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June 12, 2020 - The UIL 2A 2019-2020 Boys Basketball Virtual Awards Ceremony was held Thursday, June 11, 2020 to honor the four Conference 2A teams and their journey to the final four which was cut short due to COVID-19 shutdown of all activities. In the ceremony, UIL recognized the achievements of Martin's Mill, San Saba, Shelbyville, and Gruver who all share the Championship title for 2019-2020 season.
Representing the UIL was Executive Director Charles Breithaupt, "It hurts my heart deeply that we couldn't finish the state basketball tournament. These four teams didn't even get the chance to take the court and I just can't imagine what that feels like. I've been coming to this state tournament since I was a little kid back when my high school team was winning 7 state championships in the late 50s and 60s and as a coach having coached in this tournament a couple of times, I cannot imagine what it's like as a coach not to be able to play once you've qualified. But I want to also say thanks to these coaches for their class and integrity they've shown during this period of time." Breithaupt continued, "We are looking at three teams that made it here last year and one of them won it and the team they beat in the finals would like some redemption. Martin's Mill being undefeated, I can't imagine being undefeated and not get to play for the state title. I know that all three of you feel that way because you've played here and you know what it's like. And San Saba hasn't been here since 1928, obviously they had something to prove. So, we hate it for you, we hate it for ourselves. We were robbed of the opportunity to get to see you play... everyone of you had a chance to win a state championship and you didn't get that opportunity and I'm sorry for that."
Shelbyville, the defending 2018-2019 Champions, was the first to be introduced of the four 2A schools being honored, UIL announcer Rob Coffey said, "Making their 5th appearance at State after compounding a season record of 36-3 -- the Dragons of Shelbyville High School! Joining us for the recognition is Athletic Director David Benbow, Head Coach for the Shelbyville Dragons was David Schmitt, Assistant Coaches are Joe Boykins and Kenneth Thomas. And at this time Principal Mario Osby would like to say a few words."
Shelbyville High School Principle Mario Osby then spoke as a representative of the Dragons, "We would like to thank our School Board for all their support, also Dr. Ray West Superintendent of Schools. I would like to thank our athletic director David Benbow. Also, I'd like to thank the head basketball Coach Dave Schmitt, he's done a tremendous job here, the kids have put in a lot of time, effort, energy. The assistant coaches, I would like to thank them also, we have here Coach Boykins along with us."
Next to speak in the zoom virtual awards ceremony was Coach David Schmitt, "Thank you Mr. Osby, I would like to thank you too, we couldn't have done it without you, one of the most supportive principles I've had the pleasure to work with, Dr. West is one of the first class Superintendents, Coach Boykins has been by my side the whole time I've been there. I enjoyed coaching his son but every kid in Shelbyville has worked hard. They were working hard and we practiced at the Alamo Dome, went to McDonald's and then, just like today's world, I get a Facebook message that everything is going to be cancelled. So, we had a really tough five minute meeting with the team and told them we were going back to Shelbyville. I appreciate the UIL, they have worked hard, kept us in the loop. I appreciate that and I've always been a fan of Dr. Breithaupt and his coaching at Hardin Jefferson and I got to watch him play so I appreciate everything. I love the kids at Shelbyville and they are a great bunch of guys."
The Shelbyville Dragon team was then announced with a picture and roster of the team displayed while they were announced: Marcus Horton (Sr.) #00, Brayden Hand (So.) #3, Kolby Parker (Sr.) #4, Jay Buckley (Sr.) #5, JaKory Standley (So.) #10, Cooper Bice (So.) #11, LeDarrius Coleman (Jr.) #12, Jordan Boykins (Sr.) #15, Talarian Lister (So.) #21, Quay Hendrix (Sr.) #23, Dakota Jones (So.) #24, Michael Carrillo (So.) #31, Jaylon Brinson (Sr.) #32, and Colt Leach (Sr.) #33. Next announced was managers, trainers, and statisticians: Trey Smith (Video), Kason Parker (Manager), Eli Ferguson (Manager), Feynedric Buckley (Manager), D.J. Barnes (Manager), Jay Barnes (Statistician), and Dallas Murry (Statistician).
UIL announcer Coffey finished saying, "After completing the season with a 36-3 record, Coach Schmitt and his team have represented their school with pride. We congratulate the Dragons of Shelbyville High School!" Coach Boykins then displayed the UIL Conference 2A State Championship Boys Basketball trophy. "We congratulate these communities, parents, school officials, players, and the entire Dragon nation on an outstanding season."
