Freeport High honors its athletes

A lot of praise, thanks, and plaques were handed out Thursday night at the Freeport High School basketball and cross-country banquet and awards ceremony held in the schools cafeteria.
More than 75 were in attendance at the event that paid tribute to the teams, of which one brought home a state championship award in academics.
The cross-country team, which was made up primarily of all basketball players, was recognized first.
Senior Jamie Goddin and Dalton Morrison were selected as co-MVPs in running.
Next on the agenda, head of fundraising and concessions Sandra Pugh, handed out several thank yous to others who have helped  — from making popcorn to washing dishes. On her list were Janice and Paul Balentine, Ann Jackson, Jenna Martin, Karen Martin and Mark and Beverly Wilburn.
Junior varsity basketball coach Charlie Little recognized the junior varsity team next.
The junior Bulldogs finished 15-8 and scored 976 points in 23 games.
“They practice as hard as the varsity and go up against them every day,” Little said.
“They really did an outstanding job,” he added.
Little gave each player on the team a packet that included their statistics along with a plaque with a team picture on it.
Michael Graziani was the recipient of the “rookie of the year” award, and sophomore Nick Hooter was named “most improved.”
Winner of the “best rebounder” award was sophomore Johnny Pearman.
Matt McKinney was awarded for the “most steals,” and Cole Weeks was named the “best 3-point shooter.”
Best offensive player with the most assists and most free throws was Ryan McLeod. McLeod averaged 10 points per game.
Little and Head varsity Coach David Burke praised others in the audience who have helped with the program. On their list were the Balentines, Karen Pannell, Charles Trotman, Sherry Smith and Karen Martin.
They also thanked Pugh for “her many contributions” and Robert Russell for his many years of service as team manager.
The varsity basketball team was the last up.
The Freeport Bulldogs finished 17-11 and second in the district.
“They were the smallest team,” Little said in the area, but “they did it all on hustle.”
Not only did the Bulldogs score 1,783 points this season but they beat rival Ponce de Leon three times.
Freeport finished fourth in the Walton Sun Christmas Blowout.
“If we hadn’t got the flu, we’d won that district tournament,” Little said.
The majority of the basketball team played in the district tournament, despite having the flu.
Each player on the team received a packet which included a statistic sheet, along with a team plaque including a team photo.
Top honors on the varsity team went to senior player Jamey Goddin. He was named MVP and best offensive player.
“This kid loves basketball,” Little said and then noted all the players do.
Goddin scored 598 points this past season, averaging 21 points per game. He also averaged five assists and five steals per game. Goddin knocked down 1,280 career points, hitting his 1,000 during the Christmas tournament.
Aaron Knight was named a co-MVP as best rebounder, along with Alex Newkirk as co-MVP as best defensive player.
Best 3-point shooter on the team was Johnny McCormick with 50 to his credit, and Logan Wilburn was named “most improved” for his fearless play on the hardwood.
The varsity team was also recognized for having recently won the Class 2A Florida State Academic Team Championship with a cumulative team GPA of 3.589. Members of the team include Goddin, Knight, McCormick, Wilburn, Newkirk, Spencer Martin, C.J. Bates, Troy Hardester and Chase Martin.