It was an exciting year for boys area hoops as it was loaded with several talented players. Perennial powerhouse Plymouth strung together a solid season as it earned a share of the Four Rivers Conference championship. Riverside, led by WDN player of the year Marcus Freeman, was able to piece it all together late and went on a playoff run that lasted all the way to the NCHSAA 1-A East Regional round of the playoffs. In Washington, the Pam Pack played an exciting brand of basketball under first-year coach Steve Flowers and will look to build on a season that showed flashes of potential.

This year there were so many good players that for one reason or another were not able to play entire seasons with there teams which made it extremely hard to piece together the 2010-11 Washington Daily News All-Area First Team. However, the ones who did make it were the ones that shined the brightest on the most consistent bases.

Ronnell Blount, forward, Plymouth

One of the best athletes around, Plymouth’s Ronnell Blount was the driving force that allowed the team to capture a piece of the Four Rives Conference crown. The versatile Blount led his team in scoring and rebounding with 11.6 points per game and total of 182 boards. Blount, who was tabbed as the WDN athlete of the year in 2010, also gave a great effort on defense each night.

Kewayne Hedgebeth, guard Plymouth

Like Blount, guard Kewayne Hedgebeth was a leader for Plymouth that could be counted on every night. Equipped with good vision, Hedgebeth led the Vikings with 109 assists, which is two times more than anyone else on the team. Hedgebeth also added nearly nine points a night.

Ramelle Lanier, guard, Riverside

A terrific athlete that always seemed to make big shots, Riverside guard Ramelle Lanier displayed and excellent jumper and the ability to get by defenders. Lanier led the Knights with 17.2 points per game while adding 2.7 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

Ridge Hodges

Perhaps no other player in the area improved as much as Washington senior shooting guard Ridge Hodges. With one of the quickest releases in the area, Hodges was able to provide a peremiter threat for the Pam Pack while also displaying the speed and ballhandling skills to beat defenders of the dribble.

Brandon Tripp

A real graceful big man, Washington center Brandon Tripp used his size to get good position in the post and his athletic ability to score in the paint. Tripp played a major role in the Pam Pack offense and was a tremendous presence on defense.

SECOND TEAM

Tony Peele, center, Northside

Tremaine Anderson, guard, Riverside

Curtis Meyers, forward, Southside

Reggie Selby, guard, Southside

Carl McCray, guard, Plymouth

HONORABLE MENTION

NORTHSIDE

Damount Harvey

Taylor Woolard

Dee Martin

PLYMOUTH

Trevor Cordon

George Norfleet

Akeem Cooper

Deondra Gray

RIVERSIDE

Demonte James

Carnell Norfleet

Jamal Whitehurst

Japaul Whitehurst

SOUTH CREEK

Reggie Parker

Tavin Sheppard

Trashon Bynum

Chauncy Andrews

SOUTHSIDE

Tony Grice

Brandon Jordan

Treyshon Blount

Jordan Benston

Treyshon Blount

WASHINGTON

Keane Graham

Josh O’Neal

D.J. Bell

Ricky Dunlop

Joseph Conner