Local Sports

Coach Lynus Martin Named Boys District Coach of Year, Fullilove Selected Defensive Player of Year

DeKalb County's Sonni Fullilove has been named the boy's Defensive Player of the Year in District 8 AA while Tiger Coach Lynus Martin is the Boy's District Coach of the Year.

The All-District selections were announced Friday.

Livingston Academy's Mason Ramsey is the District's Most Valuable Player for boys while Cannon County's Abby Sissom took the MVP honor for girls.

For the boys, Colton Blevins of York Institute was named Freshman of the Year and Wade Eldridge of Livingston Academy is the Most Improved Player in the district.

Jordan Hollis of Cannon County is the girl's Defensive Player of the Year in the district. Ola Obie of Central Magnet was named the district's Most Improved Player. Casey Gregory of Smith County is the Freshman of the Year and Micheal Dodgen of Cannon County received the Girl's Coach of the Year honor.

In addition to taking the Defensive Player of the Year award, Sonni Fullilove of DeKalb County was also named to the All-District's 1st Team along with Braxton Atnip. Stephen Howell was named to the 2nd Team. Ethan Roller made the 3rd Team and Lucas Phillips and Will Molander received Honorable Mention.

Loren Cripps of the Lady Tigers made the All-District 3rd Team. Ashli Chew and Morgan Pedigo were selected to the All Freshman Team and Chelsea Lewis received Honorable Mention.

The following are the All-District selections for both boys and girls in District 8AA

GIRLS
MVP - Abby Sissom, Cannon County
Defensive Player of the Year - Jordan Hollis, Cannon County
Most Improved Player - Ola Obie, Central Magnet
Freshman of the Year - Casey Gregory, Smith County
Coach of the Year - Micheal Dodgen, Cannon County

1st Team
Callie Hackett, Smith County
Ola Obie, Central Magnet
Claudia Smith, Central Magnet
Ashley Wright, York Institute
Abby Jakes, Cannon County

2nd Team
Marley Sells, Livingston Academy
Claudia Hull, Upperman
Sydney Staggs, Livingston Academy
Casey Gregory, Smith County
Kailey Winningham, Livingston Academy

3rd Team
Ashley Brewer, Central Magnet
Kat Carter, Upperman
Jordan Hollis, Cannon County
Raven Wright, Smith County
Loren Cripps, DeKalb County

All Defensive Team
Jordan Hollis, Cannon County
Ashley Wright, York Institute
Raven Wright, Smith County
Rachel Reeder, Livingston Academy
Taylor Meadows, Livingston Academy
Callie Hackett, Smith County
Claudia Hull, Upperman

All Freshman Team
Casey Gregory, Smith County
Jacquelin Carpenter, Smith County
Kelly Davis, Cannon County
Kylea Carver, Central Magnet
Ashli Chew, DeKalb County
Morgan Pedigo, DeKalb County
Skylar Looper, Livingston Academy
Kellie Lamb, Livingston Academy
Sarah Eldridge. Upperman

Honorable Mention
Madison Walkup, Cannon County
Rebecca Faulkner, Cannon County
Chelsea Lewis, DeKalb County
Taylor Meadows, Livingston Academy
Rachel Reeder, Livingston Academy
Allison Conder, Smith County
Katelyn Butler, York Institute
Mallory Hull, York Institute
Hannah Burke, York Institute
Haley Attkinson, York Institute

BOYS
MVP - Mason Ramsey, Livingston Academy
Defensive Player of the Year - Sonni Fullilove, DeKalb County
Most Improved Player -Wade Eldridge, Livingston Academy
Freshman of the Year - Colton Blevins, York Institute
Coach of the Year - Lynus Martin, DeKalb County

1st Team
Braxton Atnip, DeKalb County
Sonni Fullilove, DeKalb County
Brock McCoin, Livingston Academy
Jordan Craighead, Smith County
Joe Jones, Upperman

2nd Team
Cory Henley, Cannon County
Tyler McWilliams, Upperman
Stephen Howell, DeKalb County
Wade Eldridge, Livingston Academy
Jared Case, Upperman

