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An exhibit of what Central Lake fans can look forward to, Jasmine Hines arrived ready to play her freshman season and walked away with First Team All-State status in Class D. If Hines represents the future of Trojan basketball, then head-coach Al Becker could see yet another winning record next year.

Speaking highly of his 6'3 starter, Becker said, "There's always room for improvement, but Jasmine gets better every time she touches the ball...and she's always got a ball in her hands."

Recognized as a hard worker by her coach, Hines' effort seemed to be pay off in points, an average of 29.4 per game. Often working down low, Hines used the positioning to claim 17.3 rebounds per game and ended her freshman year with 64 blocks, 46 steals, and 61.1 percent shots made from the field.

"Hines will be one of the more dominate players to come out of the Ski Valley Conference," Becker predicted.

An unselfish player who can find open teammates, Hines is able to lead the fast break, use her body down low, and move to the left as naturally as to the right, Becker explained. He referred to Hines' work ethic as one you don't often find, and he mentioned her often-present smile at practice.

ÊDuring the off-season, Hines plays for two or three different AAU clubs, works with her father on the court, and is a member of Central Lake's track and field team. "She could go All-State in shot put," Becker said, "She's that strong."

One neighboring rival did well to hold that strength in check, as Hines' team fell to Bellaire in the district finals, due in large part to record-holding veteran Molly Poel.

Poel was recently named All-State Honorable Mention for Class D basketball and will be "very hard to replace" in the words of Bellaire head coach George Mason.

The Bellaire senior wrapped up her high school career with 1,187 varsity points over a three-year period, finding her name in the record books under "All-time Leading Scorer."

Poel shot 53 percent from the floor this season for a total of 408 points, 45 of which earned her another record for most points in one game. As a team captain for the past two years, Poel has been a solid role-model for younger athletes, according to her coach, who was quick to point out her success in the classroom.

Poel's record in the gym this season was noteworthy as well, with 207 rebounds, 49 steals, and 22 assists. "She was our go-to girl," Mason said. "When we had to score, she was our first option. If she wasn't open, her team would usually wait for her to get open."

Apparently the opposition noticed, often double and triple-teaming Poel, who still found a way to get free and lead the Eagles to win 13 of their last 14 games.

"We had a great run the second half of the season," Mason said.

The coach of the Eagles must draw wins next season without his record-holding captain.

"She'll be hard to replace," Mason said.