Pike Liberal Arts School recently held its winter sports banquet, sponsored by the school’s boosters, at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Complex on Highway 231.

The varsity girl’s team finished their season as the state runner-up in Class AAA to Faith Academy of Mobile, while the boy’s team concluded their year with a trip to the Final Four as well, the first ever for both programs.

Both teams also captured East Area 1 championships. The Patriots were coached by Paul Kirchharr and the girl’s by Robert Hawkins.

For the boy’s Druid Conrad was named Best Offensive Player and Scott Kirby was given the Patriot Award. Captain Awards were given to Michael DiChiara and Brandon Hooks and Layton Sanders was awarded Best Defensive Player.

Jared Waldrop took him the Leading Rebounder Award. Kirchharr presented the parents and fans with the team’s Most Valuable Player Award. Most Improved Player was Daniel Hussey.

For the Lady Patriots, the team’s Big Woman Award went to sophomore Brantley Kries. Rae Pinckard (Most Improved Player), Karli Tribe (Best Defensive Player), and leading scorer Beth Anderson (Best Offensive Player) also were honored. The Lauren Austin Memorial Award went to senior Danielle Johnson. Anderson and Lindy Lunkenheimer took home MVP honors.

Cheerleader Libby Hudson was awarded the Lauren Austin Memorial Cheerleading Award.

Lunkenheimer and Anderson were both named to the AISA East All-Star girl’s team, as was Druid Conrad for the boy’s. Both Anderson and Conrad took MVP honors at the AISA’s All-Start basketball game held last Saturday.