January 2015 Southeast Georgia Edition

In This Issue:

SOUTHEAST EDITION

08 2014 Fall Awards Banquet

January 2015

21 Academic Athlete

CONTENTS

Mercedez Cobb

Ware County High School

26 Coach’s Corner

Billy Moore

Camden County High School

27 Player Spotlight

08

21

Also Inside 07

Fall Banquet Keynote Speaker: Brian Jordan

17

A Field Fit for a Judge

24

Bacon County High School

25

Pierce County High School

29

Camden County High School

39

Bradwell Institute

43

Wayne County High School

44

34

Bradwell Institute

Jada Scott Jadyn Scott

McIntosh County Middle School

40 Most Improved Player

Fitness: Fitbit: Does it “Fit” You?

Jakaria Fleming

34 Rising Star

26

Madison Long

Pierce County High School

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40 On the Cover: 2014 Fall Award Winners (Clockwise, from top right): Randy Dixon, Terrell Carter, Hudson Jordan, MJ Fuller, Antonio Wimbush, Mike Williams, Rosheem Collins, and Sean Pender Photo credit: Jennifer Carter Johnson

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www.inthegamemagazine.com

January 2015

Publisher

Shawn Smoak

Editors

Mark Dykes Sarah Turner

Graphics

James Washington

Cover Photography

Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography

Feature Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goat Photography

Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography

Feature Writers

John Wood Rob Asbell James Washington

Copy Editor

James Washington

Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak

shawn@inthegamemagazine.com

Mark Dykes

mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Sarah Turner

SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 • Waycross, GA 31502

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com

From the Publisher We are past the Holidays and into the heart of winter sports here in SEGA. Both girls and boys basketball are moving up and down the courts with teams trying to improve their records as they ready themselves for the region tournaments and onward to the state championships. As I write this, the Brunswick High Pirates are a perfect 8-0 in both boys and girls region play. That’s an impressive feat for both head coaches, Chris Turner and Maria Mangram. On mats all over SEGA, wrestling is transitioning from duals to traditional formats. Congratulations to coach Jess Wilder and his Camden County Wildcats for winning their second state title in duals for Class AAAAA. Last year, the SEGA area produced five state title winners in the traditional format, so stay tuned to In The Game as we keep you informed on everything that has to do with high school athletics here in Southeast Georgia.

We’ve heard it all our lives: Big things come in small packages. Meet a living example, Jakaria Fleming of Bradwell Institute girls’ basketball team. The senior point guard is a leader on both the court and in the classroom, starting her high school career early by playing JV basketball as an eighth-grader. Jakaria is coming off an injury as a junior but has made great strides to make her senior season her best.

Mercedez Cobb has beauty and brains. Affectionately known as “Cey,” the Ware County senior can do it all. She is currently a member of both the competition and football cheerleading squads at Ware County, has almost a 95 average in the classroom, and boasts an extra-circulative calendar second to none. Also, by the way, she was voted 2014 Homecoming Queen by her peers. Armstrong State is getting a great student-athlete in this one.

Being a head coach of one sport at the high school level has to be a difficult job. But two sports? Meet Camden County’s own Billy Moore, head coach for boys’ basketball and girls’ volleyball. Coach Moore’s girls won the region title in volleyball, and his boys are playing well here at tournament time. A teaching veteran of 18 years, Coach Moore knows what it takes to be successful and his offseason preparation is key to reaching his team goals.

“Most improved” can mean many things to many people, but this month’s student-athlete is proof that if you stay committed and persevere, good things can and will happen. Pierce County’s Madison “Mad Dog” Long is a perfect example. She’s made great strides since her freshman year in both improving her speed and her shot. Madison is also a standout in the classroom, sporting a perfect 4.0 GPA. In The Game SEGA hosted the Fifth Annual Football Awards Banquet on December 15th. I’d like to take this opportunity the thank everyone involved for making the event an overwhelming success. Our valued sponsors, Crosby Cadillac GMC Nissan, Crosby of Camden, Bone and Joint Institute of South Georgia, PrimeSouth Bank/Walker Jones/Flash Foods, Coastal Pines Technical College, Mayo Clinic Health System of Waycross, and Farah and Farah, without their support the evening would have not been possible and we truly appreciate their support of the Fall Awards Banquet, as well as the magazine, all year long.

We send out a special thank you to former MLB All-Star and NFL All-Pro Brian Jordan for delivering a unique message that resonated with the student-athletes in attendance. We appreciate Clay Thomas for, as always, doing a masterful job as emcee, keeping the audience engaged and things running smoothly. Big shoutout to Rob Asbell, John Wood, Freddy Willis, and WWUF for broadcasting In The Game “On Radio” live from the event. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dickson, Kim Altman, and Evan Smoak for all of their help in decorating and making the Waycross City Auditorium look festive for the occasion. Thanks to Mark Steedly and the gang at Jimbo’s for catering the event and delivering an exceptional meal.

Last, but not least, I want to thank everyone who attended: players, coaches, parents, advertisers, and special guests. I appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy Christmas schedules to help make the evening a huge success, and we look forward to a bigger and better event next year.

Area Schools

SOUTHEAST EDITION

Appling County Pirates Bacon County Red Raiders Bradwell Institute Tigers Brantley County Herons Brunswick Pirates Camden County Wildcats Charlton County Indians Frederica Academy Knights Glynn Academy Red Terrors Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets Liberty County Panthers Long County Blue Tide McIntosh County Buccaneers Pierce County Bears Ware County Gators Wayne County Yellow Jackets

Contributors

Shawn Smoak,

Southeast Georgia Publisher

John Wood,

Features & Commentary

Rob Asbell,

Features & Specials

For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 Corporate Office: Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Georgia 31603 4

In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published monthly excluding July. 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 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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It’s no question that the world we live in is heavily dependent on technology. On a daily basis, we depend on it for everything from business to leisure.

FITNESS

Does it “Fit” You?

It’s also no secret that in today’s world, there is an increased trend in fitness. More and more people flock to the gym, the weight room, and anywhere else that they can shape, tone, and trim their physique.

With so much dedication given to both of these, the next step is obvious: Why don’t we combine the two?

Enter the world of the Fitbit.

Founded in 2007, the creators of Fitbit Inc. understood that there was a tremendous benefit to having immediate feedback on workouts and other daily activities. Soon after, the first model, known as the Fitbit Tracker, was released to positive reviews. With the Tracker, users were able to easily track regular activities, such as steps taken, distance walked, and calories burned.

Since then, numerous successors to the original prototype have been released, including the Fitbit Surge, the company’s latest model (released this month). The Surge offers a world of features, including heart rate monitoring, altitude gauging, and sleep monitoring. It also allows users to control text messages and music while they exercise.

by James Washington

But just how much do you need a Fitbit product?

In order to make a decision, several things have to be considered. On one side, it allows for amazingly simple monitoring of things that are essential to improving health, but are often overlooked (such as heart rate and body temperature). It also helps the users to hold themselves more accountable by setting attainable goals. Instead of guessing when you’ve walked four or five miles, you have a device on your wrist that keeps track and easily lets you know your progress. And seeing a goal in front of your eyes helps to push more towards success because you actually know how close your goal is.

On the other hand, one can argue that all of this can be done without the assistance of a Fitbit device.

Furthermore, while the device offers a great deal of help in the exercise process, it’s going to cost you at least $60 for the convenience. The Surge, which will be on the high end of the Fitbit family, will be taking about $250 out of your pocket. As a one-time, the value can be debated, but it is definitely something that would need to be taken into consideration.

