February 2015 Southeast Georgia Edition by ITG Next Magazine

In This Issue:

SOUTHEAST EDITION

08 On the Cover

February 2015

CONTENTS

Southeast Area High Schools

18 Special Feature

Raekwon McMillan 2015 CFP National Champion The Ohio State University

22 Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

Mark Green

Appling County High School

28 Academic Athlete

Daejha White

Ware County High School

34 Rising Star

Jaylin Williams

Brantley County Middle School

40 Most Improved Player

Also Inside Brunswick High School

Bacon County High School

Special Feature: Camden County Wrestling

Pierce County High School

Ware County High School

Bradwell Institute

Wayne County High School

Basketball on the Coast

Carter Malone

Pierce County High School

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February 2015 Publisher

Shawn Smoak

Editors

Mark Dykes Sarah Turner

Graphics

James Washington

Cover Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goat Photography

Feature Photography Andrea Heflin THK Photography

Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography

Feature Writers

John Wood Rob Asbell James Washington

Copy Editor

James Washington

Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak

shawn@inthegamemagazine.com

Mark Dykes

mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Sarah Turner

SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 • Waycross, GA 31502

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com

From the Publisher As we say goodbye to winter, indoor sports are wrapping up, and some of the SEGA teams have had stellar seasons. The Camden County wrestling team won the state title in Class 5A, and both the girls and boys Brunswick High basketball teams enter the state playoffs with perfect region records as they begin their journey towards a state title. Now, it’s time to say hello to spring, so get up and go outside and play. Baseball, golf, soccer, tennis, and track are kicking off all over SEGA. Do yourself a favor and get out and take in a high school sporting event of your choice today. Talent is plentiful on the hardwood of SEGA, and this month we take a look at some of the finest student-athletes from our area. Take a look at these four talented hoop players from the coast. Colt Yawn of Brantley County, Roger Davis of Brunswick High, Logan Ballard of Camden County, and Trevon Scott of McIntosh County Academy are elite players who will have an impact as they carry their talents to the collegiate ranks. If you are knocking on the door of scoring 1000 points in your high school career, you’ve had quite a run. Ware County senior Daejha White is just that type of player, with special skills both on the court and in the classroom. Coach Lingenfelter feels Daejha’s academic ability helps her on the court and says her knowledge of the game may be her greatest asset to the team. Affectionately known as “Daye Daye”, she has plans to become a clinical social worker after college. Pierce County’s Carter Malone is somewhat of a “Renaissance man”. He’s gone from winning only one match his first season wrestling to being one of the best wrestlers to come through the program at Pierce County. Along the way, he’s carried a 4.0 in the classroom, played defensive line for Coach Sean Pender on the football team, and is an Eagle Scout.

Area Schools

SOUTHEAST EDITION

Appling County Pirates Bacon County Red Raiders Bradwell Institute Tigers Brantley County Herons Brunswick Pirates Camden County Wildcats Charlton County Indians Frederica Academy Knights Glynn Academy Red Terrors Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets Liberty County Panthers Long County Blue Tide McIntosh County Buccaneers Pierce County Bears Ware County Gators Wayne County Yellow Jackets

Contributors

Coach, teacher, and coordinator, Appling County’s wrestling coach Mark Green wears many hats. He’s seen the wrestling program grow over the past several years and credits the community and administration at Appling for its success. Coach Green has coached Damarko Dixon, a back-to-back state champion for the Pirates. Dixon’s accolades have helped bring exposure to the program, which is vital to moving it forward. If you’ve had the pleasure of watching a Brantley County Middle School basketball game you’ve had the privilege of seeing a young superstar in the making. Jaylin Williams is the real deal on the basketball court. Already 6’5”, the eighth-grader averaged 22 points per game this season and is already grabbing the attention of scouts before setting foot on a high school court. Look for big things from this young phenom.

Shawn Smoak,

We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We are always open to suggestions, as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine. Please visit our Website at www.inthegamemagazine.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ inthegamemagazine. Join us every Thursday evening live from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as we broadcast live “In the Game on Radio” on WWUF 97.7 FM, or stream the show live on www.waycrossradio.com. We have an excellent opportunity for fundraising, whether for your sports team, organization or booster club. Please give us a call at 888-715-GAME, or email us at info@ inthegamemagazine.com for details. While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.

John Wood,

Southeast Georgia Publisher

Features & Commentary

Rob Asbell,

Features & Specials

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In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published monthly excluding July. 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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Player Spotlight

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Basketball on the Coast Southeast Area High Schools by Rob Asbell

photography by Jeffrey Griffith

They are among the best and most sought after players in the state of Georgia. After years of playing in the shadows of metro-Atlanta and Savannah schools, some of the top talent in the state can now be found running the courts in southeast Georgia. Roger Davis has helped the Brunswick Pirates claim a spot among the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top-10 teams. McIntosh County Academy has Trevon Scott, one of the top high school players in the nation. In Nahunta, Colt Yawn is lighting up the scoreboard for Brantley County, and down south in Camden County, Logan Ballard is slapping them away and slamming them home. ITG

