Tippecanoe Valley sophomore Anne Secrest is the IFN Player of the Year (File photo by Mike Deak)

AKRON – Trying to get Anne Secrest to talk about herself is about as difficult as trying to stop the six-footer around the basket.

The soft-spoken Tippecanoe Valley star makes plenty of noise though with her play on the hardwood.

Sophomore Secrest is the first recipient of the Ink Free News Player of the Year Award.

The selection of Secrest as the centerpiece of the IFN All-Area team was about as easy as counting on her to record a double-double game in and game out.

“Anne is what you are looking for in a player and a person,” said fifth-year Tippecanoe Valley coach Chris Kindig. “She’s probably our hardest worker on the team and will look you in the eye and do what you ask her to do.”

Secrest would probably also be a cinch if we named a Most Improved Player too. She was second on the Vikings a year ago with 245 points as Valley went 13-7 overall and 5-2 in the Three Rivers Conference. She is averaging 16.6 points and 10 rebounds per game for this year’s Valley team which is 19-2 overall and won the TRC title at 7-0.

“It’s a credit to Anne how much she has improved from last year,” Kindig said. “She’s always trying to improve her skills. She’s better this year at facing the basket and better around the basket with her left hand too. She’s been a matchup problem for everyone we’ve faced this season.”

Secrest may be the only one to downplay the sensational season she’s had so far.

“I’ve done okay,” understated Secrest when asked about her performance this winter. “I could have gotten a few more rebounds.”

Secrest, who will lead her team into sectional action at Wawasee Tuesday night,  is most pleased with the team results.

“The best thing has been ow well we have played together this season,” Secrest said. “All of us put in a lot of work over the summer. All of us have fun together and have a good bond together. I’m not surprised that we are 19-2. We deserve it.”

Secrest does much more than just score for a Valley team ranked No. 9 in Class 3-A. She  averages three blocked shots, 3.5 steals and 2.5 assists per game. Secrest is shooting 65 percent from the field and 74 percent from the free throw line.

Secrest is not as quiet during practice sessions as she is in post game interviews.

“Anne is really very outgoing and gets everyone going for us,” state Kindig. “She just really likes to play the game.”

“I like to have fun in practice and encourage others,” Secrest said. “All of us have a good time and the girls bring out my goofy side.”

Valley, who is looking for its first sectional title since 2007, has just two blemishes this season. Plymouth outlasted the Vikings 56-48 in three overtimes and Class 3-A No.11 NorthWood topped Valley 61-55.

Secrest spent a ton of time in the offseason working on her skill set. She opted not to play volleyball this fall in order to concentrate on hoops.

“I like it better now because I’ve had more time to focus on basketball,” said Secrest. “I just like the competitiveness of the game. You go out there and give it all you’ve got.”

Secrest has high hopes for her future on the court.

“To be an Indiana All-Star would be awesome,” admitted Secrest. “My highest goal is to play in the Big 10. I know that I have to keep working as hard as I have been and continue to work on my skills.”