Best of Preps 2018 by Mountain Times Publications

2018

STUDENT-ATHLETE AWARDS

BRIANA DAVIDSON

WOMEN’S STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

RANDY MCDONOUGH EXTRA MILE COACH OF THE YEAR

JACOB KEY

MEN’S STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

BEST OF PREPS

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PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE Patrons wait for the Mountain Times Publications Best of Preps 2018 event to start on June 3.

Mountain Times hosts Best of Preps

or the fourth straight year, the Best of the Preps ceremony celebrated not just outstanding high school athletes, but also celebrated their achievements in the classroom, around school and communities. They are the pure definition of the term “student-athlete.” Once again, some of the brightest that Avery, Ashe and Watauga High Schools have to oﬀer were honored at Watauga High’s auditorium on June 3. Throughout the season, the student-athletes met as opponents on the courts and fields in the tri-county region. They dazzled their parents, peers and fans with their performances. They stood out in situations where pressure on their shoulders was enormous, only to come through with clutch performances time and time again. They made their teammates better. Hopefully, they made their opponents better. To keep up with this type of athlete, opponents

better improve, or they’ll get left behind. And that’s just on the field. This group of student-athletes — the “winners” of the individual awards and those who are nominated — also stand/out in the classroom with the same impact. Doing well is nice, but doing extra, be it spending more time on a subject they may struggle with or helping a fellow student improve their academic standing, is equally important as dishing out a nice assist or making a 20-foot jump shot. These student-athletes are the Best of the Preps because they are some of the best these three schools have to oﬀer. There may be better students at their schools. There may be other students who serve the community better. There may be better athletes. It’s hard to imagine that there are any other students who can combine the three like the student-athletes who were at the Best of Preps ceremony on June 3.

Patrons wait for the Mountain Times Publications Best of Preps 2018 event to start on June 3.

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JACOB KEY Mountain Times Publications Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year Award

‘Jacob is a role model for the team, particularly for younger players. He takes time for others and has great sportsmanship. He takes initiative to lead others. He is the real deal.’

— Coach Larry Dix

Ashe tennis player Jacob Key is the Best of Preps Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year. Key was ranked at the top of his class of 2017 season. He has been accepted into the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and is a member of numerous honor clubs. He was also a semiﬁnalist in National Engineering Competition. He advanced into the regionals of the 2-A regional tournament after ﬁnishing runner-up in the Mountain Valley Conference tournament. He was also the co-captain of the Huskies’ boys’ tennis team.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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BRIANA DAVIDSON

Mountain Times Publications Girl’s Student-Athlete of the Year Award

‘Briana stands above the rest not only as an excellent athlete but because of her outstanding leadership abilities. She is not only a leader of her teams but also at home with her family.’

— Coach Carol Almond

The Best of Preps Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year is Watauga’s Briana Davidson. The graduating senior was given Watauga High School’s Hall of Fame Award, which is given to the top female athlete at the school. Davidson, who played tennis and soccer for the Pioneers, went undefeated in Northwestern Conference individual tennis matches for three straight seasons. She also helped lead Watauga’s girls’ soccer team to a 17-3 overall record, a share of the NWC championship with a 12-2 mark, and a berth to the second round of the state 3-A soccer playoffs. She is also a member of Athletes for Good, co-President of Life Club, a member of Junior Advocates for Services and is a volunteer at Hospitality House, at Boone Library and at Boone United Methodist Church.

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BRYANT GREENE Goodwill Industries International ‘Comeback’ Student-Athlete of the Year

‘Bryant suffered a fracture in his junior year. He tried to play with the pain, scoring 38 points in one game. The pain became too severe and he missed the second half of the season- we didn’t win another game that year. Bryant rehabbed the entire off season and came back to lead us in scoring, assists, rebounds and steals per game.’

— Coach Rob Sanders

Watauga’s Bryant Greene was named the Best of Preps Comeback Player of the Year. Greene played basketball and baseball for the Pioneers this season. Last year, Greene suffered a hairline fracture in his leg and missed 10 games after scoring 38 points in a game with the fracture. Losing Greene had a major impact on the Pioneers, who lost their ﬁnal 13 games of the season. Greene was able to play baseball later that school year, and then returned to the Pioneers in the 2017-18 season, leading Watauga’s boys’ basketball team in scoring, assists, rebounds and steals. He also took on a major role with the baseball team by emerging as a top pitcher and utility player.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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Goodwill is proud to sponsor the Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year Award. And we heartily congratulate Bryant Greene, this year’s winner. At Goodwill, we love a great comeback. In fact, our mission is to help people right here in the community find their way back to a good job and a better life. So please remember: Every time you donate items to Goodwill or shop in one of our stores, you’re helping us fund the programs that make these wonderful comebacks happen. Thank you, from all of us at Goodwill.

