ATLANTA, Ga. - The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) today announced that Alexis Hornbuckle of South Charleston High School has been named the 2004 State Farm/WBCA High School Player of the Year. The WBCA presents this award annually to the top players in each of the five WBCA collegiate divisions (NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, JC/CC) and high school at its National Convention.

Hornbuckle, a 5'10" guard, is averaging 25 points, eight assists, and 12 rebounds this season for the Black Eagles. Last year, she led South Charleston to a 26-1 record, claiming the school's first-ever state basketball championship.

Next season, Hornbuckle will continue her basketball career at the University of Tennessee, where she will join other members of the top-ranked recruiting class of 2004.

"Alexis boasts a dynamic high school career, which certainly deserves to be recognized by the world of girl's and women's basketball," said WBCA CEO, Beth Bass. "It will be a joy to watch her compete at the collegiate level as a Lady Vol."

Collecting numerous accolades as a prep star, Hornbuckle has been named a 1st Team Parade All-American (2003); 1st Team Street and Smith All-American (2003); Nike Top 100 All-American (2001, 2002, and 2003); West Virginia Player of the Year (2003); Gatorade West Virginia Player of the Year (2003); Associated Press West Virginia Player of the Year (2003); and a member of the USA Women's Youth Development Festival Team (2003).

"State Farm is proud to honor an outstanding high school athlete such as Alexis," said State Farm's Manager of Advertising and Sponsorships, Bobby Wilkinson. "We take great pride in supporting the future of women's sports."

Other University of Tennessee standouts earning WBCA High School Player of the Year honors include Tamika Catchings (1997) and Chamique Holdsclaw (1995).

Hornbuckle will be formally honored on Saturday, April 3 during the "WBCA Night of All-Stars" at Tulane University's Fogelman Arena, New Orleans, LA, where she will also be competing in the WBCA High School All-America Game, presented by NIKE. The "WBCA Night of All-Stars" is part of the 2004 WBCA National Convention, held in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Women's Final Four.

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Founded in 1981, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association promotes women's basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game in all of its aspects as an amateur sport for women and girls. For more information about the WBCA, please visit WBCA.org.