AL State Basketball Awards Rest in Madison

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Huntsville Area dominates post season accolades.

May 13, 2009 - After winning most valuable player in the 6A final four and leading Bob Jones to consecutive state championships, senior point guard Jala Harris has won 2008-2009 Ms. Basketball for Alabama.

The 5-foot-6 playmaker brought big-game toughness, grit and a high basketball IQ to go with her impressive skills. Harris also overcame a knee injury in the 2007-2008 season that almost ruined her playing career.

Jala Harris doing her do.

In the calm, self-assured manner that exemplifies the young lady she is, Jala handed the adversity with diligence and grace, while reclaiming her spot as the state’s best point guard.

Harris led her Bob Jones squad to an outstanding 69-5 record during her junior and senior seasons and back-to-back championships; culminating a truly remarkable career. Jala also maintained a 3.9 grade point average and plans to study sports medicine in college.

Harris signed a basketball scholarship with UAB and will join the Lady Blazers in the fall.

Meanwhile, also hailing from the town of Madison, Madison Academy’s Kerron Johnson was awarded as the state’s Mr. Basketball. Johnson, who led the Mustangs to three straight 3A titles from his freshman through his junior years, won his second consecutive 3A Player of the Year Award as well. Madison Academy fell just short of another title this past season.

Johnson has signed with Belmont.

Alabama coaches of the year were Bob Jones Lady Patriots coach Tim Miller, while Butler boys head man Jack Doss also won the award. Both coaches led their respective teams to back-to-back titles in basketball.