Best of Preps 2017

2017

STUDENT-ATHLETE AWARDS

BRYNNE G GOULD OULD

WOMEN’S STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR YE EAR

KRIS HAGAMAN H

EXT EXTRA TRA MILE COACH O OF THE YEAR

JEFFREY P PUCKETT

MEN’S STUDE STUDENT-ATHLETE ENT-ATHLETE OF THE E YEAR

Premier Sponsor

2 - Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Mountain Times Publications -

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Mountain Times Publications Best of Preps 2017

T

he third annual Best of Preps was held May 21 in the Watauga High School auditorium.

The top student-athletes from Ashe, Avery and Watauga high schools gathered to be honored by their parents, coaches, friends, media and sponsors.

They were nominated by their coaches according to their athletic abilities, academics, and community service.

Each of the 23 sports played by the

schools were sponsored by a different business. The coach of each team nominated a student-athlete from each sport.

A panel of three judges then rated each student-athlete according to their athletic achievement, their grade point average, their academic achievements and their involvement in the community.

Five different awards — Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year, Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year, Comeback

Student-Athlete of the Year, Community Excellence of the Year, and the Extra Mile Coach of the Year — were handed out. They were taken from the pool of student-athletes nominated by the coaches.

Former Appalachian State receiver Malachi Jones was the keynote speaker.

Jones, who played at App State from 2012-15, played for the final Mountaineers team that won a Southern Confer-

ence championship, and on the 2015 App State team that won the Camellia Bowl.

He talked about why he chose Appalachian State and continuing his dream to play in the National Football League.

The event was emceed by Mountain Times Publishing group publisher Gene Fowler. The awards were presented by Avery Journal Times editor Jamie Shell.

Photography was provided by Dawn Shumate.

Featured speaker: Malachi Jones B

OONE — Best of Preps keynote speaker, former Appalachian State and current High Country Grizzlies receiver Malachi Jones is from an athletic family.

His father Andre Jones played football for national champion Notre Dame in 1988 and played in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers and with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League.

Jones’ brother, T.J., plays with the Lions. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim drafted another one of his brothers, Jamai Jones, with the 70th overall pick in the second round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft.

Malachi Jones chose Appalachian State for a reason that might be different than what a regular athlete might choose. His father had passed away in 2011 from a brain aneurysm and Jones felt App State brought the two closer together.

“A lot of people refer to this part of the mountains as God’s country,” Jones said. “One thing that stuck with me was that the elevation was 3,333 feet above sea level. It’s cliché to some, but I felt like that if I was here, I could be closer to my father. My father was a huge part of my life and my mother as well.”

Jones is currently a receiver with the High Country Grizzlies, the National Arena League team that plays in Boone.

Before he got there, he had a tryout with the Atlanta Falcons after a solid collegiate career at Appalachian State.

Jones said that the Falcons were looking for slot receivers who had bursts of speed and were under 6-feet-0. The Falcons released Jones, an outside receiver, who stands 6-2.

“That was kind of a low point in my life,” Jones said. “I felt like I finally made it. I felt like I finally did what I was supposed to do to get to that level and have the opportunity to really showcase what I could do. My family and my mother and my spiritual life kept me going.”

Malachi Jones speaks at Best of Preps.

Jones had other tryouts, but could not stick with an NFL team. He had a tryout with Winnipeg, but it was cancelled because of inclement weather.

Still, Jones has not given up on his NFL dream, and encouraged the student-athletes he was addressing to not give up on their dreams, even if there are roadblocks in the way.

“I bounced around a little bit,” Jones said. “I went to Jacksonville and I went to Indianapolis. I went to Seattle and to the Patriots. Working out with these teams, for whatever reason, I couldn’t stick. I kept fighting and I kept telling myself that I’ll be back and do the things I want to do.”

He said that being one of six kids in an athletic and competitive family drives him to stick with his dream of getting into the NFL. It’s a primary reason why he is playing with the Grizzlies, which he hopes an NFL team, or possibly a Canadian Football League team, will notice and give him a chance at a roster spot.

“It’s always been my dream to get to the NFL,” Jones said. “Obviously with my dad playing and my brother playing, I want to be there and prove to everybody who was there when I was growing up that I am very capable of going to the NFL and being that type of player and making a roster.”

Jones was a member of the 2012 Mountaineers, who won the program’s final Southern Conference championship. He was also a member of the App State team that finished 11-2 in 2015 and won the Camellia Bowl, Appalachian State’s first bowl victory in the modern era.

Jones left App State early to get ready for the NFL, so he did not graduate on time. He went back to school this spring and got his degree, which drew applause from the audience at the Best of Preps.

Jones said being a full-time undergrad felt different from when he returned.

