South Georgia January 2017 Edition

BENNETT, GEORGE LEAD EXPERIENCED GROUP OF HORNETS WITH HIGH HOPES FOR 2017 SAM BENNETT & GUNNER GEORGE

Cook High School

THOMAS COUNTY CENTRAL SWIMMER BLOWS STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS OUT OF THE WATER KENDALL SALTER

Thomas County Central High School

Columbus Valley

WRESTLER PINS HOPES ON MAKING IT TO NATIONALS ISAIAH SELLERS Kendrick High School

A FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER SHEDRICK OFFICE Turner County High School

FROM HOMESCHOOLED TO HOMECOMING QUEEN AUDREY CROWE Glenwood High School

PLAY BALL!

COLUMBUS VALLEY HEAD BASEBALL COACHES

FAST BREAKS ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD NBA TOP PLAYERS & STORIES

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

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Magazine

NEWSLETTER

SOCIAL MEDIA

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Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com

09 16 19

Publisher’s letter Goodbye 2016 and Hello 2017!

Wrestler Pins Hopes on Making It to Nationals Isaiah Sellers / Kendrick High School

A Family That Plays Together Turner County Basketball

Fast Breaks 17. NBA Top Players & Stories 22. One More for the Road 56. Pull Off the Upset

23 26 31 32 36 40 48 53 59

Thomas County Central Swimmer Blows Standard High School Expectations Out of the Water

Kendall Salter / Thomas County Central

One Goal:

Aldrich Alvarez / Coffee County High School

10 Questions with Matt Bell Hardaway High School

Bennett, George Lead Experienced Group of Hornets with High Hopes for 2017 Sam Bennett and Gunner George / Cook County High School

Choate Sisters Lead Dominant Tift Team Into New Season Abby Kay Choate and Emma Choate / Tift County High School

In the Game Honors Area Players and Coaches at Annual Football Banquet

Play Ball!

Columbus Valley Head Baseball Coaches

Keep Your Head in the Game and Remember Why You Love This Sport

Dustin Armstrong and Morgan Mitchell / Fitzgerald High School

From Homeschooled to Homecoming Queen Audrey Crowe / Glenwood High School

In The Game | 7

At Farah & Farah, the name of the game is never stop fighting for our clients. We are proud to provide you and your family with the expertise and dedication that your case deserves. Our Valdosta office faithfully serves the South Georgia area with care and determination.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Contributors:

Goodbye 2016 and hello 2017!

Our In the Game team hopes that you and your family had a very happy holiday season, but unfortunately, it is back to reality for everyone.

Back to work, back to school, back to the usual day-to-day grind.

That fact may be a source of joy or sorrow for you as we launch into 2017, but one sentiment is nearly unanimous: Every minute of college and pro football is being savored because the loss of high school football for eight months hurts.

Unfortunately, South Georgia only brought one trophy back down I-75 South, but that one trophy is full of storylines. Twenty-fourth state title for the program. Alan Rodemaker wins as a first year head coach. Fans setting the attendance record in the Georgia Dome. And so on and so forth, remarkable story after remarkable story. The Valdosta Wildcats are once again state champions, and all feels right in the world again.

With that said, there was still plenty to celebrate outside of Valdosta’s

season, and that was most apparent at our In the Game South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet. Back on Dec. 13, we gathered the top players and coaches in South Georgia for a night of celebration as we honored and recognized the outstanding efforts and achievements of all of our South Georgia programs. You can read and see highlights from that event in this magazine and on our website.

But despite the passing of high school football, the rest of the sports world is very much alive.

Winter sports are in full swing, and spring sports loom on the horizon.

As sneakers squeak across the hardwood and rims shake, the sound of balls pinging and gloves popping can be heard echoing in the distance.

In this edition, we bridge the gap between seasons, showcasing both winter and spring student-athletes and community members who embody what it means to BE In the Game. They are all inspirational, passionate, and driven individuals who strive for excellence in every season, every game, every day, and every moment.

For our South Georgia features, we catch up with the Turner County basketball program, feature Kendal Salter of Thomas County Central, hear from Alrich Alvarez of Coffee County, and take a look at a set of 1-2 punches in Cook High’s Sam Bennett and Gunner George, the Choate Sisters of Tift County, and Fitzgerald’s star wrestling duo.

Our Columbus Valley content is equally as diverse, showcasing the

head varsity baseball coaches in the area, Kendrick High School’s Isaiah Sellers, Glenwood basketball’s Audrey Crowe, and 10 questions with Matt Bell.

These stories, and more, pack the pages of this January edition of our In the Game South Georgia Magazine.

Our mission is to inform, inspire, and connect you with our content and your community. We relentlessly strive to discover, document, and display captivating, sports-inspired stories in a way that accurately represent and honor those involved while actively engaging those not involved.

How do we do that? We at In the Game Sports Network seek to embed ourselves into strong communities who recognize the value of sports tradition by providing extensive coverage and recognition for local student-athletes, coaches, and fans.

So if you know of a player, coach, or fan that is deserving of recognition, head to our website and officially nominate that story!

We are looking for people who understand what it means to passionately persevere, inspire, and strive for greatness in all areas of life.

In short, we are looking for people who understand what it means to BE In the Game.

So the question is: Are YOU in?

Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Cole Parker Graphics Brittany K. Wyche Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography George McDuffie Jerry Christenson Emmanuel Magbanua Feature Writers Jacob Dennis Shane Thomas Zach Pine Beth Welch Brittany K. Wyche Cole Parker Sarah Turner Jon Nelson Copy Editors Cole Parker Anna Limoges Beth Welch Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Miranda Moore miranda@itgsportsnetwork.com Cole Parker cole@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Cole Parker Tell us what you thought about the December issue of In the Game! info@itgsportsnetwork.com For Colquitt County Quarterback Jay Saunders, the Time to Shine Is Now Colquitt County Football

Bouncing Back Better

Tift County Basketball

Blue Devils Making Splash With Dive Team

Noelle Brena / Columbus High

Malkom Parrish University of Georgia

The Fight In the Dawg

No Matter the Obstacle, Parrish Comes to Play

SOUTH GEORGIA

The Impact of the 2016 World Series Area Teams Exhibit Remarkable Balance in Regular Season Action

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IN THE

GAME

DECEMBER 2016

FAST BREAKs

In the Game 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 Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2016 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

In The Game | 9

Contributors

Mark Dykes

Cole Parker

Miranda Moore

Courtney Wagner

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Accounts Executive

Jacksonville Area Director

Founder and CEO Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivalled commitment towards high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game Sports Network.

As a recent Cornell University graduate, Cole dove head first into the working world by taking on a leadership position with In the Game. As the Chief Operations Officer, he has come on board to manage all business operations, digital development, and company expansion.

Combining his experience in entrepreneurship and marketing with his extensive sports background, Cole is looking forward to further establishing and growing In the Game Sports Network.

Miranda joined the ITG team in late 2016, bringing to the team a professional background of sales, marketing, and account management. Her primary focus is on developing and fostering symbiotic partnerships with businesses in South Georgia.

Additionally, Miranda plays a key role in event planning and execution, primarily by way of sponsorship procurement.

Courtney is an established professional in the world of communications, sports, marketing, and digital media. She received her degree from Florida State University while studying communications and business. Courtney is the Director of ITG for the North Florida region and is in charge of all operations, focusing on producing the magazine and TV show. She is a strong reporter for the show and writer for the magazine. Her positive attitude, work ethic, and experience make her an ideal Director.

Brittany k. Wyche

Mandy Douthit

Shane Thomas

Jacob dennis

Magazine director

Graphic Designer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

It takes a lot of talent and drive to handle the graphic design workload here at ITG, but we found the perfect fit in Brittany. Starting her collegiate career as a soccer player at ABAC, she decided to transfer to Wiregrass in order to study Design and Media Production.

Since then, she purchased her own design computer for freelance, but ITG has provided her the perfect opportunity to combine her love for sports and art.

Mandy recently made the move from Pine Mountain, Georgia, to Valdosta in order to join the ITG corporate team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design.

Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, and now she will be bringing those skills to In the Game.

Shane Thomas is a journalist with a jump shot looking to make his name.

So not only is Shane one of our basketball experts, he is also an award-winning author that has hit the ground running with his contributions to In the Game. While his journey started as a player, it has now taken a turn towards giving his unique perspective on the sports world with vivid story telling and strong reporting.

Jacob Dennis is a senior Business Management major and Journalism minor at Valdosta State. As the winner of a national sports writing contest and a Thomasville native, he brings a diverse skillset and knowledge of the area that will only help In the Game Sports Network continue to grow. From social media to marketing to actually writing articles, Jacob does a little bit of everything.

Micki Krzynski

Marque Milla Reese

George McDuffie

Jerry Christenson

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Marque “Milla” Reese was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always had a vision to see things differently than others as he drew out his imagination, and he went through numerous potential career choices before finding “the one”: the dream of becoming a photographer. With the helpful hand of his wife, Rebekka Reese, Milla is living out that dream as a key member of ITG.

George may have retired from the Muscogee County School system in 2013, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t staying busy. With a background in Business Management, a love for the Auburn Tigers, and knack for photography, George has been able to capture amazing sports shots for our Columbus Valley schools. We are always excited to have George’s photos featured in our magazines!

In an area as expansive as the Chattahoochee Valley, covering it with great stories and photography is no easy task. Thanks to Jerry, however, In the Game continues to be able to do each story justice. Teaming up with Beth Welch, the Area Editor, he is part of the tag team that makes it all happen.

Jerry’s experience in photography and familiarity with the local sports scene make him a vital piece of the ITG puzzle.

When it comes to loyalty to In the Game, it is hard to top Micki. Since the very beginning of In the Game Magazine, Micki has provided strong, creative, and highly professional photos. Consequently, Micki and her son/ assistant, Jake, have become our goto photo duo. With enough talent, equipment, and experience to make her dangerous, she continues to push ITG’s photography forward.

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Columbus Area Editor Beth has been a part of the ITG Team since 2009 when she began writing for the Columbus Valley edition of In the Game. Now, she heads up all of the Chattahoochee Valley content as Area Editor. Having children who participated in sports in local high schools and later were collegiate athletes, Beth has been involved in athletics in the area for many years, making her the perfect fit for her current role.

Zack Pine Contributing Writer In May of 2016, Zack Pine received his B.A. in History and joined our staff at In the Game. After graduation, Zack decided to stay in Valdosta to pursue his M.A. in Teaching and to write for our South Georgia region. He hopes to use his time at ITG to focus not just on athletics itself but also the bigger picture issues in athletics. We look forward to his interesting writing for South Georgia.

Daniel Horne Lead videographer Daniel joined the ITG Team as an intern in August of 2015, but due to his clear drive to better himself as a professional, he worked his way into a full time position by January 2016. Since then, he has used his passion and talents to lead our videography department; so when you see our ITG videos on TV, DVD, or social media, you can thank Daniel for that.

BE IN THE GAME

Beth WElch

In The Game | 11

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In The Game | 13

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ARE YOU In?

South Georgia

In the Game Fear no man. Fear no failure.

No mountain too high. No moment too big.

Never overwhelmed. Never off guard.

Always calm. Always ready. Always In the Game.

Cole Parker

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF In The Game | 15

The purpose of USA Wrestling Events is to provide opportunities for wrestlers of all styles to compete against the best competition, at the regional, national, and international levels. USA Wrestling Events serves parents, coaches, and athletes in the most time efficient and cost effective manor, while providing the best experience possible for all involved.

USA Wrestling Events aims to exceed the expectations of coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and the wrestlers themselves at each and every tournament.

