The Elk Valley Times has selected sophomore Abby Bryan as the 2023 Lincoln County Falcons Girls Basketball MVP. Bryan averaged 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for the Lady Falcons.
“Abby is very deserving of the MVP. She was our leading scorer and leading rebounder,” said Head Coach Chad Tipps. “She’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached. I can’t say enough about her work ethic. I knew when she came in as a freshman last year that she could be something special.”
The Elk Valley Times sat down with Bryan for “10 Questions” to get to know her a little better.
EVT: What was your initial reaction when you heard you were being selected as the Elk Valley Times MVP for 2023?
AB: We had a great season as a team, I was excited and it gave me motivation to keep working harder.
EVT: How did your team handle the last second loss that ended the season?
AB: It was really disappointing and upsetting. Everyone really left it on the court. It was sad for our seniors. We are definitely motivated for next year.
EVT: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
AB: Chocolate. I’m a real chocolate lover.
EVT: Who do you think you get your basketball ability from?
AB: I’m gonna say my Dad. He is the second leading scorer in Lincoln County Falcons history.
I think my Mom was pretty good also. I told him I was going to beat his record. (laughing)
EVT: What’s your best memory from this season?
AB: Definitely the first region game. Running out and seeing the whole gym full. It was a great feeling.
EVT: Excluding yourself, what player would you say was the glue of your team?
AB: That’s tough. Every player on our team had a role and did it well. I’d say Rilee Smith, being a senior and being our point guard, was a great leader. We had great team chemistry; everyone liked to be around everyone.
EVT: Who wins if you and Coach Tipps play one-on-one?
AB: Oh, me for sure. (laughing)
EVT: Now that your team has gotten a taste of a deep run into the playoffs, will that motivate your team next year?
AB: Oh, yes, for sure. Having two years in a row going to the playoffs. It gives us a taste of success and makes us want to advance farther. It makes us want to keep working harder.
EVT: What’s your favorite Coach Tipp’s moment from this season?
AB: (Laughing) I think it’s funny when he stomps a lot and his face gets red when he is screaming. Usually it’s at the refs but sometimes (it’s) at us.
EVT: What has Coach Tipps meant to you and your team this season?
AB: I want to tell him thank you. He is really good at scouting the other team and figuring out what we need to do to beat the other team. I really want to say thank you for all the things he does for us.
