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SPRINGFIELD — After 20 years, the Clark County Coaches Miss Basketball award finally has a name — the Pam Evans Smith award.

Catholic Central senior Leslie Purnell was named the 2008 Pam Evans Smith Clark County Miss Basketball at the 20th annual Coaches All-Clark County Girls Basketball banquet at Wittenberg's Shouvlin Center on Monday, March 17.

"It's a big honor to be noticed for my accomplishments, as well as my team's accomplishments," Purnell said. "I couldn't have gotten here without my teammates."

Southeastern coach Jim Lightle was named the 2008 Clark County Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. He also won the award in 2003.

The awards are voted on by a panel of county girls basketball coaches.

Purnell joins Liz Rigel (2002) and Becky Petty (1999) as the only Irish players to earn the title of Clark County Miss Basketball.

Purnell, a post player, averaged 19.9 points and 12.8 rebounds per game this season.

"She's the most determined basketball player I've ever seen — male or female," said Catholic Central coach David Schlicher. "I'm lucky to have been her coach."

Evans Smith passed away last June after a lengthy battle with cancer. She played four seasons at Wittenberg before coaching the Tigers for 21 seasons.

Smith's husband, Roger Smith, accepted the naming of the award in his wife's honor.

"This is another special honor in her name," he said.

Purnell was also proud to accept the first award named after the former Wittenberg coach.

"She always saw the greatness in people," Purnell said. "I'm honored to accept this because I hope to do things like she did."

South's Camille Hall earned the Southwest Ohio Officials Association Outstanding Sportsmanship award. Northwestern's Molly Cary earned the coaches award.

Southeastern senior Bonnie Hupp was awarded the Jim Murray Scholarship.

Joining Purnell on the Coaches All-County team were: Kenton Ridge seniors Sakara House and Katie Ketterman; Southeastern's Hupp and junior Amber Hayslip; Greenon sophomore Allie Turner; Shawnee senior Laaci Farris and Northeastern sophomore Jillian Adams.

South senior Asia Davis and junior Shanay Portis, as well as North junior Doniesha Bates were also named to the team, the final players for their schools before they merge into Springfield High School in September.

Graham's season DVD

Order our exclusive DVD that recaps Graham's boys basketball season by calling (937) 328-0348.