Stinnett: Looking back at year in sports

By TONY STINNETT

As the end of the year rapidly approaches I was looking back at some of the achievements of CCHS’ outstanding athletes in 2013.

They are numerous.

Who could forget Abby Jakes’ phenomenal game-winning shot at McMinn that launched the Lionettes into their second state tournament in three years?

It was awesome. Those who were there probably can still see the ball going through the net and the exhilaration on the faces of players, coaches, fans (and, yes, even this writer who is supposed to be neutral).

Abbey Sissom recently became a member of the 2,000-point club and became only the second athlete at Cannon County in nearly a quarter of a century to earn a Division I scholarship. She signed with MTSU.

Both basketball teams are off to remarkable starts and give fans reason to believe there could be deep postseason runs for both.

Lionettes Head Coach Michael Dodgen achieved a milestone when he earned career win No. 200.

Cory Henley has been a consistent performer for the Lions and the three-year starter is on the verge of becoming a 1,000-point scorer.

B.J. Daniel made history when he became the first Lion to ever be selected to play in the Tennessee East-West All-Star game.

Cannon County’s football team ended a 23-game losing streak when it went on the road and defeated Red Boiling Springs. What a great night that was for those young men who had worked so hard to put that horrible streak behind them. I am glad I was able to be there to see it.

Softball made great strides and is certainly a program on the uprise at CCHS. Keep an eye on the softball Lionettes in 2014.

Same for baseball. The Lions made strides in 2013 and have a strong nucleus in place for future success. Most importantly, the program is represented with good people who are fine representatives of their family, school, self and community.

I doubt any program at CCHS does more in the community than baseball has.

Speaking of programs on the rise. Soccer made great strides in 2013 under first-year coach Zach McAllister.
The program began in 2008 and had won just three games in five years before winning five games this year. The Lionettes had scored a TOTAL of nine goals in the previous five years before erupting for 31 in 2013. Pretty strong considering the girls never got to practice on the game field. They practiced on 20 yards of the softball field with one goal.

Sophomore transfer Livia Walker was a big reason for the offensive influx. The left-footed forward scored 52 percent of her team’s goals with 16 on the season. She also finished the season with nine assists.

Walker is a big-time player and will have college opportunities at a high level.

Also factoring into the scoring this year was Macy Williams (6), Erin McReynolds (3), Molly Williams (3), Sarah Hickman (1), Bailey Sims (1), Baylee Nemeth (1).

Jessica Elmy was one of two finalist for keeper of the year. Offense alone doesn’t win and strong defense was provided by Jylian Jones, Kallie McCrary, Sims and Molly Williams.

Cross Country has been splendid under the direction of Marc Larson. It is as solid as any sports program at CCHS. Leadership and work ethic are reasons why.

Tony Stinnett is a three-time Tennessee Sports Writer of the Year. He covers sports for the Cannon Courier. If you have ideas for sports stories contact him at stinnett@cannoncourier.com.