“It was a lot different from when I was there,” Jones said. “I had only been out for a year, but I was definitely that old guy in the classroom. Everybody was looking at me wondering why is this old guy even here?”

He was there to finish some unfinished business. He was at the Best of Preps to encourage the student-athletes to do the same.

BEST OF PREPS

4 - Mountain Times Publications

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Blackberry Creek Mattress Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

P

uckett has been a standout athlete on the Avery men’s basketball team for four years. He averaged 16.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game to lead the Vikings in both. Puckett was particularly deadly from 3-point range when left alone, but he also could drive to the lane and finish with a basket if given the opportunity.

Puckett poured in 35 points in a 73-61 win over Hendersonville and scored 27

points in a 62-54 win over Mountain Heritage. Puckett helped the Vikings to a 24-5 overall record and 12-0 in the Western Highlands Conference.

Avery never lost a conference game (550) in Puckett’s four years in the program.

ACADEMICS: Puckett carries a 4.0905 weighted GPA and his class rank is 31 out of 140 students.

He also received the Microsoft & Powerpoint Award in 2015.

COMMUNITY: Puckett was a Back to School Bash Volunteer, a FBLA Fundraising leader, a Fields of Faith Speaker and a member of the National Technical Honor Society.

He is also active in the Community Toy Giveaway and a presented at the Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout in 2016. He also is the owner and operator of the Top of the Line Auto Detailing.

Jeffrey Puckett - Avery High School

Avery basketball player Jeffrey Puckett earned the Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year award from the Best of Preps.

Jeffrey represents everything that is good about interscholastic athletics.

In 20 years of coaching, I have never had a better leader on one of my teams.

Avery men’s basketball coach Scott Grubb.

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

GE Aviation Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

G

ould led the Pioneers to a 26-2 record and to the state 4-A Western Regional finals. She was the Northwestern Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Gould finished the season with 332 kills to lead the Pioneers, and had 32 service aces. She also played along the

Pioneers’ back line and accumulated 215 digs. She signed a letter of intent to play at Washington & Lee this fall and was given the Hall of Fame Award, which is given to the top female athlete at Watauga High School.

ACADEMICS: Gould carries a weighted 4.716 GPA.

She has been a member of the honor roll for four years and a member of the National Honor Society. Gould also is a member of DECA

COMMUNITY: Gould volunteers at the Hospitality House and with the Humane Society. She is also a member of the FCA.

Brynne Gould - Watauga High School

Watauga volleyball and girls’ soccer player Brynne Gould (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler, was given the Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year award at the Best of Preps awards ceremony.

Brynne Gould’s natural leadership abilities, hard work ethic and joyful personality make her a top candidate for Best of Preps. She builds her teammates up, never takes shortcuts and is extremely coachable.

Watauga women’s soccer coach Catherine Wallace.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

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BEST OF PREPS

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Goodwill Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

W

indish had to overcome a rare knee injury. The cartilage on his femur became detached under his patella. It put his chances of playing college baseball in jeopardy, but with physical therapy during the offseason, Windish was able to work his way back in the lineup without missing any high school games. Windish realized his dream of playing college baseball when he signed a letter of intent to play

at UNC Greensboro this spring.

ATHLETICS: Windish hit .533 during Ashe County’s regular season with 15 RBIs, five doubles and four triples. He also has an ERA of 1.12 and a pitching record of 7-1 with three complete games.

ACADEMICS: Windish has a 4.165 weighted GPA. He is a member of the Honor Roll for all four

years at Ashe High.

He‘s also a member of the National Beta Club and a member of the National Honor Technical Society.

COMMUNITY: Windish was a volunteer coach for a youth baseball team. He also worked with Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child and helps with the maintenance with the Ashe County field in the fall and summer.

Hogan ‘Turtle’ Windish - Ashe County

Hogan is a determined and accomplished high school student-athlete. As a student, he excels in the classroom and striges to push past what was being taught in his subject areas.

Ashe County baseball coach Mike Windish.

Ashe County baseball player Hogan ‘Turtle’ Windish was given the Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year award at the Best of Preps.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

Goodwill is proud to sponsor the Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year Award.

And we heartily congratulate Hogan Windish, this year’s winner.

At Goodwill, we love a great comeback. In fact, our mission is to help people right here in the community find their way back to a good job and a better life.

So please remember: Every time you donate items to Goodwill or shop in one of our stores, you’re helping us fund the programs that make these wonderful comebacks happen.

Thank you, from all of us at Goodwill.

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BEST OF PREPS

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Boone Drug

Community Excellence Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won: COMMUNITY:

V

olunteers with the Avery County Little League at least six hours a week.

Harris is a pre-school teacher at Pineola Baptist Church for the Avery Baptist Association. Harris also is a volunteer at the Avery County Humane Society, and is a president of the Interact Club, vice presi-

dent of the FBLA, and secretary of the JSA. Harris is also a member of the National Honor Society, Debate Club and the National Beta Club at Avery High School.

