Pleasant Home sophomore basketball star River Baldwin was named the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Class 1A Girls Player of the Year during Tuesday’s ASWA Player of the Year Banquet presented by ALFA at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel.

“I was a little surprised when they called my name,” Baldwin said. “It was pretty exciting, but I had a feeling that I had a pretty good chance to win.”

The Class of 2019 Florida State commit averaged 28.9 points in 29 games this season for the Lady Eagles.

While helping lead the Lady Eagles to the Class 1A South Regional tournament, Baldwin scored 833 points, pulled down 355 rebounds and recorded 150 blocked shots.

“This is a really good opportunity for me,” Baldwin said. “I’m excited about these next two years of high school, and I hope that I can work my way up to Miss Basketball.”

To accomplish that feat, Baldwin said she knows she is going to have to give all that she has.

“I know there are a lot of good players in the state,” Baldwin said. “They are going to be working out and training to improve all of the time. I have to be out there doing the same thing.”

Baldwin said that part of training will include playing for the Tennessee Flight in the Nike Elite basketball league again this summer.

“It’s difficult playing in the league, but it really helps me improve,” Baldwin. “A lot of the girls on my and team and the on the other teams in the league, will be the same girls that I play against in college.”

As for her upcoming junior year of high school, Baldwin said she is looking forward to basketball season.

“We have a lot of girls coming back that got good playing time this year,” Baldwin said. “We should do a good job if we continue to play together.”

Baldwin said that without the help of several people, winning the award wouldn’t have been possible.

“First, I want to thank my parents for their continued support and encouragement,” Baldwin said. “I want to thank my Coach (Jerry) Davis and Coach (Jeremy) Hilcox for all that they have taught me. I also want to thank God for blessing me with the talent that I have.”