Partnership honors Lowndes County student-athletes
Published 8:56 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Student-athletes are honored at the Lowndes County Athlete of the Year award banquet. Pictured are (back row, left to right) Ja’Tyus Axel, Jakobian Davis, Jarquius Maye, Bryan Lambert, Taylor Robertson, Kasen Dismukes, Scott Stinson; (front row, left to right) Jamarcus Webb, Shamirria Rudolph, Eron Foster, Lamar Tolliver, J’vion Gordon, Jamaxin Lewis, Cooper Dansby, Haley Briggs, Andrew Myers and (seated, left to right) Tyler Robertson, Ameria Maull and Clayton Hussey. Not pictured are James Howard, Bella Robitaille, Huston Hampton, Iyuanna Wallace, Talea Reid, Iyanis Wallace, Alivia Mason, Julissa Murphy and Courtney Johnson.
Lowndes County Public Schools Athletic Director Nickles Rankins is recognized for his role in honoring student-athletes. Pictured are Lashunda Brown, David Lovell, Rankins and Lanell Smith.
Community votes elect Tyler Robertson as Lowndes County Athlete of the Year for The Calhoun School. Pictured are David Lovell, Lanell Smith, Robertson, Nickels Rankins and Lashunda Brown.
The Lowndes County Lowndes Academy Athlete of the Year is Clayton Hussey. Pictured are Lanell Smith, David Lovell, Hussey, Nickels Rankins and Lashunda Brown.
Ameria Maull is voted Lowndes County Central High School Athlete of the Year. Pictured are David Lovell, Lashunda Brown, Nickels Rankins, Maull and Lanell Smith.
Lowndes County student-athletes and their supporters attend a May 9 banquet.
The Lowndes Signal Regional Editor Lanell Smith recognizes the 28 Athlete of the Week winners.
Brothers Tyler (left) and Taylor (right) Robertson are honored at the May 9 banquet.
Nickles Rankins welcomes guests to the Lowndes County Athlete of the Year banquet.
Members of Central High School’s baseball team are recognized as Athletes of the Week. Pictured are (left to right) Athletic Director Brian Coleman, Jamarcus Webb, Jakobian Davis, Lamar Tolliver, Jamaxin Lewis, Eron Foster and coach Kenny “Tiger'' Rush.
Lowndes Academy student athletes honored at the May 9 banquet are (back row, left to right) Kasen Dismukes, Cooper Dansby, Scott Stinson and (front row, left to right) Clayton Hussey, Andrew Myers and Haley Briggs. Photo by Lanell Smith
The Lowndes Athletics media team is recognized for their efforts helping cover sports in the 45. Pictured are (left to right) Shamirria Rudolp, Shar'Dajai Harris JaMaya McConnico, Cansas Hubbard, Zaryah Flowers and Zaylen Burke.
Senior Haley Briggs was voted as The Lowndes Signal’s inaugural Athlete of the Week. She is volleyball captain at Lowndes Academy, where she plays volleyball, basketball and softball for the Rebels. As a team-first player, Briggs is always willing to help younger students with their efforts to succeed. Her kindness and willingness to lend a hand extends beyond the court and into all her academic classes. Briggs was voted Athlete of the Week by gaining 51%, 189 out of 372 votes.
Eron Foster was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week 2. He is a junior at Central High School in Hayneville, where he is No. 0 and plays for the Lions as linebacker, running back, and tight end. He recorded 11 tackles during Central’s game Friday against Maplesville. Foster sees his role on the field as someone who stops - stops the opponent’s runs and passes, covers the middle, the hooks and the curls. Foster won Athlete of the week by receiving 62%, 307 out of 479 of the votes.
Andrew Myers was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week 3. He is a senior at Lowndes Academy and plays wide receiver for the Rebels. Myers had an outstanding game against Southern Academy on Sept. 15, recording four tackles on defense in a backup role and snagged a crucial reception on third and long. He plays basketball and volunteers as the baseball manager. In addition, Myers is constantly giving high fives to elementary students and volunteering to lend a hand when teachers need assistance. Myers won Athlete of the Week by receiving 53%, 288 out of 546, of the votes.