USA Wrestling offers events in Women's and Men's Freestyle, Greco-Roman, Folkstyle, Grappling, and Beach. Whether you are looking for a local tournament to hone your skills or are preparing to become an Olympic champion, the road to success starts with USA Wrestling. www.usawevents.sportngin.com

Isaiah Sellers has some interesting and varied hobbies. When not training and working out for wrestling, he enjoys photography, saltwater and fresh water fishing, and reading. Sellers said he wants to be a person who looks for more and doesn’t settle for less.

Columbus valley

Wrestler Pins Hopes on Making It to Nationals Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: George McDuffie

Isaiah Sellers is just halfway through his senior year of high school and a few months shy of his 18th birthday, but the Kendrick High School wrestler has a plan that takes him quite a ways down the road.

“I am going back to state and (will) be a state champ this time,” Sellers said. “I want to wrestle at nationals. I am working toward an athletic scholarship. I am taking a look at some good schools. Eventually, I want to get into sports medicine or become an athletic trainer and have a good job. I’m focused on moving forward.”

Sellers’ confidence as he ticks off the items on his “To Do” list for the foreseeable future gives the impression the student athlete isn’t just wishing on a star. All Sellers has done just prior to his first year in high school up until now has been about achieving “more.”

While still in middle school, Sellers made a decision not to attend any of the high schools most of his friends would be heading for their freshman year. He said he wanted more from his high school experience than just hanging out with friends and being with the same group of people with whom he already had history.

After he made the decision to attend Kendrick, Sellers took a look at the sports programs at the school. He chose to give wrestling a try because he wanted more from athletics than the traditional sports popular among his peers.

“In the ninth grade, I went to a wrestling tournament,” Sellers said. “I loved the intensity. It is an individual sport and a team sport. I had never played a sport like that before. With football and baseball, you are dependent on others. Wrestling is different. On the mat, it’s you, your opponent, and the referee.”

His first year on the Cherokees wrestling team was a learning experience. The next year as a sophomore, he wrestled in the 285-pound weight class. He didn’t place in the city championship tournament but came in second in the area tournament and eigth in the sectionals. Not satisfied, Sellers wanted more.

The 5’8” wrestler dropped his weight enough to qualify to compete in the 195-pound weight class as a junior. He trained hard and worked on technique.

Fueled by a desire to be the best, the already competitive athlete became an intimidating opponent on the mat. His aggressive, full contact style paid off.

Last season Sellers had a 3-2 record. He placed fourth in the Hardaway Invitational, second in the city championship, and improved to be first in the Area tournament, first in sectionals, and sixth in the state tournament.

Although Sellers started off the 2016 school year as a two-sport athlete, he gave up football before the end of the season when he said he suffered a concussion and a back injury. Fearful such injuries would hamper his efforts to be in top form for wrestling, Sellers decided to step away from other sports and make wrestling his top athletic priority.

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Going into his senior season, Sellers is once again wrestling in the 195-pound weight class and has accepted a leadership role on his team. As captain he tries to help a young and inexperienced group of wrestlers see what is possible when they work toward a goal of being the very best in a sport that doesn’t get a lot of glory.

“There are reasons some guys don’t think about wrestling, so it doesn’t receive much attention,” Sellers said. “They see the tight singlet uniform or being grabbed by another man, but what they don’t see is the mental aspect and the intelligence required to be effective.

Wrestling is close combat. It is learning to defend yourself. It is not as easy as it looks.”

This past summer Sellers was inspired by the U.S. Olympic athletes who competed for the American wrestling team.

He said he watched the events with fascination and also with a learning eye.

Grateful the sport of wrestling was re-instated to be a part of the 2020 Olympics, Sellers believes the international spotlight brings much-deserved attention.

Sellers hopes to bring a bit of attention to his alma mater if all goes as planned over the next few months. A list of four or five colleges with good wrestling programs swirls around in his head every so often. One of those schools or perhaps even one not yet considered is Sellers’ ticket to getting “more.”

“I am focusing on a wrestling scholarship so I can be the first athlete from Kendrick, or at least the first one in a very long time, to go to college as a wrestler and bring some recognition to the sport for our school,” Sellers said.

NBATop Players Written by: Zack Pine

The 2016-17 NBA season is one that has been hyped to be a clash of two teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. These two teams have met in the Finals the past two seasons with each winning one championship.

This season has an interesting twist to this year’s potential match-up: the addition of Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors. Now that Golden State has added the four-time scoring champion, many have already given them the title. In Las Vegas, the odds for Golden State to win the NBA Championship shot up from the already favorite 2-1 to the now astronomical 5-7.

Golden State being such heavy favorites has motivated many in the NBA, most notably Durant’s former teammate Russell Westbrook.

Early in the season, Durant praised the Warriors organization for their family-like atmosphere, which Westbrook called “cute.” As you can see, the wounds have not healed from Durant’s departure, and the relationship is as icy as a Siberian winter.

Some other interesting storylines to keep your eyes on are Dwight Howard returning home to the Atlanta Hawks. Derrick Rose (if he can stay healthy) teaming up with Carmelo Anthony and

Standings

Western Conference Team Golden State San Antonio Houston LA Clippers Memphis Utah Oklahoma City Portland Sacramento Denver New Orleans L.A. Lakers Phoenix Dallas Minnestoa

w 32 30 30 26 24 23 22 16 15 14 14 15 12 11 11

l 6 7 9 14 16 16 16 23 22 23 24 26 26 26 26

win% .842 .811 .769 .650 .600 .590 .579 .410 .405 .378 .368 .366 .316 .297 .297

Phil Jackson by joining the New York Knicks.

Finally, watch out for the Minnesota Timberwolves to knock on the door of the playoffs with their young duo of Karl Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

This season is shaping up to be a great one and with so many different storylines coming in, it will be and interesting season no matter what happens.

With all of this being said, we here at In the Game would like to reveal our top 10 players to watch for the 2016-17 season.

FAST BREAK

& Stories

Four

Russell Westbrook SG/PG Oklahoma City Thunder

Five Chris Paul PG LA Clippers Six Anthony Davis C New Orleans Pelicans Seven Klay Thompson SG Golden State Warriors

One Lebron James SF Cleveland Cavaliers Two Stephen Curry PG Golden State Warriors Three Kevin Durant SF Golden State Warriors

Eight Blake Griffin PF LA Clippers Nine John Wall PG Washington Wizards Ten Kyrie Irving PG Cleveland Cavaliers

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Eastern Conference Team Cleveland Toronto Boston Atlanta Indiana Charlotte Chicago Washington Milwaukee Detroit New York Orlando Philadelphia Miami Brooklyn

01.9.17

w 28 24 23 21 20 20 19 18 18 18 17 16 10 11 8

l 8 13 14 16 18 18 18 18 18 21 20 23 25 28 28

win% .778 .649 .622 .568 .526 .526 .514 .500 .500 .462 .459 .410 .286 .282 .222

Cleveland CavaliersIn The Game | 17

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A Family That Plays Together Written by: Shane Thomas | Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

In The Game | 19

The bond of family is a most unbreakable thing. Oftentimes no matter how far apart a family may drift, there is always something that brings it back together.

Turner County Rebels basketball is brought together by its strong-willed coach who wears his passion on his sleeve. Meet Shedrick Office.

Office, an 11-year coaching veteran, is the head basketball coach for both the Turner County boys and girls varsity teams. Born and raised in Turner County, Office has coached basketball at the middle and high school levels most of his career. While leading both teams, Office and his staff want to give value to the meaning of family with their players.

“The true meaning of family is that at the end of the day, you can go to the left, you can go to the right, but you can always come back home,” Office said.

As a father of two, Office understands he must do everything in his power to provide and come through for his family. As a basketball coach, Office empowers his players to take similar ownership to look after each other on and off the floor.

“If I have a light bill that's $300 — I have two children — if I'm not putting in the work as a family member, those lights will get cut off,” Office said. “It's my responsibility to take care of my family. I'm teaching my (players) not just about basketball but to be a better husband, a better father, a better sister, a better brother.

“I want to hold them accountable to say, ‘My brothers, my family depends on me to go get that rebound, to go hustle and dive on the floor for a loose ball. If my job is to rebound, that's what they count on me to do. If they count on me to score, that's what they count on me to do,’” Office said. “Everyone gets tired, but the ones that push through show that hard work pays off.”

No one has probably taken to coach Office’s family first mantra more than his daughter, Zakiyah.

Zakiyah, a junior small forward for the Rebels, is one of her father’s most trusted players on the floor and a key player on the Rebels’ undefeated state championship team last season.

With strong defensive and shooting abilities, Zakiyah aims to help a team with several newcomers get to another level.

“He pushes us to go harder,” Zakiyah said.

“Some of us just started, so he tells us to try our best and do the best that we can do.”

Coach Office and his daughter Zakiyah

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Tamorrion Terry averaged 20.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks last season.

Coaching both varsity teams offers Office a unique opportunity to incorporate a competitive, collaborative element into his practices. Office said that having both teams learn from each other is essential to building a winning culture with both programs.

“With me coaching both teams, what I'm teaching one group the other can see it in practice if anyone is missing a beat,” Office said. “With the girls, they'll run what you call 90 percent of the time to a T. The boys rely more on their athleticism, so they might break things off. We're teaching each other so the players can coach each other if a player isn't getting something.”

Intrasquad scrimmages are not uncommon during practices either, and as Zakiyah and teammate Mia Carithers explain, competitiveness runs hot as game days approach.

“When it's getting close to game days, we scrimmage first five against the second five,” Carithers said.

“It gets really competitive. It's fun, but at the same time, it builds us up for real game situations. There's a lot of competition. It's a pickup game, but everyone wants to win.”

“The boys are faster, quicker, and more experienced than we are, so we've got to play up to their level,” Zakiyah said.

As student-athletes, the Rebels are also responsible for winning and maintaining a high level in the classroom and as role models off the court.

“We understand that we have to stay focused,” Carithers said. “We can't be acting up in school because that can carry over to game time. We have to stay focused on and off the court to be successful.

Coach makes sure we get our work done. Everybody gets it done because everybody wants to play.”

I want to hold them accountable to say, ‘My brothers, my family depends on me to go get that rebound, to go hustle and dive on the floor for a loose ball. If my job is to rebound, that's what they count on me to do. If they count on me to score, that's what they count on me to do.’ Everyone gets tired, but the ones that push through show that hard work pays off.

“Coach Office is my uncle, so we're already family,” Wilson said.

“I'm his nephew, and he treats the whole team like we're his sons (and daughters). He treats nobody differently, and he's good to everybody.”

Ultimately in life, there is a lot to be said about people who practice what they preach. As the Rebels family treks through next season, Wilson believes they are not just talking the talk, but prepared to walk the walk.

“Every team wants to win a cham-

win a region championship. The third goal is to win state. When the team sees what you're preaching and gets deeper into it, they start to believe and want to fight for every inch of it.”

pionship, and we practice like a championship team,” Wilson said.

Following up an undefeated season for his girls and a 23-7 season for his boys, Office insisted his family's goal is to build on smaller feats over the course of a season.

“Our expectation is to have small goals that get us to our bigger goals,” Office said. “Our first goal is to win the Christmas tournament that we host. Our second goal is to

Russell Westbrook | Oklahoma City Thunder

Triple-double streak Most triple-doubles in NBA history 181 138 107 78 59 54

Russell became the first NBA player with five consecutive triple-doubles since Michael Jordan.

