Three athletes from southwest Florida win the Florida High School Sports Awards

Three local athletes won Thursday night’s Florida High School Sports Awards show presented by the USA Today Network.

Fort Myers’ outstanding Paris Thompson, named Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, Florida Dairy Farmers Volleyball Player of the Year, and Southwest Florida Player of the Year, added another award to her illustrious résumé: USA Today’s Florida Volleyball Player of the Year.

Thompson racked up 413 kills with a hit rate of 0.304 to help the Greenies (19-3) advance to the state’s Final Four before falling to eventual Class 6A State Champion Mater Academy Charter in five sets.

Thompson defeated Cardinal Mooney’s Skye Ekes and Lyman’s Alanys Viera.

“I am very honored to be named Florida Volleyball Player of the Year,” said Thompson. “During my years in volleyball, I have played alongside or against all of the nominees. Everyone is a great player and for all of us it is an achievement for us to be recognized.”

Thompson said the adversity she and the other nominees faced in the fall – possibly no season due to COVID-19 – made everyone grateful that there was a season at all.

“This year has been full of battles,” added Thompson. “I believe that every athlete has learned to overcome and reach every barrier that has been shown to us, be it canceling games, wearing masks or social distancing. We have learned to create a plan and to find something positive. I am so blessed. ” Having played a season this year and being able to play by my side with the support of my family, my teammates and my coaches.

“Thanks to (coach) Steph Martin, who fought hard for our county to have a season this year.”

Joining Thompson was star Palmetto Ridge, who brought back Jaden Booker, who was named Florida Rising Star of the Year by USA Today after hitting 1,227 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Booker, a sophomore student, averaged 6.1 yards per carry as the Bears went undefeated in the regular season before falling to Dunbar in the Class 6A regional semifinals.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound bat hit Jacksonville Bolles swimmer and Arkansas-based Mitchell baseball player Aidan Miller.

“It’s an honor to be named Newcomer of the Year,” said Booker. “Myself and the team worked hard to make sure we had an excellent season. We made sure that we stayed calm throughout the season and didn’t let the hype go to our heads.

“I make sure that as a running back I work on whatever I need to do to make sure I have a successful season. And being recognized in that process gives me more confidence in everything I do because I do know I’m doing the right thing. “

Booker is expected to play an even bigger role on the offensive next season as the wide receiver tandem of Broxson Trophy winner Malique Dieudonne and Kamonte Grimes is now gone due to the deal.

North Fort Myers Senior Brandon Rucker was recognized as the best bowler in the state. In the district competition, Rucker rolled a 759, easily taking the district crown home.

At the state meeting, Rucker’s chances of winning a state title were in jeopardy after falling into the consolation group. From there he bowled a 979 and became the first ever Southwest Florida State Champion bowler.

Rucker defeated Coral Springs Senior Andysson Alleyne and Mainland Senior Kory Driver for the award.

Follow The News-Press and Naples Daily News sports writer Alex Martin on Twitter: @NP_AlexMartin. Follow for the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

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