HHS Basketball Teams Feted at Banquet

HUNTINGDON (April 12) — The Huntingdon High School basketball teams celebrated their successful seasons with a banquet Saturday afternoon.

Mallard’s Restaurant catered the event, held in the school’s cafeteria.

Cheer sponsor Ashten Pierce spoke for herself and fellow sponsor Amber Douglas, thanking many people for their support. She recognized each cheerleader and presented them with certificates.

Girls basketball Head Coach David Wilkins followed, also thanking many. He presented certificates and spoke about the team. He noted how unique it was to only have seniors and freshmen and commended the players for their performance and teamwork on and off the court.

Awards were presented. Delaney Byars earned the award for highest free throw percentage (84.3 percent). Quinn Kelley earned Most Steals with 101, a Fillies single-season record. Kelley also earned Most Made Three-Pointers with 92. The Rookie of the Year was Knox Bennett. Most Assists went to Josey Stokes with 153. Stokes also set the Fillies career record with 415 assists. Best Teammate was Claire Cary. The Most Outstanding Player was Sara Beth Smith, who scored a team-best 14.3 points per game with the highest field goal percentage at 57. The Hustle and Heart Award went to Byars, who finished her career fifth among Fillies scorers all-time with 1,196 points.

Wilkins spoke about seniors Byars, Stokes, Kelley, Smith and Cary, commending their character and dedication. “These are some of the most phenomenal girls in our community. They’re winners, through and through. I could not be more proud. You are going to do wonderful things in this life, and I’m so excited to see that. You are truly a Filly for life.”

Coach Porsche McClerking spoke next about the Mustangs. He thanked supporters and recognized players with certificates.

McClerking commended his team for numerous accomplishments, including the first district championship in 23 years, tying the team record for winning percentage (.704), most points in a Mustang season (2,097), second-most wins by a Mustang team (19) and most points per game by a Mustang team (67.6).

Individual awards were presented. The Rookie of the Year was Hayes Eubanks. Co-Defensive Players of the Year were Bryson Whiteside and Braylin Dearmon. Co-Offensive Players of the Year were Clint Ezell and Kenton Smith. The Mustang Award and Senior Award went to EJ Lewis.

McClerking called Lewis, the lone senior, “a true servant leader.” The coach said, “He’s always doing the right thing all the time because it’s the right thing to do, not because somebody’s watching.”

The banquet concluded, but guests lingered for photos and fellowship.