Best Preps 2022 special section from the Tyler Morning Telegraph

PRESENTS FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

ELIZABETH MAHFOOD

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

BRYSON DONNELL

2022

SPECIAL SECTION • SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022

©2022 M. ROBERTS MEDIA

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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2022 TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH BEST PREPS NOMINEES ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR FOOTBALL Tyler Legacy - Bryson Donnell Tyler High School - Kameron Key All Saints Episcopal - Will Morgan Bishop Gorman - Joshua Hayes Grace Community School Tyler Anderson Brook Hill - Owen Funk Whitehouse High School Zachary Norvell Bullard High School - Luke Williams Lindale High School - Evan Alford Chapel Hill - Solomon Macfoy Arp - Allen Arrington

ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR VOLLEYBALL Tyler Legacy - Kayda Kinch Tyler High School - Kristen Williams All Saints Episcopal - Bella Boulter Bishop Gorman - Grace Coan Grace Community School - Macy Smith Brook Hill - Mollee McCurley Whitehouse High School Paige Cooley Bullard High School - Emma Seaton Lindale High School - Brenley Philen Chapel Hill - Katelyn Allen Arp - Kyia Horton Troup - Bailey Blanton

M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Tyler Legacy - Luke Pearson Tyler High School - Jose Victoriano All Saints Episcopal - Caleb Dailey Bishop Gorman - Isaac Natera Grace Community School Grayson Gaddis Brook Hill - James Jordan Cumberland Academy - Abel Solorio Whitehouse High School - Samuel Roberts Lindale High School Afraeim Abdelshahid Arp - Tyler Bardsley

M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Tyler Legacy - Gertrude Lamb Tyler High School - Noemi Pineda All Saints Episcopal - Mia McGehee Bishop Gorman - Maria Kariampuzha Grace Community School Abby Metzger Brook Hill - Taylor McClure

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Cumberland Academy - Adiam Michael Lindale High School - Emma Grotemat Arp - Alana Benefield Troup - Marigold Hunter

M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR BOYS POWERLIFTING Tyler Legacy - Tariq Robinson Tyler High School - John Taylor All Saints Episcopal - Isaac Diaz Whitehouse High School - Caleb Bolay Bullard High School - Austin Taylor Lindale High School - Gabe Hart

M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR GIRLS POWERLIFTING Tyler Legacy - Samira Matlock All Saints Episcopal - Kat Neal Whitehouse High School Noelle Feiden Bullard High School - Grace O’Bannon Lindale High School Zaniya Mumphrey Troup - Payton Wells

TEXAS BANK AND TRUST AWARD FOR BOYS BASKETBALL Tyler Legacy - Kenneth Anderson Tyler High School - Shakavon Brooks All Saints Episcopal - Cullen Walker Bishop Gorman - Simon ‘Sid’ Cleofe Grace Community School - Tyler Hicks Brook Hill - Noah Langemeier Cumberland Academy Micah Robinson Whitehouse High School Max Clemons Bullard High School - Garrett Nuckolls Lindale High School - Taegan Terry Chapel Hill - Adrian Mumphrey Arp - Kadaylon Williams Troup - Bracey Cover

TEXAS BANK AND TRUST AWARD FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL Tyler Legacy - Rose Rook Tyler High School - Jay’Mariea Taylor All Saints Episcopal - Janssen Chisholm Bishop Gorman - Elizabeth Mahfood Grace Community School Reece Porter Brook Hill - Mollee McCurley Cumberland Academy Elizabeth Adams Whitehouse High School Machila Dews Lindale High School Maggie Spearman Chapel Hill - Hillary Crist Arp - Kyleigh Pawlik

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J&K STORAGE AWARD FOR BASEBALL Tyler Legacy - Preston Newberry Tyler High School - Eli Sanchez All Saints Episcopal - Kaisen Berry Bishop Gorman - Ryan Richbourg Grace Community School Landry Livingston Brook Hill - Finn Kaiyala Whitehouse High School - Braden Bean Bullard High School - Derek Degrate Lindale High School - Sam Peterson Chapel Hill - Sean Gentry Arp - Hayden Wright

SOUTHWEST FLOOR CARPET ONE AWARD FOR SOFTBALL Tyler Legacy - Presley Johnston Tyler High School - Sara Garcia Bishop Gorman - McKenna Maloney Grace Community School Amelia Turner Brook Hill - Maeci Wilson Whitehouse High School - Avery Taylor Bullard High School - Hadison Fults Lindale High School Elizabeth Watkins Chapel Hill - Kylei Griffin Arp - Abby Carpenter Troup - Lindsay Davis

CHRISTUS TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HEALTH SYSTEM AWARD FOR BOYS TRACK & FIELD Tyler Legacy - Elijah Howard Tyler High School - Markell Johnson All Saints Episcopal - Barrett Lin Bishop Gorman - Isaac Natera Grace Community School Colton Harmon Brook Hill - Brady Callens Cumberland Academy Christian Johnson Whitehouse High School Blaise Carney Bullard High School - Blake Blain Lindale High School - Jacob Seekford Arp - Wyatt Ladd

