McKenzie High School Celebrates Basketball Teams with Banquet

McKENZIE (May 4) — McKenzie High School hosted its annual basketball banquet Sunday afternoon in the school cafeteria. Players, coaches, managers, cheerleaders, family and other supporters gathered to celebrate the successes and hard work of the season.

Principal Kelly Spivey welcomed everyone, and Director of Schools Dr. Justin Barden delivered a prayer before guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Hometown Hangout.

After dessert, cheer coach Brittany Colotta spoke. She thanked many people before recognizing the cheerleaders and presented awards.

Tobey Brooks was named the Stunting MVP. Brooke Murphy was Most Improved. Reese Gallimore was awarded Sideline MVP. Carleigh Lunn earned the Most Spirit Award. The Highest GPA was Baylee Barden. Lydia Pate was presented the Rebel Pride Award as well as the Taylor Buckley Cheer Scholarship, awarded in honor of Taylor Buckley, an MHS cheerleader who died in a car accident in 2011 at age 16.

Seniors Gallimore, Barden, Pate and Laila Scott were given keepsake shadowboxes filled with memories and memorabilia.

Lady Rebel Coach Dru Emerson then took the podium, also thanking many people for their support. He presented managers with certificates and players with plaques listing their accolades, including a few team awards.

Kailie Hudgins was named Most Improved. Aurora Johnson earned the Sixth Man Award. Kynadie Brown and Ashley Dunavant earned the title Weight Room Warrior. Sophie Pate, the lone senior, was recognized as Team Captain.

Players were recognized for their statistical contributions, district and region honors and the intangibles they brought to the team. Freshman Jaycee Stafford was a clear standout, leading the team in seven statistical categories.

Rebel Coach Justin Lowery echoed the many thanks of the other coaches.

He presented awards for statistical achievements. Cole Brown earned Most Charges Taken. Eli Vinson was presented with the Sixth Man Award. Senior Landon Brown took the Defensive Award. Senior Craegen Travis earned Most Blocks. Senior Carter Kee took awards for Best Free Throw Percentage and Most Assists. Senior Tate Surber earned honors for Best Two-Point Percentage, Best Three-Point Percentage, Most Rebounds and Most Steals. Surber was also recognized as the program's all-time leading scorer. Seniors Landyn Smith and KD Cunningham were also presented plaques.

Principal Spivey presented academic awards to Lady Rebels Addyson Littleton, Kynadie Brown, Addison Milam, Braylin Auvenshine, Jaycee Stafford, Madeline Gottshall, Ava Hastings, Gracie Aird, Sophie Pate and manager Madelyn Morris; and Rebels Tate Surber and Carter Kee and managers Kyla Beveridge and Ally Gibson.

Tim McBride presented the Barbara Boyd Memorial Scholarship to Tate Surber. Boyd was a 1959 MHS graduate, a Lady Rebel basketball player and a longtime McKenzie educator.

Members of the Rebounders Club presented gifts to coaches and seniors. Seniors presented gifts to the coaches as well.

The event concluded with guests lingering for photos and fellowship.