Morgan County’s basketball teams recently announced that six players made the All-Region 4-AAA list in 2024.
The ‘Dogs and Lady Dogs had three players each make either the All-Region First or Second teams. The Dogs had two players earn honorable mention and the Lady Dogs had also one player listed as an honorable mention.
For the Dogs, Jaylen Elder was a First-Team selection while Zeki Locus and Jamauri Evans made the All-Region Second-Team. Jacoby Simmons and Ryan Moore were named as honorable mentions in the region.
“It is always a joy as a coach when you have players who are recognized for their outstanding achievements on the court,” Morgan County boys’ head coach Cody Anderson said. “I couldn’t be more proud of Jaylen, Zeki, JaMauri, Jacoby, and Ryan for all they’ve done. It says a lot about our program and each of these young men that our region coaches would respect and recognize them as All-Region selections.”
Elder, a 6-foot-1 and 145-pound shooting guard, averaged 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per contest in 2024. Elder also shot 41.1 percent from beyond the 3-point line for the Dogs during his junior year.
Evans averaged 8.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game as a senior. Locus averaged 8.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 steals per contest during his sophomore year in 2024.
“I hate that JaMauri & Ryan will no longer wear the Morgan uniform, but the future is bright with Jaylen, Zeki, and JaCoby returning,” Anderson added. “We’re already attacking the offseason in preparation for next year.”
For the Lady Dogs, Jaden Young was a First-Team selection while Precious Benford and Kymora Smith made the All-Region Second Team. Cydney Burke was the lone Lady Dog to be named an honorable mention.
“I am very pleased with how the ladies’ hard work this season is being recognized,” Morgan County girls’ head coach Milfred Franklin said. “This accomplishment would not have been attainable without their continued hard work and the support of their teammates throughout the entire season. Individual awards can’t be done without both parts. This is a great reflection of how our program is going in the right direction.”
Young averaged a team-high 11.9 points with 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The junior also shot 39.3 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from the 3-point line, and 81.8 percent from the free-throw line this year.
Benford was also productive, averaging 5.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in her final season with the program. Smith totaled 7.5 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.4 steals during her junior campaign.
The Dogs finished the season 11-15 and missed the Class 3A state playoffs. On the other hand, the Lady Dogs were the region runner-up and made a trip to the Class 3A quarterfinals, finishing at 18-13 overall.