Most consecutive triple-doubles, NBA history

Oscar Robertson Magic Johnson Jason Kidd Wilt Chamberlain Larry Bird Russell Westbrook

9 7 7 5 5 5

Wilt Chamberlain (1968) Michael Jordan (1989) Oscar Robertson (1961) Robertson (1961&1962) Chamberlain (1968) Russell Westbrook

31.4 10.6 10.3 1.4 126

116

STEALS

ASSISTS

163

167

192

234

REBOUNDS

163

POINTS

238

200

UNASSISTED ASSISTED

01.9.17

VICTOR OLADIPO

SHAUN LIVINGSTON

JAMES HARDEN

JIMMY BUTLER

JOHN WALL

DEMAR DEROZAN

150 DWYANE WADE

Office organizes team-building activities for both of his teams. The teams attend church with Office during the season as well as going out to dinner.

The boys team has an annual lock-in while the girls hold a team sleepover. In addition to team-building, the teams also hold team meetings to air any grievances they have over the course of a season.

“We have meetings, and we ask questions,” Rebels senior guard Ontario Wilson said. “Coach asks us, 'What can you do to bring us closer together as a family?' He lets the seniors speak up. We've got to treat everybody equally. No one can treat another person any better than the other. As seniors, we know we have to lead the young guys and build them up. Coach preaches that we can't have a 'me' attitude — it's got to be about the team.”

On Thursdays, the Rebels boys varsity team gets together in fellowship to sell hot dogs, pork chops, and sodas during lunch.

With both teams off to 1-1 starts this season, Office likes the potential of his teams led by a talented group of players. On the boys' side, the Rebels are led by forward Tamorrion Terry , who averaged 20.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks last season. Terry is flanked by guards Jarvis Hall and Ontario Wilson, who also happens to be Office's nephew.

“Tamorrion Terry is a very physical and competitive guy,” Office said. “He doesn't like to lose in anything. He has a certain swagger about himself that says he wants to be the best — on the court, in the state. When competition arrives, he doesn't want to go against the worst. He wants to go against the best every single night. The one thing about him is that you have to tell him to tone it down. We have to pull him back because he wants to win so bad. He wants to be a state champ and create that legacy.”

When asked about his guards, Office lauded them for their savvy play, leadership, and defensive toughness.

“Jarvis Hall, our point guard, is very crafty,” Office said. “(Jarvis) has sneaky speed and great ball-handling skills. He's a sharpshooter, and he's a true leader from a verbal standpoint. He has that charisma to talk and lead and get guys in the right direction. Ontario Wilson is our glue guy defensively. He's going to make you play hard, and he's going to come for your throat out there. Most of our guys are all about defense, and that's contagious from top to bottom.”

With the girls' team, Office relies on his daughter Zakiyah, as well as Carithers and post player Aerial Hamilton to lead on the floor.

“Zakiyah is probably one of our best ball players,” Office said. “She's one of our best defenders, best shooters. Aerial Hamilton is our best post player — probably is going to be a double-double player for us. She's big, very physical. She's our emotional leader.”

“At the end of the day, (these girls) are the defending champs,” Office said. “We want to improve every day. We lost seven seniors from last year.

We're trying to get our bench right, but we're all in this together. When our boys aren't playing, they're praising the girls. Nobody wants to see anybody fail.”

The best coaches in sports are exceptional at getting players to buy into the message they push and getting the most of out their players. With an emphasis on family, relatives that play for Office love how he fosters unity and equality throughout his teams.

WESTBROOK THROUGH DEC. 5

100 50 0

Triple-Doubles by the season are projected to be 41 In The Game | 21

FAST BREAK It was one of the weirdest, longest, shortest years in high school football here in the state, if that makes any sense.

And here’s what I mean by that: Two hurricanes, a forest fire, reclassification, realignment, and a season that started with a sprint in August is done in mid-December before we know it.

Written by: Jon Nelson

This is my official shout-out to everyone and what you have done this year - 421 football playing schools are now on the clock for 2017.

Props to Macon County for winning and getting to show K’hari Lane on a state-wide platform. Everyone NOW knows what they were missing on a weekly basis. But props also to McIntosh County Academy for surviving four games in 17 days (and everyone on the coast for that matter) for one of the best displays of perseverance (on the field and off) I have seen.

Along that same line, a tip of the hat goes to Benedictine, who couldn’t even be on campus for two weeks and won a title, and to everyone in Ben Hill County for a great year on the field and a lot of talented players coming back next season.

Cedar Grove won in AAA, and we all hope that GAC QB Davis Mills is okay as he heads to Stanford. In AAAA we got to see a dominant performance by Cartersville, already the favorite to repeat in 2017 with QB Trevor Lawrence coming back for his senior season. But we also got to see Michael Thomas and Thomson make it to Game 15. Look forward to the Bulldogs coming back next year with a LOT of sophomores, including tailback Bubba Murray.

In 5A you couldn’t help but be happy for Rome. It’s their silver anniversary season, and for a town that used to be

East Rome and West Rome — a town of Gladiators and Chieftains — it’s now a title town with their win over Buford. If you look, the Desoto Theatre in downtown on Broad Street tells the story of the championship, and it will stay up on the marquee for a while, I think. Kudos to John Reid for winning his first title in Georgia after winning two in Tennessee at Alcoa High.

In 6A I am waiting for a friend of mine to get a tattoo. I “Think” he promised everyone that if Valdosta won (for the first time since 1998), he was getting some artwork. Now that they HAVE won… I want to see the design. And big congratulations to Alan Rodemaker, who kept everyone on the same page in that community and got the trophy.

And, how cool was this? On the Lowndes Vikings twitter feed, they actually were 100 percent behind the ‘Cats and them bringing a title home to south Georgia. Massive respect!

And in 7A, the battle of two top-15 teams nationally went to Grayson. Being on the field with roughly 40 kids who will be playing Division I football next year was a testament to the idea that Georgia is a top-five state for recruiting nationally.

A lot of the schools we have seen this season are sending great kids (not just great athletes) to the next level, and we all have a lot to be proud of in every Georgia town that supports high school football.

Remember: National Signing Day is just around the corner, too.

Be sure to follow along with me on twitter @OSGNelson, on Facebook, and on Instagram @jon.f.nelson. We’ll keep the conversation going all year long.

Play it safe, everyone! I’ll see you soon.

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Where I can save money while earning my associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

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Your next chapter at SGSC awaits...enroll today! www.sgsc.edu | hawknation@sgsc.edu Douglas: 912.260.4206 | Waycross: 912.449.7600 22 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Swim season 10/17 Earliest Date for Swimming 10/31 Earliest Date for Swimming Meet 2/2-2/4 State Swimming Meets

Catch up on Michael Phelps’s swim career • At 15 years old, he had his first Olympic race in 2000.

• He won 23 gold medals in 30 Olympic events.

• He’s won more gold medals than 108 countries.

• He’s finished on the podium in more than 93 percent of his Olympic events.

• If Michael Phelps was a country ,he would rank T-48 in the all-time Olympic gold medals.

• He broke his first world record in 2001, when he was just 15.

• He has 39 world records, the most of all time.

• His 21 Olympic medal streak between 2004 and 2012 is the longest of all time.

Thomas County Central Swimmer Blows Standard High School Expectations

Out of the Water

Written by: Sarah Turner | Photography by: Emmanuel Magbanua

Katie Ledecky Career Highlights • Two-time Olympian in 2012 and 2016.

• In 2012 she was the youngest swimmer at the meet.

• Six-time Olympic medalist with five gold and one silver.

• At the London 2012 Olympic Games, Ledecky won gold in 800m free.

• At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Ledecky won gold in 800m free, 400m free, 200m free, 4x200m free, and silver in 4x100m free.

• Ledecky has nine gold medals.

• She shattered the 800m free world record for the fourth gold medial in Rio.

Kendall Salter has quite the agenda for a high school senior. She is a competitive athlete at Thomas County Central High School; she has an impressive 3.75 GPA paired with other educational honors; she is duel enrolled at Bainbridge State College; she’s involved in numerous clubs; she does a variety of charity work; and she is heavily involved in activities at her church. However, out of all the activities she dedicates her time to, her heart is most invested in her position on the swim team.

“I fall in love with the sport more and more every day,” Salter said. “I think this is the most passionate

I’ve been towards one sport in my life. When I get in the water, I can challenge myself, and it motivates me to be a better athlete.”

Her passion for the sport is paired with natural ability. A friend suggested to her during her freshman year that she try out for the swim team, and although she had no experience swimming competitively, she decided to give it a shot. That spontaneous decision to dive on in was one that proved good for her and her high school. Salter is a staple to the team and has qualified for state two years in a row with the school’s 200-yard Relay team. Individually,

In The Game | 23

Salter is a staple to the team and has qualified for state two years in a row with the school’s 200 Yard Relay team she competes in the 50-yard Freestyle and the 100-yard Freestyle.

“Every year I’ve been close to the same time in the 50-yard Freestyle, but this year I’m only 0.2 seconds away from the cut to qualify for state, and I know I can do it because I’ve beaten that in a relay before,” Salter said. “So that’s my goal this year, to not only beat that, but blow it out of the water.”

If Salter achieves her time goal in the 50-yard Freestyle this season, she plans to go ahead and push to get her 100-yard Freestyle time, which is currently only two seconds away from gaining her a ticket to the state meet at Georgia Tech in February. Both times will give her two high school records to round out her impressive resume.

What else does that high school resume consist of? Prepare yourself.

Salter is a competitive and sideline cheerleader and, as mentioned, a swimmer. She is a member of the National Honors Society, the Diamond Dolls, Future Christian Athletes, and 4-H. She has volunteered at Camp Heal, the Plantation Wildlife Festival, Sway-J, and the Special Olympics.

With the First Baptist Church, she participates in Fuse and also participates in D-Now, Student Life, and Vacation Bible School.

What may be extremely overwhelming to some is a way of life for Salter. She has a confidence in herself that makes her shine in every activity she touches. Her advice?

“Believe in yourself,” Salter said. “If you don’t believe you can do something, there’s no point in doing it. That’s what I always tell myself whether I’m racing, taking a test, or doing something like talking in front of a big crowd. Just believe in yourself that you can do it, and do the best that you can.”

She’s a self-motivator, but she also one to give credit where it’s due.

“My parents help me do everything,” Salter said. “Without them, I don’t think I would be able to do it. They’ve always been my backbone. I love it when they push me; I feel like they are making me a better human being.”

What’s next for Salter? She certainly plans to continue her secondary education. She wants to major in either early childhood education or pediatric dentistry. And as far as swimming competitively goes in college, she would like to.

“I hope I will, but if I don’t, then God has another plan for me,” Salter said.

Believe in yourself. If you don’t believe you can do something, there’s no point in doing it. That’s what I always tell myself whether I’m racing, taking a test, or doing something like talking in front of a big crowd. Just believe in yourself that you can do it, and do the best that you can.

24 | itgsportsnetwork.com

In The Game | 25

One Goal:

Written by: Cole Parker | Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

The main reason I separated from my parents and came to the United States was to accomplish something bigger in life than what I could in Mexico. That is true not only for school and sports, but in everything that I do. I am motivated to accomplish at the highest level that I can in all areas of life.

America is known around the globe as a land of seemingly boundless opportunity. Education, careers, and a diverse culture built upon the common, inalienable ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, all readily available to its citizens.

Aldrich Alvarez, the now Coffee County soccer star, is already proving this to be true in his still young life.

“I was born here in the United States, but when I was about two years old, my parents and our whole family went to Mexico when my grandmother passed away,” Alvarez said. “My parents didn’t have papers, so they couldn’t come with us. When I turned 12, my brother and I got our passports to return to America, but our parents couldn’t come with us.”

In what was surely an incredibly difficult decision, Alvarez and his brother were sent to live with their aunt to go to school and pursue a better life.

“The main reason I separated from my parents and came to the United States was to accomplish something bigger in life then what I could in Mexico,” Alvarez said. “That is true not only for school and sports, but in everything that I do. I am motivated to accomplish at the highest level that I can in all areas of life.”

