PVILCA Inducts Hattie Ree Netherly-Horton into 2022 Hall of Fame


2022 Hall of Fame Program book cover

August 26, 2022 - The 2022 Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association (PVILCA) Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held July 23, 2022 at the Marriott South Hotel in Houston and Shelbyville's Hattie Ree Netherly-Horton was among those to receive recognition as a Basketball inductee.

Hattie Ree Netherly-Horton grew up in Shelbyville, Texas surrounded by hard working parents and a loving grandmother that stressed the importance of being the best at every aspect of life. Hattie attended East Liberty High School and played basketball under the direction of the legendary PVIL Hall of Fame Coach, Mrs. Pinkie Atkinson. The East Liberty Lady Tigerettes won four consecutive District 1A Championships, which was the highest accolade at that time. Hattie began playing basketball her eighth grade year after being moved to the varsity team from the junior high. She was a forward and later averaged 25 points per game. In 1968, Hattie was the Captain and Most Valuable Player. Mrs. Pinkie and Hattie both pride themselves on saying, "Hattie scored 49 points in one game." Hattie's twin brother, Charles Ray Netherly, was previously honored by the PVIL Hall of Fame. They were both fierce competitors and legends in East Liberty Basketball.


Hattie Ree Netherly-Horton on stage at induction ceremony

Hattie graduated in 1969, entered the workforce and later became an entrepreneur. After years of entrepreneurship, she began working at Shelbyville ISD in food service and transportation.

Hattie is now enjoying retirement with her husband, Gregory Horton. She is a faithful member and treasurer of the Triumph Church and Kingdom of God in Christ. Today, she enjoys fishing, cooking, and spending quality time with her family: daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Hattie is well known in the community for her delicious dishes, community support, and services to others in need.

2022 Inductee Candidates (☥ Posthumously)

PVIL Coaches - Margaret Gee ☥ and Algie Harkless ☥

Meritorious Awards - Herbert Cross, Jim Hicks, Eva Marie Mosby Hill, Rev. Randy Phillips, and Jeff Travillion

PVILCA Coaches of the Year 2021-2022 - David Green (Basketball, Beaumont United) and Jason Todd (Football, South Oakcliff)

PVILCA Athlete of the Year - Levi Chernet Estes

PVIL-UIL Bridging the Gap - Joaquinn "JOC" Arch, Patrick Augbon, Hise Austin ☥, Robert Brown ☥, Willie M. Burton, Karl Godine, Cydryce "Cyd" Carter McMillian, Allen Merchant ☥, Sydney Williams, and Shelton Zenon

Baseball - Jimmy Hall and Samuel "Bo" Johnson

Basketball - Lon L. Bean ☥, Maurice Burrell ☥, Leroy Donley, Hattie Ree Netherly-Horton, Anna Mae Goode-Jones, Mitchell McClelland, Rev. Felix Phillips ☥, Coston Sturges, and Mark Williams

Swimming - Judy St. Julian Horton and Borris Pyles

Cheerleader - Melba Lee Hosey

Tennis - Joe Starks

Track - Barney Allen ☥, Janice Lomas Colter, Joe Harris, Antonio Jackson ☥, Ella Carter Stewart, and Samuel Willis

Football - Rayford Barnes, Elroy Cross, Johnny Ray Davis, Joe Louis Easley, Edward Fisher Jr. ☥, Eric Harris, Charles Hawkins Jr., Charles Hill, Charles Johnson, Arnold M. Jolivet ☥, Michael McMillian, Lee A. Phillips, Andrew Sanders, Larry Walker, Percy Walker, Benny S. Washington, Billy Williams ☥, Clarence Williams ☥, and Johnny Lee Willis

The Prairie View Interscholastic League existed from 1920 to 1970. The PVIL was the governing body for academic, athletic, and music competitions for black high schools in Texas during the state's segregationist era. In its 50-year existence, the PVIL produced numerous outstanding coaches, athletes, students, and citizens. Despite the social mood of the era, during the PVIL's peak its 500 member schools -- with all-black enrollments -- had lively, exciting, and proud competitions which were as entertaining, passionate, and fierce as any in the land. To learn more, visit https://pvilca.org.


Hattie (right) at the banquet with her daughter and husband.