The Fitbit also allows you to track your progress via your smartphone utilizing Bluetooth capabilities.

Do you choose to pass the Fitbit display the next time you’re out shopping? Do you ask someone for a late Christmas gift? The choice is yours to make.

7

2014 HIGH Southeast Georgia SCHOOL ATHLETIC AWARDS BANQUET

by John Wood

T

he newly renovated Waycross City Auditorium was filled to capacity as Southeast Georgia’s In the Game Magazine celebrated its Fifth Annual Awards Banquet.

“This is one of the most historic places in Southeast Georgia,” said In the Game’s Southeast Area Publisher Shawn Smoak. “Cab Calloway and Elvis Presley played on this stage.

Also, this auditorium hosted some great old school wrestling matches like when Chief Jay Strongbow was still active.”

Once dinner was finished, and everyone in attendance was treated to an-inspiration-filled speech from Jordan, it was time to recognize the best football players in Southeast Georgia.

Running for 15 touchdowns, benching 225 pounds, and squatting an impressive 315 pounds, Martha Puckett Middle School running back M.J. Fuller was selected as In the Game’s Middle School Player of the Year.

Camden County’s Hudson Jordan is the Bone and Joint Institute of South Georgia Academic Player of the Year. Known for his confident and calm demeanor of “I’ve got this”, he has balanced Advanced Placement classes and football while holding down a 4.42 GPA. Everyone knows how utterly important the Special Teams unit is to the balance of a football team. One missed tackle on a kickoff or punt can totally change the momentum of the game. With an amazing work ethic on and off the field, the Crosby of Camden Special Teams Player of the Year award went to Antonio Wimbush.

Ware County finished the regular season 10-0, a feat that not many other teams have matched during the history of high school football in the state of Georgia. One of their key players was honored at the banquet.

A strong nose tackle can create total havoc for a running offense. The winner of the Coastal Pines Defensive Player of the Year Award, Rosheem Collins, forced some teams to automatically double-team and even triple-team him, but it didn’t work out in their favor. “Fat Cat,” as his friends call him, had 37 tackles on the season, including 11 for a loss, and six sacks.

Many people around the state of Georgia have looked at the changes that have been occurring at Pierce County High School 8

photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson and Jeffrey Griffith

and been more than impressed with what is going on there.

Two reasons that success has been on going are being celebrated tonight. Leadership is tantamount to the success of a football team. The Bears have had leadership by example.

As a player at Valdosta State, the coach of the Pierce County Bears caught 20 passes in one game. His work ethic is even stronger as a coach. Moving ever closer to get Pierce County into the title game, Sean Pender, the Crosby Cadillac GMC Nissan Coach of the Year, has a school coaching record of 77-53-1. Over half of those wins have been in the last four years, where Pender’s teams have made deep runs into the playoffs.

One of the keys to helping Pierce become a serious threat in AAA is its offense. Catching 85 passes for 1,314 yards and 16 touchdowns, the Bears Terrell Carter earned the Offensive Player of the Year, sponsored by Prime Bank South, Walker Jones, and Flash Foods.

The game of football is a sport where someone can start at one point and, through hard work and dedication, can get better.

Recognizing that fact, Farah and Farah has partnered with In the Game to create a new award. While the inaugural recipient of the award played on a team that exploded on to the scene with a new head coach, outlook, and offense, this player continued to work hard and made the most of his time this season.

Standing only 5’8”, Glynn Academy’s Mike Williams made a believer out of people as the center for the state-quarterfinalist Glynn Academy Red Terrors and is the first winner of the Farah and Farah Forward Progress Award.

Sometimes we are reminded that each of us only are given so many days on this earth, and, in the grand scheme of things, football is just a game.

Though losing a child can be absolutely unbearable, a father in Pierce County refused to abandon the team that his son played for. Being around the team and being able to offer preand post-game support have been cathartic for him. For the rest of us, this is an example of how we should live and why every minute is a gift from God. The Mayo Clinic Health System of Waycross Humanitarian was awarded to Randy Dixon from Pierce County. ITG

Waycross City Auditorium, Waycross, Georgia December 15, 2014

9

2014 South

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLET

Appling Motors Wheeler Agency, Inc.

Appling County, Head Coach J.T. Pollock Defensive POY: Larry Griner Offensive POY: Cassius Fedrick

Bacon County, Head Coach Ken Cofer Offensive POY: Drell Greene Defensive POY: Tron Folsom

Bennett’s Hometown Pharmacy & Gifts Brantley County, Head Coach Mark Walker Offensive POY: Anthony Turlington Defensive POY: Kole Clark

Brunswick High, Head Coach Victor Floyd Defensive POY: Davonnis Johnson Offensive POY: Randon Jernigan

Bennett’s Hometown Pharmacy & Gifts Camden County, Assistant Head Coach Derek Chastain Offensive POY: Chris Barton Defensive POY: Antonio Wimbush 10 10 10

Charlton County, Head Coach Rich McWhorter Offensive POY: Andrew Lee Defensive POY: Anthony Jackson

heast Georgia

TIC AWARDS BANQUET

Frederica Academy, Head Coach Brandon Derrick Offensive POY: Brandon Blake Defensive POY: Hollis Veal (Not Pictured)

Glynn Academy, Head Coach Rocky Hidalgo Offensive POY: Zach Lamper Defensive POY: Adrien Cross

Jeff Davis, Head Coach Roger Metts Offensive POY: Wenner Rodriguez (Not Pictured) Defensive POY: Hunter Phillips

Liberty County, Head Coach Kirk Warner Offensive POY: Jacquez Williams Defensive POY: Richard LeCounte

Long County, Head Coach Ron Flott Defensive POY: Mykoel Stanley Offensive POY: Brendon Scott

McIntosh County, Head Coach Gary Mintier Offensive POY: Brandon Moran (Not Pictured) Defensive POY: Matt Neiport 11 11 11

Bennett’s Hometown Pharmacy & Gifts

would like to thank all of this year’s School sponsors Appling Motors

Pierce County, Head Coach Sean Pender Offensive POY: Josh Henderson Defensive POY: Caleb Turner

Ware County, Head Coach Franklin Stephens Offensive POY: Raekwon Chatman Defensive POY: Sammy Burley (Not Pictured)

Mike Wheeler Shaun O’Quinn

Shaun O’Quinn

Wayne County, Head Coach Jody Grooms Offensive POY: Anfernee Jordan Defensive POY: Le’Vonte Larry (Not Pictured)

2014 award recipients!

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Bennett’s Hometown Pharmacy & Gifts

14

Brian Jordan:

2014 Fall Banquet Keynote Speaker

W

by John Wood

hile players and guests were filling their plates with a bountiful and tasty buffet catered by Jimbo’s Log Kitchen (Homerville, Ga.), the place started to settle down as the evening’s keynote speaker, Brian Jordan, made his way to the stage. Introduced by the Master of Ceremonies, the Waycross Mayo Clinic’s CEO Clay Thomas, Jordan inspired all of those in the crowd, as his presentation was full of energy and enthusiasm. He spoke not only of his athletic career but the importance of an unwavering faith in God and belief in oneself.

His work ethic, character, and faith helped him carve out a career that allowed him to become a 1991 Pro Bowl selection in the NFL and Major League Baseball All-Star in 1999.

He is now one of the most entertaining and talented sportscasters on the Fox Sports South network; he is Emmy Award-winning sports analyst and a recurring broadcast personality for Comcast Sports South and ESPN. He continues to give back in so many different ways through the Brian Jordan Foundation, and he has also authored two children’s books that are available on his foundation’s website.

photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson and Jeffrey Griffith

“The foundation has been able to provide scholarships to students in need,” he said. “I am also excited to announce that we will be partnering with Kennesaw State University to provide housing for single parent families in the future.”

