By Ben Destefan

Posted Apr. 11, 2016 at 9:45 AM

 

 

Locally, it’s something we’ve known all along.

For the second straight year, those outside of Franklin County agree that Greencastle-Antrim’s Jenay Faulkner is one of Pennsylvania’s finest.

On Saturday, Faulkner was selected to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State Girls’ Basketball first team, recognized as a top-tier talent in Class AAA.

A season ago, the Holy Cross commit was named to the second team.

“It’s a pretty incredible honor,” G-A head coach Mike Rhine said. “Our program has accomplished a lot over the last few years and Jenay has been a big part of it.”

Faulkner averaged 19.1 points per game during her junior campaign, making 99 total 3-pointers to lead the midstate. In December, the 5-foot-11 sniper surpassed 1,000 career points, well on her way to becoming G-A’s all-time leading girls’ scorer.

She also averaged more than nine rebounds, three blocks and three steals per game.

Entering her senior season, Faulkner has 1,364 points, just 56 shy of Kylene Helman’s benchmark of 1,420.

Routinely serving as the best player on the floor, the daughter of Troy and Kristy Faulkner led the Blue Devils to consecutive appearances in the PIAA Round of 16. G-A placed third in District 3 while finishing with a record of 24-4.

“This selection reflects her overall effect on the game,” Rhine said. “It’s not just her scoring. Whether she’s blocking shots, rebounding or coming up with steals, she just sees things ahead of time. Jenay has a tremendous will to win and a knack for the big play.”

Faulkner scored at least 20 points in 16 games, headlined by 28-point performances on two separate occasions.

During Faulkner’s three varsity seasons, the Blue Devils have a combined record of 71-11 and have not lost at home.

“We’re really proud of her,” Rhine said. “She’s a very special player and it’s great that she’s getting the recognition for it.”

Joining Faulkner on the Class AAA first team are Berks Catholic’s Devon Merritt, Sarah Agnello of Erie Villa Maria, Jim Thorpe’s Kaley Kovac, Anna Sweny of Erie Villa Maria and Archbishop Wood’s Bailey Greenberg. Greenberg was also named Player of the Year.

Of note, Cumberland Valley’s Kelly Jekot was selected Class AAAA Player of the Year while McConnellsburg’s Bronwyne Mellott earned a spot on the Class A second team.