Junior High Athletes Impress With High Academics and Perfect Attendance

WOOD RIVER - Five Lewis & Clark Junior High School student athletes were recognized by the LCJH District 15 school board on Feb. 24, 2026, in Wood River, Illinois, for earning spots on the Boys Basketball All Academic Team, an honor created this year by Coach Overton and Kraig Daniels.

The board recognized Malik Turner, an eighth-grader, and seventh-graders Lincoln Brame, Harrison Hawkins, Gabriel Daniels and Hudson Gonzales during the recent board meeting at Lewis & Clark Junior High School.

To make the team, students had to end the first semester on the high honor roll, have good attendance during the first semester and never have academic restraints during the basketball season. Brame was noted for perfect attendance during the first semester.

“These five student athletes went above and beyond in the classroom to make this team,” Daniels said. “This was an award Coach Overton and I created this year. This was our 1st year coaching at LCJH, and these 5 kids really impressed us.”

Daniels also highlighted Brame’s family support. “I also want to give a shout out to Lincoln’s parents Chessie and Michael,” he said. “Lincoln having perfect attendance is a testament to them motivating and encouraging him to get to school every day on time, ready to go.”

Daniels thanked school administrators for their support during the season.

“We would also like to send a thank you to the school admin for being great to us this season,” he said, naming “Mrs. Lemon, Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Falk, and Mrs. Ripperda.”

“These five didn’t let any distractions stop them from achieving this award,” Daniels said.

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