Sports - World Around You May-June 1998--

M A Y / J U N E - 1 9 9 8


b y B a r r y S t r a s s l e r

Alabama—Success Continues
Strong leaders and unforgettable play earned the Alabama School for the Deaf basketball teams—both boys and girls—acclaim on all sides, including a Mason Dixon championship, State class A, and standing as the Silent News' National Deaf Prep Basketball Teams of the Year.
The community was so proud of the Alabama students that the surrounding town of Talladega named Don Hackney, boys' basketball coach, and Kay Hill, girls' basketball coach as grand marshals in the town's parade.

Boys 31-2

The Alabama boys posted a 31-2 won loss record as the State class 1A Final Four team. When the boys went against Talladega Central High School, they were unforgettable. Down by a score of 33 to 7 early in the game, the boys managed a come-from-behind win, with a final score of 82-62 that left everyone in shock.

In other big wins, Alabama won a 42-37 victory over Ragland High for the area championship, a 61-45 victory over Cedar Bluffs for the regional championship, and finished with a 61-52 win over Spring Garden High School for a position in the Big Four berth for the Alabama State Championship, where they were wiped out in the semi-finals with a 57-50 loss to Sunshine High School. The top three players—Henry Dorsey, Allen Salter, and Cedrick White—have been recruited to play for Gallaudet University's team when they enter in the fall.

Alabama School for the Deaf Silent Warriors: (seated) Managers Joey Hollins, Troy Overstreet, Lorenzo Crutcher, Kevin Battle and Angus Johnson. (kneeling) Michael Fowles, Allen Salter, Trey Sweeney, Tamichael Bristow, Kent Goodwin. (standing) Assistant Coach Bert Haynes, Jermaine Bridges, Henry Dorsey, Mike Baker, Cedrick White, Yule Brooks, Quintin Jackson, Statistician Leslie Mathison, and Head Coach Don Hackney.

Girls 27-3

Coach Kay Hill was surprised. She had not expected such startling success from the Lady Warriors. She only had one returning starter—Kim Loggins. But Kim quickly proved herself up to the challenge. The team's only senior, Kim took her leadership duties seriously. She created fast break baskets, forced opposing players to make mistakes, and hit on outside shots to spark the team's offense. Said Coach Hill, "Kim was the Lady Warrior offense. Every offensive play was designed to put the ball into her hands...Kim made things happen."

The girls defeated Talladega County Central High School, 55-20, to win the area championship. Then they went on to defeat Altamont High School, 48-24, and win the regional championship. They made it all the way to the State Finals, where they lost to Valley Head High School.

Alabama School for the Deaf Lady Warriors: (seated on floor) Managers Rachel Smith and Melonie Jones. (seated) Kelly Gorman, Tawny Holmes, Lakisha Moore, Amanda White, Verna Farnum, Savannah Tower. (standing) Head Coach Kay Hill, Tiffany Stinson, Heather Jasinski, Shayla Stoudemire, Pam McKinnie, Kim Loggins, Nakita Smith, Assistant Coach Bill Estes.

Gallaudet University
800 Florida Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002-3695