CHRISTUS TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HEALTH SYSTEM AWARD FOR GIRLS TRACK & FIELD Tyler Legacy - Merritt Dial Tyler High School - Jamya Battee All Saints Episcopal - Kate Sharkey Bishop Gorman - Eva Meads Grace Community School Abby Metzger Brook Hill - Caley Fitzgerald Cumberland Academy Elizabeth Adams

Whitehouse High School Alexia Maynes Bullard High School - Riley Roberts Lindale High School - Preslie Walters Arp - Abby Nichols

M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR BOYS SOCCER Tyler Legacy - Hansen Anderson Tyler High School - Xavier Robles All Saints Episcopal - Harper Davis Bishop Gorman - Ore Ifafore Grace Community School William Austin Hudgins Brook Hill - Joshua Collins Cumberland Academy Chase Biscomb Whitehouse High School - Luke Neely Bullard High School - Landon Jackson

M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR GIRLS SOCCER Tyler Legacy - Colleen Gilliland Tyler High School - Abigail Garza All Saints Episcopal - Katherine Sharkey Grace Community School Addyson Campbell Brook Hill - Dominika Ducal Cumberland Academy Destiny Chilton Whitehouse High School - Lauren Thomas Bullard High School - Milley Bryan Lindale High School Brylee Bergbower

JACK O’ DIAMONDS LINCOLN AWARD FOR BOYS GOLF Tyler Legacy - Will Gillen All Saints Episcopal - Connor Carver Grace Community School Will Bozeman Brook Hill - Noah Langemeier Whitehouse High School - Adam Cox Bullard High School - Kaiden Schneider Lindale High School - Crew Goodson

M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR GIRLS GOLF Tyler Legacy - Carly Ogletree All Saints Episcopal - Sidney Robertson Brook Hill - Shamita Vasnani Whitehouse High School - Aly Navarro Lindale High School - Julee King

M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR BOYS TENNIS Tyler Legacy - Simar Bains Tyler High School - Quynton Johnson All Saints Episcopal - Mason Adcock

STUDENT-ATHELETES EXCEL AT HIGH LEVEL IN Bishop Gorman - Jackson Monaghan Grace Community School - Bevin Tang Brook Hill - Jonathan Humphries Whitehouse High School - Taylor Andre Lindale High School - Taegan Terry

M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR GIRLS TENNIS Tyler Legacy - Audrey Deatherage Tyler High School - Shaniyah Reese All Saints Episcopal - Caroline Twaddell Bishop Gorman - Amalie Bender Grace Community School Heidi Brandt Brook Hill - Grace Carpenter Whitehouse High School Ainsley Anderson Lindale High School - Taegan Michel

H TEA O AWARD FOR BOYS SWIMMING Tyler Legacy - Sam Eckert All Saints Episcopal - Ty Davis Bishop Gorman - Bradley Richbourg Grace Community School Michael Green Whitehouse High School Grayson Dosser

M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR GIRLS SWIMMING Tyler Legacy - Lorelai Walker Tyler High School - Naomi Moody Bishop Gorman - Jennifer Natera Grace Community School Blakely Roseberry Whitehouse High School - Megan Wall

M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR CHEERLEADING Tyler Legacy - Kaitlin Graham All Saints Episcopal - Kasey Wright Bishop Gorman - Alexa Strong Grace Community School Makayla Roberts Brook Hill - Lillie Fitzgerald Cumberland Academy - Draven Clark Whitehouse High School - Skylar Leach Arp - Molly Jane Mwamba

M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR LACROSSE Cumberland Academy - Dustin Miller

CLASSROOM & COMMUNITY Once again the student-athletes in East Texas shined bright.

They excelled at a high level athletically, in the classroom and in the community, and the Tyler Morning Telegraph and TylerPaper.com are proud to shine a spotlight on those deserving student-athletes by presenting the fourth annual Best Preps Awards.

2022 with 10 specialty awards, were selected from those nominations.

Specialty awards this year

included the Heart & Desire and Going the Extra Mile Award, along with awards for Sportsmanship, Outstanding Achievement in Academics, Community Excellence, Top Male and Female athlete, Coach of the Year and Athletic Director of the Year.

Congratulations to our honored student-athletes and coaches. We are proud to recognize you, and thank you for providing a shining example to others in the community.

Also, a big thank you to our sponsors continuing to support these student-athletes.

— Phil Hicks, Sports Editor Tyler Morning Telegraph

Coaches from participating schools were asked to submit nominations based on the student-athlete’s contributions on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Nominees were required to be varsity athletes, have a GPA of 3.0 or better and to have verifiable community service or volunteer credentials of 10 or more hours in the current year.

The winners from each sport — football, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf, basketball, cross country, swimming, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, track and cheerleading — along SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR FOOTBALL

Kameron Key TYLER HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

Altra Federal Credit Union Award winner for football Tyler High’s Kameron Key, center, is pictured with Erik Juarez of Altra Federal Credit Union, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Kameron is an outstanding young man. One of his most impressive qualities is his ability to lead and work with others. People tend to gravitate towards him with his friendly demeanor and his leadership qualities.