Boone retail store locations (2) 128 Crossing Way 237 Boone Heights Drive Hours of operation (both locations): Mon.-Sat. 9am – 8pm, Sun. 1 – 6pm

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BLAKE WILLIAMS Boone Drug Inc. Community Excellence Student-Athlete of the Year Award

‘Blake is, for lack of a better term, a true All-American student-athlete. His involvement in the community, his church and Avery Schools is second to none.’

— Coach Derrick Calloway

The winner of the Community Excellence Student-Athlete of the Year Award goes to Blake Williams of Avery. Williams, who, played football, wrestled and threw the shot put and discus for the Vikings, has an impressive record of serving the community. Athletically, Williams was the state 1-A wrestler runner-up at 182 points in 2017, and also won the 2017-18 Wendy’s Heisman Scholarship. In the community, he was an Eagle Scout by the time he was 15 and has helped with eight other Eagle projects. Williams, who carries a grade point average of 5.03, took a mission trip to Nicaragua in June of 2017 and built Permaculture Gardens at Christmount Retreat and Camp in Black Mountain in July. He also assisted with the YMCA Camp and Ridge Crest in 2016 in Black Mountain, and has served as a mentor and advisor for the Riverside elementary School Science Fair. Williams was also the Blood Drive Coordinator for Avery High in 2017-18.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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Boone Drug was established in 1919 and has proudly been serving the High Country ever since with quality service and reliable prescriptions. Established in 1919, Boone Drug is committed to serving our customers with the highest quality and care with our 17 different stores to choose from ranging from Mountain City, TN, to Boone, to Sparta, to Warrensville and beyond we pride ourselves on serving you. Boone Drug is quickly approaching 100 years of service. Although the times are changing, rest assured Boone Drug will continue to be the hometown pharmacy we have always been. Joe Miller puts it best, “We’re not trying to change the history — just make it better.”

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RANDY MCDONOUGH Jim Armstrong Subaru Extra Mile Coach of the Year Award

‘McDonough, Watauga’s longtime coach, led Watauga to Northwestern Conference Track and Field championships in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, placed 24 student-athletes into the Western 3-A Track and Field Championships and 8 to the NCHSAA State 3-A Track & Field Championships.’

— Steve Behr

Watauga track and field and cross-country coach Randy McDonough is the Best of Preps Coach of the Year. McDonough, Watauga’ longtime coach, led Watauga to Northwestern Conference track and field championships in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions. Watauga placed 24 student-athletes into the Western 3-A Track and Field Championships, held at Watauga’s Jack Groce Stadium, and sent eight student-athletes to the NCHSAA State 3-A Track and Field Championships in Greensboro. McDonough also led both the girls’ and boys’ teams to Northwestern Conference championships. Both teams finished second in the Western 3-A Regionals in Charlotte. Both teams finished eighth in the state championships held in Kernersville.

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JOSH MCCLELLAN Jonathon Jordan Men’s Baseball Student-Athlete of the Year Award Josh McClellan Avery High School Coach: T.C. Greer GPA: 4.75 Achievements and awards: Starter and team captain on the baseball team. Plays catcher, pitcher, third base, shortstop and second base.

‘He is a well-respected member of his school and community. He is a stellar athlete and student, is well-mannered and a great example for younger student-athletes.’

— Coach T.C. Greer

Challenges to overcome: McClellan is a diabetic who has had to overcome the disease despite playing football and baseball.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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Wishing you continued success in your future endeavors! Congratulations to all of our many fine athletes of the High Country.

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MADISON OSBORNE New River Building Supply Women’s Softball Student-Athlete of the Year Award Madison Osborne Ashe County High School Coach: Bill Key GPA 4.67 Achievements and awards: Four-year member of Ashe County’s softball, basketball, and golf teams. All-Mountain Valley Conference and regional qualiﬁer as a junior. State golf qualiﬁer and co-MVP award as a senior. Varsity honorable mention all-conference and winner of Coaches Award as a senior.