Since many players that were in the audience that night will be making the choice of where to go to play college football soon, something in Jordan’s words certainly struck a chord with them.

“The University of Richmond was not my first choice,” Jordan said. “But I believed in my ability to be able to play baseball and football at the highest level and make an early impact. I wanted to play for Bobby Ross at Maryland and dreamed about it. A day before I signed with Richmond, Ross called me, but wanted me to concentrate on football my freshman year. At that point, I knew that Maryland wasn’t the right fit for me. It doesn’t matter where the school is or the level. Go where you have a good fit, and if you truly love the game, you are going to want to go where you can get on the field the quickest. If you have the talent, word will get out about your ability. My teammate, Jessie ‘The Hammer’ Tuggle played at Valdosta State

University; he used to lead us in tackles every year.”

Players learned the true meaning of the popular term “student-athlete,” as Jordan explained to them that playing college sports is a job, and their ultimate goal should be to graduate with a degree.

While some professional athletes spurn the title of role model, Jordan embraces it. His father was a steelworker, and his mother was a teacher of students with special needs. It was their guidance, a steadfast faith in God, and a burning desire to be the best at whatever he attempted that paved his way.

Jordan’s first love was basketball. He grew up in Maryland, where Morgan Wootten was creating the most dominating prep basketball team in the country at DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, Md.), and down the road, Lefty Driesell and Gary Williams (University of Maryland) reigned over the ACC. But Jordan didn’t have the size to play inside or the handles to be a point guard, so he turned to baseball and football, which he had played since he was six years old.

Just as he was about to see all of his hard 17

work come to fruition, in a game that would be the capstone before the 1989 NFL draft, Jordan was playing in the prestigious Senior Bowl where then Denver Broncos head coach told him he would be the first safety taken in the coming draft.

The 1989 NFL Draft is considered one of the strongest in the history of the NFL. As of this writing, that year’s draft has produced four Hall of Famers (Troy Aikman, Barry Sanders, Deion Sanders, and Derrick Thomas).

“Dan Reeves said that I would be Denver’s first pick, because the Broncos needed a safety,” Jordan said. ‘I knew that it was between me and Steve Atwater (who was playing for the University of Arkansas). I broke my leg on a play in the Senior Bowl; one of my teammates actually rolled on my ankle. So with me out with a broken ankle, the Broncos took Steve Atwater with the first pick.”

More determined than ever, Jordan took refuge in the Bible verse Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Jordan worked hard through rehab and even visited all of the doctors at the NFL combine. They told him how long it would take to get back to his former playing level and were doubtful if he would ever regain his speed.

“I laughed when they told me that and just kept working harder,” he said. “The Buffalo Bills drafted me in the seventh round.”

When training camp came, he was more than ready. But, despite having a good training camp he narrowly missed making the final roster.

“I ended up number forty-six on forty fiveman roster,” he said. “I thought I had made the team; no one came back and told me anything different. Marv Levy called me and told me they still wanted to keep for the practice squad.

Within a day, my agent called and told me

18

that I was going to Atlanta the next day. The Falcons wanted me to take a physical. I passed it, they signed me, and the rest is history.”

While trying to become a professional football player would be a task in itself, Jordan was also a first-round selection of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft. He was working his way through the Cardinals minor league system as well as playing for the Falcons.

St. Louis offered him a $1.7 million contract in 1992 contingent with him giving up his football career. To this day, Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, and Jordan are the only players that played both sports on the professional stage.

During his time at Busch Stadium, Jordan was a fixture in the explosive offense of the Cardinals. Never bending to adversity, Jordan came off an injury plagued 1997 season, and in 1998, he slugged 25 homeruns and drove in 100 runs, hitting a career high .316 average.

He joined the Braves in 1998, becoming a National League All-Star in 1999. Brian was one of the key players in the final month of the 2001 season, leading the Braves through a pennant race to pass the Mets and Phillies for a tenth straight division title.

Sometime during the offseason, Los Angeles and Atlanta were talking about a monster trade.

Jordan realized another life lesson that changes come and sports is a business.

“I was at the stadium talking to Bobby Cox and getting ready for the season. John Schuerholz (then General Manager of the Atlanta Braves) called me on the phone and started to talk about this huge trade. He said a couple of names and then said we were getting Gary Sheffield. I am thinking I must be important if the GM is calling me to tell me about this big trade. We are getting Sheffield we are going to win this thing. Then I asked the final name was

and he said it was me; the Dodgers would not make the deal without me. I was hurt, obviously, and hung up the phone before I said something I would regret. But it didn’t stop me from the rest of my career,” Jordan said.

Brian spent the next few seasons with Dodgers and Rangers before finally returning to the Braves in 2004. After a couple of seasons of nagging injuries and little time platooning at first base, he retired in 2006.

“The Braves have always been a very giving organization,” he said. “We wanted to help people that needed help, and they still do. I know that’s what I have always wanted to do was be able to give back, and I am in that position now. It is a real blessing to be able to do that.” ITG

James Engraving & Awards Quality Awards at discount prices Trophies Awards Plaques Engraving

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Academic Athlete sponsored by:

Mercedez Cobb Ware County High School

Ware County Cheerleader a Standout in the Classroom

by Rob Asbell

M

ercedez Cobb could be the poster child for Ware County High School in Waycross.

The senior cheerleader gives the morning announcements and was voted Homecoming Queen in 2014.

“She displays a great attitude in the classroom,” said Lynn Downs, Ware County’s Varsity Competition Cheer Coach. “The same work ethic that has made her such a great competitive cheerleader has made her a strong student.”

“Cey” (pronounced “say”), as friends call her, carries a 94.77 grade point average,

photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

which translates to a 3.79 on the 4.0 scale, which is more than good enough to get her into the school of her choice, which happens to be Armstrong State University in Savannah. Her plan is to major in radiology so she can become a radiology technician.

She is also a member of the Student Council, Leadership, Beta Club, and the National Honor Society. She has been an honor student for four consecutive years and was selected as the Exchange Club’s Youth of the Month last November.

Cobb is also part of two Ware County High School cheerleading squads - the

Gators’ varsity football cheerleaders and varsity competition cheerleading unit - two totally different teams with different objectives. Football cheering is exactly as it sounds, cheering at games and varsity football events like pep rallies.

Competitive cheerleading occurs at events designed specifically to have squads compete against each other. Teams perform a two-and-a-half minute routine choreographed to music that includes stunts, jumps and tumbling. Teams are judged on difficulty and execution by a panel of judges. Competitive cheer is also the sport that 21

causes the largest number of catastrophic injuries among young women each year. Fortunately, Cobb has gone through five years of competitive cheer without an injury.

“My favorite part of competitive cheer is tumbling, the part that sets it apart from regular cheerleading,” Cobb said. When it comes to the famous cheerleader pyramid, Cobb says she is part of the main base structure who works with her secondary base and back spot to keep the flyer in the air.

She got her start playing T-ball and basketball at the local recreation department where she also started cheering in pre-school. By sixth grade, she gave up the other sports. “I put away my sneakers for big bows and pom poms and I’ve been cheering ever since,’ she said. She took up competitive cheering two years later in eighth grade.

Following her junior season, she was recognized by the team with the Most Spirited Award, Sportsmanship Award, Dependable Award and Scholar Athlete Award, as well as being selected to the All-Region 3-AAAAA Cheerleading Squad.