Bryan Lambert was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week 4. He is a freshman at The Calhoun School where he is a well-rounded student-athlete in the classroom and on the field. Lambert boasts a 3.4 GPA and is in his second year as starting center for the Tigers, playing both offense and defense. Lambert has moved up to one of Tigers' team captains this year because of his great work ethic, his willingness to be coachable, his work in the classroom and his love for his teammates. Lambert won Athlete of the Week by receiving 46%, 342 out of the 764 votes cast. He was also earned Athlete of the Fall Season in December after earning 30%, 728 out of 2,433 votes.
Jase Howard was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week. He is a senior football player at Lowndes Academy. While not practicing, Jase successfully operates his own lawn care company and voluntarily mows the grass at the football facility. Jase plays outside linebacker and has been a contributor to Lowndes Academy’s success this season. Howard won this Athlete of the Week by receiving 49%, 264 out of the 536 votes cast. Pictured - Lowndes Signal General Manager David Lovell presents Jase Howard with the Lowndes County Athlete of the Week.
Ja’Tyus Axel was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week. She is a senior cheerleader at The Calhoun School. Axel is part of The Mighty Marching Tigers band as a member of the colorguard and participates in the JROTC, all while maintaining high academics. Axel also has the honor of being this year's Ms. Homecoming. She is very active at Calhoun, assisting with pep rallies and other school activities to help with school morale. Axel is very popular with the student body, teachers and administrators. She won Athlete of the Week award by receiving 57%, 483 out of the 852 votes cast.
Scott Stinson was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week. He is a senior who plays wide receiver and defensive back for the Rebels' varsity football team. In Lowndes Academy's game against Patrician, Stinson had a 60-yard touchdown reception, six tackles and an interception to seal the game. He is one of many leaders on the Lowndes Academy varsity squad. He won Athlete of the Week award by receiving 51%, 162 out of the 318 votes cast.
Bella Robitaille was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week. She is a cheerleader at Lowndes Academy. The senior and co-captain is an outstanding student and leader at her school. She is always smiling and polite to everyone. Robitaille won Athlete of the Week by receiving 40%, 311 out of 782, of the votes. Pictured - The Lowndes Academy cheer squad celebrates Bella Robitaille receiving Lowndes County Athlete of the Week.
Cooper Dansby was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week. He is the leading tackler on Lowndes Academy's varsity football team and is a four-year starter on defense. As a sophomore and junior, he played significant roles in the team's state championships. Cooper is also a member of the Student Government Association (SGA) and participates in many clubs and extracurricular activities at Lowndes Academy. Dansby won Athlete of the Week by receiving 60%, 260 out of 432, of the votes.
Jarquius “Joc” Maye was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week. He is a Senior at The Calhoun School and a member (OL) of the Tigers football team. Maye is an outstanding young man. While his mother, Cassandra Washington, has been battling cancer (for the second time), Joc has been amazing. When he found out his mom would have to stop working to get in the "fight,"Maye picked up a job of his own. He then went to the head football coach and asked if he could join the Tiger's football team. After joining the team, Maye never missed out on assisting his mom, taking her to her appointments, picking her up from appointments and doing whatever is needed at home, all while still making it to football practice and competing on Friday nights.Maye has been a pivotal part of Calhoun's run to the playoffs, first time in 24 years, with his leadership by example. Maye is loved by all at Calhoun for his kindness, hug heart heart and wonderful sense of humor. He won Athlete of the Week by receiving 54%, 315 out of 582, of the votes.
Huston Hampton was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week. He is a sophomore who plays football at Lowndes Academy. During the Rebels’ game against Sparta, Huston had almost 100 yards rushing. Thursday in the challenge with Jackson Academy, he had an interception and around 40 yards on the ground rushing. He also had six tackles. Hampton won Athlete of the Week by receiving 64%, 337 out of 529, of the votes. Pictured - Sophomore Huston Hampton is awarded Lowndes County Athlete of the week at Cramton Bowl as the Rebels earn a third AISA State Championship Title on Thursday.
Kasen Dismukes was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week. He is a Senior at Lowndes Academy, playing wide receiver and middle linebacker for the Rebels. In the Lowndes state championship game, he had 70 yards rushing and recorded nine tackles on defense. He won Athlete of the Week by receiving 57%, 156 out of 275, of the votes.
