November/December 2013 Coastal Edition by ITG Next Magazine

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Coastal Edition

6 On The Cover Dynamic Duo

Nick Scott Damion Dixon

12 Academic Athlete Collin Edgar

November/December 2013

Player Spotlight Nick Fitzgerald Richmond Hill High School

20 Player Spotlight Stephanie Hawley St. Vincent's Academy

Also Inside 2012 GISA AA Divsion State Basketball Champions

On The Sidelines: Better Safe Than Sorry

South Effingham County High School

First Tee Golfer Christian Parker Lives a Golfer’s Dream

Lady Impact Players

Gentlemen Impact Players

In The Stands

2013 GHSA Region 1-AAA State Basketball Champions

Record Setting Inspirations Sam Geha, Cross Country

Competitive Cheerleading

FCA Inspirational Corner

Sophomore Standout Shae Leverett

Pinewood Christian Academy

30 Coach’s Corner Julie Jones Savannah Christian Preparatory School

38 Rising Star Anna Bolch Savannah Country Day School

Join KEN SLATS & the BLITZ team for the GAME OF THE WEEK every Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

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• Battery Creek High • Beach • Beaufort Academy • Beaufort High • Benedictine Military • Bethesda School for Boys • • Bible Baptist School • Bluffton High • Bryan County High • Bulloch Academy • Calvary Day School • Claxton High • • David Emanuel Academy • Effingham County High • Emanuel County Institute • First Presbyterian Christian • Groves High • •Heritage Academy • Hilton Head Christian Academy • Hilton Head Island High • Hilton Head Preparatory School • Islands High • • Jenkins County High • Jenkins High • Johnson High • Memorial Day School • Metter High • Pinewood Christian Academy • Portal High • •Richmond Hill High • Ridgeland Hardeeville High • Robert Toombs Academy • Savannah Arts Academy • Savannah Christian Preparatory • Savannah Country Day • Savannah High • Screven County High • South Effingham High • Southeast Bulloch High • St. Andrews • • St. Vincent’s • Statesboro High • Swainsboro High • Tattnall County High • Thomas Heyward Academy • Toombs County High • • Vidalia High • Whale Branch Early College High • Windsor Forest High • Woodville-Tompkins •

From the Publisher

in the

game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Publisher

Tom Hilliard

Editor

Mark Dykes Kaitlynn Passmore

Graphics

Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography

Tina Helmly Tina Helmly Photography

November is an exciting month as the fall high school sports campaign draws to a close with many state championship opportunities for teams in our Coastal area. Benedictine Military School, Statesboro, Richmond Hill, Hilton Head High, and Memorial Day School are just a few of the football teams headed to the playoffs. As any coach will tell you, it is the teams that are playing their best at the end of the season that win championships. Several local teams have bounced back from slow starts and are playing better as the season comes to a close. Softball teams are starting their playoff runs as this editorial is being written, and volleyball teams are soon to follow. Local cross country athletes are competing in their final meets, and teams are determining their top seven runners to compete at region beginning in early November.

Feature Photography

Competitive cheerleading, maybe the fastest growing high school sport, is also at the conclusion of its season. Teams are now polishing their highly entertaining two and a half minute routines for that grand finale performance.

Contributing Photography

Our second issue features several student athletes who are equally dedicated to their sports and schoolwork. While our magazine can only list a fraction of the excellent athletes in our area, I am continuously impressed with the amount of talent and team spirit that emanates from these schools.

Tina Helmly Tina Helmly Photography Chas Mills Photography Spicer Lyons Photography A.Davis Photography Larry Williams 4 Shots Sports Photography Jenny Pitts Photography

Feature Writers

Tom Hilliard Janice Hilliard Ruby Nicole Hilliard Robert Preston, Jr.

Copy Editors

Crystal Hubbard Ashley Dailey Tiffany Allnutt

Advertising/Marketing

Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Kaitlynn Passmore

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 T.J. Hilliard Enterprises, Inc. 866 Hilliard Road Sparks, GA 31647

Our Player Spotlight includes: Richmond Hill’s Nick Fitzgerald, a top football player in the area who is committed to Mississippi State, and Stephanie Hawley, a talented senior volleyball player at St. Vincent’s. Our Academic Athlete for this edition is Collin Edgar, a junior from Pinewood Christian Academy, and our featured Sophomore Standout, Shae Leverett, is already a top recruit basketball player from South Effingham High. From the eighth grade scene, we have designated Anna Bolch from Savannah Country Day as our Rising Star. In addition, the Coach’s Corner features Savannah Christian’s volleyball coach Julie Jones as she shares her love of coaching and her team’s success on the court. There are several special feature articles within this edition highlighting some outstanding athletes. Football duo Nick Scott and Damion Dixon are taking Bryan County’s team to the next level. Sam Geha offers us a look at the area’s top male high school cross country runner and his goal of a championship title. We also take a glance at Christian Parker, a senior from South Effingham, who just played at Pebble Beach, California, representing the Savannah First Tee program. Our ‘From The Sidelines’ article is focused on the role doctors and trainers play in keeping our football players safe. Finally, we offer a chance for our readers to learn about the skillfulness and precision of competitive cheerleading and its rising popularity. Winter sports are on the way, and as my wife and I take on the challenge of establishing this magazine, we would like to thank so many for their assistance, partnership, and kind words of encouragement. As my dad liked to remind me when I was young, “If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.” See you "In the Game."

Tom Hilliard In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2013 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

On The Cover

Nick Scott Bryan County High School 6

Damion Dixon

Dynamic Duo Leads Redskins by Tom Hilliard

uring the day Nick Scott and Damion Dixon are mild-mannered seniors at Bryan County High School, enjoying their last year in Pembroke and all the activities leading up to graduation in the spring. However, on Friday nights these two young men suit up in the football uniform of their beloved Redskins and are transformed into the Dynamic Duo, leading their team to a Region 2AA playoff position. Coach Mark Wilson says, “Nick and Damion are key players to both our offense and defense, and their play shows what a commitment to strength and conditioning will do for players.” Although Scott and Dixon began playing football in youth leagues, they have become better athletes through offseason work in the gym. Both players can bench press over 300 pounds, and Scott is squatting over 500 pounds. Their hard hitting and smart playing on the football field has become a major feat for the opposing teams to manage, making Friday nights extra-exciting for Redskin fans. As the loud speaker continues to repeat their names, you realize that this Dynamic Duo is looking to take over the game. Nick Scott, who rushed for 970 yards as a sophomore and then over 1,000 yards as a junior, is again on track for another outstanding season as a running back. The Redskins use a powerful T-formation to run the ball down field. This formation consists of three running backs in a line behind the quarterback, all down in a fourpoint stance. It’s a little unusual in this new age of spread offense, but it is an “old school” formation that says “we are running the ball right at you... try and stop us!” Scott is a key ball carrier as he pounds the opposing defense with his powerful legs. He has that college-preferred running combination that allows him to run up the middle, dragging the pile while also visualizing the defenders and breaking to the outside. One thing is for sure, as the game moves into the second half, opposing teams can expect to get a heavy dose of Nick Scott who seems to get stronger as the game goes on.

photography by Tina Helmly On defense Scott plays free safety and is fast enough to cover any running back or receiver as well as make some big hits. Damion Dixon plays offensive tight end and once caught an over-the-middle pass at the Calvary game while carrying two defenders over the goal line for the score. In the same game when Calvary tried an onside kick, Dixon used his position on the front line to quickly scoop up the ball and race down the right sideline for a large gain. However, Dixon is most well-known as the middle linebacker where his speed and agility are a factor on most downs. The middle linebacker's responsibility is to stop the ball-carrier from coming through the middle of the field and then to force the ball to the sideline. Dixon is extremely quick as he reads the play and runs to the ball. It becomes problematic for the ball carrier to maintain possession of the football when a fast and strong 235-pound linebacker ‘Dixon’ hits you full force. His tackles on opposing players have become the makings of a highlight reel. But that’s just Dixon doing his thing. His presence in the middle of the Redskin defense contributes greatly to a team that is putting together their first winning season in many years. Coach Wilson comments that when he came to Bryan County there was only one football player that could bench press over 200 pounds. Today they have 8-10 guys lifting over 300 pounds and 25 others lifting over 250 pounds. This offseason effort by the team has increased their overall team strength immensely. The results show as they have greater confidence in their bodies and more consistency during the battle on the field. This strong team has achieved a position in the postseason state football playoffs, an accomplishment the Redskins have not attained for several years. Whatever the result of the 2013 season, this Dynamic Duo of Nick Scott and Damion Dixon has helped bring Redskins’ football to a new level. While college football opportunities have yet to be announced, these young men are enjoying their friendship and making Friday nights in Pembroke, Georgia, the best entertainment in town. ITG

