The Mules Booster Club has named Ireland Gowen and Sammy Durden of Poplar Bluff High School the January Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Sammy, a sophomore basketball player, has averaged 11 points, 9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game this season, helping to lead the team to a second-place victory during the Poplar Bluff ShowDown. In the classroom, he maintains an 11.0 weighted grade point average.

“Sammy is a pleasure to coach,” said Will Durden, his coach. “He is a great teammate. He is always trying to pick others up. He works hard and plays the game the right way.”

Ireland, a senior basketball player, has averaged 15 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this season. She tied the record for the most boards in a game with 21 against Kennett during the SEMO Conference Tournament in December. Ireland, a health occupations student, is ranked within the top three of her class, according to her coaching staff.

“Ireland has done an excellent job leading on and off the floor for us this season,” said Solely Dugas, her coach. “Her tenacity and willingness to rebound as well as score the ball have been the key components to our success so far this season. She is encouraging to her teammates and leads with grace and humility.”

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Cutline: Sammy Durden and Ireland Gowen are presented the AOM awards by Athletic Director Kent Keith on Monday, Feb. 10.