Cold Springs' Triston Chambers, one of three finalists for Class 2A Player of the Year, peers across the room during the ASWA's annual basketball awards banquet Thursday at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery.

MONTGOMERY — Lawson Schaffer couldn’t be at the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s annual awards banquet Thursday, so the basketball banquet was brought to him.

Unable to make an appearance due to a previously planned spring break trip, the Cullman senior settled for a post-event FaceTime session to see the hardware he collected.

Schaffer’s bounty included a beautiful plaque reserved for the Class 6A Player of the Year, as well as a coveted spot on the Super 5. The latter squad consists of the ASWA’s picks for the five best boys basketball players in the state regardless of classification.

Schaffer and Cold Springs’ Triston Chambers, who was in the flesh as a 2A finalist, accounted for two of the mere 24 invitations extended on the boys side. As emcee Jeff Sentell of the Alabama Media Group pointed out, there’s roughly 6,000 boys basketball players in the entire state, meaning the two dozen left standing Thursday in Montgomery represented the top .4 percent — yes, that’s less than half a percent — in Alabama hoops.

Schaffer secured his accolades with a senior season filled with magical moments. The 5-11 sharpshooter averaged 21.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 3.5 steals for the season and 31.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, four assists and 3.5 steals during Cullman’s two-game showing at the Northwest Regional Tournament.

The Bearcats (24-9) capped off the winter third in the ASWA’s 6A rankings.

Schaffer might’ve been the only one surprised he was selected as 6A Player of the Year. The point guard figured more emphasis would’ve been placed on winning or playing in a state championship, credentials his competition — Carver-Montgomery’s Brandon Austin and Lee-Huntsville’s Gerron Scissum — both had covered.

“It’s quite an honor because we didn’t win the 6A state championship,” Schaffer said in a phone interview with The Times. “To me, I don’t think I should be viewed as that because if you’re the best player, you should be able to win a state championship for your team.

“It just shows how good we were and how fun we were to watch.”

Schaffer’s 24 points were good for fourth in the vote for Mr. Basketball and his inclusion on the Super 5.

Theodore’s Dazon Ingram (65 points) headed up the talent-heavy team by edging Madison Academy’s Joshua Langford (60) for Mr. Basketball. J.O. Johnson’s John Petty (34) was third and Spain Park’s Austin Wiley (17), fifth.

“The four other guys that were named to it are probably four- or five-star kids that are possibly going to go play in the NBA,” Schaffer said. “And I’m maybe a two-star that doesn’t really have any offers (laughs). It’s crazy.”

Schaffer does have a Division I offer from Furman — and more than he can count from D-II down — but is still leaning toward accepting a preferred walk-on invitation from Auburn. He said he’ll most likely connect with Auburn coach Bruce Pearl after spring break to set up one last visit with the Tigers and make his decision from there.

At this point, don’t expect Schaffer’s favorite to change.

“It’s kind of obvious,” he said. “We’ll see, though.”

From one college prospect to another, Chambers looked right at home at the Alabama Activity Center.

Tan dress pants? Check.

White, button-up dress shirt? You betcha.

Black tie? Of course.

And … basketball sneakers? Yeah, those too.

The Cold Springs’ phenom didn’t let forgetting his dress shoes stand in the way of having a good time. Chambers chatted it up with fellow 2A finalist Jonathan Fletcher, of area-rival Tanner, throughout the afternoon and kept his poise when the verdict came down Luverne’s Donta’ Hall was the Player of the Year.

After all, being one of the last 24 hoopsters to make the cut is hardly anything to be depressed about.

“It’s an honor,” Chambers said. “There’s a lot of great players here. All the glory goes to God.”

With a bounce in his jump shot unmatched by anyone in Cullman County, Chambers led Cold Springs to the program’s first No. 1 ranking in 20 years and the Eagles’ latest regional berth. The 6-2 point guard closed out his third varsity campaign with eight rebounds, four assists and a 2A-best 28 points a game.

Unlike Schaffer, Chambers still has one more season in the high school ranks. Barring tragedy, he’s confident it’ll end with a repeat trip to Montgomery — and this time, the plaque.

“Next year I’ll have a good chance at it,” Chambers said. “I’ve just got to keep working hard and pray to God that an injury doesn’t happen.”

The high-flyer’s D-I offers — for now — include UAB, Samford, Furman, IUPUI and Appalachian State. Witchita State, Troy, South Alabama, Georgia, Belmont, Lipscomb, Mercer, The Citadel, Tennessee Tech, Wofford, Murray State, Cornell, Texas Pan Am, Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee.

A lot for the average teen to take in, eh? Not Chambers, who’s been on several recruiting radars for quite some time now. He’s likely to verbally commit to his destination of choice at the end of the summer or sooner.

“It’s still early,” Chambers said. “I haven’t put much thought into it, but when I do, there’s always going to be that factor of playing time and the coach. I look forward to getting deeper in that decision as the summer goes on.”

Huntsville’s Shaquera Wade was named Ms. Basketball. She was joined on the girls Super 5, in order, by Blount’s Cierra Johnson, Jeff Davis’ Jasmine Walker, Austin’s Tyra Johnson and Wenonah’s Kaitlyn Rodgers.

Thursday’s banquet was sponsored by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association.