2024 Athletes of the year
PUBLIC SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PUBLIC SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
LYLEIGH BRADSHAW
GODLEY STATION K-8
Nominated
by Ryan King, AD
ACADEMICS: 98.8 GPA
High Honor Roll
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Actively encourages others to participate in sports and has provided equipment to those in need.
"We are confident that her dedication, leadership, and positive influence will continue to inspire others and leave a lasting impact on her school, community and beyond. " - Ryan King, AD
CROSS COUNTRY - She ran to stay in shape and so that her school would have the numbers to field a team.
VOLLEYBALL - Selected Most Outstanding Player leading her team to a city championship. She was selected Chatham County Most Valuable Player for this year's tournament.
BASKETBALL - Leader on & off the court.
SOCCER - Leading scorer for her team.
She will be taking her talents to St Andrews next year.
PUBLIC SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PUBLIC SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
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ALYSSA GIBSON
STEM ACADEMY
Nominated
by William Buckley, Coach
ACADEMICS: 95.18 GPA
Honor Roll & Selected as a peer mediator & emerging scholar.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Licensed soccer referee & peer mediation. Altar server at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Healthy Savannah & Tybee Clean Beach volunteer.
"Alyssa is a good role model & great leader who is willing to take charge & mentor other young athletes."
- Will Buckley, Coach
"Alyssa is a fully committed athlete that you wish you could clone! She works as hard as possible at training and keeps a smile on the whole time. In games, she's a fierce competitor but also consistently shows sportsmanship before, during, and after the game. I've known her for years and have never seen her look to blame anything that goes wrong on anyone else as she seems to always take on all the responsibility of being a high level soccer player herself. She's a talented soccer player with an attitude that can see her go as far as she possibly can and is a pleasure to work with."
Jeff Storey-Pitts, Savannah United Select Director
CROSS COUNTRY - Finished top 10 in all of her meets on city championship team.
VOLLEYBALL - Leader on city runner-up team.
BASKETBALL - Second in steals on a team that finished runner-up in the county.
SOCCER - Plays year-round for Savannah United. Co-Captain & Offensive Player of the Year leading her team to a city championship averaging 3 goals per game.
She'll be taking her talents to Calvary next year.
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
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JANIYAH JOHNSON
SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Nominated by
Kenny Conroy, Coach & AD
ACADEMICS: 94.5 GPA
Honor Roll
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Serves meals at Kingdom Life Fellowship Church & in the West Savannah Community Boys & Girls Club. Spends time reading & playing games with kids at the Wesley Community Center. Summer Camp Counselor at SCDS Basketball Camp.
"Janiyah is a coach's dream. Her hard work in both the classroom & athletics has made her a proven leader. Humble at heart, intimidating on the court or consoling a teammate, Janiyah is in a class by her herself when it comes to being a good teammate."
Kenny Conroy, Coach & AD
VOLLEYBALL - Team leader in blocks & kills on a SPAL Championship Team.
BASKETBALL - Played & started for her JV team as an 8th grader. Led her team in scoring & rebounding and was selected team MVP.
VARSITY TRACK - Won the SPAL championship in the shot put 30.7 feet, discuss at 69.4 fee and 100 meter.
PUBLIC SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
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JAH'YEA MARTIN
MYERS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Nominated by
Francis Cave, Coach
ACADEMICS: 85.6 GPA
HONOR ROLL
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Coaches little league teams and tries to be a good mentor to the younger kids.
"Mr. Martin has many qualities of a leader. He is outspoken & holds his teammates accountable on the field & classroom. He has sound judgement & decision making skills that translate well on & off the field. " Francis Cave, Coach
FOOTBALL - MVP & QB leading his team to a City Championship.
BASKETBALL - Led his team to a City Championship & was selected to participate in the 8th Grade All-Star Showcase.
TRACK - Championship qualifier in several events
He will be taking his talents to Groves High next year.
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
STEWART DUNN
HANCOCK DAY SCHOOL
Nominated by
Bart Bellairs, AD
ACADEMICS: 85.5 GPA
HONOR ROLL
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Works with his church & 2nd Harvest Food Bank.
