The Allen County-Scottsville High School Lady Patriot basketball team concluded the 2017-18 year with their annual banquet Sunday evening in Scottsville.
“This was a season of the unknown,” noted coach Brad Bonds in his
remarks to the team, family, and friends. “We felt really confident about the
season and then, at the first scrimmage, an obstacle hit. Then, a month later,
another obstacle hit.”
Bonds was referring to the loss of freshman Allison Meador to an ACL
tear in November and junior Jaylee Woods to an ACL in December. Both injuries
forced the coaches and team to adjust their plans for the season.
“Still, despite the obstacles, this team continued to fight,” Bonds
said. “Sports is about competing and challenging yourself every day. They met
every challenge. This team met every obstacle head on and that prepares you for
life.”
Bonds recognized each player in his program before handing out several
awards. Academic awards were presented to players in the upper three grades.
Bailee Alderson and KayLee Stafford shared the senior academic award, junior
Mason Towery received the junior academic award with Sonya Smith earning the
sophomore academic award.
Senior Baylee Cook was presented with the Sixth Man Award while Alderson
received the Helmet Award---an award given to a player that overcomes a
challenge to play. Senior Kali Mutter took home the Hustle Award. Mutter---the
team’s defensive stopper---was also recognized for taking 26 charges in 30
games.
Senior Sydney Day received the Coaches and Assist awards. Day---the
point guard for the team---dished out 95 assists for the season, an average of
3.2 assists per game.
Junior Sarah Sutton was recognized for leading the team in several
statistical categories. Sutton scored the most points, finishing with 559
points for an 18.6 point per game average. Sutton led AC-S in total rebounds
(230), averaging 7.7 rebounds per game. Sutton sank a team best 83.1 percent of
her free throws (167-201), and finished the season shooting a field goal
percentage of 53 percent (187-353). Sutton led team in scoring in 20 of 30 games and led or
shared in rebounding 19 times. The rising senior has scored 1,617 points and
grabbed 849 rebounds in her five-year AC-S career to date.
Junior Mason Towery was
recognized for leading the team in steals (56) and blocked shots (31). Towery
also was second on the squad in total points (405), a 13.5 per game average.
Towery was second in total rebounds with 173, averaging 5.8 per game. This
year, Towery became the 14th player in program history to reach 1,000 career
points. Coach Bonds presented Towery with a ceremonial ball to highlight the
milestone. Towery will start her senior season with 1,033 points and 491
rebounds.
The banquet marks the close
of the career of five seniors; Bailee Alderson, Baylea Cook, Sydney Day, Kali
Mutter, and KayLee Stafford.
“Seniors, you are going to be
great people, great wives, and great mothers,” Bonds noted. “You will put you
stamp on whatever occupation you choose and in life."
AC-S closed the season with a
record of 18-12. In the 44-year history of the program, the Lady Patriots are
808-442.