Nicholas

Scott

Damion Dixon

Class: Senior Jersey: #4 Ht: 6' Wt: 205 Position: Running Back, Outside Linebacker, Safety Mascot: Redskins

Class: Senior Jersey: #8 Ht: 6'1" Wt: 225 Position: Middle linebacker/ Running back Mascot: Redskins

Stats: Six Games. Rushed for 744 yds on 177 carries and 11 touchdowns Awards:

Stats:

Awards:

Bryan County News Player of the Year 2011 and 2012, First Team All Region 1-A 2011, First Team All Region 2-A 2012, Army Iron Man of the Year for Georgia 2011, Offensive Player of the Year 2011 and 2012, Rookie of the Year 2010

Most Memorable Game: My most memorable game so far was when we beat Calvary our first game and the game against Toombs County when we went into triple overtime and won. Sport you wish you could play: Baseball Most influential person to you: My mom Person you would like to meet : LeBron James

All-Region, Sophomore and Junior season

Favorites: Snacks: Protein Bar Junk Food: Debbie Cakes, Skittles, Reese Cups, & Oreo’s Health Food: None Hobby: Playing Video Games

Six Games. 66 tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery

Most Memorable Game: Probably my freshmen year against Portal High School. I caught nine catches for almost 200 yards and a touchdown. It was the last game I got to play with both of my older brothers. Years playing this sport? Six Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: Hang out with friends Sport you wish you could play: Probably baseball Most Influential person to you: My mom. She has always supported me no matter what. She is my role model. Person you would like to meet: Patrick Willis

Favorites: Book: The Bible Subject: Science Place to Travel: Florida College Team: Georgia Pro Teams: Miami Heat and the Philadelphia Eagles Pro Players: LeBron James and Michael Vick

“Nick is a great competitor and hates to lose at anything. He plays every snap on offense and defense. I am glad he is on my team.”

- Coach Mark Wilson

Snacks: Strawberry Shortcake little Debbie pies Junk Food: Munchies chips Health Food: Broccoli Hobby: Football/Weight lifting

Book: A Raisin in the Sun Subject: Science Place to Travel: Florida College Team: Georgia Tech Pro Teams: Cowboys Pro Players: Patrick Willis

“Damion is very strong and is the leader on defense. He makes all the calls and gets the players lined up. Very smart!”

- Coach Mark Wilson 9

Congratulations

2012 GISA AA Divsion State Basketball Champions

Winning It All! by Tom Hilliard

emorial Day School did not win the region championship, losing to First Presbyterian 44-51. Coach Michael Thompson says that loss really inspired the team and created a focus that drove them on a long playoff winning streak. The Matadors eventually would play the same First Presbyterian team again for the state title. This time the Matadors were up to the test. Tied after the first four quarters, the game would be decided in overtime. While screaming fans cheered on their team the Matadors

photography by Mark Sussman

stayed with their game plan and played great team ball. Memorial pulled out the win 6560 and captured the ultimate prize for a high school team: the state championship trophy. For a high school athlete, winning all the way through the state tournament produces a memory that will easily last a lifetime. Teammates will share stories for years and look forward to telling their children and grandchildren about the glory days of playing on the best team. Teams in the GISA AA Division need to worry about Memorial Day School basketball team’s returning starters. Coach

Michael Thompson is sitting pretty good this season as his team returns to round ball practice. What is better than one championship ring? Two of course, and that’s the beginning of a dynasty. Coach Thompson will depend on returning players like Alonzo Baker who led the team in scoring last year and 6’10” Deric Wright who likes hanging out around the boards. This team has experience, size, and talent at every position and can’t wait to get back on the court. Memorial no doubt is the team to beat this year in the GISA AA Division. ITG 11

Academic Athlete sponsored by:

Collin Edgar Pinewood Christian Academy

Collin Edgar has two brothers – an older brother named J.T. and a younger brother named Todd, who happens to be a freshman at Pinewood. Todd also plays football – he’s an offensive lineman – so the two have the opportunity to play football with each other. Edgar says it’s fun playing with his brother, but it also presents a few challenges. “We have to set aside our brother relationship and be teammates. It has its ups and downs, but for the most part, it’s enjoyable,” he says.

Collin's Favorites: Subject: Geometry and other practical math courses Sport to watch on TV: College football Team: Georgia Bulldogs Player: Todd Gurley Musician: Eminem Person to meet: Dwayne Johnson Sport you wish you could play: Mixed martial arts Place to travel: Australian Outback Superpower: Freeze time

Pinewood Junior Preparing for Military Career by Robert Preston, Jr.

t’s easy for high school athletes to get caught up in the moment and not give much thought to the future. Underclassmen in particular fall victim to this trap. The future seems so far away - after all, there will be plenty of time to plan a career and do all that adult stuff. Pinewood Christian Academy junior Collin Edgar refuses to adhere to that philosophy. Though 16 years old, the two-sport scholar-athlete already has his future mapped. And weapons, not athletics, play a major role in his future plans. Edgar, a 6’, 190-pound offensive lineman/ defensive end, enjoys everything about playing football. He loves practicing, running, lifting weights, doing all the grunt work football players must do to get better each day. For him, it’s all about preparation. There is no place in this world he would rather be than on the football field on Friday nights in the fall. Anything he can do to improve and gain an advantage over his opponents is something he relishes. Over the years, Edgar has played a couple of different offensive positions for the Patriots, including left tackle and fullback. On defense, he has always been a defensive end, and it’s the position he would rather play. “I enjoy playing on the line, but I also like having the freedom of a linebacker. It’s one position I hope I would never have to change,” he says. As much as he loves playing on defense, his biggest gridiron moment came when he was on offense, playing fullback. The Patriots were playing the Southland Academy Golden Raiders from Americus. The Patriots were down 14-7 on what would be their last possession and had driven inside the red zone. With under a minute left, quarterback D.J. Johnson completed a touchdown pass to get Pinewood within one. Head Coach Keith Wasson had a decision to make - kick the extra point for a tie or go for two for the win. The Patriots had a solid stable of running backs last year, and Wasson had faith in his offense to get the ball in the end zone for two. An extra point, particularly at the last second of a region contest, isn’t exactly a given. Wasson opted for the two-point conversion. Edgar was on the field at the fullback position. “My job was to go around the left end and hit the most dangerous player I could find,” he says. Edgar helped clear a path for running back Ethan Krumpula, who made it into the end zone. “It was make it or break it. We did what we had to do and made it,” recalls Edgar. The Patriots would go on to a 5-6 record and their first appearance in the playoffs in a couple of seasons. For 2013, Edgar and his team would like to build on the success they enjoyed last year. They wanted to beat Robert Toombs Academy, their biggest rival, again this year (which they did), go undefeated at home (as of this writing they were),

photography by Tina Helmly make the playoffs, and finish with a winning record. “Everybody says they want to win a championship. We want to get into the playoffs first. Then we’ll worry about the championship,” he says. During the fall, Edgar’s schedule can get rather hectic. Through all the craziness that is football season, he has always managed to maintain not just good but superlative grades. He has been on Pinewood’s Honor Roll, Achievement Roll, and he was the first person in his class to make the 1100 Club for scoring above 1100 on the SAT. Making good grades is simple but not necessarily easy. For Edgar, it all comes down to time management. “I go from school to practice then from practice home. Once I get home, I do my homework. You just have to be dedicated when it comes to school work,” he says. He remains focused on academics and tries to avoid waiting until the last minute to finish projects - though he admits that “procrastination has almost gotten me a few times.” For Edgar’s career goals, strong academics are a must. He hasn’t decided on a college yet, but he would like to major in mechanical engineering, join ROTC, then seek a career in the military. He is leaning towards the Army right now, where he hopes to become a Ranger. He is also considering the Air Force. “My grandfather was a pilot in the Air Force. I always admired that. I feel like I have good leadership qualities, and this is something I’ve wanted to do since I was little,” he says. ITG

LIFE On THE SIDELInES

There are people of all types meandering about on the sidelines of every football game. Sometimes the most important call of the game may not come from a coach or referee, but from the doctor who is attending on the sidelines. Dr. Rick Allnutt gives a glance into what happens on the sidelines.

