It’s halfway through the winter sports season, and two standout athletes have received recognition for the impact they’ve made in their respected sports.
The Mules Booster Club has named Kate Scott and Preston Moore of Poplar Bluff High School the December Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Each month, the Mules Booster Club selects two athletes who have most effectively demonstrated their abilities in the classroom, in their conduct and in teamwork, and both athletes have exemplified it perfectly.
Moore is a senior basketball player for the Mules and he’s currently averaging 13 points, 6.6 rebounds and two assists per game this season. He helped the Mules place third during the Southeast Missouri Conference Tournament and second place in the Kaminsky Classic, where he was named a member of the All-Tournament Team.
Moore said one of his goal this season was to embrace his leadership role as a senior and make a deep run in the playoffs. Head basketball coach Will Durden said he’s seen a lot of growth with Moore and he hopes it can rub off on the other players.
“Preston is a highly motivated player who enjoys competition and is a pleasure to coach,” Durden said. “He has embraced some of the team leadership roles. Preston has matured as a person and an athlete over the last four years of high school.”
While Moore is taking care of business on the court, Scott has given her all inside the pool.
Scott is a sophomore swimmer for the Lady Mules. She’s received consideration for state cuts in the 200 medley relay, plus 200 and 400 freestyle relays and was the 100 freestyle winner at a home meet that kicked off the season as well as the most recent event.
She additionally received consideration state cuts in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays, placing 12th in the 50 freestyle at Ladue and earned consideration state cuts in the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays, with top-five finishes in the 200 freestyle and backstroke at West Plains.
With team of young swimmers, coach Beth Lewis said its been a grind getting everyone on the same track, but they’ve finally found their stride. Having a swimmger such as Scott on the roster, ensures that the program is in great hands.
“Kate is a hard worker and has a great attitude,” Lewis said. “She sets goals for herself and works tirelessly to reach them. She has worked very hard in the off-season to be prepared this year. She is a fine example of a student-athlete.”