Running circles around the competition
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute is the premier choice for sports related injuries, providing faith-based compassionate care, close to home. Our team of world-class providers diagnose and create personalized treatments for injuries and chronic conditions of bones, joints and muscles in one centralized location for your convenience and ease of care.
• Cutting-edge diagnostic imaging and technology for innovative treatment
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• Bridge Program - specialized training to transition from rehab to highest fitness level
PRESIDENT
Stephen McHaney
PUBLISHER
Justin Wilcox
SALES MANAGER
Tracy Stopani
MANAGING EDITOR
Santana Wood
PUBLICATION DESIGNERS
Haley Holcomb-Capps
Kimberley Bailey
SPORTS EDITOR
Phil Hicks
WRITERS
Phil Hicks
Brandon Ogden
Jack Stallard
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Les Hassell
Jennifer Scott
Santana Wood
ADVERTISING SALES
Alyson Durst
Kerri Esposito
Donna Valentine
Kurt Kitchings
Paula White
Sonorah Duty
Stuart James
Zoie Perry
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Les Hassell and Michel Alfaro
COVER DESIGN BY
Haley Holcomb-Capps
© 2024, M. ROBERTS MEDIA
100 E. Ferguson, Suite 501, Tyler, TX 75702
6TH BEST PREPS TYLER CELEBRATES OUTSTANDING STUDENT-ATHLETES
STORY BY PHIL HICKS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER SCOTT
Every student-athlete in East Texas puts in a certain number of practice and workout hours each week honing their crafts for athletic competition.
To make sure they remain eligible in their chosen sport or activity, those athletes must also make sure work is completed — usually at a high level — in the classroom.
A good number of those kids don’t stop there.
The communities they live in mean a lot to them, so they find time between practice, competition and studying to volunteer and serve their neighbors in hopes of making those communities stronger.
These young people should be recognized and applauded for their efforts, and six years ago the Tyler Morning Telegraph and TylerPaper. com introduced Best Preps to do just that.
Best Preps Tyler, celebrating its sixth year in 2024, honors studentathletes who have excelled at a high level in all areas.
Coaches from participating schools were asked to submit nominations based on the studentathlete’s contributions to varsity athletics as well as their work in the classroom and in the community.
These athletes were required to 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.
Presenting sponsor for the event is Baylor, Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint.
Other major sponsors included CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute (Male and Female
Athletes of the Year), East Texas Professional Credit Union (Red Carpet) and Jucys Taco (Photo booth).
Specialty Awards sponsors are Baylor, Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint (Heart and Desire, Sportsmanship), Kona Ice (Going the Extra Mile), East Texas Professional Credit Union (Community Excellence), Tyler Morning Telegraph (Outstanding Achievement Academics, Coach of the Year), M. Roberts Digital (Inspiration) and M. Roberts Digital (Athletic Director of the Year).
Sponsors for sports awards are Altra Federal Credit Union (Football), Jucys Taco (Volleyball, Softball), J&K Storage (Baseball), East Texas Professional Credit Union (Boys and Girls Track & Field), UT Health East Texas Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute (Boys and Girls Golf), Tyler Morning Telegraph (Cheerleading, Bass Fishing, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Soccer), M. Roberts Digital (Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Swimming, Student Athletic Trainer) and ETX View Magazine (Boys and Girls Powerlifting, Boys and Girls Tennis, Drill Team).
Congratulations to our honored student-athletes and coaches. We are proud to recognize your hard work in all areas, and we thank you for providing a shining example to others in the community through your hard work, dedication and desire to help others.
And, finally, a special thanks to our Best Preps Tyler sponsors for continuing to support the young people of East Texas.
Jeb Blount, a former Longview High School multiple-sport standout who earned Hall of Fame honors at the college level and a Super Bowl ring in the National Football League, was the keynote speaker at the sixth annual Best Preps Tyler Awards ceremony.
The event was held April 30 at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler and served as a time to celebrate all nominees and announce the winners.
Blount was a three-year Longview varsity basketball starter and a two-year starter at quarterback for the Lobos. As a junior at Longview, he passed for 211 yards and a touchdown and was 15-for-20 on extra points and 3-for-5 on field goal attempts. During his senior year, he passed for 974 yards and seven touchdowns, rushed for 245 yards and three scores, averaged 38.1 yards per punt and kicked two field goals. He averaged 15.7 points per game on the basketball court.
