Aby, Hartline share Coach of the Year honors

A long time ago, at a signing ceremony l can barely recall, I found myself chatting with a coach.

Shortly into that conversation, we began discussing the local basketball scene, and it wasn’t too long afterward when that coach spoke into existence the purpose of this column.

“You need to remember the name Ava McSwain,” the coach said. “She’s going to be really good.”

Talk about calling your shot, though you might have been underselling it for the then-middle schooler.

Just take a look at the résumé a few years later.

McSwain averaged 18.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists for Good Hope this past season, helping the Raiders win 28 games, capture both county and area titles, and reach their second state title game in as many seasons before falling to Trinity.

Her recognition soon followed.

The UAH signee, who secured both All-Regional (MVP) and All-State tournament team honors, claimed first-team accolades on the Class 4A All-State team for a second consecutive season and represented her state in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic earlier this month.

McSwain, who registered 2,529 career points, is also a finalist for Class 4A Player of the Year following a season in which she received the Bill Shelton Award.

What’s one more piece of hardware going to hurt?

McSwain spearheads The Times’ 2024-25 All-Area girls basketball team as Overall Player of the Year.

Good Hope coach Justin Aby couldn’t agree more with the choice.

“Players of her caliber don’t come through this county every year,” he said. “She’s a true scoring threat at all levels and possesses one of the purest jump shots you’ll ever see.”

More so than McSwain’s God-given talents, however, was her authenticity.

“Everyone knows how incredible Ava is on the court, but what many may not realize is the size of her heart,” Aby said. “She constantly uplifted and encouraged her teammates, showed up for youth league practices and embodied everything you’d want in a player — coachable, dedicated and selfless. A lot of people may remember Ava for her basketball achievements, but I’ll remember her for the way she treated others around her.”

Here is what a couple of other local coaches had to say regarding McSwain.

“I remember the first time I saw her at a camp back when she was a fifth-grader … she was a phenomenal athlete then. She’s obviously continued to work very hard and improve since, but what stands out to me is that she’s very, very humble. She also has an aspect of her game that most girls don’t have — a mid-range jumper. She can shoot 3s and finish at the rim, but that’s her best shot. She doesn’t have a weakness to exploit.” — Holly Pond’s Mary Hartline

“She’s a great player — not flashy, but she just takes care of business. She makes everything she does on the court look easy. She never seemed to get rattled, and whenever they needed a bucket, she got one. I think every facet of her game is solid … and she seems like she’s a great teammate, too.” — Cullman’s Tammy West

Aby and Hartline, meanwhile, shared Coach of the Year honors.

Aby guided Good Hope back to the state title game after graduating four starters, while Hartline led Holly Pond to its first Elite Eight since 2014.

The All-Area team was selected after accessing the 2024-25 campaign and speaking with local coaches. However, with a small number of spots available, it’s possible some deserving candidates were left out.

See below for The Times’ 2024-25 All-Area girls basketball team, including honorable mentions.

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Player of the Year

Ava McSwain, Good Hope

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Coaches of the Year

Justin Aby, Good Hope

Mary Hartline, Holly Pond

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All-Area Team

Ella Dickerson, Cold Springs

Kenady Graves, Cold Springs

Molly Wilson, Cullman

Darby Nichols, Fairview

Ella Gossett, Good Hope

Sophie Konrad, Good Hope

Jolee McHan, Good Hope

Millie McBee, Holly Pond

Ava Thomas, Holly Pond

Ella Davis, St. Bernard

Caroline Miller, Vinemont

Reagan Robinson, Vinemont

Camryn Faulkner, West Point

Jaelyn Faulkner, West Point

Laklin Shadix, West Point

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Honorable Mention

Ava Bartlett, Addison

Hollyn Bruer, Cold Springs

Molly Dorough, Cullman

Piper Coots, Cullman Christian

Whitney Quick, Fairview

Lexi Marshall, Good Hope

Alex Twitty, Hanceville

Madison Butts, Holly Pond

Rowan Hines, St. Bernard

Carley Stephens, Vinemont

Patton Fell, West Point