Best of Laney: Boys No. 6, 5 and 4

In an effort to determine the best 10 male and female athletes at each Wilmington school (Ashley, Cape Fear Academy, Coastal Christian, Hoggard, Laney, New Hanover and Wilmington Christian Academy), I selected a panel of qualified individuals to vote. The participants included: former and current coaches, administrators and ADs, media members and even fans. Each individual voted anonymously with their No. 1 athlete receiving 10 points, No. 2 athlete receiving 9 points and so on. 

The next school to have their 10 top athletes revealed is Laney. A total of 17 people voted and the results will be released throughout the week.

Monday, Aug. 3: Boys and Girls 10, 9, 8 and 7 as well as honorable mention (anyone else who received votes)

Tuesday: Aug. 4: Boys 6, 5 and 4

Wednesday, Aug. 5: Girls 6, 5 and 4

Thursday, Aug. 6: Boys 3, 2 and 1

Friday, Aug. 7: Girls 3, 2 and 1

Boys Honorable Mention

• Luke Tendler (29 points and 1 first-place vote)
• Cory Stukes (26 points)
• Samson Williams (24 points)
• Jeff Ferrell (21 points and 1 first-place vote) and Ryan LaGrange (21 points and 1 first-place vote)
• Marcus Hands and Sherod Sidbury (20 points)
• Ronald Hill  and Larry Williams (19 points)
• Travis Johns and Tanner Sewell (16 points)
• Mike Sheehan and Matt Tysinger (9 points)
• Tristan Nelson (8 points)
• Brandon Ellington and Wesley Nelson (7 points)
• Christian Caveness (6 points)
• Niki Puente, Blair Waggett, Imeek Watkins and Cael Willis (5 points)
• Cedric Baker, Boomer Boyd and Ashaad Yeoman (4 points)
• Marcus Mondragon and Chris Sutton (3 points)
• Kyle Costello and Lee Jones (2 points)

Boys No. 10 

Darren Dickerson (35 points)

Class of 2000

Click here to read more about Darren

Boys No. 9

Elijah Wilson (36 points and 1 first-place vote)

Class of 2012

Click here to read more about Elijah

Boys No. 8

Rashaad Tindall (38 points)

Class of 2002

Click here to read more about Rashaad

Boys No. 7

Kevin Saravia (44 points and 2 first-place votes)

Class of 2017

Click here to read more about Kevin

Boys No. 6

Tre Whitted (58 points)

Class of 2003

Whitted starred in basketball and was also a member of the track & field team during his career as a Buccaneer. He averaged 15.6 points and 6 rebounds as a junior and finished with 21.5 points and 8.5 rebounds as a senior to earn Co-Mideastern Conference Player of the Year honors. Whitted scored more than 1,000 career points and surpassed Michael Jordan for fifth on the program’s all-time scoring list. He was inducted into the Laney Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. Whitted went on to play at Marshall and finished with 860 points, 384 rebounds and 139 assists. He then played professionally for four seasons, including two in the NBDL (now called the G League).

“Quality in every way. Tre was a complete player and person. His work ethic to improve his game was evident throughout his career.” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 5

Taqiy Muhammad (63 points)

Class of 2000

Muhammad had a stellar career in football and track & field during his time at Laney. On the track, he was third at the 4A State Championship in the 300-meter hurdles as a junior with a time of 39.23. As a senior, he was third in the 110 hurdles (14.77) and 300 hurdles (39.53). Muhammad still holds the program record in the 110 hurdles at 14.65. He was an extremely versatile football player, lining up at quarterback, running back, defensive back and linebacker during his career with the Buccaneers. As a junior, he rushed for 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. He finished with 1,668 yards in 11 games as a senior, including a 279-yard performance against West Carteret. Muhammad continued his career at Butler Community College, where he made 55 tackles and was named an All-American as a sophomore. He then transferred to South Carolina, where he saw time at both wide receiver and cornerback. 

“One of the most complete athletes to ever come through the Laney program. His speed, strength and toughness allowed him to excel.  His senior football season was one of the best individual performances I ever witnessed, all while playing with multiple injuries.” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 4

Stephen Batts (75 points and 2 first-place votes)

Class of 2004

A two-sport standout, Batts competed in soccer during the fall and baseball in the spring. As a three-year starter at goalkeeper on the soccer team, Batts recorded 19 career shutouts. He had nine shutouts as a senior and also finished with 281 saves and a 1.33 goals against average to earn a spot on the NCSCA All-State team. He was also the Regional Co-Player of the Year. On the diamond, Batts helped Laney go 31-17 over his final two seasons. He hit .403 with seven doubles, five home runs, 18 RBI and 27 runs from the leadoff spot as a senior. Batts was a member of the 2020 Laney Athletic Hall of Fame class. He originally signed with ECU for soccer and joined the baseball team as a walk-on, but he transitioned fully to baseball once the soccer program was cut. He ended up becoming one of ECU’s best all-time players. He is currently third in hits (293) and runs (205), fourth in doubles (55) and fifth in RBI (179). Batts also had a 29-game hit streak that was the school record until Bryant Packard broke it in 2018. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 19th round of the 2009 MLB Draft and hit .244 with 30 doubles, 10 home runs, 56 RBI and 79 runs in three seasons.

“Stephen was a Swiss Army knife in that he had the ability to succeed in any sport he chose. He probably could have been a standout on the football field or basketball court had he wanted to, but he focused on becoming the best soccer and baseball player he could. In addition to being a talented athlete, Stephen was also a genuinely nice person and a great leader.” – Anonymous voter