This past week four of Clay County High School’s finest sports figures were invited to play in the prestigious North-South Classic baseball, football and basketball games.

It is indeed an honor to be invited to play, an opportunity to showcase their talents one final time before moving beyond the high school years. It was also an honor because it was proof that their efforts on the fields and the courts didn’t go unnoticed.

Each one of these students exemplified the particular sport they were in through their dedication on and off the fields of play. First up was Colton Moore who played baseball on the North team in the outfield last Sunday. The games were played at the Sue Morris Complex in Glenville. The South team swept the North in both games, but the North kept the games close.

Next, it was Issac Workman’s chance on Friday night at the South Charleston Community Center to showcase his talents on the North basketball team.  He played some good basketball and scored a couple of points, but the South team came back from a deficit in the first half and defeated the North.

Ryan Burdette was chosen to play in the North-South football game on Saturday and played on the South team.  He mainly played on special teams but got to play both defense and offense.  In the end, it was the North dominating the South 42-20.

Last, but not least, was Caitlyn Murphy who was selected to play on the South team in the North-South AA girls’ basketball game. When the smoke cleared, it was the North defeating the South by the score of 89-61.  Each one of these former students of CCHS took to the fields and the courts and played their guts out in the time that was given them to play. They played their final game as a Panther but will always be remembered as some of CCHS’s best athletes.  Congratulations to these athletes who no doubt will make an impact in whatever the future holds for them.