The 2015-2016 varsity basketball teams continue to receive local and state accolades following an outstanding season on the court. Jesi Garrett (pictured) was selected as the AISA All-Metro Player of the Year and was named to the 3rd team for All-State. Jesi averaged 21 points per game for the Lady Knights along with 14.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists. She led the team to the state semifinals along with teammates Lexi Brantley (2nd team all-metro) and Paxton Searle (honorable mention all-metro), and all three participated in the post season all-star game. Mason Blackwell joined the Knights for his senior season and was selected as 1st team AISA All-Metro and 3rd team All-State. Averaging 13.5 points per game, 8 rebounds, 2.7 steals along with 6 double-doubles for the season, Mason also represented MEA in the all-star game. All-Metro recognition was also earned by juniors Channy Blackwell (2nd team) and Slate Garmany (honorable mention).
Along with these athletes, Macon East’s outstanding coaches did not go unnoticed for turning around the basketball program and taking both teams to the state playoffs. Coach Glynn Lott returned to basketball this year as the head coach for the girls program and took them to the state semi-finals. He was named AISA All-Metro Coach of the Year with a record of 20-6. Retired AUM men’s coach, Larry Chapman proved he still had what it takes, leading the boys team all the way to the final game of the state tournament. His team finished with a 17-6 record as the state runner-up earning him Coach of the Year honors for All-Metro and All-State among AISA schools. Congratulations coaches and players!