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McKenzie Lauds Outstanding Basketball Seasons

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McKENZIE (April 2) — McKenzie Lady Rebels celebrate the second-straight state Class 1A Championship and the Rebels celebrated their second straight quarter-final appearance in the Class 1A championship series during a banquet held in their honor on Sunday, April 2. The MHS cheerleaders were also honored for their unyielding support and spirit for a 15-week long football season followed by highly successful basketball seasons.

Following a meal catered by Hometown Hangout, Brittany Colotta, cheer coach, introduced her team of cheerleaders. The squad included: Taniyah Diggs, Alajah Gilbert, Kamryn Brewer, Kaida Walton, Abbie Young, Reese Carroll, Reese Gallimore, Emmy McMullin, Lydia Pate, Laila Scott, and Janai Tabada.

Cheerleader awards included: Most Improved and Awesome Attitude - Taniyah Diggs, Rebel Pride - Alajah Gilbert, Most Spirit - Kaida Walton, Best Team Player - Abbie Young, and Most Improved - Lydia Pate.

In the three years John Wilkins has served as head coach of the McKenzie Lady Rebels, the team has netted an 84-11 record and two gold championship trophies. Two of this year’s losses came at the hands of Westview and Jackson Southside, who claimed the state Class 2A and Class 3A championships respectively. McKenzie entered the championship game against undefeated Wayne County.

The coach said the ladies, overcame injuries and found a way to win together. Savannah Davis was out a portion of the year with a broken hand. Madison Gilbert was out for the season and Hannah Dillingham suffered a ACL injury and was sidelined.

Coach Wilkins came to McKenzie as head coach of the boys’ team and had highly successful seasons. Three years ago, he stepped in as the girls’ coach as well.

Lady Rebels’ awards went as follows: Deflection Award - Mikaela Reynolds; Rebound Award - Kylie Reynolds; Charge Leader - Katie Chesser with 40 - #1 in state; Gotta Have Heart Award - Mikaela Reynolds; Sharpshooter Award, Miss Rebel - Savannah Davis; Sixth Man Award - Sophie Pate.

Kylie Reynolds and sister, Mikaela Reynolds were both presented commemorative basketball for earning more than 1,000 points during their high school career.

The team included: Briley Auvenshine, Katie Chesser, Hannah Dillingham, Madison Gilbert, Kylie Reynolds, Savannah Davis, Mikaela Reynolds, Ally Gibson, Sophie Pate, Gracie Aird, Molly French, Morgan Little, Sarah Luci and Charli Weatherford. Managers included Claire Wilkins, Carli Beeler, Gracie Henderson, Allie Mansfield, Jalaeah Moore and Jacey Pinson. Assistant coach was Preston Henderson.

McKenzie Rebels basketball team had a slow start because of the extended championship football season that edged into the start of basketball season. Only four of the Rebels did not play football. The dual-sport players of football and basketball joined the squad in early December. Over the past four years, the men’s team has a record of 86-30.

Wilkins said the quarterfinal round of play in Murfreesboro resulted in the Rebels unable to connect with the basket. He said the team was excited to be in the playoffs, a statement many teams across Tennessee could not claim.

The roster included: Zach Aird, Bryson Steele, Marquez Taylor, Zay Webber, Christopher Beck, Drew Chappell, Hayden Garrett, Stafford Roditis, Carter Kee, Tate Surber, Martez Teague, Evan Norman and Eli Vinson. Managers were: Miles Beeler, Tobey Brooks, Landyn Smith, and Calton Townes. The assistant coach was Hunter Herrin.

The scorekeeper for both teams was LaDona Herrin.

The award winners were: Sixth Man - Carter Kee, Rebound Awards - Tate Surber and Bryson Steele, Most Charges - Tate Surber, Sharpshooter - Zach Aird, Gotta Have Heart - Marquez Taylor, Mr. Rebel - Tate Surber.

McKenzie Mayor Ryan Griffin presented each member of the Lady Rebels with a proclamation naming April 2 as Lady Rebels Day. Councilman Bobby Young helped with the presentation.

Director of Schools Lynn Watkins presented Briley Auvenshine and Zach Aird with the top academic award.

The Barbara Boyd Memorial Scholarship was presented by family friend Tim McBride. The recipients were Briley Auvenshine and Madison Gilbert. Boyd was a teacher at MHS. She was an athlete at McKenzie during her high school years. She graduated in 1959. The award is based on character, leadership, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a four-year student-athlete. Each recipient received a $500 scholarship. Barbara Boyd’s widower, Jerry, daughter, Andrea Davis and husband, Boo, and granddaughter, Savannah Davis were in attendance to honor Barbara’s memory through the scholarship.

The Andy Camp Award was presented by Lynn Watkins, a student contemporary of the late Camp. The recipients of the award were Kylie Reynolds and Stafford Roditis. The Andy Camp Award is given to student-athletes who have great character and respect. Watkins said the award also recognizes that the recipient is a great person in addition to an athlete.

Attending the banquet were Coach John Camp and Karen Camp, both retired McKenzie educators, and their son, Brad Camp.