Roger Davis Brunswick High School Senior 6’6” Guard/Forward

he Brunswick Pirates are ranked in the state’s Top-10, and 6’6” senior Roger Davis is one of the reasons why. “He has a big presence because he can do so many things on the court,” said Brunswick basketball coach Chris Turner. Davis is one of the most skilled players in the country, according to ihigh.com. He has the ability to shoot, run, and make quick decisions, and he has a high basketball IQ. He is extremely quick and can get open and shoot from anywhere on the floor. His play at the other end of the court earned him 2014 Defensive Player of the Year honors in a region that included state champion Tift County. Davis has garnered a lot of accolades during his high school and AAU playing career. Last year alone, he was a Georgia Athletic Coaches Association All-Star selection, was selected to the All Region 1-AAAAAA Tournament team, the Tift County McDonald’s Invitational All-Tournament Team and the Memorial Hospital Savannah Classic All-Tournament team. A team-oriented player, he says his biggest accomplishment came as a freshman when he was a member of the Pirates’ 2012 Region Championship team. In his sophomore year, he had 20 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks, and five assists in the region championship loss to Tift. His first big play came also came against the future state-champion Blue Devils when Davis blocked a dunk attempt by 6’6” Donnell Tuff and then went back on the offensive where he hit a three-pointer with future Kansas Jayhawk Brannen Greene defending him. “It was at that moment I knew I could compete with the best in the country,” he said. It was also when Coach Turner knew he could run with the big boys. One of the things he had to learn was how to become a complete player in spite of his height. “I am from South Georgia, and if you are taller than 6’0” you are a post player,” he said. “They don’t want to see you dribble or shoot the three pointer.” Davis worked with coaches who taught him how to put the ball on the floor like

a guard. Coach Turner says Davis has become a great post player, but he has been able to expand to the high post and even the three. Because he has such a wide variety of skills, he causes matchup problems for other teams. When he is not on the court, Davis is watching game film to improve himself. “I go the YMCA at least four times a week to train individually,” Davis said. “That’s when I can focus on different aspects of my game and the opposition.” For now, Davis is concentrating on getting a scholarship offer from one of the two dozen schools looking at him. The idea of playing basketball professionally is not off the table, but it is not a high priority. “That road is long and well traveled and a lot of guys don’t make it,” he said. “I will focus on my education and basketball will be the vehicle to get me there.”

First time you dunked in a game: An AAU tournament in Jacksonville in the eighth grade. Favorite player: Kevin Durant Career plan: Sports Medicine 9

Logan Ballard

Camden County High School Junior 6’9” Power Forward

e’s one of the “Twin Towers” in the middle for the Camden County Wildcats’ basketball team. At 6’9”, junior power forward Logan Ballard is more than just a big man. He is turning heads throughout southeast Georgia with his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. He is quick and has good range that really stretches opposing defenses. “His defensive presence and his ability to shoot from 16 to 19 feet from the basket is where he stands out,” said Camden County head coach Billy Moore, who has coached Ballard the past three years. Ballard has helped the Wildcats to 13 victories in their first 17 games this season. “Lo,” as he is known to teammates, did not start playing basketball until 2010, opting instead for baseball until making the switch. Now, he plays on the Wildcats’ team with his brother, Spencer, a senior who is also a skilled player, standing 6’7” at center and forward. “It is great when we are on the court together, we know what the other is going to do,” Logan said. “We have that connection.” The Ballard boys have helped Camden County to resurgence in its basketball program. Logan Ballard’s first big play came while playing AAU ball as a freshman, when he dunked on an opposing player and then made the “and one” free throw. Just before Christmas in 2013, Ballard scored the 100th point on the board for the Wildcats, which is a rare accomplishment in high school, where triple-digit outcomes are few and far between. “Logan is a very solid player and brings a lot to every game,” Coach Moore said. He credits his high school and AAU coaches for influencing him as a player and a person, but says the person that really encourages him, especially from the stands, is his dad, Dean Ballard. Logan works hard to improve himself as a player, giving his all during games and practices and adding extra workouts during off days.

First time you dunked in a game: At a basketball camp, I got a wide-open two hander. Favorite player: Hakeem Olajuwon Career plan: Engineering 10

Ballard is not only a big man on the court. In the classroom he holds down a 4.25 grade point average and hopes to get a scholarship to a major college after graduation. If all goes well, he will become an engineer one day. He is currently being looked at by Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, although scouts say he will be getting many more looks following his junior season. “I think Logan will be very good at the next level,” Coach Moore said. “He continues to get bigger, stronger, and quicker as well as continuing to improve his skills.” That shouldn’t be a problem for Ballard, who works year-round on his game. But his favorite part is the camaraderie. “Being a part of a team,” Logan said. “Making a difference in a game.”

Trevon Scott McIntosh County Academy Senior 6’7” Forward

ne of the most heavily recruited basketball prospects in the state, if not the country, Trevon Scott, or “Tre,” as he is known, is a power forward/ small forward for Coach Ron Austin’s McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers in Darien. A standout since his freshman year, Scott has already signed a national letter of intent to play with the University of Cincinnati Bearcats next year. The 6’7” power forward/ small forward has the ball-handling skills of a guard and the rebounding ability of a center. He was recruited by Georgia, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and several other schools before deciding on Cincinnati. “I like their program and coaching staff,” he said. “I feel I would be a good fit in their system.” Scott was the Region Player of the Year his junior season and averaged 22.3 points, 13.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game at MCA. Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin was impressed with Scott’s ability to pass and shoot, but also likes his ability to block shots and defend guards. At MCA, Coach Austin said Scott adds athletic ability to the team. He is impressed with his all-around ability to play the game, his understanding of how the game is played, and his work ethic on and off the court. He was First-Team All-Region in ninth and tenth grade, and he was the MVP of the North/South All-Star game his junior year. He is a McDonald’s All-American nominee this year and was also named All-Region in football last season. He says his biggest basketball accomplishment has been being able to use it to get a free education. His ultimate dream, however, would be to hear his name called on draft day. Should he continue to improve, that could very well become a reality one day. His first big play came while he was playing AAU ball in sixth grade and got his first dunk. His biggest game was a 29-point, 20-rebound effort. “Tre’s strongest part of his game is his ability to run the floor and his ability to see what’s happening when he is on the court,” Coach Austin said. Scott started playing sports when he was four years old: football, basketball

and T-ball. He continued playing football and basketball through middle school and played basketball all four years in high school. In addition to team practices, Scott has put in workouts with Jesse Fleming since eighth grade, and he watches and learns from college and pro players. His favorite part of the game is the excitement of two teams going at it on the floor. “It’s all about being competitive and winning,” he said. At home, Scott has twin sisters, Jada and Jadyn, who also play basketball, along with parents Eddie and Anitra Scott. “They support me in every way. They let me know my good as well as my bad,” Tre said. “They push me to do and be the best on and off of the court.”