3rd Team
Corbin Patton, York Institute
Kevin Craighead, Smith County
Cody Devillanueva, Upperman
Ethan Roller, DeKalb County
John McBride, York Institute

Honorable Mention
Lucas Phillps, DeKalb County
Will Molander, DeKalb County
Wyatt Slagle, Upperman
Dalton Dronebarger, Upperman
Dylan Hedgecloth, Upperman
Jacob Day, York Institute
Byron Matthews, York Institute
Jamal Carter, Smith County
Sam Holliman, Smith County
Beau Carr, Smith County
Creed Hayes, Livingston Academy
Bennett Fouts, Central Magnet
Coyle Gregory, Central Magnet
Camron Huff, Smith County
Bubba Jolley, Livingston Academy
Tanner Larson, Cannon County
Jarrett Melton, Cannon County

All Defensive Team
Creed Hayes, Livingston Academy
Brock McCoin, Livingston Academy
Jared Cox, Upperman
Kevin Craighead, Smith County
Tanner Larson, Cannon County

All Freshman Team
Colton Blevins, York Institute
Camron Huff, Smith County
Ben Guffey, Upperman
Dylan Linder, Livingston Academy
Peter Hollars, Livingston Academy

Tiger Coach Lynus Martin Gets 200th Career Win

With the Tiger's 85-60 victory over the Chattanooga Patriots Thursday on Senior Night, Coach Lynus Martin reached a milestone with his 200th career coaching win.

Coach Martin's overall record is now at 200-117, dating back to when he took over during the 2002-03 season. This is his 11th season with the team. Coach Martin has a 67-59 district record. His post-season record is 12-16. He has won one Regular Season District Championship (this year), finished as District Tournament runners-up twice (2010-11 & 2011-12) and appeared in the Region Tournament five times.

Coach Martin has also been selected to coach in the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee All-Star Game in Murfreesboro on Saturday, March 16. Tiger seniors Braxton Atnip, Sonni Fullilove and Stephen Howell have all been selected to play.

The regular season for the DCHS basketball teams ends Saturday night. DC travels to Gabriel Christian Friday night for games starting at 6:00 p.m. and at Gordonsville Saturday night with action getting underway at 6:00 p.m. WJLE will have LIVE coverage. The District Tournament begins next week at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville

Coach Martin's year-by-year records are as follows:

2012-13: 25-4

2011-12: 26-7

2010-11: 23-8

2009-10: 16-12

2008-09: 19-12

2007-08: 14-12

2006-07: 20-11

2005-06: 14-18

2004-05: 21-7

2003-04: 12-15

2002-03: 10-11 (Coach Martin took over for former DCHS Coach Danny Bond after first three games were played)

Tigers and Lady Tigers Cruise to Easy Victories on Senior Night

The DCHS basketball teams closed out the home stand portion of their schedule for the season Thursday night with wins over the visiting Chattanooga Patriots

The Tigers cruised to an 85 to 60 win as Coach Lynus Martin notched his 200th career victory while the Lady Tigers enjoyed a 64 to 26 victory on Senior Night.

In the girls game, DC led 17 to 8 after the first period, 38 to 12 at halftime, and 45 to 15 after the third period before going on to win 64 to 26

Morgan Pedigo scored 15. Chelsea Lewis 14. Abbey Caldwell 9, Paige Winningham 8, Loren Cripps 7, Ashli Chew 6, McKenzie Poteete 2, Jaylin Bolding 2, and Lydia Foutch with 1.

The Tigers led throughout in their game, outscoring the Patriots 30 to 11 in the first period. DC led 45 to 21 at halftime and 61 to 42 after the third period. The final score was 85 to 60.

Braxton Atnip led the Tigers in scoring with 27 points. Sonni Fullilove had 22. Ethan Roller 13, Zach Vincent 12, Lucas Phillips 5, Aaron Patterson 2, Justin Bone 2, and Will Molander with 2

The Tigers improve to 25-4 overall while the Lady Tigers go to 15-14. DeKalb County travels to Gabriel Christian Friday night starting with the girls game at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday night, DC will conclude the regular season at Gordonsville starting with the girls contest at 6:00 p.m. WJLE will have LIVE coverage. The district tournament begins next week in Cookeville at Tennessee Tech.

