Best Preps 2021 special section from Longview News-Journal

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FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

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SAM SCHOTT

KENDRIC MALONE

Special Publication | Sunday, May 16, 2021

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2021 LONGVIEW NEWS-JOURNAL BEST PREPS NOMINEES EASTMAN CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR FOOTBALL Longview - Justin Beltran Spring Hill - Brandon Krenek Pine Tree - DJ Freeman White Oak - Luke Ummel Gilmer - Mason Hurt Tatum - Allen Flores Ore City - Johnathan Tatum Union Grove - Matthew Bower

Kilgore - Cristina Rosas Tatum - Yuvia Vazquez Union Grove - Macey Alston

AWARD FOR BOYS POWERLIFTING Pine Tree - Luis Vasquez Gilmer - Jabier Bocanegra Tatum - Jackson Richardson Ore City - Johnathan (Jon) Tatum

AWARD FOR GIRLS POWERLIFTING

AWARD FOR VOLLEYBALL Pine Tree - Jia Lewis Longview - Angell Evans Pine Tree - Malaeka Wilson Spring Hill - Sam Schott Marshall - Jordan Terry Hallsville - Emma Rogers White Oak - Alysa Hall Gilmer - Raeven Harris Tatum - Kayla Jones New Diana - LiAnn James Ore City - Brooklynn Richardson St. Mary’s - Mia Kittner Union Grove - Carleigh Judd Harmony - McKinzee Settles

Spring Hill - Rachel Petree Gilmer - Sydnee Parker New Diana - Julia Loeza

AWARD FOR BOYS BASKETBALL Longview - DaMarcus Washington Spring Hill - Aaron Collier Marshall - Jack Mottershaw Hallsville - David Ruff Kilgore - Issac Hoberecht Carthage - Camden Foster Tatum - Kendric Malone

AWARD FOR BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Trinity - Marlin Reeves St. Mary’s - Dominic Tucker

Longview - David Laguna Pine Tree - Zack Russell Spring Hill - Nick Bodenheimer White Oak - Adrian Pinson Kilgore - Austin Bain Tatum - Bryan Hawkins St. Mary’s - Dominic Tucker Union Grove - Kole Burns

AWARD FOR GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Longview - Isabel Breaux Pine Tree - Melina Venegas Spring Hill - Blaire Bodenheimer White Oak - Morgan Benge

Union Grove - Kole Burns

AWARD FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL Longview - Kyra Taylor Pine Tree - D’Karia Woodard Marshall - Jordan Terry Hallsville - Baylie Perkins White Oak - Payton Palmer Kilgore - Alexis T. Anderson Carthage - Jakyra Roberts Tatum - Trinity Edwards Trinity - Georgia Scott New Diana - Sarah Yount

Ore City - Toni Gabaldon St. Mary’s - Rebecca Dunn Union Grove - Makena Littlejohn

AWARD FOR BASEBALL Longview - Trenton Bush Pine Tree - Jackson (Wade) Fell Spring Hill - Marshall Lipsey Marshall - Jim Weaver White Oak - Graham Young Kilgore - Cade Pippen Tatum - Garrett Friend Ore City - Lane Burks Union Grove - Cannon Cowan

KEEBAUGH & COMPANY AWARD FOR SOFTBALL Pine Tree - Tionna Lewis Spring Hill - Sam Schott Marshall - Adriana Vences White Oak - Lexi Dodson Kilgore - Cerenity Exline Gilmer - Karsyn Lindsey Carthage - Madison Reynolds Tatum - Anna Halton New Diana - Haley Manns Ore City - Anna Green Union Grove - Sydney Chamberlain

AWARD FOR BOYS TRACK & FIELD Longview - Dekalon Taylor Pine Tree - Joseph Monk Spring Hill - Marshall Bodenheimer Marshall - Daqavion Jackson White Oak - Colton Cobb Kilgore - Matthew Tyeski Tatum - Savian Bush Trinity - Sixto Mendez Ore City - Jonathan Tatum St. Mary’s - Evan Hodge Union Grove - Aubrey Woodard

CUBBY HOLE AWARD FOR GIRLS TRACK & FIELD Longview - Peja Mathis Pine Tree - Kendall King Spring Hill - Kenzie Gee Marshall - Tinaya King White Oak - Kailyn Terry Kilgore - Alexis T. Anderson Gilmer - Tai Reid Tatum - Adrianna McCoy Trinity - Lexi Abbott Ore City - Jacee Burks Union Grove - Macey Alston