Better Safe Than Sorry by Rick Allnutt, MD, MPH

He jogs to the end of the bench and back without new pain. He does a sprint with no new pain. I talk to the trainer who is satisfied that the player is good to go. I talk to the coach between plays who knows the player better than I do. He is in agreement that the tight end is good to go. Getting this agreement is important to the player’s good long-term health. I agree that the tight end is healthy enough to continue, though he may need anti-inflammatory medicine and ice to keep the strained ligament from swelling tonight. After missing three plays, the tight end returns to the game to the applause of the stadium crowd. It could have gone worse, but it didn’t. I took a player out for three plays to make sure that he would not further injure himself. This was necessary to make sure that he would be able to play next week and the week after. It’s better to be safe than sorry. PHOTO By JENNy PITTS

tanding at the sideline of the Friday-night football game, I see the tight end take a substantial hit on the outside of his right knee. He grabs his knee and does not get up immediately. He tries to get up but falls down to the ground when he puts weight on the right leg. I’m the assigned physician for the game. I had introduced myself to the referee before the game started. He told me to feel free to stop play if I saw any injury on the field. The coach and the trainer also had seen the hit and ran onto the field moments after I started for the down player. The referee stopped play. I do a brief examination on the field. There is no evidence of a broken bone. The knee is stable and is not dislocated. The player feels me touch his right ankle. He is willing to let me move his right knee, though it is tender. The trainer and a teammate support the player as he waves bravely to the crowd on the way back to the bench. He sits on the bench, and I now have time to do a better assessment of the tight end’s knee. I divide my attention between firstly encouraging the players that he is just fine and needs to get back out on the field and secondly my responsibility to decide whether this player is well enough to continue to play. So far, the coach is neutral on whether his player should go back out. That’s good. It gives me the latitude to make a good clinical decision without having to play politics with the coach. My second examination shows that nothing hurts worse than it did on the field. Actually, the pain seems to be a bit better. I press on the ligament on the inside of the right knee, and the player does not object. There is no tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL). The tight end is now able to bear weight on his right knee. He walks almost normally.

Player Spotlight

Nick Fitzgerald Richmond Hill High School

Wildcats Quarterback Headed to Mississippi State After Just One Year Under Center by Robert Preston Jr.

ootball is often a game of opportunity, and players don’t get many chances to make an impact. When your number is called, you better make the most of it. you don’t get many second chances on the gridiron. Richmond Hill senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald knows this all too well. He has been presented with a tremendous opportunity this season, and he’s not about to let it go to waste. Fitzgerald, a 6’5”, 210-pounder, is one of the most versatile players on the Wildcats' roster. Upon arriving at Richmond Hill High School as a freshman, he had been chosen as the Wildcats’ quarterback of the future. But there was one obstacle standing in his way: Dominique Allen, a dual-threat quarterback with tremendous talent (who is now in the Air Force). So Allen, who was one year ahead of Fitzgerald, had a lock on the quarterback position as long as he stayed healthy. If Fitzgerald was going to see the field, he would have to do so at another position. He played some special teams and safety but eventually found a home as Allen’s primary target at wide receiver. Last year, his coaches also had him run the second team offense in practice. Likewise, Fitzgerald dropped down to the junior varsity a few times so he could play quarterback. Fitzgerald proved to be a reliable receiver for Allen. In the Wildcats’ run-oriented triple option attack, Fitzgerald caught 18 passes for 400 yards and seven touchdowns. He also used the opportunity at receiver to study opposing defenses from another

photography by Tina Helmly point of view. “you can see the defense better as a wide receiver. you get another look at how the safeties and cornerbacks move around on certain plays. It’s definitely helped me read coverages,” he says. The Wildcats enjoyed their best season in a long time last year. They won eight games and made the playoffs but ended up losing a close one in the first round to Warner Robins. Heading into the 2013 season, Fitzgerald and the rest of the Wildcats wanted to pick up where they left off the previous year. So far, they are well on their way to accomplishing their goal. As of In the Game’s press time, Richmond Hill was 4-0 and hadn’t really been tested. Fitzgerald had indeed made the most of his one season under center; six of his nine completions were touchdowns, and he had 49 rushes for 480 yards and 11 touchdowns. Given Fitzgerald’s size and speed (he runs the 40 in 4.8), he always knew he could play football in college. He just didn’t know exactly where he would end up. Two years ago, letters from smaller programs started coming in. Once again, the opportunity was there; he would just have to make the most of it. This past summer, as he was preparing to lead the Wildcats' offense, Fitzgerald attended several different camps that featured coaches from larger schools. Mississippi State had come to the table in the spring and invited Fitzgerald to a camp in Starkville. He attended and right after the camp, the Bulldogs offered him a scholarship. “I wasn’t that

ick Fitzgerald also played basketball and baseball. In particular, he enjoyed playing baseball and actually began that sport before he took up football. A couple of years ago, though, the writing was on the wall: Fitzgerald’s future would be in football. Reluctantly, he gave up the other sports so he could focus on football. “It was a difficult decision. But I was better at football, and I knew that’s where my future was. It turned out to be the right decision,” he says.

surprised. They were pursuing me the most,” he says. Fitzgerald thought Mississippi State would be a good fit all along. Head Coach Dan Mullen is a respected head coach with a knack for developing quarterbacks. Fitzgerald also enjoyed meeting with the players and coaches. “Coach Mullen is one of the best in the country. I really want to study under him,” he says. Fitzgerald plans to graduate early from Richmond Hill then report to Mississippi State in January. With so much going on, it would be easy to let all the attention distract him from

the task at hand. He refuses to let that happen and is committed to his Wildcat teammates. Fitzgerald takes his role as Richmond Hill’s leader very seriously, and he isn’t about to let anything derail the Wildcats’ plans for this season. “One day last year, my head coach called me into his office and said he wanted to talk to me. He told me that I would be a great leader, but I had to learn to serve first. That really stuck with me, and it has compelled me to be better for my team,” he states. So far, Fitzgerald has been about as good for his team as anyone could ask. ITG

Nick's Favorites Subject: Weightlifting Snack: Chex Mix Healthy food: Honey roasted peanuts Sport to watch on TV: College football College team: Mississippi State College player: Tyler Russell Pro team: Patriots Who would you most like to meet? David Green. “He was a phenomenal college quarterback, and anyone who knew him would tell that he was an ever better leader for his team.” If you could have a superpower what would it be? X-ray vision 18

Player Spotlight sponsored by:

Stephanie Hawley St. Vincentâ€™s Academy

Volleyball has taught Stephanie Hawley more lessons than could be listed in this space. The most important, she says, are time management and the importance of having good people around you. â€œYou have to manage your time to do well academically." 20

Senior Outside Hitter Leads the Region Champion Saints On and Off the Court by Robert Preston Jr.

