The Gadsden Times names athletes to watch in 2025 across all sports

Gadsden area high school sports: 99 athletes to watch in 2025 across all sports

The calendar has flipped to 2025 and plenty of Gadsden area athletes are ready to standout in the New Year.

While many Alabama high school athletes could breakout, below are 99 athletes that are ready to shine across all of the AHSAA sponsored sports led by returning Miss. Basketball Ace Austin and other all-state honorees and all-area standouts.

Here’s 99 athletes to watch in 2025:

Jalyn Allen, Southside

Senior, softball

Why chosen: Allen earned all-area honors after winning 20 games for the Panthers from the circle.

Cooper Andrade, Sylvania

Junior, football

Why chosen: Andrade had a stellar punting season and earned all-area honors.

Ace Austin, Spring Garden

Senior, basketball

Why chosen: The Alabama women’s basketball signee is the reigning Miss. Basketball and Gadsden Times Player of the Year and appears to be on track to lead the Panthers to a third straight state title.

Spring Garden's Ace Austin, an Alabama women's basketball signee, is an athlete to watch for as she wraps up a historic high school career.

Devin Barksdale, Gadsden City

Junior, basketball

Why chosen: A newcomer to the Titans, Barksdale has shined as he’s built off an all-state season in 2024.

Read Barber, Westbrook Christian

Sophomore, football

Why chosen: Warriors coach Steve Smith was high on Barber heading into the season and it was clear to see why as he went almost perfect with just five missed kicks.

Campbell Barron, Pisgah

Junior, basketball and softball

Why chosen: Barron earned all state honors in both basketball and softball last year and is the Eagles next big star.

Brody Blevins, Westbrook Christian

Junior, football

Why chosen: Blevins earned all-area and all-state honors in 2024 and appears ready for a monster senior season.

Kodie Bogle, Gaston

Senior, track and field, basketball

Why chosen: Bogle set the Class 2A javelin record last year, earning Gadsden Times Track Athlete of the year honors and is a key piece for the Bulldogs on the court.

Rance Brown, Southside

Sophomore, Football

Why chosen: Brown’s brother Jamin is heading to Duke meaning that he will be the leader for the Panthers’ offensive line and after a standout 2024 campaign he appears ready.

Lucas Bryant, Geraldine

Senior, basketball

Why chosen: Bryant crossed the 1,000-point mark this season and has been a leader for the Bulldogs.

Brady Carden, Westbrook Christian

Junior, baseball and basketball

Why chosen: Carden earned all-area honors in baseball last season, hitting .404. He is one of the top scorers for the Warriors basketball team.

Kinsey Carter, Southside

Soccer

Why chosen: Carter is the Gadsden Times girls soccer player of the year after a 26 goal season.

Bladmir Cervantes, Gadsden City

Soccer

Why chosen: Cervantes earned super all-state honors from the coaches and all-area honors from the Gadsden Times.

Mason Chandler, Fort Payne

Junior, football

Why chosen: Chandler earned all-area honors this season.

Evan Christopher, Southside

Senior, track and field

Why chosen: The two time Gadsden Times Cross Country runner of the year will compete in distance during the track season.

Hayes Cosby, Southside

Senior, soccer and basketball

Why chosen: Cosby is one of the top goalies in the area and helps the Panthers on the court.

Maddie Clanton, Sand Rock

Basketball

Why chosen: Clanton has been a double-double machine for the Wildcats this season.

Cora Clontz, Southside

Junior, bowling

Why chosen: Clontz took home the individual state title for the Panthers and helped them to a state title in 2024.

Cooper Colvin, Albertville

Senior, basketball

Why chosen: Colvin has been one of the leading scorers for the Aggies this season.

Hayes Cosby, Southside

Senior, soccer and basketball

Why chosen: Cosby is one of the top goalies in the area and helps the Panthers on the court.

Cooper Cox, Fyffe

Basketball

Why chosen: Cox earned all-state honors last season in basketball and has been on a fast start this season.

Emma Easterling, Jacksonville

Soccer

Why chosen: Easterling earned all-state and all-area honors last year.

Tyler Ebner, Ashville

Senior, wrestling

Why chosen: Ebner is the defending state champion at 165 pounds and will look to defend his title here in a few weeks.

Kai Franklin, Gadsden City

Junior, football

Why chosen: Franklin threw for close to 2,000 yards with 20 touchdowns in 2024, his first year starting at quarterback for the Titans.