Iyuanna Wallace was voted as Lowndes County’s Athlete of the Week. She is a junior at Central High School in Hayneville, playing guard for the Lady Lions basketball team. She hit three big three-pointers for nine points in the game against Holtville. Wallace won Athlete of the Week by receiving 39%, 114 out of 293, of the votes. Pictured - Iyuanna Wallace receives Athlete of the Week. Pictured are (left to right) Lowndes Signal General Manager David Lovell, Wallas and Lowndes County Athletic Director Nick Rankins.
Freshman J’Von had 16 points on the Lions’ junior varsity basketball game against Sidney Lanier. He won Athlete of the Week for Week 14 by receiving 70%, 140 out of 201, of the votes.
Talea Reid is a sophomore cheerleader at Central High School in Hayneville. She is an honor roll student, participates in JROTC, and never gives up. Talea works really hard at everything she does. She won Athlete of the Week for Week 15 by receiving 70%, 360 out of 516, of the votes.
Shamirria Rudolph is a senior at Central High School in Hayneville. She plays basketball and volleyball for the Lady Lions. She won Athlete of the Week for Week 16 by receiving 57%, 154 out of 271, of the votes.
Central High School junior Iyanis Wallace, plays guard for the Lions’ basketball team. In football, he is also a wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back for the Lions. Iyanis is an honor student who strives for excellence in the classroom and on the court.
The Calhoun School junior Tyler Robertson is one of only a few student-athletes across Alabama selected for the AHSAA Student Leadership Team. Tyler scored 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the Lions’ game against Greenville and has recently joined the 1,000 points club. He won Athlete of the Week for Week 18 award by receiving 59%, 743 out of 1,258, of the votes.
Lowndes Middle School seventh grader Alivia Mason plays varsity basketball with The Calhoun School Lady Tigers. She was MVP in the Class 1A, Area 5 Championship Tournament. Mason won Athlete of the Week for Week 19 by receiving 66%, 756 out of 1,139, of the votes. The Lowndes Signal General Manager David Lovell (left) and Lowndes Athletic Director Nickles Rankins (right) award Alivia Mason (center) as Lowndes County Athlete of the Week.
Taylor Robertson is a sophomore at The Calhoun School who excels in the classroom and on the court. He maintains a 3.25 grade point average (GPA) and is starting point guard for the Tigers’ basketball team. Robertson Athlete of the Week for Week 20 by receiving 72%, 1,063 out of 1,478, of the votes.
Julissa Murphy is a Central High School junior who plays varsity girls’ basketball for the Lady Tigers. Coaches say she is an all-around good kid in the classroom and on the court.
Jamarcus Webb is a Junior at Central High School. He has played football and is ecstatic about the arrival of the baseball season. He is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). He wants to take baseball to the next level in college. Webb won Athlete of the Week for Week 22 by receiving 74%, 772 out of 1,045, of the votes. He emerged the winner and was named Athlete of the Spring Season by gaining 14,745 votes, 55%, of the 26,699 votes cast.
Ameria Maull is a senior at Central High School in Hayneville. She plays basketball for the Lions and sets an example for others with her athleticism and dedication. Maull won Athlete of the Week for Week 23 by receiving 76%, 122 out of 160, of the votes.
Jamaxin Lewis is a baseball player for the Central High School Lions. He had a three-run homerun and a total of six RBIs against Calhoun for the 12-2 win. For Lewis, baseball is not just a sport. It’s his passion! He won Athlete of the Week for Week 24 by receiving 60%, 1342 out of 2,227, of the votes.
Lamar Toliver is a senior at The Calhoun School. He is a member of the baseball team and marching band. Lamar is also an outstanding student. He has a very calm and laid back demeanor with a very witty sense of humor that allows him to be loved by his schoolmates as well as the faculty and staff of Calhoun. Lamar is often looked upon to be a leader with any activity he's involved with. He's a great example of what you'd want in a student athlete. He is CodeBlue... Discipline, Desire, Dedication. Toliver won Athlete of the Week for Week 25 by receiving 64%, 87 out of 135, of the votes.
Courtney Johnson is voted Lowndes County Athlete of the Week for Week 26.