‘Madison is a true leader on and off the ﬁeld for our softball team. She is a vocal leader, but also leads by example by always giving 100 percent effort in everything she does.’

— Coach Bill Key

Challenges to overcome: Osborne struggled with her conﬁdence during her sophomore season while making the move to the varsity basketball team, but managed to preserver and worked through it.

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PRICE ST. CLAIR The High Country Dealerships Men’s CrossCountry Student-Athlete of the Year Award Price St. Clair Watauga High School Coach: Randy McDonough GPA 5.00 Achievements and awards: Northwestern Conference Runner of the Year for 2016 and 2017 seasons. Conference champion for 2016 and 2017. Most Valuable Runner for Watauga Cross-Country. Member of National Honor Society. AP Scholar With Distinction Award.

‘Price has been a part of Watauga Cross-Country for four years. He is a very driven runner who works very hard to make himself and his team successful.’

— Coach Randy McDonough

Challenges to overcome: Price carries a full load of AP classes and ﬁnds a way to balance his priorities with his studies. He is able to focus on his sport even when his class load become challenging.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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SOPHIA RITTER AEV Women’s Cross-Country Student-Athlete of the Year Award Sophia Ritter Watauga High School Coach: Randy McDonough GPA 4.33 Achievements and awards: Ritter ﬁnished third in the NCHSAA state 3-A track and ﬁeld championships. She was the cross-country runner of the year and the Northwestern Conference champion in 2017. She was seventh in the Footlocker South Regional Championships.

‘Sophia is a talented runner who has achieved success through hard work. She has bought into the coaching on the Watauga cross-country team. She does the extra things it takes to be successful and leads team by example.’

— Coach Randy McDonough

Challenges to overcome: Ritter came into cross-country as a novice. Since her freshman year, Ritter has improved her times by four minutes.

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PHILLIP SHUKIS Elephant Structures Football Student-Athlete of the Year Award Phillip Shukis Watauga High School Coach: Ryan Habich GPA 3.25 Achievements and awards: All-Northwestern Conference 2016 and 2017. Won Watauga Coaches Award 2017. 2017 Football team leader. Also a three-year lacrosse player, played one year of junior varsity basketball and four years in the football program, three on the varsity.

‘Phillip was a very strong leader for our 2017 football team. He was a member of our team’s leadership council and always willing to serve the youth.’

— Coach Ryan Habich

Challenges to overcome: Shukis suffered a severe concussion late in his junior lacrosse season that affected the ventricle part of his brain, causing shortterm memory loss. It also left him unable to walk or stand easily and left him out of school for 18 days. It kept him from participate in Blue Dawn and summer workouts for the upcoming football season. After months of occupational and physical therapy, he recovered to play football.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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MILLIE BUMGARNER Vannoy Construction Women’s Golf Student-Athlete of the Year Award Millie Bumgarner Avery High School Coach: Jay Smith GPA: 3.95 Achievements and awards: All-Western Highlands Conference, regional and state qualiﬁer. Also played on girls’ soccer team and on school’s swim team. Member of the National Technical Honor Society, made A Honor Roll 2014 and 201627 and on the A-B Honor Roll in 2015-16. Earned Honors in World Literature Award.

‘Millie is a hard working student-athlete. She is very involved in our school and community. She has been a four-year member of our golf team and will play golf at Sandhills Community College next year’

— Coach Jay Smith

Community service: Member of the Key Club, Beta Club, Mount Cavalry Youth Group and a volunteer coach with middle school golf. Bumgarner is also a lifeguard at the Williams YMCA, was a counselor at the Teen Valley Ranch Christian Camp and an instructor at the Sugar Mountain Ski School.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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Congratulations to all of the Best of Prep Nominees

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THOMAS LOFLIN The Avery Journal-Times Men’s Golf Student-Athlete of the Year Award Thomas Loﬂin Watauga High School Coach: Brett Green GPA: 4.79 Achievements and awards: North Carolina Academic Scholar four years. Junior Marshall, Optimist International Youth Appreciation Award, WHS most improved golf player.

‘Thomas is the epitome of a student-athlete. He has always put his academics ﬁrst and works incredibility hard to maintain his grades, while also playing a varsity sport and being involved in other school activities.’

