Pair of Somerset County girls basketball players garner Class 1A all-state accolades

Two of Somerset County's finest to grace the courts the past four seasons garnered Pennsylvania Sports Writers Girls' Basketball All-State Class 1A Team honors on Monday.

Shade senior Jenna Muha earned her second straight first-team selection while Berlin Brothersvalley senior Grace Sechler notched a second-team pick.

For the second consecutive year, Muha was the lone player in the area to garner first-team accolades.

Bishop McCort's Bria Bair picked up a second-team selection in 2A while Chestnut Ridge's Belle Bosch and Westmont Hilltop's Christina Gordon collected third-team honors in Class 3A.

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Muha was the human highlight reel this scholastic sports year. The 6-foot 1-inch forward netted 852 points, averaging 31.6 per game, and pulled down 445 rebounds (16.5 per game). She also averaged 3.6 assists and 2.7 blocks per contest. Muha became the all-time leading scorer in District 5 and Somerset County history, finishing her illustrious career with 2,349 points. She also stands alone as the Shade record-holder for points along with 1,435 career rebounds.

Shade won its first PIAA playoff game since 2014 with Muha leading the way.

"It's always an honor getting recognized by other coaches, media and reporters across the state," Muha said. "They see the hard work, even from a distance. They recognized me for my hard work and talent that I was able to show.

"Going to the state tournament, there were a few coaches that were very complimentary of me, and even some players. It felt so nice being recognized and respected."

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Muha was named Somerset All-County MVP in volleyball and basketball as well as the Daily American Somerset County Girls Basketball All-Star Team Player of the Year. She was also selected to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association all-state team after setting the school record for kills, finishing with 1,443 for her career.

The Frostburg State University basketball signee enjoyed every moment of her senior campaign.

"I was excited to commit early and just have fun this season," Muha said. "I didn't feel any pressure. I was relaxed. My coaches had full trust in me. Reaching the milestones, I am so thankful I could do it. Some of them, I wasn't even expecting or knew about."

While Muha was in the limelight night after night putting up lofty numbers, she has always had a great support system surrounding her, for which she is grateful.

"It's just crazy how this year impacted me as a person and a player," she said. "The community, my teammates, coaches and family, they are always there for me. The support I've received is incredible."

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Meanwhile, Sechler was the catalyst in Berlin's run to a 22-6 mark, a District 5 title and a trip to the PIAA semifinals. The 5-foot 9-inch guard surpassed 1,000 career points this season. Sechler contributed 454 points (16.5 per game) to go along with 269 rebounds (9.6 per game), 96 assists and 66 steals. She finished her career with 1,198 points.

Adding an all-state selection is a special way for Sechler to cap her high school basketball career.

"I am really thankful for this opportunity," Sechler said. "I'm thankful to God for him giving me this opportunity this year. I am thankful for my coaches who put time and effort into me, and I'm thankful for my teammates because without them, I would not have ever achieved these accolades."

The Seton Hill University signee is continuing the basketball-rich tradition in the family. Her mother, Jessica, played basketball at Pitt-Johnstown, and brother, Elijah, who now attends UPJ, was the Class 1A all-state player of the year in 2020-21.

Sechler was a four-year starter for Berlin coach Rachel Prosser. She is also a talented soccer player and track and field athlete. But Sechler's first passion is basketball.

"Ever since we were young, playing basketball with my family has always been something I enjoyed doing," Sechler said. "My family taught me my love for basketball."

The memories and bonds go far beyond this season for Sechler. She and her teammates left a lasting legacy.

"I really enjoyed this season," Sechler said. "Looking back on it, I am sad to see it all go, but I am just really grateful for the time I had will all of my teammates. Some of them I have been playing with since sixth grade. It was special just to see how far we made it this season."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Muha, Sechler named to Pa Sports Writers all-state girls' hoops team