First time you dunked in a game: Sixth grade at an AAU tournament Favorite player: Kevin Durant Career plan: Geography 11

Colt Yawn

Brantley County High School Senior 5’10” Guard

lthough he is just under six feet tall, Colt Yawn can do incredible things on a basketball court. “I’m amazed how the kid can jump for his size,” said Brantley County head basketball coach Tripp Herrin. “I have seen him dunk a ball.” And the 5’10” Yawn has the YouTube videos to prove

it.

Next year he will take his talents to Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus. He caught the eye of several college scouts with his quickness and ability to play above his height, sometimes rebounding over opponents as tall as 6’3”. He is also an outstanding ball-handler, constantly looking to penetrate the defense off the dribble. The senior point guard is a strong shooter from anywhere on the court and is a top free-throw shooter. “Georgia Southwestern will be an adjustment for Colt,” Coach Herrin said. “But he will make the adjustment and will be an asset to the team.” Yawn was named First-Team All-Region as a junior, averaging 19 points, four assists, and two steals per game. In addition to basketball, Yawn also walks the links for the Herons’ golf team. He is also a straight-A student with a 4.0 grade point average. He would like to major in exercise science and then pursue a career in physical therapy helping athletes. Coach Herrin recalls a game during Yawn’s sophomore year in which he led a fourth quarter comeback against New Hampstead of Savannah at home. Yawn recalls the game, too with more detail. “I made three consecutive threes to put us ahead, and we went on to win the game,” he said. Yawn’s most memorable game, however, was against the Toombs County Bulldogs. “I scored 41 points in a region contest against Toombs County,” he said. “We were tied at halftime and with help from my teammates, I scored 29 in the second half to pull out the win.” Yawn’s athletic career did not start on the basketball court. Instead, it began in competitive gymnastics.

“I took it for four years, won state championships three years and placed top three in AAU Nationals twice, winning over 100 medals in all,” he said. He quit gymnastics to play basketball and football in the recreation leagues. He started to shine in middle school, developing his basketball skills along with playing football and tennis where he won the region championship in eighth grade. Once he reached high school, he started working to improve. “I’ve dedicated myself to getting better, including individual workouts everyday at the local gym,” he said. He practices either ball-handling or shooting with both hands nearly every day. “He is the hardest worker I have ever seen in 20 years of coaching high school basketball,” Coach Herrin said. “His training, workouts, and love for the game have an effect on the entire team.” The players have worked harder over the past few years, largely in part to Yawn’s influence and leadership.

Have you ever dunked in a game? Not yet Favorite player: Stephen Curry Career plan: Exercise science and then pursue a career in physical therapy helping athletes. 12

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Pirates A New Pirate at the Helm by Rob Asbell

At a public introduction event on January 28, Brunswick High School’s new coach, Larry Harold, said the type of football he is bringing to the Pirates is going to be fastpaced and aggressive. “It’s going to be instant excitement,” he said. Harold, formerly of Macon County, was officially announced as the new head football coach at Brunswick High School. “He’s one of the top young coaches in the state,” said Glynn County Athletics Director Steve Waters during the introduction. Harold spent the last three years as head coach and athletic director at Macon County High School in Montezuma, where he had a 19-15 record with playoff appearances all three years. The team had won just six games in the three years before Harold arrived at Macon County. This past season, the Bulldogs went 9-3, making it to the second round of the AA playoffs before falling to Lovett. They also claimed the Region 4-AA championship with a perfect 5-0 record, and Harold was named Region Coach of the Year. Harold will move from Montezuma, approximately 25 miles southwest of Perry, and will also move from a Class AA school approximately one-fourth the size of Brunswick’s 1,700 student population. Harold, who is 6’4” and 290 pounds, says he likes seeing players who are bigger than he is, especially on the offensive line, referring to Brunswick’s rising junior D’ante Demery. He also likes to run multiple offenses. “It will be a spread, fast-paced and no huddle,” he said. Passing will be a big part of the offense, and he will work with rising sophomore Randon Jernigan to increase the number of throws he makes per game. Last year at Macon County, Harold had sophomore Khari Lane, a pocket-style quarterback who threw for over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. Harold describes his defense as an “aggressive 3-4 attacking scheme,” but he has switched to a 4-4 to fit the personnel he has playing. The star of the Bulldogs’ defense was senior linebacker Roquan Smith, who was sought by several Division I schools. Harold will bring with him two defensive

coaches: Kurt Williams, who was his defensive coordinator at Macon County, and Tywanois Lockett, who coaches linebackers at Burke County. The team’s motto will be “One vision, one mission, three goals.” According to Harold, those three goals are to win city, win the region, and eventually win a state title. He wants the Pirate Nation to become excited and united and adds that players will also help build community support by doing service projects. Before becoming a head coach, he was the offensive coordinator at Scotlandville High School and Istrouma High School, both in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Harold joked that since both he and Glynn Academy Coach Rocky Hidalgo were originally from “the Pelican State” that they would be brining “some Louisiana flavor to Southeast Georgia.” Once Harold moved to Georgia, he became OC at Campbell High School in Smyrna and Riverdale High School. He has had 41 players sign college scholarships. Harold graduated from Leflore High School in Mobile, Alabama, before attending Southern University in Baton Rouge on a football scholarship. Harold was on three Southwestern Athletic Conference championship teams at Southern and one Black College National Championship team in 1997.

