Austin Hemmingson | Daily Press Escanaba’s Nicole Kamin drives to the basket against Gladstone’s Andie Balenger during a Division 2 district final March 6 in Gladstone. Kamin averaged 19.2 points per game this season, leading a group of area players that saw 16 average in double figures.

ESCANABA — Girls basketball was extremely competitive across the U.P. this past season, and numerous area players flourished. Led by Escanaba’s Nicole Kamin, 16 local players averaged in double figures in scoring.

Kamin, a junior forward and a Grand Valley State commit, averaged 19.2 points per game. She helped lead Escanaba to its first district title in 20 years, and was recently selected to the Great Northern Conference first team. She scored over 30 points twice this season.

“She can put it up to that next level that not many players in the whole U.P. can,” Esky coach Mike Beveridge said. “I wouldn’t trade Nicole for any player in the U.P. Her skill set is unmatched. It was fun to watch her grow throughout the season and help lead our team. As good as her game is, she’s going to continue to develop and grow into an even better player next year, and she’s going to do great things in her college career. I can’t wait to watch her continue to develop.”

Following Kamin is Mid Peninsula senior point guard Kennedy Englund. The Bay College commit averaged 17.1 points while helping guide the Wolverines to a 15-6 record. She was a unanimous Skyline Central Conference first team selection.

Like Kamin, Englund also hit over 30 points twice. She also surpassed the 1,000-point milestone in a 69-52 win over Engadine Feb. 3 and finished with 1,127 for her career.

“Great kid to coach, very high basketball IQ,” Mid Pen coach Phil Croasdell said. “She is a great scorer and probably a better rebounder than anyone in the league despite being a point guard most of the time. Just an awesome presence on the floor and will be greatly missed next year.”

Carney-Nadeau’s front-court tandem of senior Sandra Boulton and sophomore Tessa Wagner were a nightmare for opponents to deal with. Boulton averaged 15.9 points and Wagner averaged 15.

“They were outstanding,” C-N coach Ken Linder said. “Sandra just went on a tear. She started the season kind of slow but she really came on strong.

“Tessa’s developed some post moves. I’m trying to get her to be a little more active, and she’s done a pretty good of job of that.”

Big Bay de Noc senior Meagan Yonker averaged 15.7 points, helping guide the Black Bears to a Northern Lights League regular season title and conference tournament title in their first year in the league.

“(She was a) tenacious defender, a great leader, has a motor that will not quit, and is tough as nails,” Big Bay coach Bob Pederson said. “She had great stats even though her supporting cast was the age of a junior varsity/middle school team.”

North Central junior Andie Arsenault averaged 15 points. She scored over 20 points five times and was selected to the Skyline Central first team.

Gladstone junior center Megan Crow tallied 14 points per game. Crow, another Grand Valley State commit, was limited by ankle injuries throughout the season but still was selected to the GNC first team.

“Due to her skill set and size, she has become one of the most individually prepared for players across the U.P. — if not the most,” Braves coach Andy Cretens said. “She demands at least a double team every time she touches the ball with her back to the basket. If teams decide not to double, she scores at a high rate. Not only is she tough to stop down low, she can can also step out and consistently knock down a mid-range shot.”

Escanaba senior Taylor Ray averaged 13 points. Ray was instrumental in helping the Eskymos win a district title, constantly knocking down big shot after big shot.

“Taylor is one of the more underrated players in the U.P.,” Beveridge said. “She always made clutch shots in big games and played great defense. She was truly a senior leader and just fun to be around. We wouldn’t have won half the games we did without her and Nicole.”

Rapid River junior center Natalie Belanger hit 11.7 points per contest, while senior point guard Kristin Goodacre averaged 11.1.

“Natalie’s competitive spirit always shined through. She was our team leader in scoring to go along with 9.3 rebounds per game, which makes her a true big in the post,” Rockets coach Scott Goodacre said. “Kristin’s tenacity on the basketball court is second to none. As a team captain, she always led by example. She always came to play and left it on the court.”

Big Bay freshman Alix Bleau averaged 11 points, while Mid Pen junior Daisy Englund had a 10.7 average.

“(Daisy) plays with a lot of passion and has no quit in her,” Croasdell said.

“Great shooter but unselfish with the ball. I wanted her to shoot more, so the last nine games of the regular season she averaged 14.1 points per game. I’m definitely glad I have her for another year.”

North Central senior Bree Arsenault carried a 10.5 points per game average.

“She always gave 110% and never complained of being sick or hurt,” Jets coach Lee Vincent said. “She’s a girl you would want on your team.”

Bark River-Harris’ backcourt tandem of junior Allison Richer and senior Grace Peterson each averaged 10 points per contest, helping the Broncos finish their season 12-9.

“(Allison) led us in total points, assists, was second in rebounds and made 31 3-pointers on the season,” BR-H coach Matt Richer said. “(Grace) is a three-year starter who was second in points for us and led us in rebounds.”

Rounding out the list is Manistique senior center Emilee McDaniel, who averaged 10 points per contest and helped the Emeralds (7-14) double their win total from last year.