County winter sports awards announced

Posted Mar 26, 2010 by Adam Adkins

Updated Mar 26, 2010 at 03:35 PM

The Hillsborough County Athletics Department winter sports awards were announced Friday morning at the school district building in downtown Tampa, and four senior student-athletes were honored for their achievements in the sports of basketball, wrestling and cheerleading.

Newsome’s Samal Shepherd was the Alston “Mac” McGahagin Boys Basketball Award recipient. The Wolves standout finished as the program’s all-time leading scorer (1,497 points) and led the team in scoring and rebounding each of the past two seasons. He hopes to play college basketball, and though he is undecided at the moment, he recently picked up a scholarship offer from Division II program Saint Leo.

Plant’s Michelle Taylor was the Dottie McGahagin Girls Basketball Award recipient. The Panthers standout finished her career with 1,447 points, 624 rebounds, 530 steals and 331 assists. She has signed to play next season at Appalachian State University.

Brandon’s Joe Cozart was the Hillsborough County Outstanding Wrestler of the Year award recipient. The Eagles standout finished his career 226-4 and was a four-time state champion. He has signed to wrestle next season for Iowa State University.

Durant’s Skotti Snapp was the Williamson-Snapp Outstanding Cheerleader Award recipient. The Cougars standout received All-American recognition and an invitation to be a part of the National Cheerleaders Association camp staff for her tumbling skills at cheer camp. She hopes to attend Florida State University.

Also honored was Brandon coach Russ Cozart, who was named the Joel Medgebow Coach of the Year. Cozart recently led the Eagles to their 10th consecutive state title.

Team academic awards also were given out in basketball, soccer, wrestling and cheerleading. Plant took home the award in girls basketball (3.461 GPA), boys basketball (3.381), girls soccer (3.759) and cheerleading (3.411). Newsome’s boys soccer team (3.539) and Brandon’s wrestling team (3.500) also earned academic awards.