An improved season led to additional honors for the Powell High School girls’ basketball team, with Addy Thorington named All-State and Maddie Campbell earning her second straight 3A West All-Conference honor.

After playing varsity as a freshman, Thorington was not a part of the Panthers squad in 2021-22 as a sophomore. But she returned to the team with a purpose this season, reliving those memories of her freshman season the moment she stepped foot on the court this season.

“It was refreshing and really fun coming back to play,” Thorington said. “Stepping on the court at the first practice this season brought back all my memories from my freshman year and made me eager for the season.”

Powell started the season slowly, but picked up momentum midway through the season, helping the team finish with its first trophy at the state tournament and most wins as a program in five years.

“We all learned how to play together and consistently had a positive attitude,” Thorington said. “Each player has their own strengths that add to the team. We used our strengths to our benefit, allowing us to improve throughout the season. With these factors, we peaked at the right moment to allow us to walk away with a trophy at state.”

Thorington took advantage of her size throughout the season, averaging 8.9 points and seven rebounds per game. She also used her prior experience as an All-State volleyball player to help her finish the season with an average of 2.6 blocks per game.

“It was important for me to compete defensively because some of the teams we played had intense players on offense,” Thorington said. “I wanted to contribute to the defense by using my height to my advantage and [use] my previous blocking skills. Offensively it was important for me to contribute by taking opportunities to shoot from the outside.”

Thorington has also earned two straight All-State selections in volleyball, which she said helped carry her confidence into this season.

“… it taught me how to play under pressure,” Thorington said. “This year was the first time I made it to the state tournament in volleyball and basketball. Playing at the state volleyball tournament allowed me to see how intense it can be.”

Joining Thorington on the 3A West All-Conference honors was Campbell, a senior, who earned her second straight selection to the All-Conference team.

Campbell led the team with 225 points this season, averaging 8.7 per game in her final year as a Panther.

From her junior to senior year Campbell improved her scoring output from 7.9 points per game, while increasing her efficiency in 3-point shooting from 24% to 29% and her field goal percentage from 38% to 40%.

“It meant a lot because she [Campbell] was there to motivate me when I was a freshman,” Thorington said. “She is committed and puts in the work, and I am glad to be named All-Conference alongside Maddie.”

The improved season ended with an 18-10 record for the Panthers, the best under coach Chelsea Buher.

Thorington is the first All-State player under Buher, and the first for the Panthers since Aubrie Stenerson earned back-to-back honors in 2018 and 2019.