Lakeside Stands Alone at Top of Boys Standings

Lakeside Panthers 40, Columbia Raiders 23
10-30-12


The Lakeside Panthers sprinted to an 18-6 halftime lead before defeating Columbia Middle School 40-23 Tuesday.  After Evans fell to Stallings Island, Lakeside became the only Columbia County boys team with an undefeated record of 3-0.

Lakeside Prepares

The Panthers were led in scoring by 7th grader Artest Banks, who had 10 points in the road victory.  Banks has been a consistent scorer in all three games this season.  This Friday, Lakeside will travel to Stallings Island, a team with strong momentum after a thrilling overtime victory Friday at Harlem and a home win Tuesday versus the previously undefeated Evans Knights.

Terrell Fallon led the Raiders in scoring.  Columbia Middle School (1-2) will host Evans Friday.

Evans Stays Undefeated

Evans Knights 21, Stallings Island Redhawks 6 (Girls)
10-30-12



In a battle of Columbia County's only unbeaten teams Evans benefited from balanced scoring and prevailed 21-6 on the road against Stallings Island.  Evans (3-0) will travel to Columbia Middle School Friday, while Stallings Island (2-1) will host Lakeside.

Grovetown Improves to 2-1

Grovetown Patriots 48, Greenbrier Wolfpack 25 (Boys)
10-30-12



The Grovetown Patriots rebounded quickly from Friday's road loss to Lakeside, cruising to victory at home versus Greenbrier Tuesday night.  After establishing an early 13-4 lead, the Patriots were never threatened and eventually built a 25 point lead late in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots (2-1) were led by strong guard play.  Jelani Shakir (14 points) and Nick Murray (16 points) combined for almost two-thirds of Grovetown's scoring output.  Grovetown will host Harlem Friday, while Greenbrier (1-2) will travel to Riverside.

Columbia Middle Cruises to Victory

Columbia Raiders 26, Lakeside Panthers 15 (Girls)
10-30-12


Columbia Middle School improved to 2-1 with an 11 point victory at home Tuesday versus the Lakeside Panthers.  The Raider win follows a loss road loss to Greenbrier Friday.  Columbia Middle led throughout and held a 16 point advantage at halftime.

The Raiders, led in victory again by guard Elizabeth Metress, will host the undefeated Evans Knights Friday.  Lakeside (0-3) will travel to Stallings Island.

Stallings Island Stays Hot

Stallings Island Redhawks 30, Evans Knights 25
10-30-12

Playing at home Tuesday, Stallings Island followed up Friday's roaring comeback road victory over Harlem by defeating one of two (previously) remaining undefeated teams, the Evans Knights.  Both teams now sport 2-1 records.  Stallings Island will host the county's lone remaining undefeated team, Lakeside, Friday.  Evans will travel to Columbia Middle School.

Greenbrier Improves to 2-1

Greenbrier 22, Grovetown 10 (Girls)
10-30-12



The Wolfpack got another strong performance from Destiny Marshall, who scored 16 points, leading Greenbrier to its second win in three games.  The Wolfpack will travel to Riverside Friday, while Grovetown (1-2) will host Harlem.

Stallings Island Defeats Harlem in Overtime

Stallings Island 71, Harlem 65 (OT)
Middle School Boys (10-26-12)


After observing the opening day (Thursday) of middle school hoops action, we concluded that Friday's most interesting match up would be between the Lakeside and Grovetown boys teams. But the crowd at Harlem Middle School was probably treated to the most exciting contest in the area Friday when the Stallings Island Redhawks and the Harlem Bulldogs battled into overtime before the Redhawks prevailed 71-65.

After trailing by as many as 15 points during the second half, Stallings Island mounted a furious comeback, fueled by back to back threes by guard Kole Richardson (#4), one from especially deep just before the third quarter buzzer sounded, and the other at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Redhawks' interior players, Harrison Brown (#50) and Baret Doss (#44), completed the comeback when during the final minute, Brown scored in the post and Doss converted an offensive rebound basket to give Stallings Island a one point lead, 54-53.

