Meigs' Woods Mr. Basketball finalist

Saturday, February 15, 2014

photo Meigs County's Levi Woods plays in a game against Bledsoe County at Meigs County High School.

TSSAA Miss Basketball finalistsClass AJaycee Coe, Jackson CountyCariona Hassell, GoodpastureMendy McNeese, North GreeneClass AARachel Bell, Creek WoodAllison Hodge, Grainger CountyAbbey Sissom, Cannon CountyClass AAACrystal Dangerfield, BlackmanKeiana Gilbert, Columbia CentralAlexa Middleton, RiverdaleDivision II-AEmily Lytle, Evangelical Christian SchoolKaylan Pugh, St. Mary'sMicah Scheetz, Webb School of KnoxvilleDivision II-AAJasmine Cincore, BriarcrestKennesha Nichols, EnsworthKennedy Potts, Harpeth HallMr. Basketball finalistsClass ADesonta Bradford, HumboldtDerrick Spears, Middle Tennessee ChristianLevi Woods, Meigs CountyClass AABraxton Blackwell, Christ Presbyterian AcademyJordon Varnado, HaywoodLeGerald Vick, DouglassClass AAAC.J. Anderson, ArlingtonLeron Black, White StationDaniel Norl, KenwoodDivision II-AClay Hertel, Donelson Christian AcademyRob Marberry, Franklin Road AcademyJustin Wertner, St. George'sDivision II-AAJosh Bougher, Christian BrothersAndrew Fleming, EnsworthSlate Rider, Father Ryan

Levi Woods was just trying to help Meigs County win as many basketball games as he could. Making history never occurred to him, but that's just what happened Friday afternoon when he became the program's first state Mr. Basketball finalist.

"That means a whole lot to me because there have been some really good players here before me," Woods said. "I've just tried to play my best to make people around here proud. But I'm glad to be recognized for the hard work I've put in."

Versatile enough to have played every position from point guard to the post this season, Woods averages 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.5 steals and a blocked shot per game for Meigs County. A natural shooting guard, the 6-foot-4 senior and four-year starter already hasa signed with Lee University.

He is joined by Humboldt's Desonta Bradford and Middle Tennessee Christian's Derrick Spears as the three finalists for the state's Class A Mr. Basketball award.

"I'm really happy for Levi because this is well deserved for a kid who has come to practice every day looking to get better," Meigs County coach Sammy Perkinson said. "It's obvious what he's meant to our program, and besides developing as a player, he's also become a really strong leader for us."

Woods has helped Meigs turn around from a 4-28 finish two years ago to stand 24-4 and undefeated in its district heading into the postseason.

The Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards will be presented before the championship game awards to the top players in each of the state's five classifications. The presentation of the Mr. Basketball Awards for Classes A, AA and AAA will be given during the championship awards for each class on March 15 at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.

Division I Miss Basketball awards will be announced on March 8, also at MTSU. Division II awards for boys and girls will be given March 1 at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena.

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.