About The Banks County news. (Homer, Banks County, Ga.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (June 25, 2025)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025 BANKS COUNTY NEWS PAGE 5A Banks County celebrates stellar showing in Blitz Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 By RENEE BRITT North Georgia has a new class of high school legends. Blitz Sports officially welcomed 32 of the area’s most decorated graduated athletes into its prestigious Hall of Fame for 2025, a selection based on a combination of stel lar performance and fan voting. Among the elite, Banks County High School stood tall, celebrating four of its own earning a coveted spot in this year’s induction class. The 4 new Leopard inductees brings Banks County’s all-time representation in the Blitz Sports Hall of Fame to an impressive 35 out of 426 athletes since the Hall’s inception in 2016. This year’s class further cements the school’s legacy of producing top-tier talent across a vari ety of sports. Headlining the new inductees is softball player De siree Trudell, whose powerful bat and slick fielding gar nered an impressive 859 votes. Trudell, a Rutgers signee, carved a unique path through North Georgia, leaving her mark at Apalachee and Commerce before a phenomenal senior season at Banks County. Her career statistics are staggering: a .455 batting average, 134 hits, an incredible 40 home runs, and 113 RBI. A three-time All-Region and All-State selection, Trudell’s senior campaign saw her hit .451 with 13 homers and 35 RBI, leading the Leopards to a 4th-place state finish. On the volleyball court, setter Shae Britt orchestrated the offense for Banks County with precision and grace, earning her induction with an impressive 1,523 votes. Af ter transferring from Bethlehem Christian, Britt made an immediate impact, culminating in a monster senior year where she tallied 391 assists, 265 digs, 118 kills, and 95 aces. The Truett McConnell signee concluded her high school career with over 700 assists and 400 digs, leaving no doubt about her place among the area’s best. Representing Banks County on the hardwood is bas ketball star Kolby Watson, who netted 638 votes for his induction. A two-time All-State selection, Watson was a model of consistency and a scoring machine for the Leop ards. He poured in 1,520 career points and grabbed over 500 rebounds. His senior season was particularly dom inant, as he averaged 20.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Watson will continue his basketball journey at Em manuel University. Rounding out the Banks County inductees is baseball’s Aucy Jacobs, a two-sport standout who secured his spot with 425 votes. Jacobs’ senior season was one for the Banks County record books, as he hit .375 and set a new school record with an incredible 40 stolen bases. A three- time All-Region selection, Jacobs was a consistent threat on the basepaths and at the plate throughout his career, finishing with over 75 hits and 65 stolen bases. The induction of these four athletes into the Blitz Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the strong athletic programs at Banks County High School. Their names are now permanently etched in North Georgia high school sports history. Desiree Trudel FIRST TEAM INFIELD Shae Britt Class of 2025 Banks County Graduate athlete in ducted into Blitz Sports Hall of Fame. Desiree Trudell class of 2025 Blitz Sports Hall of Fame in ductee for Banks County Softball. Banks County 2025 graduate and basketball player, Kolby Watson, inducted into the Blitz Sports Hall of Fame. Aucy Jacobs, 2025 Banks County graduate and multi sport athlete was inducted into BLitz Sports Hall of Fame for Base- ball. Softball program invests in next generation of Banks County By RENEE BRITT The crack of the bat, the pop of the glove, and the en thusiastic chatter of young athletes filled the air at Banks County High School last week as the Lady Leopards Soft- ball program hosted its annual summer camp. From June 17-19, the high school’s softball diamond was transformed into a field of dreams for over 30 rising first through sev enth graders. Under the watchful eyes of Head Varsity Softball Coach Rhett Carroll and his high school players, the next genera tion of softball talent honed their skills, learned the funda mentals of the game, and, most importantly, had fun. The three-day camp was a hive of activity, with campers rotating through various stations, getting a feel for every position on the field. From fielding grounders to perfecting their swing, each participant received hands-on instruction from the very players they look up to. “We had slightly above 30 kids from kindergarten all the way up to seventh grade,” said Coach Carroll. “We as a program put it on. It was awesome to see the next genera tion look up to our girls and learn how to play the game and learn different skills.” The camp was more than just about drills and mechanics. It was an opportunity for mentorship and to foster a love for the game within the community. The high school play ers took on the role of coaches, demonstrating techniques and offering encouragement to the young campers. “That’s what it’s about; learning and having fun,” Carroll emphasized. “Our campers got to go to every position and learn to do everything. It was great.” This philosophy of holistic development is a cornerstone of Carroll’s vision for the Banks County softball program. He hopes that each camper left the field not only with im proved skills but also with a greater passion for the sport and a sense of accomplishment. “The goal at the end of camp was just like every prac tice,” Carroll shared. “Can I walk away getting at least 1% better every day.” Sigi Banks County softball camper taking a swing at camp this week. 2( dine) 16% (e s(ites. we." Banks County Softball campers perfecting their slide form in a slip and slide on the field. Banks County softball coaches and campers practicing their skills on the field.
