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