January - February 2014 Coastal Edition by ITG Next Magazine

in the

game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

In This Issue:

COASTAl EdITION

January 2014 February 2014

07 Eight Man Football Beaufort Academy

CONTENTS

10 GHSA State Football Calvary Day & Benedictine

12 Academic Athlete Shelby Howard Calvary Day School

16 GISA State Football Robert Toombs & Memorial Day

18 Player Spotlight

Faith Sanders

Jenkins High School

21 Player Spotlight JaKeenan Gant

Effingham Co. High School

30 Junior Standout Elizabeth Felix

Hilton Head High School

34 Coach’s Corner Steve Pennington Statesboro High School

Also Inside

On The Sidelines: The Role of Athletic Trainer Tim Ussery: Passionate Teaching Comes Full Circle

Gentlemen Impact Players

In The Stands

Lady Impact Players

State Softball Results

History of Basketball in Savannah Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, Advocate of Women In Basketball

Crossfit™ Hyperformance Savannah, Georgia

State Volleyball Results

FCA: Inspirational Corner

37 State Cross Country Coastal Area Schools

39 Freshman Focus Josh Kelley

Savannah Christian

40 Rising Star

Nick Iannone

Blessed Sacrament

37 40

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game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

COASTAl EdITION January 2014 February 2014

Publisher

Tom Hilliard

Editor

Mark Dykes Kaitlynn Passmore

Graphics

Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography

Tina Helmly Tina Helmly Photography

Feature Photography Tina Helmly Tina Helmly Photography

Contributing Photography Spicer Lyons Photography Josh Brewer CDS Wendi Patrick SC Lisa Minick SHS Courntey Smith BA Paul Camp Hilary Geha Janice Hilliard

Feature Writers

Tom Hilliard Janice Hilliard Ruby Nicole Hilliard Robert Preston, Jr.

Copy Editors

Crystal Hubbard Ashley Dailey Tiffany Allnutt

Advertising/Marketing

Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Kaitlynn Passmore

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 T.J. Hilliard Enterprises, Inc. 866 Hilliard Road Sparks, GA 31647

From The Publisher Our January issue is full of talented players, and while it is hard to leave football season, we must move along but not without giving well-deserved recognition to several special teams who rose to the top. These include GISA (Georgia Independent School Association) football champions Robert Toombs Academy and Memorial Day School. Both teams had wonderful seasons winning their state championships in the A and AA divisions at Mercer University on November 30. In GHSA (Georgia High School Association) playoff action it was Calvary Day School and Benedictine Military Academy winning their regions. BC would make it to the semi-finals before losing a heart breaker 7-10 to Lamar County. Calvary would win their semi-final game in overtime and advance to the Georgia Dome and the finals of the A-Private Championship for the first time, eventually falling to Aquinas 7-27. Both these Savannah teams had excellent seasons, and their programs are building great traditions in sport and especially football. In this issue, we have two very talented basketball players in the Spotlight. Top Georgia recruit Jakeenan Gant from Effingham County and Jenkins High standout player Faith Sanders both are college committed and headed to the next level. Shelby Howard, a talented soccer goalie from Calvary Day School, has high ambitions on and off the field and is our Academic Athlete. Lilla Felix, a junior Hilton Head High swimmer, helped her team win the state swim meet as well as winning the individual 500 meter swim. She is our Junior Standout and comes from a family of competitive athletes.

Area Schools

in the

Battery Creek High • Beach • Beaufort Academy Beaufort High • Benedictine Military Bethesda School for Boys • Bible Baptist School Bluffton High • Bryan County High Bulloch Academy • Calvary Day School Claxton High • David Emanuel Academy Effingham County High • Emanuel County Institute First Presbyterian Christian • Groves High Heritage Academy • Hilton Head Christian Academy Hilton Head Island High • Hilton Head Preparatory Islands High • Jenkins County High • Jenkins High Johnson High • Memorial Day School Metter High Pinewood Christian Academy • Portal High Richmond Hill High • Ridgeland Hardeeville High Robert Toombs Academy • Savannah Arts Academy Savannah Christian Preparatory Savannah Country Day • Savannah High Screven County High • South Effingham High Southeast Bulloch High • St. Andrew's • St. Vincent’s Statesboro High • Swainsboro High Tattnall County High • Thomas Heyward Academy Toombs County High • Vidalia High Whale Branch Early College High Windsor Forest High • Woodville-Tompkins

Contributors

Josh Kelley our Freshman Focus from Savannah Christian Prep, is experiencing great success in the Cross Fit arena, participating in national level competitions. Coach Steve Pennington of Statesboro High School has had an extremely successful career and presents us a great feature for our Coach’s Corner. Nick Iannone, our Rising Star eigth grader at Blessed Sacrament, is living life large as an up and coming athlete who enjoys the competition of several sports.

Tom Hilliard,

Publisher & Features

As a special feature this month we learn about junior, Reyn Robinson of Beaufort Academy who is a top 10 player in the nation, rushing for over 2,800 yards. Also, those that love history will learn more about how girls’ basketball came to Savannah. Last month’s magazine cover featured Nick Scott and Damion Dixon from Bryan County. We were pleased to learn that Damion Dixon was selected to first team All-Region 2AA, and Nick Scott, who rushed for over 1,500 yards, was named “Player of the Year.” Way to go guys! Presenting a magazine that highlights high school athletes and is fun to read with excellent photography is our goal. Connecting with our readership for both nominations of athletes as well as feedback from the magazine is important to us. Please check out our website and let us know what you think about Coastal In the Game High School Sports Magazine. Happy New Year!

Robert Preston, Jr.,

Features & Commentary

Ruby Hillard,

Features & Specials

Tom Hilliard In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Special Feature

Record-Setting Season for Beaufort Academy’s Reyn Robinson by Tom Hilliard

eyn Robinson, a three-sport star junior at Beaufort Academy, has set a single season rushing record of 2,855 yards to help the Eagles secure their first playoff appearance in South Carolina High School’s eight-man football league. His accomplishments include an almost unbelievable 44 touchdowns and 3,681 all-purpose yards to set Friday nights on fire for the Beaufort County community. While eight-man football offensive stats are somewhat higher than 11man team stats, Reyn’s combined accomplishments in rushing, receiving, passing as well as special teams kick returner are remarkable and reveal his natural and immense football talent. Standing at 5’11, 175 pounds, Robinson turned lots of coaches heads this season as he ran his way to lead all rushers in South Carolina High School football with an average of 259.5 yards through his 11 games. These stats

photography by Courtney Smith

earned Robinson the region’s Offensive Player of the Year award, and he is currently listed in the Max Preps Top 10 High School rushers in the nation. “Coach Brock Vagnier was key to my development this season,” says Robinson who says he learned how to better follow his offensive line blocking after Coach Vagnier insisted he make changes to his approach. “Coach told me to trust my blockers and that the hole would open as the offensive line followed their blocking scheme.” Robinson who runs a 4.6 forty-yard dash is known for blasting through the line and quickly into the secondary. Coach Vagnier further worked to find new ways to use Robinson and possiget him the ball as much as possi ble. “Reyn’s talent is special as he deterproved to be more than just a deter scormined rusher but a complete scor ing threat to opposing teams,” says 7

Eight-man Football Facts:

There are a total of 16 teams in South Carolina that play in the state’s eight-man football league which is determined by the total number of boys from the eighth through the 11th grades. Schools with more than 47 boys play the traditional 11-man football leagues, but schools with less boys in these grades can participate in eight-man football. It’s the same game just with less players and a couple of modifications on field size. Also the width of the field is only 40 yards wide instead of the standard field at 53 yards wide.

Vagnier. Robinson rushed for 28 touchdowns, passed for five touchdowns, caught another five touchdown passes, and returned kickoffs and punts for six more touchdowns. The ambidextrous Robinson was in many ways a oneman wrecking crew that every opposing team knew was coming at them but had limited success in stopping him. Robinson gives credit to his offensive line for much of his success. While he did rush for nearly 1,000 yards last season, “This year’s success was the result of better team play,” says Robinson who is looking forward to next year after playing basketball and soccer in the

spring. It was Beaufort Academy’s fifth year playing football and their first winning season and playoff appearance in school history. Coach Vagnier says, “The effort and chemistry of this year’s team was great, and we only lost two seniors.” The Eagles at Beaufort Academy have arrived on the football scene, and with talented players like Ryen Robinson, the team has a great chance of going deep into the play offs. Robinson might just set his sights on more records as Coach Vagnier says he is an amazing pass receiver. ITG

Reyn’s FavoR FavoRites College Team: South Carolina Gamecocks Pro Team: Minnesota Vikings Pro Player: Wes Welker/Danny Woodhead Subject: History Book: The Great Gatsby Junk Food: Sour Gummy Worms Healthy Food: Chicken Salad Place to Travel: Greece Sport you would like to play: Golf 9

