Basketball players honored at banquet

Freshman and varsity basketball players from Warren County High School were honored for their accomplishments during the 2001-2002 season Monday night at their annual postseason banquet.

While recognizing the parents, support staff and others who assisted their teams during the season, Pioneer and Lady Pioneer coaches also took the opportunity to present several individual awards to their players.

For the varsity boys, Ethan Rutledge was presented with the Pioneer award, while Kyle Thompson was named Most Improved Player and Cody Hillis earned the team’s “Sixth Man” award.

Jeff Chisam was given the Big Red Hustle award, while Patrick Jones received the Coach’s award. Reese Bishop was named Best Defensive Player, Randal Harrell took Best Offensive Player honors, and Matt Cotten was named the team’s MVP.

In addition to the player-selected awards, Bishop, Harrell and Cotten were recognized for earning All-District 7-AAA Tournament status, and Harrell and Cotten for being named to the All-District team.

Among the varsity girls, Lindsi Mayfield was given the team’s Senior award, while Katie Simpson was named Most Improved Player.

The Lady Pioneers’ Hustle award went to Whitney Pelham, with Linsey Cornelius earning the Defensive Player award and Leanne Pelham — who was also recognized for earning All-District status — named the Offensive Player of the Year.

Brittany Brewer was named Most Consistent among the freshman girls, while Brittany Williamson was named Most Inspirational. Vanessa Cornelius, who led the team in rebounds and field goal percentage, was recognized for her All-Tournament performance in the 7-AAA tourney.

The freshman boys named Kevin Fults their “Sixth Man” award winner, while Bobby Simpson earned the team’s Hustle award. Andy Harrell was named Defensive Player of the Year, Tommy Jones was Offensive Player of the Year, and Todd Gilley, who along with Jones was an All-District performer, was named the Pioneers’ Team MVP.