By Staff
STATE'S BEST Sumter Academy lineman James Ozment was named Player of the Year for the class AA classification of the AISA. Photo by Matt Barrett/The Meridian Star
By Matt Barrett/The Meridian Star
Dec. 5, 2001
YORK, Ala. Sumter Academy's James Ozment was named the AA Alabama Independent Schools Association player of the year Monday the last man standing in a field of the state's 42 best athletes.
The 6-foot-5, 320-pound senior tackle led his 8-4 Sumter Academy team to the AA playoffs. The Eagles were eliminated by Marengo, which went on to win the state title. Sumter Academy defeated Marengo early in the year 27-14.
Ozment had also been named All-District for his second season, and received All-State honors for the 2001 season.
Ozment has played football since the seventh grade. With his great size and speed, he has dominated AA football since he was 16. He played tackle on both defense and offense for the Eagles.
The Sumter Academy Eagles sent three players to the Alabama All-Star game in Selma, Ala. senior quarterback Shane Martin, senior defensive end Chance LaCoste and James Ozment. Ozment received the Most Valuable Player award for the 2001 All-star game. The All-Star game divided Alabama's 66 best players into a Western and an Eastern team. Ozment led his Eastern team to a 28-0 victory.
Ozment is academically eligible and has plans to meet with several NCAA Division 1 colleges.
For the first time, Ozment is also playing basketball for the Eagles this year. His large frame made him a natural for the position of center.
James Ozment is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Ozment of Sumterville, Ala.