Nyla Franklin, Gadsden City

Freshman, track and field

Why chosen: Franklin won the Class 6A high jump state title last year and is gearing up to defend her title.

Nevaeh Gaidurgis, Cherokee County

Junior, volleyball and basketball

Why chosen: Gaidurgis was selected to the Gadsden Times All-Area volleyball team and was a player to watch for in basketball as well.

Cooper Garrett, Fort Payne

Senior, track and field

Why chosen: Garrett won a state title in javelin last year.

Sam Garrison, Susan Moore

Freshman, football

Why chosen: Garrison accounted for 2,500 yards and 31 touchdowns in a breakout season with the Bulldogs.

Zyan Gibson, Gadsden City

Junior, Football, Basketball, track and field

Why chosen: Gibson placed fourth at states in the 100-meter and recently committed to play football at Alabama, after an all-state season in 2024.

Gadsden City's Zyan Gibson, an Alabama football commit is a three sport athlete to watch for in 2025.

Ryder Gipson, Fyffe

Sophomore, football

Why chosen: Gipson earned all-area second team honors after a standout year where he carried the load at times due to injury.

Ellisan Givens, Cherokee County

Junior, volleyball

Why chosen: Givens was the Gadsden Times first team Libero on the all-area team.

Graidin Haas, Plainview

Softball

Why chosen: Haas earned all-state honors last season.

Peyton Hall, Boaz

Freshman, Flag football and softball

Why chosen: Hall won the Gadsden Times Flag Football Player of the Year award in her first season playing and is gearing up to try and repeat as an all-area selection in softball.

Addi Hammontree, Westbrook Christian

Basketball

Why chosen: Hammontree has been one of the stars for the Warriors as they look to make a run at a regional appearance.

Madelyn Hawkins, Coosa Christian

Junior, Softball

Why chosen: Hawkins earned all-area honors in 2024 after helping get Coosa to the regional tournament.

Jaxon Hamby, West End

Junior, basketball and football

Why chosen: Hamby earned all-area honors in football and has been shining on the hardwood for the Patriots.

Bella Hays, Boaz

8th grader, swim and dive

Why chosen: Hays finished seventh in the 200-yard freestyle and fourth in the 500 free at the state meet.

Cash Hayes, Etowah

Senior, baseball

Why chosen: Hayes earned all area honors last season while hitting .421 with 27 stolen bases on the year.

Emma Hill, Cherokee County

Softball

Why chosen: Hill earned all-state and all-area nods at pitcher last season.

Luke Hollingsworth, Gaston

Senior, baseball

Why chosen: Hollingsworth was the second team all-area catcher after hitting .438 on the year.

Shelby Houston, Southside

Sophomore, baseball

Why chosen: Houston was a second team all-area pitcher last season with a 1.89 ERA.

Bailey Houston, Southside

Senior, basketball and softball

Why chosen: Houston is an all-around athlete leading the Panthers on the court and the diamond.

Sawyer Kate Hulgan, Plainview

Sophomore, basketball

Why chosen: Hulgan recently passed the 2,000-career point mark and was an all-state and all-area selection in 2024.

Alex Johnson, Cherokee County

Senior, track and field

Why chosen: Johnson won the 100-meter and 400-meter races at the state meet last year and looks to repeat.

Jayden Johnson, Sardis

Tennis

Why chosen: Johnson is the returning Gadsden Times girls tennis player of the year.

Kylen Johnson, Coosa Christian

Freshman, football

Why chosen: Johnson earned all area honors as a defensive back with six interceptions. He also accounted for 820 yards with eight touchdowns on offense.

John David Justus, Coosa Christian

Senior, baseball

Why chosen: Justus was selected to the all-area team last year.

Lydia Kay, Southside

7th grade, cross country

Why chosen: Kay was the Gadsden Times cross country girls runner of the year after an impressive first varsity season that saw her take the Etowah County meet title.

Bo Kilgo, Westbrook Christian

Junior, football and basketball

Why chosen: Kilgo has shined on the hardwood and earned all-area honors at receiver last season.

Anderson Lambert, Boaz

Senior, Tennis

Why chosen: Lambert is the returning Gadsden Times tennis player of the year.

