The holiday tournaments and non-regional games are done and so is the year 2016. The regional schedules for all six high schools throughout Houston County and the year 2017 have now begun. Here’s how things are shaping up through the county on this week, the “New Year’s Day” of high school basketball.
Houston County High School: The Bears (3-7 overall) and Lady Bears (6-5) open their second half of the season at Lee County High School on Friday, Jan. 6. The Lady Bears are coming into the game following a 61-30 loss to Lakeview Academy at the Providence Christmas Classic. Senior point guard Autumn Ring knows despite Houston County’s current record, there’s plenty more work to do starting on Friday.
“We have to continue to work hard and play as a team,” says Ring. “When we play as a team, we are at our best.”
Hoco Bears senior guard Zion Johnson has an even simpler formula for success during the second half: “Stay consistent and knock down shots.”
Northside High School: The Eagles (6-6) started bringing their entire lineup to the court last week and the results thus far is a current three-game win streak culminating with a win in the championship game of the Mary Persons Holiday Classic.
“We just have to stay focussed and play together,” says senior and starting forward Jaylan Sandifer.
The Lady Eagles (6-5 overall) lost their most recent game 50-46 in overtime to Academy of Richmond County. Both clubs open regional play at Valdosta High School on Jan. 6.
Perry High School: The Panthers (11-3) and Lady Panthers (12-3) hosted non-regional Crisp County High School on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Veterans High School: The Lady Warhawks (5-6) and their head coach Nicole Miranda won their last game, a 46-43 overtime victory over Baldwin High School at the Georgia College Shootout. During the tournament, the Lady Warhawks had ups (defeating Clarke Central High School 45-44) and lows (losing to Dodge County High School 53-47 in overtime), both of which, according to Miranda, will help the team in the near future.
“These games, I believe, will provide valuable experience going forward,” says Miranda. “Our biggest challenge will be consistency and playing a complete game on both ends of the court. That is our goal as we battle in a tough region starting this week.”
Lady Warhawks senior guard Carrington Kee is ready for region play.
“Our goal is to try to win the region championship,” says Kee, the team’s leading scorer. “The next goal is to work on the things in the game to prepare us for region play.”
The Warhawks (5-5) last played at the Bear Brawl almost two weeks ago, losing two out of three of their games. Both teams hosted non-regional Mary Persons High School on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Warner Robins High School: The hottest basketball programs in the county, the Demons (11-3) and Demonettes (13-0), are playing their best ball of the season heading into the new year. Despite two losses at the prestigious Lake City Classic tournament at Allatoona High School in Acworth (to eventual champion South Paulding High School and Auburn High School (Alabama)), the Demons look to be the odds on favorites to win the AAAAA-Region 1 title this season. The same must be said for the undefeated Demonettes, who under head coach Tracy Fendley have dominated competition this season. They have been off for almost two weeks following three consecutive wins and a championship at the Jones County Christmas Tournament. Both Warner Robins teams will open region play on Friday, hosting Harris County High School.
Westfield School: The Hornets and Lady Hornets opened regional play at Southland Academy on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
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