The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held on October 7th at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Six former greats will be enshrined as the Class of 2023 with three more being recognized for Outstanding Achievement and Service. Also to be honored are the male and female Athletes of the Year for the 2022-23 school year from Jonesboro-Hodge, Weston and Quitman High Schools. Each honoree was chosen by select faculty and staff from each school.
Leading up to gala event the Jackson Parish Journal will feature each of the inductees and honorees. This Edition: 2022-23 Male and Female Athlete of the Year from Quitman High School.
QHS 2022-23 Male Athlete of the Year
Blake Carter
While posting impressive stats in both baseball and basketball the ultimate team leader is perhaps best remembered for providing one of the more inspiring and courageous efforts to return from a serious neck injury which required him to be airlifted to the hospital. Named Team MVP and First team 1B All-District selection in baseball after batting .339 and posted a 4-3 pitching record with a 2.60 ERA. Also earned second team All-District designation in basketball after averaging 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals per game. Earned Composite Academic All-State honors after posting a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
QHS 2022-23 Female Athlete of the Year
Cali Deal
Every so often an athlete comes around that is so impressive they are referred to as a “generational talent.” Twenty-five times Deal stepped into the circle this past spring resulting in a 21-2 record and two saves to lead QHS to the Division V state championship game. In 151 innings pitched she recorded an astronomical 286 strikeouts. At the plate Deal hit .490 with 12 homeruns and 46 RBI earning Team and District 1B MVP honors as well as being named to the Class B All-State first team. Her 16.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in basketball was impressive as well earning Quitman’s best post player in years first team All-District 2B and Honorable Mention Class B All State honors. Rounding out her incredible sophomore year and as a testament to her all around ability was winning the teams Scholastic Award. Simply said, Cali is the “Real” Deal.