"Facing halftime deficits, he was always the first one to say “we got this”, even BEFORE the coaches could spoke . He is just the ultimate warrior, an absolutely FIERCE competitor who refuses to lose, and refuses to give up." Brooks Zeigler, Coach
"Stewart is a very passionate young man and talented athlete. Stewart always gives 100% and is a leader that commands the respect of his teammates. He is a very hard-working individual that love to compete on all levels and will do anything or play any position/role that will help his team to succeed." Adam Hart, Coach
FOOTBALL - Let his team in yards & touchdowns in 5th - 8th grade & MVP every year. Team captain in 8th grade.
BASKETBALL - Was the leader in steals & a leader in scoring on a team that was runner-up in SPAL. He was selected MVP & received the Eagle Award.
TRACK - Champion in both the 100 & 400.
He'll be taking his talents to Benedictine next year.
2024 Nominees
THOMAS BRENNAN, DONTREY FORD & CAROLINE BURROUGHS - BLESSED SACRAMENT
PAGE STEWART, LIAM WARNER, RJ NEWSOME, LONDON ALLEN & KILEY SINGLETON - CALVARY
LANDON ESSENBERG & NATALIE SANTOS - COASTAL HOMESCHOOL
AVA TREECE - GARRISON
JILLIAN SCHMIDT & NOLAN TAYLOR - HANCOCK DAY
RASHAD OWENS -OGLETHORPE
WILL TUCKER & VALERIE WARD - SAINT ANDREWS
SOPHIA SERRANO & EBB YOUMANS - SAINT JAMES
CHASE BROWN - SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
CARLEY FASS & ETHAN SCHMUCKER - SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
IZABELLA SCHEL, MACY WATKINS, MAYA LIJA-VAZQUEZ- STEM ACADEMY AT BARTLETT
EMMA WORKMAN - TYBEE MARITIME ACADEMY
2023 Athletes of the year
PUBLIC SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
MARIAH REID
ELLIS MONTESSORI ACADEMY
Nominated
by Sean Vetrovskyl, AD
ACADEMICS: 85.6 GPA
Honor Roll
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteered with her church feeding the homeless and with Bobcat Buddies reading program.
"Maria is a fearless competitor. She is strong-willed, independent, and devout in her beliefs concerning equity for people of color and women." - Sean Vetrovsky, AD
CROSS COUNTRY - Finished 3rd in the district.
VOLLEYBALL - Reached the semi-finals.
BASKETBALL - Played JV for Beach High & was one of her team's leading scorers averaging 30 pts, 8 assists and 6 steals a game.
Also, played AAU for Georgia Ingnites & Fernwood Falcons.
TRACK - Won the 200-Meter & high jump. in The Chatham County Open.
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
MADISON BUENO
HANCOCK DAY SCHOOL
Nominated
by Larry O'Hare, Coach
ACADEMICS: 95 GPA
High Honor Roll
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Works with the Carmelite Monastery. Coaches younger kids at Savannah United & at Second Harvest Food Bank.
"Madison is insanely driven and deeply determined to give her best. She is the unquestioned leader on all her teams with compassion and confidence."
- Larry O'Hare, Coach
BASKETBALL - 39-2 Record in 4 years of middle school with 2 championships and 2 runner-ups. She averaged 20+ in 5th, 6th and 7th grades and 18 in 8th grade. She won her team's Eagle Award 3 times - given to the player who exemplifies character, teamwork and leadership.
SOCCER - Plays year-round for her National Team with Savannah United. She has led her team to 3 straight Ga State Championships. Her Hancock team was undefeated in the regular season & lost on PK's in the tournament championship.
TRACK - 100 meter, 100 & 400 relay.
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
GRACE DARE
SAINT ANDREWS SCHOOL
Nominated by
Trey Gross, AD
ACADEMICS: 98 GPA
High Honor Roll
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Beach Clean-up and Second Harvest Food Bank. Mary Alice Brown Award given to student with high character, citizenship and academics.
