2023 Dawson County News Athlete of the Year

2023

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Welcome to Dawson County News Athlete of the Year 2023

Over the past school year, many student-athletes made an impact within Dawson County athletics.

Such contributions could be felt by the many accomplishments made by several Tigers teams.

From the football team securing a region championship on a crisp fall night on the road, to the Lady Tigers basketball team winning a state playoff game in front of the home crowd, to several other notable events, Tiger Nation had plenty of memorable moments in the 2022-23 season.

But regardless of each team’s final record, all who were nominated for this year’s edition of Athlete of the Year displayed both their own unique talents and made indelible impressions on their

respective teams both on and off the field.

In some cases, these nominees include seniors who led by example and set high standards for their teammates to follow.

In other cases, there are juniors nominated for their breakout seasons and undeniable influence.

And lying beneath the accolades and statistics is something every one of these athletes showed throughout the past season — character.

With that in mind, let us celebrate these individuals and all they have given to the Dawson County.

Rio White Sports Reporter Dawson County News

Inaugural Freshman of the Year award

2023 NOMINEES

Abby Samples-Slaton Basketball,

Junior

10.7 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, Third Team All-Region, helped secure team’s state playoff spot in win against Pickens.

Morgan Chester Basketball,

Junior

8.5 points per game, 8.6 rebounds per game, Second Team All-Region, reached 500 career rebounds this season.

Introducing the 2023 DCN Freshman of the Year

By Rio White rwhite@dawsonnews.com

In this third edition of the Dawson County News Athlete of the Year event, we’ve decided to recognize one freshman at Dawson County High School whose efforts were particularly remarkable.

Our inaugural Freshman of the Year award goes to Harper Dussouy, a member of the cross country and girls soccer teams.

Dussouy was a creative force on the soccer team, racking up 18 goals and 12 assists from a winger position.

Her speed, passing accuracy and deft finishing helped fuel a resurgent season for the Lady Tigers, who made their first state playoff appearance in four years.

Earlier in the school year, Dussouy was a part of an improved girls cross country team that finished as Region 7-3A runner-up and fifth at the state championship race.

She posted a 13th-place individual finish at the region championship race and 35th at the state race.

Her efforts throughout the year earned her First Team All-Region honors in soccer and Second Team All-Region honors in cross country.

Rio White Dawson County News Dawson County High School student Harper Dussouy received the inaugural Freshman of the Year award.

2023 NOMINEES

Kurtz Track & Field, Softball, Senior

TRACK AND FIELD: Part of Region Champion 4x400 relay team, also qualified for State in 4x200 relay. Regularly ran 100 and 200-meter individual events during the season, with top times of 13.74 in the 100 and 28.51 in the 200.

SOFTBALL: Had 11 hits and 9 runs while playing a leadership role on a young team.

BASKETBALL: 15 points per game, 8 rebounds per game, 22 blocks, First Team All-Region.

BASEBALL: Started 8 games as the team’s ace pitcher. 5-2 record with 1.98 ERA and 63 strikeouts, First Team All-Region.

Lauren

Trey Harvey Basketball and Baseball, Junior

Track and Field & Football, Senior

TRACK AND FIELD: Part of Region 7-3A runner-up 4x400 relay team, also qualified for State in 4x200 relay, 4x100 relay, and 200-meter race individually. Season-best time of 23.24 in 200-meter.

FOOTBALL: 40 tackles, 9.5 sacks as a linebacker, notable performances against Pickens and Lumpkin. Recognized as a top defensive varsity performer at team’s postseason awards.

2023 NOMINEES

Kirklyn Porter Basketball and Volleyball, Senior

BASKETBALL: 7.2 points per game and 3 rebounds per game in facilitator role, Third Team All-Region. Signed with Emmanuel College.

VOLLEYBALL: 384 assists and 60 aces as the team’s lead setter. First Team AllRegion.

Will Kurtz

2023 NOMINEES

Caden Reed Basketball, Junior

17 points per game, team-leading 170 made shots and 76% on free throws, Second Team AllRegion.

Layne Bailey Softball, Junior

Started 17 games as the team’s ace pitcher, posting a 3.18 ERA with 87 strikeouts. At the plate, she had 23 hits and 13 RBI with a .299 batting average.

Abby

Grant Ledbetter Tennis, Junior

12-6 overall record at No. 1 singles, notable wins included North Forsyth, Chestatee and Region Tournament wins against Gilmer and Lumpkin.

Kayleigh Moon Tennis, Senior

12-4 overall record at No. 1 singles, notable wins included Forsyth Central, Senior Night win against Lumpkin, and state playoff win against Stephens County.

We would like to start by expressing the great emotion and satisfaction we feel for receiving this award which has been achieved thanks to all of you.

I want to start by thanking God for health, strength and leading us on the right path. I also want to thank all our customers who have supported us for these 2 years of service, without your support or vote, we would not be who we are now, “ orite Mexican .”Restaurant

thank all our customers who have supported us for these 2 years of service, without your support or vote,

ould like to thank our coworkers, thanks to the great team we have achieved starting with kitchen staff, chefs, food runners, chip takers, busboys , hostesses, bartenders and managers. eryone for their hard work and dedication.

ONCE AGAIN THANKS FOR CHOOSING US.

2023 NOMINEES

Colton Rucker

Baseball, Senior

29 hits, 32 runs, 17 RBI and a .330 batting average, played important leadership role as only senior on the team, All-Region Honorable Mention.

Baseball, Junior

32 hits, 32 RBI, 8 home runs and a .380 batting average with 1.244 OPS, First Team All-Region

Julian Horner

NOMINEES

Cade Adams Football, Senior

14 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, Region 7-3A Lineman of the Year, First Team All-Region, Class 3A All-State. Signed with Georgia Tech.

Kade Moledor Football,

Senior

DEFENSE: 90 tackles, 5 sacks, Region 7-3A

Defensive POY, First Team All-Region

OFFENSE 101 carries for 532 yards, 5 TD Signed with North Carolina A&T.

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