Glyndell B. Presley
Contributor
The Madison County High School girls basketball team was recognized on Monday, April 26, for being the 2020-2021 District Five Champions at their end-of-the-year banquet. During the socially distanced ceremony, Coach Chris Neal presented plaques to all members of the team in commemoration of the feat. The event began at 6:30 p.m., with the welcome by Aeriel Akins and Wa’Laysha Gallon. Prayer was offered by Lee Baynard, followed by dinner, the Coach’s Voice, team introductions and the awards presentation.
Coach Neal, who received accolades earlier this year as Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Class 1A District Five Coach of the Year, expressed gratitude for a winning season and offered words of inspiration for the upcoming season. He told the team that with hard work and effort, next year was sure to be a success.
Individual awards were presented to the following athletes: Ah’zeria Francis (Scholastic), for attaining the highest-grade point average; Dakayla Hopkins (Most Valuable Player), for being named Second Team All-Big Bend and FACA Class 1A District Five Player of the Year and Ja’niyah McKnight, who received the (Rising Star) freshman award.
During the ceremony, Assistant Coach Clarence Graham was honored for his dedication and commitment to the team. For continuous and invaluable support of the team and its vision, Baynard received recognition, along with MCHS Resource Officer Greg Ray, Pete Jackson and Quinjay McKnight. Parents were also thanked for allowing their children to participate and for supporting the team.
The team finished the season with an overall 11-4 record and ranked 3-1 in league play. Team members included seniors Jamya Plummer, Wa’Laysa Gallon, Nigeria Wooten, Kamia Henderson, Ah’zeria Francis, Jmia McNeil, Alana Demps, Faizah Young, Aerial Akins, Dakayla Hopkins, Kha’Mya Johnson, Jakeria Jackson, Nia Long, Jemerial Weatherspoon, Olivia McIntyre and Janiya McKnight.