ATHLETICS: Harris won the Avery coach’s award in 2014 and 2015 and was the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2016. She is a four-year starter at catcher.

ACADEMICS: Harris has a weighted 4.65 grade point average. She is on the honor roll and was a second place finalist in social media at the FBLA Regionals. Harris also was a member of the state marketing convention competition team and is Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Acess certified. She also received Ever Fi and Wise Financial Literacy certification.

Cassie Harris- Avery County High School

Avery softball player Cassie Harris, pictured with Mountain Times Publications ad sales representative Trey Fowler, was given the Community Excellence Student-Athlete of the Year Award.

She has done way more than has been expected.

She always has a positive attitude that brings the whole team’s spirit up.

Avery softball coach Mike Shook.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

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BEST OF PREPS

12 - Mountain Times Publications

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Jim Armstrong Subaru Extra Mile Coach of the Year Award Why she won:

H

agaman guided Watauga to a 26-2 overall record, 14-0 in the Northwestern Conference. The Pioneers reached the state 4-A Western Regional finals before falling to Reagan. To get to that game, Watauga beat an old playoff nemesis,

Charlotte Providence, in the third round Watauga lost just one NWC set all season, having won 13 of its conference matches by 3-0 scores. Watauga was ranked No. 1 on more than one occasion in the 4-A classification by maxpreps.com and has sent two players — Brynne Gould to Washington & Lee and Olivia Williamson to Queens University — to college programs this season.

The off-season program, Club Synergy, has developed players to feed into the Pioneers’ program, which has enjoyed success since Hagaman took over in 2010, when she guided the Pioneers to a 26-4 record. Watauga has reached no less than the second round of the playoffs since she took over, and the third round in six of the seven seasons she’s coached.

Kris Hagaman - Watauga volleyball

Kris Hagaman, left, led Watauga’s volleyball team to a 26-2 record in 2016.

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

CONGRATS TO THE COACH OF THE YEAR!

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Burger King Baseball Student-Athlete of the Year Watauga’s Trail Blazer Award given to the school’s top male athlete.

Why he won:

C

astle, Watauga’s shortstop, was all-Northwestern Conference baseball player his junior season. Castle, a three-point athlete (football, basketball, baseball). Was the team’s leadoff batter the entire season for the Pioneers. Also won

ACADEMICS: Castle carried a weighted 4.33 GPA this year despite playing three sports.

COMMUNITY: Castle volunteers at Hospitality House

by serving meals and with registration.

He also has volunteered for Toys For Tots, volunteered with Vacation Bible School and other activities at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, volunteered at the Blood, Sweat & Gears bike ride, with youth football and baseball camps and with Watauga Parks and Recreation youth flag football clinic.

Hamilton Castle - Watauga High School

Above, Watauga’s Hamilton Castle bats in a 2016 game.

Hamilton Castle (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler, is the Baseball Student-Athlete of the Year.

This student-athlete is a leader among his peers.

He leads by example and he leads vocally.

Watauga baseball coach David Lee.

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Mountain Times Publications -

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

New River Building Supply Women’s Softball Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

H

arris won the Avery coach’s award in 2014 and 2015 and was the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2016. She is a four-year starter at catcher.

second place finalist in social media at the FBLA Regionals. Harris also was a member of the state marketing convention competition team and is Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Acess certified. She also received Ever Fi and Wise Financial Literacy certification.

ACADEMICS: Harris has a weighted 4.65 grade point average. She is on the honor roll and was a

COMMUNITY: Volunteers with the Avery County Lit-

tle League at least six hours a week. Harris is a pre-school teacher at Pineola Baptist Church for the Avery Baptist Association.

Harris also is a volunteer at the Avery County Humane Society, and is a president of the Interact Club, vice president of the FBLA, and secretary of the JSA. Harris is also a member of the National Honor Society, Debate Club and the National Beta Club at Avery High School.

Cassie Harris - Avery County High School

Above, Cassie Harris was the catcher on Avery’s softball team.

At left, Cassie Harris (left), pictured with New River Building Supply owner Perry Yates, is the Softball Student-Athlete of the Year.

She has done way more than has been expected.

She always has a positive attitude that brings the whole team’s spirit up.

Avery softball coach Mike Shook.

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Mountain Times Publications -

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18 - Mountain Times Publications

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Abbey Carpet Men’s Cross-Country Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won: St. Clair has been a fixture on the Watauga cross-country and track and field teams.

He was named the Most Valuable Runner for Watauga and the cross-country Runner of the Year in the Northwestern Conference after winning the conference championship.

