Sutherlin’s Taylor Stricklin became the fourth straight Lady Bulldog to win the Player of the Year award. (Photo: Michael Sullivan)

SUTHERLIN – An annual tradition continued at Sutherlin High School on Monday. Senior Taylor Stricklin was announced as the 4A girls basketball Player of the Year, marking the fourth straight season that a Lady Bulldog has taken home the honor.

Stricklin was chosen for the honor by coaches from around the state. She averaged 21.2 points per game this season and helped guide Sutherlin to a fourth straight state championship. Stricklin scored 24 points against Banks in the state title game and led the Bulldogs to an unprecedented comeback victory after trailing by 18 points in the third quarter.

This is just the latest in a string of awards for Stricklin this season. She was also a first team All-State selection, a first team All-Tournament selection, and the Sky-Em League Player of the Year.

Stricklin is the fourth straight Lady Bulldog to earn the top honor. Kayce Mock won the award last year after guiding the Bulldogs to a 27-1 record and a 45-40 win over Cascade in the state title game. Miranda Mendenhall started the streak by winning the award after her junior season in 2014. She was a repeat winner in 2015 after leading Sutherlin to back-to-back undefeated seasons.