2013 State Football RunneR RunneR up

Calvary Day School First Ever State Championship Game

slow start to the season for the Cavaliers set the stage for a determined run at a region championship and then their first ever trip to the state championship game in the Georgia Dome. Coach Mark Stroud knew that the Cavaliers’ 0-2 start was not representative of the quality of talent on the 2013 squad. “We made too many mistakes in those first games,” said Coach Stroud. “We just stepped back, brought the kids together, and worked harder, and once they had a few wins under their belts they have played inspired football.” The team’s confidence soared as they began winning region games, completing the season on an 8 game winning streak and securing a region championship. The team was positioned number four in the 16 team state playoffs and earned two home playoff games which they won to the delight of their fans. In the semi-finals the team had to travel to Atlanta to play the number one team, the undefeated Eagle Landings Christian Academy. In a thrilling overtime contest, the Cavaliers won to a trip to the Dome to play against Aquinas. This was the school’s first appearance in the final championship game held each year at the Georgia Dome. The Cavaliers were the buzz around town as a sea of

Landmark Christian Bryan County Montgomery County Treutlen County Savannah Country Day Savannah Christian Jenkins County Claxton Portal Johnson County First Presbyterian Day Prince Avenue Christian Eagles Landing Christian Aquinas

purple made the trip to Atlanta to cheer on the team. The team jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. However, a determined Aquinas squad scored on a couple of quick plays to take the lead and eventually capture the Region A-Private

Championship. This was a season to remember for the football Cavaliers who proved to themselves and their fans that they could come together and play championship ball. Photos By Janice hiilard

GHSA

Congratulations to the Coastal Area A Private GHSA State Runner Up

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Round One Quarter Finals OT Semi Finals State Finals

Benedictine Military School Historical Break-Out Season For Cadets Photos By Janice hiilard

The BC Nation can feel another championship run headed their way with key players such as quarterback Stevie Powers and receiver/ defensive back Brad Stewart returning for their senior seasons.

Effingham County Long County Metter Vidalia Atkinson Country Bryan County Toombs County Bacon County Jeff Davis McIntosh County Academy Round 1 Macon County Round 2 Fitzgerald Round 3 Calhoun Quarterfinals Lamar Country

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Photo By WtoC.WorldNoW.Com

he 2012 season ended with an improved Cadet football program that eventually lost a close game to Lamar County in the state quarterfinals 21-24. The 2013 football season started out strong for the Cadets, and they began to pick up win after win in an impressive manner. A strong and stingy defense and a powerful ball control offense completed a perfect regular season at 10-0, winning Region 2AA in convincing fashion. Three state playoff wins later and the Cadets had made it to the final four teams in Region AA. A determined Cadet team traveled again to Lamar County looking to secure a Georgia Dome date in the final AA Championship game. In a very tight contest of undefeated teams, the Cadet defense showed their muscle until a trick play, a fake field goal, provided Lamar County with their only touchdown to tie the game in the fourth quarter. A last second field goal would for the second year sink the Cadets 7-10. The Cadets however set their alumni and fans on fire with their aggressive play. Head Coach Danny Britt, in just his third year, has built a successful program that has transformed the Cadets to a respected football powerhouse in Region AA.

2013 GHSA St StA Ate A te FootbAll FinA FinAl Four

GHSA

Congratulations to the Coastal Area 2AA GHSA Region Champions

by Tom Hilliard

AA Semi Finals

Academic Athlete

Shelby Howard Calvary Day School

Goalkeeper Of Greatness by Ruby Hilliard

he pursuit of greatness comes easy for senior Academic Athlete Shelby Howard. The 5’6” soccer player for Calvary Day School is not only the goalkeeper for the Lady Cavaliers, she is also quite an overachiever in the classroom. She was born in Canada and moved to the United States at the age of nine. While in Canada, Howard skied and was a Provincial Champion (equivalent to a U.S. State Champion) for her age group. She also played indoor soccer, and is where she learned to love the sport and the position of goalkeeper. “Indoor soccer is a completely different game. You can play off the walls. I think that’s what truly developed my skills as a goalkeeper because you have to become more aware of the position of the ball. If the ball hits off the wall and comes back out for a shot, you have to be ready for that,” says Howard. Howard’s list of achievements in high school is long and varied. She has earned awards in academics for AP chemistry, AP european history, AP language, honors biology, honors chemistry, honors english, honors geometry, honors physics, french II and honors precalculus. She was also rewarded with the Georgia Merit Award given by the University of Georgia, a Technology Award, HOBY “Outstanding Seminar,” and was a Governor’s Honors Program nominee for chemistry. For her freshman, sophomore, and junior years, Howard received academic scholarships.

photography by Tina Helmly

ing in the world.” Howard really pushes herself in school. “I’m in everything. I’m my class’s vice president, I’m in Science Bowl, I’m on the Math and Literary teams, the NHS relay coordinator, and I co-chair CLeW (Community Leadership Workshop), the Savannah chapter of HOBY (Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership),” says Howard. Howard says that HOBY really changed her life, and she has learned to develop other parts of her personality to become a great leader. Since attending, she started the local Savannah chapter of CLeW. The HOBY organization aims to inspire and develop its global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. HOBY recognized Howard’s efforts by offering to host a CLeW event in Savannah. Even Howard’s mother, Lori Howard, became involved in the organization as a director when she saw how positively the program changed her daughter. Howard’s mother says, “HOBY really brought her out of her shell. Before Shelby went, she was very guarded, but when her father and I went to pick her up from the event, we were like ‘Whoa! This is not Shelby!’” Her sports achievements are just as numerous. Some of them include Academic Cavalier in volleyball and cross-country, Best of Prep Team Goalie, and All-Star Team Honorable Mention in her sophomore year for being chosen as one of the youngest

The pursuit of greatness comes easy for academic athlete and senior Shelby Howard. This 5' 6" tall soccer player for Calvary Day School is not only the goalkeeper for the Lady Cavaliers, but is quite an over-achiever in the classroom.She was born in Canada and moved to the United States at the age of nine. While in Canada, Howard skied and was a Provincial Champion. “Learning comes naturally for me,” says Howard. “I’m really obsessed with school. Forever now, academics have come first. I try to be the best at almost every subject, and all that works towards my goal of becoming valedictorian. I absolutely love organic chemistry, which may be weird because it’s most peoples' least favorite form of chemistry, but it’s just puzzles. Ever since I was little I liked solving puzzles; I try to figure out the unsolvable. I think chemistry uses puzzles to figure out what’s happen-

soccer players in the Coastal Empire Invitational All-Star Game, a position she has attained both her sophomore and junior years though the spot is usually reserved for junior and senior players. “It (The Invitational) is really just for juniors and seniors but she was one of the best goalkeepers in our area as a sophomore. She probably could have been on it as a freshman but they don’t let any freshmen play,” says Calvary Day School girls soccer coach Chad Griffin of Howard. “I expect that she’ll be on it this year as well.” Howard’s favorite game memory was the occasion when, in double overtime, she made the save for her team to win. “It had been at least four years since our school had beaten Savannah Christian. We went into double overtime and we went into PK kicks. I turned to my mom and said, ‘This is my game!’ My player went up and she scored. Most of the other rival team’s players were playing to my right so I just guessed - and then, there I was, with the ball in my hands. You could see my coach’s face. He was stunned and then everyone went crazy because it had been so long since we had beaten them,” says Howard. Griffin says, “She made the save that clinched it. It was really exciting. I had tremendous confidence in her. I wasn’t really worried. I knew at some point

she was going to make the play to win the game.” Griffin has so many inspiring things to say about Howard’s fun and spirited personality and what she means for the team. “She’s a dynamic, type-A personality. She takes everything very seriously, but she has a tremendous love and passion for what she does in all aspects of her life and that correlates to how she is on the field. She’s a great leader, and you know that when you’re in the fire, she’s going to be there. It’s been a great comfort to have had her between the poles the last couple years. Shelby wants to be the best at everything she does. She’s so diligent in her pursuit for, I call it, greatness,” says Griffin. “I don’t think anyone ever achieves perfection. We all stumble and fall at some point, but her pursuit of wanting to be great at everything she does in life is why she does so well academically. She gives maximum effort in everything. We teach that anyone can be average with little effort, but what we all want is greatness, academically, spiritually, and in character. You want them to be the best son/daughter and one day the best husband/wife, father/mother. She is really the model for that.” ITG

All About Shelby: Jersey: #1 Height: 5’ 6.5” Position: Goalkeeper Favorite sport to watch:

Europe so I can have a cultural experience through food. I love food.

