LAUREL HILL — Laurel Hill School's proud athletic program suffered what could be considered a down year in 2014-15.
The Hoboes claimed just one district championship and struggled in several sports. But even in the hard times there were plenty of shining moments.
As always, there is sure to be plenty of disagreement about what I consider the year's Top 5 Hobo stories, but that’s OK.
Feel free to share your rankings in the comment box below. In the meantime, here’s my list.
1. Laurel Hill volleyball team repeats as district champs
Powered by seniors Bridget Zessin, Morgan Meeks and Ashley Hatfield, the Hoboes made quick work of District 1-1A competition, sweeping district opponents Central and Bethlehem.
The seniors had plenty of help from Hobo underclassmen such as Grace Reese, Kaylee L’Homme and Rachel Welch.
As was the case in 2013, Laurel Hill couldn't get past Blountstown in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Hoboes will be in a newly aligned District 1-1A in 2015 with perennial power Baker, but LHS's future looks promising.
2.Bridget Zessin signs with Jefferson Davis
Bridget Zessin wasn’t ready for her volleyball career to end with her senior season in high school, so she decided to give junior college volleyball a shot.
About two months after playing her last high school match, she signed with Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton, Ala.
Zessin, the Warhawks' expected outside hitter, chose the school because of Brewton and Jefferson Davis' small-town atmosphere.
3. Senior Night celebration for Hoboes
Chris Saylor, Max Smith and Tee Calloway played their final home basketball game against Rocky Bayou Christian on Jan. 31 — a night the senior trio will talk about for years to come as all three scored in double figures.
Saylor led the senior attack with a 18 points. Smith and Calloway each scored 10 points as the Hoboes rolled to a 58-45 win over the Knights.
Saylor got things started for the Hoboes, connecting on a 3-point basket less than 10 seconds into the game. Smith put the finishing touches on the win with a slam dunk with two seconds left in the game.
4. Baseball team breaks losing streak
The 2014 baseball season was tough for the Hoboes as they didn’t win a game.
That wasn’t the case in 2015; on Feb. 23, the Hoboes traveled to Ponce De Leon and beat the Pirates 14-4 for their first win since 2013.
Laurel Hill traveled to Franklin County on March 20 and picked up a 3-0 win.
5. Softball team takes thriller from Paxton
Laurel Hill fans will tell you that, regardless of the sport, the team they want to beat the most is Paxton.
If it happens in the bottom of the seventh inning, that’s OK, too.
March 6 was just such a day as the Hoboes and Bobcats battled tooth and nail before seventh-grader Sadie Varnum delivered the game-winning single, scoring Morgan Meeks and giving the Hoboes the win. Sadie’s older sister, Maddie, was the winning pitcher.
Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill School's top 5 moments from 2014-15