athlete of the yeaR nominations 2023

Telander had a tremendous senior season for the Red Elephants with 112 tackles, 25 for a loss in 2022.

Telander’s final game was a 13-tackle effort (four for a loss) with two sacks in the state championship contest against Hughes.

Telander has already enrolled to begin his college football career at the University of Tennessee.

In the Tennessee spring football game, he recorded three solo tackles for the Volunteers.

In 50 games this season, the Region 8-4A Player of the Year had 438 assists and 243 digs, while posting 119 sets and 62 aces.

Cornett led the program to a Hall County championship and Class 4A state quarterfinals in 2022.

• What is your essential before playing?

To make sure I’m mentally prepared.

• What’s your favorite piece of advice from a coach?

“Pressure either makes diamonds or it bursts pipes.”

• What’s your favorite sports memory from high school?

Winning the Elite 8 game against Morgan County (in 2021) to go to the Final 4 last season.

• Do you have any sports superstitions?

I’m not a very superstitious person. I think that if I’ve worked hard enough and practiced, then my work will show on the court.

• Plans after high school?

I’m going to the University of Alabama-Huntsville to continue my volleyball career and receive a business degree.