Favorite Pro player: Sidney Crosby

Who is your inspiration? My mom

Football or hockey

Where would you like most to travel in the world:

Who would you like most to meet? Dr. Seuss

On The SidleineS SidleineS

Passionate Teaching Comes Full Circle

perils of undetected or repeated concussions, he administers a baseline concussion test (and follow-up test if a concussion is suspected), to every athlete who competes in a “contact or collision” sport through a partnership with ImPACT. Ussery also wears several other professional hats. He has an administrative role as the regional coordinator of Optim’s Athletic Trainers, provides physician extender services to Optim’s physicians, teaches part-time, mentors student athletic trainers at Statesboro High, and serves as a clinical instructor for athletic training students at Georgia Southern. One of Ussery’s favorite parts about his job is the opportunity to interact with young, aspiring healthcare professionals. He enjoys mentoring and providing guidance to students pursuing a career in medicine. One example of those ambitious young people is Kate Lewis Croxton, a former student ATC at Statesboro High School. She graduated from Georgia Southern with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in Athletic Training and Exercise Science and completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of St. Augustine. Currently she is the Clinical Director for Professional SportsCare & Rehab in Charles Town, WV. When asked to reflect on her experience, Croxton replies, “My rotation at Statesboro High School under Tim was probably the most influential internship of all the clinical rotations I've had. He encouraged me to take initiative and promoted confidence in my skills. Tim’s passion for his job helped me find mine for athletic training and helping others and made me realize that no matter what you do in life, do it because you love it.”

by Doug Andrews, II Director of Sports Medicine

he Role of Athletic Trainer Tim Ussery PHoToS By LISA MINICK, SHS ADvISoR

veryone in the South is familiar with the scene…A Fall Friday night under the bright lights: football, friends, family, and tailgating. These are the usual ingredients for a Georgia high school football game, rooting on your alma mater or favorite local team. Tim Ussery has a very different experience on Friday nights. He is working hard behind the scenes, first to get the football players ready to play, and then keeping them safe during the game. Long after the lights have gone out for the night, he can be found treating the various bumps, bruises, and injuries that have occurred during the game. For an athletic trainer, these are the moments on which we thrive – a chance to work closely with a sport that we love. Ussery serves as the athletic trainer for Optim Healthcare at Statesboro High School. When you hear the term “trainer,” everyone seems to have a different perception of what this actually means, but Ussery is an athletic trainer, not a personal trainer, fitness trainer, or strength coach, which are terms that are often mistakenly used interchangeably. He is a highly-trained, licensed sports medicine professional who specializes in the delivery of medical care for student athletes. Statesboro High School is one of 21 high schools throughout Southeast Georgia that Optim partners with to provide a full-time athletic trainer. Optim also has a designated sports medicine physician for each school, who collaborates with the athletic trainer to provide the highest level of healthcare. Ussery has numerous responsibilities, most of which are never seen or appreciated by an outsider looking into high school athletics. Yes, when a player goes down on the field, Ussery is the one who responds, quickly running out to evaluate the student athlete. However, this is only a small snapshot of a much larger picture. On campus, he is the go-to guy for the student athletes’ every medical need, which includes screening, evaluating, and treating various sports injuries, rehabilitating injured athletes, taping and bracing for practice and competitions, and injury prevention education. Football tends to draw the most attention, but Ussery looks after every student athlete and sport at Statesboro High School. For example, in order to protect the student athletes from the

2013 State Football ChampionS ChampionS

Robert Toombs Christian Academy A GISA State Champs

his year’s GISA State Class A Football Championship victory was sweet indeed for the players and coaches at Robert Toombs Academy. Third year Head Coach Thomas Smith said the defeat in the championship game last year, after racing out to a 20-point lead, was a driving force for the players as they prepared for the 2013 campaign. “We had great senior leadership this year,” said Coach Smith. “These young men handled any adversity quickly and were determined to make it back to the championship game.” When the team reached the championship game held at Mercer University against Curtis Baptist, they were ready, stuck together, and came out on top. Sophomore Brett Anderson played quarterback this season and had a 70% completion rate on his passes. However the Crusaders had one of the best running games in the state with Rico Rodgers and Marion Bingle each rushing for over 1500 yards. Coach Smith said that fullback Drew Todd was a key blocker for the Crusaders’ offensive running machine. On defense senior Tanner Guy and Garrett Gray lead the team in tackles. Coach Smith says he has a wonderful coaching staff and the players have bought into the more physical offensive approach he brought to the team. With

Pinewood Christian David Emanuel Academy Bulloch Academy Memorial Day School Trinity Christian Dorchester First Presbyterian Christian Fullington Academy Crisp Academy Frederica Academy Nathanael Greene Thomas Jefferson Curtis Baptist

many returning players for 2014 Crusader fans can look forward to more wins and another possible run at the annual football GISA Championship. Garrett Gray and Shredrick Brown were selected to play in the GISA All-Star football game also held at Mercer University. Garret and Shredick both played on the South team which won 49-45.

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GISA Class A semifinals GISA Class A finals

Photos By Janice hiilard

GISA

Congratulations to the Coastal Area A GISA Football Champions

Memorial Day School AA GISA State Champs

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Photo by Kelly Whaley, SavannahnoW.com Savannah .com

Mount de Sales Frederica Academy Valwood School Robert Toombs Academy First Presbyterian Bethesda Day Trinity Christian Edmund Burke Academy Brentwood School Covenant Academy Brookwood School John Milledge Academy Valwood School

times. One score was a long 70 yard run from scrimmage on the second play of the game and another was on an interception return. Marlin also had a kickoff return for a score brought back by a holding call. Coach Thompson complimented his coaching staff and the players on their Championship victory saying “our hard work payed off with a big win.” Memorial had four players named to the GISA All Star team including Derick Wright, Marlin Ladsen, Rodheem Greene, Earl Washington.

Photos By Janice hiilard

oach Michael Thompson knew that a State Championship victory was possible with his 2013 squad as the talent on the team was the best he had ever experienced. While the Blue Thunder only had 22 players, they had several experienced seniors and overall had excellent team speed and toughness. Traveling to Valdosta early in the season to play Valwood School, last year’s State AA Champions, the team lost their only game of the season in a tight contest 12-13. From that game forward however the Blue Thunder dominated their schedule with exciting football on both sides of the ball. As the Championship brackets were assembled it appeared that Memorial and Valwood could meet up again for the final game. Both teams sweep their playoff competition and the rematch was set for Saturday, November 30 at the beautiful Mercer University football complex. This time the talented Memorial team wasted little time as they scored 28 seconds into the ball game and never trailed. Quarterback Earl Washington made plays with his arm and legs as the Blue Thunder moved up and down the field all game. Valwood had no answer on how to cover 6’8” tall receiver Derick Wright who scored a TD and 2-point conversion. The speedy and shifty Marlin Ladsen was on his game scoring three

2013 GISA St StA Ate A te FootbAll ChA ChAmp mpS S

GISA

Congratulations to the Coastal Area AA GISA Football Champions

by Tom Hilliard

AA Quarterfinals AA Semifinals GISA Class AA Finals

Player Spotlight

Faith Shelby Sanders Herschel V. Jenkins High School

High Impact by Ruby Hilliard

aith Shelby Sanders is a senior at Herschel V. Jenkins High School where she plays basketball and runs track for the Lady Warriors. She was homeschooled until seventh grade which is when she joined her first basketball team. Since then she’s been recognized with multiple Most Valuable Player awards, First Team in the All-Region Championships and WTOC’s Player of the week. When asked what she likes most about basketball compared to other sports Sanders says, “The intensity and the opportunities. Like if you mess up and get the ball stolen from you, you can get back down court, block it,

photography by Tina Helmley

regain control of it, and everyone forgets that you just got the ball stolen from you.” Her mother, Angela, says Sanders has always been an athlete and a quick learner. “Faith has always been very focused. So, if she has an assignment of any type, she gives it her full attention. I homeschooled her, and she became very proficient in a lot of diverse areas. Because she didn’t have to be in school, I made sure she got lots of exposure to new and varied things. She learned how to ice skate, roller skate, to swim and play the drums and other instruments. She swam on a Junior Olympic team in Ohio, and was the Most Valuable Player on

an all-boy baseball team. She’s a natural athlete,” says Angela Sanders. Sanders’s coach James Burke would agree with that. “When she came to me her freshman year, she was this skinny child with a pretty good idea about the game. I saw that she had talent quickly. I put her on as point guard but moved her to position number four where she’s been a double-double since. She’s been able to do whatever I’ve needed her to do. She’s a great rebounder and can jump higher than anyone else on the court. I’ve since moved her back to point guard where she leads the team. She also does the high jump for our track

When Sanders isn’t playing basketball, running track, doing schoolwork, or her job as a lifeguard at the Aquatics Center, she volunteers her time with local charities. our track team and it’s like she flies over the bar.” Sanders’s mother says the same thing. “She can jump so high!” she says. “She went to the state championship for track and field her freshman year in three events. She ran the 100 meter in less than twelve seconds, the 200 meter in less than 26, and when she did the high jump, she jumped 5’4”! When I see her leap really high, it’s so amazing.She just takes off. My 12-year-old, her brother, did one of his science projects on her because he said, ‘I wonder if Faith really flies when she jumps up like that.’ He did a whole experiment on basketball players jumping because she inspired him so much.” When the 5’10” Sanders isn’t playing basketball, running track, doing schoolwork, or working at her job as a lifeguard at the Aquatics Center, she volunteers her time with local charities. She volunteers with a homeless ministry in Forsyth Park feeding and clothing the less fortunate and also with Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is a transformational learning program for girls between the ages of eight and 13 that teaches life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. Her mother says, “I want Faith to be a citizen of the world, to have a global interest in things. Faith understands completely that this is not just about her. This is about every youngster that comes up behind her. This is about setting the bar for other people to surpass, to help others behind her to meet and exceed what she’s doing.”

