Parents, students, faculty, staff and administrators attended the 30th annual Andalusia High School basketball banquet Monday night to honor players on both the boys and girls basketball teams for their efforts this past season.

Andalusia’s boys and girls basketball teams ended their seasons at the state finals in Birmingham in February.

The boys team made it to the semifinal round in Birmingham, but lost to Anniston 79-68 and finished the season with a 26-3 record. The girls team also lost to Anniston, 60-41, and finished the season with a 25-4 record.

Special awards were given to players on both teams based on statistical information from games. The varsity cheerleaders also received awards.

The recipients of special awards on the boys basketball team were Derrick King (newcomer of the year), O’Brien Curry (most improved player of the year), Leslie James and Quayshaun Denson (defensive players of the year), Brandon Sims (2nd highest free throws and assists) and Nico Johnson (leading scorer, leading rebounder, leading in steals and highest field goal percentage).

Johnson was also named the 2008-09 most valuable player at AHS and Class 4A state basketball player of the year by the Alabama Sports Writer’s Association. AHS coach Richard Robertson was also named the Class 4A state coach of the year by the ASWA.

Team captains were Leslie James and Nico Johnson.

The recipients of special awards on the girls basketball team were Amber Anderson (academic), Shi’Amber Townsend (newcomer of the year), Iesha Parker (most improved player), Jereesa Curry and Chantavia Lawrence (top rebounders), Alexis Horton (top offensive player), Erica King (top defensive player) and Anjelica White (Bulldog award).

Team captains were Jereesa Curry, Anjelica White and Chantavia Lawrence.

The cheerleaders that received special awards were Amanda Cannon (100 percent), Haley Moody (most improved), Charlotte Patterson (leadership and academic), Gabby Shiver (best all around) and Clara Bass (most spirit).

At the end of the banquet, Andalusia City Schools superintendent Dr. Beverly McAnulty made it official that the AHS gym will now be called the “Richard Robertson Gym.”

“I’m so happy to make the announcement,” McAnulty said. “I’m so happy for this school and I don’t think you can say Andalusia basketball and not say coach Robertson.”