Richmond Hill had three of its athletes sign college letters of intent last Wednesday and girls lacrosse coach Megan Mc-Donough announced four of her players had been named to the Area 5A-6A all-region team.
The all-region picks were not the only good news for Richmond Hill girls lacrosse as former Wildcats standout defender Tatum Williams was a freshman member of this year’s NAIA national championship Reinhardt University team.
Playing at Savannah’s Memorial Stadium the Eagles beat SCAD, 18-10, in the national semifinals and then hammered defending champion Lawrence Tech, 18-8, in the championship game. In two seasons at Richmond Hill Williams helped the Wildcats go 22-10 including winning a region championship and advancing to the Elite Eight as a junior.
Williams is believed to be the first former Richmond Hill athlete to play on a national championship team.
Heading the signees was baseball’s Jacob Montellbano who is headed to Brewton-Parker College and he was joined in the East Cafeteria ceremonies by football offensive lineman Ashton Fisher who signed with Brevard College and track middle distance runner Elijah Fitts who inked with Augusta University.
Baseball coach Hill Thomas was excited and happy for Montellbano who as a pitcher and outfielder saw the Wildcats reach the state playoffs all three of his varsity seasons, twice advancing to the Sweet 16.
“Jacob is one of the most exceptional young men I’ve ever coached or met,” said Thomas who just finished his second season with the Wildcats. “I’ve never heard him complain, make an excuse or speak negatively. It’s truly remarkable.”
And if Montellbano had complained it would have been understandable as he missed a major portion of the season due to injury. “Jacob had an unfortunate injury at the start of region play that caused him to be sidelined for the rest of the region schedule,” Thomas said. “However, due to his strong work ethic and determination he was able to come back and start on the mound for Senior Night.
“He is loved and appreciated by his teammates and coaches. We know he will achieve great things at Brewton Parker.”
While McDonough, who is now 49-19-1 in five seasons, and her team was disappointed with not being able to get out of the first round this year for the first time since she took over the program the future looks bright.
Junior Avery Washington, sophomore Jayla Baker and freshman Kylan Tucker-Flynn were all first team picks while junior Arieah Brown was a second- team selection.
Washington led the Wildcats in scoring with 59 points as she had 41 goals and 18 assists in helping lead Richmond Hill to a 9-5-1 record and a second-place finish in the area standings.