This West Virginia soph has her school gunning for its second consecutive state title.

As a 12-year-old, Alexis Hornbuckle was featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd" column, which spotlights up and coming amateur athletes. She had led her 11-and-under team to the Youth Basketball of America title.

Such recognition was a good omen for Hornbuckle, who is now attempting to lead Capital High School in Charleston, W.V., to its second consecutive Class AAA state title. A sophomore, she is averaging nearly 20 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and five steals per game as Capital heads into its postseason with an undefeated 21-0 record.

A 5-10 guard, Hornbuckle has been described as "a coach on the floor" by Capital Head Coach Terry Ferrell. "I think she's one of these kids that [teammates] know they can count on when the going gets tough and rise to the occasion and help everyone be successful," Ferrell told WVSPN.com. "There's a tendency to rely on her too much. Even when they know they can do the job, they'll turn it back over to her. They know they can depend on her. She's a good worker [and] she's pretty serious about improving her game and the team's game. That's one thing she's done since day one; she likes to get her teammates involved. She's not a pushy kid, but she's a leader.''

Even with the early success of her high school career, Hornbuckle hasn't been content to rest on her laurels. She's constantly working to improve her game, according to Ferrell.

"She's physically stronger and she's playing with more maturity,'' he said. "She's learning the proper techniques on defense, like using the correct hand to steal the ball, and has been a lot more selective on blocked shots. Last year, she tried to block every shot.

"Her 3-point shot has also been more relaxed and fluid. She's just a good person and sets a good example for the other kids.''

As a freshman, Hornbuckle averaged 16.5 points, eight rebounds, 6 assists, and five steals per game. She racked up several honors last season, including First Team All-State and Conference Player of the Year. Before this season, she was named to the USA Today Preseason Top 25 list, one of only three sophomore players selected.

Such recognition continues this season, as Hornbuckle is a leading candidate for West Virginia's R.A. Thom Award, given annually to the state's girls' high school basketball player of the year. Can a second state title come next?

Article written by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.

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