He signed to play football at the University of Tulsa, and helped lead Tulsa to three straight Missouri Valley Conference titles and a 15-1 record in conference play during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Blount led Tulsa in passing in 1974 and 1975, throwing for 1,831 yards and 15 touchdowns in 1974 and earning conference Offensive Player of the Year honors.
He finished his Tulsa career having completed 320 of 588 passes for 4,372 yards and 35 touchdowns, and was inducted into the Tulsa Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the 2021 class.
Blount was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1976 NFL Draft (50th overall), and earned a Super Bowl ring when the Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 32-14, later that season. He was waived prior to the 1977 season and was claimed by several teams, but the NFL awarded the Tampa Bay Buccaneers his rights. He started four games and played
KEYNOTE SPEAKER JEB BLOUNT SHARES INSPIRING MESSAGE AT BEST PREPS BANQUET
STORY BY JACK STALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL AND JENNIFER SCOTTin five for Tampa Bay, passing for 522 yards.
At the banquet, Blount shared an inspiring message with the studentathletes. He had already personally met many of them, as Blount attended the Tyler Morning Telegraph’s inaugural Best Preps Spring Photo Shoot in March. Along with shaking hands and taking photos, Blount allowed the student-athletes to try on his Super Bowl ring.
Carter McLaughlin
WHITEHOUSE HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
Carter is not only the best player on the team, but he is the life blood that drives others to compete at a high level. Carter is not only a captain on the team but also a respected person in the community. Carter is our go to guy when we need to get the ball back quickly.
ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Clifford Douglas III
BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
Clifford is a tremendous athlete and a remarkable individual. His dedication, passion, and sportsmanship make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Preps award. Clifford consistently demonstrates exceptional skills on the field and exhibits a positive attitude off the field. We are proud to have him as a part of our school community.
JUCYS TACO
AWARD FOR VOLLEYBALL
Maddie Birdsong
ARP HIGH SCHOOL
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphWHAT HER COACH SAID
While coaching volleyball at Arp High School for the past three years, I have known and coached Maddie Birdsong. She has excelled in the classroom and she is also fiercely competitive student athlete. As a leader on the volleyball court, she has displayed a strong work ethic and has set an example for her younger teammates to look up to and respect. She communicates incredibly well by motivating everyone; she's encouraging and supportive and brings out the best in everyone on her team. Maddie's outgoing personality contributes to her success as a volunteer worker with dementia patients, as a dog walker/sitter and as a babysitter. She is an outstanding student athlete representative for Arp High School.
TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH
AWARD FOR BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Will Vogler
BISHOP THOMAS K. GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphWHAT HIS COACH SAID
Will Vogler is a force to be reckoned with. I have been Will’s coach for the past six years. What I have been able to witness has been extraordinary. In his first district race I sixth grade, his team won by 1 point. Because of this, he understood early on that every place really does count, every runner counts; no one can do this alone, it will take everyone.
Running was always his gift, but each year, Will learned to harness more and more of his potential to really see it through. This summer, Will took his running to the next level in some big ways. He would be the one that would push and encourage his teammates to do an extra run, go a little faster, run a little further. He had a no nonsense approach, but it was contagious — and one by one everyone caught it. Long distance running is a difficult task, it is definitely not for everyone — but with Will leading the charge, not only did everyone keep getting stronger and faster, but they truly loved the sport.
Graycee Wilson
WHAT HER COACH SAID
Graycee is a four-year varsity cross country runner as well as a four-year state qualifier. She is the team leader and motivator. She is a hard worker and pushes herself to get better. She sets goals for herself and works until she reaches them.
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphAWARD FOR BOYS POWERLIFTING
Pablo Martinez-Cerda
CHAPEL HILL HIGH SCHOOL
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphWHAT HIS COACH SAID
In my short time with Pablo, I have seen not only a hard working young man that has been willing to do whatever it takes to be successful but also someone that is super humble, caring and always tries to help others. He is a great leader and makes everyone around him work harder by his work ethic alone. Pablo has given up evenings to help wrap his teammates at meets that he wasn't lifting in and is usually one of the first to ask about or cheer on one of his teammates. Because of these attributes and for being very successful in his course work and in the sport of powerlifting, Pablo is our nomination for Best Preps. He is a two-time state qualifier and 2024 Regional Champion.
