HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Doane, Collins Help West Earn All-Star Win

BY ALLEN GREGORY
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER

HAMPTON, Va. — Emily Doane will long be remembered for “The Shot.”

With 4.9 seconds remaining, Doane hit a jumper to lift Chilhowie past Virginia High in a Group A state quarterfinal game this season.

Doane began a new chapter in her dream sequence Tuesday at the Hampton Coliseum.

With hustle, ballhandling and defense, the 5-foot-4 guard helped guide the West to a 97-53 decision over the East in the Virginia High School Coaches Association All-Star game.

“I had a surgical procedure done on my armpit about four weeks ago,” Doane said. “When they knocked me out for surgery, I actually dreamed about hitting that [game-winning] shot. It was crazy.
“I had dreamed about making a shot like that since I was little and it gave me a lot of confidence. I’m excited to start playing college ball now, and this game was good experience for that.”

Doane connected on her first and only field goal attempt Tuesday, canning a jumper from the baseline. She added two rebounds along with an assist to Kalen Collins of J.J. Kelly.

The next stop for Doane is the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, and she tuned up for her All-Star test by attending a recent camp at her future college home.

“That camp definitely helped,” Doane said. “All the girls had previous college experience. Playing against quality players can only make you better.”

For the low-key Doane, the fellowship and all-star education was just as important as stats and individual honors.

“I’m not that outgoing of a person, but all the girls here take you in and make you feel like you belong,” Doane said. “I was so nervous coming up. It turned out was awesome from the opening tip, though.”

As for college, the Chilhowie graduate is just eager for the opportunity.

“I will play any position my coaches want,” Doane said

Meanwhile, the powerful 5-10 Collins contributed nine rebounds, four points, two steals and one assist to the convincing West win.

“I did what I could,” Collins said. “ You can’t score without a rebound, that’s how I see it.”

Kelly coach Robin Dotson has come to big things from Collins. Tuesday’s workmanlike effort was no exception.

“Kalen played hard and represented herself well,” Dotson said. “I think she’s got a lot of potential in college, especially when she can concentrate on one sport.”

Collins balanced her time between basketball, volleyball and softball at Kelly. She still managed to collect over 1,000 points and 900 rebounds.

“I even ran track when I could to help out our school,” Collins said. “I think it will help a lot to concentrate on one sport now.’’

The East featured North Carolina State signee Bonae Holston, a 5-11 forward from Heritage in Newport News.

Group AA Player of the Year Devon Brown (Waynesboro) and 6-4 post Kylee Beecher (Hidden Valley) were the marquee talents for the West. Brown earned MVP honors for the West with 17 points.

“I’ve been to Blue Chip basketball camps before and my high school coach does a good job,” said Collins, who often guarded larger defenders Tuesday. “This was a different experience from back home.
The fast pace of the game helped to open my eyes. I’ll probably still play the post in college, so this was good preparation. I’m excited to see what I can do.”

And Doane, who was asked several times Tuesday about heroic shot against VHS, is also eager to write more memorable chapters.

“Hopefully I will get married and have some kids, and I can tell them my stories,” Doane said.

The VHSCA boys game was still underway at press time. Tennis Simon (George Wythe), Patrick Fisher (Castlewood) and coach Brian Moore (Twin Valley) represented Southwest Virginia.

agregory@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2544