Elba Tiger basketball standout Cobe Goosby continued to reap the rewards of a stellar senior season last week when he was named the Class 2A “Player of the Year” by the Alabama High School Athletic Association, at a ceremony in Montgomery.
“I want to thank God for the talent he gave me and for my parents and coaches for all they did for me over the years,” said Goosby in accepting the award. “I would like to say a special thank you to Coach Karl Bledsoe and for everyone in Elba for believing in me over the years.”
“It feels especially good to receive this honor,” continued Goosby. “There are so many outstanding players across the state in Class 2A. It is special to be recognized as being from the City of Elba, a small town with a big heart. It feels good to represent my school, my teammates and my coaches. I want to just thank everyone that supported me and hope they all know how much of a role they played in my success, both on and off the court.”
Goosby, a 6-4, forward, led the Tigers to a 27-2 record during the 2013-2014 season and to the school’s first-ever state championship in basketball. He averaged 15.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, and earned MVP honors at both the South Region and State Tournament. In two state tournament games, the Tiger standout scored a total of 40 points and pulled down 31 rebounds, including 17 points and 14 rebounds in the state championship win over Luverne. He connected on 9 of 14 free throws in the finals, including 4 of 6 in the final 32.3 seconds.
“I am very proud for Cobe,” stated Elba’s Coach Karl Bledsoe. “We always talk about being a team first and that teams win championships. This award today is another of those team honors. Of course he is the recipient of an individual award, and he is very deserving.”
“Cobe is the best basketball player I have coached during my years at Elba High,” added Coach Bledsoe. “I know he is the best at Elba since I have been there, and that spans 14 years. I’m not familiar with all the great players that came through over the years, but Cobe is right up there with the all-time best.”
“At first I didn’t really think I would win the award,” admitted Goosby, “but my Dad told me since we won the state championship I might have a good chance. I will admit I began to think about it as the day drew nearer to the banquet. This has to be the best year of my life in sports. We won the first state championship in basketball for our school, and now to win the player of the year award caps it off. It has been an awesome year!”

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