Jalynn Gateley
LINDALE HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
Jalynn is the most trustworthy, hardworking and competitive young lady that I have ever had the opportunity to coach. There is no doubt that she is the leader of our powerlifting team. As a captain, she has served as the mentor and even helped coach our younger athletes as they've learned more about the sport. She will have a chance to win a Regional Championship and be a State Qualifier and have an opportunity to be on the medal stand at the THSWPA State Championships.
M. ROBERTS DIGITAL
AWARD FOR BOYS BASKETBALL
Ryan Richbourg
BISHOP THOMAS K. GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
In the time I have come to know Ryan 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 court. As an athlete, Ryan is focused and determined, often practicing countless 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. Ryan's healthy perspective and cheerful demeanor have made him a favorite on the team since he's joined. Ryan puts the same amount of hard work into his studies as he does into the game. He has kept a 4.0 GPA while also participating frequently in church events and community services. I've rarely had the pleasure to coach such a promising and gifted student.
Kalyse Buffin
TYLER HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
Kalyse is a proven leader on and off the court. A very dependable and trustworthy individual, Kalyse has taken the role of a vocal leader on her basketball team. Her desire to be the best also in the classroom is the main reason why her GPA is where it is today. She spends countless hours studying her playbook, as well as her classroom assignments. Her teammates look up to her, and always have the best things to say about Kalyse. She is very well respected.
Kalye volunteers as a coach for the youth basketball league. She does back to school work for the elementary schools; stuffing backpacks with school supplies. Member of the National Honor Society, FBLA, Student council.
Keegan Mc Cord
WHITEHOUSE HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
If you want to know what a model Whitehouse baseball player looks like, it's Keegan McCord. What does that mean? Hard-working, gritty, makes good grades, polite to teachers, honest, and a dang good ballplayer. When I asked our coaches to describe Keegan in a few words: here's the first word that was said: Stoic, a term used in Ancient Greece and Rome to describe a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. That's who he is, tough, hard-working, and endures whatever you throw at him without ever saying a peep.
When I look at Keegan, I see a dreamer. I see a kid who told me he's going to be a doctor or physician assistant when he was a freshman and hasn't wavered, that was his dream. I see a kid who said he wanted to be the next great Whitehouse catcher; that was his dream. He told me he wanted to play college baseball and now that dream has come true.
He's just a dude, and 100 percent exemplifies what we want our kids to look and act like. A high academic student, great baseball player and a person my 11-year old son looks up to, which is enough in itself.
JUCYS TACO AWARD FOR SOFTBALL
Mallory Kniffen
TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
Being a coach's kid is not easy. When you are successful, you're the coach's kid and naturally you will get accolades. When you come up short, you are the coach's kid and you should have performed better. There's no in between. It's a difficult road to maneuver as "that" kid. Throughout it all, Mallory has handled it with calmness, class, and integrity. She is the heart and soul of our team. She is our compass. Without her we would be lost. She is a great teammate, a competitor and the best daughter a father can have.
Presented by
EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION
AWARD FOR BOYS TRACK & FIELD
Marquette Martin
TYLER HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
Marquette is an excellent studentathlete. He will go over and beyond to get the job done. Marquette is reliable, dependable, and respectful. He is a great leader especially when it comes to the younger athletes. If they will follow is his footsteps, our program will be in great shape. Tyler High football, track, and basketball. Tyler ISD youth basketball coach (3 years). Tyler youth league official. Rose Stadium trash pick up. Tyus Bowser football camp volunteer. Tyler High basketball camp volunteer. Volunteer Elementary School reader to classes. Tyler High football camp volunteer. National Honor Society.
Presented by
EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR GIRLS TRACK & FIELD Carly Tucker
BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
I have had the privilege of coaching Carly Tucker for the past three years, and I can confidently say that she is one of the most talented and hardworking student athletes I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Carly is a team player who is always willing to help and support her fellow teammates, and lead by example. Carly consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication and commitment to her school work, as well as her training and performance.
TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH
THE BROOK HILL SCHOOL
Courtesy PhotoWHAT HIS COACH SAID
Matthew is an amazing young man. He has had a great career at Brook Hill. Matthew is a young man who is on fire for God; he leads Bible studies on campus and was voted student body president by his peers. He is a three-year starter for the soccer team and is the lead in the play for our fine art drama department this Spring. He embodies what Brook Hill is about and I am happy to nominate him for this award.
TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH AWARD FOR GIRLS SOCCER
Claire Stoermer
GRACE COMMUNITY SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
Claire is one of the best players at her position and has been a foundational piece of our soccer program for the last four years. She has shown herself to be excellent both on and off the field. She is a four-time selection for first-team All-District, a four-time selection for first-team All-State, a two-time selection for All-East Texas Goalkeeper of the Year, a member of the 2024 TAPPS State Championship All-Tournament Team and won the 2024 TAPPS Division II State Championship. Off the field, she carries a 4.0 GPA. She has been a great leader for our soccer program, serving as a captain for two years and being a source of strength for her teammates and coaches. She has signed a scholarship to play goalkeeper for Oklahoma Baptist University.
Braden Bergman
TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphWHAT HIS COACH SAID
I have had the honor to coach this Christian player/student for six years. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence are clearly reflected in his golf game, teammates, family and in life. I have never seen him boast about himself, it was always about the team and his family. Braden always spends extra time with his younger brothers and is a great role model. Braden's love of learning is impressive and I look forward in seeing him excel at the collegiate level.
Adyson Pipkin
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphWHAT HER COACH SAID
She is an excellent student, great leadership qualities and captain of girls golf for four years. She has worked with me and assisted in teaching golf clinics to younger children. She has a great religious background, always willing to spend time helping her teammates in tutorials and golf. She earned All-District, Regional and State honors the last three years as an individual and as a team. She always has a positive attitude, regardless of the task.
Bridger Allen
THE BROOK HILL SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
Bridger Allen is the epitome of "student-athlete.”
Bridger Allen has had a great tennis career at Brook Hill School, but Bridger balanced academics, service and being involved in Brook Hill School. He is a senior and everyone has been touched by Bridger Allen in some way because of his involvement in fellow students and Brook Hill School.
Anna Perdomo
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphWHAT HER COACH SAID
Anna Perdomo is a four-year letterman at Tyler High School for varsity tennis. She has natural leadership qualities, and has helped the THS tennis program reach the level it is currently at today. She is the captain of the 2023-24 tennis team, and is always holding her teammates accountable. Always on time, works hard, listens, great attitude, and respectful are just a few qualities that this young lady possesses at such an early age.
Anna plans to attend college after she graduates and study to be a teacher. She will be a great example for her future students. Anna is responsible for the clinching match in fall team tennis that sealed our playoff berth for the 2023 Fall season. Her resume goes on and on with achievements from her four-year varsity career.
Anna attends Iglesia Gracias where she is a bass player for the praise and worship team. The group practices every weekend and also does events around the community as well as performing the worship for their church services. She is also always willing to help out with our middle school tennis program at THS. Her influence and teachings will have a lasting impression on the students at THS. Anna has been a staple member of our program in helping with our work at Rose Stadium concession stand during the fall season.
M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR BOYS SWIMMING
Aden Johnson
WHITEHOUSE HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
Senior Aden Johnson advanced to the 5A UIL State Swim Meet for a second time in the 100 butterfly and as a firsttime competitor in the 200 freestyle and record-breaking 400 freestyle relay. Aden is a natural leader as team captain; he is confident, positive, respectful and encouraging to every team member of every swim level. He is kind and assertive but in a way that no athlete ever feels criticized. Aden takes leadership outside of athletics by being an editor of the Paw Prints Newspaper and is a member of NHS, engineering, and robotics teams and organizations. He is currently ranked fifth in his class of nearly 400 students and earned his early acceptance into Texas A&M University's Engineering program.
Anna Matthews
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphWHAT HER COACH SAID
Anna Matthews has been an integral member of the Whitehouse Swim team, serving as captain her junior year. This season she led the girls team as they earned their first ever District Championship. Anna was able to demonstrate to her fellow teammates how hard work and dedication pays off by being the district champion in both her events and earning a state berth in her 200 freestyle. Aside from swimming, Anna is actively involved in the Ag Department in various aspects including showing chickens and as an equine judge. She is an honor roll student and plans to continue her swim career in college.
