A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
THE WINNER: Shilpa Tummala
Athletic achievement: Shilpa Tummala led the Knights to a 30-0 record, the Division 1 state championship and a No. 1 ranking in the ESPNHS FAB 50 this past season. She averaged 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.6 steals per game. A member of the Arizona Republic’s All-Arizona Team, Tummala was named Most Outstanding Player at the Nike Tournament of Champions and was selected as an Honorable Mention All-American by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.
Academic excellence: Tummala has maintained a 4.42 GPA in the classroom and is ranked first academically in her senior class.
Exemplary character: A member of her school’s student council, she has volunteered locally on behalf of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, her school library and an area food bank.
THE PRAISE :“Tummala is a very tough player to match up against,” said Dariyon Shabazz, head coach at North (Phoenix, Ariz.). “She can get to the basket at will, she can hit the 3-pointer consistently and she has a pretty nice post-up game too. She’s also a good passer, and a beast on the defensive end.”
THE FUTURE: Tummala will attend Harvard University this fall, where she will play basketball.
Academic excellence: Tummala has maintained a 4.42 GPA in the classroom and is ranked first academically in her senior class.
Exemplary character: A member of her school’s student council, she has volunteered locally on behalf of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, her school library and an area food bank.
THE PRAISE :“Tummala is a very tough player to match up against,” said Dariyon Shabazz, head coach at North (Phoenix, Ariz.). “She can get to the basket at will, she can hit the 3-pointer consistently and she has a pretty nice post-up game too. She’s also a good passer, and a beast on the defensive end.”
THE FUTURE: Tummala will attend Harvard University this fall, where she will play basketball.
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