He is also a very hard worker, which has led to success in both the classroom, where he is ranked in the top 20 of his class, and on the field, where he earned first-team all-district cornerback for the 2021 season. He is just an overall great person whose presence brings a smile to the faces of everyone he encounters.”

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR VOLLEYBALL

Paige Cooley WHITEHOUSE HIGH SCHOOL

Altra Federal Credit Union Award winner for volleyball Whitehouse’s Paige Cooley, center, pictured with Esmeralda Molina of Altra Federal Credit Union, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

WHAT HER COACH SAID “Paige’s level of involvement and her high academics made her standout. On top of being committed to volleyball, she maintains a job and still finds time to help out whenever she can. She has accumulated more than 35 hours of community service and maintained a 106.774 grade point average. Paige is a bright young lady and has an even brighter future.

She always works hard even when the odds are against her. She overcame major injury her senior year and during that journey, she constantly put the team first and always made an impact no matter the role she played.”

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

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Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Caleb Dailey ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

All Saints’ Caleb Dailey, the M. Roberts Media Award winner for boys cross country, center, is pictured with Senior Vice President and Publisher of the Tyler Morning Telegraph Justin Wilcox, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam\Tyler Morning Telegraph)

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“Caleb is committed, positive, responsible, dependable and consistent. These are the big ones that are demonstrated every single day by Caleb.

He shows up and works hard no matter what, and he is always so encouraging of his teammates. He leads by example, and he is admired by his teammates and peers.

His positivity and work ethic definitely play a big part in his role as team leader.”

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

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M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Maria Kariampuzha BISHOP T.K. GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“I have been Maria’s coach for cross country and track and field for the past six years. Having previously coached Maria’s older siblings, I have had the privilege to know her for almost 10 years.”

M. Roberts Media Award winner for girls cross country Bishop T. K. Gorman’s Maria Kariampuzha, center, is pictured with Senior Vice President and Publisher of Tyler Morning Telegraph Justin Wilcox, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Maria is a ray of sunshine that lights up the whole room when she walks in. She is quick to make friends with all around her and to make everyone feel included and significant. She is a member of our 2020 state championship cross country team and our 2021 state runner-up team. In both 2020 and 2021, Maria earned first team all-state and academic all-state for cross country. In addition, Maria serves as a school ambassador, is on the principal’s honor roll and a member of the student council. Maria is selfless. For years, our cross country team was at the forefront of volunteers and participation in our city’s chapter for Cystic Fibrosis awareness. A member of our team was living with a disease, and every year, we showed up to support. When that team member finally graduated and her brothers graduated, Maria stepped up to continue in their absence. She took charge of organizing volunteers and creating campaign posters and on the day of the event, she led so many during the walk. Not only will the family of her former teammate never forget her kindness and dedication, but her actions encouraged others to also act in a similar manner.”

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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR BOYS POWERLIFTING

Caleb Bolay WHITEHOUSE HIGH SCHOOL

M. Roberts Media Award winner for boys powerlifting Whitehouse’s Caleb Bolay, center, is pictured with Senior Vice President and Publisher of the Tyler Morning Telegraph Justin Wilcox, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

WHAT HIS COACH SAID “Caleb has developed a love for lifting, and I began to see his confidence grow tremendously. His hard work and dedication has led him to being successful in both school and in other powerlifting organizations.

Caleb qualified for the THSPA state meet two years and broke two state records in bench press and received the Most Outstanding Bench Presser Award at the 2022 state meet. He has been instrumental to our team by volunteering his time to help out other team members.

This speaks volumes to his character and the young man Caleb has become.”

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

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M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR GIRLS POWERLIFTING

Samira Matlock TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Samira has been the powerlifting team captain for the past two years.

She has been a servant leader and modeled work ethic and encouragement to her teammates. Samira has represented not only powerlifting but her family and Tyler Legacy with honor and class in school, in the weight room and within the community.”

M. Roberts Media Award winner for girls powerlifting Tyler Legacy’s Samira Matlock, center, is pictured with M. Roberts Media Vice President of Technology and Marketing Bret Jacomet, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

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“Samira could always be counted on to help or lead, whether it was helping with issuing equipment, communication workouts and form or just going the extra mile to help someone have them feel included. Samira placed third in the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting State Meet this year and also had the Regional Meet Outstanding Squat with a personal record of 430 pounds.”

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red carpet sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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TEXAS BANK AND TRUST AWARD FOR BOYS BASKETBALL

Garrett Nuckolls BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

Texas Bank and Trust Award winner for boys basketball Bullard’s Garrett Nuckolls, center, is pictured with Abigail Duty of Texas Bank and Trust, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Garrett and I are new to Bullard this year.

Garrett came in this season and helped his team to 28 wins, the first outright district title since 2008, first playoff appearance since 2015 and first playoff win since 2010. He averaged 20 points per game and six rebounds, five assists and three steals per game. Garrett also was named the District 16-4A Most Valuable Player and was named to the TABC All-Region Team. Garrett has a 4.57 GPA.”