"Grace is a fierce competitor, but her sportsmanship and commitment to team make her a true leader."
Kristin Peney, Coach
CROSS COUNTRY - Runner-up in SPAL
VOLLEYBALL - Participant
BASKETBALL - Played JV & Varsity
VARSITY TRACK - Qualified for state in The Mile, 2-MIle & 4x800 Relay.
SURFING -
GA District U12/U14 - 2022 CHAMPION
Menehune Longboard - 2022 CHAMPION
Jr Women Longboard and open Shortboard Regional Runner-up
5th Overall U14 Shortboard For EAST COAST 2021-2022
JAMES GOODLET - Young Surfer Award for 2021 & 2022, DIAN WALHOUR MOSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP for Outstanding Achievement in Surfing.
2021 & 2022 - Jr Iron Womanfor most heats surfed & wins in a single season.
PUBLIC SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
CA'RON HALL
RICE CREEK SCHOOL
Nominated by
Toni Radcliffe, AD
ACADEMICS: 3.5 GPA
HONOR ROLL
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Serves with Baptist Connection Ministries Helping Hands Outreach and tries to be a good mentor to the younger kids working with elementary teachers as Rice Creek.
"Ca'ron is respectful, generous, and always willing to lend a hand. He is friendly, witty and easy to get along with. " Toni Radlicffe, AD
FOOTBALL - One of the team leaders in tds at receiver. Runner-up finish in City Championship.
BASKETBALL - Team captain, leading scorer (avg 22) & leading rebounder.
While at Rice Creek - 2 MVPS, 1 Coaches Award, 1 Highest GPA & 2 Male Athlete of the Year Awards.
BASEBALL - .600 batting average, 2nd in steals and .800 fielding percentage playing Centerfield. A Runner-up finish in the County.
Future - Ca'Ron will attend Benedictine
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
JAMES H. MOBLEY, IV
BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL
Nominated by
Ryan Delettre, AD
ACADEMICS: 3.7 GPA
HONOR ROLL
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Serves as a Jr Coach at Frank Callen Boys Club. Volunteers at Local City Mission. Emcee for Blessed Sacarament Grandparents.
"James is a great young man with a high IQ. He leads by example on the field and in the classroom. He's always looking to encourage his teammates when they're down. He is very humble & defers credit to his teammates and coaches." - Ryan Delettre, AD
FOOTBALL - Let his team to an undefeated season & SPAL Championship. At QB, he accounted for 26 touchdowns. At Safety, they never gave up a point. He also had 6 extrapoints.
BASKETBALL - His team went 13-1 and won the SPAL Championship. He averaged 12 pts, 6 ast, 6 rbs and 3 steals.
BASEBALL - # 1 Seed - .611 Batting Avg, 6 rbi & 20 bases stolen.
TRACK - 1st place in 100 with 12.24
2nd in High Jump & 1st in 4 x100.
Legacy - James father "JJ" won the Finocchiaro award in 1991, given to Savannah's most outstanding football player while at Beach High.
Future - James will attend Calvary Day School.
2023 Nominees
JADON TURNER - BETHESDA ACADEMY
BEN KLEINPETER,CAITLIN SUMMERLIN & JOINER UHRICH - BLESSED SACRAMENT
AJ RAHAL, CAEDMON CRUNKLETON & CAILYNN CHAPMAN- CALVARY
Will MCCARN - CHARLES ELLIS
JUNE RECTENWALD - COASTAL MIDDLE
WILEY CHANDLER, CULLEN DUNN, MATT TIFT, WYATT SHERRILL
& CATHARINE ANN WHITFIELD- HANCOCK DAY
KELCEY QUARTERMAN & THOMAS WILLIAMS. -HUBERT
SCARLETT HOLMES & JACK KELLY - SAINT ANDREWS
EMORY DOAN, BEN HARVEY & EMILY RYAN - SAINT JAMES
OLIVIA ALIOTTA, CLAUDIA BARROW & CHRIS WYNN, JR - SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
JORDAN DILLON & CHARLIE HAWKINS - SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
RONALD DUNHAM & KATELYN MUNDY - STEM ACADEMY AT BARTLETT
MADDIE HARRELL - TYBEE MARITIME ACADEMY
2022 Athletes of the year
PUBLIC SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
AMANI WASHINGTON
Georgetown K-8
Nominated
by Joaquin Esquivel, AD
ACADEMICS: 93 GPA Honor Roll Student
While taking 9th grade honors English & Algebra
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteered with "Read Across America" & "Jump Rope For Heart"
She serves others in her church as well.
