PHOTO: The Plainview Varsity Boys Basketball team and Coach Robi Coker with the DeKalb County Commission at this week's commission meeting. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)
By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Scroll Down for Video) At this week’s meeting of the DeKalb County Commission, the group honored Plainview basketball with a proclamation for their championship win.
County Commission President Ricky Harcrow said, “First item under new business is to recognize of the Plainview Boys basketball state championship.”
Commissioner DeWitt Jackson, whose district includes Plainview, said, “It’s been enjoyable watching ya’ll play this year. Some of them games, it seemed like David versus Goliath. Ya’ll persevered, played hard, were dedicated, and did what you had to do to win those basketball games. Robi and the coaches, I know ya’ll do an outstanding job. What little bit I got to be in ya’ll’s lives, I really enjoyed it. Good bunch of guys; not just on the court, but outside of it. We congratulate you. We’re proud of you and proud for you.”
District III Commissioner Chris Kuykendall said, “I followed your exploits in the newspaper. I was not able to witness your activities, but it’s obvious that you enjoyed the games and was extremely well coached. I’m amazed that you purserved. I was one of those kids that grew up with two left feet, and I wouldn’t have been a good bench warmer for your team I promise you. I admire you, thank you, and I wish you the best of luck.”
District II Commissioner Scot Westbrook said, “Congratulations on your accomplishment. That’s a great feat, winning a state championship. Just being in the playoffs is an accomplishment. I’ve watched a lot of you guys play from the younger age, when my boys played, coming up. You guys are put through a lot of training, you have a lot of dedication and devotion, and that’s what it takes to be champions. Congratulations on that accomplishment, coaches and players.”
District I Commissioner Shane Wootten said, “I know the coaches and each player had to go through some type of adversity to reach the top of the game during the season. You made it through that, you persevered, and you accomplished your goal. And that will serve you well for a lesson for the rest of your life. You’ve made your community, city, school, and county proud. And how you act, also, your very polite. Just a fine group of men.”
County Attorney Charles Mauney said, “I commend each and every one of you. You have to work together as a team, but you also have those personal ambitions and aspirations. I just commend you, and thank you for bringing that to our county. God bless each one of you.”
County Administrator Matt Sharp, who is also on the DeKalb Co. Board of Education said, “Congratulations Coach Coker and the team. It’s been an inspiration watching you play this year. I’ve been Sylvania’s bookkeeper for about 18 to 20 years. I’ve seen a lot of good basketball teams, and I’ve been on the other side and watched Sylvania win a lot of games. Except for the last few years. The last few years it’s been mostly Plainview.”
“What I really like about this team, and I think what people notice first, is that obviously you are a great shooting team. A lot of teams will have one or two really good shooters, that might could score 30 or 40 points a game, but you have guys that any one of those could probably score 40 or 50 points in a game. It’s amazing watching that many players that can shoot threes as well as what you do,” said Sharp.
“I think it’s 25, is that the number?” asked Sharp of Coach Coker. “Yes, sir” he replied.
“That’s 25 three pointers in one game. That’s 75 points off of just three pointers,” continued Sharp. “That’s amazing. This year, you lost your two tall guys, and I wasn’t sure you could get back, just because of that. The rebounds. But you’ve got some guys that can rebound the ball, which is pretty amazing.”
“I never was a great shooter, which I played 32 years ago. It seems like a long time. To me, what I really enjoyed about your team was defense. You can be off on your shot from time to time, but defense is just effort. It’s just a joy watching your team play that suffocating defense; I love that. Not when you’re playing Sylvania, but I loved it when you were playing other teams,” he said.
“It has been a thrill. I watched Coach Coker play, when he was a player, and he played with such tenacity. I think his team plays exactly the way he played, when he was a player,” Sharp said.
“So congratulations. It’s been just wonderful watching you play. Congratulations for the rest of your life; you’ve got some good guys on this team. I appreciate everything you did representing this county,” concluded Sharp.
Harcrow the read aloud the resolution: “To the Plainview High School State Basketball Champions: On this day, the 24th day of April, 2018, we, the DeKalb County Commission, do wish to congratulate the Plainview High School Boys Basketball team on their achievement of winning the state basketball championship. Whereas this great achievement is one that will be long remembered by the school, the coaches, and the team, we, the governing body of DeKalb County, Alabama do hereby unanimously consent, spread on the permanent record of our county this accomplishment that reflects discipline of our youth, and the importance of solidarity and teamwork in every endeavour in life.
This order done by the DeKalb County Commission while in regular session on April 24th, 2018. Order signed by it’s president and current members.
The commission unanimously approved the resolution.
Other items addressed in the meeting:
- Road Department: Director of the County Road Department, Tom Broyles, reported that the rain was, “hindering the work schedule greatly.” The department is planning on getting the mowers going next week, depending on the weather. Chert will be hauled as weather allows. The new pickups should be ready to present at the next meeting.
- Engineering: County Engineer Ben Luther discussed the funding agreement with ALDOT. The money is state roads and bridge funds, to be used on County Road 843 and part of County Road 20. The money will total $675,360 of state funds. The agreements is on a 80/20 split, meaning the county will pay for the projects, and the state will reimburse 80 percent of the cost of the work.
- DeKalb Co. Sheriff’s Office: Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson asked the commission to approve resignations for Daniel Wilkey, Colby Sanderson, and Kyle Ignacio submitted resignations since the last meeting. Cody Dupree (Full Time Dispatch), Joe Nelson (Part Time Dispatch), Judd Clanton (Full Time Jail), and Regina Willis as a part time LPN. The county unanimously approved the resignations and new hires. The commission also approved Chief Jailer Jonathan Langley and Deputy Chief Jailer Tiffany Graham to jail administrator training in Prattville.
- Cherokee-Etowah-DeKalb Mental Health Board: The commission appointed Jonathan Langley and Emily McCain to the CED Mental Health Board.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 10 am in the DeKalb County Activities Building.
Watch the Video:
