John Essex guard Michael Moore earns WAW Player of the Year Award

We can talk about the significance of numbers all day long. And Michael Moore’s 17.95 points per game is pretty significant. But John Essex did not keep track of rebounds, assists, steals and blocks this season. Had they, the numbers would probably support what everyone who has seen Moore play already knows: that Michael Moore is a terrific player.

Moore not only led his team statistically, but he led his team in every way imaginable this season. The senior shooting guard was the emotional leader of a Hornet team that fell just four points shy of making the region tournament.

Moore was instrumental in his team’s three wins over supremely-talented area rival Linden. And he nearly helped Essex get the best of Demopolis back in December when he had 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in a double-overtime loss.

But what is most impressive about Michael Moore’s game is that no one really knew he had an extra gear. For three years, Moore had impressed with his on-court play and opposing coaches had long known that the Essex wing must be accounted for every time out.

But the maturation in Moore’s game in 2013-2014 surprised even some who know the Hornet program well.

In a season where he had to emerge as the definitive leader, Moore did just that. And he became one of the premiere go-to scorers in west Alabama in the process.

Congratulations to Michael Moore of John Essex for earning the distinction of West Alabama Watchman Boys Basketball Player of the Year.