The Idaho State Journal is announcing finalists for the annual Sports Stars Awards, set for May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Stephens Performing Arts Center on the campus of Idaho State University.

Moving to our winter finalists, up first is Girls Basketball Athlete of the Year.

Izzy Haycock, Malad

The senior point guard was the Class 3A Player of the Year for back-to-back all-state honors after doing so in volleyball just a year earlier. Even more impressive, Haycock did so with a broken foot, refusing to sit out her final year despite doctors recommending two months in a walking boot. The 3A South East Idaho Conference Player of the Year for the second straight season averaged 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals while leading the Dragons to their first state championship in 33 years. She will next head to BYU-Idaho to study physical therapy.

Abby Lusk, Pocatello

The 6-foot-1-inch senior repeated as Class 5A Player of the Year, becoming an entirely different player in the process. As the only returning starter and one of only two with varsity experience, Lusk transformed her game and leadership approach. Her numbers reflected that — averaging 20.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, which were all career highs, while adding 3.1 assists and 2.8 steals. The three-time all-state and 5A South East Idaho Conference Player of the Year led the Thunder to back-to-back state titles for the first time ever. She leaves as Pocatello’s all-time leading scorer with 1,560 points, 861 rebounds, 267 assists and 259 steals. This fall, she will take her talents to Gonzaga, which has made five NCAA Tournament appearances over the last six seasons.

Halle Wells, Bear Lake

The 6-1 junior forward became the first state player of the year in program history after capturing Class 4A Player of the Year honors. Wells led the Bears (23-4) to their second state championship in three years by snapping Sugar-Salem’s 51-game winning streak. She averaged a double-double of 16.2 points and 10.1 rebounds while adding 3.4 assists, 2.3 steals and a state-leading 3.0 blocks per game. The back-to-back 4A South East Idaho Conference Player of the Year eclipsed 1,000 career points and was an all-state player for the third year in a row — a program first. Her dominance has helped fuel the greatest stretch in program history, with Bear Lake claiming three district titles and reaching three consecutive state finals.