By Steve Williams
Girls basketball players from 22 local high schools are being recognized as Careacter Star Athletes in this week’s issue of The Knoxville Focus.
They were selected by their head coaches and each will receive a Careacter Star Athlete T-shirt and certificate of recognition, according to Dave Moore, who started the Careacter Star program 22 years ago.
Coaches at two schools recalled “special acts of good character” by their honorees and sent in additional recognition.
Coach Ginger Harness at Concord Christian School commented on each of her five award winners.
“Being a new coach to Concord, Brianna Hughes was the first to introduce herself to me and offer to help me in any way I needed. Servant’s Heart,” stated Coach Harness.
“This is Alexis Haynes’ first year also to Concord and her character really stood out immediately to me,” said Harness. “From volunteering to pray to getting the team pumped up, she is a true leader.”
“Natali Fender (showed) perseverance through sickness and knee injuries,” added Coach Harness. “First class player.”
“Sheridan Patterson is a pure young shooter who came in at any time to give our team a lift.
“Annie Von Hagen is potentially an amazing player with an excellent attitude and speed. A true blessing.”
At Seymour High, Coach Greg Hernandez said: “Our special act of good character by our team this season is when the girls volunteered at Johnson University to help pack meals for the International Disaster Emergency Service on February 23.
“It was a great opportunity to help serve those in their community. The girls did it on the eve of the region quarterfinals. It was a last minute event that was added to our busy schedules, but the girls responded to help with no hesitation and exceeded all expectations in the way they helped those in need that day. It showed me that these girls have huge hearts and an amazing character to find time to serve during a busy time in their basketball schedule.”
The Lady Eagles being recognized as Careacter Star Athletes by Coach Hernandez are Bailey McCoy, Brielle Turner, Kaylen Schultz, Jaden Cummings and Caiden Russell.
The Focus congratulates all of the CSA winners!
2022-23 GIRLS BASKETBALL CAREACTER STAR ATHLETES
AUSTIN-EAST
Ranasia Bost
Ramaiah Whittington
Keiara Johnson
Chenai Jones
Rickia Watkins
BEARDEN
Caitlin McVeigh
Aisha Patel
Emma Rainey
Lainey Cox
Theola Mills
Berean Christian
Briley Paul
Deanna Aian
Hailey Fitzsimmons
Sarah Rimmer
Liza Laney
CARTER
Olivia Wolford
Ava McSwain
Lily Lampkin
Aleeya Blair
Olivia Craig
CATHOLIC
Jaz Williams
Kate Pettinger
Maggie Frana
Camara Minefield
Caroline Krueger
CENTRAL
Cadence Horner
Addison Brewer
Takyah Barnes
Quiara Houston
Avery Brewer
CAK
Chatham Ibach
Keira Leffew
Izzy Proffitt
Karlie Whited
Zoie Bourgoyne
CCS
Alexis Haynes
Natali Fender
Brianna Hughes
Annie Von Hagen
Sheridan Patterson
FARRAGUT
Annalise Bishop
Maelyn McNealy
Anna Margaret Pitts
Annie Priest
KJ McNealy
FULTON
Kaniyah Harshaw
Leliana Thompson
Dee Williams
Jaciah Stewart
Asia Hill
GIBBS
Brianna Bates
Raley Qualls
Maddi Whaley
Jaden Parker
Raley Graves
GCA
Anna Ballard
Grace Lay
Abby Silver
Sabrina Duggins
Izzie Tapp-Milligan
HALLS
Megan Biliter
Blayke Holbert
Keira Everett
Bailey Roberts
Kadence Fisher
HVA
Madison Smith
Kyndra West
AC Wrather
Bella Buccola
Kamiyah Love
KARNS
Madison Perrin
Abby Harris
Yuleesa Kennedy
Avery Davis
Lauren Martin
POWELL
Alaina Schroeder
Reese Rolen
Adisyn Smith
Kyndal Phillips
Elizabeth Nagy
SEYMOUR
Bailey McCoy
Brielle Turner
Kaylen Schultz
Jaden Cummings
Caiden Russell
SOUTH-DOYLE
Zoey Jacobs
Bailey Conkin
Reese Goddard
Rachel Jackson
Carly Hager
TSD
Addison Simpson
Teya Stafford
Shequita Morris
Janaya Wright
Makayla Schools
TKA
Juliegh Anne Tucker
Brady Branam
Leah Thornton
Skylar Walden
Bailey Tidwell
WEBB
Madelyn Ladd
Katelyn Overton
Meeyah Green
Sydney Stinson
Caitlyn Jenkins
WEST
Obehi Irivbogbe
Riley Phillips
Caroline Smith
Maya Beeler
Shelby Weeden
