Here is a capsule look at the members of the 2012 St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star Basketball Team.
Emmonnie Henderson (Edwardsville): A powerful force for the Tigers, the 6’2” Henderson led Edwardsville to a 34-2 record and a berth in the IHSA Class 4A state-championship game. Henderson averaged a team-high 15.6 points and 6.8 rebounds. In the state semifinals, she grabbed a state-tournament record 20 rebounds in a victory over Wilmette Loyola Academy. A prime-time athlete in track and field as well, Henderson will be one of the nation’s top recruits next season.
Shanity James (Miller Career Academy): A four-year starter, the versatile James ended her career in fine style by leading the Phoenix to a third-place finish in the Missouri Class 4 state tournament. As a senior, the 5’11” James averaged 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.7 steals. She also provided the veteran leadership for a very young and talented team. James has signed with Arkansas-Little Rock.
Sharese Jones (Francis Howell Central): The younger sister of former St. Louis American Player of the Year Shakara Jones, Sharese has cut her own niche as a top player. As a senior, Jones averaged 20.4 points and 7.4 rebounds to lead the Spartans to a berth in the Missouri Class 5 state quarterfinals. She was the Gateway Athletic Conference South Player of the Year. Jones ended her career with a 35-point performance against Fort Zumwalt South in the Class 5 quarterfinals. Jones is headed to Missouri Southern University.
Mikala McGhee (Pattonville): A three-sport star at Pattonville, the 5’11” guard ended her career as one of the Pirates’ all-time great basketball players. As a senior, McGhee averaged 20.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.1 steals and 4.4 assists per game. She was the Suburban North Conference Player of the Year for the second consecutive year after leading the Pirates to a 22-4 record and a league title. McGhee has signed with Missouri State Univesity, where she will play basketball.
Taylor Manuel (Incarnate Word Academy): The St. Louis American Player of the Year, the 6’4” senior did-it-all for the Red Knights as one of the most versatile post players in the history of St. Louis girls prep basketball. As a senior, Manuel averaged 15.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.9 blocks to lead Incarnate Word to a third-place finish in the Missouri Class 5 state tournament. Manuel will continue her career at Purdue next season.
St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star Teams
First Team
Emmonnie Henderson 6’2” Edwardsville (Jr.)
Shanity James 5’11” Miller Career Academy (Sr.)
Sharese Jones 5’9” Francis Howell Central (Sr.)
Mikala McGhee 5’11” Pattonville (Sr.)
Taylor Manuel 6’4” Incarnate Word (Sr.)
Second Team
Joymesia Howard 6’1” East St. Louis (Sr.)
Courtney Powell 5’8” Westmister Christian (Sr.)
Taylor Robinson 6’4” Ladue (Jr.)
Jordan Thompson 5’7” Webster Groves (Sr.)
Cierra Young 5’8” Incarnate Word (Sr.)
Third Team
Amber Alexander 5’10” Parkway North (Jr.)
Braennan Farrar 5’5” Miller Career Academy (Soph.)
Hali Ford 5’10” Affton (Sr.)
Jasmin Mathews 5’9” Troy (Sr.)
Mariah Sunkett 6’1” Belleville East (Sr.)
Fourth Team
Stephanie Anderson 5’10” Whitfield (Jr.)
Alexis Chappelle 5’6” Hazelwood Central (Jr.)
Aaryana Cook 5’4” Jennings (Jr.)
Alexis Robinson 6’0” Hazelwood West (Jr.)
Kadejah Sanderson 5’5” Beaumont (Sr.)