Caley Fitzgerald
THE BROOK HILL SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
Caley is a three-time first team all state cheerleader, NCA AllAmerica and on the Academic All-State team. Caley is a leader in all areas. She was in the 2023 TAPPS State Champion Cheer team. Caley represents all things Best Preps represents.
TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH AWARD FOR BASS FISHING
Fisher Arrington
HIS COACH SAID
Fisher Arrington is an incredible young man. Fisher is a hardworking, well rounded student that actively participates and excels in football, basketball, track and field, UIL music and bass fishing. Fisher has always been cooperative and respectful, not only to teachers and administrators, but also to his fellow students. Most importantly, Fisher is a light in the hallways of Arp High School as his strong faith guides his every step.
TEAM
Maci Johnston
BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
Maci was selected as a junior captain of the Bullard Belles Drill Team, earning this position based on many criteria such as team vote, teacher recommendations, grades and attendance, superb teaching ability to teammates, director(s) vote, excellent dance ability, interview with teammates and a panel of judges and much more.
Maci is extremely passionate about dance and drill team and truly wants the best for the Bullard Belles. She sacrifices her time outside practice to ensure she is prepared for the next day. She is a confident and vocal leader, yet trustworthy and dependable. I have watched her encourage and help her teammates when they need help with a dance movement or routine. She makes time to help her teammates after school and practice if necessary. She also takes the initiative to help others with tasks such as pinning costumes, accessories, etc. She motivates the team daily with an encouraging chant or words of encouragement.
After overcoming a major hip surgery during her freshman year, she continues to push herself in all areas and strives to be the best leader for her team.
M.
DIGITAL
Alaia Privett
TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
When working with young people, you come to recognize those who stand out for their exceptional performance and those that earn respect due to their exemplary character through leadership and genuine concern of others. It is rare to find both attributes so fully formed in one young person, but this is what I see in Alaia Privett’s interactions with her world.
I enthusiastically nominate Alaia Privett Tyler’s Best Preps student athletic training award for she is revered by her peers as a role-model worth imitating. Perhaps her greatest attribute is her selflessness and caring for others: she is attentive and responsive to their needs, but more, she is highly intelligent and knows what needs to be done. Alaia feels a sense of responsibility in attending to and working with others, is committed to our program and its core principles, and is determined to do her best in every situation.
Along with her duties as a student athletic trainer, Alaia is a starter for our state-ranked varsity soccer team. Alaia regularly works as volunteer trainer for the JV games as they typically have no one assigned to work their games. And on several occasions, Alaia has wrapped the sprained ankles of teammates and opponents alike during halftimes of her varsity games.
Josh Green
WHITEHOUSE HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
Josh is a leader on and off the mat. He helps lead and teach during our practices. He is the hardest working person I have ever been around. Not only does he push himself, he pushes others to get the most out of them. Ultimately, he makes everyone in the room (practice) better; all this while being ranked No. 3 in his class. He will be attending the United States Air Force Academy after high school.
BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE TEXAS SPINE AND JOINT HOSPITAL AWARD FOR HEART AND DESIRE
Anistyn Foster
BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL
Your winning game plan
It star ts with a playbook based in our deep experience in spine and orthopedic care We approach ever y patient ’s pain as an individual challenge and develop custom health solutions for successful outcomes, on and of f the field.
Learn how our exper t network of specialists keep you playing and winning the most impor tant contests in life (903) 939-0920
It starts with a playbook based in our deep experience in spine and orthopedic care We approach every patient’s pain as an individual challenge and develop custom health solut for successful outcomes, on and off the field.
tsjh.org/urgent-care-clinic
Learn how our expert network of specialist keep you playing and winning the most important contests in life
WHAT HER COACH SAID
Anistyn is a four-year varsity letterman for Bullard softball and has helped lead us through three very special seasons in her career so far. As both a freshman and sophomore, Anistyn shouldered the pitching responsibilities in our biggest games of the season. As a junior, Anistyn was involved in a horrific car accident and suffered a broken wrist on her pitching arm. She underwent surgery and had to have a metal plate put into her wrist to help it heal. She went to work (mentally, physically and emotionally) to restore herself as a pitcher to our roster last year and we were proud to see her pitch again late in our season. Her work ethic has been impeccable and we couldn't be more proud of her setback truly telling a story of a major comeback for our program. As a senior, Anistyn had the plate removed and is off to a great start of leading a younger team through a tough preseason schedule. She is showing maturity and a great team first mindset as a senior, and we can't wait to see where her softball story leads her next.
