In three seasons at Manitou Springs High School, Shelby Megyeri has already made a strong case as the best girls' basketball player in school history.
For the second consecutive season, she's The Gazette 3A-A girls' basketball Peak Performer of the Year and already holds Mustangs career records for points, assists and steals.
"It's definitely an honor, and it makes me feel good that the hard work accomplished it," Megyeri said of the award. "Records aren't something I pay close attention to, but when I find out I broke a record it makes me happy, and it's cool to think that I have another year to add to them."
Her three records are indicative of how she plays. The points have come as a result of scoring in the lane, from outside and at the free-throw line, while the assists show she's a team player and the steals reflect her tough-nosed defense.
Megyeri has been the Mustangs leading scorer since she stepped onto the court as a freshman. She is the motor that has powered three consecutive state playoff appearances. This season she averaged 15.8 points per game, 4 assists and 3.7 steals.
"She's a very talented player, a hard worker and a competitor," Manitou Springs coach Jon Asp said. "To be able to work with someone like that has been a blessing I've enjoyed very much. She'll add to her records as a senior, and I'm excited to see her play one more year."
In Megyeri's time wearing green and gold, the Mustangs are 66-14. They advanced to the state quarterfinals two years ago, the semifinals last year and this season played for the 3A state championship.
Manitou Springs didn't play its best in a 52-44 loss to Lutheran in the title game, but its overall 25-2 record made the season a success. With the loss of three key seniors, Megyeri will be more important than ever next season.
"I'll never forget this season," she said. "It didn't end how I wanted it to - we wanted to win it all. But I still have very high expectations for our team next season, and I think we can get back to state. It's not going to be the same without the three seniors, but we'll have a good mindset and want to win."
Asp knows replacing the production of the three seniors - Angala Jensen, Brooke Garretson and McKenzi Petricko - will be difficult. However, he knows as long as he has Megyeri at point guard, the team will be in good shape.
"Shelby is a great leader, and she'll do a great job next year being vocal and leading by example," Asp said. "She's going to step up even more and help the younger girls next year. And when she's gone, they can follow in her footsteps and become leaders of their own."
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