Hornets Fall Ball hosts All-Star Sunday to showcase top regional basketball talent

The Hornets Fall Ball girls basketball program held its second annual All-Star Sunday Oct. 19, at the Boys and Girls Club in Weirton, West Virgina. The Hornet AAU girls and boys teams are coached by Paul Buffington and Preston Stull.

This year’s event featured 22 girls from 13 different schools: Harrison Central, Indian Valley, Cameron, East Liverpool, Edison, Indian Creek, Barnesville, Oak Glen, Claymont, Tuscarawas Valley, St. Clairsville, Cannon-McMillan Middle School and River.

“We are proud to showcase some of the best up-and-coming ballers the Tri-State Area has to offer,” Buffington said. “These young ladies were chosen as a result of their excellent play, non-stop hustle, leadership and sportsmanship.”

He also thanked the sponsors who made the event possible: Holiday Lanes–Striker’s Sports Bar, Tudor’s Biscuit World, Ferguson Tire Service of Weirton and Barium and Chemicals of Pottery Addition.

The afternoon included skill drills followed by multiple games, with each player appearing in at least two contests. At the end of the showcase, athletes received surprise gifts, and an MVP was selected. The 2025 All-Star honoree was Kayla Koehnlein of Edison Local.

College coaches and scouts, a television crew, parents and fans were in attendance to observe and support the players throughout the event.

The players participating were: Mikalyn Balch (Oak Glen), Macey Bertram (Cameron), Ady Stull (Harrison Central), Maci Isaly (River), Cassie Miceli (Indian Valley), Abigail Carpenter (Edison), Arianna Wiedaman (Edison), Gracen Casto (Edison), Abigail Boka (Edison), Molly King (Edison), Mayelee Rawson (Oak Glen), Lexie Keser (Barnesville), Mia King (Cannon-McMillan Middle School), Addison Casto (Edison), Laney Edwards (East Liverpool), Emily Cope (Harrison Central), Kayla Koehnlein (Edison), Aubree Cottrell (Claymont), Josie Smith (Edison), Zoe Whipkey (Harrison Central) and Kaydence Walker (Indian Creek).

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to coach these girls,” Buffington said. “They are among the best in the Ohio Valley. It is amazing how a nonprofit can produce this level of program. Today we had college coaches observing the girls, and my hope is that their play met expectations. We want our programs to continue developing talent and interest in the sport.”