Because of that decision, the soon-to-be 18-yearold, who has a 4.0 GPA and is a multi-sport student-athlete, has found his home in Coffee County, and he isn’t looking back.

At the core of it all?

Soccer.

“Honestly, I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember,” Alvarez said. “My brother and I would play around with my cousins in Mexico; we would be out in the streets playing day after day for long hours, just enjoying the game.”

Despite playing for most of his life, 26 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Alvarez really began to develop his game and become known as a feared competitor in high school.

“When I started to play in high school and at high levels, I started to learn the complexity of the sport,” Alvarez said. “It’s not just about getting on the field and kicking the ball; it’s about having that mentality. You want to learn, you want to be as creative as the guys you see playing on T.V. You

Futbol or Football?

Aldrich also took his talents to the gridiron in the fall, taking part in the semifinals run of the Trojans.

“This year was my first year playing football,” Alvarez said. “I ended up becoming the starting varsity kicker for kickoffs, and it was a really, really good experience. I am pretty proud of the fact that I was able to come out of nowhere, improve my game, and earn the starting job over some more experienced players. I’m pretty proud of that because I just came for one semester playing out of no where, coming out of no where, and improved to a point where I passed people who have already been playing longer than I have.“ In The Game | 27

want to be as good as they are, and you strive for that every time you go out to practice.”

With that self-imposed standard set before him and an undeniable work ethic, the goal couldn’t be clearer.

“My ultimate goal with soccer is to play at a Division I school,” Alvarez said definitively.

“It is a big challenge with a lot of obstacles, but if God gives me the opportunity, I will do everything I can to play at that level.”

With drive and passion emanating from his every word, it isn’t hard to believe that seeing him play at the next level is a realistic possibility. Yet at the same time, he isn’t putting all of his eggs in that basket.

“As much as I love soccer, I also realize that I can not give up on my studies for the game,” Alvarez said.

“Whenever the day comes that my soccer career is over, the rest of my life will keep going; but even then, I will still play for fun and play as much as I can,” he said with a smile.

And that level of perspective from an 18-year-old is admittedly refreshing, yet such is often born out of hardship. Born and raised into difficult times, life for the Alvarez family hasn’t been easy by any means. Moving to Mexico after the death of his grandmother, financial difficulties, and the eventual separation from his family to pursue life in the U.S. could have been enough to squash dreams and paralyze a child.

For Aldrich, however, it had the opposite effect. He saw opposition as a challenge, used

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The Best FIFA Football Awards For the past eight years, not one athlete has been able to come between Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messie taking home The Best FIFA Football Award. Who will take the 2016 award? Will it be a match up again between the two leaders, or will someone break the streak?

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difficulty as fuel, and continues to do so today. He diligently works to balance working on sports with working on his studies with working a job to help support his family.

Passionate pursuit of personal development. Respect for the game. Focus on academics. Maturity forged through the fire of trial.

“I wouldn’t change anything,” Alvarez said.

“My past has made me who I am today, so I am looking forward, not backwards.”

There is beauty in the difficulty, and it is an awesome feeling when you accomplish difficult things that few others can.

Who does Aldrich look up to and model his game after?

None other than Sergio Ramos, defender and captain of Real Madrid.

2015-16 Stats: 33 Fixtures Played 3 Goals Scored 20 Shots 2843 Minutes Played 33 Fouls Drawn “I’m a strong character, and I am committed to my club.”

His courage and strength made him the revelation of La Liga in the 2004-05 season.

He was then playing for Sevilla, where he had started his career at the youth academy. His qualities did not go unnoticed by Real Madrid, who signed him that summer.

Since he arrived at Madrid, Ramos has been one of the key players in defense and has played both as a central defender and as a right-back. He has always led by example in terms of hard work, commitment, and ambition and has been chosen as the captain of the team. His defensive abilities are complemented by his speed, his powerful shooting, and his goalscoring instincts.

His reliability in defense has made him a regular for Spain, for which he made his international debut at just 19. He was an important part of the Spanish team that won the FIFA World CUP in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.

Courtesy of realmadrid.com

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In The Game | 29

30 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Columbus valley

10 Questions With Matt Bell

Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: Matt Bell

Personal Bio:

Name: Matthew Carey Bell Job Title: Principal, Hardaway High School Hometown: Ft. Benning, Georgia Education (high school, college, and degrees): Trinity Area HS; Columbus State University, BS, Public Administration; Master’s in Education Administration; Troy University, Ed Specialist Degree, School Administration Family: Married to Trina Abbott Bell; two children, Jeffrey and Samantha Athletic accomplishments (awards, notable statistics, championships): College — Finished career in third place on the list of most games played, member of the first ever Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship Team (1992); High School — Football, All Conference WR, All-State Honorable Mention; Basketball, All Observer Reporter Team, Team MVP, All Conference First-Team Professional accomplishments: Increased graduation rate from 65 percent in 2012 to 90 percent in 2016 Hobbies or favorite past times: Crossfit and reading Person you most admire: Trina Abbott Bell (wife) because she overcame many obstacles to become a great mother and nurse. She has a passion to serve others.

Best thing about your current job/position at Hardaway High School: Being able to work around young people and help them develop academically and socially. They help keep my mind sharp.

The percentage of collegiate athletes who become professional athletes is low. According to the NCAA website, only 1.1 percent of athletes who participate in men’s basketball at the college level, turn pro. However, most college athletes aren’t looking to take their games beyond their college years. Instead, athletic scholarships are used primarily as a means to obtain a college degree. The NCAA reports that 86 percent of athletes obtain degrees in Division I athletics, 71 percent in Division II, and 87 percent in Division III. Hardaway High School Principal Matt Bell was a multi-sport athlete in high school and was seriously recruited for football. A funny thing happened on the way to thinking about a career in law enforcement. Bell, who attended high school in Pennsylvania, received an athletic scholarship and became a member of Columbus State University’s men’s basketball team. He is one of those college athletes who obtained a degree while playing sports. The Muscogee County School District school administrator later chose education as a career.

In the Game recently asked Bell 10 questions about his experience as an athlete, his time as a CSU Cougar, and how participating in athletics has helped him as an administrator.

In the Game: Where did you attend high school?

Matt Bell: Trinity Area High School, Washington, Pennsylvania.

ITG: Were there any memorable moments in your playing career as a CSU Cougar that stand out in your mind?

MB: Winning the first ever Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship in

ITG: What sports did you play?

MB: Football, basketball, and track.

1992. We defeated first ranked USC Spartanburg, a team we had never beaten previously.

ITG: What position(s) did you play in those sports?

MB: Wide receiver/long snapper; forward; (and) hurdles/triple jump.

ITG: When you graduated from Columbus State, what was the career path you took

ITG: You attended Columbus State University and played basketball for the Cougars.

What position did you play for the team?

MB: All five positions.

ITG: Why did you choose to attend CSU? MB: I was not recruited by any colleges for basketball. I was heavily recruited for foot-

ball. My grandparents were retired military and lived in Columbus. I came down to visit and tried out for the basketball team in the spring. I did not think my tryout went well because the guy I was guarding absolutely destroyed me. At the end of the tryout, I told Coach Greene I was thankful for letting me tryout and I was sorry I couldn’t stop the guy I was guarding. He told me it was okay, that I was guarding Sam Mitchell (professional basketball player). He liked my effort and offered me a full scholarship on the spot. My dad told me sign the papers. I did.

ITG: For the seasons you were with CSU, you played under the coaching direction of

the late Herbert Greene. How was he influential in your life at that time?

MB: Coach Greene was not only a great teacher, (but) he was a great motivator. He was able to recognize each individual’s strengths and put them in a position to excel, both on and off the court. Coach Greene taught me that coaching is a by-product of teaching. School principals are basically coaches themselves. I model my coaching style after Coach Greene’s.

that eventually led you to have the job you now have as principal of Hardaway High School?

MB: I intended to earn a graduate degree in Public Administration and join the DEA. Coach Greene offered me a chance to work as a graduate assistant coach and have my graduate school paid. I enjoyed coaching, so I switched over to education. It was much safer than being shot at.

ITG: As a former high school and college athlete, what are some of the things you

have learned from participating in sports that helped prepare you for your life as an educator and administrator?

MB: Teamwork. As an athlete, you get to know your role as a team member. The people that I know who are successful have a great understanding of what it takes to be a good team member. I try to know my role and do what I can to make the people around me better.

ITG: What advice would you give a high school athlete who is considering playing athletics at the next level?

MB: Be prepared to compete. You may be the best player in your city or state. When

you step onto a college team, you are suddenly on a team with 12 other guys who were the best in their city or state. Work at being a good teammate and be accepting of your role. Listen to your coaches and try to soak up as much knowledge about the game as possible. You don’t know what you don’t know.

In The Game | 31

Cook hornets

Two of the most experienced and talented players on the roster, Bennett and George

Bennett, George Lead Experienced Group of Hornets With High Hopes for 2017 Written by: Jacob Dennis Photography by: Micki K Photography

Cook baseball finished with an impressive 18-8 record last season, but the team fell short of the playoffs. A program with such tradition, track record, and professional talent as the one in Adel, however, will undoubtedly be hungrier than ever for an outstanding season. Sam Bennett and Gunner George will look to lead that charge.

Two of the most experienced and talented players on the roster, Bennett and George have proven to have not only the respective skill sets necessary to win, but also the proper perspectives on how to lead a team.

George, the Hornets’ speedy leadoff hitter, was the perfect table-setter for Cook in 2015-16 as he posted an impressive .489 on-base percentage to go along with a .373 batting average and 13 RBIs. He also recorded 23 stolen bases and will have a fighting chance of eclipsing Cook’s all-time stolen bases record. Bennett had an impressive season in his own right, although it was ended prematurely due to an injury. In just 13 games, the slugger knocked in 16 runs, scored 17 times, and posted a gaudy .425 batting average that contributed to his 1.196 OPS. While the statistical excellence is clearly present between the talented duo, so too is the ability to lead. Both Bennett and George are known amongst teammates and peers as leaders, and the extent to which the two Cook stars lead their

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team will have a huge say in how the Hornets’ season goes.

“A good leader is someone who puts the team first and understands that one man can’t win a game, but a lot of men can do it with ease,” Bennett said. “He also leads his team on the field and leads his friends off the field to make good choices. He reminds his teammates that their actions on the field reflect the type of player they are, but their actions off the field reflect their values.”

George, who will be looking to boost his onbase percentage over the .500 mark in the upcoming season, echoed a similar sentiment, using words like “honesty, communication, commitment, positive attitude, trustworthiness, and character” to describe how he plans to lead the Hornets in 2017.

As legendary coach Vince Lombardi once said, “The strength of the group is the strength of the leaders,” and Cook baseball seems to have a solid foundation set in that department by Bennett and George. Additionally, a returning group of seven seniors and a large junior class bodes well for the Hornets.

Despite the duo’s already-long list of accomplishments, there is no sense of contentment in the Cook camp as the start of a new season nears.

George, who already committed to play college ball at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, still has aspects of the game he wishes to improve upon before moving on to college.

“My goal is to improve for more consistent quality at bats, which should produce a higher batting average and a higher on-base percentage,” George said. “Another big goal of mine is to break the current Cook High School stolen base record.”

Bennett, who has yet to decide on a college destination but wishes to study to become a physical therapist, also has his sights set on improvement.

