All-State players have All-State class

Scot Beard

March 22, 2008 06:49 pm

— Congratulations to the local players who earned All-State honors.
Not only did they give their teams outstanding performances all season long, they also gave their fans some great memories.
For fans of the Elkmont girls team, the trip to the Northwest Regional Tournament finals was a feat nobody can remember the girls team accomplishing before. It is a memory they will remember for a long time.
Bailee Robinson was a major part of the team’s success, but she will be the first to tell you that it was her teammates who were responsible for the team’s good fortune.
She told me once during an interview that she was only able to have as good of a season because her teammates pushed her so hard.
Her coach, Steve Bates, says Robinson is one of the least selfish players he has ever coached.
Though she often carried the load for the Lady Red Devils, she was not afraid to dish the ball to a teammate as time was running out and the game was on the line. Of course, she never shied away from taking the game winning shot if she needed to.
Zane Campbell often found himself with the ball when the game was winding down, not to mention at all other times in the game.
West Limestone coach Justin Taylor said Campbell’s play determined how the team did during a game.
There were other players that could hit big shots, but more often than not, he was the main cog in the Wildcats’ offense.
He scored at least 30 points in several games this year, over 40 points a few times and hit for more than 50 once.
Being “the man” on a team can often inflate a player’s ego, but Campbell remains pretty level headed about his game.
Campbell is quick to mention his teammates when questions arise about the Wildcats’ success this season.
He said the team gets along on and off the court. It was that camaraderie that helped West capture an area title and a berth at the Northwest Regional Tournament.
Mosley is a quiet guy and does not speak much about his game — or anything else for that matter.
What he does do is work hard to improve his game and help his team. Though he missed nearly a month of the season with an injured wrist, Mosley did not take it easy when he came back.
Mosley took a beating in his first few games back.
Instead of letting the wrist inhibit his game, he played like he was not going to let it hold him back, and he helped Tanner make a return trip to the state semifinals.
All three players exhibit qualities that make athletes great — unselfishness, humbleness and a desire to compete no matter what the conditions.
Thanks for your dedication to the game, and thanks for the memories.