Burke also sees this quality in Sanders. “Faith is special. She’s like a daughter to me now. She teaches the young ones and tries to bring them up to her level. She’s popular and not just with the sports crowd. She could have been class president if she wanted. She is truly my most valuable player.” Sanders has caught the attention of colleges, students and athletes, and she is gaining the appreciation that she deserves. In November, she signed a commitment with Northern Kentucky University to play basketball. She says the signing ceremony was one of the greatest highlights of her life. “I’m pretty excited. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. There’s nothing else like it. It’s hard to explain, but it was like I finally completed what I had been working so hard for,” says Sanders. Her coach is also extremely proud of her. “It’s not very often you get to coach someone that’s so special. I expect she’ll graduate with over 1,000 scored points and over 1,000 rebounds. Some girls, in their high school careers, may score 1,000 points but 1,000 rebounds - it’s just phenomenal. When she signed with Kentucky, I was really proud of her. The whole place was packed and not just with athletes but also with students, her friends that just wanted to be there to show their support. I’m gonna miss her a lot, but hey, that’s what you work for - to send them out of here giving the world their best. Can I take any credit for it? No. The credit is all hers. I was just part of the program,” says Burke. ITG

All About Faith: Height: 5’ 10” Jersey: #11 Position: Point Guard, 3-4 Most Memorable Moment: Committing to Northern Kentucky University Favorite thing to do when not playing your sport: Eating or sleeping Most influential person: My mother Favorite food: Mandarin oranges Favorite junk food: Wild Berry Poptarts Favorite subject in school: Science 19

Player Spotlight

hroughout his high school years, JaKeenan Gant has chosen to play basketball and nothing else. Football coaches salivate over players with Gant’s size and athleticism. There isn’t a football coach in the country who wouldn’t want an athletic 6’8” wide receiver in his offense. Gant says the football coaches at Effingham County asked him to play, but he never did. “I played in middle school, but I didn’t like it. It’s too hot out there,” he laughs.

JaKeenan Gant Effingham County High School

Rebels’ Gant Headed to Missouri by Robert Preston Jr.

hen asked to mention a few words that his biography would contain, Effingham County High senior power forward JaKeenan Gant lists “humble, soft-spoken, talented, godly, athletic, gentleman.” He is right on each one, especially the part about being humble and soft-spoken. When speaking with Gant, it’s hard to believe you are talking to the top basketball player in Georgia. The 6’8”, 200-pounder was named 5A Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and has been one of the most sought-after high school players in the country. The impressive list of colleges in pursuit of Gant included defending national champion Louisville. And you’d never know it by talking to him. Gant began playing basketball when he was in the fourth grade. He signed up to play in the local recreation league and soon realized he was a pretty good player. A year later, playing for the Effingham County All Star team in Vidalia, Gant threw down the first dunk of his career. “I was already about six feet tall. I got a steal and took off for the basket. I dunked one-handed, and the crowd went wild. Everyone was shocked, even my coaches,” he says. Several thousand dunks later, Gant is the best high school player in the state and now has an appearance in the Final Four of the state playoffs under his belt. Gant is a smart, athletic player whose strengths include playing above the rim and flying all over the court. Scout.com describes Gant as follows: “He's a fantastic straight-up leaper who maximizes his bounce by working hard to pull down rebounds and block shots. Few finish as emphatically above the rim, as Gant is a supreme dunker in traffic and will be dynamite on the break for Missouri.” This season, Gant will have to use all of his talents and then some in an effort to lead the Rebels on another run through the playoffs. The only starter returning from last year’s Final Four squad, Gant knows he will be called upon to lead his team on and off the court. “It’s going to take some time for us to develop this year. We’ll be very good at the end of the season. I know I’m going to have to lead. I need to score, rebound, and do everything I can,” he says. Gant averaged over 17 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks per game last year. He would like to improve on those numbers this year, and he hopes the improvements in his stat line will translate into more wins. “My main goal this season is to win. That’s it.” Throughout his career, Gant has received a number of prestigious awards. There is the aforementioned 5A Player of the Year from the AJC. WTOC also named him Player of the Week twice, for the

photography by Tina Helmly

week of January 16, 2012 and February 4, 2013; Region 2-4A All-Region (2010-11 and 2011-12), Region 3-5A All-Region (2012-13); Region 3-5A Most Valuable Player (2013); and DeMasi Sports Report Athlete of the Week (2012). Gant is also a member of Effingham County’s 1,000 point club, a milestone he reached in 2012. Yet of all the awards he has received and playoff games he has played in, the biggest on-court moment for Gant was his first triple-double, which he notched as a sophomore against Greenbrier. He scored 18 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and blocked 12 shots that night. “I don’t know what made that game so special. I was active all night, and I just played hard. I guess I was just feeling it,” he says. Another special moment for Gant came when he presented his grandfather, Sam Gant, with his plaque when he was inducted into the Effingham County High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Sam Gant played just about everything he could, but made the Hall of Fame as a football player. “He was a really good player,” says JaKeenan Gant. “He was very happy when he was inducted into the Hall. When I presented him his plaque, he was speechless. He had no words.” Colleges throughout the country badly wanted JaKeenan Gant. Louisville came after him hard. He never met Head Coach Rick Pitino, but he spoke with him a couple of times. Georgia came calling. So did Florida, Florida State, Alabama, and Georgia Tech. Gant eventually decided upon Missouri because he felt at home with the Tigers when he visited. He was very comfortable in Missouri’s scheme and will get the opportunity to start right away. “It felt like a big family up there so I chose them,” he says. For several years, Gant has found himself in the spotlight and under a microscope. He shrugs off the attention and remains focused on those things that are important to him: his faith, basketball, academics, and his family. He refuses to look too far into the future and instead concentrates on the tasks at hand. And right now, that means helping his Effingham County Rebels remain one of the best high school teams in the state. ITG

JaKeenan's Favorites: Favorite subject in school: Science Subject: Sociology NBA team: Brooklyn Nets 22

NBA player: Kevin Durant Sport you wish you could play: Tennis Place to travel: China

Person to meet: Kobe Bryant Superpower: Fly Inspiration: My grandfather, Sam Gant

Gentlemen Impact Players

Stacey Morgan, Jr. Portal High School

Senior Basketball Mascot: Panthers Jersey: #3 Height: 5’11” Position: Point Guard Coach: Jeff Brannen Stats 2012-13: 22.8 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game, 3.7 assists per game Awards: Region 3A Player of the Year, All-State (First Team)

Coach’s Comments: “Stacey is a hard worker that loves the game. He is a pure shooter that leads by example on the court. He has 1286 career points and has started at point guard since his freshman year. He has led the team to back-to-back region championships, and he made All-State and Region Player of the Year last year.” - Coach Brannen

Favorites: Food: Spaghetti Movie: Love and Basketball Super Power: Fly Pro Player: LeBron James

Alonzo Baker memorial Day School

Senior Basketball Jersey:#2 Mascot: Matadors Height: 6’1 Nickname: “ZO” Coach: Michael Thompson Stats 2012-13: 17.3 points per game, 11.2 rebounds per game, 3.5 assists Awards: Boy’s Club Person of the Year, AA All-Region Team

Coach’s Comments: “The Matadors won the GISA AA State Championship last year with our speed and depth off the bench. That team returns to the court without the loss of a single starter... as a matter of fact, just one senior graduated off of that team. If we can stay focused and healthy, there would be no reason to expect that this team could not reach the GISA AA finals again. As seniors, this team has to stay on top of their classroom responsibilities, their opportunities to play at the next level, and continue to work hard on their game.”

- Mark Sussman/ Athletic Director Favorites: Movie: He Got Game Food: Fried Chicken Pro Player: Derrick Rose College Player: Andrew Wiggins Sport you wish you could play: Soccer

Ben Johnson Savannah Country Day

Senior Basketball, Soccer, Football Jersey: #12 Height: 5’11” Mascot: Hornets Position: Shooting Guard, Point Guard Coach: Mike Harner Stats 2102-13: 11points per game, 2 assists, 3 steals Awards: 2nd Team All-Region and Honorable Mention All-City sophomore and junior year

24 24

Coach’s Comments: “Our goal is to make the state playoffs. We have several key players coming back in Ben Johnson, Olie Cesar, Stephen Gavin, and Demetrius Robertson. Defense will be the key to our season. We have a group that is committed to being a great defensive team. In the short time we have practiced together, the boys are giving great effort and have great attitudes. We will be a very unselfish team offensively with multiple guys that can lead us in scoring on any given night.” - Mike Harner

Favorites: Pro Player: Russell Westbrook Book: Lord of the Flies Pro Team: L.A. Lakers Movie: Gladiator

Cornelius Taylor Claxton High School

Junior Basketball Mascot: Tigers Jersey: #1 Height: 6’0 Postition: Shooting Guard, Point Guard Nickname: Scuta or Scooter Coach: Eric Bluestein

Awards: On pace for 2000 points before he graduates, Georgia Sport’s Writer’s Association All-State Honorable Mention recipient, and Lineage of Champions Georgia Public Class A 2nd Team All-State award recipient. Favorites:

Stats 2012-13: (out of 27 games) 20.5 points per game, 554 points, 65 three pointers, 5.6 rebounds per game, 2.3 assists per game, took 15 charges

Pro Player: LeBron James College Player: Jabari Parker Superpower: Fly Food: Hot Wings

