Lakota West’s Amber Gray has received many awards in her career, possibly none more coveted than the one handed out by the Associated Press on Wednesday as she was named Ohio’s Ms. Basketball.

 

Ms. Basketball is awarded to the best high school player in the state regardless of division. Gray becomes only the third player from the Cincinnati area to win the award in the past 20 years. Gray’s 18.5 points, 8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2 steals per game this season has helped take the 25-1 Firebirds to this weekend’s state Final Four.

 

Coach Andy Fishman calls this one of the most enjoyable moments of his coaching career.

 

“Just seeing all of these great things that are happening to her and knowing that she’s earned them is an awesome thing,” Fishman said. “She shows that there is a direct correlation in what you put into things and what you get out of them. This award is about her work ethic and the sweat she’s put in over the years.”

 

Fishman points to great parenting as the key ingredient to Amber’s success.

 

“A lot of people talk about her father (Carlton) and how he played in the NFL, but I’ve seen the parenting job that he and Tonya (Amber’s mom) have done since she was young,” he said. “They have guided her along the way and helped shape her into a great person.

I’ve also seen how hard she has worked and focused on getting better since she was 10 years old,” he added.

 

The Firebirds will take on Boardman (19-7) on Friday in the state semi-final at Ohio State’s Value City Arena. A win would place them in the Division I finals on Saturday night against the winner of the Mt. Notre Dame vs. Toledo Central Catholic.

 

- Todd Hummer, Lakota West Sports Information