LAURINBURG — Scotland High School Athletic Director Richard Bailey concluded Monday’s winter, spring sports banquet by awarding two seniors with the annual male and female Athlete of the Year award.
Bailey told the crowd in order to be eligible for the award students have to participate in two sports and excel not only on the field but also in the classroom. The winners are voted by all of the varsity coaches at Scotland High School and this year’s winners according to Bailey were very deserving of the award.
Senior Emma Gray Beacham won the Female Athlete of the Year and senior Donta Green earned the Male Athlete of the Year award.
Emma Gray was a four-year starter for the Lady Scots volleyball and soccer teams, being selected as captain for both this past season. She earned all conference recognition in both sports and plans to continue her volleyball career in the fall at Division III Pfeiffer University. Emma Gray plans to major in elementary education so that she can become a second-grade teacher.
In volleyball, Emma Gray served as the Lady Scots setter. She lead the team in assists with 464. She finished her senior year with a serving percentage of 93 with 85 service points to go along with 92 digs, 44 kills and 15 blocking assists. Earning her the Most Valuable Player award at the fall sports banquet.
In soccer, Emma Gray played mid-fielder, striker and forward to earn MVP for the Lady Scots soccer team.
Donta was a three-year starter for the Fighting Scots football and baseball teams. He earned all-Southeastern conference honors in baseball and honorable mention in football. Donta was a starting defensive back for the Fighting Scots football team. He had 39 solo tackles, one quarterback sack and one interception. His leadership and hard work earned him the Defensive Back Award at the fall sports banquet.
In baseball, Donta was the starting short stop for the Fighting Scots. He earned all-conference honors in baseball and was named Offensive MVP along with Male Athlete of the Year. Donta led the baseball team with a .370 batting average and a .543 on base percentage. The Scots short stop racked up 50 hits, 32 RBIs and 57 runs.
Donta was also a relief pitcher for the Scots throwing six innings allowing one run off two hits with six walks and 13 strikeouts. Donta has stated he wants to play baseball in college, but has not committed anywhere yet.
Amber Hatten can be reached at 910-506-3170.