Basketball team members earn district accolades

by Michelle Dillon michelle@thecherokeean.com
Courtesy photo
Ranaiya Kennedy, a member of the Rusk Lady Eagle basketball team, was named All Tournament at the Class 4A Region 3 Regional tournament. Courtesy photo
Ranaiya Kennedy, a member of the Rusk Lady Eagle basketball team, was named All Tournament at the Class 4A Region 3 Regional tournament.

Despite the difficulty of not having a home court for most of the season, the Alto Lady Jackets finished third in District 21-2A.

Their third-place finale allowed the team to enter post-season play, although it was for only the bi-district round.

The team completed the season with an overall record of 21-15, 6-4 in district. Many of the team members received District 21-2A All District accolades for their accomplishments this past season.

Mya Tyra was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year.

Makayla Black and Maquela Jackson received First Team honors.

Areli Perez was named Second Team All District and Abbie Teutsch was given Honorable Mention.

The Bullard Lady Panthers went three games deep into the playoffs, finishing their post-season with a regional quarterfinal game.

Bullard had completed the regular season as District 16-4A champions with a district record of 12-1, 33-6 overall.

Lady Panther Bailey Smith was named Defensive Most Valuable Player.

Those named to First Team All District included Erin Berry, Haley Day and Hailey Minton.

Stephanie King, Kellie Richmond and Lamaria Thompson were all designated Second Team All District players.

The Jacksonville Fightin’ Maidens also extended their season to three playoff games, ending in the regional quarterfinal.

The Maidens concluded the season as undefeated District 16-5A champions with a 14-0 record, 25-9 overall.

Earning the title Player of the Year, was Maiden Grace Abercrombie.

Team members chosen for 1st Team All District were Alexis Calderon and Kalesia Anderson.

Tyshera Gipson and Tamia Tucker were named Second Team recipients.

Honorable Mentions went to Tori Snyder, Trinya Matlock and Tykeria Tilley.

The Rusk Lady Eagles went furthest in post-season play of all Cherokee County teams, making it as far as the regional semifinal.

With a district record of 4-4, Rusk finished second in District 19-4A standings. The team completed the season with an overall record of 17-13.

Lady Eagle Ranaiya Kennedy was named All Tournament at the Class 4A Region 3 Regional Tournament.

Jamyah Anderson was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Kennedy, along with teammate Anayzia Jefferson earned 1st Team All District honors. Kiyna Foreman was named Second team. Honorable Mentions included Ryleigh Lewis, Kenyada Kinicade and Raven Bennett. Trinity Asberry, Anderson, Anayzia Jefferson and Callie Lynn received Academic All District.