Last summer, Anistyn volunteered at Clara Springs church camp in Louisiana to serve kids and then she also went to Glorieta, New Mexico, with her church to heal, serve and help clean up parks in the city.
TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
David Collins
THE BROOK HILL SCHOOL
Brook Hill's David Collins is the 2024 Coach of the Year for Best Preps Tyler.
Collins, in his 21st year as head coach of the Guard, led Brook Hill to the TAPPS Boys Winter Soccer Division III state soccer championship.
The Guard defeated Houston British International School, 1-0, on March 9 in the championship at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex.
Collins has led the Guard to four state tournament finals appearances (2010, 2015, 2020, 2024). He registered his 400th win as Brook Hill coach earlier this season.
Along with his soccer duties, Collins is an assistant football coach, science teacher and assistant athletic director.
Coach Collins began his coaching career at East Texas Baptist University where he served as the assistant men’s soccer coach for seven years (1996-2003) and was part of the Tigers back to back national championship teams in 1998 and 1999. In 1999 he became the first coach of the women’s Soccer program at ETBU and guided them to the playoffs in their third season earning Collins American Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2001.
In 2003, Collins and his family made the move to Brook Hill. He led the girls to the Final Four in the first three years of the program, including winning back to back TAPPS Division III State Championships in 2013 and 2014.
M. ROBERTS DIGITAL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jeff Riordan CHAPEL HILL HIGH SCHOOL
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphChapel Hill’s Jeff Riordan is the 2024 Athletic Director of the Year for Best Preps Tyler.
Along with being the athletic director, Riordan also is the head coach of the Bulldogs football team, leading them to the Class 4A Division I championship game for the first time since 2011.
During the past three seasons, Riordan has led Chapel Hill to a record of 36-10. The Bulldogs were a state finalist this year and a state semifinalist in the two years prior.
The Bulldogs boys basketball team won an undefeated district title, finished 30-5 overall on the season and advanced to the Class 4A Region III semifinals.
The Lady Bulldogs basketball team won 18 games and advanced to the playoffs.
The volleyball team went from seven wins in 2022 to 18 wins this season.
In powerlifting, Chapel Hill had one girl and three boys reach the state meet.
In cross country, sophomore Sebastian Medina qualified for the state meet.
The Bulldogs track and field team is still competing and will have a chance to have athletes qualify for regionals and possibly state.
Presented by
KONA ICE AWARD FOR GOING THE EXTRA MILE Brady Filla
TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
Brady is the easiest person to nominate for Best Preps when you look at the criteria. He quickly meets the mandatory requirements and hits the additional ones mentioned as well — leadership (check), coachable (check), vocal (check), dependable (check), responsible (check) and honest (check). Brady is the kid you wish had an extra year; the one that you wish you had 10 other copies of to fill out your starting lineup. He is a four-year starter with alldistrict credentials every year. Brady could be the poster boy that you have been looking for. During a third-round soccer playoff game, Filla, who was sick all day, played all 80 minutes as a defender, helping the Red Raiders take a 1-0 victory over Dallas Skyline to advance to the regional tournament for the first time in 12 years. He volunteered at Garrett Cemetery Cleanup/Restoration, UIL Academic Meet Volunteer, Elementary School Car Door Opening, Reading Books to Elementary Schoolers, Rose Rudman Park Cleanup and Organization of Blood Drives with Carter Blood Care. Filla, who plays soccer and runs cross country, was also surprised during February of his senior year as he was named a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, being chosen among 16,000 national semifinalists, scoring in the top 10 percent on his PSAT.
TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Landry Binning
CHAPEL HILL HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“Landry has a GPA of 115.732. Landry Binning is the example of a studentathlete who also has high morals, character and integrity. I became the Chapel Hill High School head volleyball coach last year when Landry was a junior. I have known her since her freshman year. She has been No. 1 in her class for all four years of high school. She is president of her senior class and co-leads a bible study for our volleyball program. Landry leads our team in kills, aces and blocks. She has put in countless hours to make her senior year the best year and to help her team improve. The program has gone from seven wins to 18 in a year thanks to her contributions as a leader. She leads in all aspects of her life, and is an incredible teammate.”
BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE TEXAS SPINE AND JOINT HOSPITAL AWARD FOR SPORTSMANSHIP
Carly Ogletree
BROOK HILL HIGH SCHOOL
Photo by Les Hassell/Tyler Morning TelegraphYour winning game plan
It star ts with a playbook based in our deep experience in spine and orthopedic care We approach ever y patient ’s pain as an individual challenge and develop custom health solutions for successful outcomes, on and of f the field.
Learn how our exper t network of specialists keep you playing and winning the most impor tant contests in life
(903) 939-0920
It starts with a playbook based in our deep experience in spine and orthopedic care We approach every patient’s pain as an individual challenge and develop custom health solut for successful outcomes, on and off the field.
tsjh.org/urgent-care-clinic
Learn how our expert network of specialist keep you playing and winning the most important contests in life
WHAT
HER COACH SAID
Carly is a great player, leader and member of the Brook Hill golf team. She is constantly helping other players with rules, etiquette and other parts of the game to make them a better player and competitor. Other players on the team look up to Carly as a leader on the golf course, in the classroom and as a person. She puts others before herself and will do anything to help the team and make them better.
Carly’s kindness, work ethic and thoughtfulness make her a great candidate for this award.
EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE
Burkelyn Allen
LINDALE HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT HER COACH SAID
Burkelyn is a phenomenal cheerleader and has stepped into a leadership role this year as a senior. She is always the first to help in any situation. She is reliable, dependable and follows through with everything she commits to.
Her community service includes: 3 year member of National Honor Society, 2 time merit award (25+ hours); 3 time “Project SOAR” volunteer; Community outreach through Serve Sundays at LifeSource Community Church; Youth group leader at Overflow LifeSource; Two year Forge Discipleship class leader; 2 time Philippians 4:13 challenge volunteer for LHS Special Programs; 4 time field day volunteer for younger campuses in LISD; English Second Language Night Volunteer; ESL childcare volunteer; Texas Bank and Trust Student Board of Directors member; Volunteer at David Powell Food pantry; Leader of two LHS food drives; Lillie Russell Memorial Library Christmas fundraiser volunteer; 2 time Salvation Army Tree shopping coordinator for StuCo; 3 time Salvation Army Tree shopping volunteer; PeeWee cheer volunteer coach; Project Graduation Poinsettia fundraiser volunteer; Mums for LifeSkills artist; Cards and Carols for local nursing homes volunteer; Two time Special Programs Fall Festival volunteer; Concession stand volunteer for numerous booster clubs; Gymnastics assistant at KDF Dance and Gym; Texas Teen safe driving advocate through student council.
Presented by
CHRISTUS ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE
INSTITUTE
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Trae Davis TROUP HIGH SCHOOL
Whether it’s on the court, field or track or off of it, Trae Davis has made an impact during his career as a student-athlete at Troup High School.
In football, Davis had 120 catches for 2,254 yards and 31 touchdowns in his career, including 67 receptions for 1,245 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior. He carried the ball 190 times in his career for 1,272 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had four return touchdowns on kickoffs and punts. Defensively, Davis had 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four interceptions. Davis holds the school record for receiving yards in a game with 245 and is tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns in a game with three. He holds the season and career records for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
In basketball, Davis averaged 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.0 steals as a junior; 15.4 points as a sophomore; and 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game as a freshman.
“Trae is our undisputed leader on and off the court,” Troup head boys basketball coach Darin Harley said. “He is a positive, hardworking member of our basketball team. I am happy and proud of what he has accomplished.”
In track and field, along with being a key cog on the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams, Davis is a standout long jumper, posting a distance of 23-1.75 at a March meet.
Davis has signed to play football at Kansas State University. Davis has been selected as the Male Athlete of the Year at Best Preps Tyler 2024.
Running circles around the competition
CHRISTUS ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE
FEMALE
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Landry Jones
VAN HIGH SCHOOL
Landry Jones has made her mark on the basketball and volleyball courts during her time at Van High School.
Jones was a four-year starter for the Lady Vandals basketball program.
