Williamson is aiming to get better for next year

MONTGOMERY — After her softball game was canceled Tuesday afternoon because of the weather, Straughn’s Jacie Williamson decided to go work on her dribbling inside of the high school’s basketball gymnasium.

Her father, Jimmy, joined Williamson soon after and both got busy working on getting better for next year.

The SHS junior forward got another big push to make her game better on Wednesday as she sat with the other 41 Player of the Year finalists at the Alabama Sports Writers Association 2014 Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards Banquet and POY luncheon in Montgomery.

Although Williamson wasn’t crowned the Class 3A Girls Player of the Year, she said the experience was “exciting.”

“I had a lot of fun (at the banquet),” Williamson said. “It was just a great experience to be here. I’m thankful for the opportunity. I got to meet our 3A winner, so that was pretty exciting.

“I know that this wouldn’t have been possible without the team, and my parents and coaches as well as all of the support behind me.”

Sierra Jones of Madison Academy ended up winning the top honor, and after the banquet was over, Williamson made sure to get a picture with the now reigning Player of the Year.

“Being around all of the top players was just exciting,” Williamson said.

Being at the banquet also inspired Williamson to get better for next year, hence working on her game when she had the free time the other day.

“I definitely want to work harder for next year, and possible get one of the big awards,” she said.

For the 2013-14 season, Williamson averaged 19.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game this season, and helped lead the Lady Tigers to their second-straight Final 48 appearance.

Mr. and Miss Basketball Honors went to William Lee of Dallas County and Shakayla Thomas of Sylacauga.

Lee and Thomas were also tapped as Player of the Year in Class 4A and 5A, respectively.

Players who were picked as Player of the Year in their respective classifications are the following:

Class 6A: Lewis Sullivan, Hazel Green; Alexis Jennings, Sparkman

Class 5A: Justin Coleman, Wenonah; Shakayla Thomas, Sylacauga

Class 4A: William Lee, Dallas County; Destiney Elliott, Oneonta

Class 3A: Joshua Langford and Sierra Jones, Madison Academy

Class 2A: Cobe Goosby, Elba; Leah Strain, Woodland

Class 1A: Wesley Person Jr., Brantley; Anna Claire Noblit, Covenant Christian

AISA: Torrence Brown, Tuscaloosa Academy; Tamara York, Glenwood