Eighty coaches applied for the job, and Harold was chosen unanimously by a selection committee of current and former school officials and parents. The Pirates finished 6-5 last year, falling in the first round of the state playoffs. They were the fourth seed in Region 3-AAAAA which includes Ware County, Coffee County, Statesboro, Richmond Hill, Effingham County, South Effingham and cross-town rival Glynn Academy.

3/3 at Richmond Hill (6:00) 3/6 at Ware County (6:00) 3/13 vs. Windsor Forest (DH) (4:30) 3/16 vs. Richmond Hill (6:00) 3/20 vs. New Hampstead (DH) (4:30) 3/23 at Brantley County (6:00) 3/27 vs. Thomson (DH) (4:30) 3/30 at Atkinson County (6:00) 4/3 vs. Burke County (DH) (4:30) 4/6 at Brunswick (6:00) 4/10 vs. Liberty County (DH) (4:30) 4/13 at Ware County (Senior Night) (6:00) 4/14 at Camden County (6:00) 4/21 at Appling County (6:00) 4/24 at Central Carrolton (6:00) 4/25 at Heard County (12:00)

On January 12, 2015, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Oregon Ducks, 4220, to claim the first national championship decided under the new College Football Playoff System. The championship is OSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first since 2002 and eighth overall. 18 18 18

Raekwon McMillan A whirlwind year in Buckeye land by John Wood

resh off playing in the Under Armour All-American game, former Liberty County linebacker Raekwon McMillan left the temperate coast of Liberty County to the frozen recesses of the Ohio State University. “He is one of the most respectful young men I have ever been around,” said Panthers offensive coordinator Ryan Glazer. “His physical abilities have come from hard work, but what is most impressive about him is his maturity and the way he presents himself.” Appearing on In the Game’s cover in September 2013, McMillan was awarded the Okefenokee Technical College Defensive Player of the Year on the same day of his nationally-covered signing ceremony. McMillan graduated Liberty County High School early and went on to Ohio State for the spring semester. Arriving in Columbus, the campus was closed because of a typical January snowstorm. That was about 13 months ago, and what a difference a year has made for McMillan. “Ultimately it was the best decision I made, no matter what

photography provided by The Ohio State University

school I would have chosen,” McMillan said. “It helped me get onto the field sooner by getting acclimated to classes without having our actual season in the way.” Every college defensive coordinator and head coach had McMillan on their radar because of his sheer size and speed. McMillan is also surprised at the major changes in his size after a year in the Ohio State football program. “The biggest noticeable change over this past year has been my body,” he said.” “Coming in, I was 248 with 15 percent body fat, and now I am 239 with only 8 percent body fat. Coach Mick Marotti has changed my body and it has allowed me to improve on the field also. Some of the increases that I have noticed for myself are my ability to change direction and explosiveness. That comes with training explosive and not using much dead weight.” Enrolling early has also given McMillan the perfect understanding of the term student-athlete. Waking up at six in the morning, players report to the weight room for the morning workout and mandatory breakfast. Finish19

ing up workouts, players get ready for class, which lasts from 9 AM-2:30 p.m. Special teams meetings start at 2:30 p.m. and are followed by practice. Though Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer was recruiting McMillan, his position coach and defensive coordinator Luke Fickell was one of the key selling points to becoming a Buckeye. “I was blessed enough to have a great position coach, Luke Fickell, that trusted me throughout my freshman year and helped me get some in-game and playoff experience,” McMillan said. “This helped my confidence and will help me become a vocal leader this spring.” Everyone knew that McMillan would make an impact this season, and he certainly didn’t waste any playing time on the field, including an interception against Maryland. Playing in some of college football’s greatest venues was certainly not lost on McMillan, as he soaked in the whole experience. “One of my favorite memories about our regular season was going to double overtime with Penn State in the loudest place I have ever been in my life,” McMillan said. “That atmosphere was secondto-none, and we came out the other end as winners.” His jersey number even changed from for special teams purposes, but he will be back to wearing number five next season. Ohio State slowly started to climb the rankings, and when the Buckeyes routed Wisconsin for the Big 10 title, there was little doubt that Ohio State would finish in the top four teams to vie for the first National Championship under the new playoff system. McMillan was certainly familiar with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart ate dinner with McMillan in a final chance to sway him before he signed with the Buckeyes a couple of days later. Ohio State’s win against Alabama shocked the world, setting up the title game between the Buckeyes and Oregon at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. “The fact that I was going to a National Championship didn’t set in until I was boarding the plane on the way to Dallas, it seems to still be unreal what we accomplished during this season,” McMillan said. “When it came to Oregon, we knew that Marcus Mariota was who we had to slow down in order to be successful.” Getting ready for Oregon was no different than any other game. According to McMillan, Coach Meyer teaches players to follow an established routine of doing things the right way. “Mariota was a great player because 20

