Top Stark County-area honors for Northeast Inland District basketball

Three players and four head coaches recognized for standout seasons

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Three players and four head coaches from the Stark County area were honored on the 2025-26 Northeast Inland District boys and girls basketball teams. Hoover's Hunter Hershberger was named boys player of the year, while Jackson's Maddie Lepley and Massillon's Delaney Pierce earned the girls player of the year awards.

Why it matters

High school basketball is a point of pride in the Stark County community, and these awards recognize the top talent in the region. The Northeast Inland District includes some of the top programs in Ohio, making these honors particularly meaningful for the local players and coaches.

The details

The Northeast Inland District announced its 2025-26 all-district teams, which included several standout players and coaches from the Stark County area. On the boys side, Hoover's Hunter Hershberger was named player of the year. For the girls, Jackson's Maddie Lepley and Massillon's Delaney Pierce shared the player of the year award.

  • The Northeast Inland District announced the 2025-26 all-district teams on March 9, 2026.

The players

Hunter Hershberger

A player for the Hoover High School boys basketball team who was named the 2025-26 Northeast Inland District player of the year.

Maddie Lepley

A player for the Jackson High School girls basketball team who was named a 2025-26 Northeast Inland District player of the year.

Delaney Pierce

A player for the Massillon High School girls basketball team who was named a 2025-26 Northeast Inland District player of the year.

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The takeaway

These awards highlight the strong basketball programs and talented players in the Stark County community, showcasing the region's continued excellence in high school hoops.