Staff photo / Brian Yauger Springfield senior Jameka Brungard lays the ball up during the Al Beach Classic on Tuesday in Canfield.

CANFIELD — From the opening tip to the end of the game, it was nearly impossible to wipe the smile off of Springfield senior Jameka Brungard’s face on Tuesday. Even while defending with an intensity you don’t often see in all-star games, you could see her beaming smile enjoying every second.

In what was likely her final game of organized basketball, as she doesn’t plan on continuing her athletic career in college, Brungard savored the moment.

“I don’t really know what the future holds for me, so these games really mean a lot to me,” Brungard said. “Getting to put (my Springfield uniform) on one last time, I’m really just happy to play.”

Following the girls’ portion of the Al Beach Classic, Brungard was named the MVCA Girls Player of the Year after another strong season for her and the Tigers, who reached the district semifinal round.

As a senior, Brungard averaged a double-double, with 16.3 points per game, 11 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, and 3.4 steals per game, leading the team across the board.

Over the last four seasons, Brungard has been a crucial part of the Tigers’ program. The senior class of Brungard, Kendall Maughan, Mariana Tuscano, and Karigan Mullen have contributed to one of the best runs by a single class in program history, which included 80 wins, two league titles, three district titles, a regional title, a regional runner-up and a state final-four appearance.

Brungard was a key piece in all of that, steadily increasing her role each season.

“It means the world honestly,” Brungard said about representing the program. “I’m so proud of where I play and I just hope I represented it well.”

The senior got to end her career with one of her teammates, suiting up one last time with Tuscano.

All-star games give opponents the chance to become teammates and see faces you normally don’t get to see. While hoping to team up with Mineral Ridge senior Ava Hulett, one of Brungard’s closest friends, they were on opposing sidelines yet again. She enjoyed getting the chance to best one of her friends though.

“I just like to see all the other studs in the area and playing against them,” Brungard said. “Seeing some people that maybe you haven’t seen in a couple of years.”

Brungard has not decided where she will further her education, but she plans on pursuing a career in dental hygiene.

While her time roaming the halls at Springfield is coming to a close, Brungard’s legacy at Springfield is one that will last for some time.

“(The last four years have meant) the world to me,” Brungard said. “Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and better people to surround me.”