DNJ All-Sports Athletes of the Year: Riverdale's Brinae Alexander, Eagleville's Ethan Cobb

Cecil Joyce
Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
Boys Athlete of the Year Ethan Cobb and Girls Athlete of the Year Brinae Alexander The Daily News Journal 25th Annual All Sports Awards presented by First Tennessee at the Doubletree in Murfreesboro, on Sunday, May 6, 2018.

One is a three-sport standout. The other is the embodiment of the word "winner."

Riverdale senior Brinae Alexander and Eagleville junior Ethan Cobb are the Daily News Journal's Athletes of the Year for the 2017-18 school year.

Alexander, a Vanderbilt signee, helped Riverdale's girls basketball program to its third consecutive Class AAA state championship and second consecutive top-five finish nationally.

She was also on the McDonald's All-American watch list. She finished as a runner-up to Bradley Central's Rhyne Howard for Miss Basketball.

"It was an honor (to be a finalist)," Alexander said after the presentation. "I've accomplished way more important things as a whole."

Alexander averaged 18 points, five rebounds, 2.6 steals and two assists for Riverdale (36-1).

Riverdale went 102-5 during Alexander's three years as a starter (124-14 during her four-year career).

"I'm proud of myself," she said. "To look at where I came from and how far I've come ... "

Riverdale's Brinae Alexander goes up for a shot during the Class AAA state tournament in March. Alexander is the Daily News Journal's female Athlete of the Year.

Alexander can actually thank her older sister for getting involved in basketball. If not for a decision by Brianne Alexander and their mother, Stephanie Davis, eight years ago, she might not have developed into the player she is.

"Brianne was a cheerleader until eighth grade," said Davis, who was a standout player at La Vergne from 1991-94. "She decided to play basketball, and that's when we also got Brinae involved. She was in fourth grade."

Alexander will be arriving on Vanderbilt's campus soon, getting to play with longtime best friend Jordyn Cambridge, a former Ensworth standout.

She will leave behind a legacy at Riverdale few athletes have accomplished, winning three state championships.

"She's always been a hard worker," Davis said. "She's going to battle until the end. That's what's so good about her. She's going to go and go and go."

Added Alexander, after winning the state title: "There was no doubt in my mind. We had our minds set to win another state title and do what not many others have done."

Cobb showcased talents in every season

Eagleville's Cobb is anomaly in today's world of high school sports.

When many kids are specializing in one or two sports, Cobb plays three at Eagleville.

And he has excelled in all three.

Cobb was a Class 2A Mr. Football semifinalist in football, an all-district selection in basketball and is one of the top hitters on the Eagle baseball team.

“He’s one of those kids that believes in his ability," said Eagleville football coach Floyd Walker. "The kids believe in his ability. When the game is on the line, he’s the kid that’s going to make a play.”

Cobb is a three-year starter at quarterback. During his junior season he completed 128 of 183 for 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 771 yards and 16 more TDs.

That earned him a spot as one of the five semifinalists for Mr .Football, and he was also named Class 2A All-State by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association.

"It's a huge honor and I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and family for helping me through the season," Cobb said.

He led Eagleville to a 9-3 record as the Eagles reached the second round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

During the basketball season he averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds to help lead Eagleville to a region tournament berth.

Entering the baseball postseason the right fielder was hitting .329 with six doubles, two triples, two homers, 22 RBIs and 25 runs.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.