Coach’s Comments: Our region (Region 3A-A ) is tough as last year we had seven of 11 teams that were ranked including ourselves. We return junior Cornelius “Scooter” Taylor at shooting guard, sophomore Darvis Small at point guard who started as a freshman last year, and one of our two seniors. We almost made it into the state playoffs this year as we barely missed the 16 team public playoff bracket, finishing 17th in the power ratings. Cornelius has a very bright future and will have the opportunity to further his career in college. We are very fortunate to have him!” - Eric Bluestein

Avery Joyner Bethseda Academy

Sophomore Basketball Jersey: #1 Height: 5’10” Mascot: Blazers Nickname: Snoop Position: Point Guard, Shooting Guard Coach: Clevan Thompson Stats 2012-13: 6.4 points per game, 7.4 assists per game, 2.1 rebounds per game, 1.1 blocks per game, 2.3 steals per game

Coach’s Comments: “Last year was our first year in several years of not being in the finals of GISA Division AAA, and so our overall goal is to return our program to those high standards. Along with Avery, we have Khalil Abdulah and Shawn DeLoach who we expect to be very productive this year for the team. We have tons of potential, but we have to work hard at each practice and every game so that we peak when the playoffs arrive.” - Clevan Thompson

Favorites: Pro Player: Kevin Durant Food: Fried Chicken Movie: Kevin Hart Let Me Explain Super Power: Hulk Sport you wish you could play: Football

Awards: All-Region

khaliq Hughes Calvary Day School

Senior Basketball, Football Jersey:#3 Mascot: Cavaliers Height: 5' 11" Nickname: Liqq Coach: Jason Shell Stats 2012-13: 7.5 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, 2.1 steals per game, 45% from the field

Coach’s Comments: “We return with a good bit of players from our 2012-13 team that went to the GHSA Private Elite Eight. We will have a good nucleus of senior and junior players that have a great deal of varsity experience. We hope for a strong showing this season.” - Jason Shell

Favorites: Pro Player: LeBron James Food: Pizza Movie: Coach Carter Sport you wish you could play: Rugby Superpower: Super Strength

Awards: All-Region Basketball Inspiration: LeBron James

Nothing like being a Cavalier!

#14 Tripp is in the house!

Cavaliers going all out!

Cheering on the Lady Warriors!

Love those Lady Warriors!

Young Battle Creek Warriors!

Photos provided by Janice Hilliard; Josh Brewer, CDS; and Noell Barnidge, BC.

School spirit with class!

Tattnall fans making their presence know

BC Fans and Alumni by the thousands!

Supporting those Lady Raiders!

Cheering on BlueThunder #6 Rodheem Greene!

Winners again, 2013 GISA State Champs!

Lady Impact Players

Abigail Lewis Calvary Day School

Junior Basketball, Volleyball Mascot: Cavaliers Jersey: #21 Height: 5’11” Coach: Jackie Hamilton 2012-13 Stats: 11.5 points per game 6.5 rebounds per game Awards: 2nd Team All-Region, Region Champions, went to the Final Four

Coach’s Comments: "Last year we finished with a record of 26-4, won the region, made it to the final four in the Class A State Tournament and graduated two players that are currently starting for their college teams at this time, Olivia Harrell at Berry College and Alexus Parker at Prarie View. We will have a very young team this year without any seniors. We will need to play good defense and we will look for scoring from Abigail Lewis, Brittany Griffin and Dawona Magwood." - Jackie Hamilton

Favorites: Pro Player: Maya Moore Favorite Food: My Mom’s baked Spaghetti Book: The Guardian by Nicolas Sparks Superpower: I really wish I could fly because that would be really cool! Sport you wish you could play: Tennis

Amari Oliver Savannah Country Day

Junior Volleyball, Basketball, Track Mascot: Hornets Jersey: #14 Height:5’7” Position: Forward and Post Nickname: Mar Coach: Dale Parker 2012-13 Stats: 15 points per game, 10 rebounds per game Awards: First team All-Region for Basketball for two consecutive years

Coach’s Comments: “The Lady Hornets return juniors Taylor Parker, Chandler Royal, and Briana Carney. All three were starters last year. Also returning senior Joelle Strickland and sophomores Landry Rushing, Anna Muller, Caroline Pinckney and Ekene Ozobia. Taylor and Amari were All-Region 1st Team last year, Briana was 2nd Team. We hope to play a fast paced game and be very aggressive defensively. We hope to make the State Playoffs again this season.” - Dale Parker

Favorites: Pro Player: Skylar Diggins Book: Romeo and Juliet Food: Ravioli or Chilly Cheese Dog Superpower: The ability to fly Most Influential Person: My dad because he inspired me to play basketball and to push through all situations that life may throw at me. He has always reminded me to “Go Up”.

Morgan Bennet St. Andrew's School

Junior Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field Mascot: Lions Jersey: #13 Height: 5’6” Coach: Michael Bennet Stats 2012-13: 5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.3 steals/game Awards: 2nd team All-Region Volleyball

Coach’s Comments: Our goals are to finish first or second in the Region SCISA Region I-AA and to make the State Playoffs. The key players this year are Morgan Bennet, Grace Turner, Dom Desuatels, and Rebecca Suh. Our region foes are Thomas Heyward and Bible Baptist. For us to succeed, we will need to control the game through our defense. We have speed and good hands-on defense, as well as the ability to capitalize very quickly off turnovers. Offense will rely on quick passes and hitting open jumpers. Several players can hit the point shot. - Mike Bennet

Favorites: College Player: Mary Wilkowski, a St. Andrew’s alumni who played college basketball at Hamline University and is now at the University of Florida studying law. Book: The Hunger Games Food: Nutella Sport you wish you could play: Football Superpower: Flying

Tianna Germain South Effingham County high School

Senior Basketball Mascot: Mustangs Jersey: #23 Height: 5’2" Position: Point Guard Nickname: “T” Coach: Stacey Womack Stats for 2012-13: 22 points per game, 4 assists per game, 5 steals per game, 1653 points freshman & junior years Awards: First Team Atlanta Journal Constitution All-State, GACA Junior All-Star Game, First Team All-Region (3 years), WTOC Player of the Week (3 times)

Coach’s comments: Favorites: “Our team goal this year is to win a Pro Player: region championship and make it Skylar Diggins. she is a great into the Elite Eight. Key players for team player and knows the game us this season are Tianna Germain, of basketball, and she is also Dionna Hartfield, Shae Leverett, and exciting to watch. Machala Raymonville. We consider every region opponent this year as a Movie: Love and Basketball potential threat. So far this season, Food: Spaghetti we have seen a lot of positive things Super Power: Mind reading from our players. I expect this team to get better and develop as we progress through this season. We have 12 players on our team, but only three or four with any real varsity playing experience. We are hoping that by the end of the season we are playing at our fullest potential.” - Stacey Womack 29

Junior Standout

Elizabeth “L illa ” Feli x Hilton Head Island High School

Refuse to Lose by Ruby Hilliard

lizabeth “Lilla” Felix is a junior at Hilton Head Island where she is co-captain of the Seahawk’s swim team. In addition to being a swimmer, she also is second in her grade for her scholastic achievements. She is her class’s treasurer and a Huddle Group Leader for her school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She fills her free time with community service and as many extracurricular activities as possible including five other school clubs. Felix has been swimming since she was able to walk. She tried ballet, soccer, and tennis, but when she realized she had natural ability in the water, she focused her concentration there. “I always wanted to succeed, and I soon realized I could accomplish the most in the water. I like the fact that the water does not play favorites and the clock does not lie. Your return is proportional to your effort; simple but it made sense to me,” says Felix.

photography by Tina Helmly

Felix started, at eight years old, swimming for the club team H2A, and now since swimming for her school, has been on the past four consecutive, winning, state championship teams. She was on two, 4x100-relay championship teams and this past year won her first individual state championship in the 500-yard freestyle. Felix also finished second and set a school record in the 100-yard backstroke. Felix’s inspiration in life is her dad, Nick Felix. He is named "Superman" by her friends, because he’s a six-foot-three, horn-rimmed-glasses-wearing lawyer by day and a tri-suit wearing, Ironman champion by night. When asked why her father influences her, she says, “Nothing he does is for self gain. Everything he does, he looks to benefit other people, which I find extremely inspiring. It’s the sort of character that’s hard to wrap your head around; how someone who’s managed to do everything that they’ve accomplished, and it’s all just looking out for

other people.” When asking Felix’s father, Nick Felix, about his daughter, it is immediately clear the life lessons she has learned from him. “What she’s great at, and probably one of the reasons her coach likes her so much, is that she’s great with the little kids on the team, and she does it without being asked. It’s one of the things I really like. As a coach, myself, I want athletes that want to mentor other athletes –that bring other athletes along or that lead by example. Lilla does that. The little girls literally follow her around the pool deck,” says Felix of his daughter. Felix explains that pumping up the team spirit before a meet is imperative to a good swim. “I know from nine years of swimming that the more excited you are, the better you’re going to perform. The happier my team is, the more excited my team is, the better I am going to do and the better the team is going to do.”

“What she’s great at, and probably one of the reasons her coach likes her so much, is that she’s great with the little kids on the team, and she does it without being asked. It’s one of the things I really like. As a coach, myself, I want athletes that want to mentor other athletes –that bring other athletes along or that lead by example. Lilla does that. The little girls literally follow her around the pool deck.”

