The DeKalb County High School basketball program held its annual awards banquet last Saturday evening, honoring some of its star players and cheerleaders for the 2024-25 season. The event, held at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center, had friends and family gather to honor the players.

Those receiving the 2024-25 Allen D. Hooper Most Valuable Player honors were seniors Dallas Kirby and Avery Agee, while Senior Annabella Dakas was named the Most Valuable Cheerleader. The awards were sponsored by Love-Cantrell Funeral Home and presented by Chad and Shelia Kirby. The awards are named in memory of Kirby’s grandfather Allen D. Hooper.

The award was special for Dallas Kirby. He is the son of Chad and Shelia, and the great grandson of Allen Hooper. The awards are voted on by the coaches.

Kirby also received the award for Best Offensive Player, and led the Tigers in field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and three-point percentage, with 410 total points for the year at 12.8 points per game. Kirby was also named to the All-District 7-3A Second Team as well as the All-District Tournament Team.

Other Tiger honorees were Best Rebounder and DC3 Best Three Point Shooter - Jon Hendrix (145 total rebounds, 4.5 per game, and 56 three-point shots made), Best 6th Man - Porter Hancock and Elliot Barnes, Best Ball Handler, Best Passer, and Best Defensive Player - Jordan Parker (120 total assists, 55 deflections and 70 steals for 2 steals per game), Most Improved - Logan Duke, and Tiger Leadership Award - Seth Fuson.

Members of the District 7-3A All-Freshman Team were Porter Hancock and Elliot Barnes. Jordan Parker made the district 7-3A Third Team and Dallas Kirby was named to the district 7-3A Second Team. Kirby was joined by Jon Hendrix on the District 7-3A All-Tournament Team.

Avery Agee had a big year with the Lady Tigers with a 38.4 field goal percentage, a 70.6 free throw percentage, scored an average of seven points per game, had 3.6 rebounds per game and two assists per game. Agee scored 920 points for her high school career with 194 three-pointers. Agee also received the Leadership award, and received an All-District Honorable Mention.

Other Lady Tiger basketball honorees were Most Improved - Brooklyn Fuson, Tiger Sportsmanship Award - Lillie Young, Most Energetic - Caroline Crook, Sharpshooter - Allie Melton for highest shooting percentage, and Best Hustle Award - Chloe VanVranken. Along with Avery Agee, VanVranken received District 7-3A All-District Honorable Mention and sister Jordyn Agee made the All-District Freshman Team.

Annabella Dakas is the daughter of Mandy Fanning and John Dakas, and was also named 2024/25 Miss DCHS. During the presentation, DCHS Basketball Cheer Coach Shelia Kirby told the crowd, “The energy and joy she shows, and the talent she has for cheerleading is unmatched. I love her with my whole heart.”

Other cheerleading standouts receiving awards at the banquet were Outstanding Jumps - Landen Tubbs, Outstanding Motions - Brylee Kirby, Team Favorite Cheerleader - Sara Moore, Most Coachable - Julianna Haynes, the ROAR Award (Respectful, Outgoing, Accountable, Reliable) - Madeline Martin, and Most Talented and Dedicated - Eden Garner.