As a senior, she averaged 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 steals and 3.0 assists per game. She was named to the TABC All-Region Team for Class 4A Region II. She was also an
Running circles around the competition
All-State selection by the Texas Girls Coaches Association, and she was Academic All-State. Jones was selected to the TGCA 1A-4A Legacy All-Star Team. In December 2023, Jones was named the Built Ford Tough Texas Class 4A Female Athlete of the Month. As a junior, she averaged 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 steals and 3.0 assists per game. As a sophomore, Jones averaged 13.4 points, 3.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game. She was the District 144A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman. Jones scored 1,505 career points.
“She is one of our team captains,” Van girls basketball coach Kay Bachert said. “She was counted on heavily to provide a scoring punch for us and she keyed our aggressive style by leading us in steals. Her competitive spirit and toughness set the tone for our team. Landry is a ‘character kid.’ She is a kindhearted person yet she is tough and will play hurt. When she speaks up, her team and coaches listen. Her teammates love and respect her as do her coaches.”
In volleyball, Jones was named a first-team Tyler Morning Telegraph All-Rose Country Volleyball Team selection after recording 395 digs, 351 kills, 323 assists, 227 receptions, 42 aces and 39 blocks. As a junior, Jones had 345 service receptions, 288 digs, 78 kills, 33 aces, 24 assists and eight blocks. As a sophomore, she had nine kills, 304 digs, 30 aces, 12 assists, 212 service points and 356 receptions.
Jones has been selected as the Best Preps Tyler Female Athlete of the Year.
M. ROBERTS DIGITAL INSPIRATION AWARD
Zeke Conner
BISHOP THOMAS K. GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
Zeke Conner is a dedicated and exceptional member of our high school wrestling team. I am honored to recommend Zeke for this prestigious recognition. Over the course of his high school wrestling career, Zeke has consistently exemplified outstanding sportsmanship, leadership and commitment to both the sport and our team. He has not only demonstrated exceptional skill on the mat but has also been an exemplary student-athlete, maintaining a high standard of academic excellence while actively participating in various extracurricular activities.
Zeke's work ethic is truly commendable. He consistently goes above and beyond in training, pushing not only himself but also inspiring his teammates to strive for excellence. His determination and resilience are evident in his numerous achievements throughout the season, including placing third at Prep State to qualify for Prep Nationals at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Zeke finished his senior season with a record of 31-9 and was ranked No. 2 in the state at his weight class for all prep schools (including Oklahoma private schools).
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Zeke has played a pivotal role in fostering a positive and cohesive team environment. His impact extends beyond the wrestling mat, positively influencing the entire school community.
Conner, a 6-7, 285-pound senior who said he is completely blind in his right eye, didn’t start playing football or wrestling until he got to Bishop Gorman as a junior in high school.
Sebastian Juarez
Classof2025
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Paige Barrett
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2024
Best
Preps Athlete Tyler Legacy High School - Basketball
LOOK AT GOD! WON’T HE DO IT! CONGRATUATIONS SENOJ JONES
2023 District Newcomer of the Year
2023 All Rose Country
2023 All-Tournament Hallsville
2023 10-6A Academic All District
Legacy High Student of the Month (October)
2024 10-6A District Offensive MVP
2024 TGCA All-State
2024 TGCA All-Star
2024 All Rose Country
2024 All-Tournament Royse City and Crandall
2024 10-6A Academic All District
Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
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“IT’S GOING TO BE A JOURNEY. IT’S NOT A SPRINT TO GET IN SHAPE.” - KERRI WALSH JENNINGS
“NEVER SAY NEVER BECAUSE LIMITS, LIKE FEARS, ARE OFTEN JUST ILLUSIONS.”
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Capture Your Best Stuff
Capture Your Best Stuff
Cheddar. Gas. The Deuce. Terminator. Uncle Charlie. Whatever you call your out pitch, Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital Sports Medicine offers 3D motion capture to help you make it better. Get your season started right.
Cheddar. Gas. The Deuce. Terminator. Uncle Charlie. Whatever you call your out pitch, Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital Sports Medicine offers 3D motion capture to help you make it better. Get your season started right.
• Biomechanics and motion capture
• Biomechanics and motion capture
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• Throwing injury prevention
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• Orthopedic consultation and treatment
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• Advanced physical therapy and movement correction
1814 Roseland Blvd