Humphrey St. Francis
Allison is a 5’10 PG who sees the floor well and can score from all three areas. She is committed to Nebraska.
Stats: 19.8 ppg, 5.9 apg, 5.5 spg
Taylor McCabe (So) Fremont
Taylor is a 5’8 guard who has a quick release and is one of the best shooters in the state. She has multiple D1 offers, but is not currently committed.
Stats: 18.2 ppg
We will update this list every few weeks throughout the season, as there may be additional players added to the mix.
Photo Credit: @MSHSactivities Twitter Account
