Meet the MDN girls' basketball Dream Team

Beaverton's Taryn Roberts named Player of the Year

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:51am

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Youth was certainly served on the local girls' basketball scene this season, as a plethora of talented underclassmen took center stage. But there was one young up-and-comer who stood head and shoulders above the rest, both figuratively and literally. Beaverton freshman center Taryn Roberts is this year's Daily New Dream Team Player of the Year.

Why it matters

Roberts led the Beavers to a 21-4 record, an unblemished 16-0 Jack Pine Conference mark, a top-10 ranking, Beaverton's first conference championship in five years, and the Beavers' first district title in three years. She was a dominant force, showcasing her skills against some of the toughest competition in the area.

The details

Standing at 6-foot-3, Roberts averaged 21.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 2.6 assists per game, while shooting an excellent 61 percent from the floor and 71 percent from the foul line. She was at her best against the toughest competition, going for 27 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in Beaverton's season opener against perennial power Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart; 29 points and nine rebounds against top-ranked McBain; and 15 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and three blocks against ranked Hemlock.

  • In the Jack Pine Conference championship game, Roberts racked up 24 points, 16 rebounds, eight blocks, and five assists in a win over Standish-Sterling.
  • Roberts was named First Team All-JPC unanimously and was chosen for the overall JPC Dream Team.

The players

Taryn Roberts

A 6-foot-3 freshman center for Beaverton who was named the Daily News Dream Team Player of the Year.

Ella McLaughlin

A sophomore wing for Midland High who raised her game offensively and helped the Chemics post a 20-6 overall record and an 8-2 mark in the Saginaw Valley League North.

Kaiya Mahabir

A sophomore point guard for Midland High who was the heartbeat of the Chemics' team, excelling as a ballhandler, passer, and defender.

Ellee Arnold

A 6-foot-2 sophomore center for Midland High who was a dominant presence on both ends of the court, earning First Team All-SVL North honors.

Allie Stockton

A junior guard for Dow High who continued to be productive and lead the Chargers with her ability to score at all three levels and rebound consistently despite being undersized.

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What they’re saying

“Taryn is as polished as any freshman I've ever seen from our area. Standing at 6-foot-3, she's a tough matchup for anyone. What makes her so tough is the way she can dominate inside with tremendous footwork but then take you outside and shoot the 3-ball. Her IQ defensively is also very special at her age. She's a force to reckon with for years to come.”

— Jason Hubble, Beaverton's coach

“Ella really emerged as a three-level scorer for us this season. Her diversity offensively created a lot of advantages for us. She created a lot of gravity because of her ability to shoot, but she was also willing to attack a close-out and get in the paint. Her offensive workload and impact were often coupled with the toughest defensive assignment, which is not common.”

— Elaine Mahabir, Midland High coach

“Kaiya is the prototypical point guard, and she's a leader through her work and her words. She has the unique awareness of knowing the game isn't about her, and that's exemplified in how she plays the game and the joy her teammates have in playing with her. She has a great feel for the game, which allows her to maximize possessions and the teammates around her.”

— Elaine Mahabir, Midland High coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.