After a Bulldog free throw forced overtime, The Redhawks dominated the extra period behind 12 points from Harrison Brown alone. The 71-65 victory improves the Stallings Island record to 1-1. Harlem falls to 0-2.

The Bulldogs' record is misleading, as the team is very capable. After scoring 10 points Thursday versus Lakeside, Jonathan Worrell exploded with 34 against the Redhawks, using his quickness to score in the open court and attack the basket. And back court mate Christian Harris shot well from the perimeter for the second consecutive game, contributing 11 points, including 2 three pointers.

But Brown's 35 points, along with 14 from Doss and 11 from Richardson, was too much for the Bulldogs to overcome at home.

Early in the season, it is clear that with all eight Columbia County schools in action simultaneously on game days, picking the single game that will be most exciting will be no easy task.

Columbia Middle Bounces Back with Win over Greenbrier

Columbia MS 32, Greenbrier MS 25
10-26-12


After a season opening loss to Riverside, the Columbia Middle School Raiders bounced back to defeat Greenbrier Middle 32-25 Friday afternoon.  After trailing 17-11 at halftime, Koby Nobles and Terrell Fallon led a second half Raider comeback.

As the video highlights above show, the game was a contrast in styles.  Columbia Middle School's guards were active defensively, forcing turnovers and pushing the tempo.  And all three perimeter players - Nobles, Fallon, and Blake Teston - scored in a variety of ways.  Greenbrier used an inside attack, crashing the offensive glass and feeding the post for high percentage attempts.

Nobles led the Raiders in scoring with 12 points.  Columbia Middle School improves to 1-1.  Greenbrier falls to 0-2.

Middle School Girls Basketball: Evans Defeats Riverside

After falling behind 12-9 to Riverside at halftime, Bobbi Wardwell and Kiyana Nelson led the Evans Knights to a 30-17 comeback victory.  Wardwell led the Knights with 12 points.  Her sidekick, Kiyana Nelson, added 10 to help Evans win at home.

Riverside led early after Tya Oliver scored 6 of her team's 12 first half points.  Russell Aaliyah led the Eagles with 7 points in the losing effort.

The Knights travel to Stallings Island Middle School to face the Redhawks Tuesday.  The Eagles will play at Harlem.

Evans Improves to 2-0 with Win over Riverside

Evans Knights 30, Riverside Eagles 25 (Boys)

10-26-12

Riverside Prepares

Choice Dorsey scored 12 points Friday to lead Evans to its second win in as many outings, defeating Riverside 30-25.  The knights outscored the Eagles 20-4 during the second and third quarters after trailing 9-4 after the first period.

Riverside made a late run, sparked by the sharp shooting of Austin Canaday, who lead the Eagles in scoring with 12 points.  But the deficit was too great to overcome.

Evans (2-0) will travel Tuesday to Stallings Island, a team fresh off a dramatic overtime comeback victory at Harlem.  Riverside (1-1) will travel to Harlem Tuesday.

Greenbrier Defeats Columbia

Greenbrier Wolfpack 30, Columbia Raiders 20
10-26-12
The Wolfpack led throughout much of Friday's game before defeating the Raiders and improving to 1-1 on the season.  Columbia Middle School falls to 1-1.  The Wolfpack will travel to Grovetown Tuesday, while the Raiders will host Lakeside.

Middle School Boys Basketball: Lakeside Defeats Grovetown

Lakeside's versatility prevailed against Grovetown's perimeter attack in the second game in as many days for the Columbia County middle school teams.  After trailing early, Lakeside's consistent attacking of the basket wore the Patriots down.  The Panthers established a lead late in the second quarter and never relinquished it, winning 35-30 and improving to 2-0.  Grovetown falls to 1-1.

