Calera’s George Drake was named 2A Basketball Player of the Year last week by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

It was his third straight year to be given the award.

Drake, who played

both guard and forward for the Eagles’ 2A state championship team, was named tournament MVP for his performance at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

Drake helped lead the Eagles to the AHSAA Final Four during each of his four seasons as a varsity starter.

Calera compiled a 121-19 record during that span.

Drake was named to the Final Four all-tournament team in each of his four trips to the BJCC.

He was also named tournament MVP in regional play the past four years.

After being recruited heavily to play college basketball, Drake chose Vanderbilt University over Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ole Miss and Auburn.

The 6-foot-3 standout finished his high school career with 2,764 points and 761 rebounds.

He also recorded nearly 300 assists and 200 blocked shots.

Drake finished second in the voting for the ASWA’s Mr. Basketball award, given to Center Richard Hendrix of Athens High School.

Hendrix received 189 votes while Drake received 123