AWARD FOR BOYS SOCCER Longview - Alejandro Rojas Monsivais Pine Tree - Erik Gonzalez Spring Hill - Jonathan Alvarez Marshall - Luis Garcia Kilgore - Josue Rosas Carthage - Jose Hernandez Tatum - Adrian Olguin St. Mary’s - Roman Almazan

AWARD FOR GIRLS SOCCER Longview - Camryn Jacobs Spring Hill - Haleigh Yoder Kilgore - Emma Taylor Carthage - Jenae Rivers Tatum - Yuvia Vazquez New Diana - Taylor Garrett Gladewater - Lexi Hart

AWARD FOR BOYS GOLF Gilmer - Kaleb Fitzgerald Tatum - Graham Skinner Trinity - Hudson Parr

AWARD FOR GIRLS GOLF Tatum - Abby Sorenson Trinity - Sophie Cook

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A TEXAS BANK & TRUST AWARD FOR BOYS TENNIS Longview - Elliot Murphy Pine Tree - Dillan Shelton Spring Hill - Carson Barnhill Hallsville - John Larry White Oak - John Langley Kilgore - Chase Borders Trinity - Jon Marc Gorges Gladewater - Gage Mitchell

TEXAS BANK & TRUST AWARD FOR GIRLS TENNIS Longview - Kelsey Quiett Pine Tree - Cambrie Salser Spring Hill - Maz Morton Hallsville - Olivia Tennison White Oak - Mattie Simpson Trinity - Ella Stevens New Diana - Rylee Camp

AWARD FOR BOYS SWIMMING Longview - Braden Nickel

AWARD FOR GIRLS SWIMMING Longview - Caroline Taylor

EASTMAN CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR CHEERLEADING Longview - Alexandra Sanchez Pine Tree - Holly James Spring Hill - Peyton Borens White Oak - Macy Weeks Kilgore - Jaiden Thompson Gilmer - Raeven Harris Tatum - Chloe Permenter Trinity - Macy Newland New Diana - Riley Holly

Longview News-Journal, May 16, 2021

year after having most of their athletic opportunities shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, East Texas student/ athletes returned to action for the 2020-2021 school year and did what they do best.

They excelled at a high level athletically, in the classroom and in the community, and the Longview News-Journal, Marshall News Messenger, Panola Watchman and ETvarsity.com are proud to shine a spotlight on those deserving student/athletes by presenting the seventh annual Best Preps Awards.

Best Preps salutes outstanding student-athletes

For the second year in a row, athletes weren’t able to be honored in person due to social distancing guidelines, so the event was held online.

Coaches from participating schools were asked to submit nominations based on the student/athlete’s contributions on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Nominees were required to be varsity athletes, have a GPA of 3.0 or better and to have verifiable community service or volunteer credentials of 10 or more hours in the current year.

The winners from each sport – football, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf, basketball, cross country, swimming, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, track and cheerleading – along with 10 specialty awards, were selected from those nominations.

Specialty awards this year included the Lynzee Ford Award for Heart & Desire and the Extra Mile Award along with awards for sportsmanship, outstanding achievement in academics, community excellence, inspiration, top male and female athlete, Coach of the Year and Athletic Director of the Year.

Congratulations to our honored student/athletes and coaches. We are proud to recognize you, and thank you for providing a shining example to others in the community.

Also, a big thank you to our sponsors continuing to support these student/athletes.

– Jack Stallard

Sports Editor Longview News-Journal jstallard@news-journal.com

Congratulations to Gladewater’s

Best Preps Athletes for 2021!

Lexi Hart for Girls Soccer and

Gage Mitchell for Boys Tennis!

A special congratulations to Gage as the 2021 ET Varsity Best Preps Inspiration Award Winner!

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AWARD FOR VOLLEYBALL

McKinzee Settles HARMONY HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 97.64

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“McKinzee Settles has been the leader of Harmony Volleyball for the past 4 seasons. Even though, she was just nominated as a Captain this year, she exhibited leadership skills as an underclassmen. She has been the leader and motivator that we needed this year to make it all the way to the Regional Finals in volleyball.”

