The Tuscaloosa area's winter sports scene was electric this past season, and the fans have spoken! Following a season of thrilling action on the hardwood, the mat, and the lanes, readers of The Tuscaloosa News have cast their votes to honor the top local athletes and coaches from the 2025-26 campaign.

From a pool of nominees drawn from the publication's All-Area teams, the community selected standout performers in basketball, wrestling, and bowling. These fan-voted awards celebrate the incredible talent and dedication that define high school sports in our region.

In girls basketball, Northridge senior forward Jakeya Horton powered her way to the Fan Vote Player of the Year title, capturing 35.03% of the vote. Horton was a force for the Jaguars, averaging 11.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while swiping 82 steals, helping lead her team to a 25-8 record. She capped a stellar high school career with over 1,150 points and nearly 600 rebounds.

Leading that successful Northridge squad, Jake Carnley was voted the Fan Vote Girls Basketball Coach of the Year with 35.27% of the vote. Carnley guided the Jaguars to the AHSAA Class 6A postseason, showcasing the program's competitive spirit.

On the boys' side, Brookwood senior guard Cory Moore's dynamic play earned him the Fan Vote Player of the Year honor, securing 34.74% of the vote. The 5-foot-10 playmaker stuffed the stat sheet, averaging 15.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, and finished his varsity career as a two-time All-Area selection.

Meanwhile, South Lamar's Chris Tucker was overwhelmingly voted the Fan Vote Boys Basketball Coach of the Year with 49.55% of the vote. Tucker masterfully led the Stallions to an impressive 27-4 record and a deep run to the Sweet 16 in the AHSAA Class 1A playoffs.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees! Your hard work and passion inspire us all and are what make local sports so special.