“Personally, I would like to never take for granted the talent that the Lord has blessed me with,” Bennett said of his individual goals for 2017. “I would like to make First-Team All-Region in the field, and the next goal would be to become a better leader on and off the field. Lastly, I would like to commit less than three errors all season and have a batting

National league leaders

Batting Average

AVG

1. DJ LeMahieu, COL 2. Daniel Murphy, WSH 3. Joey Votto, CIN 4. Charlie Blackmon, COL 5. Jean Segura, ARI

.348 .347 .326 .324 .319

Home Runs

AVG

Runs Batted In

AVG

Wins

AVG

1. Chris Carter, MIL 2. Nolan Arenado, COL 3. Kris Bryant, CHC 4. Matt Kemp, ATL/SD 5. Freddie Freeman, ATL

41 41 39 35 34

1. Nolan Arenado, COL 2. Anthony Rizzo, CHC 3. Matt Kemp, ATL/SD 4. Daniel Murphy, WSH 5. Adam Duvall, CIN

133 109 108 104 103

1. Max Scherzer, WSH 2. Jon Lester, CHC 3. Johnny Cueto, SF 4. Jake Arrieta, CHC 5. Tanner Roark, WSH

20 19 18 18 16

Earned Run Avg.

1. Kyle Hendricks, CHC 2. Jon Lester, CHC 3. Noah Syndergaard, NYM 4. Madison Bumgarner, SF 5. Johnny Cueto, SF Saves

1. Jeurys Familia, NYM 2. Mark Melancon, WSH/PIT 3. Kenley Jansen, LAD 4. A.J. Ramos, MIA 5. Jeanmar Gomez, PHI Wins Above Replacement

ERA

2.13 2.44 2.60 2.74 2.79 SV

51 47 47 40 37

WAR

1. Kris Bryant, CHC 2. Nolan Arenado, COL 3. Freddie Freeman, ATL 4. Corey Seager, LAD 5. Anthony Rizzo, CHC

7.7 6.5 6.5 6.1 5.7

2016 Highest paid pitchers pitchers

Teams

Salary

Clayton Kershaw Zack Greinke David Price Justin Verlander Felix Hernandez Jon Lester CC Sabathia Cole Hamels Max Scherzer Masahiro Tanaka Matt Cain James Shields Rick Porcello C.J. Wilson Jered Weaver Adam Wainwright Homer Bailey Jordan Zimmermann Anibal Sanchez John Lackey

Los Angeles Dodgers Arizona Diamondbacks Boston Red Sox Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners Chicago Cubs New York Yankees Texas Rangers Washington Nationals New York Yankees San Francisco Giants San Diego Padres Boston Red Sox Los Angeles Angles Los Angeles Angles St. Louis Cardinals Cincinnati Reds Detroit Tigers Detroit Tigers Chicago Cubs

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In The Game | 33

.425 batting average

.489 on-base percentage

1.196 OPS 13 games brought in 16 runs and 17 scores

.373 batting average 13 RBI 23 Stolen bases

What it costs to make the MLB playoffs Blue are teams that have made it to the MLB playoffs Dodgers Yankees Red Sox Giants Tigers Nationals Angles Rangers Phillies Blue Jays Orioles Mariners Cardinals Cubs White Sox Reds Royals Padres Brewers Twins Rockies Mets Braves Indians Diamondbacks Pirates Athletics Rays Astros Marlins $0

$100M

34 | itgsportsnetwork.com

$200M

$300M

average over .450.”

In terms of team goals, both players expressed the desire to win a Region Championship and advance deep in the state playoffs as successful outcomes for the season. While the Hornets have plenty of experience and a solid nucleus of hitters, Bennett and George both said that pitching will be Cook’s x-factor this season.

“The key to the season will be pitching,” Bennett said. “We have lots of talent but only a few set pitchers. I would say pitching is one thing we need to improve on to go deep in the playoffs.”

At the end of the day, while athletic programs will pour blood, sweat, and tears into ensuring that their respective teams experience success in terms of wins and losses, the ultimate goal, especially in high school, is to impact and position young lives for productive and successful futures by teaching the life lessons that sports have to offer. Within the baseball program at Cook High in Adel, it is abundantly clear that this goal is being met.

“I feel that having the opportunity to play for coaches (at Cook) who promoted teamwork helped me as an overall person to not be selfish,”

George said of one of his takeaways from being in the Hornets’ program, which was a similar response to what Bennett gave.

“I feel like playing for Cook has taught me trust, commitment, good work ethic, how to be a leader, and how to never give up and always give one-hundred percent,” Bennett said.

The foundation is in place, and Cook’s best players are a year older, two facts that will give the Hornets a significant opportunity to build upon last season’s solid record. The team will open its new season on Feb. 13 at bitter rival Berrien, a school which advanced to the AA state quarterfinals a year ago. Cook and Berrien split two meetings last season, with the Hornets winning the season opener 10-8 in Adel before dropping a 5-1 decision on April 21 in Nashville.

Significant games for Cook during the upcoming season include a March 7-10 series date with Thomasville, a game April 15 at AAAAAA South Cobb, and a regular-season finale on April 22 at home versus Berrien.

Cook hornets stats Batting Average .356 On Base Percentage .454 Home Runs 1 Stolen Base 33 Earned Run Average 2.30 Fielding Percentage .920 Cook

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Choate Sisters

Lead Dominant

Tift Team Into New Season

Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photography by: Emmanuel Magbanua

egion championships have become an expectation for Tift County girls soccer, and sisters Abby Kay and Emma Choate are a major reason why. The Lady Blue Devils have won back-to-back region titles thanks to the talented duo, who combined for 51 goals and 35 assists a season ago. Now with an added year of experience and greater chemistry than ever, the Choate sisters will hope to lead Tift County to another region title and a deep state playoff run in 2017.

“With her being older, I’ve always looked up to her as a person and as a player,” Emma said of her older sister Abby Kay. “Especially after we moved (from Arkansas), we got so much closer because all we had was each other. So our relationship really helped us become better players by working with each other on and off the field.”

Abby Kay echoed Emma’s sentiment that the sisters got closer during the family’s time of transition.

“I love playing with Emma,” said the older Choate sister. “It is always so fun because we work very well together. We know where the other one is without having to really look. When we moved from Arkansas to Georgia, Emma and I got to be extremely close.

We were each other’s friends until we met new people. We played soccer in our free time, and I can see now how much that has helped us.”

Abby Kay and Emma have been playing soccer together since they were small kids, and one game last season perfectly epitomizes the connection that the two have built. The game, which occurred in Valdosta against Lowndes, was cited by the older Choate sister as her favorite soccer memory ever.

The sisters had helped Tift defeat Lowndes in a penalty shootout just a couple weeks before, and they knew that the matchup on the road versus the Vikettes would most likely be their toughest contest of the year because the LHS coach was their former travel ball coach. “(Lowndes’ coach) had us and a couple other of our teammates, man-marked the whole game,” Abby Kay said. The strategy ultimately failed, however, because the sisters teamed up for two goal-scoring plays.

First, Abby Kay played a through ball to Emma that resulted in a penalty kick, which the older sister converted. Later, Abby Kay again played Emma into space, and she found the back of the net to put the game out of reach. The game is just one of several examples that have shown the importance of the Choate sisters to Tift County’s team.

Despite the fact that both Abby Kay and Emma have already proven to be elite in terms of soccer talent in South Georgia, the duo has its sights set on constant improvement. Last season, between just the two of them, the Choate sisters accounted for 46 percent of Tift’s goals and assisted 31 percent more, but the two still feel there is room for improvement. The 2015-16 Tift squad finished 18-4, 10-0 in region play, and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the GHSA state playoffs. This year the sisters are more motivated than ever and are set on topping last year’s playoff run.

“I think that if we improve our attitude at practice and care about what we're doing as a team, then we may have a better chance of advancing further than the second round,” Emma said. “When we work on that, then we can all learn each other’s strengths and play to them. Last year was not fun and very frustrating. So this year, I just want to play and enjoy playing with my sister and my friends.

I feel as soon as we all start enjoying playing the game again, winning will come with it.”

With a motivating force in the form of a sister out on the field at all times, however, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Choate sisters push Tift County soccer to even greater heights.

“I don’t want that to sound cliché, but Emma is my number one supporter,” Abby Kay said. “She is always pushing me to do better, whether she directly means to or not. We are both so competitive

In The Game | 37

and determined to play our best. She has my back and looks out for me. The past almost four years have brought us so close together. Her drive to become a better soccer player pushes me to do my best. I don’t want to disappoint her.”

In addition to leaving a lasting legacy in Tifton, Abby Kay and Emma Choate have used their talent and strong bond to inspire a younger generation of female soccer players. While their time on the high school field together is limited, the impact they have already had on Tift County and the South Georgia area at large is lasting.

“Never back away from a challenge,” Abby Kay said as her number one piece of advice to younger soccer players. “It might be hard, but all of the work you put into it will definitely be worth it. The most important thing I can say though is have fun with it. Enjoy playing a great game with great friends. You’ll make memories that you will never forget.”

Abby Kay is committed to play college soccer at Birmingham Southern, while Emma is undecided on her college choice but also plans to play collegiately.

Expect the Choate sisters to again score goals in bunches as Tift County girls soccer stays as one of the best programs in South Georgia.

The Lady Blue Devils have won back-toback region titles thanks to the talented duo, who combined for 51 goals and 35 assists a season ago.

Last season, between just the two of them, the Choate sisters accounted for 46 percent of Tift’s goals and assisted 31 percent more, but the two still feel there is room for improvement. The 2015-16 Tift squad finished 18-4, 10-0 in region play, and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the GHSA state playoffs.

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In The Game | 39

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

In the Game Honors Area Players and Coaches at Annual Football Banquet Written by: Cole Parker | Photography by: Micki K Photography On Dec. 13, 2016, In the Game Sports Network gathered South Georgia’s top football talent into one room in order to recognize and honor the players and teams responsible for an unforgettable 2016 season. Schools from across the region united to remind us what this great sport is all about: the development of young student-athletes into better men and members of society.

Despite the presence of an abundance of talent and trophies, humble gratitude filled the room. Rennie Curran — former linebacker for the Brookwood Broncos,

40 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Georgia Bulldogs, and Tennessee Titans led the charge and set the tone for the evening. He spoke to a packed house of over 350 players, family members, and coaches about his experiences with and the importance of setting goals, perseverance through everything, and balancing the many struggles in life as an athlete.

Following that, each of the twenty-eight schools awarded their Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, noting incredible leadership and performance for their respective teams. Then, taking it one step further, In the Game Sports Network and —

our sponsorship partners crowned the top players and coaches across all of the schools in eight different categories.

As a night filled with inspiration, laughter, and fellowship, it was a suiting end to yet another remarkable football season.

We wish the best of luck to each and every one of these young men (and women, thanks to Lauren Pearson!) as they move forward in their careers and their lives.