ATHLETICS: "Amani is a leader on & off the field. She is respectful, responsible and caring of her teammates. Amani is a role model to our 6th & 7th grade athletes." - Mr. Esquivel, AD
Starter & Captain for her volleyball, basketball & soccer teams.
She was selected to the SCCPSS All-star Basketball team & only allowed 5 goals in soccer.
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
TALIA JOHNSON
Calvary Baptist Day School
Nominated
by Ken Shaw, AD
ACADEMICS: B Average
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Works with her club volleyball doing clinics with younger kids. Volunteers in her neighborhood serving older residents.
She is the type of kid who lights up the room with her smile and every response is "yes, sir" or "no, sir". Will do anything a coach asks and is someone who leads albeit quietly. Good student who is always doing what she should and is on the right track. Very conscientious. Wants to succeed.
- Ken Shaw, AD
ATHLETICS: Volleyball team leader in kills.
As only an 8th grader was the leading rebounder on her Junior Varsity basketball team that went 12--0. Talia was a member of the winning 4x400 relay team at the track finals. She also placed second as a member of the 4x100 relay and long jump.
PUBLIC SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
SEBASTIAN GARCIA
The Stem Academy at Bartlett
Nominated by
Stephen Routh, AD
ACADEMICS: 83 average while taking 4 high school classes.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteers with his church serving the children.
ATHLETICS:
Sebastian led his Cross Country team to a 2nd place finish in the City Championship. He led his Basketball team in steals and rebounds and was the team's best defender. Led his team to a city Soccer championship where he was named MVP.
"Sebastian is a perfect example of a leader through his actions and deeds."
Stephen Routh, AD
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
ASHER HERRIN
HANCOCK DAY SCHOOL
Nominated by
Jason Helton, AD
ACADEMICS: 4.0 GPA
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteers with PACK helping with childhood hunger, with kids camp at his church & TopSoccer giving lessons to kids in need.
ATHLETICS: In Football, Asher played wingback & corner & had 8 TD's. In Basketball, he averaged 14 pts, 4 asst, 8 rebs & 2 steals. In Golf, shot 39 in nine hole match play as 2nd seed in SPAL championships. Plays Soccer for MLS NEXT for Tormenta & lead his HDS Soccer team to an undefeated 8-0 regular season & runner-up tournament finish.
Asher is unselfish to a fault. Asher elevates the play & spirits of not only his teammates but his coaches as well.
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
STEPHEN CANNON
SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Nominated by
Demetrius Smith, AD
ACADEMICS: 88.4 GPA
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteer coach at Jenkins Athletic Club and Second Harvest Food Bank
ATHLETICS: QB for back to back championship Football team. Threw 14 TD passes & ranked #9 pro-style QB on Qb "hit list". Team captain of championship Basketball team and received the "Hornet Award". Won the 800m & set school record with 2:23.09, 3rd in the 400m at 57.16 and 2nd in the long jump at 17'11".
Stephen is a humble servant-leader with a relentless work ethic.
