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DIVISION I GIRLS HONORS: Senior Brandon, Northwest MVP, able to fill any role for Centennial

Karina Brandon wasn’t always her team’s leading scorer or rebounder.

There were games when the Centennial post’s numbers didn’t exactly leap off the stat sheet.

But as the lone senior on a team full of underclassmen, Brandon’s contributions were noticeable every night.

Brandon, who helped guide the Bulldogs to their fifth straight Sunset Region title, was voted the Northwest League’s Most Valuable Player.

“She has her moments to step up, but she just doesn’t force it,” coach Karen Weitz said. “We always talk about being a good teammate and being a good role player. Whatever comes your way, comes your way, whether it’s points, rebounds, assists, whether it’s being a good defender. Karina is very accepting of that.”

Brandon scored 15 or more points in five of the Bulldogs’ eight league games. She averaged 12.4 points in league play.

The Bulldogs had other big scorers. Juniors Tanjanae Wells and Alex Dockery, sophomores Jayden Eggleston and Pam Wilmore and freshman Justice Ethridge all have had big games for Centennial.

But Brandon has been the glue to hold everyone together on a 13-girl team with nine sophomores and one freshman.

“She doesn’t push a lot of things,” Weitz said. “She’s lucky to have a talented group of around her. It takes pressure off of her. She’s not a real vocal leader, but she leads by example every day.”

“She’s a hard worker in the weight room. She’s a hard worker in practice. She never complains. She’s on page with everything we do. She will say things if they’re not doing what they need to do. She’s done a good job with that. I am really happy with her.”

Weitz, whose team breezed through a perfect slate in the Northwest, was named the league’s coach of the year.

In the Southwest League, Bishop Gorman junior post Madison Washington was league MVP, and Palo Verde’s Phil Clarke won coach of the year honors.

Sunrise Region champion Liberty swept top honors in the Northeast League, with senior post Paris Strawther earning the MVP award and Chad Kapanui named coach of the year.

In the Southeast League, Foothill junior guard Taylor Turney and Rancho senior forward LaKissa Martin were co-MVPs. Foothill’s Eric Kruger was coach of the year.

Contact reporter Bartt Davis at bdavis@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5230.

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