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“She has been an amazing player and the one we could always count on to score a point a for Harmony. Every player on her team looked to her during the troubling times and she would lead them through, with her words and her actions.”

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AWARD FOR BOYS POWERLIFTING

Jon Tatum ORE CITY HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.561

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“I am writing on behalf of Jonathan Tatum, whom I have coached and taught for the last four years. In that time I have come to know Jon very well as both a student and an athlete.

I am pleased to say that he brings the same level of effort and dedication to activities both on and off the field. As an athlete, Jon is focused and determined, often practicing numerous hours a week on his own time just to stay in peak physical shape. However, he still has a sense of friendliness and fair play, often treating people courteously even when teammates start to get rough or the opposing team begins to foul.”

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“Jon’s healthy perspective and cheerful demeanor have made him a favorite on the team since he joined.”

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Longview News-Journal, May 16, 2021

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AWARD FOR GIRLS POWERLIFTING

Jia Lewis PINE TREE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.8

WHAT HER COACH SAID “Jia is a upstanding young lady that I have had the pleasure of coaching all 4 years of her high school career. As a freshman she decided to do a sport that a lot of people wouldn’t think twice about and that is powerlifting.

Not only did she embrace the sport she was a state qualifier her freshman year, a regional champion and state medalist her sophomore year and a Regional medalist and state qualifier her junior year(while serving as Co Captain).

Her junior year was rough though. Just like many young ladies across the state COVID 19 took the chance for her to do something that she has never done before and that is to be a state champion. With all the trials and tribulations of 2020, Jia stayed determined. In 2021 she talked to me and said that she was preparing for 3 things: 1. Be a Regional Champion 2. Be awarded Best Lifter on the Heavy Platform, and 3. Make it back to the State Powerlifting meet and medal again. Well she has accomplished all 3 of them and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

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“She is not just an accomplished athlete, she is also a great example in the community and is an employee at Starbucks as well.”

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Congratulations!

We are proud of our hard-working student athlete Best Preps nominees!

PROUDLY SUPPORTS BEST PREPS!

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Congratulations on your accomplishments.

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PRESENTING Sponsor

male & female athlete of the year award Sponsor

Varsity Sponsor

Congratulations to our 2021 ET Varsity Best Preps Winners!

THANK YOU

TO TO ALL ALL OF OF OUR OUR SPONSORS SPONSORS WHO WHO MADE MADE ET ET VARSITY VARSITY BEST BEST PREPS PREPS POSSIBLE POSSIBLE

Mason Hurt gold Sponsors Community ExCEllEnCE award - Tai Reid ubby-Hole athlEtiC dirECtor oF thE yCu Ear Coach Alan Metzel Football -

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We are so proud of all our student athletes and coaching staff!

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EASTMAN CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR CHEERLEADING

Peyton Borens SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Peyton is a natural leader. Her style is to serve and lead by example. She is the first to arrive and the last to leave.

When faced with adversity, she takes the moral highroad and works to look for a solution rather than to stay in the problem. Peyton is a well rounded athlete that excels in basketball, soccer, cross country, and track in addition to being on the state ranked Spring Hill Varsity Cheer squad.”

“Peyton is also a scholar. She juggles honors classes and is dually enrolled in college courses as well.”

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athlete of the year sponsor

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AWARD FOR BOYS SWIMMING

AWARD FOR GIRLS SWIMMING

Braden Nickel Caroline Taylor LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.7

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“Braden Nickel is my LNJ Best Preps nominee because of his commitment to athletic and academic excellence.”

“Braden is my varsity swim captain and has always used his upbeat personality to motivate his teammates and mentor to the up and coming student athletes. As an IB student with excellent grades, Braden has also managed to find the time to give back to the community by volunteering with multiple organizations. Braden not only excelled in the IB academic program and

swim programs at LHS, but he also is a starter

on the Lobo Varsity baseball team.”

Presented by athlete of the year sponsor

LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.1

WHAT HER COACH SAID “Caroline Taylor is my LNJ Best Preps athlete because as a student athlete she has excelled like no other I have ever come across as an educator and coach.”

“In the most rigorous of educational programs that the state of Texas has to offer, (IB program) she has maintained a 4.0 GPA while training full time with LOBO swim as my team captain. Caroline was a district medalist and regional qualifier this season with LOBO swim which is no easy feat.

