Cougars, Chargers Combine To Put 14 On All-Pioneer Team

A group of 14 players from Covington and Bath County have been awarded postseason honors by the Pioneer District basketball coaches.
Nine Cougars and five Chargers dot the All-Pioneer District teams released this week.
Parry McCluer, who won both the boys and girls regular season and tournament titles, swept the top awards.
On the boys side, Zach Claytor was named Player of the Year, while Mike Cartalaro was the Coach of the Year.
The Fighting Blues’ girls team, who won their third straight Class 1 state championship, was led by Player of the Year Madison Dunlap and Coach of the Year Adam Gilbert.
Three Covington players were also named to the All-Region C team.
Tijon Rice was a first-team selection by region coaches, while both Jabari Williams and Ariel Barber were on their respective second teams.
Jake Watters of Bland County was the boys Region C Player of the Year, while Terry Millirons of Auburn was the Coach of the Year.
Essence Brown of Galax was the girls Player of the Year, with Gilbert winning Coach of the Year.
Here are the area postseason winners:
• Tijon Rice, CHS Senior: All-Pioneer District 1st Team; All-Region C 1st Team;
• Jabari Williams, CHS Junior: All-Pioneer District 1st Team; All-Region C 2nd Team;
• Rickey Jefferson, CHS Senior: All-Pioneer District 2nd Team;
• Jaun Miller, CHS Senior: All-Pioneer District Honorable Mention;
• Garrett Morgan, CHS Senior: All-Pioneer District Honorable Mention;
• Ariel Barber, CHS Sophomore: All-Pioneer District 1st Team; All-Region C 2nd Team;
• Amiah Hunter, CHS Junior: All-Pioneer District 2nd Team;
• Cristi Persinger, CHS Freshman: All-Pioneer District Honorable Mention;
• Stacy Tacy, CHS Junior: All-Pioneer District Honorable Mention;
• Damian Flenner, BCHS Sophomore: All-Pioneer District 1st Team;
• Sean Flenner, BCHS Junior: All-Pioneer District 2nd Team;
• Sean Gardener, BCHS Senior: All-Pioneer District Honorable Mention;
• Kassedi Estes, BCHS Senior: All-Pioneer District 2nd Team;
• Gabrie Herscher, BCHS Junior: All-Pioneer District Honorable Mention.