Great parish athletes of 2019-2020 sports season

The 2019-2020 high-school sports year has come to a premature ending. Unfortunately, tennis, powerlifting, gymnastics, bowling, outdoor track, softball and baseball were all not able to complete their seasons.

As a result, many athletes were deprived of the opportunity to put forth special performances.

But from the sports that were able to complete their seasons, here is a look at some of the best standouts throughout the 2019-2020 sports year.

Dylan Sampson (Dutchtown)

Running back Dylan Sampson had an amazing breakout season as a first-year starter. He exploded for 1,827 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns on his way to being named the Ascension Parish Offensive MVP and honorable-mention All-State. Sampson was also a sprinter on the track team when the season was cancelled.

Alyssa Romano (St. Amant)

In her senior basketball season, Alyssa Romano saved her best for last. The forward earned first-team all-district honors. And even though the softball season ended early, she was off to an amazing start as the Lady Gators’ ace. She was undefeated, and she had tossed two no-hitters. St. Amant ended the year ranked No. 1.

Jai Williams (Ascension Catholic)

In his final season at Ascension Catholic, Jai Williams did not disappoint. He rushed for over 1,400 yards and 27 total touchdowns, breaking his father Germaine’s school record for most career TDs. He was named the District 7-1A MVP and first-team All-State as he helped lead the Bulldogs to the state quarterfinals. Williams was also a starter on the baseball team when the season was cancelled.

Hobert Grayson (East Ascension)

Hobert Grayson began the year as a second-team all-district wide receiver for East Ascension’s football team. The Spartans reached the second round of the playoffs. In basketball, he averaged 21 points and eight rebounds per game on his way to being named District 5-5A Defensive MVP and Ascension Parish MVP. He also made honorable-mention All-State. The Spartans reached the second round of the playoffs.

J’Mond Tapp (Ascension Catholic)

J’Mond Tapp also excelled in both football and basketball. In football, he was first-team all-district as both a tight end and a defensive lineman. In basketball, he was named the District 7-1A Defensive MVP as he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 17-13 regular-season record and a trip to the playoffs.

Javon Carter (East Ascension)

Javon Carter was another football/basketball stalwart. In football, he was named the District 5-5A Defensive MVP and Ascension Parish Defensive MVP. He was also named honorable-mention All-State, and he was a Grambling State signee. In basketball, he earned first-team all-district and second-team All-Parish honors.

Zayne Zezulka (Dutchtown)

Zayne Zezulka was the most decorated boy’s soccer player in the parish this season. He was named the District 5 MVP, the Ascension Parish MVP and the state’s Offensive MVP. Zezulka earned all of these honors while leading the Griffins to only their second state semifinals appearance in the program’s history.

Truli Joseph (East Ascension)

East Ascension volleyball reached the state tournament for the first time in two years in 2019, and much of their success was fueled by Truli Joseph. Joseph had 584 kills and 56 aces. This was enough to make her the district’s Offensive MVP, and she was also named the All-Metro Outstanding Player.

Blythe Babin (St. Amant)

Blythe Babin was the most decorated girl’s soccer player in the parish. Babin scored 27 goals and dished out 16 assists as she helped lead the Lady Gators to a district championship. She was named the district’s MVP, Ascension Parish MVP and she was a first-team All-State selection.

Trent Mahoney (East Ascension)

Trent Mahoney won a state championship for the third straight season in 2019—this time in the 170-pound division. He was undefeated and tied his own state record for most victories in a year with 83. In doing so, Mahoney set a new state record with most victories in a career. He led the Spartans to a seventh-place finish at the state meet.

Other great parish athletes in 2019-2020:

Gracie Duplechein (St. Amant Volleyball)

Ariane Linton (Dutchtown Track)

Corey Brownell (St. Amant Wrestling)

Sadie Williams (East Ascension Basketball)

Alyssa Abbott (Dutchtown Soccer)

L’Nysia Johnson (Donaldsonville Basketball)

Tyler Bridgewater (St. Amant Soccer)

Jordan Brown (Dutchtown Track)