Emily Ball (12) was named to the all-tournament team in the Randi Perkins tournament at Fox High School Jan. 3-6.

Ball has a scoring average of 9.1 points per game and is one of her team’s top players. She received the all-tournament team honor for being her team’s all-around best player for the tournament. One player for each team was recognized.

OHS lost its first game of the tournament against Fox, but won the next two games against Hazelwood East and Westminster to win the consolation bracket. Jordan Peters (12) and Abbi Walters (12) were both missing from the first and second game of the tournament, requiring Ball and the rest of the team to step up.

While Ball’s team did not win the tournament, she is proud of the other girls who stepped in when they were missing a couple of girls and helped them win the consolation bracket.

Ball has played for OHS all four years. As a freshman, she played on the JV team, but occasionally she was put in for varsity games. Ball has been on the varsity team since sophomore year.

“Playing sports can be challenging and frustrating sometimes, but it also is what I’m most passionate about,” Ball said. “I have become a very competitive person by playing sports. Also, I have made many friends through sports.”

In addition to basketball, Ball used to be involved with track and field and is currently a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Ball plans to keep sports in her life through her further education.