- Father, Nick Felix.

Felix’s coach, Mike Law, also likes this quality in her. He says her enthusiasm is contagious, and he praises her for rallying the team around her at practices and before games. “This past summer I told her she would be in charge of setting up some of the practices for the team, and she took it very seriously,” says Coach Law. Felix’s father says, “When he (Coach Law) told her, as team captain, he wanted her to do some of the practices, some kids might have pull up old practices they had done or something. That’s not Lilla. Lilla gets on the horn, gets in touch with Jack Bauerle (Head Coach of swimming at the University of Georgia), and asks him ‘I want to know coaching. Tell me what’s a good practice. What would you do?’ That’s her mentality. She takes everything so serious but not so seriously that she takes herself too seriously.” Coach Law says he’s never seen anyone like Felix in high school, and that’s why he made her co-captain of the team. “She is the hardest worker on the team and also has the highest GPA. She often takes it upon herself to have second team meetings after our group meetings. I remember a time when we

were out of town for a meet. I had finished the group meeting and was going through the hotel doing room checks. None of the girls were in their rooms. Part of me started to panic, but when I got to Lilla’s room, all the girls were there, further discussing how they were going to enact my instructions. I was relieved and impressed. She knows how to work the figures and knows the point scoring in a way I’ve not seen outside of college or professional swimmers.” Felix’s father further explains, “I was talking to Coach Law one time, and he said, ‘I heard her say to the girls “It isn’t a will to win but a will NOT to lose.”’ He said he’d never heard anyone articulate it that way.” “Lilla explained to these girls, ‘You’re not going to win your race. I don’t expect you to win your race. I don’t need you to win your race. All I need for you to do is NOT lose to someone in the lane next to you. Every person you finish ahead of is a point for our team. So, all you need to do is worry about not losing. You refuse to lose!’ and that became a quote from Lilla that Coach Law started using,” says her father. “‘Only one person is going to win this race you just have to refuse to lose to anyone else’” No doubt, with an attitude like that, Felix is going the distance. She looks forward to swimming in college, and watch out for her if she’s in the lane next to yours. She refuses to lose! ITG

Elizabeth's Favorites: Subject: Mrs. Gray’s Calculus class Snack: Mango strips College team: University of Georgia College player: Allison Schmitt Pro player: Natalie Coughlin Most like to meet? Bob Roll (color analyst for Tour De France, former professional cyclist for the US 7-11 team) What sport do you wish you could play? I wish I could surf Inspiration? My dad 31

Calvary Day (L) Brookstone 1-9 Savannah Christian (W) Providence 8-0 Advance to Columbus to Elite Eight Playoffs Game 1 (L) Strong Park 1-2 Game 2 (W) Game 3 (W) Brookstone 6-2 Game 4 (L)

3-5 7-0 George Walton First Presbyterian

10-0 3-5

Region AA Screven County (L) Cook County 3-13, 4-9 Vidalia (W) Putnam County 6-3, 13-0 Bryan County (W) Crawford 6-1, 4-12, 9-0

(L) (L)

Harlem Berrien Co.

2-3, 1-6 4-2, 4-9, 7-8

Pike Carrolton

1-9, 3-17 0-3, 3-2, 0-1

South Effingham (W) Monroe 15-0, 12-0 (W) Rytland Advance to Columbus Elite Eight Playoffs Game 1 (L) Walnut Grove 0-12 Game 2 (L) Perry

3-1, 5-1

Region AAA Swainsboro (W) Brantley County 8-0, 12-0 (L) Tattnall County (W) Thomson 9-0, 12-2 (L)

Region AAAA 1-2

Region AAAAA Richmond Hill (L) Lee County 5-14, 5-0, 0-1 Effingham County (W) Northside 6-0, 12-1 (W) Advance to Columbus Elite Eight Playoffs Game 1 (L) Loganville 1-5 Game 2 (W) Game 3 (L) Pope 0-1

GISA AA Robert Toombs David Emanuel

(L) Briarwood (L) Thomas Jefferson

GISA AAA Pinewood Christian (W) Bulloch Academy (W)

Union Grove

10-6, 6-4

Creekview

6-0

Congrats to all our Coastal In the Game teams for advancing to the state playoffs.

2013 State Softball ReS Re S ult ultS S

Photo By Janice hillaird

Region A - Private

by Tom Hilliard

Three teams, Savannah Christain, South Effingham, and Effingham County advanced to the Elite Eight teams in their region in the annual event held in Columbus. Savannah Christian played four games in Columbus and finished third in the state in Region A Private.

Tiftarea Sherwood Christian

(L) Stratford (L) Tattnall Square 33

Coach's Corner

sponsored by:

Steve Pennington Statesboro High School

Statesboro Head Coach: Football Is My Ministry by Robert Preston Jr.

ow far is it from the pulpit to the sidelines? Not all that far, according to Steve Pennington, Statesboro High School head football coach. When Pennington graduated from Louisville High School in Louisville, Georgia, coaching was the farthest thing from his mind. “My aspiration was to go into the ministry. I was in my first or second year at Georgia Southern when, after sitting in several different history classes, I didn’t think that the ministry was something I wanted to do. I always loved the outdoors, and I loved sports,” he says. So he went to the physical education department and changed his major. From that point, Pennington knew he would be a football coach. That doesn’t mean, however, that he turned his back on ministry. Football became the platform through which he would build a career ministering to young people. For Coach Pennington, the two career paths aren’t that different. “I’ve been ministering to kids my whole career. My ministry is through coaching. I’m just doing it in a different format,” he says. Pennington has been coaching for 34 years. Twenty-six have been as a head coach, and 15

photography by Tina Helmley

have been spent at Statesboro High. In that time, he has been a part of two state championships – once in 2001 with the Blue Devils when he was defensive coordinator and once in 2005 as head coach. (Statesboro played for a state title in 2004 but lost to Warner Robins in the finals.) Pennington attributes his success to his focus on building relationships. And that’s where ministry and coaching intersect. He cares about his players, and he – along with his coaching staff – understands the impact he can make on the lives of the players in his programs. Pennington spent two asand a half years as a graduate as sistant under the late Erk Russell when Pennington was pursuing his master’s degree at Georgia Southern. He noticed that Coach Russell had an innate ability to motivate his players. And he did relationso by building personal relation ships with the kids. “It didn’t make a difference who you were. He had a genuine sense of interest in the well-being of others. That has a major bearing on motivation. If betteryou genuinely hope for the better ment of people and their welfare, they will get motivated,” he says. Don’t mistake Coach Pennington’s belief in building relationrelation

ships and taking an interest in the lives of others as evidence of a laid-back and feel-good program. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The Blue Devils' program is one marked by discipline and structure. The expectations are high and the work load is tremendous. “When our players come in, they know what our expectations are. They find out we run a disciplined program. We are forthright about that from the get-go. If you stay on that path, you will have a chance to do something right. Those who are willing to be a part of that will be winners in life and on the field,” he says. Steve Pennington wants to win football games. Every coach does. But he also knows that the lessons he can teach his players through football will carry over into life. He teaches them about faith, responsibility, getting up when you get knocked down, never giving up, and working hard each and every day. Along with the structure and discipline is consistency – consistency in work ethic and expectations. The relationships he builds with his players and the respect they have for him allow Pennington to run a disciplined program. All of those factors, when combined with each other and blended together, make for a successful program. And that helps him deal with the issues and struggles that he faces on a daily basis. “The Good Lord has put me in this business, and He knows my weaknesses. Because of His love and grace, I can overcome the fears that I have. I’ve been too blessed to be stressed,” he says. ITG

teve Pennington’s career has touched five different decades. He has coached both of his sons. He has struggled with balancing family time and work time. And he has watched the game of high school football grow in complexity. “Used to, you just lined up in the I formation and went. Now you have these spread teams and complicated schemes. Technology allows you to breakdown every aspect of the game with the touch of a button,” he says. The temptation is there to let football completely overtake a coach’s life. Because of the technology, there is so much information available that coaches could spend days in the film room. Pennington, however, doesn’t want that to happen. “We practice two and a half hours. I want my coaches out of here by 7:30. If a coach is happy at home, he will be happy on the job and will be a better coach. We always talk about quality of time, but you’ve got to have a certain quantity of time in order to have quality time. Sometimes, practice and planning are overrated.”

