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PLAYER OF THE YEAR

QUANEISHA MCCURTY

In leading the Lady Catamounts to a 32-1 record and state-runner-up finish, McCurty averaged nearly 15 points to go with 13 rebounds and right at five blocked shots per game. Her lane presence in itself made an already-talented Dalton team great.

"With her inside, it changed our whole approach defensively," coach Jeff McKinney said. "We were able to play more aggressively because we knew Quan was in the lane. She improved on the offensive end, but defensively she was a dominating

presence." McCurty has committed to play collegiately at Louisville, but she has not signed and has said she will consider other schools before doing so. The 6-foot-5 center had flashed moments of dominance in her previous two seasons, but a light came on after she transferred from Northwest Whitfield to Dalton for her final season.

COACH OF THE YEAR

JEFF McKINNEY

The Dalton coach will have to settle for his team ranking up there with the greatest northwest Georgia has ever produced, and he's all right with that. The Lady Catamounts ended their magical season 32-1, losing to Washington County in the Class AAA state final. Had they maintained their halftime advantage over their also-undefeated opponent, the Lady Cats could have claimed the bestever title. Still, it would be hard for many to argue against them, in their coach's eye. "It was a special season," McKinney said. "We played the maximum number of games and won all but the final one. We won't let that last half overshadow what these girls accomplished for 32 games. They are the best to me."

FIRST TEAM

April Besley

DALTON

Senior guard/forward

The three-year starter averaged 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and 5.6 steals a game.

Rhande Haskett

RIDGELAND

Senior center

The 6-footer had a breakout year for the Lady Panthers with averages of 16 points and 13.6 rebounds.

Holli Brooks

GORDON LEE

Senior guard

She averaged 17 points for the 24-7 Lady Trojans, plus 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and two steals.

Taylor Palmer

CALHOUN

Sophomore forward

Adept inside and out, she averaged 15 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for a 26-win team.

Amanda Rector

DALTON

Senior guard

She helped lead Dalton to the state-title game with 11 points, 4.6 assists and four steals per game.

SECOND TEAM

KELSEY BYRD LaFayette Senior Guard

CARLY CURTIS Calhoun Sophomore Guard

JACQUE SCHADECK LFO Senior Guard/Forward

BRIANNA SOSEBEE SE Whitfield Senior Forward

COURTNEY STOWE Trion Senior Center

TEAMS OF THE YEAR

1 DALTON (32-1)

The Lady Catamounts earned the Class AAA runner-up trophy after dominating Region 7 and rolling through four playoff games.

2 CALHOUN (26-4)

The Lady Yellow Jackets were the surprise of northwest Georgia after winning Region 7-AA and winning a playoff game with a young roster.

3 GORDON LEE (24-7)

The Lady Trojans won at least 20 games for the fifth consecutive season and made it to the Class A state quarterfinals.

Photos by Jake Daniels. Text by Lindsey Young. Design by Stacey Wysong.

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