Carter County Sports Hall of Fame announces 2024-25 all-county football, basketball teams
Published 3:52 pm Thursday, April 24, 2025
File Photo Carter County Sports Hall of Fame Football Coach of the Year Jason Jarrett of Happy Valley.
File Photo Carter County Sports Hall of Fame Boys Basketball Coach of the Year Ned Smith of Hampton.
File Photo Carter County Sports Hall of Fame Girls Basketball Coach of the Year Kenneth Chambers of Unaka.
File Photo John Hardin, a 6-foot-8 sophomore from Unaka, was named boys MVP as the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2024-25 All-County basketball selections.
File Photo Michelle Shields, a dynamic scorer and unquestioned leader for the Lady Rangers, was named girls MVP as the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2024-25 All-County basketball selections.
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Banquet set for May 31 at Milligan University’s McCormick Hall
The 2024-25 Carter County Sports Hall of Fame has unveiled its highly anticipated All-County football and basketball teams, honoring the student-athletes and coaches who defined excellence throughout the season. With thrilling records, historic milestones and unforgettable performances, this year’s honorees represent the very best of Carter County athletics.
Coaches of the Year
In football, Jason Jarrett of Happy Valley was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Warriors to a remarkable 7-2 overall record and a 4-1 mark in conference play. Jarrett’s squad was anchored by a stifling defense that recorded four shutouts, a testament to the team’s preparation, grit and discipline.
On the hardwood, Ned Smith earned boys basketball Coach of the Year honors after steering the Hampton Bulldogs to a 22-10 record, a district championship and his own personal milestone — 500 career wins. Smith’s leadership and consistency continue to set the standard for coaching excellence across East Tennessee.
On the girls side, Kenneth Chambers was selected as the girls basketball Coach of the Year after leading the Unaka Lady Rangers to a stellar 23-10 season, including a district championship, a regional runner-up finish and an appearance in the TSSAA Sub-State.
Most Valuable Players
Emerging as the boys county MVP was towering sophomore John Hardin, a 6-foot-8 force for the Unaka Rangers. Hardin’s presence in the paint and scoring ability helped lead the Rangers to an 18-10 record, a district runner-up finish and a second-round appearance in the region tournament. With two more years of high school ahead of him, Hardin’s future looks exceptionally bright.
The girls county MVP was none other than junior Michelle Shields, a dynamic scorer and unquestioned leader for the Lady Rangers. An all-state selection, Shields poured in over 500 points on the season, averaging 20 points per game, and consistently delivered when her team needed her most.
Banquet Details
The 2024-25 All-County teams and Coach of the Year honorees will be officially recognized at a formal banquet on May 31 at Milligan University’s McCormick Hall.
All award winners will be treated to a complimentary meal and presented with their awards during the ceremony. The celebration promises to be a memorable afternoon honoring the dedication and achievements of Carter County’s finest.
Doors will open at 1 p.m., and the program will feature special guest speakers including Mayor Patty Woodby and former Carter County Sheriff and former Elizabethton athlete Chris Mathes.
For adults and community members interested in attending, tickets are on sale now at www.carterhalloffame.com or can be purchased in person at the Eagles Center in downtown Elizabethton.
Meanwhile, awards for baseball, softball and other spring sports will be announced on May 3, adding to what has already been an extraordinary year for Carter County athletics.
Come out and join the celebration — where tradition, talent and community pride take center stage.
Boys
MVP – John Hardin
Coach of the Year – Ned Smith
First team
Justin Whitehead – Elizabethton
Turf Roberson – Hampton
Mason Wilson – Unaka
Jayden Nave – Hampton
Uriah Jarrett – Cloudland
Second team
Hudson Pate – Elizabethton
Nathan Bailey – Elizabethton
Aiden Walsh – Unaka
Bryce Fagan – Hampton
Austin Nickles – Happy Valley
Underclassman of the Year
Chase Davenport – Hampton
Honorable mention
Ron Paul Parker – Happy Valley
Austin Lambert – Unaka
Andrew Barnett – Elizabethton
Rylan Crabtree – Unaka
Girls
MVP – Michelle Shields
Coach of the Year – Kenneth Chambers
First team
Jamira Small – Elizabethton
Makinna Shell – Cloudland
Piper Helle – Hampton
Shepard Kalli – Unaka
Cayden Anderson – Happy Valley
Second team
Lauren Lund – Unaka
Makenzie Street – Cloudland
Hannah Smith – Hampton
Regan May – Elizabethton
Faye Carrico – Hampton
Honorable mention
Katlyn Dugger – Unaka
Rylee May – Elizabethton
Alex Moore – Happy Valley
Peyton McGee – Elizabethton
Best Underclassman
Brooklyn Campbell – Unaka
Football
Coach of the Year – Jason Jarrett, Happy Valley
Elizabethton
Justin Wallin, Zack Wallin, Justin Whitehead, Billy Woodby
Bryson Rowland, Kyron Smalls
Hampton
Dominique Burleson, Thunder Fletcher, Jayden Kuhn, Jamie Turbyfield, Isaiah Belcher
Unaka
Connor McKinney, Micah Gray, Ashton Fuller, Jake Taylor, Brynin Repass
Cloudland
Noah Young, Camden Peppers, Matthew Baker
Happy Valley
Mason Norman, Lane Parker, Landon Keller, Gabe McDonald, Jamie Esterline, Andrew Ellis
