Grace Christian standout Sarah Strong is NC Ms. Basketball for second straight year
For the second straight year, Grace Christian School senior Sarah Strong is the best girls’ high school basketball player in North Carolina, earning the title of Ms. Basketball.
Strong was selected over finalists Zamareya Jones of North Pitt and Charlotte Catholic’s Blanca Thomas. Jones is heading to N.C. State, Thomas to North Carolina.
The Charlotte Observer has handed out the state’s top high school basketball award since the 1984-85 season, and Strong is the first repeat winner, though prior to the 2020-21 season, only seniors were eligible for the honor.
This season, Strong led Grace Christian to a 30-0 record and a second straight N.C. Independent Schools 2A state championship. She averaged 21.0 points, 16.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.8 steals per game.
Next month, Strong will play in the McDonald’s All-American game in Houston. She is the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit and has not decided on a college destination.
“She literally can play every position. She stretches the floor inside to out,” Grace Christian coach Chad Revelle said during an interview with The State a few months ago. “... It’s cliche to say that the ceiling is the roof. But you’ve got a girl that can do all she can do and stretch the floor and play one through five positions. It is pretty incredible and fun to watch.”
Strong — who carries a 3.68 GPA and has 1,951 career points and 1,363 career rebounds — was also named Gatorade’s N.C. player of the year Thursday.
Strong has volunteered locally as part of community beautification projects and as a youth basketball coach. She has also donated her time to multiple community service initiatives through her church.
“Sarah is an amazing player,” said Daniel McRae, head coach of Wesleyan Christian Academy. “Her size, strength, court awareness, basketball IQ and smooth stroke make her a once-in-a-decade talent. She makes the game so much easier for everyone.”
Strong comes from a family of basketball players. Her father, Danny, played basketball at N.C. State. Her mother, Allison Feaster, played at Chester (S.C.) High and is the third leading scorer in S.C. state history.
Feaster became an All-American at Harvard, had a 10-year WNBA career and played eight seasons overseas. She played with current South Carolina coach Dawn Staley with the Charlotte Sting WNBA franchise, and currently works in the NBA for the Celtics.
“Sarah makes everyone around her better,” Revelle said. “People want to play with her, come here. She has been a draw for our school and players want to come be a part of this. She will get hers and she will score, but she passes, finds people, and I told her the great ones elevate the players around her.”
Previous winners
2022-23: Sarah Strong, Grace Christian
2021-22: Indya Nivar, Apex Friendship
2020-21: Saniya Rivers, Ashley
2019-20: Chyna Cornwell, Newton-Conover
2018-19: Nia Daniel, Hickory Ridge
2017-18: Izabella Nicolette, Raleigh Neuse Christian
2016-17: Mikey’s Boykin, Clinton
2015-16: Erin Whalen, Providence Day
2014-15: Stephanie Watts, Weddington
2013-14: Jatarie White, Providence Day
2012-13: Keri Fulp, East Surry
2011-12: Tiffany Mitchell, Providence Day
2010-11: Cierra Burdick, Butler
2009-10: Shannon Smith, Gastonia Forestview
2008-09: Christal Caldwell, West Charlotte
2007-08: Candace Wood, Victory Christian
2006-07: Cetera DeGraffenreid, Smoky Mountain
2005-06: Joy Cheek, South Mecklenburg
2004-05: Rashanda McCants, Asheville
2003-04: Chante Black, East Forsyth
2002-03: Camille Little, Winston-Salem Carver
2001-02: Kerri Gardin, Morganton Freedom
2000-01: Natasha Brackett, Providence Day
1999-00: Chrystal Baptist, Charlotte Christian
1998-99: Amy Simpson, Eden Morehead
1997-98: Tina McKiver, East Duplin
1996-97: Tynesha Lewis, Southwest Edgecombe
1995-96: Shea Ralph, Sanford
1994-95: Natasha Davis, Morganton Freedom
1993-94: Tiffani Johnson, Garinger
1992-93: Konecka Drakeford, Providence Day
1991-92: Wendy Palmer, Roxboro Person
1990-91: Christy Cagle, Hayesville
1989-90: Tonya Sampson, Clinton
1988-89: Danyel Parker, Clinton
1987-88: Mitzi Yount, Catawba Bandys
1986-87: Andrea Stinson, North Mecklenburg
1985-86: Schonna Banner, West Caldwell
1984-85: Jill Goldberg, Raleigh Broughton
