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Bass, LaMotte earn awards

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By NICHOLAS J.E. MURRAY

nmurray@tampatrib.com

Published: April 16, 2009

APOLLO BEACH - Freeman Bass of Durant and Monique LaMotte of Freedom were named the winners of the Jose Alvarez Award on Wednesday as the top two senior soccer players in Hillsborough County.

Bass anchored the Cougars' defense as Durant recorded a team-record 25 wins en route to the Class 6A region final. The Cougars allowed less than a goal per game for the season, but Bass was also adept at joining the attack. His run and pass to set up Billy Fanning for the only goal in Durant's victory against Mitchell was typical of his play all season.

"It means a lot," Bass said. "I didn't really expect to win, just because I play defense. Defenders don't usually get any recognition."

LaMotte, who scored 63 goals in 60 games over three seasons for the Patriots and will play at the University of New Hampshire in the fall, said that with the quality of this season's senior class, she was surprised to win the award.

"It's incredible for me," LaMotte said. "Of all the people in Hillsborough County, I didn't think I would be the one. Freedom didn't get a lot of publicity compared to Newsome or Bloomingdale, so I thought one of them was going to win."

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