1994 PREP BASKETBALL ALL-STARS : GIRLS’ ALL-STARS : Lynwood, Valley Christian Players Dominate Team

The girls’ basketball teams at Lynwood and Valley Christian high schools have been dominant forces in their respective Southern Section divisions the past three seasons.

Valley Christian has won three consecutive Division IV-A titles; Lynwood is the two-time defending I-AA champion after finishing second in the 1991-92 season.

The schools also dominate The Times’ 1994 Southeast All-Star Team. Lynwood had three players selected and Valley Christian two.

Lynwood, which saw its bid for back-to-back state titles end in a 59-53 loss to Atherton Sacred Heart in the Division I final, has placed forward Timicha Kirby and guards Tawana Grimes and LaKhesha Johnson on the team. Valley Christian, which lost in the state Division IV regional, is represented by forward Aisha Veasley and center Jodi Parriott.

Veasley and Kirby are repeat selections from the 1993 team.

Selections were based on ballots cast by area coaches and a poll of Times sportswriters.

The players, along with their parents and coaches, will be guests of The Times at an awards breakfast at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Sheraton Long Beach, 333 E. Ocean Blvd. The area player and coach of the year will be announced at the breakfast.

A look at the all-stars:

Maria Camacho (Pioneer)--Although she is the youngest member of the squad, Camacho displayed the poise of a veteran. A 6-foot sophomore center, Camacho was a dominant force around the basket. She averaged 15.8 points and ranked third in the state in rebounding at 16.5. Camacho, who was named Del Rio League most valuable player, had 20 or more rebounds in seven games and double-doubles in 19 of 24 games as Pioneer finished 18-6.

Heather Carll (La Mirada)--Another powerful inside player was Carll, the tallest of the all-stars at 6-3. The center averaged 16.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks to lead the Matadores to the Suburban League title. She was named the league’s most valuable player. Carll has been recruited by NCAA Division I schools Oregon, Oregon State and San Francisco.

Melissa Carreon (El Rancho)--Although Carreon is only 5-8, she managed to make her presence felt around the basket. She averaged 16.2 points and 11.3 rebounds and was selected to the Del Rio League first team. Carreon, a forward, also excels in volleyball and softball.

Tawana Grimes (Lynwood)--In a well-balanced offense, the 5-9 Grimes was Lynwood’s top outside scoring threat. She averaged 16 points, three rebounds and three assists to help the Knights return to the State Division I final. A preseason honorable mention All-America selection by Street and Smith magazine, she was named to the Division I and San Gabriel Valley League teams. She has signed with UCLA.

LaKhesha Johnson (Lynwood)--Johnson earned the respect of opponents with her quickness and leadership. The 5-7 guard averaged 10 points, eight steals and seven assists and sparked the Knights on defense. A San Gabriel Valley League selection, she has been recruited by Long Beach State, Cal State Northridge, Houston and Cal Poly Pomona.

Timicha Kirby (Lynwood)--The most heralded of the Big Three for Lynwood, the 5-11 Kirby demonstrated her versatility by averaging a team-leading 22 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots. She was named Southern Section Division I player of the year, state Division I player of the year by Cal-Hi Sports and a prep All-America by Street and Smith and USA Today. She will attend Iowa in the fall.

Jodi Parriott (Valley Christian)--Perhaps the most imposing center in the Southeast area was the 6-2 Parriott. Her strong play around the basket helped her average 22.9 points, 12 rebounds and six blocked shots. An Olympic League choice in basketball and volleyball, she also made the Division IV team chosen by Cal-Hi and has been recruited by UCLA, USC and Long Beach State.

Melissa Ridge (St. Paul)--The top three-point shooter on the squad might be Ridge, who used her exceptional touch to lead the Southeast in scoring with a 24.3-point average. The 5-8 guard also averaged 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Ridge was named Del Rey League player of the year and made the Division IV first team. She has been recruited by Azusa Pacific, Redlands and Concordia Irvine.

Lacey Sollie (La Serna)--The catchword has been consistency for Sollie, a 5-9 forward. She has ranked among her team’s scoring leaders three seasons in a row and made all-league each season. As a senior, she averaged 14.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists and filled in when the team’s point guard was injured late in the season. She is considering attending Cal State Fullerton.

Aisha Veasley (Valley Christian)--The 5-10 forward averaged 16.6 points, seven rebounds and 3.5 assists. She also ranked among the state leaders in field-goal percentage and Coach Eleanor Dykstra said Veasley was Valley Christian’s best defensive player. A three-time Southern Section selection and Olympic League most valuable player, she will attend UCLA.

GIRLS’ ALL-STAR TEAM

Name: Maria Camacho School: Pioneer Year: Sophomore Points: 15.8

Name: Heather Carll School: La Mirada Year: Senior Points: 16.3

Name: Melissa Carreon School: El Rancho Year: Junior Points: 16.2

Name: Tawana Grimes School: Lynwood Year: Senior Points: 16.0

Name: LaKhesha Johnson School: Lynwood Year: Senior Points: 10.0

Name: Timicha Kirby School: Lynwood Year: Senior Points: 22.0

Name: Jodi Parriott School: Valley Christian Year: Junior Points: 22.9

Name: Melissa Ridge School: St. Paul Year: Senior Points: 24.3

Name: Lacey Sollie School: La Serna Year: Senior Points: 14.8

Name: Aisha Veasley School: Valley Christian Year: Senior Points: 16.6