BEL-NOR — Natalie Potts racked up 2,108 points in almost four full seasons at Incarnate Word Academy.
Incarnate Word Academy forward is the Post-Dispatch All-Metro girls basketball player of the year for the second time in her career. She has signed to play at the University of Nebraska. Photo by Michael Clubb, mclubb@post-dispatch.com
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Incarnate Word Academy forward Natalie Potts finished her high school career with 2,108 points and 1,008 rebounds. She is only the third Missouri high school girls player to reach 1,000 in both categories. Photo by Michael Clubb, mclubb@post-dispatch.com
2023 All-Metro girls basketball first team
Natalie Potts, senior, Incarnate Word
Natalie Potts, Incarnate Word basketball
The 6-foot-2 post player helped the Red Knights to their sixth successive state championship and 13th overall. The University of Nebraska recruit compiled a 117-4 record as a starter and recorded 2,108 points and 1,008 rebounds in her four-year career. A two-way threat, Potts also claimed player of the year honors in 2021. Class 6 first team all-state selection by Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.
Brooke Coffey, senior, Incarnate Word
Brooke Coffey, Incarnate Word basketball
A 6-foot winger, Coffey averaged 13.1 points and served as the perfect complement to Potts. Coffey scored in double figures 23 times including a career-best 29 points in a win over Gateway Legacy on Jan. 31. Scored 1,034 points and won three state championships in four-year career with Red Knights. Signed with Illinois State University. Class 6 first team all-state selection by Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.
Shannon Dowell, senior, O'Fallon
Shannon Dowell, O'Fallon basketball
Helped the Panthers claim the Class 4A state championships for first time in program history by totaling 55 points on 14-of-24 shooting in the final four. Heading to Illinois State University, she averaged 21.6 points and paced the Panthers with 95 steals. Dowell scored 25 points or more 14 times this season. First team all-state by Associated Press and Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.
Raychel Jones, senior, Vashon
Raychel Jones, Vashon
Guided the Wolverines to their first state title by averaging 15.3 points and a team-best 8.8 rebounds. The 5-foot-11 winger and four-year Vashon player scored 24 points in a thrilling double overtime state championship game win over St. Joseph Benton, her second biggest total of the season. Jones is heading the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Class 4 co-player of the year by Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.
Jordan Speiser, sophomore, Lutheran St. Charles
Jordan Speiser, Lutheran St. Charles
Played a key role in helping the Cougars to the Class 5 state championship, the program's first since 2013. Missed the first month of the season with an injury and then came on to average 16.5 points and 7.8 rebounds. Took over the state semifinal game with a season-high 29 points in a 71-50 victory against defending state champion West Plains. Class 5 first team all-state selection by Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.
2023 All-Metro girls basketball second team
Norah Gum, senior, Waterloo
The 6-footer averaged 20.4 points and 9.7 rebounds to help the Bulldogs to a 19-11 record. She scored at least 12 points in all 30 games. Heading to Missouri S&T in Rolla. Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class 3A third team all-state pick.
Alayna Kraus, junior, Okawville
The key cog in the Rockets' march the Class 1A state championship, the third in program history. Averaged 19.2 points and scored 10 points or more in all 38 contests. First team all-state by Associated Press and Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.
Shakara McCline, senior, East St. Louis
Averaged area-best 29 points per game to help East St. Louis win 3A regional title. Scored 42 points in two of last three games. Totaled 1,538 points in four-year career including 676 this season. First team all-state selection by Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.
Kiyoko Proctor, sophomore, Alton
Helped Redbirds to a school record 32-win season, share of Southwestern Conference title and first regional title since 1985 by averaging 12.7 points per game. Ranked among area's best free-throw shooters at 83.2 percent (79 of 95). Illinois Basketball Coaches Association second team all-state.
Allie Turner, junior, John Burroughs
Metro League player of the year scored at a 16.3 clip and led Bombers with 131 assists. A 5-foot-8 two-way threat, helped Bombers to 26-4 record and appearance in the Class 5 quarterfinals. She recorded a triple double with 16 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in a win over Rolla.
2023 All-Metro girls basketball third team
Ja'Nyla Bush, junior, Vashon
The 5-foot-6 sparkplug was the glue behind the Wolverines' first state championship. She averaged a team-best 15.4 points per game and had 24 points in state final victory against St. Joseph Benton. A Class 4 first team all-state pick by Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.
Julia Coleman, senior, Westminster
Signed to play at Texas State University. A 5-foot-11 forward, Coleman averaged a double-double with 19 points and 10.7 rebounds to help the Wildcats to a 19-9 record. A Class 5 first team all-state pick by Missouri Basketball Coaches Association. Scored 1,425 points in four seasons.
Jasmine Gray, senior, Pattonville
Averaged 14.6 points per game to help the Pirates to a 19-7 record. The 5-foot-9 guard hit 47 percent from the field. Heading to Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. A Class 6 first team all-state selection by Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.
Alyssa Koerkenmeier, sophomore, Mater Dei
Turned in eye-popping performance at state tournament to lead Knights to Class 2A title, the program's first. The 6-foot-5 center scored 23 and 21 points in final four after averaging 8.5 during regular season. Posted triple double with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks in 62-46 win over Byron in title game.
Sophia Loden, senior, Mascoutah
Averaged a double-double of 22.2 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. Scored more than 1,000 points and had more than 1,000 rebounds in four-year career. Heading to the University of Southern Indiana. The Mississippi Valley Conference's player of the year. Class 3A first team all-state by Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, second team by Associated Press.

