County girls players of the week

The 2025 Warren County 6–8 grade girls basketball preseason tournament before Thanksgiving was everything this league has built its reputation on - tradition, toughness, rivalries and a level of pride that makes every game feel bigger than just middle school hoops. What began as an early test of depth and identity ended with Centertown once again standing atop the county, adding another trophy to a run of dominance that spans class after class and season after season.

This year’s field delivered compelling storylines from every corner of the county. Centertown’s length, defense and championship poise separated the Lady Warriors yet again, while Irving College’s grit and late-game toughness carried the Lady Tigers to the finals behind one of the tournament’s breakout scorers. Boyd showed resilience throughout three games in four days, bouncing back from a tough semifinal to secure the third-place trophy. Morrison’s young core nearly played spoiler in the semis, Dibrell competed with heart and hustle from the opening tip and Eastside - despite a tough round-one matchup - continued to build its foundation with effort that never wavered.

Across every gym, players grew into their roles, learned how to compete in big moments and proved that the future of girls basketball in Warren County is strong. These early-season battles showed what makes this league special: programs with pride, players with passion and coaches who pour themselves into teaching the game the right way.

The Main Street Journal is proud to highlight the standouts from the preseason tournament with this week’s Players of the Week - a celebration of the young athletes who rose to the moment and helped set the tone for what should be a thrilling 2025–26 season.

This recognition is made possible thanks to our fantastic sponsors: Triple B Nursery, Crisp Springs Market, Prince HVAC, TEH Construction, Pioneer Lanes and Sara Collins with Tree City Realty.

CENTERTOWN – WILLA DENNING

The tournament MVP left no doubt she’s one of the county’s elite. Denning dominated every round, scoring 17 in the semifinals and 11 more in the championship to lead Centertown to yet another title. She controlled the paint, blocked shots, hit free throws and showed the poised leadership of an eighth grader who’s never dropped a county game. The Lady Warriors’ dynasty keeps rolling because players like Denning embrace the moment and deliver.

IRVING COLLEGE – MAEBRY YATES

No player had a bigger single-game moment than Yates, whose steal-and-score in the final 25 seconds lifted Irving College past Morrison in the semifinals. She poured in 17 in that thriller and followed with four more in the championship round. Across the week, she was Irving College’s tone-setter — a smooth scorer who attacks pressure, gets to the line, and steps up when everything is on the line. It was an all-tournament resume from start to finish.

BOYD – KARSYN BAIN

Bain gave Boyd steady production over three games in four days, helping the Lady Broncos secure a third-place finish and earn her way onto the all-tournament team. She scored seven in Boyd’s quarterfinal win, added two in the semis against powerhouse Centertown and chipped in six more in the consolation victory over Morrison. Bain’s activity, toughness and scoring punch were constants for a program that bounced back well after a tough semifinal matchup.

MORRISON – ELLA PENNYWELL

Pennywell was the spark that nearly sent Morrison to the championship. She scored 11 against Irving College in a semifinal battle that went down to the final seconds, highlighted by her go-ahead bucket with 1:08 left. Pennywell also earned all-tournament honors. Her competitiveness kept Morrison in every game they played.

DIBRELL – KINSLEE RUTLEDGE

Rutledge was a bright spot for a young Dibrell team that battled hard in the quarterfinals. She scored two of the Lady Wildcats’ eight points and played with the grit Dibrell prides itself on. Even in a tough matchup, Rutledge - a fifth grader - showed flashes of being a player who will continue to grow into a bigger role as the regular season begins.

EASTSIDE – ELAH COLE

Eastside struggled to score in its opening-round game, but Cole still found a way to contribute, competing defensively against a deep Boyd team. She showed good instincts and toughness as one of the Lady Bulldogs with some prior playing experience in the middle school county league.