Jakobian Davis is a junior at Central High School in Hayneville. He plays baseball for the Lions and in their 15-3 win over RC Hatch, he was named player of the game. Davis went two for four with five RBI's. He had a bases loaded triple and a single. Davis won the Athlete of the Week for Week 27 by receiving 80%, 1,295 out of 1,610, of the votes.
Lowndes Academy senior Clayton Hussey placed first in high jump and placed third in the triple jump events on Thursday at the 2024 Gulf Shores AISA Outdoor Track & Field State Championship. He won Athlete of the Week for Week 28 by receiving 86%, 508 out of 592, of the votes.
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The Lowndes Signal, in collaboration with Lowndes County Athletics and Life Restaurant, proudly announced the Lowndes County Athletes of the Year at a banquet held May 9 at Hayneville Baptist Church. The event made possible by the generous support of the Lowndes County Children’s Policy Council, the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Project (BBUWP) and Young Men on a Mission, aimed to recognize outstanding student-athletes from throughout the county.
Additional support from The Calhoun School, Lowndes Academy, and Central High School, Hayneville, contributed to the success of the inaugural year-long initiative focused on celebrating excellence among some of Lowndes County’s finest young women and men.
Community members voted to select the first Lowndes County Athletes of the Year, choosing Ameria Maull of Central High School in Hayneville, Clayton Hussey of Lowndes Academy and Tyler Robertson of The Calhoun School.
Lanell Smith, Regional Editor for Greenville Newspapers explained the partnership’s motivation behind the effort.
“Our staff had been floating ideas for a way to help communities celebrate the excellence of the young men and women who engage in Lowndes County high school athletic programs,” Smith said. “We wanted a way to combine efforts, working together across lines dividing public and private schools, rival schools and separate communities.
“Lowndes County Public Schools Athletic Director Nickles Rankins had been recognizing athletes weekly. He was looking for a way to expand his efforts. We came together, joining forces and leveraging community connections so that we could support a united, county-wide program. It was important to our staff and to Nick that we celebrate all the kids as one county.”
The selection process spanned 28 weeks and began with asking coaches to nominate student-athletes for Athlete of the Week. The community voted to elect a winner each week and then pooled for a contest which allowed voters to select an Athlete of the Season for fall and spring sports.
Bryan Lambert was honored as the fall athlete winner, while Jamarcus Webb claimed the title of spring athlete of the season winner. At the culmination of the 28-week period, all weekly winners were entered into a final voting pool, from which one student athlete of the year was chosen from each school.
During Thursday’s banquet, all winners were recognized for their election as weekly winners.
Jarquius Maye, a senior at The Calhoun School and the tenth Athlete of the Week, expressed his gratitude for the event. Maye highlighted the significance of the recognition, especially for the often-overlooked aspects of athletes’ contributions behind the scenes.
“This is very special,” Maye said. “This is the first time I’ve ever been honored like this for what I do both on and off the field.”
Samita Jeter, Lowndes County Public Schools superintendent, commended all student-athletes for their teamwork and dedication.
“No matter how their individual seasons ended, we are happy and grateful that the students completed the season doing their very best,” Jeter said. “We’re looking forward to even greater things next year.”
During the banquet, Rankins was honored with an award for his work in bringing the effort to fruition. He expressed excitement about the partnership with The Lowndes Signal and Life Restaurant, emphasizing the unity among Lowndes County student athletes.
“We’ve had 28 athletes honored, and the participation and voting in Lowndes County has just been great,” Rankins said. “That was one thing we wanted. We didn’t want it to be about this school or that school but [about] Lowndes County student athletes as a whole. I think we’ve accomplished our goal.”
The event was catered by Life Restaurant, owned by Lashunda Brown, who also provided free meal certificates for weekly winners.
Editor’s Note: The Lowndes Signal applauds the efforts of Lowndes County Public Schools Athletic Director Nickles Rankins, who helped make the dream of one united student-athlete recognition program a reality. The focus would not have been possible without the support of Lowndes County Public Schools and Lowndes Academy faculty, staff and coaches. We wish to thank community partners — Life Restaurant, the Lowndes County Children’s Policy Council, the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP) and Young Men on a Mission — for sponsoring the program.