ACADEMICS:

COMMUNITY:

St. Clair carries a 4.7778 weighted GPA. He was accepted to the N.C. Governors School for Social Science and is a member of the Watauga High National Honor Society. He also received a internship at Appalachian State University exercise laboratory.

Volunteers at Hospitality House and is president of the Watauga Sustainability Club. He is a member of the youth leadership team at BUMC and is also a worship leader. He also participated in Mr. WHS to raise funds for needy families.

Price St. Clair - Watauga High School

Watauga’s Price St. Clair finishes a race at the Watauga course.

Price is a team captain for his team. Even without the title, Price will still lead. He works as hard physical, mentally and emotionally at his sport.

Watauga men’s cross-country coach Randy McDonough.

At left, Price St. Clair (left), pictured with Tiffany Leonard of Abbey Carpet, is the Men’s Cross-Country Student-Athlete of the Year.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

2017 2016

Mountain Times Publications -

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

AEV Women’s Cross-Country Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

S

elong, Watauga’s Most Valuable Runner, was fourth in the Northwestern Conference championship meet. She was name all-conference this season.

ACADEMICS:

COMMUNITY:

Selong has a weighted GPA of 4.2639.

She is a member of the honor roll, a National Honor Society nominee and has won the Scholar Athlete Award.

Selong volunteers at Hospitality House with the team. She also volunteers with Operation Christmas Child and watches children for St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

She also is a Fall Festival Volunteer for the Catholic Church.

Anna Selong - Watauga High School

Anna is a hard worker on the cross-country team. She led the team in all races except one this season. She is very competitive in all parts of her life.

Watauga women’s cross-country coach Randy McDonough.

Watauga standout runner Anna Selong was named the Women’s Cross-Country Student-Athlete of the Year and the Best of Preps.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

The Rock Sports Bar and Grill Men’s Football Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

C

astle won the Golden Helmet Award given to the Most Valuable Player. He rolled up 2,789 total yards and was responsible for 44 touchdowns for the Pioneers, who averaged 51 points per game in 2016. Led the Pioneers to within one point of winning the Northwestern Conference championship.

Also won Watauga’s Trail Blazer Award given to the school’s top male athlete.

ACADEMICS: Castle carried a weighted 4.33 GPA this year despite playing three sports.

COMMUNITY: Castle volunteers at Hospitality House

with serving meals and with registration. He also has volunteered for Toys For Tots, volunteered with Vacation Bible School and other activities at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, volunteered at the Blood, Sweat & Gears bike ride, with youth football and baseball camps and with Watauga Parks and Recreation youth flag football clinic.

Hamilton Castle - Watauga High School

Hamilton Castle played quarterback for the Watauga football team.

Hamilton Castle is one of the top student-athletes I’ve had the opportunity to coach. He is one the most talented athletes at WHS, but his attitude commitment and care for other people is what sets him apart from other students.

Watauga football coach Ryan Habich.

At left, Hamilton Castle (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications ad sales representative Ian Broadhead, is the Football Student-Athlete of the Year.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Appalachian Furniture Men’s Golf Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

G

raham has been a member of the Watauga golf team for four seasons.

He was All-Northwestern Conference in his sophomore and junior years and was voted his team captain his junior and senior years. He was ranked sixth in the NWC individual standings this season.

ACADEMICS:

COMMUNITY:

Graham has a 4.4 weighted GPA. He is a member of the Watauga Innovation Academy and is ranked third in his class. Took an independent study for AutoCAD. Graham engineered a golf driver and putter and he also performed stress analysis on created CAD objects.

Graham is a member of DECA and participated in district and state championship each year, receiving the top test score his senior year. He also participates in regular street cleanups. Graham also competes in freestyle skiing competitions, finishing first in beginner and intermediate and second in

Alan Graham - Watauga High School

Alan Graham (left) pictured with Grace Ward of Appalachian Furniture, is the Men’s Golf Student-Athlete of the Year.

Alan is the epitome of a student-athlete. He comes to school early to stay with his academics and stays at practice late to improve his game. He has always represented his school with class and integrity.

Watauga golf coach Brett Green.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Watauga Democrat Women’s Golf Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

H

ardin is a four-time All-Mountain Valley Conference player. She also has qualified for the regional and the state tournaments four times and is a threetime MVC Player of the Year.

She finished sixth in the 1-A/2-A state tournament this season. Hardin also signed

a letter of intent to play golf at Appalachian State.

ACADEMICS: Hardin carries a 4.7328 GPA and is 13th in her class of 223. She is a member of the National Beta Club and was a Junior Marshall last year.

COMMUNITY: Hardin served as secretary of the Beta Club, the Math Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. She also volunteers at Mountain Aire Golf Club each summer at their Junior Golf Clinic.