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BOYS BASKETBALL AWARD Sponsored by Texas Bank and Trust

GARRETT NUCKOLLS Bullard High School

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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TEXAS BANK AND TRUST AWARD FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL

Rose Rook TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

Texas Bank and Trust Award winner for girls basketball Tyler Legacy’s Rose Rook, center, is pictured with Jason Trimble of Texas Bank and Trust, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Rose is one of the most selfless teammates and human beings I have ever been around. She brings so much joy to her team. She may be meek and quiet, but she leads with her contagious positive attitude and always puts her team first. Rose set a school record this season, making 11 3-pointers in one game.

She is also an amazing student that has achieved a 99.47 GPA and a class rank of 29 out of 630 students.

Rose is definitely a player that makes me a better coach and one that I will go to bat for any day of the week.”

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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GIRLS BASKETBALL AWARD Sponsored by Texas Bank and Trust

ROSE ROOK

Tyller Legacy High School

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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J&K STORAGE AWARD FOR BASEBALL

Finn Kaiyala THE BROOK HILL SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“Finn is an excellent example of what a student-athlete should be. He is a leader on and off the field.

He has a 4.0 GPA for the year. He had a .400 batting average through 15 games.

He is respected by all and a very humble, hardworking young man. He helps families in need with farm work and animal care, including construction of barns, animal pens, fencing and more.”

Presented by

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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red carpet sponsor

J&K

Congratulations to the Best Preps Baseball Winner

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and Congratulations to the Baseball Nominees Kaisen Berry All Saints Episcopal

Landry Livingston Grace Community

Hayden Wright Arp High School

Sam Peterson Lindale High School

Ryan Richbourg Bishop Gorman

Eli Sanchez Tyler High School

Derek Degrate Bullard High School

Preston Newberry Tyler Legacy

Sean Gentry Chapel Hill

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SOUTHWEST FLOOR CARPET ONE AWARD FOR SOFTBALL

Kylei Griffin CHAPEL HILL HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

Southwest Floor Carpet One Award winner for girls softball Chapel Hill’s Kylei Griffin, center, pictured with Max Bryan of Southwest Floor Carpet One, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Kylei is the ultimate teammates as well as the strongest leader I have had the pleasure of coaching in my 22 years. She considers herself a teacher on the field. If another player is struggling, she will go to them and work during practice and stay after everyone else leaves in order for that player to be better. She considers everyone on the team an equal. She has signed to play softball at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.”

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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red carpet sponsor

Congratulations to all of the Best Preps Nominees!

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M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR BOYS SOCCER

Joshua Collins THE BROOK HILL SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

M. Roberts Digital Award winner for boys soccer Brook Hill’s Joshua Collins, center, is pictured with M. Roberts Media Vice President of Technology and Marketing Bret Jacomet, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Josh has been at Brook Hill since Pre-K and has become the face of our program.

He has been the captain of our team the last two seasons.

He ended his career with 50 goals and 55 assists. He is the all-time leader in career assists and the first Brook Hill player to account for 100 career goals. Josh was first-team all-state and all-district this season.”

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR GIRLS SOCCER

Colleen Gilliland TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

M. Roberts Digital Award winner for girls soccer Tyler Legacy’s Colleen Gilliland, center, is pictured with Senior Vice President and Publisher of the Tyler Morning Telegraph Justin Wilcox, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Colleen is the type of leader every team deserves to have.

She is extremely intelligent, works hard in practices and games. She leads by example and helps others. She is No. 4 academically (105.4 GPA) in her senior class of 505 students, which is the largest classification high school in East Texas.

She is a captain for our team and an academic all-state player.

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red carpet sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR BOYS GOLF

Kaiden Schneider BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

M. Roberts Media Award winner for boys golf Bullard’s Kaiden Schneider, center, is pictured with M. Roberts Media Senior Vice President and Publisher of the Tyler Morning Telegraph Justin Wilcox, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Kaiden is an excellent example of leadership, always showing respect to all. As the captain of the golf team for the last two years, he sets the example to his teammates with his practice habits and performance, qualifying for state, regional and district honors both years. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has a 4.81 GPA. He is the editor of the yearbook, where he’s created a collection of 70 years of yearbook pictures called the Wall of Tradition.

He also has served as a peer buddy for the special needs program.”

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR GIRLS GOLF

Carly Ogletree TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL

M. Roberts Digital Award winner for girls golf Tyler Legacy’s Carly Ogletree, left, pictured with guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

WHAT HER COACH SAID “Carly is a sophomore at Legacy who displays a tremendous amount of competitiveness, integrity, class and character. She is a leader vocally as well as an example by how she works. She is always on time, never complains and always encourages. She shows her integrity not only by how she lives but also on she plays a game that demands individual honesty. She is such a polite and caring young lady who puts others first. She is a very good student at Legacy and from all of my years of experience, I expect Carly to have a great future whether with sports, education or any other endeavor she pursues.”

