Gazette AOY 2011: Female finalist bios

VIRGINIA JOHNSON, Iowa City High

Became a state-tournament hero as a freshman. Her midcourt catch and buzzer-beating layup enabled City High to edge Cedar Rapids Washington for the 2008 Class 4A basketball championship. As a senior, she averaged 23.0 points and 10.1 rebounds and earned first-team all-state honors as the Little Hawks went 17-6. A very good softball player in her early high school days, she joined the track team at midseason of her senior campaign and finished second at state in the 4A high jump. Will play basketball at the University of Iowa.

AMANDA PLATTE, Mount Vernon

Basically a three-sport all-stater. She earned first-team honors in volleyball, averaging 2.6 kills per game and posting a .378 kill efficiency. A third-team selection in basketball, averaging 12.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game as the Mustangs placed second in Class 3A. She shot 62 percent from the field. Fifth-place finisher at the state track meet in the discus. Finished with five state titles (two in volleyball, two in track, one in basketball). Will play volleyball at Drake University.

SARAH RYAN, Mount Vernon

A four-sport athlete and a key component in the Mustangs' vast success in girls' sports. A first-team all-state softball selection as a junior and senior. Earned third-team all-state honors in volleyball, averaging 9.7 assists per game. Starting setter on two state-championship teams. Averaged 3.4 points per game on the runner-up basketball team, and a relay component in track. Finished with four state titles (two in volleyball, one each in basketball and track). Will play softball at Drake University.

ALI STARK, Mount Vernon

The 2010 Iowa Girls Coaches Association state volleyball player of the year after leading the Mustangs to back-to-back state titles and a 56-match winning streak, including a 41-0 record and No. 6 national ranking by prepvolleyball.com in 2010. Started every match in a four-year varsity career that netted a 150-11 record. A gifted all-around player -- she was second on the team in assists, third in digs to go with 3.1 kills per game and a kill efficiency of .436. Will play volleyball at the University of Illinois.

KIAH STOKES, Linn-Mar

The all-time state leader in blocked shots (with 515), she ranks fourth all-time in rebounds (1,239) and finished her career with 1,704 points. Led Linn-Mar to a 94-7 basketball record and four state-tournament appearances, including the Class 4A title in 2010. As a senior, she led the state in scoring, averaging 25.0 points per game. She also averaged 14.9 rebounds and 5.6 blocks per game and was named Miss Iowa Basketball 2011. A third-team all-stater in volleyball that led the Lions to the state tournament twice. Will play basketball at the University of Connecticut.