As a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor, Caroline has been my lead lifeguard for many years as well and has done an excellent job of keeping the patrons of LOBO Aquatic Center safe under her leadership and watch. Caroline’s volunteerism runs deep; she has volunteered with MS swim for years in assisting stroke development. She has repeatedly volunteered to organize and run swim meets while raising money for local charities. Most importantly, Caroline always has time for her teammates, friends, family, and friends in the midst of all her extraordinary efforts. Caroline is one of the finest kiddos to darken my doorway since I was first blessed with running LOBO Aquatics.”

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AWARD FOR BOYS GOLF

AWARD FOR GIRLS GOLF

Hudson Parr

Abby Sorenson

TRINITY SCHOOL OF TEXAS | GPA: 4.0

TATUM HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Abby Sorenson is my Best Preps nominee because of the accomplishments she has had in such a short period of time.”

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“This is Hudson’s 1st year on the Trinity Golf team. Hudson is one of the most dedicated and hard working golfers on the team. He came in as a freshman and took charge with a leadership role

of the team.”

Presented by athlete of the year sponsor

“Abby started playing golf for the first time in January of 2021 when our golf season started. She wasn’t sure about it and was mainly playing because her dad was encouraging her to do so.

However, I have had a front row seat to watch Abby fall in love with the game of golf and discover a side of her that she didn’t know existed. Abby is a volleyball player, so she knows about playing for a team, but golf is more individual and requires you to rely on only on yourself as you battle through all 18 holes. I remember our first tournament of the season, Abby started off her round well on the first few holes, but about the middle of her round she hit a wayward shot and began to panic. She hit another poor shot and then another.

I spoke to Abby in the fairway and explained to her that this is what the game of golf does. I told her that I couldn’t substitute another player in for her like her volleyball coach can. Abby would have to dig deep and find the strength to calm her emotions and get her golf round back on track, all on her own. And that is exactly what she did! Abby later led her team in the District tournament to 2nd place and earning a spot at the Regional golf tournament. She encourages her teammates to work hard at improving their game and leads by example at practices and tournaments. I am proud to have her representing Tatum on and off the golf course.”

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AWARD FOR BOYS BASKETBALL

Jack Mottershaw MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.8

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“Jack is a truly outstanding young man, he has played basketball in Marshall since he was a seventh grader, he played varsity basketball for three years, he has been a student and campus leader, an Eagle Scout, countless hours of community work, will graduate the top 10% of his class, and has been accepted to attend Texas A&M University. He was named to the academic all district teams as well.”

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athlete of the year sponsor

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AWARD FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL

Alexis T. Anderson KILGORE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Alexis has shown being competitive means you do not back out from any challenging activities in her life. Her not being hesitant to voice out your ideas in the class or in sports gave her team/ classmates guidance and structure.”

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athlete of the year sponsor

“This kid has been more than a model student athlete that has allowed me to grow even as an adult. This student is more deserving than most adults and I loved watching her blossom over these four years.”

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KEEBAUGH & COMPANY AWARD FOR SOFTBALL

Sam Schott SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.0

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Sam is well worthy of this Award, she is the Captain of the Softball Team, she not only Leads on the field but in the Classroom. Sam is in all Honors classes, and is the hardest working kid I have ever had the honor to Coach, she is always doing the unseen things to make her who she is today as an athlete and a student. Also, Sam has signed to continue playing Softball at UT Tyler, for Coach Mike Reed.”

“Sam has been a 4 year starter in Softball, with numerous awards, from All District, All East Texas and All-State Honors.”

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athlete of the year sponsor

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Longview News-Journal, May 16, 2021

Congratulations to the 2021 Best Preps Student Athletes

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AWARD FOR BASEBALL

Trenton Bush LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.64

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

I am nominating Trent Bush as Longview High Schools Best Prep nominee in baseball because Trent Bush is everything a high school athlete should be. First off talent wise Trent Bush is one of the best baseball players I have ever had the pleasure to coach. His baseball talent is off the charts as evidenced by his signing a baseball scholarship @ D1 Dallas Baptist University and also by the professional organizations who are following Trent possibly for this years MLB draft or for a future MLB draft. What these coaches & scouts dont know first hand that I do know first hand is the tireless worker Trent Bush is, the team & class leader Trent Bush is, and the student Trent Bush is.

Trent is everything a student athlete should be.