hen Stephanie Hawley was beginning her sophomore year in high school, she decided to make a significant change. She had spent her freshman year at Savannah Christian Preparatory School but returned to St. Vincent’s because she missed her friends there. Going back to St. Vincent’s, however, presented an unforeseen problem that very nearly complicated her sophomore year. Hawley was also a volleyball player who was looking forward to joining her St. Vincent’s teammates on the court when she returned. (When she was at Savannah Christian, she played for a year under this month’s Coach’s Corner, Julie Jones.) Hawley was shocked when she learned that she might have to sit out her sophomore volleyball season. Because of Georgia High School Association rules regarding school transfers, Hawley needed a waiver to be able to play. She had been playing volleyball for more than five years and had set aside several other sports just so she could focus on volleyball. To be unable to play immediately would have been a crushing blow. The GHSA granted Hawley’s waiver, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. She had three goals that year: get the waiver, make the Saints' varsity team, and start on varsity. After Hawley got the waiver, she found out that she not only made varsity, but she was also in the starting line-up for the Saints’ first game. “I was so surprised,” she recalls. “I really didn’t expect to start.” That 2011 volleyball season kickstarted a superb career for Hawley that has culminated this year with a second straight region championship and has the girls poised for what will hopefully be a deep run through the state playoffs. This year,

photography by Tina Helmly the Saints started out slow but peaked at the right time. “We have a competitive team. We do lots of conditioning, and we’re in great shape,” she says. Hawley, an All-Area selection last year, is one of the Saints’ leaders, and it’s a role she takes very seriously. She was named team captain for 2013, and she is committed to setting a good example for her peers both on and off the court. Hawley remains focused on her goals, which revolve around being the best student and the best volleyball player she can be. A recognized scholar-athlete, Hawley is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and an honor student. Her performance on the court has been just as impressive. As of this point in her career, she has 278 kills, 64 aces, and 248 digs. Then, of course, there are those two consecutive region titles she helped win. “Volleyball is just fun because of the atmosphere and the team aspect. I have played other sports that were more individual, but I love being part of a team. I try my best to keep the team positive and to encourage and congratulate everyone,” she says. Volleyball has taught Hawley many lessons. The most important, she says, are time management and the importance of having good people around you. “you have to manage your time to do well academically. I’m always doing my schoolwork on the bus, in between games, or if I have free time during classes,” she says. Regarding her support network, she firmly believes that to be successful, a person must have others around - both for support and so she can encourage them. “you need others who support you and people you can also support. That’s very important.” Another of Hawley’s long-term goals is to play volleyball in college. Thus far, she has no offers,

During the spring, Stephanie Hawley is also a member of the St. Vincent’s track team. Last year was her first year on the track. She ran the 100 meter hurdles and, in the process, had to learn an entirely new set of skills to be competitive. There was a steep learning curve for her, but she made some significant improvements over the season. Hawley enjoyed track, but she may not get to play this year. “I’ve got to get a job before I go to college. Something has to give, and it looks like it’s going to be track,” she laughs.

but she is planning to attend a showcase this fall in Atlanta. She will have the opportunity to work out in front of college coaches in hopes of landing a spot on a team next year. She would like to stay in the Southeast and pursue a biology or chemistry degree while she plays volleyball. If volleyball isn’t in her future, Hawley will simply shift 100 percent of her focus to academics.

That support network she previously mentioned? Her parents are a major component of her network, and she depends on their guidance and leadership. And they have given her the best advice possible. “Both my parents are very knowledgeable, and they have made me aware that grades are important. My grades are what will determine my future,” she states. ITG

Stephanie's Favorites:

NFL team: Atlanta Falcons Subject: Biology Snack: Anything with Nutella on it College team: Penn State College player: Katie Butler of Converse College

Pro team: USA beach volleyball team Player: Kerri Walsh Person to meet: Bethany Hamilton Sport you wish you could play: Gymnastics Place to travel: Australia Superpower: Mind reading

Leverett sets her goals high.

Sophomore Standout

She wants to make all A’s, graduate with honors, win a regional championship in basketball, and will settle for no less than being in the Elite Eight in basketball and volleyball. Her mother, Andrea Leverett, says her daughter’s head is all in the game.

Shea Leverett

South Effingham High School

High Impact by Ruby Hilliard

hea Leverett is determined to get your attention. The 15-year -old, 6’2” sophomore at South Effingham High School is certainly making herself known in the sports world, and she’s hard to miss on the court. She plays basketball and volleyball for the Lady Mustangs where she literally stands out from the other ladies. Her freshman year in basketball, she earned membership in the 250-point club and the 500-point club. She is most proud of her heightin-post, rebounding and scoring. In volleyball, her team was first team in the All-Region Championship, and she was chosen as the KIA Player of the Week. She is already making a name for herself on the local level. When asked about how she became the Kia Player of the Week for volleyball, she says, “The coaches for all the schools decide on whom it will be. They were all preparing their defense strategies for the season, and my name kept

photography by Tina Helmly coming up as the one to be prepared to defend against.” Her basketball coach, Stacey Womack, says she never saw a junior varsity team but went straight to varsity out of middle school. “It took her halfway through the season of her freshman year to find her place and pacing in the game, but after that, and spending time in the weight room, she became an aggressive and dominating force on the court. She is the player that I have to have on the floor at all times. She is an amazing and smart defender in the post and has excellent court sense. It is like she looks at the ball and says, ‘That’s my ball!’ and she takes it. She was a double-double as a freshman and became a scoring threat to the other teams.” In addition to playing ball for her high school during the winter, she also plays on an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team in the summer. She says, “It’s fun to play against the same girls in

the winter that she gets to play with during the summer.” They get to know each other really well while playing for the AAU and have a good time competing against each other in school. “It makes for a great challenge,” says Leverett. In seventh grade she was scouted and chosen to play that summer for an AAU team where she met and played with her friend and mentor Tianna Germain, now a senior at SEHS. Since then, Germain’s parents started their own AAU team, the Lady All Stars, on which Leverett has played for the past two years. Leverett claims Germain is her inspiration and says, “She helps me get better and pushes me. Playing with her for the Lady All Stars helps me learn new moves. Having her for a friend is a plus because I can come to her for advice. Also, on the court, she sets the tempo that gets me going to play the game.” Leverett sets her goals high. She wants to make all A’s, graduate with honors, win a regional

championship in basketball, and will settle for no less than being in the Elite Eight in basketball and volleyball. Her mother, Andrea Leverett, says her daughter’s head is all in the game. “She isn’t into boys and stuff like that. She’s into school and education and the rest will come later. You first have to get yourself together.” She says it is inspiring to see how self-driven her daughter is and that "she" really dedicates herself to her education. It doesn’t matter how late she was up the night before, she’ll set her own clock and be up at 3 am studying or doing homework. She pushes herself. I don’t have to keep on her.” Although Shea Leverett does exceedingly well in school and likes history, she looks forward to a future in sports. She identifies with WNBA player Candace Parker and, like Parker, would love to play basketball professionally. And that probably won’t be hard, since at age 15 Leverett is already being scouted by colleges. If she can’t play, she wants to be an announcer or a coach. Her mother says, "What she believes in and what she dreams of, I actually get to help her get there and whatever makes her happy, that’s what makes me happy.” Womack is especially thrilled at Leverett’s desire to be in the Elite Eight and is ready for the upcoming season with her on the team. She says, “I already have SEC and ACC Division I coaches calling me about her and there is no doubt in my mind that she will be a star recruit for the state of Georgia. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of impact player she will be for Savannah. I think she will be the one to really put us on the map.” So don’t forget the name: Shea Leverett. Soon, you’ll be seeing it everywhere. ITG

Shea's Favorites: College Team: Notre Dame College Player: Chiney Ogwumike at Stanford Pro Team: Los Angeles Sparks Pro Player: Candace Parker Super Power: Flying 25

First Tee Golfer Christian Parker Lives a Golfer’s Dream by Tom Hilliard

hristian Parker, a senior at South Effingham High School and a member of the First Tee Program of Savannah, was one of 81 youth golfers from across the country chosen to play in Nature Valley’s First Tee Open held this past September at the famed Pebble Beach golf links. “From start to finish this was just an excellent experience for Christian” said Bobby Parker who attended the event with his son. “It was a week to remember the rest of our lives” says the proud father as he commented on the great golf experience as well as the social activities that went along with the event. The First Tee of Savannah nominated Christian to participate in the Nature Valley’s First Tee Open due to his fine playing ability and having received the their title of Player of the year. He has also been awarded All-Star recognitions in the Savannah Junior Golf Program the past two years. Having played for eight years, Parker has found golf to truly be his game. He has been delighted with the opportunities that the sport has brought him in such a short time. Christian says “I knew golf was my sport when I found it was easier to hit the ball, while it was sitting still.” Representing the First Tee of Savannah at this national event was an honor that Christian says “I will cherish for a very long time.” Not only did he get to play with talented junior players from across the country, he was also able to make a great friend in the Champions Tour Professional and Savannah-native, Gene Sauers. One of the highlights of the event was at the Wednesday evening pre-tournament dinner. TV Commentator and past PGA champion, Johnny Miller, as well as PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem gave speeches and encouraged the young athletes in their pursuit of the professional golf dream. Once at Pebble Beach Golf Links, practice rounds were performed the first part of the week

