Dillon High School honored their 2014 State Champion softball team on Friday night with a special ring ceremony.
The Lady Wildcats claimed their first state championship title in May, defeating Central 6-2 and 8-2 in the Class 2A state championship series.
Coaches Shirl Carter, Shanton Graves, and Donna Lane were all recognized, along with managers Sierra Dixon and Alexus McGriff. Carter has been coaching for 25 years and has been head coach for the Lady Wildcats for 11. Lane has been an assistant coach with the Wildcats and coach for the junior varsity team for 13 years, and Graves has been an assistant for three.
The players all received rings, including freshman Adoshia Graves; sophomores Johnna Rogers, Taylor Blackmon, Tori Grimsley, Brittany Miller, and Auh’Keria Smiling; juniors Brianna Froneberger, Erin Bailey, and Da’Kerhia Samuel; and seniors Shar’Asia Samuel, Tyieshah Jones, and Shaquailla German.
Bailey, Da’Kerhia Samuel, and German were also recognized as All-Region players and Shar’Asia Samuel was recognized as a Honorable Mention All-Region player. German was also recognized as an All-State player and is close to signing with a university.
Graduates Tara Grimsley, Shayna Covington, Rebecca Callahan, Taylor Price, and Leah McMillan were also recognized.
Grimsley was named All-Region and was chosen as the HSSR Co-Player of the Year, and was also chosen as a CAWS All-Star, where she was named the South MVP. She is currently at Western Carolina.
Covington was named All-Region and All-State and was the Region Player of the Year. She was also a CAWS All-Star and the HSSR Co-Player of the Year, as well as the State AA Player of the Year. She is currently at Winthrop University.
Callahan was named All-Region and as a CAWS All-Star Nominee, and had the WPDE Play of the Game. She is currently attending Francis Marion University.
Price was named All-Region and was also a CAWS All-Star Nominee, and is currently attending Francis Marion University.
McMillan was an Honorable Mention for All-Region and is attending Winthrop University.
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click the images below to view at full size!