Lakeside's Artest Banks consistently attacked the basket throughout the game, and the 7th grader seemed to constantly be shooting free throws.  Banks scored 6 of the Panthers first 10 points and kept Lakeside within striking distance early.  Banks finished with 12 points after scoring 9 in Thursday's win over Harlem.

Jump Ball at Lakeside Middle School

But Kre'sean Hall's versatility broke the game open Friday.  Hall led the Panthers, scoring 13 points for the second consecutive game.  After doing most of his damage from three point land Thursday, Hall attacked the basket off the dribble and handled Grovetown's full court man to man pressure with ease Friday.

While Grovetown seemed content to shoot mostly three pointers against Lakeside's 2-3 zone, Lakeside used Grovetown's full court man to man defense to get Hall and Banks the ball in a position to attack, getting easy baskets and free throw opportunities. 

Jelani Shakir scored 12 points to lead Grovetown. Lakeside visits Columbia Middle School Tuesday, while Grovetown will host Greenbrier.

ABR TV: Pre-Season Preview

Enjoy the first of four "Pre-season Preview" episodes from ABR Live. Host Ashley Brown and analysts Will Avery and Chad Cook will present a comprehensive view of high school basketball in the greater Augusta area. The show features commentary, highlights, and opinions.

Columbia County Season Openers Set Up an Interesting Match Up

The middle school basketball season is underway in Columbia County.  Eight schools began their seasons today with hopes of beginning with a win.  Player360 caught most of the action.  Here we focus on two games, whose winners emerge from the opening day as possible County leaders, and who will face each other tomorrow!

Lakeside (1-0) will host Grovetown (1-0) Friday at 4 P.M.

Lakeside Panthers 41, Harlem Bulldogs 27
Coach Tom Widenaar's Lakeside squad looked impressive against a scrappy and well coached Harlem team.  The Panthers led throughout and benefited from a balanced scoring attack, good outside shooting, and solid rebounding.  The home win gives Lakeside momentum leading into tomorrow's home contest against Grovetown Middle School.

The Panthers started quickly as 8th grader Kre'sean Hall buried 2 three pointers and a long jumper in the opening half.  And Hall was aided by the active play of 7th grader Artest Banks, who ran the floor, attacked the basket, and scored consistently.  And both of these wing players showed the willingness to feed the Panthers' rugged center Dylan Hammett in the post for key baskets.  In addition to finishing plays, Hammett relentlessly crashed the boards and blocked shots, giving Lakeside an imposing presence in the paint.

But Harlem showed positive signs in the season's first outing.  The Bulldogs benefited from good guard play (Jonathan Worrel 10 points, Christian Harris 9 points) and only trailed by 4 at halftime.  Harlem remained within striking range through most of the third quarter before the Panthers pulled away.  Hall and Banks led Lakeside in scoring with 13 and 9 points respectively.

The Bulldogs host Stallings Island Friday.  Lakeside's performance today heightens the anticipation of tomorrow's matchup with  Grovetown, considered by some to be the team to beat in Columbia County. Speaking of the Warriors...

Grovetown Warriors (45) vs Stallings Island Redhawks (37)
Stallings Island's Harrison Brown played impressively early before finishing with 19 points.  But after trailing 12-6 at the end of one quarter, the Warriors, playing at home, took a 19-18 lead into halftime after forcing the Redhawks into making numerous turnovers.  And Grovetown continued to roll in the third quarter as Jelani Shakir and Jaylen Harris-Gibson led a 12-2 Warrior run, establishing a 31-20 advantage.

Stallings Island competed admirably throughout the game, eating into Grovetown's lead before running out of time.  Nick Murray led Grovetown in scoring with 19 points.
Tomorrow's Grovetown-Lakeside matchup should be an interesting contrast in styles.  Grovetown's speed and impressive guard play will confront Lakeside's impressive frontline play.  Game time is 4:00 P.M. and Lakeside is the host.

