It’s what they notice when they look at the list of Region 6 all-stars announced this week, and it’s why they are on the list.

Both juniors, Ruhlman is the region Co-Player of the Year, and a first-team region all-star, and Childress a second-team region all-star. They have also received District 10 accolades, and — now that the season has sunk in a little bit — “it feels awesome, and I’m very proud of myself,” said Childress.

“I would look for a good teammate and good sport, encouraging their teammates helping other people up off the floor respecting the refs,” Childress said she noticed immediately about the group put together by a vote of the region’s coaches. The catch? Coaches can’t vote for their own players, so doing the little things garnered respect.

“It’s not all about points in situations like this,” said Childress. “Being a good defender plays a big role and being able to lead your team as a player. And, yes, I see those traits in most of the people selected and, of course, my teammate Emma is a great example of all of those traits. She won co-Player of the Year, which is very much deserved by her.”

Childress is joined on the second team by McDowell senior Sydney Keinath, Harbor Creek sophomore Samantha Zank, Villa Maria freshman Jayden McBride, Villa Maria senior Ainsley Thunell, Erie junior Torreuna Roberts and General McLane senior Emily Hess.

Ruhlman is co-Player of the Year with Villa Maria’s Ava Waid. Villa Maria won the region; Warren won the District 10 championship — its second in three years — in a different classification than Villa (5A).

The Dragons earned it with a dramatic 40-39 over Slippery Rock at Warren Area High School. Ruhlman knocked down all three of her free throws with no time on the clock after getting fouled at the buzzer. Ruhlman averaged around 15 points and 10 rebounds a game as a junior.

Also first-team all-stars were McDowell senior Emina Selimovic, Villa Maria senior Rachel Majewski and Villa Maria junior Carissa Dunham.

“It feels very good,” said Ruhlman. “I spend a lot of time in the gym and the weight room and being acknowledged individually always makes me feel proud of myself. I work hard and do the things I do because I love basketball and so I can play at the next level in college. Sometimes it can be difficult to balance school, friends and working out so much, so being recognized and seeing that work paying off makes me very happy.

Submitted Photo Warren juniors Emma Ruhlman, left, and Riley Childress were named to the District 10 Region 6 all-star team Wednesday.

“Putting myself in their shoes, there’s a lot I would look for in a player,” she added. “Obviously, the scoring part is what stands out to most, but there is so much more to this game than that. Rebounding, are you constantly getting after boards and getting physical in there? Defense is a huge one. Doesn’t matter how much you can score if the girl you’re guarding is beating you to the hoop every time. Then there’s the intangibles; are you a leader? Do you hustle after the ball and get up and down the court? And how do you treat your teammates? It’s important to make those around you better and lead by example. This seems like a lot, but it really does take a lot to be a great player. These are all things I pride myself on and urge younger ones to do the same. Basketball has so many different aspects to it that you can perfect; I know I’ll always find new things I can work on. I’m excited for my future and blessed that I still have another year left in my high school career.”

Ruhlman’s career includes surpassing 1,000 career points thus season as a junior, and Childress isn’t far behind. Childress averaged over 14 points per game and 4.5 assists as point guard for the 22-4 Dragons.

“These individual awards are amazing accomplishments for our team,” said Warren head coach Lisa LaVan. “Emma and Riley get the recognition, but these are team awards for sure. So happy for them. Emma works so hard and puts in so much work; it’s amazing for her to be a co-region Player of the Year in easily the best region in District 10. Awesome to see a kid’s hard work pay off. Riley spent the offseason bettering her game and it showed on the court this year. I am so happy for her to get this recognition. Amazing to have two young ladies both a first-team selection for D10.”