Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, several players on Morgan County’s basketball teams earned All-Region honors.
The program’s two coaches — Cody Anderson (boys) and Milfred Franklin (girls) — were also recognized with a postseason award. They were each named Region Coach of the Year.
Anderson said he couldn’t have earned the award without his players and coaches.
“Coach of the Year awards are not possible without great players and a great staff. The honor humbles me, but this really is a program award,” Anderson said. “[Our assistant coaches] makeup what I consider to be the best staff in the state, and I’m blessed to work alongside them each day.”
Franklin agreed with Anderson’s sentiment.
“I’m not really into accolades, but this one reflects the hard work and dedication the [coaches and girls] have shown during my first three years,” Franklin said. 'I couldn’t have achieved this by myself.”
Morgan’s boys went 22-7 overall and won the Region 2-2A tournament and a playoff game.
The Dogs had three players earn All-Region honors, and two more made the honorable mention list.
Junior Zeki Locus was named Co-Region Player of the Year, along with Westside’s Joshua Harden.
“Zeki’s impact on the game is felt in all areas,” Anderson said. “To average a near triple-double in a high school season is extremely difficult to do. Zeki earned this, but he would also be the first to tell you that this wouldn’t be possible without his teammates.”
Senior Jaylen Elder, who has signed to play football at UAB, was an All-Region first-team selection. Junior Kobi Jeffries was also named to the second team. Junior Jacoby Simmons and freshman Garrett Ward were honorable mentions.
According to Anderson, each player played an essential role and helped the team in different ways.
“Our young men earned a tremendous amount of respect this season from our league’s coaches with their play and how they conducted themselves,” Anderson said. “It is an honor to have five guys voted as All-Region selections. I couldn’t be more happy for Zeki, Jaylen, Kobi, Jacoby, and Garrett.”
Morgan’s girls went 21-10 overall, won a region championship, and made it to the Final Four.
The Lady Dogs had three players earn All-Region honors, and two more made the honorable mention list.
Senior Jaden Young, an Emmanuel College signee, was named the Co-Region Player of the Year, along with Westside’s Domonique Billue. Senior Kymora Smith and junior Cydney Burke were All-Region first-team selections.
Morgan’s girls will miss Young and Smith’s leadership next season.
“Those two young ladies really made a mark on our basketball program during their four years here at Morgan County,” Franklin said. “They were true what you call student athletes because they excelled in everything they did for the basketball program and academic-wise here at school.”
Sophomores Madison Holcomb and Miracle Ward also received honorable mention. Franklin is excited that the Lady Dogs will return Holcomb, Ward, and Burke next season.
“It’s great to have three younger players in your program who excelled on the court,” Franklin said. “I’m looking for Cydney to be a leader, as Jayden and Kymora were this year. I’m also looking for Madison and Miracle to step up their overall basketball game to continue the success we’ve had.”