The Eufaula Lady Ironheads finished the 2024-25 season with a 13-14 record and a trip to the Class 4A Area tournament under new head coach Jason Radomski. The Lady Ironheads competed at a high level and several players highlighted the season.
Fans along with Coach Radomski will miss the effort from seniors Jadence Efurd, Maddie Ballard and Kate Pippenger but the future is bright for Eufaula. Underclassmen like Lauren Gray Johna Bumgarner, Olivia Hamby, Ariel Greenlee, Briley Gragg, Jana Hickman and Hannah Needham are just some of the athletes that return to the court next season.
It is with great pleasure to announce the following as the Eufaula Indian Journal (EIJ) Lady Ironheads’ Players of the Year.
The EIJ 2025 Most Valuable Player is Johna Bumgarner.
Bumgarner was a force on both ends of the court. Her skill set and talent allows her to hit long three-pointers or battle in the paint for scores or rebounds. The junior forward is tough and has great vision of the court. She led the team in shooting percentage from the field (41.7%) and from the three-point arch (32%). She averaged nine points and three rebounds per game.
The EIJ 2025 Defensive Player of the Year is Jadence Efurd.
Efurd played a key role both offensively and defensively for Eufaula. Efurd’s ability to position herself for rebounds is stunning and was key in assists and the difference in many ballgames. She is strong and rebounds with authority and is a great free throw shooter. Efurd averaged five points, four rebounds, two assists, and two blocked shots per game. She also shot 40% from the field and 25% from the threepoint arch. Her leadership on the court was tremendous as was her physicality and ability to force turnovers.
The EIJ 2025 Offensive Player of the Year is Maddie Ballard.
Ballard, along with Bumgarner, was the heartbeat of the offense for Eufaula. Ballard was very physical driving to the basket and when left alone could score from the outside. Ballard’s toughness was seen at the area game when she broke her wrist in the Class 4A Area game against Checotah. Ballard shot 34% from the field and 27% from the three-point arch. She averaged nine points and four rebounds per game. Her ability to separate herself from defenders and shoot the ball was above average.