Hardin teaches dance at Dancin’ Debbies and participates with Bald Mountain Church “Feat in the Fields” each November.

Sarah Hardin - Ashe County High School

Sarah is the epitome of the student-athlete.

She is in the top of her class academically and she is without a doubt one of the most decorated athletes that has come through Ashe County High School.

Ashe County girls’ golf coach Laura Foster.

At left, Sarah Hardin (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler, is the Women’s Golf Student Athlete of the Year.

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Summer Times Men’s Swimming Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

C

onner is a four-time All-Northwestern Conference swimmer and a four-time regional qualifier. He was a team captain in 2016-17 and the team Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2017.

ACADEMICS:

COMMUNITY:

Conner has a 4.0192 GPA on a weighted scale. He was Watauga’s 2016 DECA Most Outstanding Junior. He is also on the honor roll.

Conner is the 2016-17 DECA president.

He is a United Methodist Youth Worship Leader and a Young Life Worship Leader.

Conner also volunteers at Hospitality House, is the Senior Class Vice-President and was a Mr. WHS contestant for four years.

Reed Conner - Watauga High School I have coached almost 20 years and Reed has been one of the best athletes I have ever coached.

While he is generally laid back, he trains with an intensity that few others possess.

Watauga men’s swimming coach David Gragg.

Reed Conner (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications ad sales representative John Goheen, is the Men’s Swimming Student-Athlete of the Year.

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All About Women Women’s Swimming Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

F

orsyth is an All-Northwestern Conference, the team Most Valuable Player and a regional qualifier three times.

She also is a state qualifier two times and holds school records for the 200-medley

relay, the 100-freestyle, the 200-individual medley, the 100-breaststroke and the 400-relay.

ACADEMICS: Forsyth has a weighted GPA of 4.3421.

She is a member of the honor roll and the

National Honor Society.

COMMUNITY: Forsyth has volunteered at the Hospitality House with her club swim team. She also has volunteered at the Humane Society and plays viola in the Watauga Honors Orchestra.

Caroline Forsyth - Watauga High School

Caroline is one of the most talented swimmers ever at Watauga High.

She has achieved several school records during her career.

Watauga women’s swimming coach David Gragg.

Caroline Forsyth (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications advertising director Charlie Price, is the Women’s Swimming Student-Athlete of the Year.

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Mountain Times Women’s Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

G

ould led the Pioneers to a 26-2 record and to the state 4-A Western Regional finals. She was the Northwestern Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Gould finished the season with 332 kills to lead the Pioneers, and had 32 service aces. She also played along the

Pioneers’ back line and accumulated 215 digs. She signed a letter of intent to play at Washington & Lee this fall and also was given the Hall of Fame Award, which is given to the top female athlete at Watauga High School.

ACADEMICS: Gould carries a weighted 4.716 GPA.

She has been a member of the honor roll for four years and a member of the National Honor Society. Gould also is a member of DECA

COMMUNITY: Gould volunteers at the Hospitality House and with the Humane Society. She is also a member of the FCA.

Brynne Gould - Watauga High School

Brynne Gould gets ready to serve the ball for the Watauga volleyball team.

Brynne Gould (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications ad sales representative John Goheen, is the Women’s volleyball Student-Athlete of the Year.

Brynne is an exceptional student and athlete.

Brynne Gould had a huge impact on the success of the Watauga volleyball program. She set the tone of the team by exhibiting a hard work ethic, positive attitude and a willingness to learn and improve.

Watauga volleyball coach Kris Hagaman.

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The Best of Preps in the High Country

Watauga volleyball coach Kris Hagaman enjoys senior day on the Pioneers’ final home game of the 2016 season.

Avery’s Jeffrey Puckett looks for some room against Watauga.

Avery County’s Cassie Harris played catcher for the Vikings.

Watauga volleyball player Brynne Gould digs a serve during the 2016 season.

Ashe County baseball player Hogan ‘Turtle’ Windish relaxes with his coach and father Mike Windish after signing with UNC Greensboro.

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Blowing Rocket Men’s Lacrosse Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

W

allace was one of the Pioneers dangerous scoring threats. He is one of the most aggressive players in the Pioneers lineup and is always a threat

to score a goal when given the opportunity.

He is a four-year letter winner for the Pioneers.

COMMUNITY: Wallace participated in Athletes for Good.

ACADEMICS: Wallace carries a 3.5 grade point average.

Bryce Wallace - Watauga High School

Bryce Wallace winds up to shoot in a game at Leigh Cooper-Wallace Field.

Bryce Wallace (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications ad sales representative Ian Broadhead, is the Men’s Lacrosse Student-Athlete of the Year.

Bryce is a leader on and off the field and a great role model for the younger athletes. He has a great work ethic and it transfers to others.

Watauga men’s lacrosse coach Todd Allen.

