Rhyne Howard and Madison Hayes are two names that this area knows extremely well and both were recognized in high honor this week within their collegiate careers.
First, Howard, the Cleveland, TN was named the SEC Player of the Year for the second straight year by carrying the 17th ranked Kentucky Wildcats to a 17-7 overall record and 9-6 in the SEC. She leads the team in scoring (19.8), three-pointers made (44), rebounds (7.5), and assists (73). Her play has been even better in SEC games this season as well as she’s averaged nearly 22 points and eight rebounds. The junior out of Bradley Central has been outstanding for the Wildcats and is looking to lead them on a deep run in not only the SEC Tournament but the NCAA Tournament as well.
Now, for Hayes, she’s a freshman from Chattanooga who’s really come on during the second half of the 2021 season for the Bulldogs and was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team. During the season she’s averaging about five points, five rebounds, and has shot just about 39% from three-point land. The East Hamilton High product has played in all 19 games for Miss. St and has started nine as the team is 10-9 overall and 5-7 in the SEC.
Congratulations to both of these young women who have extremely bright futures on and off the basketball court.