February 6, 2023
By: Bill Conger
The hard-driving teams of basketball players at DeKalb West School were recently honored at a banquet on January 26.
Bulldogs Head Coach Kelly Pyburn presented Chase Young with the Best All Around Player award. Ben Barton was honored for the Biggest Gains while Ethan Brown was chosen for Best Defense, and Ben Driver was named the Scrappiest Player. Porter Hancock took home Best Offensive Player while Drew Cook received the plaque for the 6th Man Award. Izzy Prichard was named Best Manager.
“I am really proud of how much the boys improved over the season,” Coach Pyburn said. “They had some really good games and it was fun to coach them.
I will really miss the four 8th graders that are leaving the team to go to high school. I look forward to next year’s team and the continued improvement we can make as a team!”
Lady Bulldogs Head Coach Mary Ann Puckett handed out varsity awards to the following players: Kenadee Prichard–Best Teammate and Best Attitude;
Sophie Desimone–Best All Around / MVP, Best 3-Point Shooter, Best Ball Handler, Autumn Crook—Best 2-Point Shooter, Best Rebounder, Heart & Hustle Award;
Camille Barton–Most Points Scored, Best Rebounder, Best Defense; Hannah Brown–Best Free Throw Shooter, Most Steals and Assists, Heart & Hustle Award, Best Passer;
Emily Fry–Most Improved, Best 6th Man, Best Face Guard. JV Awards went to Kaylee Womack (JV)–Best All Around / MVP, Best Offense, Best Ball Handler; Katelyn Fry (JV)
Best 6th Man and Quietest Player; Bella Franz (JV)–Most Points Scored, Best Defense, Best Rebounder; Zoey Skeen (JV)—Best Rebounder, Heart & Hustle Award, Most Aggressive; Caroline Neal (JV)–Best Teammate, Best Attitude, Best Passer; Kylie Pierce (JV)–Most Improved.
“We went 11-8 for the season and faced several tough opponents,” Coach Puckett said. “Even though we would’ve liked to have had more wins, our improvement from the beginning of the season to the end was tremendous. Each player grew in their basketball skillset as well as their awareness of being good teammates and showing leadership on and off the court. The challenges we faced from game to game gave us all great chances to grow and learn. Each girl welcomed those opportunities and got better, and that made for a meaningful and memorable season.”
“We will really miss our three 8th graders. Hannah’s scrappiness and determination, Kenadee’s rebounding and positive energy, and Emily’s tenacious defense all helped us out so much this year. We wish them the best as they move up to DCHS and hope to see them playing Lady Tiger basketball next year.”
Cheer Coach Tammy Payne announced the 2022-23 Cheer awards. The Best All Round Cheerleader Motions/jumps/dance/pom/leadership/spirit), as voted by her peers, went to Miah Hall. Charli Cripps received the Coaches’ DEAR (Dedication, Enthusiasm, Attitude, and Responsibility) Award. The “Ruff” Award went to Timothy Goss (Mascot); Most Improved: Miley Tays and Most Spirited: Mia Hall.
“The 2022- 23 DWS were an amazing group of girls,” Coach Payne said. “Each cheerleader (all 8) brought their own strengths to the squad; they put the “T” in teamwork, working together to get better and better as each practice and game progressed. I will miss them; they are family.”