SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL:

The Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce recently honored the Brantley High School softball team with a dinner party at Michael’s Southern Food restaurant in Brantley.

The Lady Bulldogs made local history on May 20, when they won their third straight Alabama High School Athletics Association (AHSAA) 1A championship.

The event was attended by the team, coaches, parents and several local community citizens and fans. Each player and coach received a gift from the Chamber and a certificate from the Brantley Town Council.

In opening remarks, Chamber President Donald Nix expressed thanks from both the Chamber and Crenshaw community for the honor and positive recognition the ladies’ championship brought the county.

“We are extremely proud of and pleased to honor the three-time Lady Bulldogs of Brantley School. We salute the players, coaches, support staff and parents of the 2016 1A state champions,” Nix said.

Coach Cindy Hawthorne’s team compiled a 39-10 overall record and defeated 7A opponents Prattville, Auburn and Enterprise, along with 5A Alabama Christian and 4A schools Andalusia, Straughn and Opp.  Coach Hawthorne was honored along with assistant coaches Jimmy Johnson, Johnny Young and David Watts.

Individual recognition was given for the four team members who made the State Finals All-Tournament team: Olivia Jones, Kassidy Wilcox, Leanna Johnson and Tournament MVP, Alex Wilcox.

Also recognized was Kassidy Wilcox’ season batting average of .554. According to the AHSAA website, the freshman Wilcox’s average ranks in the top 65 all time for a single season batting average in Alabama.

Other team members honored were seventh graders Lauren Hudson, Ellie Layton and Kendall Navarre; eighth graders Anna Kimbro (not present) and Emory Bush; freshmen Gracie Free and Hannah Sims; and sophomore Lainey Wells. There were no senior class members on the team.

Ron Ingram, AHSAA Director of Communications, remarked, “We are real proud of Brantley. They do things the right way and they do it with Brantley kids. Brantley folks are impressive off the field, too. Their fundraising and efforts with Hackleburg after the tornadoes (2012) was incredible. We are thankful for them.”