She got her first chance to join the Gator’s competitive cheer team her freshman year when she learned some new skills.

“Cartwheel, tuck; round-off, tuck; back-handspring, tuck and triple jump, tuck,” she said. “I was extremely nervous...but once the music started and we began our routine, my adrenaline kicked in and I was ready to give it my all.” The routine went well, and she landed all of her tumbling had a great first experience.

Cobb credits her coaches for influencing her cheering career, including Coach Downs, who has coached her throughout her competitive cheering days. “She is willing to lead by example and holds her teammates to that example,” Coach Downs said. “She always does more than is expected – stays longer, runs farther, practices harder.”

Cobb says her coaches have always

pushed her and encouraged her to do her best. This season, the Gators’ squad competed at sectionals for a spot at the GHSA State Cheerleading Championships in Columbus. Cobb says that the team put all their worries aside and focused on having fun and doing what they knew they could do. The team performed a spotless routine to win a slot at state.

“My team’s reaction was priceless. We screamed, laughed, and cried in excitement,” Cobb said. They performed one final routine at state and then packed up for the season.

For Cobb, it was her final hurrah, as she has no plans to cheer in college.

“I love my sport, but juggling academics and extracurricular activities hasn’t always been easy,” she said. “For once, I want to really give my education my undivided attention.” ITG

“Cey” (pronounced “say”), as friends call her, carries a 94.77 grade point average, which translates to a 3.79 on the 4.0 scale.

Her plan is to major in radiology so she can become a radiology technician.

22

A Judge’s Training Ground

by Rob Asbell

T

he 2014 All-Region 3-AAAAA Team includes Zach Lamper and Deejay Dallas of Glynn Academy along with Randon Jernigan, Darrius Lampkin, and Jackson Gibbs of Brunswick High School. But they also share another honor: before becoming stars on the high school scene and before they starred in middle school, each of them played for the “Red Death” Broncos AllStar Team at the Glynn County Recreation Department.

At the helm is Glynn County State Court Judge Bart Altman, a man who would rather coach football than hunt or play golf. “I like to think we are a positive influence,” Altman said of the team’s coaching staff.

Football has become a way to set young lives on the right path. For some, it means a future as a standout player at Glynn Academy or Brunswick High School. For all who play for the All-Star Team, it means lessons they will carry with them throughout their lives.

Though serious about the law and his role in the judicial system, Altman’s pride is the Broncos football team. The All-Star Team, made up of players from each of the recreation league teams, travels and plays in tournaments. One of the biggest tournaments is the Glynn County Super Bowl, which includes teams from Effingham County, Chatham County, and other areas. Altman’s team won the Super Bowl for the fourth time this year.

They won the Turkey Bowl in Waycross this season for the tenth time. In 2010, they took a team from the previous year to play in a tournament for 13- and

24

photos by Rob Asbell and Bart Altman

14-year-olds. Adding only a few players from surrounding counties, the Broncos were National Champion runners-up, falling 13-7 to a team from the Texas Football Academy from Dallas.

On this night, the Broncos took on the Camden County All-Stars at Chris Gilman Stadium, home of the Camden County High School Wildcats. With all of the excitement surrounding the team, it’s more like watching a high school contest. In reality, it is a team of 11- and 12-year-olds who have become a feeder system starting point for area high schools.

Altman became head coach of the Broncos after being asked by friend, Randy Hicks. The duo coached together for a few years and then Altman was joined by local dentist Scott Morrison, who took on the defensive coordinator duties.

“We’ve had two seasons where we were not even scored on,” Altman said.

Kevin James was the defensive coordinator for 10 years until recently moving, and his offensive coordinator is Joe Delaney, who Altman describes as the best quarterbacks’ coach around. “It’s not a coincidence that six of our former quarterbacks have gone on to start at Glynn or Brunswick.”

Although named the Broncos, the team calls itself “Red Death” due to the red jerseys, pants and socks. They are also known to come out through a cloud of red smoke.

Meanwhile at Chris Gilman Stadium, the call goes out, “What’s coming?”

The response from the players and the crowd: “Red Death!”

The team even has it’s own “hype man” who runs down the sidelines with the team’s flag. “He’s the best in the business,” Altman said.

Since becoming a little league coach in 2001, he has seen hundreds of his players go on to be stars at the high school level. On

this year’s rosters, approximately nine GA starters and seven Pirates’ starters previously played for Altman.

“He knows how to get your best out of you,” said former Glynn Academy standout and current Georgia Southern University player James Dean. “He’s very inspiring.” Dean is just one of Altman’s former players who has gone on to high school and college.

On this December night in Camden County, stars of tomorrow like Allen Partin, Anthony Mountain, and Chase Gabriel ran over, around, and through the opposition for a 46-0 victory, capping another perfect season.

“They got to play on the turf field,” Altman said. “It’s an experience that they could enjoy.”

Since they started, the Broncos have had a record of 187-17-3 and have put countless athletes onto middle and high school teams by teaching good fundamentals in tackling and blocking.

The coaches also realize that some of their players may not have positive male role models in their lives at an age when they are maturing into young men. Altman still hears from players he coached 10 years ago. The coaches emphasize the importance of respect to the players who learn more than just football. “We teach them that if they say ‘yes ma’am’, ‘no ma’am’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’, you will be amazed at how far it gets you in life.” ITG

Bacon County

Raiders

Basketball and Wrestling Heat Up in Alma

by Rob Asbell

Photos courtesy of Andrea Heflin

With the Christmas and New Year’s holidays completed, school is back in, and winter sports are getting into full swing at Bacon County High School.

The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams of head coach Derrick Green started their seasons with home games against the Wayne County Yellow Jackets and Appling County Pirates in late November. The boys’ team split the games before going on a three-game winning tear in December. The Raiders downed the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets at home and traveled to Darien to defeat the McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers. The following day, they downed Appling

County in Baxley. The win streak was cooled by a two-point loss to the Vidalia High School Indians, followed by a loss to the Bryan County Redskins.

Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders have been struggling and are still searching for their first win of the season following several tough losses.

On the mats, the Bacon County Red Raiders’ wrestling team, led by head coach Thomas McCullough, got its season started in early December.

“The team is led by captains Dylan Kelly, Jackson Hall, Hunter Hill, and Trey Martin,”

Coach McCullough said. Only Kelly, Hill, and Martin return from last year’s varsity wrestling team. Kelly wrestles in the 126-pound weight class and has several wins (to only one loss) so far this year. Trey Martin is in his senior year and is one of the most experienced wrestlers on the team. “Drake Bloodworth is a ninth-grader that is really coming into his own,” Coach McCullough said. “He has several wins to only one loss in the 120-pound weight class.”

So far this season, the Raiders have wrestled against Appling County, Jeff Davis County, Charlton County, and McIntosh County Academy.

2014-2015 Varsity Basketball Schedule (Remaining) JAN 6 JAN 9 JAN 13 JAN 16 JAN 20 JAN 23 JAN 24

LONG GROVES JEFF DAVIS MCINTOSH VIDALIA BRYAN WAYNE

HOME AWAY AWAY HOME HOME AWAY AWAY

2014-2015 Wrestling Schedule (Remaining) JAN 8 JAN 16 JAN 20

WARE COUNTY CHARLTON COUNTY MCINTOSH COUNTY

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Coach’s Corner Billy Moore Camden County High School

sponsored by:

Moore Coaches Two Sports at Camden

by Rob Asbell

B

eing a successful high school coach takes a great deal of hard work, planning, and, to some extent, good fortune to get the ball to bounce in your favor when needed. Imagine doubling up on everything by coaching two sports in back-to-back seasons. That is the situation for Camden County High School’s Billy Moore. He is a region-champion volleyball coach in the fall and then becomes the boys’ basketball coach in the winter where he led the team to a winning record last season.