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red carpet sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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CHRISTUS TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HEALTH SYSTEM AWARD FOR BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Markell Johnson TYLER HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

“Markell is my Best Preps nominee because he is living proof of a hardworking student-athlete on and off the track. He keeps his grades up to standard and works hard every practice and improves every time. From when he first started track his freshman year to now, you can tell he has put the work in to be the best he can be, and it shows on the track.”

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Award winner for boys track and field Tyler High’s Markell Johnson, center, is pictured with Jim Rapp of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“He’s become one of the fastest on the team and is thriving to achieve to be one of the greats in the school history and record books. He’s a great leader to the program and makes sure he makes everyone better. He is very coachable, dependable, honest, responsible and vocal when he needs to be, and he is someone the others can look up to and be inspired by. He will be remembered as a great student-athlete when he graduates and heads off to college.”

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Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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red carpet sponsor

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CHRISTUS TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HEALTH SYSTEM AWARD FOR GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Preslie Walters LINDALE HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Preslie is a great leader for our team.

She supports her teammates and truly cares for their success. She also has excelled at pole vault in her career, earning district champion and regional qualifier last season. Preslie exemplifies the term student-athlete as she is in the top five percent of her class.”

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Award winner for girls track and field Lindale’s Preslie Walters, center, is pictured with Brian Thompson of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

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2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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red carpet sponsor

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M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR BOYS TENNIS

Quynton Johnson TYLER HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

M. Roberts Digital Award winner for boys tennis Tyler High’s Quynton Johnson, center, is pictured with M. Roberts Media Vice President of Technology and Marketing Bret Jacomet, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Quynton Johnson is a four-year member of the Tyler High tennis program. His positive contribution has been consistent throughout his career on the team.

This young man has all the attributes of a successful person already as a young man: respectful, well-spoken, caring, punctual, competitive, intelligent and the list goes and goes.”

male & female athletes of the year sponsor

2022 East Texas

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute

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red carpet sponsor

M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR GIRLS TENNIS

Audrey Deatherage TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

M. Roberts Digital Award winner for girls tennis Tyler Legacy’s Audrey Deatherage, center, is pictured with M. Roberts Media Vice President of Technology and Marketing Bret Jacomet, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Audrey Deatherage is a talented young woman who is a great asset to the tennis team and our school. She has exemplified the rare qualities, such as dedication, passion, self-advocacy and the willingness to go above and beyond. I was able to rely on her to be a leader within her class as well as when she was on the team. Audrey works with a passion and her quality of work is exemplary. She does not settle for second best.

Audrey made it to the state tennis tournament in Class 6A girls singles this year as a sophomore.”

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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR CHEERLEADING

Alexa Strong BISHOP T.K. GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

M. Roberts Digital Award winner for cheerleading Bishop T.K. Gorman’s Alexa Strong, center, is pictured with M. Roberts Media Vice President of Technology and Marketing Bret Jacomet, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

WHAT HER COACH SAID “Alexa has been cheering at Bishop Gorman for six years.

She is an exemplary student and cheerleader who has dedicated her middle school and high school athletic career to cheerleading. Alexa is currently the varsity cheer captain. She is an NCA AllAmerican as well as firstteam all-state. She received academic all-state the last two years. Alexa is not only a talented cheerleader, but a respected leader, friend and team player. She has always helped others to be the best that they can be through positive encouragement and practice. Overall, she is a great athlete and student.”

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M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR GIRLS SWIMMING

Blakely Roseberry GRACE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Blakely Roseberry is my Best Preps nominee because she is the true definition of a leader. Not only is she an excellent athlete, she is an incredible communicator and encourager and has been swim team captain for the past three years.

She resolves problems and situations within the team many times before I even hear about them.”

M. Roberts Media Award winner for girls swimming Grace Community’s Blakely Roseberry, center, is pictured with Senior Vice President and Publisher of the Tyler Morning Telegraph Justin Wilcox, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

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“She is extremely honest and dependable and always has things I have asked her to do completed well before the deadlines. She is an excellent example for the entire team to follow. Because of Blakely, the Grace Community swim team has been able to be one of the top three private schools in Texas in swimming for the past three years.”

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H TEA O AWARD FOR BOYS SWIMMING

Sam Eckert TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL

H Tea O Award winner for boys swimming Tyler Legacy’s Sam Eckert, center, pictured with Tonya Clark of H Tea O, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

WHAT HIS COACH SAID “Sam is an optimistic, confident and coachable athlete who provided leadership, humor and enthusiasm for our team.

He made tremendous improvement all four years, which culminated with him achieving District 9-6A MVP, runner-up in the 50 and 100 free style in Region 3-6A and finishing seventh and ninth in the 50 and 100 free, respectively, at the UIL State Championship his senior year. His times from state were both automatic All-American and broke the existing Tyler Legacy team records. Sam has signed to swim at Columbia University.”

