By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – In 2023, the Springville Tigers and Moody Blue Devils had spectacular seasons in both boys and girls basketball with all teams either winning or playing for the county and area championship, hosting region games, winning region championships and getting to the Alabama State Playoffs. The players and coaches who made it all possible were recognized as the Saint Clair County All-County Teams were announced recently, along with MVP players and Coach of the Year selections.
Making the girls All-County team were Springville’s Audrey Talton, Farrah Hawkins and Bella Bullington. The Lady Tigers finished the season 20-12, won their seventh-straight area championship, and made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the Alabama State Playoffs. Hawkins was also voted as the County MVP.
Head Coach Warren House said the following about his All-County players, “Farrah is just a good, solid player. She handles and shoots the ball well and provides a lot of energy on both sides of the ball. She led in points, steals, deflections and second in rebounding on our team. A key component of the team. She had big moments often throughout the year and gave us sparks when we needed it. With Bella, she gives us a good solid performance. She led us in rebounds and scored a lot. She’s a mainstay and she’s got another year left. Her and Farrah have been major components for our team. Audrey, we really hated she got hurt at the end of the year and missed out at the end and in the playoffs. Her and Farrah were the big three-point threats. It opens up a lot when you’ve got 2 girls who can shoot it like that. That opened up a lot for us. She’s a solid ball handler. She was under the radar and got a lot of the ‘dirty’ plays and points for us. She is really tough and solid while not being as flashy as some others.”
For Moody’s girls, Tori Pyles, Tarryn Woodall and Emma Kile were selected to the All-County Team. Head Coach Becca Davis was chosen as the Saint Clair County Coach of the Year for 2023 as well. The Blue Devils finished the season 18-8 with a trip to the Alabama State Playoffs.
“We played a higher level of basketball this season than we’ve been able to produce previously,” said Coach Davis. “It’s always nice to have individual performances recognized, but we still place a superior emphasis on team accomplishments. Tori, Tarryn and Emma paved the way for much of our success, but they would tell you their teammates deserve acknowledgement too. Being named SCC Coach of the year is a special honor. I’m a country girl. Our program wants to play the game in a way that positively represents our families, school and county. My success is credited to my support system. I have a wonderful staff. Kristan Cromer makes all of us better basketball players. Adding Madison Dillashaw and Kelsey Ryker this year has brought us a new energy on the bench. I am blessed to have them and our faculty supporting me.”
On the boy’s side, Moody’s Kolby Seymour, Davion Dozier and Caden Helms were selected. The Blue Devils finished the season 19-13 with their first-ever appearance in the Sweet Sixteen of the Alabama State Playoffs. Dozier also earned County MVP honors and Head Coach Chad Bates was voted Saint Clair County’s Coach of the Year.
“Caden had a great year,” said Coach Bates. “His presence on the court helped our offensive spacing. When he started taking it to the basket and hitting some pull-up shots, it made him tough to defend. Kolby was irreplaceable for us on defense. His instincts and motor make him special. Davion is a great young man, who happens to be very talented. He set the tone for us on both offense and defense. Super proud of him for earning the MVP for the season. It was a great year for us as a team and I am super proud of all of our guys and coaches. Getting Coach of the Year is just a reflection of how blessed I am to get to work with these young men every day.”
For Springville’s boys, Brodie Frederick, Collin Lockhart and Ty Harrison were selected as All County players. The Tigers finished the season 21-11 with an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen of the Alabama State Playoffs.
“We had 5 or 6 players worthy of being selected, but only 3 were chosen. That speaks to the depth of our team and how different players stepped up throughout the season,” said Springville coach Brandon Easterwood. “Brodie, Collin and Ty upheld the standard for Springville basketball. I am very proud of their effort and accomplishments. We only played 2 county teams all season and they are both in our area. It makes it difficult for other county schools to know how good our players really are.”