BOONEVILLE, Miss. - Seven of Northeast Mississippi Community College's top student-athletes from the 2020-21 academic year have earned the athletic department's most distinguished accolade.

Northeast has selected the recipients of its Tiger Awards, which are presented annually to an athlete from each sports program that represents their team and the institution as a whole in a positive manner both on-and-off the field or court of competition.

Alex Cornelison started in every game for the nationally ranked football team at one of four wide receiver slots. He made two total catches with a season-best 12-yard grab against Northwest Mississippi Community College.

The Tishomingo County High School alumnus did not obtain this decoration based on cumulative statistics or anything related to his skill set, though, according to head coach Greg Davis.

"Out of 21 years of coaching, Alex was the only player I've ever had to give up his scholarship to another player because he wanted us to have a successful season," he said. "He was willing to sacrifice his personal gain for the team. His unselfishness and his desire to have a positive attitude every single day helped us win."

Conner Davis made history by becoming the first member of the Northeast baseball program to acquire National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Player of the Week honors. He had 10 hits, four runs scored, four stolen bases and four RBIs over the course of four contests.

Booneville's Davis secured All-Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) honorable mention distinction after guiding the Tigers with team-highs of 44 hits, six triples and 17 stolen bases. He will continue his career at Eastern Kentucky University.

"Conner is exactly what you want as a coach. He's a leader on the field and wants to win," said Northeast headman Richy Harrelson. "He's a great young man with a bright future."

Brylee Kate Duncan, who graduated from Kossuth High School, is the Tiger Award winner for the cheerleading program. She was one of eight sophomores on the 20-member unit.

The cheerleaders did not get to make as many appearances as usual last year due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic, but they were on hand at home football games and at Northeast's playoff basketball matchups inside Bonner Arnold Coliseum.

"Brylee Kate stepped up and stayed positive during a very tough season," Northeast head coach Chasity Moore said. "I believe her work ethic and dependability will help her succeed in her future endeavors."

Jake Kilcrease is one of three Tigers that qualified for the NJCAA Division II National Tournament as an individual entrant. He was the runner-up for the Tommy Snell Award, which is given to the golfer with the lowest scoring average in the MACCC.

The Brantley, Ala., native was named to the All-MACCC first-team after posting 73.69 shots per round. Kilcrease, who collected all-tournament recognition five times, will play the next two years at Troy (Ala.) University.

"Jake just meant a lot to me," said Northeast headman Derek DeVaughn. "He was an all-around good kid that comes from a great home. He led the program in a positive way. It was always fun just to be around him."

Taylor King of Smithville met the definition of a utility player perfectly. She saw action around the infield at second base, third base and catcher throughout her tenure with the softball team.

King accumulated a .308 batting average with 41 hits, 34 runs scored, seven doubles, two triples, five home runs and 29 RBIs. She had a solid glove as well with only seven errors in 144 total chances for a fielding percentage of .951.

"Taylor is not your typical vocal leader. She leads by example," Tigers head coach Jody Long said. "She practiced hard, played hard and pushed those around her to do their best. Taylor's teammates have her respect because she gives respect and encourages others."

Braxton Pritchard from Iuka helped men's basketball capture its first MACCC title since 2000 and repeat as division champions by providing a consistent presence on the defensive side of the court.

He tied for the second highest three-point percentage among Northeast's usual rotation at 33.3. Pritchard recorded a season-best 10 points in a victory over Mississippi Delta Community College.

"Braxton came to Northeast and excelled with his leadership, toughness and winning attitude," said Tigers headman Cord Wright. "He is everything that a coach wants in his program. I'm very pleased he chose to be a part of our culture."

Dekenzie Sharp is the only true freshman on this listing. She received the starting nod in all 15 contests at point guard and finished second for the Lady Tigers with 8.8 points per outing.

The Tupelo product had seven double-digit performances, including three-in-a-row during the middle of March. Sharp scored a career-high 16 points in a heartbreaking overtime loss to Holmes Community College.

"As a team captain, Dekenzie deserves this award," Northeast head coach Brenda Mayes said. "She was a go getter. She was exhausted after every game. Defensively, she was everywhere."

The Tiger Award is sponsored each year by the Northeast Alumni Association. It has been a tradition since Northeast first started intercollegiate athletic competition in the late 1940s.