Brandon’s Abney is first-team D2 all-state
Vanessa Rodriguez makes everyone who doubts her pay.
The 5-foot-5 Rodriguez isn’t the most imposing player on the basketball court when she’s just standing, but that changes once the game starts.
And by the time opposing players realize the Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard sophomore guard plays much taller than her stature, it’s far too late.
Though she isn’t the biggest player, Rodriguez rose to the occasion this season to lead FGR on a historic run that led to her earning Division 2 Michigan Associated Press girls basketball Player of the Year honors.
“I take that to heart,” Rodriguez said. “A bunch of people underestimate me because of my size and that motivates me even more to work harder than the rest of the people on the court.”
Fueled by a desire to prove herself, Rodriguez upped her production as a sophomore to take home Player of the Year recognition one year after earning first team AllState honors as a freshman.
Ortonville Brandon’s Abney averaged 24.3 points, six rebounds, four steals, four assists and 1.4 blocks to earn first-team all-state honors, finishing with 1,612 career points a record (boys or girls), as well as the school’s single-game scoring record (42 points) and an MHSAA record with 21 points in a quarter.
Ferndale freshman Iyanna Davis earned second-team honors after a renaissance season for the Eagles, while fellow frosh Cece Arico of Detroit Country Day was also a second-team honoree.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s coach Brad Crighton was the second-team coach of the year, after leading the Eaglets to an unbeaten regular season, while OLSM freshmen Layla Stewart and Allie Crighton earned honorable mentions.
Rodriguez averaged 13 points, four rebounds, three steals and three assists per game to help lead the Fighting Irish to a 28-1 record and a state runner-up finish in 2024.
“It’s obviously a great honor and I’m very proud and grateful to be named Player of the Year,” Rodriguez said. “But I think this season wouldn’t have been what it was without my great teammates and coaches.”