Recognition has rained down on the area in the last week with one area team and two area athletes receiving accolades for performances in their respective sports.

It started with the Escambia Academy Cougars track and field team being honored with a resolution in the Alabama State Legislature that was put forth by our area’s senator Mark Keahey.

The resolution commends the Cougars for their dynasty-type run of four consecutive state championships in the AISA Class 2A.

The run started with championships coming by way of the long distance running led by former Cougar and current Vanderbilt Commodore Alan Ash. That run continues now with speed being supplied by Jaylen Henry.

This year according to head track coach Heath Gibson, field events will be important if the Cougars hope to secure a fifth consecutive state championship trophy to their collection.

On Saturday, another Cougar was honored, but this time the recognition came for an Escambia Academy Lady Cougar.

Amber Huskey finished out her high school basketball career with a strong performance at the AISA All-Star game in Montgomery and was selected as the West team’s Most Valuable Player.

In her time wearing a Lady Cougar uniform, Huskey put on several good performances under the guidance of head coach Heath Gibson and always made the most of her opportunities.

She apparently put on one final good show to come away with a trophy she described as bigger than some state championship trophies she has seen.

Also on Saturday, Escambia County Blue Devil Cedric (C.J.) Pierce was selected to the Class 4A South Regional All-Tournament Team for his performance in the Blue Devils’ tournament game against Andalusia.

The Blue Devils suffered a heartbreaking loss, but Pierce gave his all leading all scorers in the game with 16 points.

Pierce concluded his career with the Blue Devils after being their leading scorer the previous two seasons.

Pierce’s head coach Anthony Hayes has seen what he can do on the basketball court and is currently looking for a college to show interest in Pierce’s skills.

It’s not often praise gets thrown around in this community, but this team and these two athletes have represented this community well, so if you see any of them give them a pat on the back and let them know you appreciate how they have made Atmore proud.

Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or by e-mail at sports@atmoreadvance.com