Even weeks after wrapping up an unforgettable freshman season on the hardwood for Boyd, Brooke Kesey continues to earn awards. The National Association of Christian Athletes named Kesey to their All-National Team Tuesday, with the Lady Bronco joining six other honorees.

Kesey, who averaged 22.3 points and 10 rebounds while leading Boyd to a third-place finish in the Division 4 tourney, will be honored at a banquet in May by NACA officials. Her honor wasn't just a recognition of her skill, but also her tremendous off-court reputation in the community.

"The criteria for the athletes was based on more than just their athletic involvement," said NACA director David Stephenson. "We wanted to know their church, community and academic involement. These are all outstanding Christian student athletes."

Kesey was an instant standout for the Lady Broncos, averaging over 17 points and eight rebounds while leading the team to 24 wins. Boyd won the first TSIAA South Division tournament this season and also went 2-1 in Dayton while playing in the NACA tournament - where the school played in Division 4 for just the second time ever. 

Coach Tim Page was proud to see Kesey recognized for all the hard work she put in throughout the year to become a force in the paint.

"This is a tremendous honor for Brooke and I think it's well deserved. She wants to be great and she works hard every single day to improve her game," said Page. "I think this is also a testament to our program. We played great team ball all season and we had girls on the court with Brooke who made the game easier for her with their ability to spread the floor and Brooke's dominance down low made the game easier for them too.

"Brooke doesn't get this honor if we're not growing our program and competing in these tournaments at a national level - where we see teams from across the Southeast. It's a huge statement for Brooke and a huge statement for the Lady Bronco program."

Kesey had already been named to the TSIAA All-Conference team and and was one of the shining stars recognized by the TSIAA in the state tournament as well. She had 12 double-doubles, five coming against TSSAA or Florida state schools in the Tampa Bay Invitational at Christmas and another coming in the NACA tournament. She had a career-high 33 points in a win over Zion Christian in January and narrowly missed topping it with a 31-point, 19-rebound performance against Bledsoe County in the regular season finale.

"Any coach could see Brooke had all the potential in the world. Her work ethic is off the charts. She just needed the opportunity to excel," said Page. "She's a great teammate, is growing as a leader off the court and is expanding her game at a rapid pace. I think the best is yet to come for Brooke."

Editor's Note: Jeff Simmons is an assistant coach for the Lady Broncos.