Guard Play Makes the Difference on Opening Night

Two Columbia County guards caught our attention during Thursday's season openers.  Columbia Middle School's Elizabeth Metress and Stallings Island's Caitlin Cox both led their teams to victory with inspiring play, scoring in many ways and assisting teammates nicely.  We'll start with Metress and her Raiders squad.

Columbia Middle Raiders 35, Riverside Eagles 12

Metress led the Raiders early, scoring 7 of her team's 8 points in the opening quarter.  The highly skilled guard showed her ability to shoot from the perimeter, penetrate and score in the paint, and create scoring opportunities for teammates.  And those teammates are capable of knocking down shots, as you can see in the highlights below.  Riverside's Tya Oliver led the Eagles in the losing effort.

The Raiders will travel to Greenbrier Middle School tomorrow.  The Eagles will face Evans.

Stallings Island Redhawks 33, Grovetown Warriors 14

While Mettress led with skill and poise, the Redhawks Caitlin Cox used quick hands and feet to force numerous Grovetown turnovers.  But she also proved capable of drilling the perimeter shot, scoring off the dribble, and finding teammates for easy baskets.  Cox led the Redhawks with 10 points.  Andrea Ferbee played impressively, scoring 12 points for Grovetown in the losing effort.  Enjoy the action from the game in the video below.  

Stallings Island will travel to Harlem Friday, while Grovetown visits Lakeside.

Harlem Advances to Second Round of State Playoffs

Harlem High School won its fifth and sixth consecutive post season contests Wednesday, defeating McIntosh County Academy 1-0 and 4-1 in the opening round of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) state playoffs.

After impressive pitching from both teams led to a 0-0 score in the bottom of the final inning of game one, Junior Lindsey Stokes' walk off single scored teammate Christian Mullis from second base.  Mullis was in scoring position after two successful bunts, one by Mullis to reach first base and another by Haley Mays to advance Mullis.

Video Highlights of the Dramatic Bottom of the 7th Inning

The game winning single was not the first dramatic moment for the Bulldogs' junior third baseman.  During Harlem's first region tournament sweep over East Laurens, Stokes blasted back to back home runs, including one with bases loaded, to start Harlem's post season run.

After a break between games, Stokes and Garrett combined again to provide the offensive and defensive firepower to complete the sweep with a 4-1 game two victory.  Watch all 21 of Garrett's strike outs, spanning two games, in this video package:

Introducing the Player360 K-Counter: Via Freshman Ace Amber Garrett

After Garrett held the Lady Buccaneers scoreless for most of the game, Stokes contributed back to back doubles in the fourth and fifth innings, producing three Bulldog runs.  But the first run, scored by Christian Mullis, was the result of a sacrifice bunt by Hayley Mays.

Harlem (26-7) will host region 4-AA runner up Bleckley County (16-14) Wednesday, October 17, in the second round of the class AA state playoffs.  The games will be broadcast live at NetCastSports.com.  Another series win will place the Lady Bulldogs into the elite eight round.

Will Avery Fall League Preview: Kentucky vs Michigan State

With 4-1 regular season records, Kentucky and Michigan State sit at the top of the Will Avery Fall League standings.  The teams meet today at 11:30 A.M. at Greenbrier High School.  Michigan State won the first matchup between the teams after Maurice Demmons' long three pointer in the final seconds of overtime.  Check back for details about this game and others during the day!

Lady Bulldogs Claim the Region Tournament Title

10/3/2012 

The Harlem High School girls softball team has done it again...

For the second consecutive week, the Lady Bulldogs won back to back games in a double header, taking the best of three game series against the Screven County Gamecocks and claiming the Region 3-AA tournament championship.

During game 1, Harlem grabbed an early lead and coasted to a 10-0 lead in the fifth inning due to the "mercy rule."  Game 2 was more difficult as the Screven County Gamecocks took an early 2 run lead. But Abbie Drake's 2 run triple ignited a Bulldog comeback and 4-2 victory.