Trent Bush has been a 4 year Varsity baseball starter for me at Longview High School. In that time outside of an injury I cant think of a time that Trent missed a single workout (in season or out of season).”

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athlete of the year sponsor

“Trent is loved by his teammates, his teachers and his coaches alike and I cant think of a more deserving nominee.”

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AWARD FOR BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Colton Cobb WHITE OAK HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.8942

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“Colton is the hardest worker in his senior class. Never misses a workout.

Never late. Colton is a tremendous leader, with total respect from his peers in the halls and on the field. He has a strong desire to serve in the armed forces. He is a worrier that will fight to the bitter end. He will serve our country well. He has served White Oak ISD in numerous ways that have made a great influence on our school.”

“Mr. dependable.

He will lay it all on the line in every practice, game, or meet.”

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athlete of the year sponsor

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CUBBY HOLE OF TEXAS AWARD FOR GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Macey Alston UNION GROVE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 96.245

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Macey is the lone senior on our girl’s track team this year. She has taken the younger runners under her care and has pushed them to things they did not seem possible. Macey completes every workout as if it is her last one, never slacking or going half speed.”

“As her coach, I can always count on her to go above and beyond and never be completely satisfied.

She continues to improve each and every day.”

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athlete of the year sponsor

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Congratulations 2021 Best Preps Nominees

The Future Holds Much in Store!

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AWARD FOR BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Dominic Tucker ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“Dominic Tucker exhibits himself as a leader on and off the field. He maintains a steady 4.0 GPA average and this year set multiple PR’s in Cross Country. During practice he would stay until everyone was done running their distance that day cheering them on and encouraging them to finish. As a Coach it has been a pleasure to have him on the team and see what hard work and determination he has shown to get where he is not only with his athletic career but his academics. I wish him all the best! Coach Hooks Basketball Coach Dominic is the captain of the basketball team.

He helps teach his teammates skills and plays.

He is truly a coach on the court and hustles 100% every time he steps foot on the court. He has a true knowledge of the game.”

“I could not be more proud of this young man and the example he sets for his teammates.”

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athlete of the year sponsor

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AWARD FOR GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Isabel Breaux LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.0

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Isabel (Izzy) is the most dedicated, committed athlete I have ever coached both on the track or in the classroom.

She demonstrates her love for whatever she is engaged in by her actions, mannerisms, and energy. Izzy knows what she wants from life and where she is going.”

“Goals are what drives her to be the best in her endeavors. She refuses to accept anything other than her very best.”

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athlete of the year sponsor

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AWARD FOR GIRLS SOCCER

Jenae Rivers CARTHAGE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Jenae Rivers is my nominee this year for so many different reasons. As a Senior she took charge as one of my three captains and led by example both on and off the field. She became an extension of the coach and kept the energy and focus of the team on the task at hand. She was very coachable and did everything that I asked her to do on the field and in leading others. Everyone could always on Jenae to be where she was suppose to be, doing what she was suppose to do, at the right time.”

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athlete of the year sponsor

“She excelled on the field, dominating from her right back position and helping to lead my young team to reach a higher standard of play. She is a great teammate, great player, and a great example.”

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AWARD FOR BOYS SOCCER

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Alejandro Rojas Monsivais LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“If there was every a perfect student to represent not only the soccer program, but also Longview High School, it would be Alejandro Rojas Monsivais. He has been a Varsity player since his Sophomore year, scoring 30 goals, and having 20 assists. He has received; 2nd Team All-District as a sophomore, 1st team AllDistrict as a Junior and a senior. He is the team captain in every sense. He is a very positive, motivated, hardworking, and resilient young man. He is an outstanding IB student that is about to graduate with top honors and a full ride to a school of his choosing.”

Presented by

athlete of the year sponsor

“Alejandro is the epitome of a great student athlete.

Representing his team, his school, and his family in a way that bring honor to them all. I am very proud to be able to nominate this young man.”

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TEXAS BANK AND TRUST AWARD FOR BOYS TENNIS

Jon Marc gorges TRINITY SCHOOL OF TEXAS | GPA: 4.0

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“Jon Marc is a 4 year letterman and a leader of the Tennis. He is always eager to help younger players and dedicated to his game.”

