Hailey Jenkins ended her Catasauqua and her Lehigh Valley basketball career being honored with an award of a Rough Riders’ legend, and she also established herself as one in the process.

Jenkins received the inaugural Larry Miller Award that honors a senior who excelled on the court and in the classroom and embodied Miller’s humble nature at the annual Lehigh Valley Senior All-Star Basketball Classic.

Miller, who passed away at 79 in May, is still the district’s all-time leading scorer with 2,722 points. He was a two-time ACC Player of the year at North Carolina and played in the ABA.

Over the past four years, Jenkins was among the area’s top scorers and finished her career with over 1,800 points. Donna Kennedy, a Roughie standout from the late 1970s, is second on Catty’s all-time list with 1,963 points.

Jenkins, who will continue her career at William Paterson next year, was pleased that she could be a steady contributor to the program. The Roughies ended their season in the district quarterfinal round with a 36-31 loss to Pine Grove.

“It was a really great feeling to get the award,” gushed Jenkins. “Although I was disappointed with how my high school career ended, this award showed me how much of an impact I actually made on my team and that’s something that I’m very proud of myself for.”

Second-year girls’ head coach Tara Belfield wasn’t surprised by Jenkins’ honor.

“As soon as I got the call and learned what the award was about I knew that there was no one more deserving than Hailey,” beamed Jenkins. “Hailey made my first season so easy. She is such an amazing Leader on and off the court. The way she treated her teammates in the toughest moments says everything about her character. Her leadership will be missed.”

Jenkins is anxious for her career to take the next step.

“Obviously, I like the team and the coaching staff,” stated Jenkins. “They’ve been great throughout the whole recruiting process. But, the thing that actually mattered and helped with my decision was visiting campus. I think I just had to see it for myself to make the decision.”

Belfield believes her new basketball home will be a good fit.

“I think with her attitude she will make any situation a great fit,” added Belfield.