Freeport basketball team achieves in the classroom

The hardwood is not the only territory where the Freeport High boys basketball team excels.
For the second year in a row, the Freeport Bulldog basketball team (17-11) hit the books and captured the Academic Team Championship for Class 2A awarded by the Florida High School Athletic Association.
The Freeport Bulldogs topped the list of 11 schools with a cumulative GPA of 3.589.
"We stress grades continuously with these kids," said Freeport Coach David Burke.
Nevertheless, he said, "The kids we have now are self-motivated, because they know they have to pass to play.
"They are just a bunch of smart kids," Burke said.
Members of the state academic team are Spencer Martin, Alex Newkirk, Logan Wilburn, Jamey Goddin, Aaron Knight, Johnny McCormick, C.J. Bates, Chase Martin and Troy Hardester.
"It's a big achievement, not just for Freeport High, but to our sports program," Burke said.
"It's not just a win on the court or field but academically ... that means a lot to me."
The players are also excited about the award.
"It's pretty big," said senior player Knight. "It shows we are true student athletes."
"We all work hard and have good work habits," said Goddin, senior guard for the Bulldogs. "So it really came by no surprise."
Senior players Goddin and Bates say science is their favorite subject, while Knight and Hardester enjoy math. Martin says his favorite is history.
"Any time you can win an academic award ... it's great," said Freeport Principal Michael Murphy.
"It shows they are working hard in the classroom as well as on the court," he said, noting it takes a good attitude and discipline to attain such an achievement.