Stanley’s Superlatives
Another athletic year has come and gone for Jefferson County High School, and another year for the Patriots to win the IMAC All-Sports Trophy (their 3rd in the last 4 years). The many different sports brought us, the fans, much joy, some sorrow, and even some tears. Let’s take a look back at some of those moments:
Most Outstanding Play – Eli Devotie (JCHS Baseball)
Most outstanding play has to be none other than Eli Devotie’s walk-off grand slam on senior night to give the Patriots a 7-6 win over the visiting Gibbs Eagles. Not only was it Devotie’s senior night, as well, but that was his first career home run. What a great way to go out for that senior.
Best Overall Team – JCHS Track & Field
Not only did the Track & Field team send a total of 8 student athletes to the Class AAA state track meet, but all eight had podium finishes (top 8), earning them all-state for track and field. The 8 all-state performers are the most in Jefferson County history.
Biggest Heartbreak – Boys and Girls Basketball
For the Jefferson County Patriots, the biggest heartbreaking losses go to both basketball teams. On the boys side a one point loss to Science Hill in the Region 1-AAA quarterfinals was a hard pill to swallow.
On the girls side, after the triumph and joy of winning the Region 1-AAA tournament over arch-nemesis, Morristown West, the Lady Pats fell to Bearden on a shot that went in as the buzzer sounded. The loss kept them from returning to the state tournament.
Best Coaching Job of the Season – Hillary Howard (JCHS Softball)
While it was hard to not go with Rick Sinard on this one, Coach Hillary Howard did a great job in year one as the Head Softball coach. Finishing the regular season at 16-15 wasn’t what she wanted, but the way she got her team to buy in during the postseason is why she lands here.
Most Disappointing Team – JCHS Football
At 2-8 not many people would disagree that the JCHS football team underachieved this past Fall. However, with many starters returning and a new conference alignment, look for them to turn heads this next season.
Biggest Surprise – JCHS Softball
After opening the season with a 10-0 loss to Farragut, not many people expected much from the JCHS Softball team this season. However, a spunky team of girls ran the table on their way to a District Tournament Championship and Region Championship, and ended up just 6 outs away from playing the state tournament.
Most Improved Team – JCHS Baseball
After a dismal first year under Gaines Cox at 10-22, the Patriots were by far the most improved team of the JCHS sports year, finishing at 19-15 this season and tying for 3rd in the IMAC baseball regular season standings.
Most Clutch Performance – Ryleigh Fritz (Girls Basketball)
While Eli Devotie’s walk off would fit in this category, there wasn’t a more clutch performance than that from Freshman Ryleigh Fritz. The freshman guard would sink 6 straight Free Throws in the Region 1-AAA Championship to seal the win for the Lady Patriots.
Congratulations to the Jefferson County Athletic Department on yet another great year and to Athletic Director Randy Rogers on a job well done.