Christian’s Favorites

College Player: Todd Gurley Pro player: Andrelton Simmons Musician: Switchfoot Who would you most like to meet? Zach Johnson

and then came a pairings party. At the pairings party each of the 81 attending high school amateurs were paired with a Champions Tour Player as well as two other sponsor players. As luck would have it, Christian was paired with Gene Sauers. Sauers has been playing the Champions Tour very well this year and has been at the top of the leader board several times. Parker and Sauers played the Pebble Beach links on Friday in a best ball gross format. The twosome could only manage a two over par score

photography by Tine Helmley

of 74 that first round. On Saturday however, Christian says he relaxed and helped Gene with three birdies for a score of 68 in the second round. Christian also had a great personal round of 73 that day. The cut for the Pro-Junior Competition was set at eight-under par so unfortunately Parker and Sauers did not play for Sunday’s final round. Parker was not discouraged from missing the cut since the overall experience was exhilarating. “Pebble Beach was a beautiful but different type of course than we see here in Georgia” says Parker as he reflects on the week in California. “The experience has motivated me to practice even more and now that I have met Gene, I hope to get to play with him and take my game to the next level” says Parker. As his senior year closes and college looms closer, Parker stands committed to the South Effingham High School golf team and wants to return to the State Tournament again this year and finish well this spring. Playing golf at the collegiate level is the goal driving Parker in his senior season. The First Tee Program provides area youth the opportunity to learn golf while also instilling nine core values of the sport. Parker says that the youth are divided into four categories, (par, birdie, eagle, ace) based on age and skill level. Mary Calder, Bacon Park, Hunter, Fort Stewart golf courses and Cross Winds Club provide facilities for the First Tee Programs to utilize. The First Tee Program provides leadership opportunities where Parker says the older kids help the younger many times before their practice sessions begins. First Tee of Savannah Executive Director Barbara Essig says “Christian is an example of how the First Tee helps juniors set goals in golf, academics and life skills.” Essig says that Christian’s 400 community volunteer hours and his 1600 program hours have helped shape his future and that the process of goal setting has taught him the value of giving back.

What Sport do you wish you could play? Baseball Where would you like to travel? Scotland If you could have a superpower what would it be? Super strength Who is your inspiration? My grandfather “I can’t say enough about the First Tee,” says Parker “just a great way to learn golf and the values the game teaches.” If a Savannah area youth is thinking of learning and playing golf year-round, First Tee provides the instruction and guidance needed to advance in the sport. With the right direction and encouragement any of the participants in the program have a chance of advancing one day to the First Tee national tournament. Just like Christian Parker they too could live a golfer’s dream. ITG 27

Savannah Christian Raider fans love their football!

Alumni Matt O’Neal ’04 and Kirsten Fountain return to cheer on Memorial’s Blue Thunder at the homecoming game against Bethesda.

Bible Baptist Braves fans focused on the game

, ly ’07, Athletic Director Mark Sussman MDS Alumni Blake Miller ’13, Tyler Helm and Kevin King Dean of Faculty and Students Mike Hall,

s families... The Templeton and Quarle nder fans! Thu e Blu

Anna Geiger, Mallory Dyson, Caroline Bochette, and Lauren Mills never miss a Braves game

Photos provided by A. Davis Photography, Charles Mills Photography, and Spicer Lyons

Love the Braves! er Weâ€™ve got Spirit how about you? Raid d! crow the lead ers rlead Chee

#1 Fan of #58.... Jordan Millâ€™s mom, Pamela !

BC Nation!

These Bendictine fans think the Cadets are #1

Loyal friends and family of the Vidalia Indians!

McBride family here to che er on #13 Nate and Coach (Dad) on the field. 29

Coach's Corner

Julie Jones Savannah Christian Preparatory School

Coach Jones and The Lady Raiders Chase Elusive State Volleyball Championship by Robert Preston Jr.

S 30 30

everal times over the last 17 years, Savannah Christian Preparatory School head volleyball coach Julie Jones has been close to a state championship. Each time, she and her teams have narrowly missed the title. Four years in a row, from 2002 to 2005, the Lady Raiders have advanced to the championship match. Several other times, most recently last year, they have made it to the Final Four. Those opportunities, coupled with 11 area championships, are a testament to the kind of program that Jones has helped build at Savannah Christian. She was on campus as a student when volleyball came to Savannah Christian. And now, all these years later, she has a legitimate chance to guide the

photography by Tina Helmley Lady Raiders to a state championship. Jones attended Savannah Christian for three years, from 10th to 12th grade. She played softball, basketball, tennis, and ran track. When she was a junior, Savannah Christian started volleyball. Jones had never played volleyball before and didn’t know much about the game. Volleyball and softball shared a season, and she was used to spending her fall semesters on the softball field. During Jones’s senior basketball campaign, she tore an ACL, effectively ending her high school athletic career. She had the knee repaired after graduation and then headed off to Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville. After earning a degree in health and physical education, she returned to

Savannah Christian to teach and coach. “I had hoped I could go back to Savannah Christian to teach and coach. It’s what I always wanted to do. The Lord opened up a door for me at the right time. This is where I was meant to be,” she says. Seventeen years later, Jones is still teaching and coaching at her alma mater. She began coaching immediately upon being hired. Jones was told she would be coaching volleyball as an assistant as well as coaching both junior varsity (head coach) and varsity basketball (assistant coach). A year later, she took over as head volleyball coach. Jones had played a little intramural volleyball in college so she knew a little about the game. Still, she had a lot to learn and immediately started

ulie Jones still coaches basketball, but now at the middle school level. She coached high school girls at the junior varsity and varsity levels for several years but took over the head women’s middle school coaching position when her older daughter, Landon, was nearing middle school age. Jones felt she could make a greater difference with middle school players. “Some of the things that really irritated me, like being in high school and not being able to make a left-handed layup, I felt like I could straighten out if I was coaching middle school,” she laughs. She coached Landon, and it won’t be long before her younger daughter, Logan, now 10, will join her team as well - if Logan decides to play basketball. Her family has been a big part of her coaching career; without the support of her children, and her husband Jeff, she wouldn’t have enjoyed the level of success her teams have attained. “We are a very close family,” she says.

signing up for coaching clinics. She also joined an adult volleyball league in Savannah so she could put some of objectives she learned in the clinics into practice. “I tried to learn as much about the game as I could,” she says. Jones made an immediate impact. Her first year as head coach, the Lady Raiders won the area championship and went to the Elite Eight. They won the area nine more years in a row, and played for the state championship in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. After a couple of down years, Savannah Christian bounced back last year with an 11th area title and an appearance in the Final Four. Jones attributes her success to two key principles: keeping things simple and having great players who are willing to do their best for the team. First and foremost, she gives credit to her players. “We’ve always had good kids who bought into what we were trying to do. Our players have always been smart, and I’ve been able to develop relationships with them,” she says. Her coaching

philosophy revolves around simplicity: “Keep everything simple and do the simple things well.” It’s not always easy to do - the game, the players, and the coaching profession in general change over time - but Jones has done an excellent job keeping her players focused and always striving to get better. Despite her success, the one accomplishment that has eluded her is a state championship. By the time this edition of In the Game hits the streets, the season will likely be over and a champion will be crowned. At this writing, Savannah Christian was one of the favorites to win the title. The Lady Raiders were 30-7, and with the exception of one, each loss came against out-of-state teams. To win the championship, the Lady Raiders still had a lot of volleyball left. With an experienced, senior-laden team, their chances look very good. “I have such an amazing group of girls this year, and I would love to accomplish with them the one thing we have yet to do, and that’s winning a state championship,” says Jones. ITG 31

Lady Impact Players

Katie Collins Tattnall County High School

Senior Softball, Basketball, Track Jersey: #22 Height: 5’7” Positions: Softball: Shortstop; Basketball: Guard; Track: Shot put, Discus, 4x1 Relay Mascot: Battle Creek Warriors Righty or lefty: Righty Coach: Sherry Richards Stats: .607 Batting Average, 11 Home Runs, 48 Runs Scored, 12 Walks, 0 Strikeouts, .642 On Base Percentage, 1.179 Slugging Percentage, 11 Stolen Bases, .625 Batting Average with runners in scoring position

