By By Lori Dann
Advance Managing Editor
When it comes to big games, Jenifer Dykes always comes to play.
Whether it was a key area game during the regular season or a must-win game in the postseason, Dykes always delivered.
The Escambia Academy senior scored 23 and 21 points in the Lady Cougars' two Final Four games, earning MVP honors and leading EA to its first state championship.
So it came as no surprise that she would turn in another strong performance in the AISA All-Star Game Saturday in Montgomery. Playing with and against the state's top players, Dykes scored 16 points to help the West All-Stars defeat the East 93-77.
Dykes' final basket, one of her two three-pointers, actually helped the West set a new scoring record in the all-star game. The previous record was 90 points.
This is the third consecutive year that an all-star MVP has come from EA. Previous MVPs include Jody Singleton in 1998 and Jeremy Hall in 1999.
One of the Player of the Year finalists, Clarke Prep's Maggie Keahy, was on the West team with Dykes and also turned in a solid performance. Keahy's team lost to EA in the state finals.
Dykes wasn't the only Lady Cougars who had a big game for the West all-stars. Point guard Amy Ridgeway dished out 11 assists to go with two points in the victory.
In the boys' game, EA's lone senior, Josh Lilly, scored just four points bur had an outstanding floor game. He added 10 assists and nine rebounds to help the West All-Stars capture a 103-102 win.
Monroe Academy's Josh Wilde hit a free throw with eight seconds left which proved to be the game-winner for the West.