he doesn’t make many mistakes, and he also doesn’t try to do too much,” McMillan said. “He was one of the most in-control players we played all season. For the game, our team is consisted of small units by position groups. Each unit has their own routine and did it every week, from eating the same meal, wearing the same cleats, to warming up in the same spot. Coach Meyer has this saying that every great player has his routine, and once you find yours, you stick to it and never change.” Post-National Championship there was much debate about where Ohio State and the ascension of the Big Ten versus the fact no SEC team was in the National Championship. Adding in Meyer’s two national titles at Florida, some in the national media began referring to Ohio State as the team in the SEC North. “I wouldn’t call it the SEC north, I call it the Big Ten’s best,” McMillan said. “The Big Ten isn’t talked about when it comes being the best conference because the SEC has been dominating the last decade, but that doesn’t mean that good football isn’t being played throughout the nation.” Early in the recruiting process, McMillan flew under the radar, but once he distinguished himself, people noticed. One of those people was ESPN Recruiting Analyst Tom Luginbill, who had McMillan ranked as the 17th-overall prospect in the ESPN 300. However, McMillan knows that he was blessed and lucky at the same to garner as much attention as he did. “For someone who doesn’t have much exposure, I would tell them to pick camps to showcase your talent, because one set of eyes sees talent it’s hard to overlook no matter where it is,” McMillan said. “A recruit that is signing to a school is under pressure because he wants to go to a school, loves another school and sometimes his parents wants him to go to different from those two. But he has to make the best decision for himself because nobody else is going to be at the school but him at the end of the day.” A year later, with three titles under his belt, McMillan has learned to really enjoy the smaller, more personal things about playing at Ohio State. It’s not dotting the “I” in script Ohio, but it is may be a close second. “My favorite Ohio State tradition has to be the ‘Season Tackle’, when our seniors got to hit the tackling dummy for their last time as a Buckeye,” McMillan said. “Each senior has a underclassman that they have impacted speak on their behalf and tell them how much they appreciated them, this year I got to speak for my brother Curtis Grant.” The Buckeyes are bringing back Big 10 football. Meanwhile, Michigan, which is Ohio State’s mortal enemy, made a big acquisition in the offseason by signing former Wolverine quarterback and 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh. “He is definitely a great coach, his players have to buy into his system and they will be a great team,” McMillan said. “That would ultimately bring the rivalry back to where it used to be.” Battling the Maize and Blue, though always on a Buckeye’s mind, is months away, and currently McMillan is looking forward to a spring allowing him to build off of his performance in the national championship game. Also, his going to have to take a little time for ring sizing, since he is getting three of those from the 2014 season. “We have only seen a sneak peak of our rings, but we all get three,” he said. “Big Ten, Sugar Bowl and National Championship.”

ITG

Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner sponsored by:

Mark Green Appling County High School

Green Keeps Appling Wrestling Moving Forward by John Wood

photography by Andrea Heflin

ppling County head wrestling coach Mark Green has spent the last nine years in the Appling County School System and has enjoyed it, teaching introduction to business & technology (which is the first class that students take in the Business, Management, and Administration Cluster). Besides teaching business, Green also helps to coordinate Appling’s Work-Based Learning Program, and he is also an assistant football coach. During his time at Appling County, Green has seen the wrestling program grow in popularity. He credits the success to an active role played by the community and administration. “It definitely takes a village, a community, to help our wrestling program remain competitive,” he said. “For our program to function financially, our booster club, which is composed of parents and community members, does an excellent job of fundraising, maintaining a positive relationship with our team and administrators, and recognizing our team for their accomplishments.” Appling provides an opportunity for students to succeed in academics and athletics and the collaboration of the community and school, according to Green. “Our principal, Dr. Gene Starr, supports the wrestling program through his presence at meets, sharing our successes on social media and the school website, and provides me with administrative backing as needed,” he said. “ACHS athletic director, JT Pollock, runs an effective weight training program, recruits students to compete in wrestling, and advises me on the setting up and facilitating of matches at our school. We are very fortunate to have a large, diverse group of supporters for the ACHS Wrestling Team.” Though Green has always had an affinity for wrestling, the high school he attended did not have a wrestling program. “In high school, I played middle infielder and outfielder for the baseball team and receiver for the football team,” he said. “Unfortunately at that time, my high school didn’t have a wrestling

program; although, I was interested in that sport too.” One of Green’s greatest influences in coaching was his father, who coached a lot of different sports at different age groups. “Growing up, I saw the joy that he experienced participating in sports and influencing the lives of other people,” he said. “While I was in high school, I was given the opportunity to start my coaching career at the local recreation department. I knew then that coaching was what I was meant to do. Coach Green and Coach Luckie mentored me athletically and personally. After practice each day, they would spend time with me in the weight room. Not only did they coach me on strength and endurance, they coached me on life, which sparked a passion for success and self-fulfillment that I am still striving for today.” While more schools are picking up wrestling, it’s a sport that still requires athletes to do a lot of work on their own through different regional and national organizations. Wrestling is a very technical sport that requires a great deal of wrestling technique, along with tremendous athleticism and strength. Green spends about 75 hours per week teaching and running the wrestling program. He also spends additional time with administrative duties and watching film. “Without the support of my wife, Angela, and our 14-year-old daughter, Jaycee, I would not be able to coach wrestling,” he said. “Thankfully, they love the sport and enjoy traveling with the team. During wrestling season, our family extends to the wrestlers, since we spend most of our time with them. In the event that we get a chance to spend time together without the involvement of the wrestling team, we enjoy hanging out at home, watching movies, going to other sporting events, and entertaining friends and family.” One area that Green has seen improve in wrestling is how much better the coaches are getting and how it is leading to better wrestling programs across the state. “Wrestling coaches have improved over time,” he said. “With

“Growing up, I saw the joy that (my father) experienced participating in sports and influencing the lives of other people. While I was in high school, I was given the opportunity to start my coaching career at the local recreation department. I knew then that coaching was what I was meant to do.” 23

the popularity of the sport, more high school wrestlers have pursued the sport at the post-secondary level and come back to coach at the high school level. This benefits our student-athletes, since they are provided with more knowledge on techniques and the opportunities at the post-secondary level. More wrestling facilities have opened so that student wrestlers can train year-round.” Just like any other sport, a successful wrestling program takes planning and preparation. It’s key to have good assistants, a strong middle school program and AAU/Wrestling USA programs that essentially introduce potential wrestlers to the sport and allow them to learn basic techniques and start to compete in tournaments. “I think the family aspect of wrestling is one of two most undervalued aspect of the sport,” Coach Green said. “It is the only sport where athletes compete against each other, hang out together, and cheer for each other, all at one event. Wrestling fans join together to show support for all of the athletes. Coaches of other teams offer advice for further success to all athletes at the tournament or match. Ultimately, it is such a family atmosphere that is hard to put into words. It is just something that can only be experienced. The second is the fact that this sport offers kids of all sizes a chance to compete. There are no specific requirements to help benefit you in the sport, such as height and size, like in other sports. This in turn, helps keep more kids off the streets, so to speak, and more involved with school activities.” Green understands that coaching is not just about wins and losses. It’s about teaching athletes to be productive citizens and letting them know that you have got their back. Everything else comes naturally. “Wrestling can shape a young person into an outstanding adult,” he said. “The sport builds character, self-discipline, determination, pride, and confidence. It also builds healthy eating and workout habits. In the words of Dan Gable, ‘Once you wrestle, everything else in life is easy’,” Green said. ITG