Awards: 2010, 2011, 2012 First Team All-Region Short Stop, 2011 and 2012 Region Player of the Year, and 2011 and 2012 All-State Team Most Memorable Game: When I was 10 years old, I hit a homerun over the “Green Monster” at Partin Park in Lyons, Ga. The “Green Monster” is a smaller version of Fenway Park. Years Playing: 13 Sport you wish you could play: Tennis Person you would like to meet: Mark Richt

Verbal commitment to University of Georgia Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: Play basketball, as well as spend time with family and friends. Favorites: Snack: Peanut Butter Sandwich and Chocolate Milk Healthy Food: Pineapple Hobby: Hunting Pro Team: Atlanta Braves Pro Player: Chipper Jones Subject: Math Place to Travel: Disney World

Coulter Conley Islands High School

Senior Volleyball Jersey: #18 Height: 5’10” Nickname: Colt Mascot: Sharks Years Playing: Four Coach: Kelley Jeffries Stats: 119 Kills, 57 Aces, 14 Blocks, 27 Digs, and 8 Assists

Most Memorable Game: Last year in the region tournament, we won region, and it just didn’t feel real. Sport you wish you could play: Softball or surfing Most Influential Person: Mom. She always pushes me to my full potential and supports me no matter what.

Favorites: Hobby: Poetry Pro Team: USA Pro Player: Destinee Hooker Healthy Food: Mangos Snacks: BBQ potato chips Junk Food: Twix and chocolate Place to Travel: Back to the Virgin Islands where I grew up and lived for 12 years.

Awards: Savannah Morning News Player of the Week, Prep Sports Player of the Week First in Aces, Second in Kills in Region Stats

Cierra Clark Southeast Bulloch High School

Senior Softball, Swimming, Track Positions: Shortstop, Centerfield Jersey:#12 Height: 5’5” Mascot: Yellow Jackets Righty or Lefty: Righty Coach: Aimee Civalier Stats: .392 Batting Average, .582 Slugging, .478 On Base percentage, 11 Stolen Bases Awards: First Team All-Region and All-Area team

Most Memorable Game: Beating Cook County in the last round of the state playoffs which sent us to Columbus where we placed top six in the state. Years been playing this sport: 13 Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: Spend time with my family and friends. Sport you wish you could play: Volleyball Person you would like to meet: Sandra Bullock

Favorites: Snack: Nutella Healthy Food: Strawberries Junk Food: Cookie dough ice cream Hobby: Riding horses College Team: University of Georgia Subject: Math Pro Team: Atlanta Braves Pro Player: Freddie Freeman Place to Travel: Smoky Mountains

Kaylyn Hagan Pinewood Christian Academy

Senior Softball, Basketball, and Track Jersey: #10 Height: 5’9” Coach: Brett Lewis Years Playing: Five

Most Influential Person: My basketball coach, Eddie Durrence. He has taught me that nothing comes without hard work and dedication. Sport you wish you could play: Volleyball

Stats: Batting Average: .555 Awards: All-State, All-Region, MVP, Best Offense

Favorites: Hobby: Going to the movies Snack: Whales Healthy Food: Pineapple Junk Food: French fries College Team: University of Georgia Pro Team: Atlanta Braves Pro Player: Chipper Jones Subject: English Place to Travel: Paris

Most Memorable Game: Hitting two homeruns in my last home game at Pinewood Christian Academy.

Sam Thompson Vidalia High School

Junior Softball Jersey: #16 Height: 5’4” Nickname: Sammy Righty or lefty: Righty Coach: Brad Thompson Years been playing this sport: 10 Stats: Pitching: 69.0 Innings Pitched, 46 Hits allowed, 15 Walks, 13 Earned Runs, 46 Strike outs, 7 Record wins and 4 losses

Most Memorable Game: My most memorable moment so far was my team making it into the Elite Eight, beating one of our team rivals, and ranking fifth in state last year. Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: When I’m not playing softball, I like to play the guitar or piano and sing.

Favorites: Snack: Snickers Healthy Food: Fruit Junk Food: Cookies Pro Team: Atlanta Braves Pro Player: Jennie Finch Subject: History Hobby: Softball Place to Travel: Nashville, TN College Team: South Carolina

Sport you wish you could play: Volleyball Person you would like to meet: Jennie Finch

Gentlemen Impact Players

Tyler Epps

Southeast Bulloch High School Senior Football Jersey: #34 Height: 5’8” Weight: 175 Mascot: Yellow Jackets Coach: Pat Collins

Most Memorable Game: The game against Johnson in Savannah. I went down with a hurt knee, and everyone thought I was out, but I came back into the game and ran a 34-yard touchdown.

Stats: Rushing 144 carries, 829 yds, seven rushing Touch Downs, 65 yds receiving, one Touch Down receiving

Most Influential Person: My Great Grandpa is 82 years old, and he sets the example for us. He is a good family man who puts God first and always encourages us to push ourselves to our full potential. He makes all my games.

Awards: Region 1AAA All-Region Team, Second Team All State 2012

Favorites: Book: Hatchet Junk Food: Kit Kat and Snickers Hobby: Hunting and Fishing College Team: Alabama Pro Team: Atlanta Braves Pro Player: Chipper Jones Place to Travel: Hawaii Person to Meet: Bobby Cox

Dalton Johnson Pinewood Christian Academy

Senior Football, Baseball Jersey: Football #40, Baseball #5 Height: 5’10” Weight: 185 Nickname: DJ Mascot: Patriots Righty or lefty: righty Coach: Keith Wasson Years playing this sport? Football & Baseball 4 years Stats: 5 Games: 83 Attempts, 579 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 115.8 Yards per game

Awards: Football: All-State, All-Region, two-time Most Valuable Back. Baseball: All-Region Most Memorable Game: Frederica Junior year in Baseball: Winning Region Championship Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: Fish Sport you wish you could play: Basketball Person you would like to meet: Peyton Manning

Favorites: Snack: Popcorn Healthy Food: Tomatoes Junk Food: Skittles Hobby: Golfing with friends Book: The Hobbit College Team: Tennessee Volunteers Pro Team: Washington Redskins Pro Player: Robert Griffin III Subject: Math Place to Travel: Alaska

Mattehew Provence Benedictine Military School

Senior Football, Wrestling Jersey:#73 Height: 5”11” Weight: 220 Position: Strong Tackle Coach: Danny Britt Stats: Games played 6: 28 tackles, 25 assists, 8.8 tackles/game, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks for 12 yds loss, caused 1 fumble, Matthew missed the 2012 season due to an knee injury but completed rehabilitation and returned to play his senior year.

Most Memorable Game: The Vidalia Game Sport you wish you could play: Golf Most influential person: My dad because he let me choose which sports I wanted to do and supported me. Person you would like to meet: General George Patton

Favorites: Hobby: Fishing Book: The Eye of the World College Team: South Carolina Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons Pro Player: Marcus Lattimore Subject: History Place to Travel: Mountains

On another note: I had three uncles, go to BC, two of which played for South Carolina, Jerome and Andrew. Andrew went on to play for the Atlanta Falcons and the Broncos!

Malcolm Quarterman Memorial Day School

Senior Football Jersey: #15 Height: 5’7” Weight: 180 Nickname: Q Position: Running Back, Defensive Back, Line Backer Mascot: Blue Thunder Coach: Michael Thompson

Awards: All-State and region in football 2012, Savannah Quarterback Club Defensive Player of the Week 2012, Athlete of the Week 2012 The Karl DeMasi Sport, All-Region and state in basketball 2012, All-Region track and field 2012

Stats: (for six games) 11th in state in rushing, 804 yds on 70 attempts, 12 Touch Downs, 134 yds average per game.