2022 Nominees
ANNA-SOPHIA UPCHURCH & WYATT ESTABROOK - BLESSED SACRAMENT
MASON GAYLORD- CALVARY
ROBERT DENNISON - COASTAL MIDDLE
MILLS SMITH, EVANGELINE ROMINGER & WYATT NOLEN - HANCOCK DAY
CAROLINE RAY SINGLETON - HESSE K-8
MAREN WRIEDEN & ISAAC ROSS & BLAKE HENRY - SAINT ANDREWS
STONE WELLS, JOSH WASHINGTON, EMERSON BROMLEY & SARAH CATHERINE GILPIN - SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
SADLER WILSON, KATIE HEAVENER, BLAISE THOMAS, DAIMIR HICKS & REID PENROSE - SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
SARAH HARPER BENNETT - STEM ACADEMY AT BARTLETT
SARAH-KATE BRANAN & RONALD ERVIN - WEST CHATHAM MIDDLE
2021 Athletes of the year
PUBLIC SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
AVA THOMAS
The STEM Academy at Bartlett
Nominated
by Stephen Routh, AD
ACADEMICS: 92 GPA while taking 3 high school credit honor classes
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteered with Ronald McDonald House and Anderson Cancer Institute Funs. President of Tybee Youth Council. Thanks to an ordinance Ava helped create, Tybee parks got much-needed playground equipment upgrades.
ATHLETICS: AVA was a defensive specialist on THE RAVENS undefeated basketball team. She played centermid on THE RAVENS undefeated soccer team. AVA’s track team won every district meet, she won individual championship and led THE RAVENS to a second-place team finish.
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
HARRIS STONE
Savannah Country Day School
Nominated
by Jim Collis, AD
ACADEMICS: 94.5 or higher all four years of middle school
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Works with youth at the yacht club and her church.
ATHLETICS: HARRIS led her team to two basketball championships and a runner-up in her 3 years in middle school, she excelled in volleyball as well and was so good at soccer she played for her high school junior varsity team.
PUBLIC SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
MAKAI JOYNER
HUBERT MIDDLE SCHOOL
Nominated by
Jason Alston, Coach & AD
ACADEMICS: 82 average
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteers with The Salvation Army’s rescue unit that provides meals to the less fortunate. He also helps coach teams at the Jenkins Athletic Club. Soft spoken kid who leads by example.
ATHLETICS:
Makai played basketball for Savannah High’s JV team this year and averaged 29.7 pts a game and was his 8-1 team’s MVP. He is currently ranked by Max Preps as the 4th best combo guard in the 2025 class. He was recently ranked the 8th grade basketball player of the year in the Augusta invitational Showcase. Like his coach, Makai is known for his hops. Played QB for football team – season cancelled due to covid.
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
JOHN LILLY
BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL
Nominated by
Kevin Halligan, AD
ACADEMICS: Carries a 4.0 GPA – National Junior Honor Society & Student Leadership Team
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: School Tutor for younger grades, Summer Angels Program & Alter Boy. Like Makai is soft spoken who leads by example.
ATHLETICS:
QB in football averaging 5 yds a carry. Won basketball championships all 3 years of middle school Led league in rebounds and averaged 17pts a game. Won the middle school baseball championship batting cleanup. In track, John finished 3rdin the high jump & 4th in Long Jump.
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE ATHLETE
HARRY “ZO” SMALLS , JR
SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Nominated by
Baker Woodward, Head Football Coach
ACADEMICS: 87.4 average
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Zo volunteers with the Frank Callen Boys Club and helps conduct toy drive and other activities.
ATHLETICS: Led his team to SPAL FOOTBALL championship – Starting Linebacker and Running Back. He was his team’s MVP. Harry was his basketball team’s best defender and rebounder. In track, ZO won a SPAL championship in the 4 x 100 relay and Shot Put.
2020 Athletes of the year
Ernajah Mallard
Mary Sophia Fischer
Mary Sophia Fischer
Hubert's Ernajah Mallard was the only female football player in the district. She played both fullback and defensive end. Arnajah averaged 17.8 ppg for her basketball team which lost by 4 in the 2020 championship to Derenne. She shined in volleyball and soccer as well. Her AD described her as funny, witty and a high energy teammate. Off the court and field, she was the leader of the all-female academy that reached out to the elderly in the neighborhood while carrying an impressive 3.3 gpa.
