Photo by Victor Tapia
Brave Bryant Leslie was a District 11-3A
second-team offensive selection at wide
receiver for the 2011 season.

Individuals collect district honors

By David Jenkins
Staff Writer

NEVADA – Community's football and volleyball players were rewarded for their performances on the field and the court during the 2011 District 11-3A season.

In volleyball, Violet Williams was named to the first team by the coaches.

On the second squad was Makenna Tallant. Selected as honorable mentions by the Lady Braves’ coaches were Macie Freeman and Kendra Kiser.

“I was pleased with our All-District award winners.  I feel that they are very deserving of their awards,” head coach Katie Fariss said. “Violet Williams was a key player for our team, and she deserved first-team.  Makenna Tallant was our only setter, and I was glad she made a team as well.  Macie Freeman and Kendra Kiser, our sole senior, stepped up this year, so I’m glad they got honored as well.”

Honored for their hard work in the classroom were Brittany Taylor, Freeman, Williams, Tallant and Kiser.

“I am proud of the Academic All-District awards because it shows that these girls are not just athletes, but they are taking care of business in the classroom as well, which is more important than on the court,” Fariss said. “These girls are wonderful role models on and off the court.”

Under Fariss, a first-year head coach, the Lady Braves ended up 12-20 overall and were last in district with a 0-10 record.

“Our season was a roller coaster, full of ups and downs,” she said previously. “I am proud of these girls for persevering the whole season, and we know what we need to work on in the offseason to get ready for next year.”

Making the playoffs were No. 1 state-ranked and now four-time defending state champion Lovejoy 10-0, Prosper 8-2 and Princeton at 6-4. Below them were Frisco Lone Star 4-6 and Farmersville 3-7.

The future looks bright for the Lady Braves, as they lose just Kiser to graduation.

Expected to be back for the 2012 season are Williams, Tallant, Freeman, Taylor, Taylor New, Danielle Miller and Madison Pendill.

“I will have my full team back next year with one year of experience under their belt,” Fariss said. “We will only improve from here.”

In football, honors on the offensive second team went to wide receiver Bryant Leslie.

Second-team honors on the defensive side of the ball went to defensive end Nathan Honzell and linebacker Brennen Fletcher.

For the full story see the Dec. 8 issue.