Demopolis player, Linden coach take Watchman postseason honors

1-19-2017 — Demopolis, Ala. — Shakari Williams (11) goes in for a slam against Choctaw County during the Tiger’s victory.

As a gangly, if not awkward, sophomore Shakari Williams had to fight to find minutes and contribute to his team’s fortunes. As a junior, Williams transformed himself into a 6-6 force on the wing for the Tigers.

Williams developed his game into an inside-out showcase that gave defenders fits throughout much of the season. His personal highlight reel includes a 41-point career high against Keith and a veritable cornucopia of blocked shots and dunks.

What’s scarier is that there is still room for Williams to improve his skillset ahead of a senior year that will afford him plenty of opportunities for collegiate attention.

Williams averaged 14.2 points and 6.4 rebounds on the season to go along with more than a steal and a block per game. While the numbers aren’t as eye-catching as is typically befitting a West Alabama Watchman Player of the Year, Williams did the vast majority of his work against double teams and continuous defensive switches.

Williams, who led his team to an improved 10-12 record, earned Third Team Class 5A All-State recognition. The honor makes him the second all-state player out of Demopolis in more than a decade. For his part, Williams is the West Alabama Watchman Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

West Alabama Watchman Boys Basketball Coach of the Year honors go to Linden coach Demetrice Jackson. No team came from further off the radar than did Linden as Jackson led the Patriots to their first South Regional in five years while keeping the squad raked in the Top 10 for the entirety of the season. The Patriots finished the season at 19-10, a win total that includes an impressive victory over then Class 2A No. 1 R.C. Hatch.

 West Alabama Watchman Boys Basketball All-County Team

First Team

Shakari Williams, Jr. – Demopolis

Anthony Jones, Sr. – Sweet Water

Dequan Charleston, Sr. – Linden

Isaiah Scott, Jr. – Linden

Nelson Haskin, Jr. – Demopolis

Second Team

Cordarius Pritchett, Sr. – Marengo

Johnny Robertson, Jr. – A.L. Johnson

DeAntre Johnson, Sr. – Linden

Melvin Childers, Jr. – Demopolis

Trent Sams, Jr. – Sweet Water