Rutherford's do-it-all superstar Shakirah Edwards headlines all-county girls basketball team

It is time to release the girls basketball all-county teams, which were decided by coaches votes from around the county. It was a great season featuring stellar performances and a deep playoff run.

Rutherford ran away with the best regular season record (22-1) and secured the Class 4A District 2 championship. The Lady Rams made it to the Elite 8 of the state playoffs for the third straight season, ultimately falling to state runner-up Bishop Kenny 53-39.

Find out below who was named the player of the year, coach of the year and the all-county teams.

Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Shakirah Edwards

In terms of an all-around and do-it-all player, none comes closer than Rutherford's Shakirah Edwards. The senior led the Lady Rams in almost every major statistical category on the way to her fourth straight district championship.

For all of her efforts, Edwards was named the Bay County girls basketball player of the year as voted by coaches.

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"It really means a lot to me, from all the hard work that went into me becoming the player that I am, I am really grateful," Edwards said.

The 5-foot-10 guard averaged 15.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 3.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. Edwards is not afraid to take her own shot and take over games when need be.

"It is all about being confident in the way I play and going out there to dominate," Edwards said. "I spent this year really enjoying my final season in high school and overcoming the many things I went through throughout previous seasons."

The Mississippi State signee said she looks forward to the challenges collegiate basketball will bring but hopes her legacy within Bay County is one that fuels girls basketball.

"I would tell upcoming girls to put their mind to it and work on their craft," Edwards said. "As long as you work hard it will show on the court, and it will get you far."

Girls Basketball Coach of the Year: Tony Davis

When looking at the sidelines of girls basketball games over the season you might not find a more passionate coach than Rutherford's Tony Davis. In his second season with the Lady Rams, Davis had his squad in dominant form finishing with an overall 26-2 record, second straight district championship and an Elite 8 appearance.

For all of his efforts, Davis was named Bay County girls basketball coach of the year as voted by his peers.

"It speaks volumes about our program and the people around me, coaching staff, players, managers and trainers," Davis said.

Rutherford lost its third game of the season, which Davis said reignited his team on the way to a 24-game win streak.

"I push my girls to excel, if you respect them, they will respect you and good things will happen," Davis said. "They show up to work and are coachable, which are qualities that relinquish great results."

The Lady Rams have been a consistent force in the county, with the senior class achieving a 93-14 record, clinched four district championships and made three Elite Eight appearances. Rutherford were led by Shakirah Edwards (Mississippi State), Nautica Bouie (Pensacola State), Braniya Baker and Ava Butler.

Davis said he makes sure to keep his girls hungry and to aspire to be better and outdo previous years.

"We take it one game at a time, keeping the girls humble, focused and respecting the opponent," Davis said. "We study, implement the game plan and execute it while having fun in the moment."

Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Mississippi state commit headlines Bay all-county girls basketball team