Perhaps it’s no surprise with all the hype surrounding her that Lucy Hood finishes her career as BLITZ Player of the Year. She put in the countless hours of hard work to make this a reality, and leaves Rabun County as one of the Lady Cats’ all-time greats!

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• 20.5 PTS
• 6.1 AST
• 4.8 REB
• 2.6 STL
• 110 3PT (40.6%)
• 82.5% FT
• 1,000 Career Pts
• Region 8-A DI Player of the Year
• McDonald’s All-American nominee

Lucy Hood is a McDonald’s All-American nominee. That tells you enough. The Western Carolina signee averaged 20.5 points this season, a full 3-plus points per game higher than any other local girls player. She is an elite passer, averaging 6.1 assists per game. She isn’t afraid of contact, hauling in 4.8 boards per game. She’s tenacious and quick, as evidenced by her 2.6 steals per game. She’s a sharp-shooter, per her 110 3-pointers made at a 40.6% clip. She’s money at the charity stripe, good for 82.5%. She is a scorer, notching 1,000-plus for her career. The Region Player of the Year and multiple All-State player more than earned this honor.

VOTING RESULTS

1. Lucy Hood – 83.5 pts (16 1st-place votes)
2. Averie Jones – 45.5 pts (1)
3. Emma Lightsey – 30.25 pts
4. Abby Slaton – 24.5 pts (1)
5. Kylie Watkins – 22.75 pts (1)
6. Addison Hoard – 14 pts
7. Michel Robbins – 12.25 pts

Voting included our 19-person panel made up of sports reporters, writers, video producers, former coaches, players, GHSA officials, and sports experts. The voting is Heisman-style, with the following points system:
1st place votes: 5 pts; 2nd: 3 pts; 3rd: 2 pts; 4th: 1 pts; 5th-6th: 0.5 pts; 7th-8th 0.25 pts

Lucy Hood claimed 16 of 19 1st-place votes, which is phenomenal. Averie Jones, Abby Slaton, and Kylie Watkins each had one 1st-place vote.

HISTORY OF GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

• 2023-24 – Lucy Hood – Rabun Co SR G
• 2022-23 – Mary Mullinax – Lumpkin Co SR G
• 2021-22 – Mary Mullinax – Lumpkin Co JR G
• 2020-21 – Isabel Davenport – Lumpkin Co SR G
• 2019-20 – Isabel Davenport – Lumpkin Co JR G
• 2018-19 – Kaylee Sticker – Dawson Co SR G/F
• 2017-18 – Georgia Stockton – Rabun Co JR G
• 2016-17 – Lainey Gosnell – Habersham Central SR F
• 2015-16 – Lainey Gosnell – Habersham Central JR F & Karlie Bearden – Dawson Co SR G
• 2014-15 – Kaitlyn Duncan – Banks Co SR C
• 2013-14 – Sheyenne Seabolt – Dawson Co JR F
• 2012-13 – Carly Gilreath – Dawson Co SR G & Stephanie Patton – Towns SO G
• 2011-12 – Haley Gerrin – Habersham Central SR C
• 2010-11 – Gabby Arencibia – Towns Co JR G
• 2009-10 – Cara Malone – Lumpkin Co SR G

Hood makes for the second from Rabun to win the award, and first since Georgia Stockton in 2017-18. She is the 10th pure guard to win the award, and 10th senior as well.