On Friday night, the area’s premier high school student-athletes were honored at the inaugural Best of Prep Sports 2018 awards banquet.
The event, held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center and presented by the Aiken Standard and the North Augusta Star, kicked off with a VIP meet-and-greet and the rolling out of a red carpet for the athletes. Dinner followed, as did a keynote speech from the banquet’s celebrity guest, Dekoda Watson.
Watson is a former South Aiken High School Thoroughbred who went on to play for the Florida State Seminoles. Watson is currently a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers.
Watson, in a pre-keynote interview, said he aimed to inspire all the athletes in attendance. Watson said staying true to one's roots is crucial – one reason he said he felt so nostalgic at the event – as is remaining humble.
In his speech, the linebacker and hometown hero urged attendees to work hard, stay focused and avoid distractions no matter what form they may come in.
"If you don't have an education, you won't go anywhere," Watson said, later adding: "You have to make sure that you practice every day … cause tomorrow's not promised."
Watson then transitioned to the main event – the awards ceremony.
The Aiken Standard's sports editor, Eric Russell, and sports reporter Kyle Dawson presented the awards with the help of Aiken City Council member Ed Girardeau, the night's emcee.
Tyson Bettis, a two-sport star representing Ridge Spring-Monetta High School, was named Male Athlete of the Year. Bettis is known for both his skills and leadership on the basketball court and on the football field.
Amari Young, a North Augusta High School luminary, was named the Female Athlete of the Year. Young led her team in scoring and has won nearly every significant award handed out to girls' basketball.
Twins Reid Bolen and Natalie Bolen, both South Aiken High School students, were named Male and female scholar athlete of the year respectively.
Both Bolens are top students in their class. Natalie Bolen will be attending Clemson University as a Calhoun Honors College member. Reid Bolen is a multi-sport athlete and an executive officer cadet of the NJROTC.
READ THE COMPLETE AIKEN STANDARD ARTICLE HERE
PHOTO CREDIT: Colin Demarest/The Aiken Standard