Miller, Mt. Vernon dominate postseason honors

As most of the basketball seasons have come to an end for local schools, postseason awards continue to flood in for Lawrence County squads.
Miller
Starting with Miller, the Lady Cardinals’ season ended with a quarterfinal loss at the hands of Steelville, but Miller dominated the All-District team. Junior Kaylee Helton, Payten Richardson,
and senior Lili Merrick all received All-District honors. Junior Claudia Hadlock was named Class 3 District 12 Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Hannah Wilkerson was named Coach of the Year.
The boys team won their first district championship since 2011, finishing 20-8. Senior Jeff Lung, and junior Brenden Thom received All- District honors for their efforts, while senior Joel
Kleeman earned Player of the Year. First-year head coach Sean Price also earned highest honors in the district being named Coach of the Year.
Mt. Vernon
The Mt. Vernon boys finished their season with a loss in the district championship against a very good East Newton team. Senior Mason Ballay headlined honors for Mt. Vernon as he was selected to the first team all Big-8 East, unanimously. Junior Kai Brown brought home second team all conference honors.
The Lady Mt’neers were well represented as well, with three All-Big 8 East selections. Seniors Ellie Johnston and Lacy Stokes were both unanimously chosen as first team selections. Junior Cameryn Cassity was also selected as an Honorable Mention. The awards weren’t finished yet, as Stokes was named Big 8 East Player of the Year, and Mt. Vernon head
coach Grant Berendt was voted Coach of the Year.
Aurora
Aurora had representatives on both the boys and girls side, as well. Senior Elizabeth Martin was named second team All-Conference and sophomore Ellie Creasey was voted Honorable Mention. Houn’ Dawg junior Jaesik Friggle was also named to the All-Big 8 second Team.