— Coach Brett Green

Challenges to overcome: Loﬂin suffered a severe concussion in middle school. He missed ﬁve months of school and had to go through months of vestibular physical therapy to retain his brain in order to reestablish his balance to walk again. He was told he could not play sports that he loved growing up (football, basketball, soccer) and decided to play golf his sophomore season in high school.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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DEACON HEATH Watauga Democrat Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year Award Deacon Heath Avery High School Coach: Scott Grubb GPA: 4.3795

‘It is not uncommon to see Deacon in the gym at 6:30 a.m. He is the most dedicated and committed player I have ever coached. He’s the hardest worker and he sets an example for his teammates.’

— Coach Scott Grubb

Achievements and awards: Heath was the Western Highlands Conference Player of the year in the 2017 season. Scored his 1,000 career point in Dec. 2017 Committed to play collegiately at UNC Asheville. Was second-highest prep scorer in Western North Carolina. All-Conference for two seasons including all-Western Highlands Conference player ﬁrst team, N.C. Scholar Athlete four years. Also member of Beta Club, National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. Challenges to overcome: Heath suffered a bone bruise in his right elbow, but still played with the injury the entire season and averaged 27.8 points per game.

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SAMANTHA WOODS Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat, Inc. Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year Award Samantha Woods Ashe County High School Coach: Bobby Hudler GPA: 4.357

Achievements and awards: All-Mountain Valley Conference Co-MVP and conference All-Tournament player. Added to her own team record of most career 3-point shots. Fifth leading scorer in Ashe County program history. Woods is also is an All-Conference soccer player.

‘She’s a great shooter and has been since day one. We actually had to move her to point guard because of necessity, but she took it like a champ. She’s a great teammate and still had a pretty good year scoring.’

— Coach Bobby Hudler

Community service: Also a three-year member of the student council and member of the Beta Club. Was also a member of the Homecoming Court, helped with decorating and organization and cleaned up for school dances and functions Woods organized basketball tournament for Pennies for Patients to raise money for cancer research and participated at state Beta Club Conventions.

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MARY LOVINS Ross Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Dance Student-Athlete of the Year Award Mary Lovins Watauga High School Coach: Laura Carson GPA: 4.635 Achievements and awards: Earned academic letter for four years. Member of the National Honors Society, WHS DECA overall ﬁnalists and top role play. Was a part of the Pioneer Athletic Leadership Academy and was the WHS student body president.

‘Mary is one of the most considerate students I have known. She is a beautiful dancer and an outstanding leader. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow the last four years to become such a conﬁdent young woman.’

— Watauga Pacers coach Laura Carson

Community service: WHS Pacer captain, member of Watauga High DECA, WHS student council, Booth Youth Worship and leadership teams. Challenges to overcome: Lovins was diagnosed with Lupus her freshman, but does not let the disease deﬁne her or prevent her from doing what she wants to do.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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SATCHEL MOBERG Dougnet Men’s Lacrosse Student-Athlete of the Year Award Satchel Moberg Watauga High School Coach Todd Allan GPA 3.75 Achievements and awards: Member A-B Honor Roll, member WHS, earned scholarship offer to Hampton-Sydney, captain of WHS lacrosse team. Community service: Volunteer for Special Olympics in skiing and snowboarding, volunteer at Hospitality House, participated in King of the Court fundraiser.

‘Satchel is a team player and a great role model on and off the ﬁeld to the younger student-athletes.’

— Coach Todd Allen

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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COURTNEY GRAGG Dan’l Boone Inn Women’s Lacrosse Student-Athlete of the Year Award Courtney Gragg Watauga High School Coach: Rachel Meadows GPA: 3.9 Achievements and awards: A 2018 HOSA district and state qualiﬁer, and will be attending the International Leadership Conference is Dallas this summer. Received meritorious transition to the rank of Cadet Sargent in MCJROTC. Fire team leader in MCJROTC. Awarded highest female physical training score in MCJROTC in 2017.

‘Courtney embodies what a hardworking eager, coachable player looks like. She admirably balances her academics and extracurricular activities well with her determination to excel in lacrosse.’

— Coach Rachel Meadows

Community service: Serves as Pioneer Ambassador for Watauga High. Blood drive coordinator and certiﬁed eye screener through Prevent Blindness. Worked the annual Career Exploration Day representing Watauga. Member of Internet Club 2016-17 and is involved in Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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Congratulations to all 2018 Best of Preps Nominees & Winners! The best in Homestyle Southern Comfort food. Honored by both Southern Living Magazine & Our State Magazine for our country cuisine.

