The Prep Players Spotlight is a weekly feature of the Times Free Press that highlights five area high school athletes whose performances since the previous Thursday stood out.
Chris Dixon, Lookout Valley
Lookout Valley second baseman Chris Dixon makes the tag on Sale Creek’s Brayden Penny during a game last March 19 at AT&T Field. Dixon is also a standout in basketball for the Yellow Jackets. / Staff photoThe multisport senior was dialed in from deep on the basketball court for the Yellow Jackets as he matched Marion County’s Lorence Bradford for the Chattanooga area’s single game-high for the week in 3-pointers with seven. Dixon, who this winter has helped the Jackets to a 14-6 record (5-2 in District 4-A), is also a standout infielder in baseball.
Ella Edgmon, Sequatchie County
Sequatchie County’s Ella Edgmon, who is committed to UTC’s softball program, helped the basketball Lady Indians to a home win over Notre Dame last week. / Staff file photo by Robin RuddEdgmon’s athletic future appears to be in softball – she is committed to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in that sport – but the junior is also a floor general for her high school basketball team, and last Thursday she propelled the Lady Indians past tough Notre Dame for a 59-58 home win that should build confidence. Edgmon had 17 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals.
Eric Rivers, McCallie
McCallie’s Eric Rivers shoots as Baylor’s Gehrig Ebel defends during a Jan. 25 game at Baylor. Rivers, a standout in football and basketball for the Blue Tornado, made five 3-pointers and was 9-for-9 on free throws during a Dr Pepper Classic victory last Friday at McCallie. / Staff photo by Cody SchmelterRivers’ athletic campaign during his junior year has been special. Having provided an instant spark and connection with quarterback DeAngelo Hardy to help the Blue Tornado win a state championship in football, the 6-foot-1 star set a career high on the basketball court with 34 points – he made five 3 pointers and was 9-for-9 on free throws – against nationally ranked No. 3 Sunrise Christian at the McCallie Dr Pepper Classic last weekend.
Kobe Smith, Tyner
Tyner’s Kobe Smith (24) drives to the basket past Howard’s Dicourius Edward (3) this past Friday at Tyner. Smith scored 24 points to help the Rams win 51-47. / Staff photo by C.B. SchmelterIn what would have been late teammate Javon Craddock‘s senior basketball season, Smith put on an inspiring performance to conclude a perfect District 6-AA regular season for the fourth-ranked Rams. The 6-foot-4 senior broke 1,000 career points with 24 in Friday’s 51-47 home win over Howard.
Lamiah Walker, Signal Mountain
Signal Mountain’s Lamiah Walker drives to the basket past Red Bank’s Savannah Washington during a Dec. 6 game at Signal Mountain. Walker surpassed 1,000 career points during Tuesday’s win at Tyner. / Staff photo by Robin RuddThe junior basketball standout has been a driving force for the 22-win Lady Eagles with her aggressive defense and ability to score in any way. The Division I prospect’s versatile skills shined as she became the fourth player in program history to surpass 1,000 points, putting up 27 with eight rebounds, seven steals and five assists in Tuesday’s win at Tyner.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.