Bacon County

Raiders

The Raiders are Taking it to the Diamond by Rob Asbell

As basketball season comes to an end, baseball is just getting warmed up with the season set to begin this month. The boys and girls’ basketball teams of Coach Derrick Green continued their seasons in January. The boys started with victories over the Long County Blue Tide, Groves Rebels and Jeff Davis County Yellow Jackets.The Raiders then took on the McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers and University of Cincinnati signee Tre Scott only to fall by one point. That was followed by close losses to the Benedictine Cadets and Vidalia Indians.The Raiders were 7-6 on the season as of midJanuary. Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders have been struggling and are still searching for their first win of the season following several tough losses.

Photos courtesy of Andrea Heflin

Baseball season gets started this month and preparations have started at Bacon County High School where Coach Derek James hopes to improve on last year’s 10-15 mark. “We should have a good season and we should make the state playoffs,” he says. Practice is going on and the season starts February 17 with a home game against Atkinson County. The roster will be filled with sophomores and juniors and only two seniors. “We’re going to have a young roster like we did last year.” The Raiders compete in one of the toughest baseball regions in the state with the defending state champion Benedictine Cadets leading the way. “They have both of their arms coming back this year and should make another serious run,” Coach James says. There are also Jeff Davis County, Long County, Vida-

lia, Metter, Toombs County and Bryan County vying for playoff spots. “Jeff Davis is always strong under Coach Glass and Long County will be strong,” Coach James says. “And Vidalia returns 10-plus seniors.” The Raiders lost their primary pitcher from last season but return several seasoned throwers to help bolster them on the mound. After having only freshman and sophomores pitch last year, the Raiders return a lot of hurlers. Senior Ryan Taylor will fill one of the pitching slots along with junior Dalton Spires who will also see time at shortstop. The other senior on the team is Carl Lee who will start at first base. “The biggest thing is that we build on what we did last year,” Coach James says.

2014-2015 Varsity Baseball Schedule (Remaining) 3/10/15 at Long County 3/11/15 Turner County 3/13/15 Groves 3/17/15 at Vidalia 3/20/15 at Benedictine 3/24/15 McIntosh County Academy 3/27/15 at Jeff Davis 3/31/15 Bryan County 4/3/15 Long County 4/7/15 at Groves 4/8/15 at Treutlen County 4/10/15 Vidalia 4/14/15 Benedictine 4/17/15 at McIntosh County Academy 4/21/15 Jeff Davis 4/23/15 at Bryan County

Academic Athlete sponsored by:

Lady Gator Rules the Courts and Classroom by Rob Asbell

Daejha White

Ware County High School

photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

are County High School senior Daejha White is an all-around honor student-athlete, playing volleyball and basketball for the Lady Gators while holding a 3.5 grade point average in the classroom. “She does well academically, which in turn helps on the court,” said Ware County Girls basketball coach Mandy Lingenfelter. “She has a great knowledge of the game.” In the winter, White is a center and forward on the Lady Gators’ basketball team. She was one of the region’s top post players in 2012-2013. By her junior year, she was Second Team All-Region and was awarded for grabbing the most rebounds. In the fall, she is an outside and middle hitter for the volleyball team, where she was named the team’s Most Improved Player her sophomore year. By her junior season, she was First Team All-Region. She was also voted the Gators’ best offensive player and set a school record for most kills in a single game. At 5’10”, “Daye Daye”, as friends call her, has the height for both sports. She also possesses good hand and eye coordination, footwork, balance, speed, and agility. Coach Lingenfelter has watched White improve over the past four years and says she adds a great presence inside and has the abilities to rebound, block shots, and score in the paint. She was awarded the Most Improved Player plaque for the Lady Gators and attended basketball camp at Reinhardt, where she received the All-Star medal. Unfortunately, White tore her anterior cruciate ligament in the region tournament at the end of last season. “She had 19 points, 17 rebounds, and shot 71 percent from the free throw line before she went down with the ACL tear,” Coach Lingenfelter said. She recovered from the knee injury, but has been limited in action this season since being medically cleared to play. Georgia College is heavily recruiting White, and her coach says she has the skills to play at the next level. She trains in both sports year-round but gets help with

basketball from her family including her parents, Carlos and Chenille White, who make sure she is a student first and an athlete second. “They provide a lot of motivation for me,” she said. “They always tell me to thank God for the talents that He has blessed me with that have provided an opportunity for a great future.” She also gets help from her brothers, Darien “Dee” White, who is now a freshman at Columbus State University and a former Ware County Gator, and younger brother Dominique, who works with her on ways to improve her game beyond being just a post player. She started playing recreation league basketball at eight years old. “I can remember not being able to dribble,” she said. “I was called for several traveling fouls until I learned how to play.” She played in middle school and continued to build her skills, learning ball-handling and rebounding. In high school, White got her first start her freshman year and has steadily improved during her high school career. “I went to high school, I was placed on the varsity girls basketball team and have been a starter since my ninth grade year,” she said. By her sophomore year she was playing more aggressively and was dominating the boards and putting up triple-double games. She recalls being in a do-or-die situation against the Glynn Academy Red Terrors in a

region tournament game. “A teammate shot the ball and missed, and I was able to rebound and score with one-tenth of a second left,” she said. “We won the game by one point.” White’s favorite part of the game is the way the team comes together to build momentum. “The momentum serves as an adrenaline rush, not only for the players, but the crowd as well,” she said. She started playing volleyball her freshman year and made it to the varsity the following season. She started as an outside hitter but moved to middle hitter. “My stats started going up tremendously. I broke our school record for the most kills in a single game and made it on the Wall of Fame,” she said. With the little time she has away from school, studies and practices, White attends church and assists with the ministry. She is an ordinary teenage girl who enjoys shopping and watching “SpongeBob SquarePants.” White is a member of the National Honor Society, successfully completed the graduation test in 11th grade, and completed an advanced placement course in psychology. A member of the A/B honor roll, she is still unsure of where she will attend college, but she would like to major in social work so that she can become a licensed clinical social worker. ITG

