HobbsDailyReport.com
The top awards in Northwestern 3A-4A basketball were swept by Freedom High’s boys and McDowell’s girls.
In voting by conference head coaches, Fletcher Abee of Freedom and his head coach, Casey Rogers, earned Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively.
The top girls’ player award went to Dezi Williams of McDowell and the Titans’ head coach, Jennifer Kinninger, was named Coach of the Year.
Freedom’s boys went unbeaten (14-0) in league play and reached the West 3A Regionals. Abee, a 6-foot-3 guard who signed with The Citadel, led the Patriots.
Freedom’s girls also went unbeaten in conference play and advanced to the West 3A Regionals.
McDowell’s girls made the state 4A playoffs after going 10-4 in the league and tying Hickory and Watauga for second place.
Williams, a senior guard, averaged 11.6 points per game for McDowell (17-10).
ALL-NORTHWESTERN 3A-4A BASKETBALL
(as voted on by conference head coaches)
BOYS
Alexander Central: Jem Lowrance, Lyndon Strickland
Freedom: Jakari Dula, Fletcher Abee, Michael Logan, James Freeman
Hickory: Cody Young, Davis Amos
McDowell: Dylan McCrary
St. Stephens: Axaiver Byrd
S. Caldwell: Justin Eggers
Watauga: Blane St. Clair
W. Caldwell: Anthony Isbell
Player of the Year: Abee, Freedom
Coach of the Year: Casey Rogers, Freedom
GIRLS
Alexander Central: Laine Hammer
Freedom: Blaikley Crooks, Adair Garrison, Madison Bailey
Hickory: Innis Knox, Shelby Darden
McDowell: Dezi Williams, Makenna Parkins, Makaylah Chandler
St. Stephens: Alaysha McHenry
S. Caldwell: Kaitlyn Propst
Watauga: Cailey Haas, Rebekah Farthing
W. Caldwell: Jaleha Battle
Player of the Year: Williams, McDowell
Coach of the Year: Jennifer Kinninger, McDowell