Presented by

athlete of the year sponsor

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ET VARSITY BOYS TENNIS AWARD Sponsored by Texas Bank and Trust

JON MARC GORGES Trinity School of Texas

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TEXAS BANK AND TRUST AWARD FOR GIRLS TENNIS

Rylee Camp NEW DIANA HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“When considering the best candidate for this recognition, Rylee Camp is the ultimate qualifier.

Rylee has always worked to excel in the classroom, as well as, the court.

She is not only in the top 10 percent of her class, but she is the Girls Singles District Champion in the 3A area.”

Presented by

athlete of the year sponsor

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ET VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS AWARD Sponsored by Texas Bank and Trust

RYLEE CAMP

New Diana High School

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EASTMAN CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR FOOTBALL

Mason Hurt GILMER HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.757

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

Presented by

athlete of the year sponsor

“Mason came into this season as a 2 year starter at QB and accepted a change of position to WR at the request of the coaching staff.

Mason’s response was, “Whatever it takes to make us better.” All he did was go on to gain 1st Team All State honors at receiver (Padilla Poll) and our team finished as State Semi-Finalists.”

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AWARD FOR GOING THE EXTRA MILE

AWARD FOR INSPIRATION

David Laguna

gage mitchell

LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.6

GLADEWATER HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.5

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“David is a dedicated individual both in the classroom and on the course.”

“He leads by example and passion. He goes the extra mile to see that other team members fell valued through providing transportation to practice or back home after practice. He is asking what more does he need to be his best.”

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“Gage excels in the game of tennis.”

“He always encourages his teammates to do their best. Gage is a leader with his teammates. **Through all the adversity he has been faced with at such a young age, he continues to be a positive role model and excels at a high level.” (**He lost his father in a chemical explosion at Eastman when he was a little boy and then tragically lost his older brother last year.)

Presented by athlete of the year sponsor

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LYNZEE FORD AWARD FOR HEART AND DESIRE SPONSORED BY M. ROBERTS DIGITAL

Rachel Petree SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0

ABOUT RACHEL PETREE Spring Hill’s Rachel Petree lost out on a chance to compete for a state championship in 2019 when COVID-19 shut down the season before the championship meet.

This year, she contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized with the virus. She was released from the hospital six days before the regional meet, but still managed to qualify for the state meet.

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athlete of the year sponsor

She went on to win the Class 4A state championship in the 259-plus weight division at the Texas Women’s Powerlifting Association State Championship Meet in Corpus Christi with a totals of 430 pounds in the squat, 220 pounds on the bench press and 350 pounds in the deadlift.

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PETERS CHEVROLET COACH OF THE YEAR ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

kerry Lane

PINE TREE HIGH SCHOOL | FOOTBALL

alan metzel GILMER HIGH SCHOOL

Pine Tree has steadily improved under head football coach Kerry Lane, and in 2020 the Pirates smashed through several barriers to put together one of the best seasons in program history.

Alan Metzel waited his turn, took over one of the most successful football programs in the state and kept it running line a fine-tuned machine.

For his efforts, Lane has been named Best Preps Coach of the Year.

After missing the postseason every season from 2002-2016, Pine Tree has been a playoff team three of the past four years under Lane.

The 2020 squad opened the season with two wins and a tie in nondistrict play, and then opened league action with a 24-7 win over Marshall.

That win snapped Marshall’s 25-game district winning streak, and also ended a streak of eight straight losses by the Pirates to the Mavericks.

Pine Tree finished second in the district race, and opened the playoffs with a 34-28 overtime victory against A&M Consolidated. That victory avenged a 42-14 playoff lost to Consolidated the year before.

The season ended with a 34-21 loss to Nederland, but the Pirates

finished with a 9-2-1 record, giving them nine wins in a season

for the first time since 1977. The playoff win over

Consolidated was the Pirates’ first postseason victory

since 1976.

And, he did it while making sure the remaining athletic programs at Gilmer High School were also top-notch.

For his efforts, Metzel was named the winner of this year’s Best Preps Athletic Director of the Year award.

Metzel, a longtime assistant at Gilmer (18 years over two stints), stepped into the head football coach and AD role following the retirement of coach Matt Turner.

The Buckeyes had made the postseason 19 years in a row, winning more than 200 games and three state titles prior to Metzel taking charge, and the 2020 Gilmer squad didn’t miss a beat. The Buckeyes finished 14-2 in Metzel’s first season, capturing a district title and advancing all the way to the Class 4A Division II state championship game before falling to Carthage.

