The Sidney girls basketball team had an excellent season resulting in the program’s first appearance in the state title game and now four players have earned All-Conference honors for their play throughout the season.

“As a coach, anytime your players get recognized by the area coaches you’re happy,” Eagle coach Jon Skinner said.

Senior forward Jordan Sullivan earned All-Conference first team and All-State honors for the fourth time. Sullivan gave Sidney versatility throughout her career. “Jordan is a very special player. The type of player that doesn’t come around very often,” Skinner said. “She would do anything asked of her to help the team. She can run the point, play in the post or anywhere in between. I’ve been asked if having her on the team was a luxury this season, but a luxury is something you can do without. Jordan was a necessity for this team to have the success we did this season.”

Junior Janae Moore was named to the All-Conference second team. Moore, who has been named to three All-Conference teams, provided aggressive play on both sides of the court all season long for Sidney.

“You could tell from the first game this season that Janae wasn’t going to back down from anyone. She’s a strong, physical post player with the ability to drive to the basket,” Skinner said. “As the year went on, her decision-making improved tremendously. She’s a solid inside presence for us both with her scoring and rebounding ability.”

Junior guard Kayla Lake was named to the All-Conference honorable mention team. Lake provided a solid defensive presence all season long.

“Sometimes defenders get overlooked, and I’m really happy Kayla earned recognition for her play,” Skinner said. “She hustles all the time and is able to take opponents out of their games. Kayla has the ability to change the game on defense, but she also is a good shooter. I just wish she would have taken more shots at times this season.”

Senior forward Whitney Thiel earned All-Conference honorable mention honors. Thiel’s natural abilities were key to Sidney’s success.

“Coming into the season, Whitney was one of our better shooters. This season, she was also one of our top rebounders. She has a such a good nose for the ball,” Skinner said. “On defense, her ability to anticipate and cut off the baseline was huge for us. Her basketball sense was definitely an asset to this team.”

Sullivan and Thiel were Sidney’s lone seniors. “Both Jordan and Whitney did a great job of providing support for their teammates. While we only had two seniors, they played the leadership role of four or five seniors,” Skinner said.

The first-year head coach thought the fan support was great all season long and at the state tournament in Hamilton. “I would like to thanks everyone for their support this season and all of the area businesses for their sponsorships,” he said. “And I would like to thank Frank DiFonzo for his excellent bus driving.”