“I try to approach both sports exactly the same,” Moore said. “I try to have a calm but intense approach to reduce stress on the players so they can perform without being scared to make mistakes.”

Moore has been the head volleyball coach for 17 years and is now in his second year as boy’s basketball coach. Volley-

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photography by Jeffrey Griffith

ball is a fall sport and basketball is a winter sport, but Moore rarely leaves the gym, even when school is out of session. At least one team has some sort of workout everyday, and most days both teams have workouts.

“Summer is probably the most difficult time for overlap,” Moore said. “Attempting to give both sports full attention during the offseason is pretty taxing and is probably my busiest time of the year.”

Now in his 18th year at Camden County High School, Moore teaches health and physical education. His basic coaching philosophy is self-discipline and maximum effort 100 percent of the time. He has won nearly 500 volleyball games (his record is 463-158) and he has won eight region championships. In 2006, he led the Wildcats to a 38-1 record, and in 2011 they finished 44-9. In 2014, the Cats went 41-8

and reached the state quarterfinals with a team that was talented enough to contend for a state title.

In basketball, Moore took over a program last year with several seasons of single-digit wins and losing records and led them to a winning season in his first year. After having to replace several graduating seniors from last season’s team, Moore has continued to keep Camden’s boys on the winning path in the 20142015 season. The key to his success in both sports has been his adherence to discipline and maximum effort.

“And having great assistant coaches that work every bit as hard or harder to make sure our vision and plan is put into action,” he said.

The one setback to coaching two sports at once, he says, is not being able to take enough time to develop young talent, although he has seemingly found a way.

His first big moment as a coach had an unusual twist: He was eightyears-old when it occurred. He was playing in a recreation basketball league where adults were not allowed to serve as coaches. Even though he was one of the youngest players on the team, he was designated to be the coach. “I had to schedule and organize practices as well as manage all of the game substitutions and

play,” he said.

His most memorable game came last year in his inaugural season as Wildcats’ basketball coach. Camden played an almost perfect game for three quarters and was holding a 21-point lead. Valdosta managed to fight back to tie the game with two minutes left.

“We were out of sync and could not get anything to go our way. In the back of my mind I was thinking how I couldn’t believe I had let this happen,” Moore said. Camden finally got a break and eventually won the game by nine.

“Now, every time we have a lead, I make sure we don’t relax, stay disciplined and continue to fight for every possession on offense and defense,” he said.

Although he coaches two different sports and two different genders, Moore no longer treats the girls differently from the boys. He realizes that athletes are athletes, and holding everyone accountable is the approach that works. Moore believes there is no adjustment period between volleyball and basketball.

“If I truly approach both sports the same I really don’t need to change,” Moore said. “The most important things are to make sure the players know you have their best interest in mind, and that they’re always treated with respect.” ITG

“The most important things are to make sure the players know you have their best interest in mind, and that they’re always treated with respect.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER CARTER JOHNSON

Pierce County

Bears

Football Team Completes Successful Season

by Ivy Young

The Pierce County Bears football team had another great season. This was their third straight 10-win season, and for the third time ever, the Bears made it to the quarterfinals.

The senior class has won 38 games over four years.

Senior Caleb Turner has been awarded Region Player of the Year. Turner had 71.5 total tackles and 17 sacks (setting a new school record). Offensive Player of the Year is Josh Henderson. Henderson has had 186 attempts, 1595 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 28 catches.

Four Pierce County players made the 1-AAA Sub-Region A-Team: Terrell Carter (wide receiver), Madison Tuten (offensive lineman), Brit Williamson (defensive back), and Marquis Foreman (defensive back). Carter had 85 catches, 1314 yards, and 16 touchdowns.

He has also been awarded In The Game’s SE Edition Offensive Player of the Year. Tuten served as the team captain, was their best offensive lineman, and was a three-year starter. Williamson, a junior, had seven tackles for loss, the second-highest total on the team. Foreman had 73.5 total tackles this year.

Honorable Mentions for Region 1-AAA quarterbacks include went to Stetson Bennett and JerMar Lincoln. Running back is Mike Bush. Tight end is Blake Chancey. Wide receiver is Stetson Smith. The offensive line Honorable Mentions include: Duncan Kimbrell, Darin McBride, Jonathan New, and Rhett Peeples. Defensive Line: Trea Kicklighter, Seth Bryant, and Kenny Ciarletta. Linebackers are Ben Aldridge, Rhett Veal, and Logan Paul. Defensive backs are Jeremiah Davis, Joshua McDay, and Leroy Mason.

Lady Bears Are Motivated

by Ivy Young

Kelly Brown is the head coach for the Lady Bears basketball team. Lacie Dowling and Millie Walker are assistant coaches. Mrs. Walker is also the head coach for the JV team. There are seven returning players for varsity and four new. “We have six seniors and look to be very competitive,” Coach Brown said. “We also have a lot of young talent.”

At a typical practice, the ladies condition and practice offensive and defensive drills with repetition. The girls strive to improve at every game and to win a region and state championship. Though player motivation varies, Coach Brown’s is clear. “My motivation is the love of the game and getting to watch these young ladies work hard and be successful.”

A successful season would be unachievable without the Lady Bears’ support staff. Kenyatta and Shay Hicks are the team managers, Haylea Hannah is the camera operator, and JJ Jernigan is the stat girl.

Bears Gear Up for Season

by Ivy Young

It is a new year for Bears basketball, and they have a new coach. Rusty Smith has moved for West Palm Beach, Florida, to take over the Bears’ basketball program. This is his 13th year coaching basketball. His experience ranges from youth basketball through college basketball.

Smith is accompanied by assistant coaches Jerome Lincoln and John Phillips.

Phillips is also the JV head coach. There are 12 members on boys’ basketball team. The boys’ goal for the season is to create unity and compete for an opportunity in the state tournament.

“We play a very strong region including Savannah High and Johnson High School from Savannah,” Coach Smith said. “We should be competitive within our region.”

Practice moves quickly for the team. They do drill after drill, practicing offensive and defensive breakdowns to transition and rebounding drills. Each practice and game motivates the team to reach new heights for the program.

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It’s A Basketball Life

by John Wood

B

radwell senior shooting guard Jakaria Fleming’s first memory playing basketball was as a seven-year-old playing rec league in Liberty County. However, Fleming has always been around the game.

“I’ve always been around the game of basketball, but my real first memory was playing rec league ball when I was seven years old, and I loved playing the game,” Fleming said.

Fleming’s father, Jessie, was a standout player at Bradwell Institute, and is a

fixture with his South Georgia Kings AAU team that has helped a lot of players get exposure that led to Division I college scholarships; most recently, former Liberty County High School Panther and University of Tennessee star Jordan McCrae. McCrae was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, but a contract snag left Jordan playing professionally in Australia. Besides the AAU team, Fleming also publishes the Southeast Georgia Hoops Report, highlighting some of the best talent around.

photography by Jeffrey Griffith

Playing one season of middle school basketball, Fleming started playing junior varsity for Liberty County High School as an eighth grader.

“My eighth grade year I started to learn more about basketball; realizing that the game isn’t just about dribbling down the court and trying to go score.

I had always watched basketball, but as I continued to see how basketball was played, I started to understand and see the court better,” Fleming said.