Harlem coach Mike Leverett is thrilled about the region title and looking forward to a good week of practice preparing for the first round state tournament match up with McIntosh County Academy.  "We have been having good practices.  It's fun when everyone is excited about practice," coach Leverett explained Friday morning.

And Leverett stressed that his Lady Bulldogs need to continue their fine play to advance past the initial round of the state playoffs.  "McIntosh is 21-6, so we have a tough draw for our first round opponent.  We will need to be prepared," added Leverett.

The Lady Bulldogs will be recognized at halftime of tonight's Harlem-Westside football game.  The game begins at 7:30 P.M.

Tune into NetCastSports.com on wednesday (October 10) at 4:00 P.M. to watch the Lady Bulldogs take the field in first round state tournament action!

Saturday's Free Skill Sessions: A Special Opportunity

A look at the free skill sessions and a conversation with Avery

A Full Gym Early in the Morning

The fourth Saturday at the Will Avery Fall League started early with two skill development sessions.  With attendance approaching 100 total boys and girls, organizers have added an extra session to meet the demand.

Many involved are amazed at the turnout at such an early time.  "I can't believe this many kids are here at 8 A.M.!" remarked former Augusta State player and coach Buck Harris.

But according to organizer William Avery, the coaching contributions of Harris and his former Augusta State players Adam Miller, Keith Harrison, and Chad Cook help make the free sessions well worth attending, no matter the time.

Avery explained his reasoning to the young players gathered near half court after the first session: "How many of you have the goal of playing college basketball some day? One great thing about these sessions is that you are learning from people who all played at that level."

And the versatility of the staff showed as the high school boys took the court at 9:15 A.M. Working with more experienced and advanced players, Harris, Avery, and Cook challenged them with appropriately difficult work.

"I tried to show the group the way someone who wants to be a great high school, or even college, player approaches his time in the gym," said Cook, who also coaches a high school basketball team.

And the players met the challenge admirably. Over thirty young men, almost all of whom were scheduled to play in league games beginning at 11:30 A.M., practiced with great enthusiasm. And the weekend work is apparently not a burden to the youngsters.

"One of the guys who was here at 9:15 and later played in a 2 P.M. game shook my hand and thanked me as we were leaving the gym," Cook explained.

The boys and girls participating in the Will Avery Fall League free skill sessions and league play are apparently having a great time while learning a good bit.

Harlem Advances in Region Tournament Play

Birthday Girl “Stokes the Fire” as Lady Bulldogs Take Round 1

During the first round of the region 3-AA tournament, Harlem High School junior Lindsey Stokes belted a three-run home run and a grand slam in her first two plate appearances of the opening game, sparking a 22-0 Harlem victory over East Laurens.  And the Lady Bulldogs followed up the impressive game one rout with an 18-2 victory in the second half of Wednesday's double header.

The big start to the post season made a big day even more special for Harlem's slugger, who was celebrating her 17th birthday.  “It’s the best birthday present I could get,” said Stokes in reference to her offensive performance.

And the Bulldogs' pitching was impressive as well.  Freshman phenom Amber Garret shut out the Lady Falcons in game 1, and lefty Kristin Rawlins followed with an impressive game 2 performance, giving up only two runs.

East Laurens kept game 2 close after the first inning, scoring two runs in the bottom half to cut Harlem’s four-run lead to two.  But similar to game one, Harlem quickly pulled away and won the game in three innings due to the "mercy rule."

Harlem will host Screven County in the Region 3-AA Championship Wednesday at 4 P.M. in another best of three series.  Game 2 of the double header is scheduled for 6 P.M.  If necessary, game 3 is scheduled for Thursday at 5 P.M.

Wednesday's game will be broadcast live by Player360.  The game can be viewed at NetCastSports.com and Player360.org.

Harlem vs East Laurens Game 1 Highlights

Harlem vs East Laurens Game 2 Highlights