Women’s BasketB BasketBall History savanna avannaH H by Ruby Hilliard

Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, Advocate For Women In Basketball

uliette Gordon Low is an iconic and charismatic figure in the history of Savannah, Georgia. She was born into a very influential family that had ties in England as well as the United States. Low as a very young child was nicknamed “Daisy” by her uncle, and that name stuck with her the rest of her life. Daisy was a very social, fun, and active child. She enjoyed swimming, tennis, shooting guns, and even organized sewing clubs to make clothes for less fortunate children. While in England, Daisy met Robert Baden-Powell who, with the help of his sister Agnes Baden-Powell, started the Boy Scouts and the Girl Guides. In 1915, with the Baden-Powells’ help, she renamed Girl Guides to be the Girl Scouts. The first Girl Guides were referred to around town as “Daisy’s Girls.” Daisy started the Girl Scouts so that young women would become empowered by knowledge, making them good wives, mothers, and leaders. She envisioned an organization that would bring girls out of their homes to serve the community, to have out-of-doors experiences and the opportunity to create self-reliance and resourcefulness. They learned to sew, learned first aid skills, went camping, and they even volunteered with the Red Cross. One of the most interesting things she brought to these young girls was her love of athletics and sports. In addition to hiking, swimming, and tennis, the Girl Guides were among the first young girls to learn the game of basketball. Because it was considered immodest to see a girl’s legs or for a woman to wear pants, and it was impractical for girls to play basketball in skirts or dresses, the girls played ball in long shirts and bloomers (considered underwear). They were made of heavy duck cotton material, and the earliest basketball uniforms were often

A special thanks to Katherine Keena of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace for all her help. All copyrighted photos are from the collection of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, GSUSA, Savannah, GA, and are used with permission.

recycled out of what the girls already owned for school uniforms. The fact that the girls played in their underwear meant that no boys were allowed to watch. Daisy paid for curtains that were hung over the fences around the court where the girls played, or, on occasion, the doors to the boys’ gym were barred shut while the girls proceeded with their games. Edith Johnston, whom Daisy had left to manage the troops while on a trip to England, started the first inter-troop tournament. The Girl Guides began eagerly seeking out new teammates and greatly increased the membership of the Girl Scouts by doing so. The Savannah newspapers reported on every game and kept a tally of scores for the winning teams. In the first tournament ever, the Red Rose troop defeated the Forget-Me-Nots for the trophy. Women of today have influential people like Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low to thank for the spread of women’s sports in America. Women no longer have the stigma of showing their legs and thus play in uniforms with shorts, just like the boys. They no longer have to play secretly behind curtains, and today are recorded on television for the entire world to see. In 2012, posthumously, Daisy was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor one can achieve. Coincidentally, or maybe not, Pat Summit, one of the best NCAA women’s basketball coaches who championed for women in sports and for Alzheimer’s education, was also awarded at the same time. The 1913 Girl Scout handbook written by Daisy says, “One of you ... may someday alter the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.” No doubt Daisy would be proud to know that she did do just that.

Low Teams and Individuals at State Event

A - Private - Savannah Christian 14th Place - (40) Ty Coulter 18:50.91 A - Public - Jenkins County 2nd Place - (3) Mark Brannen 17:49.80 AA - Benadictine Military School 8th Place - (4) Sam Geha 17:34.92 AAA - Savannah Arts 10th Place - (46) Haigh Angell 18:09.88

Photo By Janice hilliard

GHSA - Boys Sam Geha, Second in Region 2AA

AAAA - Statesboro 30th Place - (83) Ucle Okafor 18:52.64 AAAAA - Richmond Hill 16th Place - (4) Corey Jones 16:53.09 Photo By hilary Geha

GISA - Boys AA - St. Andrews School 8th Place - (21) Glen Clark 20:15.63 AAA - Bulloch Academy 13th Place - (29) Joshua Bishop 19:07.61

BC Region 2AA Champs

Photo By Paul CamP CamP

GHSA - Girls

St. Vincent’s Academy AA Region Champs

A- Private - Savannah Christian 12th Place - (34) Jennifer Coulter 22:22.42

AAA - Savannah Arts 8th Place - (37) Jaqueline Britten 21:47.59

A - Public - Claxton 5th Place - (24) Haley Kicklighter 26:22.47

AAAA - South Effingham 19th Place - (57) Rachel Larson 23:01.84

AA -St. Vincent’s Academy 5th Place - (14) Emilye Eischeid 20:54.98

AAAAA - Richmond Hill 8th Place - (7) Rachel Hammesfahr 20:07.13

- Girls St. Andrews School 2nd Place - (8) Victoria McLaren 21:57.09 Bulloch Academy 12th Place - (10) Ashley Burke 21:11.30

2013 State CroSS CroSS Country reSult ultS S

Cross Country 2013

by Tom Hilliard

Congratulations to all the Coastal Area Cross Country Champions 37

is a fitness initiative that started with a single workout posted on a website (www.crossfit.com) back in 2001. It has since exponentially grown to hundreds of thousands of participants with over 4000 affiliates worldwide. While each affiliate is slightly different from one another, they all share the same methodology for getting people fit: constantly varied, functional movements, performed at a relatively high intensity. What does that mean? Crossfit varies the type of workout performed every day. We as Crossfit practitioners believe that having great variety keeps the body from getting stagnant (or reaching a “plateau” in fitness lingo). Crossfit varies things like duration of exercise, body part predominantly used, type of exercise, equipment selection, etc, giving you a constantly improving state of fitness. We use the word “functional” to describe our movements. Functional movements are ones that the body must perform daily whether trained in a gym or not. Things like squ squats, deadlifts, presses, pulls, jumps, and runs are used by Crossfit because they directly relate to life. We classify Crossfit as a General Physical Preparedness (GPP) program. We build a great base of fitness to help people excel at either sport or life. We accomplish this by introducing a concept of intensity. We safely push your body past the point of comfort in order to elicit a potent exercise response. Crossfit Hyperformance is one of several local affiliates more than willing to help people of any age or fitness level reach their potential. Crossfit Hyperformance offers group classes, personal training, kids’ classes, and boot camps. By Drew McKenzie with contributions from Gregg Glassman and Crossfit HQ, Crossfit ™

Photos By tina helmley

Crossfit™

Savannah Christian Freshman One of Crossfit’s Top Teens by Robert Preston, Jr.

lmost two years ago, Josh Kelley, now a 15-year-old freshman at Savannah Christian Preparatory School, was looking for a new way to work out. An active teen who played several sports, he knew he needed to build strength, muscular endurance, and speed. He just didn’t particularly enjoy the standard workouts in which most young athletes engage. Upon the advice of a family friend, he found CrossFit. One workout was all it took. Kelley was hooked. CrossFit, which a gentleman named Greg Glassman started in 2000, describes itself as “constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity across broad modal and time domains.” Translation: lots of high-intensity exercises that incorporate body weight, gymnastics, and Olympic weight lifting movements. The workouts are varied, they are tough, and they work the entire body. “We do everything from squats to walking on our hands. We focus on form - your form has to be correct. If

photography by Tina Helmley

minutes with 45 pounds then did as many burpee bar jumpovers as possible in two minutes. The second workout consisted of strict pull-ups to failure, push-ups to failure, toes-to-bar to failure, standing broad jump, and a 100-meter shuttle run. About a half hour later, participants completed workout three: 55-pound thrusters then box jumps - one thruster/box jump in one minute, two in two minutes, three in three minutes, all the way up to 15 minutes (if possible). Competing in the 14-16 age group, Kelley did 30 burpees in two minutes, 11 strict pull-ups, 37 push-ups, 16 toes-to-bar, a 98-inch broad jump, 18.57-second shuttle run, and he made it through 11 full rounds of the thrusters/box jumps. He made it to 10 in his 12th minute. Kelley won first in his age group in Savannah, and nobody at any other Gauntlet in the world in the 14-16 age group did any better. Kelley, the top 15-year-old CrossFitter in the world, had just punched his ticket to the national championships in California at the end of July.

s with any exercise program, participants must be absolutely certain to use great form and remain injury-free. The goal of CrossFit, after all, is to stay active for years to come, not end up sitting at home watching TV while your bum shoulder or knee heals. Varying the workouts, keeping the weights low, strictly supervising all athletes, and using perfect technique will help young athletes establish a foundation of fitness that will last a lifetime. And that’s exactly what Josh Kelley is training to do. you do the workouts correctly, you will stay in shape for the rest of your life,” says Kelley. Kelley joined CrossFit Hyperformance in Savannah. When he is participating in athletics at Savannah Christian, he does CrossFit for two to three hours per week. Out of season, he is there at least five hours per week. (Kelley plays football, basketball, and runs track at Savannah Christian, and this spring, he will also play lacrosse.) CrossFit has obvious benefits for Kelley’s chosen sports. He says he is bigger, stronger, and faster now than he used to be. He can take - and dish out - more punishment on the football field. On the basketball court, he can get in the paint with the big guys and hold his own. “It just helps with everything,” he says. In addition to the obvious positive contributions CrossFit can make in sport, CrossFit is a sport unto itself. As Kelley was working out at Hyperformance, he learned of the CrossFit Games and its counterpart for teens, the Teen Gauntlet. The Gauntlet is a CrossFit competition for young adults ages 12-18. CrossFit hosted several different Gauntlet competitions throughout the world. And one would be held in Savannah. Kelley signed up for the Gauntlet, which took place on Memorial Day weekend. Each Gauntlet, no matter where in the world it was held, operated under the same format. The Gauntlet consists of three different workouts. In workout one, athletes completed as many snatches as possible in three