For over 50 years, Dan'l Boone Inn has been serving Boone and the high country delicious homecooked meals, just like you remember at grandma's house. Our family style meals begin with a salad in the summer and soup in the winter. Three meats and five vegetables are served along with biscuits, preserves, dessert and beverage. A full family stylebreakfast is served on Saturdays and Sundays.

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ALEC ROLAND Jeff’s Plumbing & Repair Men’s Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year Award Alec Roland Ashe County High School Coach: Wes Rousseau GPA: 4.65 Achievements and awards: Two-time Offensive Most Valuable Player, single season scoring record holder this season, two-time All-Mountain Valley Conference player, two-time all-region and will graduate as Huskies’ all-time leading scorer. Team captain as a junior.

‘Alec is, simply stated, the best overall student-athlete I have ever coached. He exempliﬁes dedication and excellence on the ﬁeld and in the classroom. He is the best team leader I’ve ever had and will go down as the most decorated soccer player in ACHS history.’

— Coach Wes Rousseau

Community service: Member Beta Club, volunteered for Relay for Life, member of Phoenix Baptist youth group and participated in Coaches vs. Cancer. Was a Junior Marshall, was in the top three in graduating class and is part of a volunteer group that reads to elementary schools. Challenges to overcome: Alec lost his mother as a sixth grader and dedicates his success to the appreciation of life he has gained from this experience.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

LESLIE MENDEZ-SOLIS The Pedalin’ Pig BBQ Women’s Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year Award Leslie Mendez-Solis Avery High School Coach Missy Lyons GPA 4.15 Achievements and awards: Founded the Cultural Allegiance Club during her senior year. She has also received several classroom achievement awards from various teachers.

‘I have known Leslie as an excellent student in my class and as a player on the soccer ﬁeld. She has worked tremendously hard to be a great student and a great player. Leslie has been an excellent leader for our numerous younger players this season.’

— Coach Missy Lyons

Community service: Mendez-Solis is a member of Upward Bound — ASU where she participated in many service projects. Volunteers at Avery County Humane Society, Brian Estates and is a member of HOSA, Beta, Interact and Spanish Clubs.

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AJ AYERS HighCountryNC.com Men’s Swimming Student-Athlete of the Year Award AJ Ayers Avery High School Coach: Matt Hitechew GPA: 4.62 Achievements and awards: Western Highlands Conference in swimming. N.C. science fair winner. Is a Life Scout and is currently working on being an Eagle Scout. NCHSAA scholar athlete. Also a member of the Avery soccer team. Community service: Member of TSA-Rubric team.

‘A.J. is one of our best science and math students. He is very involved with mission as well as other school clubs and athletic teams.’

— Coach Matt Hitechew

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ELLA CAMPBELL Summer Times Women’s Swimming Student-Athlete of the Year Award Ella Campbell Watauga High School Coach: David Gragg GPA: 4.0526 Achievements and awards: Member of the National Honor Society. Community service: Worked on Watauga High Empty Bowls Service Project. Served as a youth swim instructor and mentor. Volunteered with hurricane disaster relief in Florida. She is a member of the Mountain Alliance and participated in Youth Service Day. She is also a member of the PAWS Club.

‘Ella is a student-athlete that understands how to effectively juggle a loaded schedule. She always puts others ahead of herself.’

— Coach David Gragg

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SHANTELL MURRAY All About Women Cheerleading Student-Athlete of the Year Award Shantell Murray Ashe County High School Coach: Stephanie Nichols GPA 3:68 Achievements and awards: Murray was named best allaround her senior, junior and freshman seasons. She also earned the Coaches Award her senior and sophomore seasons, and earned the Most Spirited Award in her sophomore season. Murray also earned the Team Before Self award in the winter in her freshman year, in the fall season in her sophomore season and in her junior season.

‘This young lady lives her sport. While not in season, she is a volunteer with the youth league or middle school. She never stops learning. She pours her whole heart and body into the sport.’

