Ariana Poyirier selected to the Border Battle 2021 All-Star game

Following a steal, Ariana Poyirier drove hard to the basket for two points. Great defense and good ball handling skills allowed Ariana to score a lot of layups her senior year. For her all-around ability Ariana was named one of the best basketball players in the Northland through her selection to the Border Battle 2021 All-Star Game. Staff photo Brian Larsen

Viking senior guard Ariana Poyirier was selected to the Minnesota Girls’ All-Star team in the 13th annual Border Battle All-Star Basketball game in a matchup of Northeastern Minnesota All-Stars versus North Central Wisconsin All-Stars.

Only ten girls were picked for each team.

Unfortunately, the games were called off this year because of COVID-19. However, to be selected as one of the top ten girl basketball players in the entire northern region is a tremendous accomplishment.

In a message explaining the cancellation, the Duluth Area Basketball Association who organizes the event, said, “Though the pandemic situation was improving, we were unable to positively secure an adequate gym to hold the games. Another problem was the different sports schedules each state had and the fact that Wisconsin high school basketball was done 5-8 weeks before Minnesota.

“We named players to the four all-star teams because we thought it was important to honor this year’s players who have had to put up with so much disruption from COVID-19. Their selection was based on input from referees, coaches, and others who were able to attend games, as well as using statistics.”

According to the Minnesota Girls ‘ Basketball Hub, Ariana led the Vikings to a 9-5 record, averaging 34 points per game. She also had to be among team leaders in rebounds, assists and most definitely led the team in steals, although those statistics weren’t available.