Special Feature

Camden Wrestling Clinches Dual Championship by John Wood

amden County wrestling has done it again, capturing their first state dual title since 2012. Coming into the state dual meet, Camden had dominated during the regular season, and after defeating Ware County, 74-0, for its 17th consecutive Area title, the Wildcats headed to the state dual championship with momentum on their side. The Wildcats had finished as a runner-up in recent years in the newly created GHSA AAAAAA classification. Since schools created new regions, Camden County only remained AAAAAA in football, while competing in Class AAAAA in every 30

photography by David Crew

other sport (including wrestling). Coming into the match, Camden faced Woodland Cartersville from Area 7, which earned the number-one overall seed for the AAAAA Dual State championships. Wrestling in one of the toughest and talent-rich areas in the state, Woodland defeated Cass and Creekview to face Jones County in the first round of the state match. Camden knew that they had a tough road ahead of them, but Wilder also knew what the Wildcats had accomplished in the past and how they could draw on that during the state match. Opening with Southwest Dekalb, Camden out-

scored their opponent by a score of 82-0. The Wildcats glided through the opening round of the state duals, forcing 11 pins. Lucas Nelson, Bryce Crew, Jay Sheppard, Tony Abarno, Zion Graham, Anthony Wall, Gabe Smith, Adrian Hughes, Dominique Hargrave, Aaron Galegor, and Bunmi Smith grabbed wins in the second period. Denton Spencerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory was a 14-2 major decision, and Hunter Mako, at 160, and Brian Stanford, at 152, won unopposed. Next up was Cass, which finished second in the Woodland-Cartersville area. While Cass was able to put some points on the board, the Wildcats were

too much for them, winning 48-12. Camden won 11 of its 13 weight classes against Cass. Sheppard, Galegor, Wall, and Smith grabbed first period wins. Mako, at 170, gained a victory in the third period. The rest of the Wildcats wins in the quarterfinals came from Crew (5-2), Hughes (3-0), Spencer (62), Abarno (5-4) at 145, Domonique Hargrave (5-0) at 182, and Bryant Rivers (7-2) at 113. The number-two seeded Wildcats had certainly proved they were worthy of their ranking. With one opponent remaining before the championship match, Camden faced another north Georgia power, Allatoona. Smith gave the Wildcats their first victory in the semifinals, followed by wins from Abarno and Knute Jones. Sheppard led off the second period

with a victory by fall, and 126-pound Hughes (165) and Galegor (12-0) won major verdicts. Smith and Wall both won at 8-4 at their respective weight classes of 160 and 170. Crew (7-3) and Spencer (7-0) had third period wins, and Nelson was unopposed. Defeating Allatoona set up the state championship match against the number-one seeded Woodland-Cartersville. Woodland grabbed an early lead, winning three of the four opening state championship matches. However, Camden would not be denied an opportunity to battle for the championship. Mako, wrestling at 160, squeaked through with a 5-4 victory, which seemingly turned the tide of the match and allowed the Wildcats to change the momentum. Makoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win gave the Wildcats an 18-16

win, and Camden never trailed again. Smith and Galegor notched wins, moving the Wildcats up to 28-19. Wall ended up nailing the door shut, pinning his opponent and creating a lead that Woodland could not overcome. Camden won four dual matches with an overwhelming 55-12 margin. The Wildcats are taking nine sectional champions and five runner-ups for the AAAAA traditional match. Camdenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory marks the first time that a team has won the state dual championship outside of the Metro Atlanta area since 1987. The next goal is another title, as Camden gets ready for the Traditional Area and Traditional State Meet at Gwinnett Arena, taking place Feb. 12-14. ITG

PHOTO CREDIT: JENNIFER CARTER JOHNSON

Pierce County

Bears

Bears Football Banquet by Ivy Young

On Thursday, January 22, the Pierce County Bears football team held its annual banquet. Not only did the Bears celebrate their remarkable season, they celebrated each other’s success. Caleb Turner was awarded Region Player of the Year and was selected as an All-State linebacker. Josh Henderson was the Offensive Player of the Year and an All-State Honorable Mention. Terrell Carter was In The Game’s Offensive Player of the Year, and First-Team All-Region. Marquis Foreman was a FirstTeam All-Region defensive back and an All-State wide receiver. Britt Williamson was a defen-

sive lineman for Region 1-AAA. Rhett Veal received the Coach’s Award, and Madison Tuten received the Senior Award. Coach Sean Pender gives a special thanks to everyone that contributed to the success of the 2014-2015 Bears football team, especially the JV football team and coaching staff for their undefeated season. Pender also thanks the Touchdown Club and Mom’s Club (for decorations and food), Coach Boyett for providing the highlight film, In The Game Magazine for the radio show, and Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography for capturing the memories.

