Durant's Bass, Freedom's LaMotte earn top soccer honors

APOLLO BEACH — The winners of the 25th annual Jose A. Alvarez Award were Durant's Freeman Bass and Freedom's Monique LaMotte.

"You've become part of a family," Alvarez said after presenting trophies to the winners in his Apollo Beach office/home.

The Hillsborough County award was created by Alvarez to recognize athletes and their accomplishments. Coaches nominate and vote for the finalists. In all, 26 players were on the final ballot.

Bass played sweeper for the 25-4 Cougars. He scored seven goals and made countless key defensive plays. He plans to attend Florida where he will play club soccer.

LaMotte scored 63 career goals for the Patriots. She will play soccer for the University of New Hampshire this fall.

Izzy Gould, Times staff writer