Murfreesboro — The talent was thick and the final selections were by thin margins as the TSSAA recognized its Mr. and Ms. Basketball in Division 1 and Division 2 schools in Class A, AA, and AAA covering the entire state on Tuesday evening inside The Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.
A large group of supporters gathered to honor and recognize some of the best talent in the state.
Locally, all eyes were on Elizabethton High School senior Kayla Marosites who was nominated for the second straight year after winning the honor last year.
The trio of nominees in Class AA each had led their respective schools to the state tournament this season.
Akira Levy from Upperman High School and McMinn Central High School’s Jacobi Lynn joined Marosites front and center as each players accomplishments were read off.
In the end, Marosites name was called and the Lady Cyclone stood with her second Miss Basketball trophy to join the one on the mantle at home.
“It’s a really special moment,” said Marosites after having photos snapped with teammates, coaches, and family. “I was in it last year and won, but to be nominated again was real special, and I won against some great players who will have a chance to be in it next year.
“I am just glad my family and my teammates could come. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. We are just like a family.”
For her head coach, Len Dugger, Marosites would have been a winner either way.
“The award is really special, but she is a special young lady and basketball player,” said Dugger. “She is so deserving of the award because she works so hard. She is so focused every day in practice and wants to get better.
“She is playing with some tremendous teammates and what can I say. I may be a little prejudiced, but she would have been my player of the year no matter what,” added Dugger. “I think our team is known across the state, and we have been very blessed and fortunate to have success and Kayla is a big part of it.”
In the crowd cheering her on was her team. Last season, after an early exit, the Lady Cyclones left Marosites behind as they returned to Elizabethton.
Dugger said that it was important to his star player for the rest of her team to be present.
“Her dream was to have her teammates here with her tonight. It meant a lot to her for them to be here.”
When asked if she would trade the honor for a gold ball, Marosites had a twinkle in her eye.
“Absolutely,” was her resonating response.