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Dan’l Boone Inn Women’s Lacrosse Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

W

inkler has shown improvement throughout the Pioneers’ season in the defensive side of the field despite being new to the sport. Playing lacrosse can be a challenge to Winkler, who suffers from asthma, but still was able to make it to practice every day and ran each

conditioning drill without complaint.

ACADEMICS: Winkler has a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

COMMUNITY: Winkler plays the flute in concert band at Watauga High. She also snowboards, draws and paints.

COACH’S COMMENTS: “Hailey is fairly new to the sport and has proven to be a hard worker and tremendously coachable. She listens and alters her play or stick skills to become a better lacrosse player. Every day she improves.”

Watauga women’s lacrosse player Hailey Winkler.

Hailey Winkler - Watauga High School

Hailey Winkler works the ball across the field for the Pioneers Hailey Winkler (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications advertising director Charlie Price, is the Women’s Lacrosse Student-Athlete of the Year.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Dan'l Boone Inn Restaurant Welcomes You!

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

Congratulations to all 2016 Best of Preps Nominees & Winners!

The best in Homestyle Southern Comfort food.

Honored by both Southern Living Magazine & Our State Magazine for our country cuisine.

2017

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Friday - Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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For over 50 years, Dan'l Boone Inn has been serving Boone and the high country delicious homecooked meals, just like you remember at grandma's house.

Our family style meals begin with a salad in the summer and soup in the winter.

Three meats and five vegetables are served along with biscuits, preserves, dessert and beverage. A full family stylebreakfast is served on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Jeff’s Plumbing Men’s Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

B

rettschneider is a two-time All-Mountain Valley Conference player in 2015-16. He’s also All-Region in 2016, captained the Huskies and was the team’s best offensive player in 2016.

ACADEMICS:

COMMUNITY:

Carries a 4.3036 weighted GPA. Brettschneider is a Junior Marshall, a member of the Beta Club, RHO Kappa and is in the top 10 percent of his class. He is also a N.C. Honors Scholar and has earned several academic awards.

Brettschneider performed 150 hours of volunteer work at Margate Retirement.

He’s also volunteers and Ashe Really Cares and is a member of the Fletcher Memorial Church.

Josh Brettschneider - Ashe County High School

Josh Brettschneider is the Men’s Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year.

Ashe County’s Josh Brettschneider works the ball up the field.

Josh has been a consummate team player for four years.

This season, he was asked to be a leader and mentor on a team in which he was the only starter. He did so admirably and was responsible for the best team chemistry of any team I have ever coached.

Ashe County men’s soccer coach Wes Rousseau.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

JP & R Inc. Jeff’s Plumbing & Repair Inc.

Commercial & Residential Water Heaters • Drain Line Cleaning Water Conditioning • Faucet Repairs Water Leak and Drain Line Repairs 828.264.5406

P.O. Box 54-DTS • Boone, NC 28607 www.jeffsplumbingandrepair.com

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The Pedalin’ Pig Women’s Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

G

ould is All-Northwestern Conference and All-Region in women’s soccer.

Also played volleyball and basketball during the 2016-17 school year. Was given the Hall of Fame Award, which is given to the top

female athlete at Watauga High School.

ACADEMICS: Gould carries a weighted 4.716 GPA. She has been a member of the honor roll for four years and a member of the National Honor Society. Gould also is a member of DECA.

Will attend Washington & Lee University in the fall.

COMMUNITY: Gould volunteers at the Hospitality House and with the Humane Society. She is also a member of the FCA.

Brynne Gould - Watauga High School

Brynne Gould’s natural leadership abilities, hard work ethic and joyful personality make her a top candidate for Best of Preps. She builds her teammates up, never takes shortcuts and is extremely coachable.

Watauga women’s soccer coach Catherine Wallace.

Brynne Gould works the ball up the field for Watauga in a 2017 game.

Brynne Gould (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler, is the Women’s Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

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Winkler Organization Cheerleading Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

C

lark has been a cheerleader at Avery for the past four years. She is also involved in many clubs at Avery High

and is a hard worker both on the sidelines and in the classroom.

a three-time scholar athlete.

ACADEMICS: Clark carries a weighted 4.44 GPA and is

Megan Clark - Avery High School

Megan Clark cheers for Avery High School.

Megan is a four-year cheerleader.

She is involved in many club and activities at ACHS and is a hard worker in and out of the classroom.

Avery cheerleading coach Cary Dominquez.

Megan Clark (left), pictured with Tiffany Leonard of the Winkler Organization, is the Cheerleader Student-Athlete of the Year.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

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Deer Valley Racquet Club Men’s Tennis Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

G

uzman is an All-Western Highlands Conference player for three years.

He’s also been the Most Outstanding Player at the school for the past three years.

