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Hinton, Jones win Alvarez soccer awards

BRANDON -- Rufus Hinton played a bigger role than he expected Thursday night during the 18th annual presentation of the Jose A. Alvarez Awards.

Hinton got his daughter, Jacqueline, to Alvarez's house without her knowing she was receiving the award given to the county's player of the year. But once there, he was also the one who broke the news to Tampa Bay Tech standout Don Jones, who won the boys award.

Jones said his parents told him to "get dressed because I was going to meet somebody important. I didn't know who until Mr. Hinton said, "Congratulations.' "

Alvarez, who spent 19 years coaching youth soccer teams, presents the award to seniors who excel on the field, in the classroom and as citizens. County coaches vote on the recipients.

While Jones is the first Titan to take home the hardware, Hinton is the second Durant player to win the award, joining Kellie Evans in 2000.

"I feel good to know I was part of the best team Durant has ever had," said Hinton, who thought she was headed to a work party for her father.

Hinton, the Times Player of the Year, set a school record with 22 shutouts in goal and ranks 10th in a class of 541 with a 5.66 weighted GPA.

After she finishes the club season for the Lakeland Lazers under-18 team, she will play for Oklahoma State next year.

Jones, who played midfield, forward, sweeper and even goalie once, has been the captain of the Olympic Development Team the past two years. He also has a big weekend on the horizon. He is preparing to lead the Countryside Lightning to the state cup.

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