Most Memorable Game: When I rushed for 1,000 yards last year. Sport you wish you could play: Boxing Person you would like to meet: Dwayne Wade and Kyrie Irving

Most influential person: My Dad because he has always encouraged me to be the best and never give up. Favorites: Hobby: Playing Football and Basketball Book: SLAM! By Walter Dean Myers College Team: University of Georgia Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons Pro Player: Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy Subject: Math Place to Travel: New York 35

Congratulations

2013 GHSA Region 1-AAA State Basketball Champions

Johnson High 2013 Basketball Champs by Tom Hilliard

s most basketball fans know, the high school teams in Savannah take their basketball seriously. GHSA Region 1-AAA features several Low Country teams with good programs, however the rivalry between the Savannah High Blue Jackets and the Johnson High Atom Smashers has led to historic battles. Last year the teams battled each other four times. Two times the winning score went to Savannah High, including a nice region championship victory. However two wins went to the Atom Smashers, and the last victory was a sweet one as the team captured the state championship title.

photography by 4Shot Photos - Larry Williams

Locally the games are so big that they are played in the Savannah Civic Center and boast a crowd of 7,000. Now that’s serious high school basketball. Johnson High coach Utaff Gordon says, “The team’s loss to Savannah High in the region tournament was a wakeup call of sorts … The region loss worked to our advantage.” The Atom Smashers used the loss to fuel their focus and became more determined through the playoffs and found themselves playing their crosstown rivals for all the marbles in the finals of the state event held at the Macon Centraplex. When talented teams meet each other this often, it becomes very hard to win every game.

Teams will usually make adjustments defensively and try and stop the offensive flow of their opponent. If you play a team for the first time, adjustments can be made, but it is much easier for teams that know each other well. Last season it was Johnson High on top, but as the 2013-14 season approaches I have a feeling that the talented Savannah High team coached by Tim Jordan feels like they have some unfinished business. On paper the Blue Jackets are loaded, but in rival games anything can happen. My suggestion? Get to the game early for a good seat, and then sit back and enjoy some of the best high school basketball in the state. ITG 37

Anna Bolch

Rising Star sponsored by:

Savannah Country Day School

Great Players Come In Small Packages by Ruby Hilliard

nna Bolch is a firecracker of young lady proving herself to be quite the star on the playing field. A 13-year-old eighth-grader at Savannah Country Day School, she plays volleyball, basketball, and soccer all while making honor roll grades. She has been playing soccer since the age of five and says it is her favorite sport. Even though she is only in eighth grade, she is trying out for the junior varsity basketball team at SCDS and looking forward to being a part of the team. Bolch has played volleyball for the Lady Hornets the past two years. Last year, her team won the Savannah Parochial Athletic League championship, one of the highlights of Bolch’slife. “It was against one

photography by Tina Helmly [of] the teams that beat us earlier in the season. It was the last point; I served it and no one hit it. It was a really great feeling.” Standing barely five feet tall, Bolch is vivacious on the court. In spite of her size, she’s determined to score points and will do what it takes to make it happen. “I’m kinda short, so I have to be aggressive to get the ball.” This past season Bolch was one of five middle school students chosen for the junior varsity volleyball team. Her coach and teacher Dale Parker had lots of opportunities to watch her play at camps and practices over the summer and said she really stood out from her peers. “She’s a good hustler and

tanding barely five feet tall, Bolch is vivacious on the court. Don’t let her size fool you. She’s determined to score those points and will do what it takes to make it happen. “I’m kinda short, so I have to be aggressive to get the ball.” has a great attitude. Her excitement is contagious, and she rallies the team around her. I started her out as setter but quickly moved her to libero, a defensive specialist. That made all the difference in the team. She shows great leadership skills for an eighth-grader, and that would seem to be difficult on a team of mostly ninth- and tenthgraders. If you look around the court and don’t see her, it’s probably because she’s on the floor - seems that she’s diving for the ball every other play,” says Parker. Added to her list of awards is Coaches Award for both volleyball and basketball. Her mother, Lou Bolch, says she is most proud of these awards as it acknowledges her daughter’s greatest personal characteristics. She says her daughter always gives her all in everything she does. “She’s a team player, an amazing little Christian, very involved in her youth group. She’s always on honor roll, and she tries hard in every area of her life.” Her father, Jeff Bolch, is also impressed by her individual drive and her determination to do all things well, whether it is sports, school, friends, or family. “She’s remarkably responsible, and she keeps up with her day-to -day life better than any other child I know. She’s kind, very happy with life, always smiling, never wants to sit around, does her homework Saturday mornings, goes to all of her church functions without fail. There’s never a time where she says ‘Nah, I really don’t want to go.’ She’s always up, ready to go and engaged with life.” When asked what it is like to watch Anna Bolch play, her father says, “Stressful, but she is a joy to

watch.” He is very involved in her athletics and was her coach in soccer when she was in elementary school. He says she grasped the concepts of the game at a very young age. “She was always learning and paying attention. She seemed very quick to grasp the concepts of being a team player - always did whatever she was asked.” Her father is proud that Bolch has been on championship teams and is happy they win a lot but also says that when they do lose, Bolch shows remarkable sportsmanship. “She doesn’t get down on herself or the team, rather it bolsters her drive to do better the next time. She deals with the loss gracefully and moves on.” When Bolch isn’t on the court, she is drawing and hanging out with her orange rabbit, Pumpkin. Her passion and favorite way to spend her day unwinding is creating art in pencil and charcoal. Her most recent achievement was an award for Honorable Mention in a National Scholastic Art contest. She said she caught a blue crab and following the guidelines of the competition, stippled the crab in grayscale. She says she looks forward to art at school and hopes to continue to take it throughout her schooling. In asking her father what he sees for her future he says, “I hope she doesn’t change - that she continues along the path and trajectory that she’s been on, and foremost, that she’s happy in whatever she does.” Her mother is proud of her art talent and thinks she could have a career in the field, if she wants. Bolch is not sure what her future holds, but she is certainly looking forward it. ITG

Anna's Favorites: Subject: Art Snack: Popcorn Healthy Food: Watermelon College Team: University of Georgia College Player: Todd Gurley ProTeam: USA Women’s Soccer Pro Player: Abby Wambat Who would you most like to meet: Kerry Walsh-Jennings What Sport do you wish you could play: Tennis Where would you like to travel: Costa Rica Superpower? Lightning fast speed Who is your inspiration? Jesus

Record Setting Inspirations by Tom Hilliard

hat does it take to be a successful cross country runner? Sam Geha should know, as the Benedictine School senior athlete is coming into his own this season with a dominant performance at area cross country competitions. A sleek and lean athlete, Geha has an easy smile and speaks freely of his love for running. His interest in the sport was sparked in the third grade when his mother took him to his first run. However, he pursued other sports in grade school and was not completely aware that running was in his blood. It was not until his freshman year when he completed a cross country race in the top ten overall at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery, that he realized his outstanding skill in the sport. For those who are not that familiar with the two sports, cross country is a fall high school sport, and track is a spring sport. Cross country athletes compete in one long running course that is 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles through grass and over difficult terrain. Track has several running events with different distances, and the best time wins. Geha has the speed to run shorter distances like the 400 and 800 meter runs and the endurance to run long distance races for cross country. This skill is uncommon and reveals both his versatility and true running talent. As a triplet, Geha’s brothers Jared and Andrew are also inclined to this sport of running. All three are on Benedictine's cross country team and enjoy this sport which requires rigorous daily training and discipline. Being teammates, the brothers encourage one another and train together throughout the week. Geha calls himself the ‘middle brother’ as the boys were each born one minute apart, and Geha was second. Geha’s mother and father were both excellent athletes and scholars in high school and college. Following in their footsteps, Geha aims to graduate in the top of his class in academics and has set some athletic goals which he hopes to achieve this season. These include setting the school record in the 5K run with a sub 15:50 time, a 4:18 time for the 1600 meters, and a sub 9:30 time in the 3600 meters. Geha is also working towards achieving his goal to win the state championship in either cross country or track. Managing a personal schedule to achieve these goals takes dedication and endurance. Geha has a systematic routine that allows for running every day, a cross fit workout every other day, as well as time to study and hang out with friends. He wakes up early every other morning to fit in a long run before getting to school on time and ensures he maintains his endurance by eating healthy each day. Geha may be hard at work training, but he strives to put academics first. Benedictine’s cross country coach Bill Crawley says, “This sport becomes a lifestyle as the training and running necessary to be successful must happen most every day of the week. Many times students go out for an early morning run before school then again for a practice or training run after school. It’s a demanding but great sport, and