Mary Sophia Fischer
Mary Sophia Fischer
Mary Sophia Fischer
Blessed Sacrament's Mary Sophia Fischer earned straight A's in the classroom and on the court. She led her volleyball and basketball teams to championships as an 8th grader. Her team was unable to defend their 4 x 100 relay team championship due to the pandemic but ran circles around most girls her age with her community service. Mary Sophia has been described as a coach's dream and a great example to the younger students, always willing to help wherever she can
Jake Merklinger
Mary Sophia Fischer
Jake Merklinger
Jake led his Calvary team to a SPAL championship in 8th grade. His teams won basketball championships in 6th and 7th grade and was a runner-up in 8th grade. He won a baseball championship in 6th grade and dominated in track in 6th and 7th grade. He maintained a 4.0 as an 8th grader. Jake is described as a natural leader with a fierce desire to carry his team to victory.
Makai Hampton
Luke Kromenhoek
Luke Kromenhoek
Makai's Southwest team won back to back basketball championships in 7th and 8th grade going 20-2 over two years. He was what Dennis Rodman would be for his team if Rodman had carried a B average and was disciplined and respectful. On the football field, Makai like our female honoree played defensive end. He also shined at safety and tight end on a team that lost to Derenne in the semis. His principal described him as a good all-around kid, a playful comedian that really matured academically in 8th grade.
Makai's Southwest team won back to back basketball championships in 7th and 8th grade going 20-2 over two years. He was what Dennis Rodman would be for his team if Rodman had carried a B average and was disciplined and respectful. On the football field, Makai like our female honoree played defensive end. He also shined at safety and tight end on a team that lost to Derenne in the semis. His principal described him as a good all-around kid, a playful comedian that really matured academically in 8th g
Luke Kromenhoek
Luke Kromenhoek
Luke Kromenhoek
Luke was all over the field in football leading his Saint James team in tackles at linebacker, in carries and points scored at quarterback. In basketball, an injured ankle kept him sidelined most of his 8th grade season but as team captain he still managed 192 points. Luke played pitcher and outfield in baseball. He volunteered with the Carmelite nuns and is always looking for opportunities to team and encourage younger boys that look up to him. All of Luke's coaches echo the same chorus, The kid is a selfless servant leader.
2019 Athletes of the year
Anna Pollak
Kaden Tuten & Margaret Wade
Kaden Tuten & Margaret Wade
Anna Pollak led her SCDS basketball teams to consecutive SPAL titles in basketball and runner-up finishes in Volleyball. Anna owned track during her middle school career also winning first in the 200m (28.01) and 400m (1:04.26) during sixth grade year, 200m (26.97) and 400m (1:08.32) during seventh grade year and 400m (1:03.77) during eighth grade year. Anna achieved high 90’s in the classroom, served on her schools honor council and has received her schools student athlete award.
Kaden Tuten & Margaret Wade
Kaden Tuten & Margaret Wade
Kaden Tuten & Margaret Wade
Margaret Wade led the Lady Ravens at STEM to two straight district championships in cross-country. In soccer her team also won back-to-back postseason tournament championships and this year finished undefeated. Wade is an accomplished ballerina and loves to run the Rock-N-Roll marathon. This year Margaret served as President of The Savannah Youth Council while maintaining high honor roll. This fall she’ll take her talents to Savannah Arts Academy.
Kade Tuten contributed on his STEM cross-country and basketball teams. But baseball is where he dominated. With a few games left in the season he had a .667 batting average & on base percentage of .833 & had struck out 17 of the 22 batters faced. He lead STEM to capturing two titles in three years as well as being the recent winner of the Cy Young pitching award. Kade plans to join Coach Kevin Farmer’s dominant bullpen at Benedictine.
Conner Graham
Kaden Tuten & Margaret Wade
Conner Graham
Conner Graham as a point guard on his Hancock basketball lost one game in 2018 and went undefeated in 2019 to win back-to-back SPAL championships. At QB this year his football team made it to the final 4 in 2019 and won the championship in 2018. At Striker on his undefeated and championship soccer team he scored more than half of his teams goals. In Track, Conner holds two current school records in both the 400m at 1:04.22 & 1600m at 5:34.71.
Conner Graham
