Quiet leadership is the name of the game when it comes to The Clanton Advertiser 2015 basketball players of the year.

Neither Thorsby’s Zakeya “Kerri” Robinson nor Chilton County’s Cade Hatch were the loudest of leaders during the 2014-15 season according to their coaches, but their impact on their teams through on-the-court actions is undeniable.

CCHS Deon Timmons said Hatch’s skill set was impressive, but it was his mental quickness on the court that set him apart.

“He has been that (key player) for us,” Timmons said. “He’s not a vocal leader, but a leader with his actions. He makes smart decisions with the ball. If he can’t (make the play) he’ll pass it along.”

Hatch’s 17 points, seven boards and five assists per game all season were a key in the Tigers’ success in their first year of competition at the Class 6A level—including a run to a county tournament championship.

“He did the little things,” Timmons said. “He’d get the loose ball and scrap and drive. The guys fed off him.”

A 22-point performance in the county tournament semifinals against Maplesville led CCHS to the championship round against Verbena, where the Tigers took down the Red Devils, 70-63.

“I’m not the loudest guy, but I try to do what’s right and maybe people will follow,” Hatch said. “I had a great team, and we worked hard.”

Although the Tigers fell in the first round of the Class 6A, Area 6 tournament to Paul Bryant, Timmons said the junior’s future with the team is bright.

“He’s been a perfect model for our athletes,” he said. “He is successful in every sport, and teaches (us) about being about unselfish.”

While Hatch also excels at baseball and football, Timmons said he believes Hatch could play basketball in college, if he desires.

“I feel he could play at the next level,” he said. “He’s a good shooter and slasher. He’s one of the best, most coachable kids I’ve ever had.”

Hatch said he hasn’t ruled out playing basketball collegiately.

“It’s definitely an option,” he said.

For Robinson, the 2014-2015 season proved to be one to remember.

The Rebels put on a clinic on the court, going a perfect 20-0 in the regular season.

Thorsby girls head basketball coach Ab Argent said the team’s performance game-in and game-out was what stuck out to him about the strong season.

“We were very fortunate,” he said. “When you play basketball, over the course of 20 games you’re not going to be good every time out. Even on nights when the (starters) didn’t have their best, some of the younger ones were able to pick them up. They refused to lose.”

Over the course of the season, Argent said Robinson, a sophomore, eventually rose to a leadership position.

“I thought Kerri got better as the year went on,” he said. “She worked herself into that role of a go-to player.”

Argent said although Robinson was only a sophomore, she was quickly becoming a veteran of the program.

“She started as a ninth grader on varsity, and we took some lumps,” he said. “But I think it paid dividends this year, because I think she started playing with a lot more confidence as the year progressed.”

In addition to a perfect regular season, the Rebels marched their way to a county tournament championship, knocking off Jemison, 52-41, in the finals.

Robinson’s 19 points led the way for the Rebels, but it was her performance in the Class 2A, Area 9 tournament that Argent said helped the team take the area title over Vincent, 59-42.

“I think she just knew she had to elevate her game with the competition,” he said. “She took that role for us. She’s not a loud person;  she’s kind of quiet, especially playing, but you can see by the way she played her relentlessness on the floor, and I think the others fed off that too.”

Robinson said she appreciated Argent’s praise.

“It makes me want to work harder,” she said. “He’s gotten me to where I am today. He’s an amazing coach. He’s pushed me, and my family’s pushed me and my friends have pushed me, and it makes me want to get better.”

Robinson also said it was a team effort that led to the undefeated season.

“I’m very thankful,” she said. “I have a good coach, and I love my team. I’m glad we (went) that far. It was a good season.”

Although the Rebels came up short in the sub-regional round against Gaston, Argent said Robinson’s ability to step up helped the team’s other playmakers.

“I think it takes a lot of pressure off the other girls when you’ve got a player that you can turn to,” he said.

Robinson said she just felt she was helping her teammates.

“It just happened,” she said. “You’ve just got to step up sometimes.”

2014-15 All-Area basketball teams

Boys

•Player of the Year: Cade Hatch, Junior, Chilton County

•Guard: Christian Agee, Verbena, Senior

•Guard: Terence Dunlap, Maplesville, Sophomore

•Forward: Jaytarius Steele, Billingsley, Senior

•Forward: Cody Thompson, Jemison, Senior

•Center: Juwan Tyus, Verbena, Sophomore

 

Honorable Mention

•Billingsley: Isaac Green, Derek Stoudemire

•Isabella: Jacob Carroll, Chase Pate

•Jemison:  Tremon Bryant, Shunderrius Strong

•Maplesville: Kendarius Bradley, Anthony Moore

•Thorsby: Christian Fortner, Brock Higgins

•Verbena: Jacob Cleckler, Raymond Bulger, Dorian Parker

 

Girls

•Player of the Year: Zakeya “Kerri” Robinson, Sophomore, Thorsby

•Guard: Laura Vinzant, Senior, Jemison

•Guard: Amber Uptain, Maplesville, Senior

•Guard: Kenzie Glass, Billingsley, Sophomore

•Forward: Caley Booth, Isabella, Junior

•Forward: Maria Abarca, Jemison, Sophomore

Honorable Mention

•Billingsley: Kenzie Glass

•Chilton County: Christina Caton, Kaley Lucas

•Isabella: Synia Chattman, Sophia Underwood

•Jemison: India Satterfield

•Thorsby: Adison Argent, Lilly Barnett

•Verbena: Makaylie Kelley, Keo White, Candice Williams