Kristen Bass prepares to serve in volleyball.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)

Jeremyah McWilliams was named Male Athlete of the Year and Kristen Bass was recognized as Female Athlete of the Year at Cape Fear Christian Academy’s graduation on Saturday morning at the school.

The awards were presented before the 2020 class received its diplomas because this year there was no spring sports banquet when those honors are usually presented.

The Male and Female Athlete of the Year generally go to upperclassmen who excel in multiple sports.

McWilliams transferred to CFCA for his senior year from New Life Academy in Fayetteville after starting his high school career at Overhills. He scored a goal in his first soccer game and later showed natural ability as goalie.

McWilliams averaged 10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots per game in basketball. He is heading to Pitt Community College to continue his hoops career.

McWilliams was playing baseball when the season was curtailed after one game, a 17-7 win at Lee Christian in six innings.

Bass was enrolled at CFCA throughout her academic career and was the 2020 valedictorian. She plans to continue her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Bass played setter in volleyball, point guard in basketball and third base in softball.

Bass also was named Female Athlete of the Year as a junior when she scored 38 points in a 62-52 win over Northwood Temple. She hit .483 and made all-state in helping the Eagles to the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association 1-A softball championship in 2019.

Jeremyah McWilliams (1) goes up for CFCA en route to the Senior Classic title.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)