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M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR LACROSSE

Dustin Miller CUMBERLAND ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

M. Roberts Media Award winner for lacrosse Cumberland Academy’s Dustin Miller, center, is pictured with Senior Vice President and Publisher of Tyler the Morning Telegraph Justin Wilcox, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Dustin is an all-state lacrosse player as a goalie. He is a three-year team captain. All of his teammates look to him for his knowledge of the game.

He is an extremely vocal leader on the field and leads a defense that is top ranked in the state in man down defense. His coaches regularly receive feedback from other coaches on his level of play. He is known by all for his integrity and honesty on and off the field. He has committed to play college lacrosse at the United States Coast Guard Academy.”

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M. ROBERTS DIGITAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMICS

Marigold Hunter TROUP HIGH SCHOOL

M. Roberts Digital Award winner for Outstanding Achievement in Academics Troup’s Marigold Hunter, center, is pictured with M. Roberts Media Vice President of Technology and Marketing Bret Jacomet, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

WHAT HER COACH SAID “Marigold has a GPA of 4.7564, which ranks first in her class at Troup High School.

Marigold is a tremendous student-athlete. She is a great leader and always the first and last to leave from practice. She has put in many hours in and outside of practice to be successful. She finished 13th at the Region 2 meet during her senior season and went on to compete at state. Marigold is not only a successful athlete but also student. She is currently ranked first in her graduating class. She has completed several college courses over the past two years. She is respected by her peers and teachers for her dedication to being the best she can.”

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CHRISTUS TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HEALTH SYSTEM AWARD FOR SPORTSMANSHIP

Eli Sanchez TYLER HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Award winner for Sportsmanship Tyler High’s Eli Sanchez, center, pictured with Dr. Allison Tobola of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Eli is what you look for in a team captain. He is one who takes care of all of his responsibilities.

He is someone who looks after and looks to teach and help the younger players. With everything that he does outside of baseball, he always shows up in a positive mindset ready to work.

Sanchez is a member of the baseball and football teams at Tyler High. When asked about Sanchez as a sportsmanship award candidate, head football coach Ricklan Holmes said he would be a great choice.”

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Get back in the swing of things.

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or weekend warrior, CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute is the premier choice for orthopedic injuries, providing faith-based compassionate care, close to home. Our team of world-class orthopedic and sports medicine specialists provide diagnosis and treatment for injuries and chronic conditions of bones, joints, and muscles in one centralized location for convenience and ease of care.

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Congratulations to all Best Preps winners!

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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE

Ainsley Anderson WHITEHOUSE HIGH SCHOOL

East Texas Professional Credit Union Award winner for Community Excellence Whitehouse’s Ainsley Anderson, center, is pictured with Kristell Valle and Shelby Arango of East Texas Professional Credit Union, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

WHAT HER COACH SAID When I think of junior tennis player, Ainsley Anderson, the first word tat comes to mind is inspiring. Ainsley is an extremely talented athlete who not only excels at the highest level in her sport, but she is also dedicated to her academics (102.698 GPA), community and being the best teammate possible.

Ainsey had dedicated 130 hours of community service in the past year, including community trash pickup, Thera pet, toy drive, Angel tree, letters to sick patients at Trinity Mother Frances, letters and Valentine’s cards to the elderly at local nursing homes and gathering Thanksgiving meal ingredients for those in need.

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PETERS AUTOSPORTS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

John Eastman TROUP HIGH SCHOOL

Troup coach and athletic director John Eastman is retiring after 31 years in coaching. But before he hangs up his whistle, his Troup Tigers have given him a great sendoff. Along with being the athletic director and head football coach, Eastman was also the head golf coach at Troup, leading the Tigers to multiple state tournament appearances and a Class 3A state title in 2017.

Peters Autosports Athletic Director of the Year Award winner Troup’s John Eastman, center, is pictured with Mark Peters of Peters Autosports, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

Eastman got to Troup in 2003 and was the head football coach from 2005-09. He left for two years to go be on the staff of John Frazier at West Rusk before returning to Troup. He became the head football coach again in 2016 and has led the Tigers for the past six seasons and 11 overall. Troup posted a 68-53 record with Eastman as the head coach, including two 10-win seasons and an 8-4 finish in 2021. This season, along with the football team, other Troup squads making the playoffs include volleyball, both basketball teams, baseball and softball. His Troup boys golf team won the district championship and finished second at regionals, earning a berth in the state tournament once again. The Lady Tigers placed second in district and earned a regional berth.

For this standout season and career, Eastman is the 2021-2022 Best Preps Athletic Director of the Year.

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PETERS AUTOSPORTS COACH OF THE YEAR

Tim Moore BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL

Tim Moore is a staple in East Texas golf. For the second consecutive season he has led both the girls and boys teams to the state tournament. Moore coached at Bullard High School from 1981 to 1998 when he decided to retire.

He led the Panthers and Lady Panthers to numerous state tournament berths as well as five girls state championships (1984, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1992).

