Butler County shines in ASWA All-State Basketball Selections – The Greenville Advocate

Two basketball programs in Butler County recently received notable recognition when the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) announced the All-State high school basketball team for the 2023-24 academic year. 

Lillie Boggan, a junior guard for Georgiana, was honored as Second Team All-State for the girls’ team.

“I’m very honored to be recognized as Second Team All State,” Boggan said. “I would just like to thank God for this opportunity, because with God all things are possible. I would also like to thank my parents for always supporting me and making sure I stay focused on my goals. Last but not least I would like to thank my coaches for believing in me when I didn’t have the strength to believe in myself.”

On the boys’ side,forward-center for the Georgiana Panthers Nasir Cheatham was named First Team All-State, while junior guard Kaveon Miles earned Second Team All-State honors. Coach Kirk Norris was also recognized as the Division 1A Coach of the Year. Reacting to the accolade, Norris credited his team for the success. 

“It’s a huge honor but really it’s a team award,” Norris said. “There’s no award without your team.”

Norris emphasized the collective effort behind the individual recognitions.

“It’s a huge accomplishment for them,” Norris said. “They only choose like 15 or something out of hundreds of students so it’s an honor and they had some really great numbers, but you have to have a great team, or no one is successful.”

Reflecting on his journey, Miles expressed appreciation for the support he has received.”I just appreciate all the support I’ve been given,” Miles said. “I love my coach and my team.”

Also recognized in the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) was Fort Dale Junior Brinkley Long, who was named Third Team All-State. 

The ASWA prep committee’s responsibilities include conducting regular top-10 rankings of high school sports and selecting all-state teams, along with determining annual award winners such as the Mr. Football winner and the Jimmy Smothers Courage Award recipient. Georgiana’s and Fort Dale’s successes in the selections highlights the dedication and talent present in its basketball program.