ACADEMICS:

COMMUNITY:

Guzman carries a 4.59 weighted GPA and is a four-time scholar athlete. Guzman earned the App State Academic scholarship, the Academic Excellence Scholarship and the Clara and Shirley Ray Scholarship.

Guzman has volunteered with Adapt a Highway, with local 5K fundraising events and has worked with soccer, tennis and the interact clubs.

Josue Guzman - Avery High School

Avery’s Josue Guzman returns a shot for the Vikings.

He always displays great leadership abilities and leads by example. He has outstanding work habits on and off the court.

Avery men’s tennis coach Reginald Oakes.

Josue Guzman (left) standing next to Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler, is the Men’s Tennis Student-Athlete of the Year.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

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Deer Valley Racquet Club Women’s Tennis Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

C

hurch was All-Mountain Valley Conference the last two years. She’s a regional qualifier and was the runner-up in the MVC tournament this year.

ACADEMICS:

COMMUNITY:

Church has a 4.76 GPA on a weighted scale. She is fifth in her class out of 302 students, is a Junior Marshall and is a Governors School Applicant.

Church is a four-year volunteer with the Ashe County Children’s Christmas Project.

She also is a three-year volunteer for the Feeding Children Everywhere Project and a two-year volunteer with the American Red Cross Blood Donor project.

Morgan Church - Ashe County High School

Morgan Church poses with Ashe County coach Larry Dix

Morgan is an all-around athlete. She works hard academically and at her sport. She exercises leadership on the team and will take charge is leading drills.

Ashe County women’s tennis coach Larry Dix.

Morgan Church (left), standing next to Mountain Times Publications ad sales representative John Goheen, is the Women’s Tennis Student-Athlete of the Year.

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Ross Chrysler Dodge Dance Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won: Conway is a member of the Watauga dance team The Pacers, who have a long tradition of excellence. She was a natural leader of the Pacers this year and has maintained a positive attitude despite the fact

that her mother has been battling cancer for the last several years.

A. Trivette Todd Ruritan Scholarship.

ACADEMICS:

Conway is a member of the Todd Listening Project. She also participates in the Empty Bowls project, provides tutoring and is a member of the Watauga Musket Yearbook Club.

Conway carries a 4.8 weighted GPA and won the AP Scholar Award. She is also a Junior Marshall, a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of the Ruby

COMMUNITY

Carolina Conway-Watauga High School

Carolina Conway performs with the Watauga Pacers dance team at the halftime of a Watauga basketball game.

Carolina is a natural leader. She is conďŹ dent and supportive with her decisions. She is a strong role model.

Watauga Pacers coach Laura Carson.

Carolina Conway (left), pictured with Mountain Times Publications advertising director Charlie Price, is the Dance Student Athlete of the Year.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications -

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BEST OF PREPS!

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Autumn Times Men’s Track and Field Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

S

t. Clair qualified for the 4-A regional in the 3,200-meter run. He constantly has scored points for the Watauga track team in the 1,600-meter and the 3,200-meter runs.

ACADEMICS:

COMMUNITY:

St. Clair carries a 4.7778 weighted GPA. He was accepted to the N.C. Governors School for Social Science and is a member of the Watauga High National Honor Society. He also received a internship at Appalachian State University exercise laboratory.

Volunteers at Hospitality House and is president of the Watauga Sustainability Club. He is a member of the youth leadership team at BUMC and is also a worship leader. He also participated in Mr. WHS to raise funds for needy families.

Price St. Clair - Watauga High School

Watauga’s Price St. Clair runs in the Northwestern Conference Championships.

Price St. Clair (left), standing next to Mountain Times Publications ad sales representative Ian Broadhead, is the Men’s Track and Field Student-Athlete of the Year.

Price is a team leader for Watauga High track and field.

He leads by example and vocally.

Watauga men’s track and field coach Randy McDonough.

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Winter Times Men’s Wrestling Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

R

eavis finished sixth in the state 2-A wrestling tournament at 160 pounds.

He was second in the regional and the Mountain Valley Conference Tournaments. He also was the team Most Valu-

able Player and earned the Most Dedicated Award last year despite suffering from sports asthma.

ACADEMICS: Reavis posted a 3.7125 weighted GPA and made the AB Honor Roll.

COMMUNITY: Reavis volunteers for the Buddy Walk to aid Downs Syndrome Reasearch. He also volunteered for the Ashe Really Cares to aid the poor and volunteers at Westwood Elementary School. Reavis also volunteered at Lucas’ Pumpkin Patch to aid a cancer victim.

John Reavis - Ashe County High School

Ashe County’s John Reavis wrestles for the Huskies.

John is our Most Valuable Wrestler. He is our most vocal leader. He leads out team by example as well.