TIM MOORE

Peters Autosports Coach of the Year Award winner is Bullard’s Tim Moore (inset). Pictured are Mark Peters of Peters Autosports, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

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He returned to coaching, making a couple of stops before spending 10 years at The Brook Hill School in Bullard, leading the Guard and Lady Guard to state titles — Boys (2011, 2013, 2014) and Girls (2010). Moore decided to return to Bullard High School beginning in 2017-18, leading the Panthers to a third-place finish at state that season. Since returning to Pantherland, he has led the Panthers to four state tournaments and the girls to two tourneys.

The only years the boys missed state since his return was in 2020 when the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For his efforts, Moore has been named Best Preps Coach of the Year.

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CHRISTUS TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HEALTH SYSTEM AWARD FOR HEART AND DESIRE

Hadison Fults BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID Hadi is an amazing young lady and has the ability to make everyone around her feel at ease, welcome, loved and happy. Hadi is a standout softball player within our Bullard softball program as both a pitcher and hitter — but beyond that, she makes an impact daily on her teammates and coaches with her passion and courage, and we are all better because of her.”

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Award winner for Heart and Desire Bullard’s Hadison Fults, center, pictured with Dr. William Hobbs of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“From a coach’s perspective, I have seen Hadi endure some of the toughest personal times a young lady should have to go through when she lost her mom a little over a year ago. I have observed her gain strength and wisdom during the adversity that life has handed her. I can honestly say, Hadi is the toughest kid I have ever coached — but uniquely, she hasn’t been hardened by the burdens of her family tragedy. She is a light-hearted, funny and delightful young lady who uses softball as her ministry. I am so grateful to be Hadison’s coach, and I am proud of who she is and what she has accomplished in her career and life so far. I cannot imagine a more deserving young lady than Hadi.”

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Taking you to the next level.

Introducing the

CHRISTUS Human Performance Center!

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M. ROBERTS MEDIA AWARD FOR GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Gertrude Lamb TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

“Gertrude, or Trude as she is known by most, is the captain of our girls cross country team and has done a fantastic job leading our girls.

Her dedication to the sport is unmatched. She is the first one to arrive at practice and one of the last to leave.”

M. Roberts Media Award winner for Going the Extra Mile Tyler Legacy’s Gertrude Lamb, center, is pictured with M. Roberts Media Vice President of Technology and Marketing Bret Jacomet, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye. (Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Trude makes the people around her better and has grown tremendously as a person and runner since I first met her in the eighth grade.”(Coach didn’t say this but it’s notable for this award): Lamb played a role in the school being changed from Robert E. Lee High School to Tyler Legacy High School.

From a 2020 story before the name was changed: Lee cross country star Trude Lamb said that as an immigrant she has seen the atrocities that come from racism, and she cannot continue to wear the name Robert E. Lee on her uniform. “I cannot bear, and will no longer wear Lee’s name on my jersey,” she said. Lamb said the board must change the name, and not just to Tyler Lee, as the district calls the athletics and academic programs. “Not to Tyler Lee, but to someone who we can all be proud of,” she said. “This town was built on the backs of my slave brothers and sisters. Honor them.” The name of the school was officially changed in August of 2020.

Lamb qualified for regionals in cross country and track as a senior.

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Dr. Alan Moye

Former Pine Tree baseball standout speaks at banquet

2022

Thank You

to all our sponsors who made Best Preps Tyler possible

G

uest speaker for the year’s Best Preps Awards Banquet was former Pine Tree High School baseball standout Alan Moye, who is currently the principal at Woodcreek Middle School in Humble.

Moye gave a verbal pledge to play baseball at Baylor University prior to his senior season at Pine Tree, but was drafted in the third round of the 2011 Major League Baseball amateur draft and signed with the Cincinnati Reds.

Moye spent five seasons playing Minor League Baseball in the Cincinnati and Kansas City organizations, but returned to school in the spring of 2006.

After a year away from baseball, he signed to play with the Independent League Fort Worth Cats while attending classes at Baylor University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 2009, and a year later had his master’s in sports management.

Moye coached for two seasons at North Shore High School in Houston, and later became assistant principal there.

In November of 2020, he became Dr. Alan Moye after graduating from the Sam Houston State University Educational Leadership Ed. D. Program.

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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THE BROTHERS THAT JUST DO GUTTERS AWARD FOR INSPIRATION

Eva Meads BISHOP T.K. GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID “Eva is the one of the most inspiring women I have ever coached. Having overcome obstacle after obstacle, she could have so easily retired her running shoes, but she did not. I am so proud of her for seeing it through. She has experienced many ups and downs over the years when it comes to track and field.”