The national championships changed things up a bit. The competition still consisted of three workouts, but the exercises were different. In the first workout, competitors had nine minutes to do 50 burpees to a jump with a 10-pound plate, 25 burpee pull-ups, and burpee muscle-ups on gymnastics rings. After a 20-minute break, competitors had to do five reps of clean and jerks with 55 pounds followed by an 80-yard sprint. Competitors then took a three-hour break before completing the third workout, a series of ball shots with a 14-pound medicine ball followed by pull-ups. Round one was 30 shots and 21 pull-ups, round two was 20 and 15, round three was 10 and nine. Kelley finished sixth at the national Teen Gauntlet. Now, more than ever, he is motivated to keep training and competing. “I have one more year in the junior varsity Teen Gauntlet. Then I move up to varsity. After that, it’s on to the CrossFit Games. I hope to get to the CrossFit Games one day,” he says. Competing at the national level in CrossFit and balancing school work and athletics is no small feat. Kelley’s father, Doyle, himself an excellent athlete, is impressed by what his son has done. “The commitment and hard work it takes to do all of this is impressive. A [of] lot kids don’t want to work hard to better themselves. Josh has found something he enjoys. He’s experienced some success at it, and he wants more,” says Doyle Kelley. ITG

Josh Kelley Savannah Christian

Josh’s Favorites: Subject: Math College team: Clemson Player: Sammy Watkins Pro team: Atlanta Falcons Professional athlete: Josh Bridges, professional CrossFitter Person to meet: Josh Bridges Sport you wish you could play: Hockey Place to travel: Back to California for the CrossFit Games Superpower: Unlimited endurance Inspiration: Rich Froning, three-time CrossFit Games champion 39

Rising Star

Nick Iannone Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

Three-Sport Irish Eighth-Grader Already has A Championship Resume by Robert Preston, Jr.

ix seasons. Five appearances in the finals. Four championships. That’s a pretty good resume for someone who has been playing a given sport for 20 years. But for an eighth-grader, that’s an extremely impressive palmares. And Iannone isn’t finished yet - he still has one more sport to go this year. So his list of championships could grow by one. Iannone plays football and basketball for the Irish. He plays baseball for the Savannah Dawgs after playing for the Savannah Shock for several years (Blessed Sacrament doesn’t have a baseball team). At the time of this interview, the Irish had just finished their football season, which ended with a 52-28 loss to Country Day in the first round of the playoffs. Blessed

photography by Tina Helmly

Sacrament finished its season with a 7-3 mark. Iannone plays quarterback and defensive end for the Irish. On offense, he leads a spread-option attack that shows striking similarities to the scheme run by the Oregon Ducks. Of the two positions, he enjoys playing end more. “I love the aggression of defense. You can just get nasty on defense,” he says. Iannone is a smart player who pays attention to what’s going on around him and reads opposing defenses well. When he’s lined up at defensive end, he knows how to find the ball carrier and get to him quickly. Iannone is an aggressive, intense player who flies all over the field. Off the field, he is humble and soft-spoken. When asked what happens when he steps on the field, what causes him to flip that switch

and turn into something else, he says, “I don’t really know. But when game time comes, I’m an inyour-face player. I get excited and can’t wait to get on the field. I just love the game so much.” Heading into his eighth-season, Iannone had several goals and all included winning championships. As a sixth- and seventh-grader, his football teams had won the Savannah Parochial Athletic League football championship. His basketball teams had won the SPAL championship in the fifth grade, finished second in the sixth grade, and won again in the seventh grade. “We’ve been very successful, and I try to do my best individually to benefit the team,” he says. Unfortunately, the Irish didn’t get a third straight football championship. The aforementioned loss to Country Day put them at third in the SPAL standings.

we have great chemistry,” he says. On the court, Iannone isn’t a flashy player. He simply does his job, and he does it efficiently and effectively. He can score, he is a good rebounder, and he can drive the lane. For Iannone, basketball is about enjoying his time on the court and taking advantage of every opportunity the game presents. Through his hard work and love of the game, he has been a big reason why the Irish have won two titles in three years and are a favorite to win a third championship this season. “I’m competitive, and I enjoy being on the court. You can’t play basketball your whole life. I want to enjoy it while I can,” he says. Attending Blessed Sacrament is about more than just sports for Iannone. He is an excellent student, and he is already preparing himself for

ick Iannone’s younger brother, Tony, also plays football for Blessed Sacrament. This year, in his first game back after recovering from a wrist injury, Nick Iannone threw a screen pass to his brother that Tony turned into a touchdown. “I enjoy playing with my brother. We get to talk about football all the time, even around the house,” he says. The Irish still have a chance in basketball. Iannone transitioned from football to basketball with almost no down time. There was little time to catch his breath and relax. Which is exactly the way Iannone prefers it. He loves playing basketball - the speed of the game, the proximity of the crowd, the noise, the excitement. It all suits his on-court personality. “We work very hard as a team, and we get along well. We have some very good players, but they’re unselfish. The scoring is pretty even, and

college. Iannone is active in other clubs and organizations on campus as well.He is a member of Blessed Sacrament’s National Junior Honor Society and is also class vice president. “My parents are big on making good grades and getting ready for college. I try to be the best I can be, and I am very self-motivated. I expect a lot from myself, and I’m thankful for the hard work of my coaches and my teammates. We’ve had some great memories,” he says. ITG

Nick's Favorites: Subject: Science Snack: Popcorn Teams: Auburn Tigers and Green Bay Packers Players: Tre Mason, Auburn running back; deMarco Murray, dallas Cowboys running back Person to meet: Jackie Robinson Sport you wish you could play: Boxing Place to travel: Italy or Paris, France Superpower: Fly 41

Savannah Christian

Region A Private Calvary Day Savannah Country Day

(W) Lakeview (W) Athens Academy (L) ELCA

3-0 3-1 0-3

(L) (W)

Holy Innocents Walker

1-3 3-0

Savannah Christian

(W) George Walton (W) Darlington

3-0 3-0

(W)

Paideia

3-0

Spencer

3-0

Advance to Final 4 teams (L) Hebron Christian

2-3

Region AA Toombs County

(L) Jefferson

St. Vincent’s

0-3

(W) Rabyn County (L) Jefferson

3-0 2-3

(W)

Savannah Arts

(W) Maynard Jackson

3-0

(L)

Blessed Trinity

0-3

Islands

(W) Towers

3-0

(L)

Woodward

0-3

Southeast Bulloch

(W) Henry County

3-0

(L)

Buford

0-3

Johnson High

(W) Jackson

3-0

(L)

North Oconee

0-3

Region AAA

Region AAAA

2013 State Volleyball ReS Re Sult ultS S

Photo By Janice hilliard

Volleyball 2013

by Tom Hilliard

South Effingham

(W) Alexander (L) Chestatee

3-0 1-3

Statesboro High

(W) Cedartown 3-0 (L) Walnut Grove 0-3

Congratulations to all the Coastal Volleyball teams making it to the 2013 Volleyball State Championship.

Three teams, including Savannah Country Day and St. Vincent’s, made it to the third round of the elimination tournament. Savannah Christian Prep advanced to the final four teams in their region before losing a heart breaker to Hebron Christian 2-3. 43

ho or What Inspires You?

Alonzo Baker

My 96-year-old great grandmother Corrine is the most influential person in my life. Taking care of her motivates me to do good in all things—in the classroom and on the court.

Coach Pennington

Nick Iannone

I am lucky that I have many people that help me in life, but if I had to name one, I would say my Papa (my dad’s father). I enjoy visiting with him, and he has lived a very interesting life. He didn’t grow up with much and was the first person in his family to graduate from college. He worked hard, and he and my Gramma sacrificed a lot to make sure my dad and their other three kids had opportunities that they did not have. He has always been a hard worker. He has traveled a lot and shares with me what he has seen in other countries and tells me why we are so lucky to live in America. He is also very well-liked by everyone, and that is something I hope people will say about me.

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He continues to teach me humility and the importance of servanthood. My Mom and Dad; they loved me and motivated me to do my best no matter the circumstances. Isaiah Thomas, my high school coach and Erk Russell; they taught me the value of respecting others and the importance of relationships.

Tianna Germain The most influential people to me are my mom and dad because they are both my support system, and they push me to do my best. They have been there for me since day one, standing by me and driving me to be the best that I can be, both on and off the court.

Stacey Morgan, Jr. David Buchannon; he always taught me to play within myself and stay humble.

Avery Joyner My mother; she is the one who keeps me on track in the classroom so I can play this sport.

Abigail Lewis My dad because he is always supporting me no matter what.

Elizabeth “Lilla” Felix My inspiration is my Dad. I nicknamed him “Superman” because he looks like Clark Kent when he goes to work every day but does cycling and triathlons and looks like his super suit. All my friends call him “Atticus” after the main character in To Kill A Mockingbird.

Morgan Bennet

Reyn Robinson My Dad; he supports everything I do and is a great role model.

My dad, who is also my coach, is the biggest influence and inspiration in my life. His coaching style is working with the players he has and adapting the game to them. He does not try to fit people in a place where they cannot put their abilities to full use. He always focuses on the positive aspects of our own team. He says, “They may have this, but we can do this and they can’t.” He reminds us that everyone has strengths, and everyone has weaknesses but that as a team we can overcome anything that we struggle with. Over the years, this made me realize that in life, you have to work with what you have and make the best of it. You almost can change the rules in a sense to fit your strengths. He reminds me that I can use my strengths to adapt to any situation even if at first it seems as though I am outmatched by whatever it is that I am facing.

Now the Challenge: Who will you inspire during your lifetime?