John comes to practice early and stays late.

Ashe County wrestling coach Keith Phillips.

John Reavis (left), standing next to Mountain Times Publications advertising director Charlie Price, is the Wrestling Student-Athlete of the Year.

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Piedmont Federal Women’s Track Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

G

arland is All-Western Highland Conference in the 400-meter and 800-meter relays. She was also all-conference in the 300-meter hurdles in

her junior year and is expected to return as a senior.

ACADEMICS: Garland had a 3.7946 weighted GPA and participates in four sports.

COMMUNITY: Garland is the youth group leader at Providence Evangelical Church. She is responsible for leading their Wednesday night youth service and sharing youth lessons once a month with the congregation.

Kesha Garland - Avery County High School

Kesha has qualified for the state track meet every year.

She is a hard worker and she excels at everything she attempts.

Avery women’s coach Cary Dominquez.

Avery County’s Kesha Garland attempts the pole vault.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

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The Avery Journal-Times Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year Why he won:

P

uckett was the Western Highland Conference Player of the Year for the 2016-17 season. He was first-team all-District for the NCBCA in 2017, was All WHC three seasons and All-WHC Tournament for three season, including the Most Valuable Player in 2017. He’s lead Avery to a 55-0 conference record, has scored 1,165 career points, grabbed 549 career rebounds

and has led Avery to four straight regular season and conference championships.

Puckett also led the Vikings to the Final Four of the state 1-A championships and to the elite eight three times.

ACADEMICS: Puckett carries a 4.0905 weighted GPA and his class rank is 31 out of 140 students.

He also received the Microsoft & Power Point Award in 2015.

COMMUNITY: Puckett was a Back to School Bash Volunteer, a FBLA Fundraising leader, a Fields of Faith Speaker and a member of the National Technical Honor Society. He is also active in the Community Toy Giveaway and a presented at the Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout in 2016. He also is the owner and operator of the Top of the Line Auto Detailing.

Jeffrey Puckett - Avery High School

Avery standout basketball player Jeffrey Puckett goes up for an easy basket for the Vikings.

Jeffrey represents everything that is good about interscholastic athletics. In 20 years of coaching, I have never had a better leader on one of my teams.

Avery men’s basketball coach Scott Grubb.

Avery’s Jeffrey Puckett is the Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year.

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Ashe Mountain Times Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year Why she won:

W

oods, a sophomore, is a two-time All-Mountain Valley Conference player. She is also a two-time Colvard Oil Holiday Classic All-Tournament team player and a one-time All-MVC tournament player. Woods set a school record for most 3-point basket made in a season,

and is the all-time leader in 3-point shooting for the Ashe women’s basketball program.

ACADEMICS: Woods holds a 4.29 weighted GPA. She is a two-time NCHSAA scholar athlete.

COMMUNITY: Woods is very active at Ashe County

High School. She serves in the Ashe student council, has volunteered to help with several fundraising projects, including selling programs at football games, helping organize dances and worked to raise money with the Pennies for Patients, which raises funds for cancer research. She also has helped raise money for the Hoops for Hope for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Samantha Woods - Ashe County High School

Savannah Woods drives with the ball during an Ashe County game.

Samantha Woods is the Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete o the Year.

Sam is an outstanding young lady with great depth of character and personality. She has earned the respect of the entire ACHS faculty and staff, as well as her teammates and coaches.

Ashe County women’s basketball coach Laura Foster.

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BEST OF PREPS

The buffet line was provided by Lowes Foods. Parents, families, coaches and friends of student-athletes nominated for the Best of Preps ceremony gathered at Watauga High School on May 21.

Mountain Times Publications -

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Congratulations to All of the Nominees PITTMAN TRUCKING, INC.

LOCAL AND LONG DISTANCE SERVICE Newland, NC 828.733.2169 | 800.742.7488

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Families and friends from Watauga, Avery and Ashe high schools honored the elite of the High Country’s student-athletes at the Best of Preps event held at Watauga High School. The event, emceed by Mountain Times publisher Gene Fowler, included a keynote address from former Appalachian State receiver Malachi Jones. The awards were announced by The Avery Journal-Times editor Jamie Shell.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

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A glance at the Best of Preps

Malachi Jones was the keynote speaker for the Best of Preps ceremony.

Watauga men’s lacrosse winner Bryce Wallace walks across the stage to accept his award at the Best of Preps ceremony.

Mountain Times Publications ad sales representative Trey Fowler directs Dance award winner Carolina Conway across the Watauga High School auditorium stage.

Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler was the emcee of the Third Annual Best of Preps ceremony held on May 21 at Watauga High School.

P.O. Box 335 | Elk Park, NC 28622 OfďŹ ce: 828.773.1237 Fax: 828.733.1220 Home: 828.733.5509

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017