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Shelby star, Memphis women's hoops signee Ally Hollifield named NCHSAA's top female athlete

Before leaving to join the University of Memphis women’s basketball program, there was one more piece of hardware Ally Hollifield to retrieve.

During a banquet Wednesday in Greensboro, the recent Shelby High graduate was named NCHSAA Female Athlete of the Year.

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In four years, Hollifield won a varsity letter in five sports. She was most known for her prowess on the basketball court, averaging just shy of 17 points to go with 5.6 rebounds and four steals during her career. This past winter, she led Shelby with 24 points, 8.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 5.4 steals.

Such work resulted in her being voted Southern Piedmont 1A/2A and North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association (NCBCA) District 10 Player of the Year. She was also an NCBCA second-team all-state selection, in addition to being named to the Carolinas All-Star Classic and state Coaches Association East-West basketball game.

Hollifield won 90 games in a Shelby uniform, scored 1,590 points and helped the Lady Lions to the 2020-21 NCHSAA 2A girls state basketball title.

She thrived in other sports as well.

Hollifield was twice recognized as an all-Southern Piedmont 1A/2A performer in cross country. Last fall, she claimed the conference title (20:33.70) and competed in the NCHSAA 2A state meet.

The Shelby High standout also was a three-time all-conference performer in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles, in addition to running at 800 and 1,600 meters.

Hollifield also dabbled in girls soccer — earning all-conference honors in 2021 — and volleyball.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Shelby High's Ally Hollifield tabbed NCHSAA's top female athlete