Nease girls' basketball Head Coach Sherri Anthony and guard Sydney Gomes earn district awards

Nease's girls' basketball program earned two major awards. 

After finishing the season 19-7 and being District 1-7A runner up, Nease Head Coach Sherri Anthony earned Florida Athletics Coaches Association District 1-7A Coach of the Year.

After averaging 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game, guard Sydney Gomes earned the district's Player of the Year honor.

Anthony was grateful for the selection. 

"I feel honored and blessed to receive this years' recognition," Anthony said. "As a coach in the area for many years, it never gets old when you are recognized by other coaches that you respect, along with the media."

Gomes was appreciative. 

"Honestly, this was something I never imagined happening with this being my first year in Florida," Gomes said. "Every day I continue to be reminded that the hard work will pay off and now I’m just one step closer. Thank you to everyone who has recognized both my accomplishments along with my team's accomplishments this season." 

Gomes also praised her coaching staff and teammates for putting her in this position. 

"Thank you to the Nease coaching staff along with my teammates for being so supportive throughout this whole process," Gomes said. "It’s been an amazing experience and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. Junior year has been great, even though we might not have gotten the outcome we wanted. We’ll be back stronger next year for sure."

Anthony was enthusiastic that both won an award. 

"It is very humbling and much-appreciated that we were both selected this year," Anthony said. "Syd, as a first-year player in the area, definitely made an impact to her peers and opponents and I am very grateful that they recognized her in this way.  She works hard in practice and on her own. I’m extremely proud of her."