She spent a couple of more seasons

Player Spotlight sponsored by:

Jakaria Fleming Bradwell Institute

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playing from the Liberty County Lady Panthers before making a decision to transfer to crosstown rival Bradwell Institute.

While some would find it strange to transfer between rival schools, for Fleming is wasn’t uncomfortable at all; in fact, it ended up being a good transition.

“I knew everyone coming in already, so it wasn’t bad. I played summer ball with several of them when we played AAU with the South Georgia Queens. I was really comfortable and ready to get my time started with them,” Fleming said.

She began her first full season with Bradwell in her junior year, starting as the Lady Tigers’ shooting guard. Fleming showed the range she had, hitting shots from all over the floor.

“Even though I am shooting guard, I really like to be able to catch the ball and spot up rather than driving to the basket,” she said. “But I still can drive when I need to. I don’t really have a favorite spot to shoot from; I shoot from all over the floor.”

While Jessie Fleming instilled the necessary foundation of strong basketball fundamentals, such as proper shooting and good defense, Jakaria can take the role of expert when talking about the loss of fundamentals in basketball.

“There are a lot of good players, generally speaking, that don’t shoot the ball even close to fundamentally correct,” she said. “Some people can’t use athletic ability to overcome the lack of proper shooting either. I learned to shoot correctly and play defense with my feet not my hands early, which are skills that are key to playing the game.”

Towards the end of her junior season, Fleming tore her meniscus and has had to work hard to get back to where she wants to be during her senior season.

“I started working my way to get back and didn’t follow the rehab all of the way, so that made it harder,” she said.

“However, I’ve worked hard to come back and be able to help my team and contribute this season. I want to get to the point where I don’t need my brace because it’s bulky and cuts down on range of motion.”

With a season-high game of 18 points and a 9-5 record so far this season, Fleming has made good strides this year.

Lady Tigers head coach Faye Baker has made Bradwell into one of the best women’s basketball programs in Southeast Georgia, year after year.

“Jakaria is full of fire and spunk,” Baker said. “She is willing to go against any challenge that faces her. She plays with so much heart. She can shoot all over the floor. Her injury last season hindered her, but she battled through that, and it hasn’t stopped her this season. Academically, she applies the same kind of work ethic in the classroom as she does on the court, which has made her a very successful student.”

Growing up around the game, changing schools, and battling through an injury, Fleming displays the traits of what it takes to be a good basketball player.

“If a young player asked me what they needed to do to be successful, I would tell the most important thing is be ready and willing to work hard,” Fleming said. “Work as hard as you can every day in practice, and also have that same attitude in the classroom.”

Her favorite class is Math 4 with Mr. Bobby Tanner. Besides playing basketball, Fleming also plays leftcenterfield for Coach Sharyl Eastlake on the Lady Tigers softball team.

“For me personally, I want to get my points per game total up,” Fleming said. “I had 18 points in one game, but I can score more. I want to help us have the best season that we can this year and hopefully make it to the state playoffs.” iTG

Seeing Double in Darien

by Rob Asbell

S

pectators watching a girls' basketball game at McIntosh County Middle School might think they are seeing double when twin sisters Jada and Jadyn Scott take the court. They immediately stand out because they are already at or near 6-foot, which is tall for middle school girls. Actually, Jadyn is 6-foot and Jada is a quarter-inch shorter. And, of course, the twins look alike.

"It's very interesting and fun because they don't know what to expect," Jada said of opponents. "It's very nerve-wrecking for the other team," said Jadyn, "but awesome to play with my twin."

The girls will have the opportunity to confuse high school opponents in the next few years, and then there is the possibility of playing in college.

Oddly, it all started when, during a recreation league game, the girls both grabbed the basketball and tried to run with it like a football rather than dribbling. The twins developed a love for basketball when their mother was coaching at McIntosh County Academy when they were two years old.

"I've been around it for 11 years," Jada said. "I started playing when I was four years old with Leisure Services in Darien and haven't stopped playing since." They also played T-ball, soccer, and cheered with

photography by Jeffrey Griffith

Leisure Services. Mom, Anitra Scott, also coached them in A AU basketball. Sports, she said, have taught the twins to put Christ first in everything they do and to let Him work through them. "It's also taught them self-discipline and control," Mrs. Scott said.

"To give 100 percent and go hard at it."

They have steadily improved over the years and are now attracting attention. Both girls average about 10 points per game and carry a 4.0 grade point average.

Both have won Academic and Coach's awards at McIntosh County Middle School in Darien where they play for Coach Tawanna Armstrong. They have also been on the A Honor Roll and won attendance and good citizenship awards.

Jada, who is technically oldest, plays point guard and forward, while Jadyn plays forward and center They both love the competitive nature of the game.

The name Scott has suddenly become synonymous with basketball in McIntosh County. The daughters of Eddie and Anitra Scott also have a brother, Tre Scott, a senior for McIntosh County Academy who has made a name for himself and has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Cincinnati next year. For Jada and Jadyn, he is just another convenient practice oppo-

nent. Both girls run track as well as playing basketball.

Jada's first big play came as she was moving in to score. "I crossed this girl up, drove and hit a jump shot," Jada said. Jadyn's came in sixth grade when she gave a pump fake, drove to the basket and made the shot. Jada also recalls hitting her first three-pointer in sixth grade while Jadyn still recalls her first reverse layup in seventh grade. Now the girls dream of one day playing professionally in the WNBA. Their plans on getting there include attending a Division I school on an academic or basketball scholarship. Jada would like to major in physical therapy, while Jadyn wants to go into sports medicine.

Their dreams are simple: Playing in the WNBA, modeling, commentating or acting.

When they are not in school or practicing, they like to spend time with family, dancing, working out, on Instagram, babysitting and "eating all day."

Both young ladies credit their parents with molding them into the people and players they have become. "They push me to do better and work hard at what I do," Jada said. "They're very supportive of us and go above and beyond to provide for us," Jadyn said. ITG

Rising Star JadA Scott Jadyn Scott McIntosh County Middle School

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Gators A Hot and Cold December for the Gators

by Rob Asbell

took time to honor seniors J’air Grant, Montaque McKinney, Jaquan Barefield and Henley Longshore.

For more information on Gator wrestling, click on www.warecountywrestling.com.

Meanwhile, Coach Tre Hill’s basketball team got off to a hot start in December with a victory over the Wayne County Yellow Jackets. Senior Sammy Burley, In The Game Magazine’s Ware County Defensive Player of the Year this football season, in his first game back from football had a game high 21 points in the 65-61 victory.

Ware County then dropped a tough region game to the Brunswick Pirates and then another to the Effingham County Rebels despite 23 points from Burley. After Christmas, the Gators took part in the McDonald’s Invitational in Tifton.

Ware County took a six-point win over the Pelham Hornets, but then fell to AAAA Dougherty County out of Albany the following day. The Gators will travel back to Tifton in January for the Martin Luther King Classic.

It was a tough December for Mandy Lingenfelter’s Lady Gators basketball team. Ware started with a loss to Wayne County but then rebounded with a win over the Camden County Wildcats which was led by Blake Crews’ 12 points.

The Lady Gators then fell to the Brunswick Pirates, Coffee County Trojans, Glynn Academy Red Terrors and Effingham County Rebels.

After Christmas, Ware traveled to Mt. Vernon to play in the annual Brewton-Parker College Christmas Tournament. Daejha White had 17 points, but Ware lost to the Montgomery County Eagles by two points in overtime. The next day, they fell by a single point to the Vidalia High School Indians.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WARE COUNTY ATHLETIC DEPT.

