Area basketball players recognized in Montgomery
BY SCOTT WRIGHT/ SPECIAL TO THE RECORD
The Alabama Sports Writers Association and the Alabama High School Athletic Association honored the top basketball players in the state.
Of the 36 players chosen, nine came from Madison and the surrounding area. Both Bob Jones and Madison Academy were represented in both the girls’ and boys’ ceremonies. Jeffrey Moss, a senior guard from Bob Jones, was selected as one of the three finalists for 6A boys’ player of the year, with the award going to Craig Sword from Carver-Montgomery.
Jasmine Jones, a forward from Bob Jones, was selected as the player of the year in class 6A on the girls’ side. Jones would also add the highest award possible in the state, as she would be named Ms. Basketball for the state of Alabama.
Both of these players were key contributors for the Patriots and Lady Patriots this season.
Two players from Madison Academy were honored. Joshua Langford, a 6’4 eighth grader, lead the Mustangs in scoring and rebounding during the season.
That special ability was recognized by the sports writers as they would name Langford the class 3A boys’ Player of the Year.
The Lady Mustangs were also represented by the young lady that has become synonymous with class, dignity and Lady Mustang basketball. Lydia McGee has been a part of the varsity girls’ program since her eighth-grade year and has seen the program at its highest highs and lowest lows. Two seasons ago, it was McGee that directed the Lady Mustangs to their first ever state championship, and it was McGee again thus year who seemingly willed her team to victory night after night. She will take all of those experiences with her as she begins the next stage of her career at Samford University. However, the player of the year award went to Hayden Hamby of West Morgan High School for the second year in a row.
