Both Statesboro varsity basketball teams were in action on Friday night for their region championships. The Women's basketball team lost to the Ware County Gators 47-36. The Men's basketball team defeated the Bradwell Institute Tigers 39-38.
Slow Start Dooms Lady Devils
The Lady Devils held the top seed in their region going into the tournament. They knew coming in that they were going to get the very best of every opponent they faced. On Friday, Ware County came out firing on all cylinders and got a big lead on Statesboro. Inefficiency on offense led to the Lady Devils falling 47-36.
On a night where nothing went right offensively, Statesboro was only able to score double digits in 1 of the 4 quarters. On the flip side, Ware County was red-hot at the start of the game.
The Lady Devils played from behind the entire game and could not get shots to fall in the comeback effort. The Lady Gators remained poised when Statesboro went on their runs in the second half. Timely baskets and defensive stops by Ware County kept the momentum on their side. After going into the half down 29-18, they needed everything to go right to get back in the game.
A rough first quarter ultimately ruined the Lady Devils' championship hopes. Ware County got out to a 16-2 lead early in the first quarter. Turnovers and missed shots by Statesboro put them in a hole too deep to dig out of.
Statesboro senior Reya Johnson led all scorers in the game with 14 points. Alyssa Staten also added in 9 points of her own.
Ware County junior Charlacia Jones led the Lady Gators with 13 points. Trinity Jenkins poured in 10 points in the game.
The win by Ware County secures their 2nd straight region championship along with the number 1 seed in the upcoming state tournament. Statesboro will have the 2nd seed in the tournament.
Statesboro Men Win Emotional Thriller
The Men's region championship game came down to the final shot. Bradwell Institute's Jahzaiah Thomas attempted a half court shot that fell short as time expired. This came after Bradwell's Tahshaun Frazier hit a contested 3-pointer to make the game 39-38 with 3 seconds remaining in the game.
Going in the final period, Statesboro held a 27-23 lead. A 7-0 run by the Tigers put them ahead 30-27 early in the 4th quarter. For the last several minutes, the two teams traded baskets and the crowd was loving it. Statesboro's DJ Brown hit a crucial mid-range jumper to put the Devils up 1 late in the 4th. Then the next possession blew past his defender for an underhanded scoop layup to put his team up 3 with 30 seconds left.
Statesboro's defense and composure was the key in this win. They held the Tigers in check up until the 4th quarter. Statesboro head coach, Keith Legree, spoke on his team's play on that end. "The biggest thing with this team is getting back in transition, they need easy baskets, second shots, and turnovers to beat you", Legree said. "It was a downright dogfight."
Statesboro's DJ Brown led all scorers in the game with 18 points including 6 big points in the final period. Kam Mikell scored 7 points, but his impact on the defensive end made all of the difference in this game.
Other Bulloch County Region Results
The Portal Panthers men's basketball team defeated McIntosh 66-56 to win another region championship.
The Bulloch Academy Lady Gators defeated Westminister Schools of Augusta 72-60 to win the region championship.
UP NEXT:
The state playoffs will begin next week. The Schedule is set to be released soon.