It was an up and down December for Ware County athletics as the basketball teams struggled, but the wrestling team dominated.

Coach Joe Eichfeld’s Gator wrestling team got started by placing third at Effingham County High School’s Rebel Invitational. Senior J’air Grant took first place in the 106-pound division to lead the way. The Gators then traveled to Brunswick for a dual meet hosted by Glynn Academy. The Gators went 3-0 against the Brantley County Herons, McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers, and the host Red Terrors, upping their dual meet record to 25-6 on the season. Ware then travelled to the Fitzgerald Invitational where they placed first as a team for the second year in a row. Ten teams took part in the event at Fitzgerald High School: the Coffee County Trojans, Cook County Hornets, Crisp County Cougars, Fitzgerald High School Purple Hurricanes, Monticello High School Hurricanes, Tift County Blue Devils, Turner County Rebels, Valdosta High School Wildcats, Valwood School Valiants and Ware. The Gators had 136 points, five more than host Fitzgerald.

Just before Christmas, Ware County increased their dual meet record to 27-6 with victories over Charlton County and Brantley County. The Gators hosted the Indians and Herons and also

Rifle Team Improving After a subpar 2013-14 season, head coach Maurice England and the Ware County rifle team have been training to make it to state. This year’s team includes Courtney Harris, Bryan Whitaker, Emily Jones, Kaleb Aldridge, James Kellum, Kyle Weis, Ty Mixon, Jonathan King, Tyler Barnard, Aston Newland, Alexis Crawford, Ryan Yaksh, Mikaela Kirkland, Amanda Bird, Christain Jared,

David Weis, Michelle Caudill, Kimberlee Nettles, and Erik Lee. With the addition of a new facility, WCHS now has the most advanced high school shooting complex in the state. It has 20 different shooting stations, so all of Ware County Rifle Team members can train all at one time. Good luck to Coach Maurice and the team of Ware County for making the Gator nation proud.

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Camden County

Wildcats

Fear the “Mat Cats”

by Caitlin Annunziata

Camden County Wildcat wrestlers have always been a force to be reckoned with, no matter the region. Last year in the 6-AAAAAA region, Wildcat wrestlers were runner up in the state dual in 2014 and champions in Area 1 Dual Tournament. They were state champions in 2013, making nearby schools afraid of Camden’s “Mat Cats.” The Camden wrestlers have made a name for themselves in any region they are placed. Now with the new season, they are ready to take more titles along with the pins.

The Camden wrestling team earned eight pins in their Turkey Duals on November 26th.

The mat cats snagged first and second place, dominating the tournament with eight victories in South Effingham. 4-0 marks for Camden Wildcat’s A-Team allowed them to snag the first place trophy against Hilton Head,

S.C., Benedictine, South Effingham, and Battery Creek, S.C. Sophomore Denton Spencer won all four of his matches, weighing in at 138 pounds alongside senior “Mat Cat” Tony Abarno.

The Wildcats that earned three pins in four matches were Bryant Rivers (113), Lucas Nelson (120), Bryce Crew (132), Jay Sheppard (145), Hunter Mako (160), and Aaron Galegor (195). Heavyweights Gabe Smith, Galegor, and Mako all won by decision and or by forfeit.

Jeffrey Bell (106), Bunmi Smith (170), and Anthony Wall (220) won their matches twice by fall and twice unopposed. The Camden BSquad defeated Toombs County, 64-18, with four wins each from Antonio Stewart (152), Brian Stanford (170), and Anthony Carter (160).

Student-Athletes Prepare for the Next Level

by Caitlin Annunziata

Every athlete dreams of playing a collegiate sport. All their hard work pays off when they finally reach the prestigious Signing day. Coaches push their athletes to perform their very best, both on the field and in the classroom. This helps studentathletes build up great work ethic which they can later on use towards life.

Two athletes in particular are ready to make that transition. Sarah Parchinski, a senior swimmer, has been recently awarded a scholarship to Berry College to further her education and swim career. Sarah first started swimming when she was 10 years old. When Sarah reached high school, she realized she wanted to take the sport more seriously and go for the gold. Being one of the top swimmers in the Camden County High School program, Sarah is a standout swimmer with high potential.

“When I heard about Berry, I already had a former teammate swim for them, which sparked my interest even more,” she said. “When furthering my research on the team, I found out they had an amazing animal science program which finally sealed the deal.”

Berry College is the number one liberal arts school in the country and, at 27,000 acres, has the largest college campus in the world.

“I was very excited to go there after one recruitment visit,” she said. “I already had a great connection with the team, and I feel like I would be a great addition to their program.”

Sarah will be making her journey to Rome, Georgia this upcoming fall, and she looks forward to the 2015 college season. As for now, Sarah’s immediate goal is to dominate her final season as a leader of her team, leaving Camden County High School with an outstanding athletic season and academics.

Christopher Barton, a senior Wildcat football player, is also looking forward to his next steps in life by beginning college in the fall semester of 2015. He hopes to continue to play football for the college of his choice. Currently, Barton is considering many options to take his football career to the next level.

“Having the many options given to me is kind of stressful because most importantly I have to

choose a college that would fit me both academically and athletically,” he said. “My top two choices are Birmingham Southern College and University of Cumberlands. Right now I am exploring my options. Football has taught me the importance of work ethic and dedication; it has also taught me life lessons that go beyond the classroom in order to make me successful in my future.”

Chris wants to pursue an education degree and hopes that once his football career comes to a close, he can continue by becoming a football coach.

These two Camden County athletes are more than ecstatic about continuing their college career and being able to play the sport they love.

With great academics and athletic ability, these students will achieve greatness beyond the classroom and make Camden County proud. The community and families of Camden County have helped, not only these two students, but each athlete to preserve and achieve success in their athletic and academic goals.

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Most Improved Player sponsored by:

Madison Long Pierce County High School 40

“Mad Dog,� as she is affectionately known, is in her third year playing varsity basketball for the Lady Bears.

Her favorite part of basketball is that it is a team sport; it takes everyone working as one to get a win, and it makes the game fun when they are all on the same page.

They Call Her “Mad Dog”

by Rob Asbell

N

umber 12 for the Pierce County Lady Bears’ basketball team seems like any other player; an All-American,blonde -haired, blue-eyed girl running up and down the court. The 5-foot-7 guard is senior Madison Long.

“Mad Dog,” as she is affectionately known, is in her third year playing varsity basketball for the Lady Bears. Long started playing basketball when she was five years old at the Ware County Recreation Department. She was chosen as an All-Star every year, and her team even made it to the state’s Final Four when she was in fourth grade. By middle school, she was playing for Ware Magnet School and won the Most Valuable Player award in her seventh-grade year. She moved to Pierce County her eighth grade year and has been a Bear ever since, playing varsity since her sophomore season.

Coach Kelly Brown has been at Pierce County High School in Blackshear for eight years; the last half of her tenure has been as the girls’ head basketball coach.

“I have had the privilege of coaching Madison for four years,” Coach Brown said. “She has improved in almost all aspects of her game. She is a bit faster and her shot has gotten much better.”

As she continues to play, Madison works to improve by adjusting her attitude toward practice and hustling to get better each day.

“I have a better mindset about every game,” she said. “I want to get after it every play so I can help contribute to my team.”

Long credits Coach Brown and her staff for helping her improve.

“They never let me or any other player settle for less than what we are capable of,” she said. “They push us every day to become better than we were the day before, and they never let us become content with our work ethic.”

