Edmond North standout Toni Papahronis commits to Navy
EDMOND, Okla. (BVM) — Almost two weeks ago, the Edmond North girls basketball team won the Class 6A state title. At the forefront of the Lady Huskies title run was Toni Papahronis, the Class 6A tournament MVP and Navy commit.
Congrats to @toni_papahronis on being named 2022 6A Tournament MVP by The Oklahoman! #HuskyNation #beGREAT @lady_husky_hoop pic.twitter.com/JXkchg16SK
— Edmond North Athletics (@north_edmond) March 16, 2022
From an early age, Papahronis always had a basketball in her hand. This was in part due to her dad Pete Papahronis. Because of him, Toni became a better basketball player and found a love for the game.
“Having my dad as my basketball coach has been challenging but also rewarding,” Toni said. “He pushed me harder than any other person. It’s rewarding because I end up working hard to meet expectations. It’s helped me become the basketball player I am today.”
And there’s no doubt Toni has perfected her craft. She’s going to continue to do so at the next level too. On November 10, 2020, Toni announced her commitment to the United States Naval Academy.
“I would like to start off by thanking God and his guidance throughout my life,” Toni said in a tweet. “Thank you to my entire family for love and support. I love you all…I am so excited honored to announce that I will be furthering my education/basketball career at the United States Naval Academy!”
It was exciting to announce her commitment, but the stress of recruitment was tough for athletes like Toni around the country. Not only was it challenging to choose where to continue her future, but it was so hard to decide due to the country being on lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Honestly, [it was] pretty stressful,” Toni said. “I didn’t even know I was going to be in the military; that never really crossed my mind. I did research on every school that recruited me, and once I did research on the Naval Academy, I realized how perfectly it fit the type of person I am.”
During her prep career, Toni averaged 10 points every season and that led to her scoring over 1,000 points in her career.
Congrats to Senior Toni Papahronis on reaching the 1000 point mark today in the Lady Huskies 1st round State Tournament win over Stillwater! #HuskyNation #beGREAT @lady_husky_hoop @Cam_Jourdan @JamesDJackson15 pic.twitter.com/8Mgh6nwIiv
— Edmond North Athletics (@north_edmond) March 10, 2022
Playing a key for the Lady Huskies was no small task for Toni. She had to step up when her team needed her the most. And she did just that. In overtime of the championship game, Toni would seal the deal for the Lady Huskies and bring the gold ball back to Edmond North.
Ice in her veins! @toni_papahronis
Congrats to @PetePapahronis and @lady_husky_hoop on the state title!#OKPreps https://t.co/MXiG8jG0T6
— Isaiah Butler (@iButs_21) March 12, 2022
“Your point guard is always the selfless player,” Pete said. “For her to have a 21-point outing and hit the last-second shot to win it; it’s satisfying as a coach [to see]. And of course, as a dad, it’s even more special.”
It has been a remarkable prep career and year for Toni and Edmond North. But Toni is eyeing a new challenge at Navy. It will eventually be difficult, but with Toni’s work ethic, she is sure to succeed at whatever lies ahead.
“As a coach and a father, I couldn’t be prouder of her,” Pete said. “Not only is it going to be a challenge on the court, there will be high demands for everything. There’s a high demand in the classroom. It’s an excellent academic institution. Then you got the military side, [which has its own demands].
“I couldn’t be prouder of her…The fact that she’s [going to a college] that has high demands in basketball, academics and the military, I really respect the heck out of her and the decisions she made. Hopefully, she’ll go in there, basketball-wise, and continue to do the same things she’s done here.”
