Award winners announced for prep and junior prep basketball teams

Cadet Detwon Shelton was recognized by the head coach of the prep basketball team, James Pelham, at the 2016-2017 Winter Athletics Awards ceremony this week as the recipient of the Play Hard Award this season. In addition, he was recognized for earning All-Virginia Prep League Honors.

"The winner of the Play Hard Award was selected by a vote of the team and coaches," explains head prep basketball coach James Pelham. "This player on the team plays hard during practice, games, or whatever we do. This player gives his all regardless of the score. He never gives in. Shelton has been a three-year starter for Fork Union and a two-time All Prep League performer. He's come a long way on and off the court since arriving to Fork Union. Shelton led our offense in five out of six statistical categories. He was always willing to give his all and he deserves the college scholarship he's earned."

Cadet Shelton, a senior, is the son of Timika Hall of Chesterfield, Virginia. He has attended Fork Union Military Academy since August 2014 when he enrolled as a sophomore.

Cadet Maccall Joseph Warner was recognized by the head coach of the prep basketball team, James Pelham, at the 2016-2017 Winter Athletics Awards ceremony this week as the recipient of the Play Smart Award this season.

"The winner of the Play Smart Award was selected by a vote of the team and coaches," explains head prep basketball coach James Pelham. "This player uses good judgement on and off the court. He does what the coach asks and makes wise decisions. This player gives good advice to better the team. This is Warner's second year playing prep basketball. He's gone from barely playing his junior year to leading the team in minutes played his senior season. Warner exemplifies what Fork Union is all about: Body, Mind, and Spirit. I look forward to Warner doing great things at whatever college he chooses."

Cadet Warner, a senior, is the son of Glenn and Melissa Warner of Leesburg, Virginia. He has attended Fork Union Military Academy since August 2014 when he enrolled as a sophomore.

Cadet Jonathan Ademola Ilori was recognized by the head coach of the prep basketball team, James Pelham, at the 2016-2017 Winter Athletics Awards ceremony this week as the recipient of the Play Together Award this season.

"The winner of the Play Together Award was selected by a vote of the team and coaches," explains head prep basketball coach James Pelham. "This player believe in teamwork. Everything is about the team. Verbally supporting the team and picking players up. This player relies on the team and shares positive feedback. This player enjoys passing just as much as scoring. Ilori has come a long way. He didn't start the season with the team because of an injury, but he was willing to come to every practice so he could learn the offense, defense, and bond with the players. Ilori has always been a humble young man and I look forward to coaching him next year."

Cadet Ilori, a junior, is the son of David and Alice Ilori of Colonial Heights, Virginia. He has attended Fork Union Military Academy since September 2011 when he enrolled as a sixth grader.

Cadet Iosefa Vaea Puaauli was recognized by the head coach of the junior prep basketball team, Stephen Barnette, at the 2016-2017 Winter Athletics Awards ceremony this week as the recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award this season.

"Iosefa played in every game for us, one of only three players to do so," said head junior prep basketball coach Stephen Barnette. "He led our team in points, averaging just under twelve points a game. Iosefa displayed leadership and a great attitude on and off the court throughout the year."

Cadet Puaauli, a sophomore, is the son of Roberta Liufau of Bremo Bluff, Virginia. He has attended Fork Union Military Academy since August 2016 when he enrolled as a sophomore.

Cadet Quadir H Jones was recognized by the head coach of the junior prep basketball team, Stephen Barnette, at the 2016-2017 Winter Athletics Awards ceremony this week as the recipient of the Most Improved Player Award this season.

"By the end of the year, Quadir was arguably our most efficient player," said head junior prep basketball coach Stephen Barnette, "which led to his promotion to the varsity team for their post season run. Quadir has only scratched the surface of how good he can truly be, as a player and leader."

Cadet Jones, a sophomore, is the son of Robert and Simone Jones of Brooklyn, New York. He has attended Fork Union Military Academy since September 2015 when he enrolled as a freshman.

Cadet John Bernard Meheen was recognized by the head coach of the junior prep basketball team, Stephen Barnette, at the 2016-2017 Winter Athletics Awards ceremony this week as the recipient of the Coaches Award this season.

"John exemplified what it means to be a Fork Union young man each and every day this season," explains Coach Barnette. "He gave the team his all every single game. I never had to question his effort at any point. Whether he played two minutes or the entire game it didn't matter. He always had a positive attitude and put the team's success before his personal accomplishments. I cannot speak highly enough about John. He will always have a special place in my heart by the way he carried himself in my first year as a head coach."

Cadet Meheen, a sophomore, is the son of Steven and Michelle Meheen of Spring, Texas. He has attended Fork Union Military Academy since August 2013 when he enrolled as a seventh grader.