Del Oro's Poe is large school girls basketball Player of the Year

Editor's note: For this list, large schools are defined as programs competing in Division I-III leagues. Selections were made by sports reporters Jordan Georgeson and Matt Long. Some seasons are defined by numbers, while others are defined by leadership. For Del Oro High School junior Madeline Poe, it was both. After producing one of the most complete individual seasons in the foothills while helping guide Del Oro through one of the most turbulent years, Poe is the Gold Mountain California News Media Large-School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The numbers alone stood out, but it was her leadership through treacherous waters that set Poe apart from the rest. She finished the season with 658 points in 31 games, averaging 21.2 points per contest, with 151 rebounds, 72 assists, 80 steals and 15 blocks. She reached double figures in every game, a remarkable display of consistency against one of the toughest schedules in the Sac-Joaquin Section. That consistency, Poe said, came from daily habits and a mindset built long before tipoff. "I am a super-competitive person and driven to reach my goals, which helps fuel me and keep me focused on what matters," Poe said. "My coach last year, MJ Masys, always used the saying 'keep stacking days,' which really stuck with me. Winning each day and getting 1-percent better, even if it's just practice and training, are the days that matter the most because they prepare me for when it's time to really compete." Her ceiling was just as impressive as her game-to-game floor. Poe posted 30-point games against Yuba City and Ponderosa before erupting for a season-best 31 in a semifinal battle against Christian Brothers. She also delivered signature performances in league play with 28 points against Davis and 27-point outings against Whitney, Folsom and Davis. Poe's impact stretched well beyond the scoring column, something she took pride in. "A big part of basketball has nothing to do with skill but everything to do with effort," Poe said. "I know that even if I have an 'off' game or if points aren't falling, I can stay on the court and make an impact through effort alone. Winning 50-50 balls, rebounding, steals and playmaking for teammates are all very valuable ways to contribute to a win that every team needs." This was a Del Oro team forced to navigate midseason coaching upheaval, scrutiny surrounding the program and the kind of outside noise that can fracture even veteran groups. Poe said the team's bond became its anchor through the turbulence. "My teammates and I stayed together through the adversity in our program by reminding ourselves that what was going on was out of our control," Poe said. "One thing that we all knew wasn't going to change was our bond as teammates and our ability to have a successful season, so we supported each other and took it upon ourselves to stay positive and move forward from it all." As one of the team's emotional and on-court leaders, Poe helped Del Oro remain focused, setting the tone with her production and presence. That resilience carried Del Oro to the Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals, and with a quarterfinal win over Colfax, the Golden Eagles also clinched a state tournament berth for the first time since 2022. "It means so much," Poe said in February. "It's a testimony to all our commitment to this team and those of us who stuck through it, no matter the challenge. No matter what happens, we can just push through it and get the wins." That ability to lead through adversity elevated an already special season, and Poe's fingerprints were on everything Del Oro did well. She was the team's go-to scorer in tight games, its most disruptive perimeter defender and the player capable of swinging momentum with a steal, transition finish or clutch half-court bucket. When the Golden Eagles needed calm, they had Poe. When they needed offense, they had Poe. When the season threatened to become bigger than basketball, they still had Poe. Looking back, Poe said what will stay with her most is the group itself. "I will remember this great group of girls that I had the honor to grow close with and how they pushed me to be the best version of myself," Poe said. "Everyone brought something different to the table, which made us so special this season." Large-Schools All-GMCNM Girls Basketball Team FIRST TEAM Madeline Poe, Del Oro (Player of the Year) Brookelyn Dunkle, Placer Ginger Biddle, Placer Giselle Negueloua, Rocklin Leah Harris, Oak Ridge Chloe Preuss, Woodcreek Belle Marshall, Folsom Racquel Mauch, Folsom SECOND TEAM Addison Carpenter, Twelve Bridges Maisie Dennis, Twelve Bridges Breeley Shriver, Placer Lana Terrell, Placer Frankie Steffes, Del Oro Kelsey Brooks, Vista del Lago Madeline Benedyuk, Granite Bay Sophia Ross, Oak Ridge HONORABLE MENTION Alli Powell, Granite Bay Natalia Bienavidez, Whitney Paige Denniston, Placer Jayden Hill, Folsom Kennedy Hull, Woodcreek Summer Hennessey, Woodcreek