Local Players Make All-State Basketball Selections

MADISON- James Clemens, Sparkman and Madison Academy each had players chosen to the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State Teams for the 2018-2019 season of high school basketball.

In Class 7A, Sparkman’s Malik Tyson completed his high school years as a First Team selection after being a Third-Team pick a year ago. Tyson, 6-foot-4 senior guard, said his thoughts all along were of this honor. He added, “I’ve very honored to be chosen All-State because that was one of my main goals this past year. I’m among the best in Alabama and I feel I can play with anyone. I have a mindset that I can’t be stopped.”

Tyson is still undecided about his choice of college and hopes to make a decision in April.

Joining Tyson on the Class 7A selections was Garrett Hicks of James Clemens who was a Third Team pick. The 6-foot senior guard for the Jets was a Second Team choice a season ago.

In Class 5A, Madison Academy girls’ junior superstar Destinee McGhee was among the five players chosen for First Team honors. “It feels great as all the hard work I’ve done has paid off and is humbling to know what I’m doing on the court is being noticed by others,” said the 6-2 McGhee. “I made a mission trip to Guyana last year and saw a lot of kids fighting for a dream just to live. That experience really helped me to be humble and to work harder.”

McGhee has verbally committed to Arkansas.

In girls Class 7A, Deyana Dodd of Sparkman was a Third Team selection. The 5-5 senior guard for the Lady Senators was a repeat selection on the Third Team after being selected last year.