All-Observer Girls Basketball: Cannon’s Reigan Richardson is player of the year

Cannon School’s Reigan Richardson, a McDonald’s All-American, is the 2020-21 Charlotte Observer girls basketball player of the year.

Richardson, a 6-foot guard, led Cannon to a 53-39 win over North Raleigh Christian in the N.C. 4A state championship game.

Richardson averaged 27 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 4.2 steals this season. She has signed with Georgia.

▪ The Charlotte Observer coach of the year is Vance High’s Donnell Rhyne, who led the Cougars to a 12-0 record and a second straight N.C. 4A state championship.

All-Observer First Team

Reigan Richardson, Cannon, 6-0, Sr., G: McDonald’s All-American averaged 27 points, 10.4 rebounds for the N.C. Independent Schools 4A state champions.

Jessica Timmons, Independence, 5-9, Sr., G: N.C. State recruit broke a 28-year-old Mecklenburg County public school career scoring record in February. Averaged 29 ppg.

Mallorie Haines, Davidson Day, 5-10, Sr., G: Davidson recruit averaged 26 points, five rebounds and four steals. A three-time NCISAA all-state pick.

Amhiya Moreland, Vance, 6-1, Sr, F: 4-time I-MECK all-conference star and 2021 I-MECK player of the year averaged 18.3 points, 7.4 rebounds for the 4A state champs.

Nevaeh Caldwell, Hopewell, 5-7, Sr., G: All-district and all-conference star averaged 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.9 steals and one block. Set school-record with 34 points against Mooresville.

All-Observer Second Team

Blanca Thomas, Charlotte Catholic, 6-4, Fr, C

Saniya Wilson, Kings Mountain, 5-7, Jr., G

Maraja Pass, Shelby, 5-4, So, PG

Nyla McGill, Providence, 5-9, Sr., PG

Braylyn Milton, Independence, 5-11, Sr., G

HONORABLE MENTION

Colbie Perry, Carson, 5-8, Sr., G

Ella Hobbs, Robinson, 6-4, Fr, C

Finley Lefevers, Hickory, 6-0, Sr, G/F

Aly Wadkovsky, Lake Norman, 6-3, JR, F

Ally Hollifield, Shelby, 5-8, So., G

Tanaja Hayes, Vance, 5-6, Sr, G

Zaria Clark, Gaston Day, 5-8, Sr, G

Kennedy Calhoun, Hickory Ridge, 5-5, Sr., G

Janiya Adams, Bessemer City, 5-5, So, g

Leah Barringer, Vance, 5-8, Sr., G

Langston Wertz Jr.

The Charlotte Observer

704-358-5133

Langston Wertz Jr. is an award-winning sports journalist who has worked at the Observer since 1988. He’s covered everything from Final Fours and NFL to video games and Britney Spears. Wertz -- a West Charlotte High and UNC grad -- is the rare person who can answer “Charlotte,” when you ask, “What city are you from.” Support my work with a digital subscription