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Award winner for Inspiration Bishop T.K. Gorman’s Eva Meads, center, is pictured with Hunter Estes of The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

“Her freshman year, she suffered an injury that prevented her from finishing out the season. Her sophomore year was cut short by COVID, and her junior year, she was finding it harder and harder to find the energy to be consistent with her training. She had such a promising start, and it seemed like she would not be getting the fairy tale finish she wanted so badly. Every time she was down, she got back up. Every time she was behind, she pushed even harder. She was the definition of perserverance. When Eva began her senior year, she discovered she had a condition that turned out to be the source of her malady from the previous year. Now injury free and knowing the cause of the low energy, she was revitalized and started to rebuild herself into the runner she always knew she could be. Eva is now running faster than she ever has before. She is consistently hitting PRs and is ranked in the top three for the 1600, 3200 and the 800 in the state for our division. She is having the best year of her running career, and she is not taking any part of it for granted. She shows up every day, ready to work, ready to push and ready to encourage others to always believe in themselves. Her story is one that movies are made of, but it was extremely real. I have been her coach for six years now, and I have witnessed the toll everything had taken on her over these years. We are all rooting for her continued success and hopefully for her to get that gold medal to top off her incredible comeback.”

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903-245-7260 Congratulations to all of the 2022 Best Preps Nominees

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UT HEALTH EAST TEXAS ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE AWARD FOR FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Elizabeth Mahfood BISHOP T.K. GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

WHAT HER COACH SAID

Bishop Gorman’s Elizabeth Mahfood is a standout basketball and soccer player. As a junior, Mahfood led the Gorman basketball team to a record of 25-7, a district championship, a bi-district championship, an area championship and to a regional runner-up finish.

UT Health East Texas Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute Award winner for Female Athlete of the Year Elizabeth Mahfood, center, is pictured with Don McKay, Dr. Rebecca Peebles, left, guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye and Dr. Clayton Hodges.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

Mahfood led the Lady Crusaders to a state ranking as high as No. 2 by TABC and high as No. 4 by TAPPS. Mahfood was the MVP of TAPPS 4A-District 2 after averaging 17 points and 13 rebounds per game. She ranked second in the state of Texas with 24 doubledoubles. As a senior, Mahfood averaged 19 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. She led Gorman to seasons of 22, 25 and 25 wins during the last three seasons. She is the all-time leading rebounder in the history of Gorman basketball with 1,230 rebounds. She is the second alltime leading Gorman scorer with 1,562 points. “Without question, she is the best private school girls basketball player in all of East Texas and one of the top players at any level in this area,” Bishop Gorman girls basketball coach Jon Froelich said. “She is also one of the top soccer players in the area, though she did not play high school soccer. She was recruited by more than 100 colleges for basketball, though she is planning to play college soccer.” Mahfood is set to play soccer for Tyler Junior College. Mahfood, who has a 4.0 grade point average, participated in “40 Days for Life” and has made several trips to Washington D.C. to participate in the “March for Life” and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Mahfood has been selected as the Best Preps Female Athlete of the Year.

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Congrats athletes on a successful season!

No matter your arena, our team of board-certified physicians are here to help: Primary Care Sports Medicine

Michael Galbraith, DO

Rebecca Peebles, DO

For more information or to make an appointment, call 903-596-3844.

UT Health East Texas is the proud sponsor of the Best Preps 2022 Female Athlete of the Year Award.

To learn more about our services, visit our UTHealthEastTexas.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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UT HEALTH EAST TEXAS ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE AWARD FOR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Bryson Donnell TYLER LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT HIS COACH SAID

Bryson Donnell had a successful career on and off the football field during his time at Tyler Legacy

High School. Donnell was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and ranked as the No. 39 running back nationally. He signed

UT Health East Texas Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute Award winner of Male Athlete of the Year Bryson Donnell, center, is pictured with Don McKay, Dr. Michael Galbraith, Dr. Rebecca Peebles, left, and guest speaker Dr. Alan Moye and Dr. Clayton Hodges.

(Maleri McHam/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presented by

with Texas Tech University after rushing for 2,644 yards with 37 touchdowns in his career. Donnell also caught 57 passes for 636 yards and five touchdowns. “Bryson is a generational talent,” Legacy head football coach Joe Willis said. “He, along with Jamarion Miller, made up 95 percent of our offense for his junior and senior year, not to mention his contributions on special teams.”

Donnell finished as the sixth leading rusher in school history and the fourth leading scorer, along with being the leading receiver his senior year. “Bryson will be impossible to replace,” Willis said. Donnell had a GPA of 3.31, and he has amassed over 300 hours of community service, including volunteering with Angelic Catering and assisting with an Angel Tree gift presentation to students at Clarkston Elementary. Donnell was a three-year varsity starter in football and a four-year varsity track participant, qualifying for area and regionals. Donnell has been selected as Best Preps Male Athlete of the Year.

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Congrats athletes on a successful season!

No matter your arena, our team of board-certified physicians are here to help:

Orthopedic Surgeons

Alireza Behboudi, DO Orthopedics & Trauma

Joseph Conflitti, MD Orthopedics & Trauma

D. Scott Devinney, DO Orthopedics & Trauma

Clayton Hodges, MD Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Anthony Rhorer, MD Orthopedics & Trauma

Adam Shar, MD Orthopedics & Hand Surgery

For more information or to make an appointment, call 903-596-3844.

UT Health East Texas is the proud sponsor of the Best Preps 2022 Male Athlete of the Year Award.

To learn more about our services, visit our UTHealthEastTexas.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 | TYLERPAPER.COM

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