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BY C.Y. Peters

On June 28, the community of Carter County will come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its young athletes at the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame All-County Team banquet. Held at Milligan University’s McCormick Dining Center in Sutton Hall, this prestigious event will commence at 5 PM, honoring over 100 outstanding athletes from Elizabethton, Hampton, Unaka, Cloudland, and Happy Valley for their exceptional performances during the 2023-2024 seasons.

The evening promises to be a memorable one, filled with accolades and recognition for these talented individuals. Each athlete will be treated to a sumptuous meal, followed by an awards ceremony where they will receive well-deserved honors for their hard work and dedication. The event will also feature the much-anticipated presentation of the annual Larry Bowling Award, a special accolade given to an athlete who exemplifies outstanding athleticism, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Richard “Jarfly” Dugger, a beloved figure in the community, will serve as the emcee for the night, ensuring the event runs smoothly and adding his unique charm and enthusiasm to the proceedings. The guest speaker, whose identity will be revealed in mid-June, is expected to deliver an inspiring address that will motivate and encourage the young athletes as they continue to pursue their sports careers.

The Carter County Sports Hall of Fame takes immense pride in recognizing these young talents, many of whom may one day join the ranks of the county’s most celebrated sports figures. This event not only highlights their current achievements but also inspires them to aim higher and dream bigger, knowing that their community supports and applauds their efforts.

Tickets for the banquet will be available starting June 1st and can be purchased through the official website, www.carterhalloffame.com. Given the popularity of the event and the number of athletes being honored, reserved seating is requested for all athletes, their parents, and friends.

For more information or to reserve your seats, you can reach out to the event organizers: Charles C.Y. Peters, Jamie Combs, Steve Lowe, Jarfly Dugger, Judy Veeneman, or Kim Birchfield. Their dedication ensures that this celebration of athletic excellence will be an unforgettable evening for all attendees.

As the date approaches, the anticipation builds, promising a night of celebration, inspiration, and community spirit. The Carter County Sports Hall of Fame All-County Team banquet is set to be a cornerstone event, celebrating the vibrant athletic culture of the region and honoring the bright futures of its young sports stars.

Hampton High School

Baseball: Chance Point, Jayden Kuhn, Elisha Henson
Football: Elijah McKinney, Dominque Burleson, Dylan Trivett
Boys Basketball: Hayden Campbell, Geno Carrico, Michael Anspaugh
Girls Basketball: Macy Henry, Piper Helle, Taylor Berry
Softball: Briley Davis, Mallory Lamb, Lacey Smith, Hannah Smith

Unaka High School

Football: Marcus Shomaker, Isaiah White, Tyler Smith, Connor McKinney
Boys Basketball: Mason Wilson, Aiden Walsh, John Hardin
Girls Basketball: Haley Taylor, Katlyn Dugger
Softball: Haley Taylor, Taylor Grindstaff, Jill Faust, Grace Stout
Baseball: Logan Lewis, Jacob Nidifer, Rylann Crabtree

Elizabethton High School

Boys Basketball: Jackson Hobbs, Andrew Barnett
Girls Basketball: Marlee Mathena, Reiley Whitson, Kayelyn Nave, Michelle Shields, Peyton McGee
Track & Field: Helen Hackett, Madeline Isaacs, Jasey Hyatt, Ashleigh Hyatt, Grace Artz, Liahna Nave, Riley Vernon, Max Garner, Jerry Behrmann, Cooper Chinault, Cooper Jack, Jeremiah Norris, John Siepert, Jamira Smalls
Boys Soccer: Riley Veron, Drake Teague, Luke Whaley, Will Churchill
Swimming: Morgan Roszel, Kody Broussard, Liam Cannon, Ada Digby, Jasey Hyatt
Football: Zeth Mullins, Mason Ball, Luke Whaley, Andrew Blevins
Girls Soccer: Izzy Lewis, Camdyn Garland, Bella Morris, Savannah Smith, Lauren Meier
Softball: Mollie Johnson, Emma Oquinn, Lela Byrd, Lilly McDuffie
Baseball: Justin Whitehead, Jackson Buckles, Rhett Slagle, Bryson Rowland
Tennis: Maylie Stout, Zyleigh Bates, Anderson Hallman, Hudson Smith
Volleyball: Krisalyn Elliott, Gracie Kirsch, Bailee Vanhuss, Zyleigh Bates

Cloudland High School

Football: Austin Caraway, Cayden Cordell, Silas Burleson, Kyle Birchfield
Boys Basketball: Cooper Smith, Eli Morgan, Nick Caraway
Girls Basketball: Saharra McKinney, Ryan Turbyfill, Izabella Christman
Softball: Bethany Sluder, Saharra McKinney, Ryan Turbyfill, Izabella Christman

Happy Valley High School

Football: JC Andes, Joseph Sowards, Aiden Paul
Girls Basketball: Cayden Anderson, Marcinda Moore
Boys Basketball: Darlan Jackson
Baseball: Drew Blevins, Tucker Shoun
Softball: Ashley Grindstaff
Track & Field: Kaydence Carroll, Josie Zeoli, Tyler Bailey, Jullian Pate
Golf: Cayden Anderson, Grace Hollifield, Colton Pemberton