Purcell Marian Sophomore Dee Alexander was named the 2023 Ohio Ms. Basketball by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association (OPSWA) on Wednesday. She is the school's first winner of the prestigious award and just the second sophomore to win the honor.

"Being born and raised in Ohio and having my name next to other greats who have won this award is a great honor. My family has seen every step of my basketball journey, and I know they are so proud of me. Knowing that I have them and the Purcell Marian community around me to support me on my journey this far means a lot," said Alexander.

Alexander has also been recognized as player of the year in the Miami Valley Conference, the Ohio Southwest District - Division II, and District 16 - Division II.

"Dee winning this award means everything. She was nominated with some of the best players from around the state and to see her honored as Ms. Basketball is just a testament to how good she is. She is the first Cavalier and the second sophomore to win this award. That speaks to how hard she has worked and her determination to be great. Our staff, program, and school community are beyond proud of Dee for this amazing accomplishment," said Cavaliers Girls Basketball Head Coach Jamar Mosley.

Alexander is averaging 26.2 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game, 2.6 assists per game, and 2.4 steals per game. Alexander led the Miami Valley Conference in points per game, field-goal percentage (57.8), and steals. She has scored 646 points this season, good for the second-best total in school history behind her record (661) last year.

In her freshman season, Alexander led Purcell Marian to the school's first Girls Basketball State Championship and was the OPSWA Division III State Player of the Year. She was named to the MaxPreps Freshman All-American team. 

She is the No. 4 player nationally in the ESPN Class of 2025 rankings and holds 30 scholarship offers.

Alexander will be presented the award during halftime of the second Division II State Semifinal game on Thursday, March 9 at the University of Dayton Arena. The Cavaliers will play Bryan in the first Ohio Division II State Semifinal game at 11 am.