Tigers Claim Regular Season District Championship

The DeKalb County Tigers claimed the regular season district championship with a 59 to 48 win at Cannon County Tuesday night. The Lady Tigers lost to the Lionettes 61 to 45.

The Lions led the Tigers 15 to 11 after the first period but DC rallied for a 28 to 17 lead by halftime. The Tigers were up 48 to 31 by the end of the third period and won 59 to 48.

Sonni Fullilove scored 21 to pace the Tigers in scoring. Lucas Phillips had 14. Braxton Atnip 11. Ethan Roller 8. Eli Lomas 3 and Will Molander with 2.

The Lady Tigers trailed 15 to 13 after the first period of their game. DC was down 31 to 18 at halftime, 49 to 29 after the third period, and lost 61 to 45.

Paige Winnigham had 15 points for the Lady Tigers. Abbey Caldwell 9. Loren Cripps 8. Chelsea Lewis 6. Lydia Foutch 5 and Ashli Chew 2.

The Tigers are 24-4 overall and 11-1 in the district. The Lady Tigers go to 14-14 overall and 1-11 in district play.

DeKalb County will host the Chattanooga Patriots Thursday night at 5:00 p.m. in Smithville. WJLE will have LIVE
coverage.

Tigers Romp Over Central Magnet

The Tigers ran their district record to 10-1 and their overall mark to 23-4 Friday night with an 85 to 40 romp over Murfreesboro Central Magnet in Smithville. The Lady Tigers lost 45 to 37 dropping to 1-10 in the district and 14-13 overall.

The Tigers led 24 to 7 after the first period, 44 to 20 at halftime, and 62 to 28 after the third period before cruising to an 85 to 40 victory.

Braxton Atnip scored 26 for the Tigers. Ethan Roller 16. Sonni Fullilove 13. Aaron Patterson 9. Lucas Phillips and Eli Lomas each with 6 points. Zach Vincent 5 and Justin Bone with 2 points.

In the girls game, DC trailed 10 to 8 after the first period, 20 to 13 at halftime, 33 to 32 after the third period and lost 45 to 37.

Loren Cripps scored 11 points. Chelsea Lewis 10 and Abbey Caldwell and Paige Winningham each scored 8 points.

DeKalb County travels to Gabriel Christian tonight (Saturday). The girls game tips off at 5:00 p.m. WJLE plans LIVE coverage.

Hunter Graham Signs to Play Baseball for Columbia State Community College

Hunter Graham, a senior member of the DCHS Tiger baseball team, will play for the Columbia State Community College Chargers next season.

A signing was held Friday afternoon at DCHS. Graham was joined by his parents, Kyle and Doris Graham; his sister, Tyra Graham, DCHS baseball coach Scott Odom and assistant coach Andrew Dixon; and Mike Corn, head coach of the Columbia State Chargers.

"I'm very excited to sign to play college baseball. Its been a dream since I was a kid," said Graham.

Coach Corn said its also a pleasure to have Hunter as a member of the Chargers. "We're real excited to bring Hunter and his family into our family," he said. "Its so important for these young men to be recognized, not only as baseball players but as student athletes and Hunter is a great representation of both of those. He'll graduate (DCHS) in 2013 and start up with us in the fall of this year and we'll expect big things from him coming in. This is not a huge recruiting class for us. He's our first signee of the year. For recruiting purposes with the junior college it just now really cranks up in January for us. I think he is going to be a great talent and he would certainly project as a Division-I pitcher for me after two years with us," said Coach Corn.

Before he moves on to the next level, Graham said he is hoping to help lead his team to another state tournament appearance this spring. "Definitely going to state my freshman and sophomore year was a big deal. We're hoping to go back for a three peat my senior year," said Graham

Coach Odom said he is excited for Graham to be able to continue his baseball career at Columbia State. "It is a good program and Coach Corn has done a wonderful job there," said Coach Odom. "However, we are really glad he still has another year of eligibility left with us. Hunter has started with us since he was a freshman. In those three years the TIGERS have an impressive 75-17 record and an .815 winning percentage with two district championships, 2 region appearances, 2 region and sectional championships and 2 state tournament appearances, where we finished ranked as high as #3 in the state and #4 last year," he said.