Nearly every program at Gilmer followed suit.

The volleyball team finished 24-5 and advanced to the regional finals. The Lady Buckeyes qualified for regionals in cross country.

Boys basketball earned a playoff berth, and girls basketball went 243, earned a district title and played for a regional championship.

Girls powerlifting qualified for the state meet, and sports still in action – baseball, softball and track – have all been successful. Baseball and softball qualified for the playoffs, boys track won a district title and girls track finished second in district as a team and qualified athletes for the state meet.

Presented by athlete of the year sponsor

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EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Sam Schott

SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.0 Spring Hill’s Sam Schott will play softball at the college level, and as much time as it takes to be a student/ athlete at the next level, it’ll probably seem like a break for her.

Schott was a standout on the volleyball court and softball diamond this past season. She also ran cross country and was a member of the marching band and still found time to compile a 5.02 grade point average while volunteering for several organizations and also being a Miss Gregg County participant.

Schott earned first team All-East Texas and third team Texas Sports Writers Association All-State honors in volleyball after recording 387 digs, 53 aces, 56 assists and being a 96% server.

She signed to play softball at UT Tyler, and on the diamond she hit .545 during the regular season with nine home runs, 11 doubles, a triple, 34 RBI, 32 runs scored and 15 stolen bases in 16 attempts. She was also the team’s primary pitcher, compiling a 15-6 record with a 3.26 earned run average and 179 strikeouts in 124.1 innings pitched.

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Kendric Malone TATUM HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 94.54

Tatum’s Kendric Malone was the Eagles’ quarterback on the football field, and basically performed those same duties on the basketball court for his team.

Malone, a standout in both sports, has been named Best Preps Male Athlete of the Year.

The standout quarterback passed for 1,846 yards and 17 touchdowns and added 365 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns for the Eagles, who finished 8-2 overall and 5-1 in district play during the football season. He earned all-district honors, leading the team to a 37-28 bi-district win over Winnsboro before the season came to an end with a 49-23 area loss to Grandview.

In basketball, Malone helped lead the Eagles to a berth in the state championship game. He shot 48% from the floor, 36% from 3-point range and 78% from the free throw line – averaging 14 points and 5 assists per contest and earning district MVP honors.

Malone, who has a 94.54 grade point average, coaches Little Dribblers in Tatum, tutors on the elementary campus, is a member of the National Honor Society and an FCA Faith Leader.

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AWARD FOR COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Tai reid

jim weaver

GILMER HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.52 WHAT HER COACH SAID “Tai Reid is 100% the epitome of leadership and hard work. It is every coaches dream to have a student like her on their team.”

Tai is a motivator and leads by example. I can depend on her to be early to practice and she most often stays late to get extra work in. Her teamates certainly look up to her and turn to her for help and guidance. Tai is a senior sprinter on my Track and Field team. Shes a major factor in why my Track team wins each week. Tai is a Pastor’s kid and has patiently and gracefully given her time, talent, and

treasure to those around her.

Presented by athlete of the year sponsor

MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.22 WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“Jim’s passion for the game of baseball is second to none.”

“He is one of the few that understands the game and the history of the game as well. He is like having another coach on the field. When he speaks his teammates listen. They also see how passionate he is by watching his work ethic on the field and in weight room. He has a gentle heart, he is kind to everyone and is very respectful to everyone. He does all this while still maintaining exceptional grades in the classroom, ranking 4th in his class. As you will also see he is highly involved in the community and other organizations at school.”

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Longview News-Journal, May 16, 2021

PETERS CHEVROLET AWARD FOR SPORTSMANSHIP

alysa hall WHITE OAK HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.52

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Alysa is a senior at White Oak HS, and has been on varsity for four years, and our nomination for this award the past three years.

That fact alone speaks volumes about her ability, attitude, effort and leadership. She has been a driving force in our volleyball program for four years. She is very competitive and driven, and yet a great leader among her team mates. She is in the top 10% of her class with a great GPA. She earned the THSCA Academic All State award for volleyball. I am so proud of the young lady she has become. We will miss her greatly, and wish her great success in her future.”

“She has been a pleasure to coach. I would like to thank her for everything she has done for our program over the past four years.”

Presented by

athlete of the year sponsor

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PetersCars.net

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