It’s that time of year: As of the Thanksgiving holiday, high school basketball season is in full swing in the state of Georgia. Many teams vie for the crown, and many players aim to leave their marks on the floors of gyms throughout the Peach State.
While the northern part of the state seems to have a lock on the top of the mountain, there are still faces that need to be recognized in South Georgia; perhaps the main reason is that if these players are overlooked, the guilty will be left to regret their decisions once these young ladies make them pay for their mistakes.
South Georgia presents a great deal of hoops talent, and for this issue we have the pleasure of shining the spotlight on two endlessly talented individuals who fit the bill quite well. Juniors Nadia Marshall and Za’Nautica Downs are two leaders in the southern area of the state who are quickly making their names known. And with two seasons left to add to their respective resumes, it is guaranteed that their lists of accomplishments will increase before graduation in 2018.
Nadia Marshall, Bainbridge High School
Junior
5’9”, Forward
The path to stardom for Bainbridge High junior Nadia Marshall began at the age of 8; she joined her first basketball team, the Lady Tigers (AAU), and never looked back. After making her first school team in sixth grade in Lanier County, she knew that there was a future for her on the hardwood.
“I give it all to my determination,” Marshall said. “My drive, my passion for this game…that’s why I fight every day. That is what keeps me going.”
After moving back to Bainbridge in eighth grade, she was able to easily settle in with new teammates and get back on track with the game she loves. She had guidance of older players, but one obstacle that would soon come to pass would be that of losing veteran talent around her.
“When I took over this program, I had a couple of seniors,” said Kelvin Cochran, head coach of the Bainbridge High School Lady Cats. “But the next year, I started five sophomores, and I had three freshmen coming off the bench behind them. The program has had to grow along with my players, but one constant has been Nadia. She is a leader for this program.”
Marshall fully shares the sentiment of her head coach. She voices the importance of paying attention to the players that came before her in order to learn the ropes of leadership for her own future.
“When I moved here, I had players that mentored me,” Marshall said. “I understand that it’s my turn to do that now. Last spring, Coach pulled me aside and told me I would have to step into more of a leadership role this season. I try to pull the younger players aside and talk to them because I’ve been in their shoes; I know how they feel.”
Though her junior season is just beginning, Marshall has not forgotten to consider her future. Currently also a member of AAU organization Essence Basketball (Tallahassee, Florida), she also travels for exposure that can hopefully lead to collegiate offers. She has not honed in on a school to attend after graduation, but a few of her favorites include Tennessee, Alabama State, and the University of Connecticut. Wherever she goes, she sees herself studying to become a physical therapist.
“I want to send a special ‘thank you’ to my mother, Sheila Marshall,” Marshall said. “She’s my number one fan and supporter; she’s been there through it all. I also want to thank Coach Cochran for his guidance, and all of my family, friends, and supporters. And definitely all of the community members that help with our fundraisers; their contributions make so many things possible for us.”
By the Numbers
2014-15: 10.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.4 SPG, 48.0% FG
2015-16: 15.9 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.8 SPG, 48.0% FG
Claim to Fame
2016 GHSA Class AAAA All-State Second Team
Coach Kelvin Cochran on Nadia Marshall
“Nadia is a terrific leader. She had a great season last year, and she is taking her role as a leader in stride. She is very vocal, and she is always communicating, whether she’s on the bench or in the game. She even takes the time to pick my brain about what she can be doing better or how she can be a better teammate. Bottom line: She’s a winner, and she’s a leader.”
Pro Comparison
“It’s a little tricky. The first thing that I picked up on when I saw her play as a freshman was her energy, but I think it’s hard to put Nadia in the mold of any pro because she has an incredibly unique style. But I’ll tell you this: When she is in that paint and crashing boards, all I see is Dennis Rodman or Ben Wallace. She is one of the most tenacious rebounders I’ve ever seen. She has the heart to play with anybody. But she’s definitely better offensively than them (laughs).” – Kelvin Cochran
Za’Nautica Downs, Colquitt County High School
Junior
5’7”, Guard
Colquitt County High School junior Za’Nautica Downs should be a household name for anyone who follows South Georgia basketball. Over the last two years, the Lady Packers have reached the second round of the GHSA Class AAAAAA State Playoffs, and she is a major reason why.
“She’s very athletic, and she plays both sides of the floor; that’s rare nowadays.” Lady Packers head coach Rondesha Williams said.
Her resume is quite an impressive one. Just last season, Downs brought home recognition as Co-Player of the Year in Region 1-AAAAAA. Her talents have also earned her recognition at the state level; but what makes her accomplishments all the more amazing is that she has only been engrossed with the round ball since the age of 13.
“I got into the game around 13, yeah,” Downs said. “Some of my family members used to play, and it got me interested. I just love being on the floor.”
Born and raised in Moultrie, she is now a junior for the Lady Packers and prides herself on her shooting and defense, primarily her ability to hone in on steals. Just last season alone, she brought in nearly five steals per game.
Outside of Colquitt ball, Downs also plays traveling basketball with Team Blazers Exposure (Columbus, Georgia) under the guidance of Tim Marshall. As with most student-athletes, she hopes that her talent and hard work can help her to reach her end goal: college.
“I see myself as a mid-major talent,” Downs said. “But wherever I go, I would like to major in engineering.”
Colquitt looks to break through that second-round wall this season; over the last two years, Parkview (Lilburn, Georgia) and Woodstock (Woodstock, Georgia) have been a thorn in the side of the Lady Packers. Downs sees herself as a leader on this roster, and she uses her experience as a catalyst for the potential success of herself and her teammates.
“When I got here, the older girls took me under their wing,” Downs said. “Now it’s my turn. I motivate my teammates. I talk to them, and I do what I can to keep them going. I’m a dancer. I love to dance (laughs). I try to keep everyone’s spirits up because I know that’s my responsibility. I know that if we work hard and stay focused, we can do this. We can push forward in the postseason.”
By the Numbers
2015-16: 18.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.6 SPG
2014-15: 14.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.3 SPG
Claim to Fame
2014-15 All-Region First Team (Region 1-AAAAAA)
2016 Region 1-AAAAAA Co-Player of the Year
2016 GHSA Class AAAA All-State Honorable Mention
Coach Rondesha Williams on Za’Nautica Downs
“Our motto this year is ‘Chasing Perfection.’ I understand that nobody can be perfect. But what I tell my team is that as long as your desire to be perfect remains, you will always be the best you can be. You have to want it every day; no matter what, you have to stay focused. And that, in a nutshell, is Za’Nautica. She hangs out with the younger players, and she makes them feel important.”
Pro Comparison
“Maya Moore, no hesitation. Za’Nautica can pull up from anywhere on the floor; she can attack; and she can play hard defense. She’s the total package.” – Rondesha Williams
In the Game/December 2016
Nadia Marshall/Za’Nautica Downs
Bainbridge High School/Colquitt County High School
Bainbridge/Moultrie, Georgia
We Got Now: Lady Hoops’ Phenoms Take South Georgia to the House
By James A. Washington