— Coach Stephanie Nichols

Challenges to overcome: Shantell has a blood disorder that she has to overcome. She is literally covered in bruises, but never missed a practice, according to Nichols. She also dislocated her knee two days before a competition but was still on the ﬂoor that day because she did not want to let her team down.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

JOSHUA LAMONT Autumn Times Men’s Track & Field Student-Athlete of the Year Award Joshua Lamont Ashe County High School Coach: Larry Dix GPA: 5.01 Achievements and awards: Regional qualiﬁer in tennis. Also ranked at the top of his class of 207 students at Ashe High. Has been accepted into the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Member of the A Honor Roll, state winner of Verizon App Challenge, member of Math, BETA and Social Studies Honor Societies, member of student council, and was a semiﬁnalist in National Engineering Competition.

‘Josh is a great leader for both cross-country and track. The rest of the team loves to be around him. His work ethic, outgoing personality and sense of humor at infectious.’

— Coach Randy McDonough

Community service: Frequent volunteer with church youth group. Earned Gold Presidential Award for community service. Also member of HOSA, Beta Club, Dick Miller Youth Leadership and the Robotics Club.

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SOPHIA RITTER Piedmont Federal Women’s Track & Field Student-Athlete of the Year Award Sophia Ritter Watauga High School Coach: Randy McDonough GPA: 4.33

‘Sophia has blossomed this year after qualifying surprisingly for the state championships (in 2017). She has worked very hard to get where she is and it rubs off on the rest of the team.’

— Coach Randy McDonough

Achievements and awards: Ritter, a sophomore, finished third in the 3,200-meter run at the NCHSAA State 3-A Championships in Greensboro this year. She finished third at the Western 3-A Regional championships hosted by Watauga. Ritter also qualified for the state 4-A meet in the 3,200-meter run in 2017 by finishing fourth in the regional after being seeded 14th in the event. Also finished third in the Bear Assault on Grandfather Mountain in 2017. Community service: Volunteers at Hospitality House with the cross-country team. Packs shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Helps run middle school track meets and cleans Watauga’s stadium through the team and clubs.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

BEST OF PREPS

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Wednesday, June 13, 2018

JACOB KEY Deer Valley Men’s Tennis Student-Athlete of the Year Award Jacob Key Ashe County High School Coach: Larry Dix GPA: 5.01 Achievements and awards: Regional qualiﬁer in tennis. Also ranked at the top of his class of 207 students at Ashe High. Has been accepted into the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Member of the A Honor Roll, state winner of Verizon App Challenge, member of Math, BETA and Social Studies Honor Societies, member of student council, and was a semiﬁnalist in National Engineering Competition.

‘Jacob plays No. 2 seed and is co-captain. He is a good role model for the team, particularly with the younger players. He takes time for others and he has great sportsmanship.’

— Coach Larry Dix

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BEST OF PREPS

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BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

BRIANA DAVIDSON Deer Valley Women’s Tennis Student-Athlete of the Year Award Briana Davidson Watauga High School Coach: Carol Almond GPA: 4.24 Achievement and awards: Was awarded the Hall of Fame Award, which is given to the top female athlete at Watauga High School. Was named ﬁrst team All-Northwestern Conference for three years. Was a co-captain her junior and senior seasons. Earned the Coaches Award her junior year and was undefeated in NWC singles matches for three seasons. Also a member of Watauga’s girls’ soccer team.

‘Briana stands above the rest not only as an excellent athlete, but because of her outstanding leadership abilities. She is not only a leader of her teams, but also at home with her family.’

— Coach Carol Almond

Community service: Volunteered to teach tennis to youth for three years. Member of Athletes for Good, Junior Advocates for Services, co-President of Life Club and is a Hospitality House volunteer. She is a Boone Library Volunteer, and a volunteer for the Boone United Methodist Church.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

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Wednesday, June 13, 2018

JAELYN JOHNSON Winter Times Women’s Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Year Award Jaelyn Johnson Avery High School Coach: Kim Hayes GPA: 4.32 Achievements and awards: Two-year varsity letter winner at Avery. Was in the top 10 percent at the Genius Olympiad Science Fair national camp. Is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor and is an NC Scholar Athlete. Johnson is also a Wendy’s High School Heisman School Winner.

‘Jaelyn is a natural leader. She accepts any position or challenge I’ve handed her. Her teammates respect her and look up to her.’

