ROCKINGHAM — A few words from athletic director Ricky Young and an invocation from Devon Hunt — a member of both the football and baseball teams at Richmond Senior High — kicked off the 2016 athletic banquet that was held in the school’s cafeteria Monday evening.

There were a total of seven athletes who received either a special award or a scholarship on the night.

Zac Paul (track) and Breanna Daley (soccer) were recipients of the Charles and Claudette Brownley Booster Club Scholarhip, while the Kristen Rankin Athletic Memorial Scholarship went to three different athletes this year — Hailey Mason (volleyball), Doodle Jacobs (softball, volleyball) and Daley.

Paul, who is also a member of the cross country team, joined Brandi Miller (track) in receiving the Sportsmanship Award, Nick Locklear (baseball) received the Athletic Director Award and both Jacobs and Lavell Ellerbe (football, basketball) posed for a picture after taking home the W.T. Bellamy Award — which recognizes outstanding athletes.

As of today, Richmond Senior has 58 athletes who were named to an All-Conference team, 15 athletes who will compete on the collegiate level next year, three who received All-SEC in two sports, two who were named SEC Player of the Year and one SEC Coach of the Year.

Ellerbe grabbed All-Conference in both football and basketball, Harmony Jones received All-SEC in cross country and track, Cassie McFayden got All-SEC in soccer and golf and Damontre Bennett received All-conference in track and wrestling.

Jaylan Terry (basketball) and Peter Ligier (tennis) both won SEC Player of the Year, while David Laton — head basketball coach — won Conference Coach of the Year for the second year in a row.

The all-conference awards for baseball and softball will be announced at a later date, as both teams are still playing the NCHSAA 4A State Playoffs.

“I think it’s a good night to acknowledge the athletes, the parents and the community for all of their efforts and support,” Young said.

Reach sports editor Leon Hargrove Jr. at 910-817-2673 and follow the sports section on Twitter @RCDailySports.

Contributed by Ashley-Michelle Thublin Brandi Miller, left, and Zac Paul both received the Sportsmanship Award at Richmond Senior’s 2016 athletic banquet.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_paul-1.jpgContributed by Ashley-Michelle Thublin Brandi Miller, left, and Zac Paul both received the Sportsmanship Award at Richmond Senior’s 2016 athletic banquet.

Contributed by Ashley-Michelle Thublin
Lavell Ellerbe, left, and Doodle Jacobs both received the W.T. Bellamy Award – which recognizes outstanding athletes – at Richmond Senior’s 2016 athletic banquet.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_doodlevell-1.jpgContributed by Ashley-Michelle Thublin
Lavell Ellerbe, left, and Doodle Jacobs both received the W.T. Bellamy Award – which recognizes outstanding athletes – at Richmond Senior’s 2016 athletic banquet.

By Leon Hargrove Jr.

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