Gatorade players of the year

Our community recently had three student athletes named as Alabama’s Gatorade Player of the Year.

Bailee Harnett of Oak Mountain High School was selected as state Girls Soccer Player of the Year, the first athlete from Oak Mountain to win this award. The midfielder led the Eagles to a 28-2 record and the Class 6A state title this past season. Bailey will attend the Air Force Academy this fall, where she will play soccer.

Joe Williams of Spain Park High School was selected as state Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year, the first athlete from Spain Park to win this award in track and field. The 6-foot, 1-inch senior won the discus with a throw of 189 feet, 6.25 inches and the shot put with a mark of 58 feet, 6 inches at the Class 6A state championship meet this spring, leading the Jaguars to a third place finish as a team. Joe has signed to compete in track on scholarship at the University of Alabama this coming year.

Mikey White of Spain Park High School was selected state Baseball Player of the Year, the first athlete from Spain Park to win this award in baseball. The 6-foot, 1-inch, 190-pound senior infielder batted .389 with nine home runs and 37 RBI this past season, leading the Jaguars (35-17) to the Class 6A state semifinals. White has signed to play baseball on scholarship at the University of Alabama this fall, his preference despite being chosen by the New York Mets in the 34th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.