NEW YORK STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL: OWEGO'S DONOVAN, COLEMAN GRAB ALL-STATE HONORS (2020-05-07)
BY TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
OWEGO — Owego's Kaci Donovan and Evee Coleman are repeat selections on the New York State Sportswriters Association Class B All-State teams.
Penn State-bound Donovan was named to the first team for a second consecutive season. She was also a third-team pick as a sophomore. Coleman, also a repeat pick, was named to the 11th team.
"Congratulations to Kaci and Evee on their all-state selections," Owego coach Luke McEvoy said. " It's no secret that their talent and ability on the court were driving forces behind our team's success this past season. Night in and night out, the two of them delivered in multiple ways.
Donovan, a senior, racked up 519 points this season, averaging 27.3 points per contest. She also averaged 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 3.4 assists per game.
"Kaci's ability to score from anywhere on the court and create for teammates was a catalyst for our offensive game plan," McEvoy said. "She has worked extremely hard over the years to develop her individual skill set and that effort led to her ability to perform at a high level on the court, and is providing her the opportunity to play at the next level. I've said it numerous times over the years, she is a gym rat, always getting up extra shots and spending as much time in the gym as possible."
Donovan is the Indians' all-time leading scorer, boys or girls, with 1,974 points. She set the single-game scoring record this season as well with 55 points. As a junior, she broke the single-season mark with 542 points.
A three-time STAC All-Metro pick, Donovan was also named the All-Tioga County Player of the Year for a second straight season.
"I'd like to congratulate Kaci on her career at OFA and wish her the best as she begins a new chapter in her life," McEvoy added. "I've enjoyed being able to watch her grow as a player and a person. Her impact on our program goes beyond the record book."
Returning from an off-season knee injury, Coleman registered 20.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 2.1 steals and 1.9 assists per game.
"Evee has been the glue for our team the past few seasons," said McEvoy. "Ahe is a leader, both vocally and by example. She pushes her teammates to be the best they can. Her work ethic is unmatched.
"To get herself back onto the court this season after the knee injury last summer was truly remarkable. That was all based on her putting in the work with our strength coach, her physical therapist, and spending as much time working on her skills as possible. She is such a versatile player and impacts the game on both ends of the floor."
A junior, Coleman also repeated as a STAC All-Metro all-star and as the All-Tioga County Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year.
Donovan and Coleman led Owego to a 13-7 record, which included a 10-game win streak during a grueling schedule which included seven games against state-ranked opponents.
"I'm looking forward to getting back in the gym with Evee and the rest of the group we have coming back next year to continue to push for the individual and team goals we all have set," McEvoy stated.
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IN PHOTO: Kaci Donovan (L) and Evee Coleman. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTO.
