Leaving a Mark: Ava’s Dalton Named to MSHSAA All-District Team
Ava High School freshman Andrew Dalton (44) maneuvers around Willow Springs defender Carson Lowe (32) during an SCA Conference, non-district game Tuesday, in Willow Springs. (Jason Hoekema/Douglas County Herald)
By Jason Hoekema
CLEVER – After a much-improved performance against Springfield Catholic, the Ava Bears walked away with heads held on high despite the 79-57 loss to the private school.
Last time the teams met, the Bears didn’t have an answer for the Fightin’ Irish but held on and even out-scored Catholic 18-15 in the second quarter of the opening Class 3, District 11 match.
Since then, the district committee has voted and released the names of players included in the All-District teams.
Andrew Dalton is among them. The freshman had a very successful year playing on all 25 season games with a field goal shooting average of 57.6-percent for a total of 300 points from twos and 93 from threes.
Shooting at 76.2-percent from the stripe, Dalton added up to 486 points in his freshman year. He has also been a team-player, credited with 80 assists as well as excelling on defense.
In the game against Springfield Catholic, Dalton was contained to 17 points with the Fighting Irish well-aware of his abilities on the court. With a season-high of 34 points, it was apparent that the Irish defense was intent on keeping the freshman covered. Through four quarters, Dalton sunk six twos, a three, and shot 2-for-2 at the stripe to end the season.
The awards list is determined by a committee representing District 11.
Boys All-District Team
Coach of the year – Dustin Larsen of Springfield Catholic
1. Jake Branham – Springfield Catholic
2. Riley Oberbeck – Strafford
3. David Oplotnik – Fair Grove
4. Dillon Hester – Strafford
5. Charlie O’Reilly – Springfield Catholic
6. Andrew Dalton – Ava
7. Michael Manzardo – Springfield Catholic
8. Dawson Deroo – Forsyth
9. Cole Gilpin – Fair Grove
10. Daylon Loonsfoot – Clever
Girls All-District Team
Coach of the year – Steve Frank of Strafford
1. Hayley Frank – Strafford
2. Alana Findley – Fair Grove
3. Kayley Frank – Fair Grove
4. Harper Little – Clever
5. Harley Maxwell – Fair Grove
6. Maddison Chittenden – Strafford
7. Allie Clevenger – Clever
8. Courtney Austin – Buffalo
9. Abi Menzies – Clever
10. Lilly Edwards – Springfield Catholic
