Tift County Blue Devils (15-2, 2-0 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
The 2014-15 Region 1-AAAAAA Champion Tift County Blue Devils are off to another great start, currently sitting at 15-2 on the year and a perfect 2-0 in the region. Last year’s team started 14-0; they would eventually fall to Riverside Academy (Reserve, La.) in a narrow 54-52 loss at the Allstate Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic for their first loss of the season. Following the loss, last year’s team went on another run, posting 11 straight wins, claiming the region title by defeating Lowndes High School before being eliminated in the first round of the GHSA State Playoffs by Newton (Covington, Ga.).
Senior Tyrie Jackson (17.6) and junior P.J. Horne (16.9) are leading the way offensively, combining for nearly 62 percent of the Blue Devils’ scoring. Junior Micah Johnson has thoroughly proven to be a general on the floor; his five assist-per-game average is a much-appreciated asset to this year’s success. Defensively, Jackson (3.0 steals per game) and Horne (1.1 blocks per game) shine just the same, leading a charge that has kept opposing teams to a mere 50 points per game (down 11 points from last year’s average).
After a return trip to the Allstate Sugar Bowl tournament, the Blue Devils finish out the regular season splitting time between home and the road; lying in wait are Colquitt County, Valdosta, Lee County, Buford, and 2014-15 Region 1-AAAAAA runner-up Lowndes High.
Key Performers
Tyrie Jackson (PG): 17.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 3.0 SPG
P.J. Horne (F): 16.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Micah Johnson (PG): 6.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 5.0 APG
Lowndes Vikings (10-8, 0-2 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
After their most recent win over Pelham, the Lowndes Vikings are on their way to righting the ship after dropping three of their previous four games. This year’s team is already nearing their mark of a year ago; the 2014-15 squad ended the season with 11 wins and a second-round trip to the GHSA State Playoffs. Health provided, this team could very well reach the same plateau at the least.
The Vikings are anchored through the nightly efficiency of seniors Brandon Benjamin and Dylan Jarvis, and even after this year’s senior class is gone, next year’s team is already in good hands as well. Junior guard Octavius Fudge is a terrific piece within the Vikings’ system; his nearly 14 points per game and two steals lead the roster in both categories. He has shown to be a tremendous presence on both ends of the floor, often providing the spark to get the team over the hump in crunch time. Another junior, Christian Knight, is currently leading the team in assists per game (2.4) and has been a major factor in a few of this season’s contests.
The final few weeks are region-heavy for the Vikings, as they will face Colquitt County, Valdosta, and Lee County both home and away; they will also travel to Tifton for a season rematch against the Blue Devils. The two teams competed in the Region 1-AAAAAA Championship Game in 2015; Lowndes came up short in a 69-48 title win for Tifton.
Key Performers
Octavius Fudge (SG/PG): 13.8 PPG, 42% FG, 1.8 SPG
Dylan Jarvis (SG/PG): 9.8 PPG, 2.3 APG, 37% 3FG, 91% FT
Brandon Benjamin (PF): 6.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.0 APG
Valdosta Wildcats (6-11, 0-2 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
The Region 1-AAAAAA Valdosta Wildcats have struggled to find their balance in the early run of the season, posting a 6-11 overall record (0-2 in region play). The team has improved their scoring output; their current 60.5 per game average is nearly a 15-point jump from last season. However, the team’s uptempo pace has shown holes on the defensive end as well, as the team is currently giving up a higher total (60.1 PPG) than last year (54.1).
Junior guard John Slater has emerged as a scoring threat; as the team’s leading scorer, his slashing style has proven to be a benefit to the offensive scheme. Accompanied by spot-up shooters (senior) Brandon Sharper, (sophomore) Tyirekk Harrell, and (sophomore) Keon Williams, the inside-out game of the Valdosta boys could continue to be a big part of their advancement moving forward.
The remainder of the season will be a challenge, as the ‘Cats still look ahead to region contests against Tift County, Colquitt County, and crosstown rival Lowndes High. The key to staying in these matchups will likely come down to the effort and quick adjustments on the defensive end, as all of these teams like to push the ball in transition.
Key Performers
John Slater (PG/SG): 15.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 2.3 SPG
Brandon Sharper (SG/PG): 9.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG
Justin Williams (SG/PG): 6.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.0 APG
Lee County Trojans (7-9, 1-1 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
The 2014-15 Lee County Trojans’ basketball team went 10-17, eventually falling in the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAAA State Playoffs to the Tucker Tigers (Tucker, Ga.). This year’s team is currently sitting just shy of .500 (at 7-9) and looks to right the ship over the course of the remainder of the season.
Keys to the success of the Trojans this year have been the improved performances of guards Tyler McConnell and Jaylin Wimberly, along with junior forward Otis Reece. All three players have seen an increase in their scoring from a season ago, and the team has benefitted from their leadership. The three are currently combining for nearly 30 points per game, and their efficiency at the charity stripe also makes defenders hesitant to play too close of aggressively.
Region matchups will be the telling tale of where the Trojans go from here; five of the remaining nine games are against Region 1-AAAAAA foes.
Key Performers
Tyler McConnell (G): 10.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.4 APG
Jaylin Wimberly (G): 10.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 68% FT
Otis Reece (F): 6.9 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 69% FT
South Georgia / January 2016
2015-16 Season Recap (Thus Far)
GHSA Basketball
GHSA Boys Basketball: Region 1-AAAAAA
By James Washington