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Cook High School Offense: Brock Jones Defense: Kejon Deberry Cook Medical

Georgia Christian School Offense: Dillon Winters Defense: Thomas Cornelius Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Baconton Charter School Offense: Max Deen Defense: CJ Dverson Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Lowndes High School Offense: Tucker Barnes Defense: Devon Holmes Farmers & Merchants Bank

Irwin County High School Offense: Jeremiah Ashley Defense: Tristan Billingsley Optim Healthcare and Coffee Regional Medical Center

Thomas Co. Central High School Offense: Kelias Williams Defense: Derrick Brock Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Tiftarea Academy Offense: Kymele Hart Dfense: Logan Carswell Optim Healthcare and Coffee Regional Medical Center

Turner Co. High School Offense: Tamorrion Terry Defense: Ontaria Wilson Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Valdosta High School Offense: JR Ingram Defense: James Bushware Sutherland Physical Therapy

In The Game | 41

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Worth County High School Offense: Chris McDaniel Defense: Justin Hamilton In the Game Sports Network

Bainbridge High School Offense: Christian Glover Defense: Kerenski Williams First National Bank

Brookwood School Offense: Alfonzo Spencer Defense: Bradley Jones Associate Benefits Group

Berrien High School Offense: Devyne Harris Defense:Zach Nelson Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Brooks Co. High School Offense: Naiquavis Sutton Defense: Jacquajah Washington Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Coffee Co. High School Offense: Max Hughes Defense: Derick Newton Optim Healthcare and Coffee Regional Medical Center

Cairo High School Offense: John Michael Owens Defense: Zach Anderson First National Bank

Clinch Co. High School Offense: Charles McClelland Defense: Trezman Marshall Farmers & Merchants Bank

Colquitt Co. High School Offense: Jay Saunders Defense: Shawn Shamburger Vereen Rehabilitation Center

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2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Crisp Co. High School Offense: Jammie Robinson Defense: Markaviest Bryant In the Game Sports Network

Fitzgerald High School Offense: JD King Defense: Josh Reliford Dorminy Medical Center

Pelham High School Offense: Kendrick Patterson Defense: Treun Pace Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Lanier Co. High School Offense: James Green Defense: Noah Tuten In the Game Sports Network

Lee Co. High School Offense: Mark Robinson Defense: Akileis Leroy Venum Vapur

Valwood School Offense: Cam Walker Defense: Earnest Carter Advanced Dental Care

Thomasville High School Offense: JT Rice Defense: Charlie Thomas Associate Benefits Group

Tift Co. High School Offense: Fred Lloyd Defense: Cody Thompson Optim Healthcare and Coffee Regional Medical Center

In The Game | 43

Congratulations

Lauren Pearson

Thomasville Ford 2017 Academic - Athlete of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network December 13, 2016

Congratulations

Brandon Doe

Farah & Farah 2017 Forward Progress Award

Presented by In the Game Sports Network

44 |December itgsportsnetwork.com 13, 2016

Congratulations

Cole Phillips

First National Bank 2017 Special Teams Player of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network December 13, 2016

Congratulations

John Brown

Valdosta Toyota 2017 Middle School Player of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network December 13, 2016

In The Game | 45

Congratulations

Aubrey Solomon

Valdosta Orthopedic Associates 2017 Defensive Player of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network December 13, 2016

Congratulations John Miller

Winnersville Fitness 2017 Community Involvement Award

Presented by In the Game Sports Network

46 |December itgsportsnetwork.com 13, 2016

Congratulations

Michael Barrett

Colony Bank 2017 Offensive Player of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network December 13, 2016

Congratulations

Alan Rodemaker Hughston Clinic 2017 Coach of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network December 13, 2016

In The Game | 47

Play Ball!

Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: Jerry Christenson

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Spring sports are just around the corner. There will still be a winter chill in the air for several weeks, but pretty soon baseball fields will be turning green, and the sounds of batting practices will echo from high school facilities in our area. Head varsity baseball coaches are gearing up for the 2017 season, which is bound to produce some stellar performances by some outstanding athletes. In the Game asked local coaches to give an inside the ballpark look at Columbus Valley teams. Fourteen coaches responded with a little background and a forward look at the season ahead.

Vince Massey

Hometown: Lilburn, Georgia Education: Parkview High School, Middle Georgia College, Columbus State University School: Brookstone School, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Cougars Region/Classification: Region 4/Class A 2016 Overall Record: 20-7 2016 Region Record: 10-2 Career Record: 210-97 Highlights from last season: Finished second in our region Sweet Sixteen in the state playoffs. Culver Norred broke the school record for wins with 22.

Drew Webb signed to play at CSU, and Preston Campbell signed with Andrew College.

Expectations this season: A team that will grow up and get better as the season progresses.

Coaching staff: Asst. Coach, Scott Pethtel Three major goals: For our team to develop the chemistry we had in 2016, to challenge for a region championship, to compete in the state playoffs Biggest challenges: Our inexperienced players need to perform even though they have limited at bats and innings at the varsity level.

Greatest strengths: Even though many of our players are inexperienced, we will have seven seniors on the roster, so it is a mature group.

Key players to watch: Daniel Amos, Walker Cottrell, Trey Lingo, Banks Massey What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? The impact you can have on a teenager’s life in a positive manner. These guys will never forget their experiences of being on this team and competing together. They are creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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CHAD MATHIS

Hometown: Granby, MA Education: Granby High School (Massachusetts), Holyoke Community College, Troy University School: Calvary Christian School, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Knights Region/Classification: GICAA-Division I/South Region 2016 Overall Record: 25-8 2016 Region Record: 3-1 Career Record: 63-23 Highlights from last season: Setting school record with 25 wins; winning third straight region title; advancing to Game 3 of Final Four Expectations this season: Our goal each season is to win our region and compete for a state title every year. 2017 is an important year for our team as we return a very talented core that has experienced success of the last three seasons, specifically coming off 24 (2014) and 25 (2015) wins seasons and getting within one run of winning a state title.

Coaching staff: Rodney Rutherford, Scott Donohoe, Brandon Walker, Jackie Lyles, Steve Davis, Caleb Davis, and Brent Wright Three major goals: Continue to build depth within our baseball program (middle school, JV, and high school), win our fourth consecutive region title, win the first male sports state championship in Calvary’s history.

Biggest challenges: Our biggest challenge each year is ensuring we have the depth to withstand a 30+ game season and overcome injuries that occur within the season.

Greatest strengths: We look for our pitching to be our greatest strength this year. We return all but one of our pitchers from 2016.

Key players to watch: Cody Russell, Jon Jon Brown, Nick Baker, Chris Wright, Kyle Ammons, Hunter Qualls, Bryce Andrews, Troy Anthony, Zachary Garcia, Stephen Smith, Jackson Conner, Will Dyer.

What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? Our coaching staff puts just as much emphasis on building these young men to be strong leaders with Christian values as we do on building a winning program. We try to be an extension of CCS as we try to teach the whole child the whole truth.

Nothing is better as a coach than seeing a kid succeed both on and off the field.

Andy Hicks

Hometown: Columbus, Georgia Education: Hardaway High School, CVCC, Columbus State University School: Carver High School, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Tigers Region/Classification: 1-4A 2016 Overall Record: 5-18 2016 Region Record: 1-17 Career Record: 1-1 Highlights from last season: Beat Shaw the last game of the season to win our first region game in two years, went 4-1 out of region Expectations this season: I expect for us to build on our last win from last year and perform better than in previous years. I expect our guys to compete every game and possibly get to the state playoffs for the first time in school history.

Coaching staff: Patrick Creech and James Bennett, assistant varsity coaches; Brian Saccomano, head JV coach and assistant varsity coach Three major goals: Make it to state tournament, have at least one guy represent on All Bi-City/All-Region, have all of my seniors go to college.

Biggest challenges: Playing in our region, lack of experience.

Greatest strengths: Have a lot of seniors, should have good leadership, building on what we started last year.

Key players to watch: Eric Jenkins, Dajon Davis, Karim Davis What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? Teaching kids lessons that apply on and off the field and that will stick with them their entire lives.

Chad Mathis

Hometown: Tifton, Georgia Education: Peach County High School, Andrew College, Columbus State University, Troy State University School: Columbus School High, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Blue Devils Region/Classification: 1-AAAA 2016 Overall Record: 25-8 2016 Region Record: 13-5 Career Record: 41-17 Highlights from last season: Making it to the third round (Quarter-Finals) against defending state champs (Houston County) Expectations this season: Be really good every day at practice with all the little things that don’t take talent. Always take care of the minor details.

Coaching staff: Robert Morgan, McLendon Hill, Matt Rossi, Cam Greathouse, John Randall Lasseter Three major goals: Develop team chemistry, communicate to develop leadership skills, sacrifice personal glory for the Team goal Biggest challenges: Adopting the new pitch count rules and replacing seven starters.

Greatest strengths: Pitching rotation and solid defense.

Key players to watch: Gage Dempsey, Trent Grantham, Jonathan Brand, Clayton Duncan, Austin Foster What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? The ability to make an immediate impact on a young life!

48 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Tim Fanning

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Hometown: Smiths, Alabama Education: Jordan High School, Marshall University, Troy University (Masters) School: Glenwood School, Phenix City, Alabama Mascot: Gators Region/Classification: Region 1/AAA 2016 Overall Record: 46-5 2016 Region Record: 6-0 Career Record: 453-124 Highlights from last season: State Champions, No. 24 Nationally Expectations this season: Build on last year’s success, returning 12 seniors.

Coaching staff: Josh McConnell, Tommy Claridy, Phil Stillwell, Matthew Brabston, Matt Saylor Three major goals: Win region, play for a state championship, play with desire to improve throughout the season.

Biggest challenges: Complacency.

Greatest strengths: Pitching, speed, and defense.

Key players to watch: Daniel Holley, Chase Dennis, Brandon Moseley, Josh Brown, Carson Allison What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? The opportunity to teach young men to be better fathers, husbands, and servants to their community.

Chris Gilstrap

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Hometown: Columbus, Georgia Education: Hardaway High School, Young Harris College, Columbus State University School: Hardaway High School, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Hawks Region/Classification: 1/AAAA 2016 Overall Record: 13-10 2016 Region Record: 9-9 Career record: 84-54 (five seasons) Highlights from last season: Only team to defeat Northside (region champs), 2 of 3 game series, gained lots of experience.

Expectations this season: Compete every game and be in position to play for a region championship at the end of the season.

Coach staff: Mike Getkin, Blair Harrison, Eric Anthony Three major goals for 2017: Win more games than last season, win Region 1-AAAA Championship, make deep playoff run.

Biggest challenges: Lack of depth, not as many players in program as others.

Greatest strengths: Pitching, returning seven starters.

Key players to watch: Mykel Page, Chandler Griggs, Chris Black, Jordan Manibusan, Ryan Anderson, Alex Beniss, Jonathan Manibusan, Hunter Duke, Tristan Driver What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? Teaching and coaching young men, teaching baseball and life lessons.

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Hometown: LaGrange, Georgia Education: LaGrange High School, Central Alabama Community College, University of West Georgia School: Harris County High School, Hamilton, Georgia Mascot: Tigers Region/Classification: 1/AAAAA 2016 Overall Record: 14-15 2016 Region Record: 10-7 Career Record: 173-113 Highlights from last season: 4th seed from Region 1-AAAAA. Lost in the first round of the state playoffs Expectations for season: We expect to show up every day, compete, do things the right way, have fun while we’re doing it, and hopefully win a lot of games in the process.

Coaching staff: Tracy Powell, Matt Ward, Adam Bright, Wade Pirkle, Jamie Fox and Sammie Mathis Three major goals: Compete and represent the Harris County community to the best of our abilities, improve on the physical and mental mistakes we made last season, and win the region championship.

Biggest challenges: We have really struggled to find guys that are willing to lead the right way through the good times and the bad. Our guys are learning, and we hope someone steps forward.

Greatest strengths: Our strengths should be depth on the mound. We feel like we have 10-12 guys we can use at some point this season.

Key players to watch: Ross McKibben, Justin Brooks, Harry Rich, Brett Griffin What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? I think the best thing about coaching is the opportunity to witness the growth of our student-athletes from their freshmen year through graduation.

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Tony Dimitri

Hometown: Columbus, Georgia Education: Jordan High School, CVCC, Columbus State University School: Jordan Vocational High School, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Red Jackets Region/Classification: 5-AA 2016 Overall record: 12-15 2016 Region Record: 9-7 Career Record: 77-56 Highlights from last season: Made playoffs 4th year in a row Expectations this season: We have a good group of kids, and the expectation is always to win the region.

Coaching staff: John Dimitri, Brandon Masters, Mike McCraine, Freddie Vazquez Three major goals for 2017 season: Win Region, win more games than year before, advance in the state playoffs.