Glavine Lamberth, Hokes Bluff

Senior, baseball

Why chosen: Lamberth led the way for the Eagles last year hitting .505 on the year with 38 runs scored

Jordan Lankford, Geraldine

Freshman, football

Why chosen: Lankford earned all-area honors at linebacker but was an all-around standout for the Bulldogs. He had 77 tackles, including 12 for a loss and four interceptions to go with 1,427 rushing touchdowns and 20 touchdowns.

Gavin Lang, Collinsville

Sophomore, baseball, football, basketball

Why chosen: Lang is one of the best all around athletes in the area, but baseball is where he shines the most, with a .76 ETA last season going 9-1 on the mound.

Macy Lea, Cherokee County

Junior, volleyball

Why chosen: Lea was a first team all-area selection at setter in volleyball.

Justin Lovoy, Southside

Senior, golf

Why chosen: Lovoy could be the area’s top returning golfer and was an all-area selection last year.

Hannah Maddox, Southside

Junior, soccer

Why chosen: Maddox earned all-area honors after 14 shutouts last season.

Grier Maples, Boaz

Sophomore, softball, flag football

Why chosen: Maples earned all area honors in flag football and softball in 2024.

Levi Martin, Sardis

Junior, football

Why chosen: Martin had 128 tackles with 19 for a loss, while running for more than 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024.

Jackson Mayo, West End

Baseball

Why chosen: Mayo earned all-area honors for baseball in 2024.

Mason McAteer, Collinsville

Sophomore, baseball and football

Why chosen: McAteer earned all state honors in baseball last year and is one of the top young quarterbacks in the area.

Mica Merriman, Gaston

Senior, basketball and baseball

Why chosen: Merriman is one of the best basketball players in Etowah County, and was the Gadsden Times player of the year last year.

Cade Mickler, Coosa Christian

Junior, Football

Why chosen: Mickler has back to back all-state seasons and will be looked to fill some roles for the Conquerors next season.

Jake Middlebrooks, Collinsville

Senior, basketball

Why chosen: Middlebrooks has been a leader for the Panthers and scored almost 16 points and 10 rebounds per game last year.

Kinlee Montgomery, Glencoe

Sophomore, basketball

Why chosen: Montgomery has shined for the Yellow Jackets on the hardwood this season, consistently being the leading scorer.

Garrett Morgan, Glencoe

Senior, basketball

Why chosen: Morgan was an all-state selection in 2024 and a first team selection for the Gadsden Times all-area basketball.

Trey Morgan, Southside

Senior, bowling

Why chosen: Morgan earned all-area honors last season and already has bowled a perfect game this year.

LJ Mostella, Coosa Christian

Track and field, football

Why chosen: Mostella is the reigning Class 1A 100-meter and 200-meter state champion and uses his speed to make big plays on the gridiron.

Raylee Neal, Westbrook Christian

Junior, volleyball

Why chosen: Neal was the Gadsden Times Volleyball player of the year in 2024.

Lydia Northam, Ashville

Junior, volleyball and basketball

Why chosen: Northam was on the Gadsden Times All-Area volleyball team and is a leader for the Bulldogs basketball team.

Evelyn Nowak, Glencoe

Junior, volleyball and basketball

Why chosen: Nowak was selected to the Gadsden Times all-area volleyball team and leads the Yellow Jackets on the basketball court.

Clete O’Bryant, Coosa Christian

Senior, baseball

Why chosen: O’Bryant earned all-area honors in baseball and just wrapped up a stellar high school football career.

Lexi Page, Jacksonville

Freshman, soccer

Why chosen: Page scored 35 goals last season for the Golden Eagles.

Fysher Patterson, West End

Junior, football

Why chosen: Patterson earned all area honors after 117 tackles in the 2024 season.

Tyler Pierce, Boaz

Senior, baseball

Why chosen: Pierce was a north-south all-star selection, a Gadsden Times all-area selection and an all-state first teamer after going 7-2 last year on the mound with 101 strikeouts, a .92 ERA and a perfect game.

Rollie Pinto, Piedmont

Junior, football

Why chosen: Pinto set an AHSAA record with 1,612 receiving yards on the year and had 27 total touchdowns on the year

JB Potter, Ashville

Senior, Basketball

Why chosen: Potter was a first team all-area selection averaging almost 18 points per game last season.

Kyla Price, Gadsden City

Senior, track and field

Why chosen: Price earned all-area honors in track and field last year.

