Photo by Jim Devinney
The Virginia High School League recently announced the 2024 Class 2 all-state girls basketball team and James River’s Caitlin Canada was a second team selection. Central (Wise) junior guard Emmah McAmis is the Class 2 Player of the Year, and Central (Wise) head coach Robin Dotson is the Class 2 Coach of the Year.
Canada, a first team All-Region 2C selection, was the top vote getter on the second team, barely missing the eight-girl first team. She received the fourth highest number of votes among non-seniors.
“Caitlin stepped up for us in many ways this season,” said River coach Ryan Firebaugh. “She was our Swiss army knife, as she can play any position, one to five, on the floor. She developed her inside game more this year when we needed it.”
Canada averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game along with three assists, four steals and a block. She scored her 1,000th career point this season with another year still to go. She led the Knights to a 14-11 record, their best in years. River made the Region 2C tournament and was one win away from playing in the state tournament.
“We had a lot of girls step up for us this season in many ways, but Caitlin was one of our leaders defensively and offensively,” said Firebaugh.
A three-time all-state first-teamer and the Class 2 Player of the Year for the second straight season, the 5’6″ McAmis averaged 24.2 points, 6.7.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game for Central. In three seasons, McAmis has scored 2,203 career points and led the Warriors to three straight state title appearances and two championships. In the state title game, she led all scorers with 27 points, along with six rebounds, four assists, and three steals, to lead Central to a 58-41 win over John Marshall.
Central head coach Robin Dotson led the Warriors to a 26-4 record and the school’s seventh state championship since 2014. Dotson won the 2002 title at J.J. Kelly before Wise County school consolidation.
Eight players make up the first and second teams, regardless of position. Only those players selected to all-region first teams are eligible for selection to the All-State team. Each All-State selection committee comprises eight basketball coaches, with two from each Region.
