BELOIT — West Branch freshman Madi Hoopes received a scholarship offer from Youngstown State University before the basketball season began. More are expected after what she did in her first high school season.

The 6-foot-1 Hoopes, who led the Warriors to a 23-4 season and regional championship game appearance, was named to the Division IV All-Ohio second team Monday.

“Being a freshman, you don’t know,” West Branch coach Walt DeShields said. “Coming into the season we knew she was a very talented player and is only going to get better.”

Hoopes delivered at a high level. She led the team in scoring (14.0), rebounds (7.6), steals (3.0) and blocks (2.3).

“She is a hard worker and loves basketball,” DeShields said. “We were very excited to see her have the opportunity to play. She played very well and made us a better team.”

Hoopes helped West Branch win a third straight Eastern Buckeye Conference title.

The Warriors only losses were to 18-win Norton, 15-win Rocky River Magnifat, 23-win Canfield in overtime and eventual state champion Shaker Heights Laurel in the regional final.

West Branch can expect many more wins with Hoopes in the lineup.

” I think the future is bright for her and look forward to seeing her develop,” DeShields said.

Salem junior Abby Knickerbocker received special mention in Division IV, while East Liverpool senior LaNease Andrews and West Branch junior Audrey Eaton got honorable mention.

Knickerbocker led the Salem girls to a 13-win season as she averaged a team-high 16.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.0 steals a game.

Andrews was East Liverpool’s offensive threat as she averaged a team-high 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 steals a game. She had a school-record 51 points and 17 steals in a 77-9 win over Wellsville on Nov. 25.

Eaton was West Branch’s floor general as she led the team in assists (3.1). She also was second in scoring (9.3) and steals (2.5) to go along with 3.3 rebounds a game.

See page B6 for the complete Division IV All-Ohio girls basketball team.