By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

(Editors Note: This is the second of a four part series on standout student/athletes in the “Southern Six” that recently completed their careers and graduated.)

KILN — Last year, Hancock senior standout Brooklyn Cuevas took home the SouthMiss6 Sports “Girls Basketball Player of the Year”.

Also last season, Lady Hawk softball stalwart Teegan DeWitt was named the SouthMiss6 Sports “Player of the Year” in that particular sport.

However, when a pair of HHS multi-sport standouts received their diplomas in commencement proceedings Friday night, it left a void on several different Hancock High squads that will be hard to fill.

Senior classmates and teammates Cambria Necaise and Abigail Carver recently wrapped up their playing days with the Lady Hawks when Hancock fell to eventual Class 6A state champs George County in the South State finals. And although both have graduated, their playing days and exploits while donning several different uniforms for Hancock High won’t soon be forgotten.

That’s because both Necaise and Carver weren’t just factors on the softball diamond for the Lady Hawks, but the basketball court as well over the past couple of years leading both teams to the state final round.

In basketball, Hancock has been a perennial power in the state over the past three years, piling up an almost inexplicable 84-8 record. The Lady Hawks were one of just a couple of girls’ prep basketball teams in the state that won at least 27 games each season over the past three campaigns.

Carver helped control the ball in the back court for the Lady Hawks and Necaise contributed in several ways in a dual swing spot as a guard/small forward as well.

“Cam and Abby have been staples in Hancock Athletics for years,” HHS head girls basketball coach and Athletics Director Jamie Sisco said. “Both of them are tough, selfless and have been relentless for us in multiple sports. Having student/athletes like Cam and Abby is what makes coaching the most satisfying occupation that exists.”

As juniors last season, Carver and Necaise served in solid supporting roles as the current William Carey player Cuevas dazzled the Lady Hawks to a sparkling 30-2 record and a spot in the overall Class 6A Final Four at the “Big House” in Jackson.

 Then, to put an exclamation point on their junior campaigns, the dynamic duo guided Hancock to the Class 6A state championship series in softball after eliminating GCHS in the South State finals.

This season, in their senior campaigns, the outfield duo of Necaise and Carver guided HHS back within one step of a return trip to the Mississippi Coliseum in hoops as well as within one step of doing the same thing in softball.

In addition, Necaise was an important factor for the Lady Hawks volleyball team this season as it advanced to the Class 6A state finals and finished 30-5.

“I’m gonna miss coaching them both,” Hancock softball head coach Joe Rankin said. “It’s their example. Abby playing two sports at a high level, Cam playing three! Those two young ladies make coaching fun. Abby is one of the most dependable human beings I have ever met. Cam is Hancock! Watch her play any sport…she has no regard for her body because she just wants to win.”

And Rankin gave both the beloved Lady Hawk stalwarts the perfect evaluation.

“The most impressive thing is how they handled themselves in the classroom. We often look at stats to determine impacts, but those two young ladies are two of the best I have ever coached because of everything they do on and off the field. They made me a better coach and a better person.”