Hughes led the Lions to their first-ever state tournament appearance. Crystal Wood of Social Circle, which has been ranked No. 1 most of the season, was the named girls Coach of the Year.
Had it not been for Social Circle's success, Lakeview's Buster Brown was a likely choice for the girls coach award leading the Lady Lions to a Region 8-A North subregion title, a first for the program.
Jarvis Hunter of Jefferson was named the boys Player of the Year.
Lakeview's Dustin Wellborn was named to Region 8-A first team. Will Crumley was named to the second team.
Chelsey Chastain of Lakeview was named to the girls first team. Lakeview's Christi Thomas, Hillary Stanford and Hannah Bennett all were named to the second team.
Shekiya Tarpkins of Social Circle, considered by many the best player in Class A, was named the girls Player of the Year.
The Region 8-A All-region teams are voted on by all the coaches in the region and compiled by Coach Rex Gregg at Commerce:
GIRLS
Player of the Year: Shekiya Tarpkins (Social Circle).
First team:
Blair Barrett (Towns County); Shenita Moon (Jefferson); Chelsey Chastain (Lakeview); Stephanie Rainwater (Commerce); and
Shae Heard (Social Circle).
Second team:
Christi Thomas (Lakeview); Shalita Brooks (Jefferson); Kim Demersseman (Prince Avenue Christian); Hillary Stanford (Lakeview); and Hannah Bennett (Lakeview).
Coach of the year: Crystal Wood (Social Circle).
Boys
Player of the Year: Jarvis Hunter (Jefferson).
First team:
Tyson Randolph (Commerce); Robbie Elliott (Towns County); Dustin Wellborn (Lakeview); Zach Oliver (Athens Academy); and Nick Dalton (Athens Christian).
Second team:
Tierre Shield (Jefferson); Mark Butler (Rabun Gap); Jared Wright (Towns County); Will Crumley (Lakeview) and Landon Lackey (Social Circle).
Coach of the year: Richie Hughes (Lakeview).
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/2/163183