O’Neal named to all-state team

Published 4:39 pm Thursday, May 12, 2022

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Southside junior Ka’Nyah O’Neal has been named to HighSchoolOT.com’s girls basketball All-State team.

The website covers high school sports state-wide and is owned and operated by Raleigh’s Capitol Broadcasting Company. It named a first, second and third team consisting of 15 players regardless of classification.

The 5’9 O’Neal, a third-team member, led the Seahawks in every statistical category as she averaged 31.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 4.7 steals and 2.6 blocks from her guard position.

She was often the only upperclassman on the floor this past season and led her team to the first round of the 1A state playoffs after a berth in the third round her sophomore season.

“We counted on her to do a little of everything for us and she delivered,” coach Milton Ruffin said. “She was a great teammate and helped the younger players improve as the season went on.”

O’Neal scored her 1,000th career point early in her junior season and scored 50 or more points in a game twice.

The Seahawks finished 13-8 and O’Neal was recognized as the Coastal Plains Conference player of the year.

She is also competing in the high jump, the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 relays in the East regional track meet this weekend at Pamlico County High School.