"Hunter has a lot of talent and has put in a lot of hard work as well," said Coach Odom. "Nothing good comes easy and he has earned this right to go to college and hopefully get a degree and keep playing. They like him as a pitcher and a hitter. He has been one of our best hitters over the last two years and we rely on him a great deal as both a pitcher and hitter," he said.

"I am really happy for him and his family. They are very supportive of Hunter and the TIGER baseball team. The best part is he is as good of a young man as he is a baseball player. He is someone that all of DeKalb County can be proud of. I know that I am," said Coach Odom.

Following a record breaking 2012 season, Coach Corn at Columbia State Community College was named Coach of the Year by the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association. This marks the second consecutive year Corn has received this award.

The Chargers had an impressive 2012 season with a record 38 consecutive wins at home, a program best 43 victories and an NJCAA national ranking of number four. The 2012 team also boasts four Division-I signees and the only MLB draft pick in the TCCAA, Marsalis Holloway (34th Kansas City Royals).

In its history, Columbia State has logged six World Series appearances, sixteen state titles, twenty division titles, twenty four pro baseball signees, 238 four year signees, and 132 Division-I signees.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation.

Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association and the National Junior College Athletic Association.

(Pictured above: Left to Right- DCHS assistant baseball coach Andrew Dixon, Tiger head coach Scott Odom, Columbia State head coach Mike Corn, Kyle Graham (father), Doris Graham (mother), Tyra Graham (sister); seated, Hunter Graham)

Tigers Get Back in Win Column at York Institute

The DeKalb County Tigers got back in the win column Tuesday night but the Lady Tigers lost in a close game at York Institute.

The Lady Tigers opened up a 12 to 4 lead over the Dragonettes by the end of the first period but fell behind 19 to 14 by halftime and trailed 31 to 24 before falling 37 to 35

Loren Cripps led DeKalb County in scoring with 15 points. Chelsea Lewis and Paige Winningham each scored 7. Lydia Foutch 3. Ashli Chew 2and Abbey Caldwell with 1.

The Tigers fell behind 14 to 7 as the first period came to a close but grabbed a 27 to 25 halftime lead. The game was tied at 40 by the end of the third period but the Tigers went on to win, edging the Dragons 54 to 50

Sonni Fullilove had 24 points to lead the Tigers in scoring. Braxton Atnip had 16. Ethan Roller 11 and Will Molander with 3.

The Lady Tigers drop to 14-12 on the season and 1-9 in district play. The Tigers improve to 22-4 overall and 9-1 in the district.

DeKalb County will host Murfreesboro Central Magnet Friday night in Smithville starting with the girls game at 6:00 p.m. WJLE will have LIVE coverage.

Lady Tigers Get First District Win at Upperman, Bees Sting Tigers

The DeKalb County Lady Tigers got their first district win of the season Friday night while the Tigers suffered their first district loss at Upperman in Baxter.

For the ladies, DC won 39 to 31 while the Tigers fell to the Bees 75 to 58

In the girls game, Upperman led 4 to 3 after the first period but DeKalb County finished the half strong, leading 20 to 11 by intermission. DC led 26 to 18 by the end of the third period and won 39 to 31

Chelsea Lewis scored 20 points for the Lady Tigers. Loren Cripps and Ashley Barnes each scored 6. Abbey Caldwell 5 and Morgan Pedigo with 2 points.

For the boys, Upperman led 20 to 13 after the first period, 34 to 24 at halftime, and 46 to 39 by the end of the third period and won 75 to 58.

Braxton Atnip and Ethan Roller each scored 15 for the Tigers. Stephen Howell 10, Justin Bone 6. Sonni Fullilove 4, Eli Lomas and Aaron Patterson each with 3 points, and Will Molander had 2 points.

The Lady Tigers improve to 14-11 on the season and 1-8 in the district. The Tigers slip to 21-4 overall and go to 8-1 in district play.

DeKalb County travels to Jamestown Tuesday night to take on York Institute. The girls game starts at 6:00 p.m. followed by the boys game. WJLE will broadcast the games LIVE.