The year 2016 showed a lot of favor for teams and players in Covington County.

Many teams and individual players made runs at state championships during the year. The following is brief review of a few of Covington County’s top sports stories of 2016.

One of the biggest stories of the year came from the Andalusia Bulldogs’ trip through the Class 4A football state playoffs.

The Bulldogs finished the year with a 12-2 record after losing in the semi-finals to eventual Class 4A state champion Handley.

Red Level Tiger running back John Lee broke the Covington County single-season rushing record and was named first-team Class 1A ASWA All-State running back.

Lee wasn’t just successful on the football field, as he also picked up a state championship in track and field in the Class 1A-3A 200-meter dash.

Other local athletes also earned state titles in 2016.

Wakeboarders Sophie Geohagan and Beth Johnson each won state titles in their respective divisions.

In basketball action, Pleasant Home Lady Eagles’ River Baldwin has quickly become one the highest rated high school basketball players in the nation, according to ESPN’S HoopGurlz 2019 rankings. Baldwin helped led the Lady Eagles to the South Regional in basketball and the Elite Eight in volleyball.

Also in volleyball action, Straughn and Andalusia each advanced to the Elite Eight in Birmingham.

This year also saw five local swimmers earn spots in the AHSAA Swimming and Diving State Championship Meet at Auburn University. Elizabeth Younce, Mary Beth Baker, Emma Younce, Grace Philpott and Cali Filmer each competed in the state championship in various events.

It has been year filled with talented athletes giving it everything they have, and there is no reason to think that 2017 will be any different Covington County.