Athletes earn post-season honors

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany senior Jaleigh Morales earned places on All-Big Country basketball teams for both Class 2A and the overall Super Team, while two Albany Lions made the Class 2A second team.

Morales was named to the first team for Class 2A and later was picked for the Super Team which includes all classifications. She was named as a member of the second squad on the Super Team.

Seniors Ben West and B.J. Morris were picked for the boys Class 2A second team.

West averaged 13.2 points per game, along with 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He has committed to play baseball next year at Weatherford College.

Morris racked up 7.8 points per game his senior year, along with 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds. He will attend Tarleton University in the fall.

“Jaleigh was our leader this year in several ways,” coach Tate Thompson said. “She certainly deserves everything that is awarded to her.”

The coach praised the senior player for the attitude she displayed.

“Jaleigh was a blast to coach,” Thompson said. “She was always mature and worked hard to be the best possible. That kind of attitude is contagious to other members of the team.”

Morales, a 5-7 guard for the Lady Lions, finished her high school career with more than 1,300 points, averaging 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals per game.

The senior recently committed to play basketball at McMurry University in Abilene.

The daughter of Edward and Melissa Morales, Jaleigh was named the Offensive MVP for District 8-2A this season.

Morales helped lead the Lady Lions to a third place finish in district and to the third round of the playoffs.