— Coach Kim Hayes

Community service: Was president of the FBLA this school year, was the vice president in her junior year and the secretary in 2015-16. She is a Link Crew Leader, mentors up coming freshmen, a member of HOSA and is a teen court representative. Traveled by bus to New York City to help provide relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy. Organized Teddy Bear toss and donated the funds raised to elementary schools. Also has spent many hours in nursing homes where she completed her certiﬁed nursing assistant training class.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

BLAKE WILLIAMS Watauga Democrat Wrestling Student-Athlete of the Year Award Blake Williams Avery High School Coach: Derrick Calloway GPA: 5.03 Achievements and awards: Williams was an NCHSAA State 1-A Wrestling runner-up at 182 pounds in 2017. He also won the 2017-18 Wendy’s Heisman Scholarship. He also finished third in he Western 1-A Regional at 182 points and was a regional qualifier and state qualifier at 170 pounds in 2016. Also was a member of the Avery track team, where he threw the shot put and discus. Also played football for the Vikings. Williams has also won numerous academic awards including being a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and a four-year member of the BETA Club. He’s also a member of the Link Club and the SASI (Student Athletes for Sports Integrity. He is also an Eagle Scout and has helped with eight other Eagle projects.

‘Blake is, for lack of a better term, a true All-American student-athlete. His involvement in the community, his church and Avery schools is second to none.’

— Coach Derrick Calloway

Community service: Served as a mentor and advisor for the Riverside Elementary School Science fair, was the Blood Drive Coordinator for Avery High in 2017-18, took a mission trip to Nicaragua in June of 2017 and built Permaculture Gardens at Christmount Retreat and Camp in Black Mountain in July. He also assisted with the YMCA Camp and Ridge Crest in 2016 in Black Mountain. Has also coached youth soccer teams and worked with middle school students with throwing the shot put and discus. He is also an Eagle Scout and has helped with eight other Eagle projects.

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Avery’s A.J. Ayers earned a Best of Preps award for men’s swimming June 3.

Leslie Mendez-Solis of Avery was awarded the Best of Preps for women’s soccer. Ashe men’s soccer standout Alec Roland was awarded a Best of Preps award for his effort on the soccer ﬁeld and in the classroom.

Avery wrestler Blake Williams was named Best of Preps for wrestling and was also given the Community Excellence Student-Athlete Award.

Ashe men’s tennis player Jacob Key earned the Best of Preps Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year Award, given on June 3.

Avery’s Jaelyn Johnson was given the Best of Preps award for volleyball.

Watauga’s Bryant Greene was given the Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year Award at the Best of Preps.

Watauga’s Ella Campbell was given the Best of Preps award for women’s swimming.

Watauga’s Courtney Gragg was given the Best of Preps award for women’s lacrosse.

Watauga’s Briana Davidson was named Best of Preps for women’s tennis and was also given the Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year Award. Davidson also played women’s soccer in 2018.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

Josh Lamont, right, was given the Best of Preps award for men’s track and ﬁeld.

Avery’s Deacon Heath was given the Best of Preps award for men’s basketball. Watauga track and ﬁeld and cross-country coach for both the men’s and women’s teams Randy McDonough earned the Extra Mile Coach of the Year Award at the Best of Preps.

Leslie Mendez-Solis of Avery was awarded the Best of Preps for women’s soccer.

P.O. Box 335 | Elk Park, NC 28622 Ofﬁce: 828.773.1237 Fax: 828.733.1220 Home: 828.733.5509 Avery’s Josh McClellan was given the Best of Preps award for baseball.

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Ashe cheerleader Shantell Murray, left, stands next to Jaci McCoy from Avery before Murray was given the Best of Preps award for cheerleading on June 3.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Mary Lovins, the captain of the Pacers Dance Team at Watauga, earned a Best of Preps award for dance.

Ashe softball player Madison Osborne earned the Best of Preps award for her sport.

Phillip Shukis of Watauga was given the Best of Preps award for football.

Watauga’s Satchel Moberg earned a Best of Preps award for men’s lacrosse on June 3.

Millie Bumgarner of Avery was awarded the Best of Preps award for women’s golf.

Ashe’s Sam Woods (20) earned the Best of Preps award for women’s basketball.

Watauga’s Price St. Clair won a Best of Preps award for men’s cross-country.

Watauga men’s golfer Thomas Loﬂin reacts after winning the Best of Preps award for the sport on June 3.

Sophia Ritter won Best of Preps awards for women’s track and ﬁeld and for women’s cross-country.