Biggest Challenges: The long season of now 30 games plus playoffs, the new pitch count.

Greatest strengths: We will have some good arms this year on the pitching staff.

Key players to watch: John Kropaczewski, Bryce Long, Hunner Boswell, Austin Sanders, Sidney Phillips, Darius Stokes What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? Teaching kids how to play the game. Becoming leaders and understanding what it takes to compete at a high level.

Trey Reeves

Hometown: Gainesville, Georgia Education: Gainesville High School, Georgia Southwestern State University School: Marion County High School, Buena Vista, Georgia Mascot: Eagles Region/Classification: 4-A 2016 Overall Record: 11-12 2016 Region Record: 3-9 Career Record: 11-12 Highlights from last season: We won a 16-inning game against Manchester 5-4. We were able to get many different players experience.

Expectations this season: I expect us to have a mixture of youth and experience.

Coaching staff: Monty Howard, Scott Colter Three major goals this season: A winning record; compete within the region; make the playoffs.

Biggest challenges: Our biggest challenge will be our youth.

Greatest strengths: We have two good senior leaders, Ryan Howard and JJ Fuller, who have both started for three years.

Key players to watch: JJ Fuller, Ryan Howard, Tyler Bearden, Austin Conner, Harrison Humbo What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? Being able to teach the game to the young players who are eager to learn. Being able to teach life through the ups and downs of the game.

In The Game | 49

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Dee Miller

Hometown: Winder, Georgia Education: Winder-Barrow High School, Columbus State University, West Alabama (EdS Special Education) School: Northside High School, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Patriots Region/Classification: 1/AAAA 2016 Overall Record: 22-9 2016 Region Record: 14-4 Career Record: 57-27 Highlights from last season: Region Champs, five homeruns in one game against LaGrange.

Expectations this season: I expect some guys with little or no varsity experience to step up and give us a chance to win some games.

Coaching staff: Steve Sparks, Derek Branch, David Buchanan, Greg Stotser, Chase Slocumb, Blake Cooper Three major goals this season: Develop our players into a competitive team, win Region, win State.

Biggest Challenges: Replacing 14 seniors that accounted for 594 plate appearances and 167 2/3 innings on the mound.

Greatest strengths: Returning senior starters.

Key players to watch: Dalton Bradford, Seth Shadiz, Kenny Harrell, Chantler Valero, Connor Willis, Camden Mathis, Logan Coley, Josh Sayers What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? The relationships with the kids and the ability to work with them daily to become better baseball players, students, and young men.

Hart Mizzell

Hometown: McRae, Georgia Education: Telfair County High School, Columbus State University School: St. Anne-Pacelli, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Vikings Region/Classification: 4-A West 2016 Overall record: 4-21 2016 Region Record: 3-9 Career Record: 4-21 Highlights from last season: (W) 2-1 Walk off walk vs. Marion County at home Expectations for this season: Compete for a sub-region title.

Coaching staff: Assistant coaches, Chandler Guy and Carlo Brena Three major goals for this season: Winning record, compete for sub-region title, make the playoffs.

Biggest challenges: Young players and depth.

Greatest strengths: Senior leadership.

Key players to watch: Avery Ross, Warner Adcock, Max Eikelberry What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? Being able to positively impact kids in a formative time in their life (mentor kids, teach in the classroom, etc.)

Pat mcgregor

Hometown: Columbus, Georgia Education: Columbus High School, Columbus State University School: Shaw High School, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Raiders Region/Classification: 1/AAAA 2016 Overall Record: 11-15 2016 Region Record: 6-12 Expectations this season: To continue to work hard and improve.

Coaching staff: Ben Hudson, Rad Mitchell, Mark Hemmings, Chuck Stamey Three major goals this season: Work hard, improve, be competitive in 1-AAAA Biggest challenges: The depth and quality of the programs we face in our region and in the bi-city area.

Greatest strengths: Players work hard and are coachable, great coaching staff around me Key players to watch: Wesley Johnson, Alex Marguard, Andrew Tillery, Brian Trepanier, Liam Corbose, Kaleb Podger, Bubba Pearson, Iam Udy, Owen Lokerman What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? The relationships with the players, coaches, and other members of the baseball community.

Dave kovALIK

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Education: Mount Pleasant High School, PA, Lock Haven University, PA School: Spencer High School, Columbus, Georgia Mascot: Greenwave Region/Classification: 2/AA 2016 Overall Record: 0-17 Career record: First Year Coach Highlights from last season: N/A Expectations for this season: I expect a lot of hustle and determination.

Coaching staff: Coach B. Hubbard, Coach A. Ciaccio Three major goals for this season: To be competitive in the region, to rebuild the baseball program at Spencer, to have my seniors recruited by colleges.

Biggest challenges: Depth in my pitching rotation, competing in a non-region schedule.

Greatest strengths: Senior Leadership, support from my administrative AD Key players to watch: Fred Abrahms, Issiah Austin, Tito Barboza What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? Being a part of a team of coaches and players that want to succeed on and off the field.

Bobby howard

Hometown: Columbus, Georgia Education: Jordan High School, Columbus State University, Georgia Southwestern, Troy State University School: Central High School, Phenix City, Alabama Mascot: Red Devils Region/Classification: 7A 2016 Overall Record: 27-14 2016 Region Record: 5-0 Career Record: N/A Highlights from last season: Made the Area Playoffs for the first time in three years.

Expectations for this season: We like our club. We have six returning starters.

Coaching staff: AJ Kehoe, Greg Mathis, Will Howard, Seth Gorman, Don Bice, Eric Skinner, Bart Butler, Hunter Dawkins, Cody Walker, and Larry Knox Three major goals for this season: Be as good as we can be, be better than last year, make another run at the playoffs.

Biggest challenges: We have got to get better defensively.

Greatest strengths: Experience on the mound, top three hitters are back, and we have six returning starters.

Key players to watch: Evan Baber, Slade Gorman, Tanner Belcher What is the best thing about coaching high school baseball? You are trying to coach baseball, but it’s really the young men you are trying to help through the game of baseball to be successful. Coaching the game of baseball gives you the opportunity to help young men become successful.

50 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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For more information contact our main office at 229-469-7373 or email us at healthlifesga@gmail.com

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Keep Your Head in the Game and Remember Why You Love This Sport Written by: Brittany K. Wyche | Photography by: Micki K Photography

At Fitzgerald High School the wrestling program is nothing short of commitment, respect, and hard work. When talking to team captions Morgan Mitchell and Dustin Armstrong, it was obvious they both have a love for the sport of wrestling. The two friends and competitors are looking to take Fitzgerald all the way this year by leading their team by example.

Morgan and Dustin have been wrestling for most of their lives. Morgan’s wrestling career started out at Irwin County, but when his dad and one of his wrestling coaches decided that they were going to make their own wrestling team, Morgan jumped on board. The East Side Bad Boys hit the

matt competing in USA wrestling.

“It’s just you out there; you don’t have to depend on anybody, and it’s just you and the other opponent,” Morgan said when asked what he loved about wrestling.

Dustin didn’t start wrestling for Fitzgerald until last year.

He started off playing baseball and was struck by the wrestling atmosphere in sixth grade. From then on he decided to focus and become a better wrestling athlete.

When asked what he loved about wrestling, his response was much like Morgan’s. “When you’re on the matt, it’s only you and one other person,” Dustin said. “You don’t have a team to help you out; it’s just you and that one other guy.

In The Game | 53

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When you win, you feel greatly accomplished, and when you lose, you learn a big lesson from it.”

Both athletes are aware of what it takes for Fitzgerald’s wrestling team to be successful. Yes, they compete one-on-one on the matt, but it’s a team effort to make sure Fitzgerald as a whole “shows up” every competition day.

They plan on trying to keep everyone focused and positive for upcoming matches, as they both understand that wrestling is one of the toughest sports to be in.

“You have to be physically, mentally, and technically sound, or you’re not going to be able to compete very well with everyone else,” Morgan said.

“With wrestling, you have to be in top physical shape,” Dustin said. “Every once in a while you might have to drop a weight class, but that’s only making you better and to add more grit to you. Technique definitely has a lot to do with it. You can have someone who benches 350 and be 6’2’’ and still get wiped out by someone who’s maybe 5’7’’ (and) 250 pounds. But there are a lot of variables when it comes to wrestling. I know if your mental game is not strong, it throws everything off. You have to be all in; everything needs to be in the best shape.”

Dustin’s mindset is on dominating the floor. Last season was a short and rough one for him: He shattered his pinky knuckle in the first match of

the season and was out all the way until State. Being injured for the majority of the season, he said he was out of shape and that his wrestling season his sophomore year was much better to look back at. With it being his senior year, not only is Dustin looking to make a comeback, but he’s looking to take it all the way.

For Morgan, one of his highlights from last season was going to team duals and placing third in State. He is without a doubt shooting to have another successful season this year.

Morgan, who has been wrestling for about 15 years, pays much respect to his family.

When asked who he looks up to, he said, “Definitely my parents. They’ve pushed and supported me since I was three.”

Morgan also gave a shout out to his younger brother, who has been his wrestling partner growing up. For them, wrestling is obviously a family event to attend and enjoy together.

Both captains talk highly of their coach, Robert Merritt. For Dustin, Merritt is someone he most admires.

“My coach is one of the best coaches,” Dustin said. “He looks out for each and every one of us. He’s helped me out not only on the mat but off the mat.”

Merritt taught Dustin an important life lesson about compassion and altruism. When Merritt found out that Dustin’s family was struggling to pay their light bill one month, he paid it for them. Dustin tried to

pay him back, but Merritt wouldn’t accept it.

Instead, he told Dustin that he could pay him back by working it off with wrestling.

It’s no question that these two athletes are exceptional high school students. Dustin plans to join the Army after high school and is already aiming to be a part of the military’s wrestling team. Morgan he has his eyes set on wrestling for Appalachian State or the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

The captains made almost identical statements about each other. Morgan said that Dustin is not only a strong athlete, but a great technical wrestler. Like Morgan, Dustin said, “Morgan is a very technical wrestler; he has great mental game. Most times wrestlers get nervous, and you’ll never see Morgan like that. He owns the mat. By far he’s not the strongest wrestler but one of the best. He’s also a great friend off the mat too.”

It’s just you out there; you don’t have to depend on ANYBODY, and it’s just YOU and the other opponent.

-Morgan

I’m looking to make a GREAT come back.

I’m looking to WIN. -Dustin

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In The Game | 55

FAST BREAK

Pull Off the Upset

1.10.17

Written by: Jacob Dennis

Team Leaders Passing Leaders

Dak Prescott Mark Sanchez

Rushing LEADERS

Three obstacles to a Dallas cowboys title run Getting too comfortable

History shows an inherent risk of playing too well early in the season.

Failing to stay healthy

Injuries happen. This is a healthy squad overall, but let’s pray to the Football Gods they keep up this positive injury luck.

Failing to find a pass rush

The Cowboys have one of the worst pass-rushing groups in the league, and they continue to search for the right formula.

56 | itgsportsnetwork.com

ATT

358 1

ATT

COMP 243 1

YARDS

TDS

INT

AVG

TDS

FUM

12 2 5

2 0

4 0 3

263 61 47

RECEIVING LEADERS

REC 60 37 52 29

670 634 553 394

11.2 17.1 10.6 13.6

AVG

TDS

DROPS

DEFENSIVE LEADERS

TACK

SACK

FUM

INTS

HUR

Sean Lee Byron Jones Anthony Hitchens Barry Church Brandon Carr

112 58 55 54 50

YDS

0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0

4.89 3.79 4.62

19 0

Ezekiel Elliot Alfred Morris Dak Prescott

Cole Beasley Dez Bryant Jason Witten Terrance Williams

1,285 231 217

YARDS

2,974 8

0 0 0 0 0

5 6 2 2

0 0 0 2 1

2 1 1 0

0 1 0 0 0

THE BOYS ARE BACK! 0 3 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016

The Dallas Cowboys have aced every possible regular-season test. They’ve won shootouts against high-flying offenses. They’ve completed comebacks against strong defenses.

that person who makes it be you?

