Quisenberry named Gatorade Ohio Girls Basketball Player of Year

Bianca Quisenberry woke up Thursday to a text message from her friend Ashley Morrissette, the Twinsburg star who was named Ohio Ms. Basketball in 2013. It was the first text message of many.

Morrissette congratulated Quisenberry on a major award of her own. The Tecumseh High School senior, a 5-foot-8 guard, was named the Gatorade Ohio Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

“It’s exciting,” Quisenberry said. “I didn’t really expect it or anything. I definitely appreciate it, and I feel blessed to be able to have the opportunity, and it pushes me to work harder.”

Quisenberry, who will play college basketball at the University of Cincinnati, averaged 29.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 8.8 steals and 5.9 assists per game, leading the Arrows to a 23-2 record and a Division I sectional title. She ranks 12th in state history with 2,349 points.

Quisenberry said she wanted to thank “first and foremost, my parents. I wouldn’t be here without them. They pushed me a lot. Obviously, the people I played with, especially my high school team. Those girls are my best friends. Lastly, God, for everything he’s done for me.”

Recent winners of the Gatorade Ohio award include: Malina Howard, of Twinsburg (2012); Ally Malott, of Madison (2011); Amy Scullion, of Salem (2010); Mikaela Ruff, of Beavercreek (2009); Shay Selby, of Regina (2008); and Jantel Lavender, of Cleveland Central Catholic (2007).

The award “recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court.”

Quisenberry has a 3.27 GPA and volunteers for the Special Olympics, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

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