She also credits her mom, Lucretia Davis, whom she refers to as her biggest fan and worst critic.

Throughout her early playing career, Long saw limited time on the floor but never gave up.

photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

“She is proof that being committed and not quitting can pay off,” Coach Brown said. “I think she has improved a great deal from her freshman year.”

Pierce plays in Region 1-AAA, which includes powerhouse Savannah schools like the Beach High Bulldogs, the Jenkins High Warriors, the Johnson High Atomsmashers, and the Savannah High Blue Jackets. The Lady Bears went 10-8 in the region and made it to the state basketball playoffs last season before falling to the Washington County Golden Hawks. It had been some time since the Lady Bears had been in the state playoffs, and defeating the Southeast Bulloch Lady Yellow Jackets last year was one of Madison’s most memorable experiences. This year, she is looking forward to playing the Brantley County Herons in their annual region rivalry.

“It’s usually a fun game,” she said. “Everyone’s emotions are usually high.”

Long learned the nuances of finesse basketball at a young age. In sixth grade, in a game against Echols County, the Bears were up by one point with nine seconds remaining in regulation. An opposing player stole the ball and was going in for a layup. Knowing she wasn’t a good freethrow shooter, Long fouled the player.

“She missed both her free throws, and we won the game,” she said.

Her favorite part of basketball is that it is a team sport; it takes everyone working as one to get a win, and it makes the game fun when they are all on the same page.

Long has made it through four years at Pierce County High School with a stellar 4.0 grade point average and a membership in the Beta Club. She plans to attend a four-year college, where she wants to earn a bachelors degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. She would eventually like to become a physician’s assistant in pediatrics.

With a nickname like “Mad Dog,” it is easy to understand that Long is a character at the school.

“She is always making someone smile or laugh,” Coach Brown said. “She is just so laid back and easy going. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and coach her.” ITG

Bradwell Institute

by John Wiood

The Bradwell Institute Lady Tigers entered a new region this basketball season, Region 3-AAAAA. However, it contains many familiar faces (Effingham, South Effingham, Statesboro, and Richmond Hill) that head basketball coach Faye Baker has faced during two decades in command.

“Overall, this is a very competitive conference,” Baker said. “We have done well in the sub-region, but we have not worked our way back through a second time yet.”

Currently, the Lady Tigers are 9-7 overall (3-3 in region play); they enjoyed a seven-game win streak in December. In the first game of the streak, the Lady Tigers beat South Effingham 5045. Brianna Johnson led Bradwell with 19 points. The win came on the heels of a disappointing loss to the Effingham Lady Rebels, 5733, earlier in the week.

“Effingham is a quality basketball team,” Baker said. “Teams like that are what make this region so competitive. There isn’t any team that you can take lightly. We have to be ready to play every time we step on the floor. You can’t have an off night in this region and win.”

Besides the sub-region competition, Bradwell also plays games against the other side of the region, which includes Glynn Academy, Ware County, Brunswick, Coffee County, and Camden County. While Camden remains Region 1-AAAAAA for football, the Wildcats rejoin the coastal schools in Region 3-AAAAA for the rest of the sports

in which they compete.

Bradwell extended its December winning streak by notching a nonregion, 52-34, victory against the Lady Battle Creek Warriors from Tattnall County. The following week, the Lady Tigers took another Region 3-AAAAA victory on the road against the Richmond Hill Lady Wildcats.

Closing out before finals week, Bradwell picked up its third Region 3-AAAAA victory, defeating the Statesboro Lady Blue Devils by a score of 50-46. The Lady Tigers sustained a late run from Statesboro, and Bradwell was able to pick up some late fouls and convert free throws down the stretch. Senior shooting guard Jakari Fleming was eight-for-nine at the free-throw line and finished with 17 points for the game.

Though the Lady Tigers finished the month of December strong, Baker knows that they are going have to continue to work hard as they start the second half of the season. They enter the second week of January on a threegame losing streak after falling to McIntosh County, Brunswick, and Camden.

“Brunswick is a very good basketball team, and against Camden we missed 19 offensive rebounds, committed 10 turnovers, and were 16-for-34 from the free-throw line,” Baker said. “You can’t win many games playing like that. We are young right now and still searching for who we are as a team. The most important thing right now is to keep positive and working as hard as we can in practice,” Baker said.

BRADWELL INSTITUTE

Lady Tigers on a Roll

Tigers

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Lady Yellow Jackets Thriving Under New Leadership

by John Wood

One game this season the Wayne County Lady Yellow Jackets missed a resounding 23 layups and, adding insult to injury, missed 25 free throws. First year head coach Kara Hires never wavered, working through the obstacle and creating a stronger basketball team.

Hires, daughter of legendary Richmond Hill coach Jimmy Hires, grew up on a basketball court.

“I receive a lot of questions about coaching in terms of my dad, and while we butt heads on some things, it would be inaccurate to say that he does not influence my style of coaching and my relationship with my team,” Hires said.

“I grew up in the gym and can remember how hard his team worked in practice. He isn’t going to sugarcoat if you are not doing something right just because you are ‘trying’. He wanted you to do it right and didn’t want to hear any

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excuse as to why you did it wrong. My dad had a relationship with these boys that made them respect him, work hard for him, and most importantly, they believed in him. He knew when to be tough, and he knew when to pull one aside and let them know that they were improving. These are the things that I work hard at every day. Everyone has their own opinion about coaching strategies. But from my dad, I learned most about the importance of working hard in practice and the relationship with your players.”

Coming from Long County, where she helped turned around the Lady Tide, Hires was very interested when the Wayne County girls’ basketball position came open.

“When I heard about the Wayne County coaching position opening, I knew it would be an opportunity to get back in coaching,” she said. “I have been welcomed by Coach Grooms and the entire staff and have become quite attached to my squad of girls this season.

It is a learning process for all of us, but I think that the girls have the potential to being a top contender in the region.”

Coaching jobs move fast, and sometimes coaches are hired weeks before the season or given little time to prepare a team. Since Hires was hired in July the first half of this basketball season was making sure her players would retain the offense and defenses she was teaching.

Hires’ diligence paid off, with the Wayne County girls winning their first five games; but before the winning streak started to soak in, the Lady Yellow Jackets dropped five in a row too.

“There have been many ups and downs, including a few heartbreaking losses,” she said.

“It was hard to pick back up from these, but I try my best to instill in them that you can only hustle through slumps and bad games and come back with the same fury that you had when you felt your last loss.”

Two key players for Wayne County are juniors Tania Ward and Amiah Height, who have consistently led the Lady Yellow Jackets in scoring and in rebounding. Ward averages 16 points a game and had two games this year where she scored 30 in each. Height aver-

ages 13 points a game and seven boards. Defensively, sophomore Amani Trice has been a force, and a pleasant surprise, at point guard.

Most importantly, the Lady Yellow Jackets are creating cohesion and some strong role players that give the team added depth.

“My girls had a few wins that were important to them because of some tough losses they had the previous season before I got here,” Hires said. “The wins against Ware County allowed them to see that they were able to compete again with talented and well-coached teams. My home is Richmond Hill, so I know how good the program and the coaches are.

My girls also know that is my home, so they made it a personal goal to get two wins against them on my behalf.”

Hires wants to build on the momentum, but also cut down on the mistakes her team made in the first half of the season.

“Second half goals include doing well in region playoffs and making it to state playoffs,” she said. “The girls are beginning to believe that we can actually do it if we work hard enough, and that is half the battle. I also want to develop a sound defense, so that we may be a contender against even the more talented squads.”

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