Lady ’Dogs’ Ashia Kelly is named first-team All-District

File photo by Kathy Bowden WAY TO GO — Kilgore’s Ashia Kelly (30), LaJohnna Woolridge and Tai’Shea Reese were named as part of the District 17-4A All-District team. Kelly was named first-team, Woolridge second-team and Reese an honorable mention. Their season didn’t end with a banner being hung from the rafters of the Kilgore High School gymnasium, or a long playoff run, as it has in recent years.

But the young Kilgore Lady Bulldogs did learn some things over the course of the 2005-06 basketball season, and some of them were recognized for their play by being named to the District 17-4A All-District team.

Sophomore Ashia Kelly was named first-team All-District, while teammates LaJohnna Woolridge (second team) and Tai’Shea Reese (honorable mention) were also honored.

“We were the youngest team in the district, and still competed fairly well,” said first-year KHS coach Tracy Kincade. “I’m so excited for next season. Our offseason program has begun, and we’re working hard to get better.”

The Lady Bulldogs will see the exact same district opposition next year — UIL realignment kept the district the same (KHS, Pine Tree, Nacogdoches, Whitehouse, Hallsville, Jacksonville, Henderson and Marshall.

Superlatives of the 17-4A girls All-District team were won by members of the district’s three playoff teams: PT, Nac and Jacksonville.

Nac’s Eren McMichael and PT’s Jessica Crow, both seniors, were named co-Most Valuable Players. Nac’s Aleeya Grigsby, also a senior, was named offensive MVP, and Jacksonville’s Latiandra Smith was defensive MVP. Marshall freshman Shaquita Wrighten was named newcomer of the year, and Jacksonville coach Tony Harris was chosen coach of the year.

The All-District team is chosen by the district’s coaches.

Members of the first team this year were: PT’s Jessi Goodman and Autumn Whitaker, Nac’s Jamorgan Davis, Hallsville’s Michelle Beck, Marshall’s Jacquinetta Raspberry, Whitehouse’s Kayla Mason, Henderson’s Kamryn Hall, and Jacksonville seniors Romanita Whitaker and Lakesia Johnson. Mason is a sophomore, as is Davis; Hall will return for her senior year next year.

Members of the second team were Nac’s Hy Lampkin, Hallsville’s Holly Donald and Jackie Hearne; Whitehouse’s Jessica Wente and Brittani Toole; Marshall’s Latroya Robinson; Henderson’s Tasha Murphy; and Jacksonville’s Whitney Johnson and Mekyla Tilley.

The boys 17-4A All-District team should be released soon.