Whitehouse players earn All-Star nod

The Azalea Orthopedics All-Star high school basketball players have been chosen for the April 12 games at the UT Tyler Patriot Center. Among those participating are three stand-outs from Whitehouse High School: Kyle Ford, Kody Molloy and Kayla Mason.

Seniors were nominated by their high school coaches and selected by an All-Star selection panel.

Whitehouse basketball coach Wally Dawkins has also been tapped for the Azalea All-Star games. Dawkins will coach the boys team along with Jay Jameson of the Edgewood Bulldogs. Dawkins has also asked Jason Shuck, WHS JV coach, and Brady Dawkins, former WHS all-stater, to assist.

"Some of the rewards of coaching a great team as I did this year with the 2007-08 Whitehouse Wildcats is that you get some recognition because of having good players," said Dawkins. "Both Kyle and Kody are very deserving to be participating in the All-Star game. It is exciting for me to have the chance to coach both of them again."

Molloy averaged 7.2 ponts per game and 5.5 rebounds for the Wildcats en route to their run as regional semifinalist.

Ford averaged 13.3 ppg, 5.5 boards and sank 55 threepointers this year. He was selected first team All-District, All-Region and All-State.

Ladycat Kayla Mason, a multi-talented athelte who recently signed with TJC to play soccer, averaged 13 ppg for Whitehouse, while also leading the team in assists and steals.

"Kayla was a big part of the Ladycats' success over the past two years, throughout the season and going into the playoffs," said Coach Willie Hill. "She will compete well in the All-Star game, and we are behind her all the way."

Mason earned defensive MVP for District 12-4A and was a first team All-Region selection.