J.J. Watt was only a two-star recruit, but he has become one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL today. DeMarcus Ware wasn’t even rated as a recruit, yet he became one of the best pass-rushers of our lifetime and will most likely end up in Canton in the Hall of Fame. The examples are endless: App State beat Michigan. The Americans upset the Soviet Union in the Miracle on Ice in 1980. Buster Douglas knocked Mike Tyson out in 1990 despite the fact that Tyson was an astronomical favorite. And NC State beat Houston’s ‘Phi Slama Jama’ team to win the NCAA basketball title in 1983.

Sometimes, in the sea of the million people who tell you that you can’t do something, all you need is for one person to tell you that you can. Hopefully, wherever you might be in sports or in life right now, this article can serve that purpose. The constant pursuit of one’s dreams was never ended because of outside expectations, but because outside expectations began to impact the inside source. You are the only person who controls your destiny.

Tune out those who doubt you and stay in relentless pursuit of your dreams, no matter what they might be.

As my time as an intern at In the Game draws to a close, I want to thank every high school athlete I had the privilege of watching this season. High school is, in my opinion, the level at which sports are the most pure and the most passionate. There’s nothing I love more than that. Whether you’re undersized, a little slower than a teammate, or you just keep hearing that you can’t achieve your dreams, keep pushing anyway. You can pull off your own version of an incredible upset.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes.

As the legendary Jim Valvano said in his1993 ESPY’s speech: “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”

Regular season wins

In this day and age, we process countless amounts of information on an hourly basis. From talking on our cell phones to scrolling through our Twitter feeds, thoughts and ideas are crammed into our brains so often that we don’t even realize it.

If we aren’t careful, we have trouble even formulating our own opinions because it’s difficult to decipher what’s real from what’s fake. This applies to life in general, but it is especially applicable to sports.

We hear cliché (though true) statements all the time about how “impossible is nothing” and how “you can do anything if you set your mind to it.” We hear sayings like these so often that we don’t truly think about what they mean. Inevitably, however, due to the incredible amount of information we take in daily, we hear something discouraging, and, again, if we aren’t careful, it can start to have a negative impact on us. College football recruiting has become a monster in the last several years, and we get so caught up in measurables that we think the only way to be a good quarterback is if they’re 6-foot-4. Or we think that because we don’t have the biggest bench press on our athletic team that we’ll never make it to the next level. Or we allow an article saying our team isn’t as good as an opponent to impact our perception of reality. But here’s a thought: Since when did other people’s expectations for us ever matter?

Russell Wilson isn’t even six feet tall, but he’s a Super Bowl Champion quarterback. Kevin Durant didn’t bench press 185 pounds one time at the 2007 NBA Draft Combine, yet he was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2014 and has been named an All-Star a whopping seven times. And Leicester City had 5,000-1 odds — the same odds of Elvis Presley being alive, mind you — to win the English Premier League title in 2015-16, but the Foxes won anyway.

Athletics, both individually and collectively, would be tiresome if everything went according to script. What fun would watching sports be if the team who was favored to win won every time? What about if the only athletes who went on to experience success at the college or professional levels were the ones who were offered full-ride scholarships? That would be boring. Sports are all about the underdogs: the people who have been written off and who had every reason to quit, but who kept pushing anyway and pulled off the impossible. So what if someone tells you that over 99 percent of athletes who compete in high school athletics won’t go on to make the pros?

There’s a reason why that number isn’t 100 percent. Why can’t

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2017 War of the Border

All-Star Game and Practice Schedule Florida Practice Site and Schedule Chiles High School 7200 Lawton Chiles Lane Tallahassee, FL 32312 Head Coach: Garrett Jahn Jan. 9th - Jan. 12th 5pm-8pm

Georgia Practice Site and Schedule

Game 1

Thomasville High School Stadium 600 East Jackson Street Thomasville, Georgia 31792 Head Coach: Zack Grage Jan. 9th - Jan. 12th 5pm-8pm

Date: Friday, January 13, 2017 6:30pm Place: Vererans Memorial Stadium, Thomasville, GA

Florida Practice Site and Schedule Bradford High School 581 N. Temple Ave Starke, FL 32091 Head Coach: Josh Hoekstra Jan. 16th - Jan. 19th 5pm-8pm

Georgia Practice Site and Schedule

Game 2

Martin Stadium 1606 Norman Dr Valdosta, Georgia 31601 Head Coach: Randy McPherson Jan. 17th - Jan. 19th 5pm-8pm

Date: Friday, January 20, 2017 6:30pm Place: Martin Stadium, Valdosta, GA

Florida Practice Site and Schedule First Coast High School 590 Duval Station Rd Jacksonville, FL 32218 Head Coach: Marty Lee Feb. 6th - Feb. 10th 5pm-8pm

Georgia Practice Site and Schedule

Game 3

North Glynn Recreation Complex 618 Harry Driggers Blvd Brunswick, Georgia 31525 Head Coach: Richard McWhorter Feb. 6th - Feb. 9th 5pm-8pm

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017 2:00pm Place: Yulee High School Stadium, Yulee, FL

Recruiter/Player One on One Time: During the last 15 min of practice, Coaches will allow recruiters to meet with players and run drills. Please see coaches to request meeting.

Florida Team Liaison Please contact

Robbie Klees Tallahassee, Florida (850) 508-0595 rklees@comcast.net

Georgia Team Liaison

Please contact

Mike Gammons Thomasville, Georgia (229) 672-0076 mdgammons@yahoo.com

In The Game | 57

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From Homeschooled to Homecoming Queen Written by: Beth Welch Photos by: George McDuffie

Glenwood School girls basketball coach Julie Humphries received a message a few years back from a parent. The mom had heard about the Lady Gators’ need to fill a “post” position on the team and had a daughter who might be interested.

“They were home schooling,” Humphries said. “I think they had moved to Opelika recently. Audrey was going to be a sophomore and wanted to play basketball.”

Audrey Crowe, 18, is a senior at Glenwood School in Smiths, Alabama. She was homeschooled from fifth grade through ninth grade, moving to Alabama from Tennessee in the eighth grade. She got her start with basketball in the second grade with Upward Bound basketball, a faith-based program numerous churches across the country offer.

In middle school, she played basketball along with soccer and participated in cross country through a home schooling organization in Tennessee. When Crowe’s family moved to Opelika, she traveled to Auburn to play basketball with Ballard Christian School, which allows home schooled students to participate in school athletics.

Crowe learned of Glenwood and its winning girls basketball program in a roundabout way.

“A friend from church had a friend who went to school at Glenwood,” Crowe said. “She played on the team, and she told her friend about needing a post player. My mom contacted Coach Humphries, and after I came over to look, we decided for me to attend school here.”

Julie Humphries has been head of the girls basketball program for eight years.

During that time, she coached two state championship teams and won two region titles. Humphries expects a lot from her teams, and she gets it. In 24 years of coaching girls basketball, Humphries has

learned a thing or two.

The first year Crowe attended Glenwood, she played varsity. Standing six feet tall in her socks, Crowe said she has always been “the tall girl.” She played post or center all of her basketball career and sees her strength as rebounding, also being best down low. She gave herself a little credit for being pretty good with assists, too.

“Being tall helps,” she said with a smile.

That first season as a Lady Gator happened to be the 2014-15 basketball season, which ended with Crowe gaining a state championship ring. The normally quiet and reserved young woman became animated when talking about the experience.

“It was just incredible,” Crowe said. “I will never forget that night and how it all

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happened. It was a tough season, but it was all worth it.”

When Crowe talks about a tough season, she is actually speaking of her own experiences of adjusting to regular classroom teaching and life as a student in a bricks and mortar school. Glenwood is a small private school where the majority of students have attended with each other since grade school. Being the new kid was difficult, and not living in the community added to the transition.

“It was just a hard year,” Crowe said, speaking quietly about that time. “Just adapting to the structure, seeing the same people every day. I didn’t know anyone.

The person who told my friend about the basketball team, I had only met her once.”

Basketball became her connection to

In The Game | 59

all things in the Gator Nation. Crowe said the team supported her and the coaches were understanding. It took a while to get her balance, but playing basketball was the best part of her school life.

Crowe was good at basketball, too. According to Humphries, Crowe averages 12 points and nine rebounds a game.

As her junior year approached, the steady and reliable athlete grew more confident off the basketball court as a student. Academics were never an issue. She maintains a 4.3 GPA and scored an impressive 30 on her ACT, an admission tool for colleges. Socialization with her peers developed when classmates discovered her warm, genial personality.

“When she first came here, she was so quiet,” Humphries said. “Very polite, but quiet. Now, it’s like she just bloomed. She talks more and with the other girls; she is just one of them.”

Perhaps the best indication of Crowe’s adaptation to school life came recently in a telling way. In October, Crowe was named Glenwood’s 2016 Homecoming Queen. The selection of the court is voted on by the student body. Basically, Crowe went from knowing no one as a sophomore to becoming popular enough as a senior to win the homecoming queen nomination.

“I was never expecting it,” Crowe said, shaking her head and displaying an obviously humble attitude about the honor. “I couldn’t believe it. It was just overwhelming.”

Going into the 2016-17 season, Crowe and her teammates have high expectations. Humphries acknowledged the team has the potential to take another run at another state title. The Lady Gators went 24-9 last season. They lost just one senior from last year’s team, while they have also gained a couple of players who are promising as contributors.

Humphries feels Crowe has an important role on this year’s team.

“She has to produce for us offensively, and we expect points from her evin 1985, for every game he played them in.

- In 2007, it was revealed -Michael Jordan was that referee Tim Donaghy fined for wearing his was paid to pass betting own shoes. His fine was tips on to outside parties $5,000, by commisand fans. He claimed that sioner David Stern for the NBA instructed them to showing off the first of influence the results of the his series of high-tops 2002 Western Conference

DID YOU KNOW

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Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings.

- Over half of the NBA’s ex-players (60 percent) are flat broke and bankrupt after only five years out of the league.

-Oscar Robertson remains the only player to average

ery night,” Humphries said. “She does a great job rebounding and blocking shots for us inside as well. She is a big part of our plan this year, and (we’re) expecting big things out of her for her senior year.”

Crowe is not pursuing a scholarship to play basketball in college. She said to do that, she would have to attend a smaller school, which is not part of her plan. Auburn University is high on her list, and she is also thinking of Liberty University. Her long-range plans are not crystal clear, but mission work is a possibility, which is why she is leaning toward a degree in Global Studies.

“I would really like to give this season all I’ve got,” Crowe said. “It’s my last one, and I want to feel good about leaving. Our team is good. The dynamics of our personalities, we just mesh together. I am so excited about the year because it should be a good year just for the sake of basketball.”

a triple-double over the course of an entire season, yet for some reason he never won the Most Valuable Player award.

-Muggsy Bogues was drafted into the NBA even though he was only 5’3”, and he had a 14-year career.

This information is courtesy of http://www.lolwot.com

Ten Youngest Teams in the NBA Brooklyn Nets 25.9

Indiana Pacers 25.8 Charlotte Hornets 25.6 Toronto Raptors 25.1 Orlando Magic 24.7 Boston Celtics 24.5 Portland Trail Blazers 24.3 Philadelphia 76ers 24.3 Utah Jazz 24.1 Milwaukee Bucks 24.1

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