The day following the title game, freshman Maci Neely’s game-winning 3-point shot was No. 9 on Sportscenter’s Top 10 plays.

Now, in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated, Ashlynn Van Tassell was featured in the magazine’s ‘Faces in the Crowd’ segment.

The write-up includes her picture and mentions Van Tassell’s record-breaking state quarterfinal performance when she hauled in a state tournament record 31 rebounds in a 74-43 win over River View. It also notes her 27-point, 19-rebound showing in the state title victory over Gilmer County.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Van Tassell said of the Sports Illustrated recognition. “I’m still shocked with all the recognition that my team and I have been receiving. I’m still searching for a copy of the Sports Illustrated.”

What the magazine doesn’t mention is that Van Tassell also knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the game with only 4 seconds remaining to set up the game-winning shot.

“This is awesome and we’re all elated,” Cameron coach Holly Pettit said. “Still to this day people are talking about it. As a coach you obviously want the best for your kids. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer kid. She works so hard and it makes me so proud. Cameron is beaming with pride. The state tournament really put Cameron on the map state-wide but also with Sportscenter and Sports Illustrated, so we are definitely on the map now.

Pettit was thrilled when Sports Illustrated reached out to the school for information on the rising star.

“One of the writers from Sports Illustrated contacted our athletic director (Roger Cain),” Pettit said. “He said he wanted to feature her because he read about her performance in the state tournament and he had to get permission to post in the ‘Faces in the Crowd.’ Roger reached out to me and I said ‘Heck yeah!’ I don’t know if anyone from Cameron has ever been in Sports Illustrated. Her mom (Mary Van Tassell) said ‘Absolutely!’ as well and gave them the picture and the information.”

Winning a state title and receiving national recognition will always be remembered by Van Tassell and the Dragons but Pettit knows that with such glory comes responsibility and pressure.

“It brings a lot of excitement but a lot of nerves, too,” Pettit said. “There is a target on our back now. We are even playing Morgantown next year. They are telling me that Cameron girls are celebrities in Morgantown, too. So it’s neat to see the national recognition.”