Dylan Rainey, Westbrook Christian

Senior, baseball

Why chosen: Rainey is one of the top two way stars in the area with a 1.89 ERA and hitting .355 last season helping the Warriors make the state title game series.

Cayden Reason, Southside

Senior, Football

Why: Reason has been one of the leading scorers for the Panthers this season.

Lamonte Richardson, Etowah

Junior, football

Why chosen: Richardson earned all-area honors as a wide receiver in 2024.

Quintavious Rogers, Collinsville

Junior, football

Why chosen: Rogers accounted for more than 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns for the Panthers in 2024.

Jameson Scissum, Etowah

Senior, baseball and basketball

Why chosen: Scissum is one of the top athletes in the area excelling on the court and the diamond for the Blue Devils.

CJ Scott, Fort Payne

Senior, basketball

Why chosen: Scott is one of the leaders for the Wildcats and signed with Lipscomb this winter.

Jakobi Sharp, Gadsden City

Junior, basketball

Why chosen: Sharp recently crossed the 1,000-point mark and was a first team all-area selection in 2024.

AJ Shumate, Guntersville

Senior, soccer

Why chosen: Shumate is closing in on the AHSAA goal record this spring, needing less than 10 goals to do so.

Addison Simmons, Hokes Bluff

Freshman, volleyball and basketball

Why chosen: Simmons was an honorable mention for the Gadsden Times all-area volleyball team and leads the Eagles on the basketball court.

Ty Sims, Gadsden City

Junior, football and track and field

Why chosen: The speedster had a standout junior year and could break out on the recruiting trail this offseason.

Lani Smallwood, Albertville

Junior, basketball and volleyball

Why chosen: Smallwood followed her mom to Albertville and has excelled at the Class 7A level. She earned all-state and all-area honors last season and is committed to Mississippi State basketball.

Lilac Stanton, Boaz

Flag football, basketball track and field

Why chosen: Stanton is a multi-year starter for the Pirates on the court and holds multiple school records in the hurdle events.

J’Alan Terry, Coosa Christian

Junior, football

Why chosen: Terry was limited by injury in 2024, but still is starting garnering interest from top-level FBS programs.

Camren Thompson, Southside

Senior, soccer

Why chosen: Thompson is the Gadsden Times soccer player of the year and scored 52 goals last year.

Brady Trash, Ashville

Junior, wrestling

Why chosen: Trash is the defending state champion at 190 pounds and will look to defend his title in a few weeks.

Peyton Troxtel, Boaz

Junior, swim and dive

Why chosen: Troxtel finished third in the 100-yard butterfly and fourth in the 100-yard backstroke at the state meet.

Ty Traffanstedt, Sand Rock

Basketball

Why chosen: Traffanstedt has been the leading scorer for the Wildcats most of the year and could lift them to a regional appearance.

Lydie Varnadore, Fort Payne

Sophomore, track and field

Why chosen: Varnadore had three top-five finishes at the track and field state meet.

Jon Beck Wade, Geraldine

Freshman, football

Why chosen: The other part of the standout backfield for the Bulldogs, Wade was an honorable mention all-area standout this year with 1,900 total yards and 32 touchdowns.

Dadrien Waller, Guntersville

Junior, football

Why chosen: Waller is coming off an all-area season with the Wildcats as a wide receiver.

Landon Watkins, Pisgah

Junior, football

Why chosen: Watkins was an all-area selection in 2024.

Jake Welsh, Spring Garden

Senior, basketball

Why chosen: Welsh stars for the Panthers alongside brother John.

John Welsh, Spring Garden

Senior, basketball

Why chosen: Welsh averaged a double-double in 2024 and was an all-state and all-area second team selection.

Bryce Whitaker, Hokes Bluff

Junior, football, basketball

Why chosen: Whitaker was one of the best all around athletes on the football field and could have a special senior season with the Eagles.

Anna Grace Whittemore, Westbrook Christian

Sophomore, soccer

Why chosen: Whittemore scored 21 goals last season, en route to an all area selection.

Vada Willmore, Sardis

Junior, volleyball, basketball and softball

Why chosen: Willmore is one of the leaders of the Lions on the volleyball court, basketball court and softball diamond.

James Wood, Gadsden City

Junior, football

Why chosen: Wood earned all-area honors after a standout junior football season

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