Brantley Middle Big Man Spreads the Love by Rob Asbell

t’s hard to miss Jaylin Williams on the floor for Brantley County Middle School. Standing 6’5”, the eighth-grader towers over the other players. But it is his skill with a basketball that really has people watching. “He sees the floor like a point guard; he blocks shots like a center; he rebounds like a power forward and passes like John Stockton.” said Brantley County Middle basketball coach Randall McCarty. Williams started playing recreation league ball when he was only five years old. He was always the tallest player, and by the time he was 12 years old, he was the only sixth-grader to make the middle school team. By seventh-grade, he was a starter and was the team’s leading scorer last season. “I like to play with guys who are older and more experienced than I am,” Williams said. “Playing with competition that is better than me makes me better. Last year I began playing with an AAU traveling team, and it really benefited my game.” Williams also hit the game-winner against Ware Middle in the 2013 Christmas Tournament. But it wasn’t long after that he had what he considers his biggest basketball accomplishment: dunking. In his first game as an eighth-grader last November, Williams got his first dunk in a game against Jesup’s Martha Puckett Middle School. Ware Middle School also gave him one of his most memorable games in January when he had two dunks and 30 points. But it wasn’t so much for the points he scored, but for what the game did for all of the players. “That really solidified us as a great team,” he said. At that point, the team was a perfect 13-0. Williams has an ability to read opponents and intercept passes that amazes his coaches. Often, those steals are turned into points at the other end of the court. He is a strong rebounder and has learned offensively to return the shot without bringing the ball down. His defense is constantly improving, and he commits few turnovers. He is averaging 22 points per game this season, but BCMS counts on him for more than just scoring. “We also count on his vision of the floor and his keen sense

photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

of how to deliver the ball to the open player,” Coach McCarty said. Brantley County High School head basketball coach Tripp Herrin is looking forward to coaching Williams next season, but not because of his size; after all, 6’5” players are not uncommon in high school. Herrin is also impressed with Williams’ passing ability. Williams is an unselfish player and spreads the ball to his teammates. “He is an absolute fabulous passer of the basketball,” Coach Herrin said. He makes everybody on the team better because of the way he distributes the ball.” Williams inspires confidence in his teammates just by being on the floor with them. He leads by example, and on the rare occasion he is on the bench resting, Williams is one of the more vocal supporters of his teammates. “I can’t say enough about his attitude; it is not one of boasting or self-promotion,” Coach McCarty said. Williams is more than just a top basketball player, he is also an outstanding student. “Teachers brag about his humility and hard work in the classroom,” Coach McCarty said. He was voted as “wittiest” among his classmates and is considered a cut-up with a good sense of humor. He credits his family for inspiring him on and off the basketball court. “Although she has passed away, my Aunt Tammy inspires me; she was my biggest fan,” Williams said. “Most importantly, my mom, she works so hard to provide for me and makes every effort to be at my games even after long days of work. I owe her everything.” Williams dreams of making it to the NBA one day and hitting the game-winner in a four game sweep in the NBA finals. But if that does not happen, he would like to become a college basketball coach or a shoe designer for Nike. Should his basketball talents continue to improve, coaches say he will play at the highest level in the future. “His mental and physical abilities make him a special player, McCarty said. “I expect great things from Jaylin.” ITG

Rising Star

Jaylin Williams Brantley County Middle School

Gators Basketball, Wrestling, and Shooting: Gators Get It Done by Rob Asbell

36, led by 12 points from Jomaya Howard. Coach Joe Eichfeld’s Gators wrestling team qualified for the state dual championships for the fifth year in a row by finishing second in the Region 3-AAAAA dual championships behind eventual state champion Camden County. The Gators were 2-1, defeating the South Effingham Mustangs and Richmond Hill Tigers. Other teams taking part were the Effingham Rebels, Brunswick Pirates, Statesboro Blue Devils and Coffee County Trojans. Following the state duals, Ware County split with two WIldcats’ teams at Valdosta High School. For more information on Gator wrestling, go to www.warecountywrestling.com. Another winter sport has begun, as the Ware County rifle team of Coach Maurice England got off to a fast start. The Gators’ shooters defeated Statesboro, with sophomore Kimberlee Nettles leading the way with 292, a score that has already qualified her for the GHSA State Rifle Championships later this season. The Gators also defeated Southeast Bulloch, with Erik Lee and Kaleb Aldridge firing 287 to lead Ware County.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WARE COUNTY ATHLETIC DEPT.

Mandy Lingenfelter’s Lady Gators basketball team was on fire during January. The Lady Gators defeated Richmond Hill behind Shondell Vickers 16 points. They then downed Statesboro behind Daejha White’s 14 points and 60-percent shooting from the floor to go along with 11 rebounds and four steals. The Lady Gators then fell to South Effingham before defeating the Bradwell Institute Tigers. White had 17 points to lead the way for Ware County. White, returning from a knee injury, has averaged a double-double (14 points, 14 rebounds) in the seven games she has played. Meanwhile, Coach Tre Hill’s basketball team had a tough January. It started out looking good, as the Gators downed Richmond Hill while putting up a season high 82 points. Raekwon Davis had 26 points to lead Ware County. The Gators then took on Statesboro in a region battle that came down to the final second. After the Blue Devils hit a pair of free throws to even the score, Ware County fouled the shooter trying to hit a three and the ensuing free throws won the game 65-63 for Statesboro with 0.3 seconds to play. The boys then fell to South Effingham 71-61 before upending the Pierce County Bears 54 to

Remaining Rifle Team Schedule Feb 5, 2015 Feb 6, 2015 Feb 10, 2015 Feb 13, 2015 Feb 17, 2015 Feb 20, 2015 Feb 25, 2015 Feb 27, 2015 Mar 6, 2015

vs. Brunswick @ 5:00 vs. Savannah High School @ 5:00 vs. Glynn Academy @ 5:00 vs. Groves @ 5:00 vs. Bradwell Institute @ 5:00 vs. Windsor Forest @ 5:00 vs. Benedictine @ 5:00 vs. St. Vincents @ 5:00 vs. Bradwell Institute @ 5:00

**All competitions take place at the Ware County Rifle Range.

Most Improved Player