photography by Tine Helmley

you can see the kids becoming more determined and committed as they advance.” Coach Crawley says the team competes in eight to 10 meets during the fall before the region meet in late October. While most all the athletes on the team can compete at these area meets, only seven athletes can compete for the team at region. Using a reverse order to determine points according to their finish, the four low-scoring teams advance to the state meet in early December. Geha has finished first in several meets thus far and is looking forward to the region competition. In September he ran a low time (under 16 minutes), winning the race at an area meet. However, afterward he reported to the officials that he might have run the course incorrectly. Coach Crawley says that’s the integrity of Geha and his understanding that winning always comes from staying inside the rules. Like all athletes, Geha has to struggle with the fatigue that comes from excelling from each plateau of running and overcoming that feeling of “hitting the wall.” Geha explains, “What happens first for me, is at the one mile mark my mind says ‘I am tired.’ Then at the one and a half mile mark my body says ‘I am tired.’ To help me break through these walls, I use a mental key - a repeating song that I say to myself: ‘Relax, Breathe, Believe’.” This mantra helps Geha stay properly focused as he attempts to stay consistent on a 5:15 min./mile pace. To Geha, the words carry deep meaning, creating the mental toughness that the sport requires. Geha states, “My goal is to stay in good form, and the words relax and breathe help me focus on my body. However, it is the word believe that ties it all together. Believe in your training and have faith… As I run, I remember that I represent my school, my teammates, and my parents, and I want to make them proud. With faith, you can achieve wonders.” As a young man, as an athlete, as a brother, and as a teammate, Sam Geha’s high standards and work ethic have made him a strong leader and an excellent runner. His goal of achieving a state championship is only weeks away. Andrew and Jared both speak of their brother’s committed approach to the cross country sport. “He has earned each of his victories with hard work and dedication,” says Jared. Andrew comments that through his research into the sport and the extra training he has done outside of high school, Geha has helped improve the Benedictine cross country team. “He is always sharing what he is learning with teammates and provides positive encouragement to all of us on the team,” says Andrew. The sport of cross country has helped reveal and mold character traits that have made Sam Geha into a determined high achiever on and off the field. No matter his final position as his senior season concludes, the long hours of training and sacrifice have their own rewards that will surely have him sprinting through college and into a promising career. ITG

Sam’s Favorites: Subject: A.P. Government and Economics Snack: Trail Mix Healthy Food: Granny Smith Apples College Team: Oklahoma State Cowboys Cross Country Team College Player: Craig Nowak Pro Team: Dallas Cowboys Pro player: Demarcus Ware Who would you most like to meet? Mo Farah What sport do you wish you could play? I really wish I could learn to play water polo. Where would you like to travel? Someday, I will visit New Zealand. It’s been on the wish list for a long time. If you could have a superpower what would it be? Definitely the ability to fly. Who is your inspiration? My grandfather, Sami Geha, is truly my inspiration in life. 41

Competitive Cheerleading by Janice Hilliard

GHSA State Competition will be held November 15-16 at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia

sport of kicks, throws, and jumps that doesn’t include bats, balls, or hoops! Newly recognized as a sport, competitive cheerleading has taken off full force. Squads with children as young as four years are training and competing. Athletes of acrobatics and discipline ready to cheer on a crowd put in countless hours of practice each week. Many squads pull double-duty and can be found on football fields on Friday nights and at cheer competitions all day on Saturdays. Their competition routines are secretive and as highly guarded as any Friday night play book in football ever was. Every coach strives to create a unique experience utilizing the strength of their team. Year-round camps for jumps, tumbling, gymnastic training, and conditioning produce stellar athletes who give their all for a two minute and 30 second performance. A performance that has to be spot-on, show all of their skills, and will be highly scrutinized by a panel of elite judges. Each routine is powerpacked with compulsory requirements and teams will be judged in terms like hurdler, herky, double hook, power jumps, and arch. Rhonda McBride of Toombs County High School has been coaching cheerleaders since 1998 and has seen “tremendous growth in the sport of cheerleading.” McBride says, “The squads are regulated by GHSA standards, and coaches have to meet specific qualifications.” Each coach must be a certified teacher and attend rules clinics every year. Lay persons who help with the sport also must go through a certification process and be approved by the school. McBride coaches with her sister Lana Odom at Toombs County High School, and together they will host the GHSA Southeast Georgia Regional Competition on November 9th. In order to compete at regionals, teams must first compete in six competitions. McBride explains that “four teams from each region qualify to go to state. Once at state the competition is fierce, and eight squads are picked to go to finals.” There are eight regions in the state of Georgia represented in competitive cheerleading. State finals consist of a two day competition. The first is an elimination type event, and the second day is final competition where the top squad is named.

Georgia Independent Schools Association also hosts competitions for schools in their league, where completion of one event within a school’s division is required before moving on to state, according to Brent Cribbs, Vice President of GISA. Both groups hold cheerleaders to the same academic standards as all other athletes and set specific guidelines for safety. The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators and the National Council for Spirit Safety and Education are two groups following this growing sport. Another group watching closely is those Colleges and Universities with high profile sports programs. There is some talk about competitive cheerleading helping to fulfill the Title IX requirement at both the high school and college levels. McBride says, “Three of my former cheerleaders received scholarships and are cheering at the college level.” Scouting for cheerleaders may be a new career choice as private foundations and colleges are looking for that topnotch cheerleader to represent their teams. ITG

PHOTO By JANICE HILLIARD

GISA State Competition will be held November 23 at John Milledge Academy in Milledgeville, Georgia

Memorial Day School 42

PHOTO By A. DAVIS HOTOGRAPHy

Savannah Christian Preparatory School

We wish our squads the best of luck in your State Competitions

PHOTO By CHARLES MILLS PHOTOGRAPHy

Bible Baptist PHOTO By HART HOTOGRAPHy

Toombs County High School 43

alph Waldo Emerson wrote, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Whether it is digging deep inside yourself for discovery or looking to a higher power for guidance, the very act of breathing and living on this earth means that you will influence someone during your lifetime. That influence can come from a positive act or it may arrive from overcoming adversity. There are always “sandpaper” people who certainly cause friction but who also teach us valuable lessons about who we are. Inspiration comes in various degrees and from diverse and sundry places. During the interview process athletes are asked, Who inspires you and why? The responses are always interesting and thought provoking.

Dalton Johnson Coach Clay Hill; he is a good Christian man and never has a negative attitude towards anything. I also appreciate him having the patience to help mold and form the player and young man I am today.

Coach Julie Jones I would have to say my parents and especially my older brother. My parents were very involved in athletics as players and as coaches when my brother and I were growing up. But I would have to say that my brother is who I look up to and who has helped me grow into the coach that I am today. His passion and love of whatever he is coaching is evident in all he does. He has a way of breaking down skills and teaching kids. He relates so well to his athletes which is such an important part.

Katie Collins My brother, Ben Collins, he has always pushed me and helped me become the person I am today.

Cierra Clark Effie Manahan. She worked harder than any softball player I’ve ever seen and accomplished her goal of playing at a D1 college.

Sam Thompson Jesus Christ because His love has changed the reason I play and blessed me so I can play for His glory.

Stephanie Hawley My inspiration is my dad because he is an extremely hard worker. He performs every task to the best of his ability. My dad also inspires me because of the sacrifices he has made to give me and my family the best life possible. He always puts us first and is the best dad I could ever ask for.

Shae Leverett Tianna Germain; she is a great leader, a great friend and a great athlete. She helps me get better and pushes me. Playing with her with AAU for the Lady All Stars helps me learn new moves. Having her for a friend is a plus because I can come to her for advice. Also, on the court she sets the tempo that gets me going to play my game.

Nicholas “Nick" Scott My mother is the most influential person in my life. She is my rock. She pushes me to be the best that I can be. She always tells me to never give up when things are hard and to strive to be the best. She has always been there for me, and she supports me in everything that I wish to do.

Nick Fitzgerald: My head coach would be the biggest inspiration to me. Coach Guy is a great football coach, but he is an even better mentor and father figure to our entire team. He has taught me more about being a man than anyone else ever has.

Now the Challenge: Who will you inspire during your lifetime?