June 2015 Southeast Georgia Edition by ITG Next Magazine

CONTENTS Southeast Georgia Edition

www.inthegamemagazine.com

June/July 2015

Athletes 06 Cover 10

Bogeys to Birdies

Player Spotlight Perfect on the Pitch Southeast Georgia Area Soccer Standouts

Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner DeAndre Davis Bradwell Institute

Rising Star Latreona Holmes Ware County Middle School

Most Improved Player Alyisha Anderson Liberty County High School

Academic Athletes Lee Bennett and Matthew Grieco Pierce County High School

Special Feature Alexus Shaw Pierce County High School

Ware County Girls Golf

Also Inside: Pierce County High School................16 Bacon County High School..................19 J.D. Paul Tribute...............................22 Arthur Williams Middle School...........31 Ware County High School...................37 BJI Editorial........................................39 Wayne County High School................44

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Student-Athletes Fight the Heat in Preparation for the Fall John Wood, Features & Commentary

Summer is upon us in SEGA, and along with the beautiful bright sunshine comes the all but unbearable, oppressive heat. While writing this, I believe we’ve hit triple digits for the third straight day. However, the heat hasn’t stopped our student-athletes from preparing for the fall. You hear it all the time from coaches; victories are not achieved in the fall, victories are earned in the offseason. The United States women’s World Cup team has the entire nation buzzing with hopes of winning a title. Frederica Academy’s very own Morgan

Contributors Publisher Shawn Smoak Editors Mark Dykes Sarah Turner Graphics James Washington Cover Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography Feature Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goat Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography Feature Writers John Wood Rob Asbell John DuPont Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@inthegamemagazine.com Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Website Manager Sarah Turner 4

June/July 2015

Brian is part of that team aiming for the top. Right here at home, the region continues to produce elite soccer talent from the Golden Isles. This month’s Player Spotlight takes a look at four of SEGA’s finest to take to the pitch in 2015. Abby Slattery, Enrique Powers, Larkin Stroud, and Frankie Vargas all have dreams of playing for a World Cup title one day. Pierce County won Region 1-AAA and finished as State runner-up this season in men’s golf. Two of the main reasons for that success are highlighted as this month’s Academic Athletes. Mathew Grieco and Lee Bennett were leaders on the course as well, as in the classroom, all year. Both young men were honor graduates, and both will be taking their golf talents on to the next level. I’m sure you’ve heard the song by DJ Khaled, “All I Do is Win.” Well, that should be the theme song for Bradwell Institute’s men’s track coach DeAndre Davis. He’s been the head track coach at BI for eight years and has won seven Region Championships, and he’s done it against some of the toughest competition in the state. Like the song says, “and they stay there.” Softball in the fall, basketball in the winter, track in the spring. I’d say our Rising Star, Ware Middle’s Latreona Holmes, has a full calendar. You don’t have to ask very many people to know what a fantastic student-athlete she is, with a work ethic second-to-none. Look for big things in Latreona’s future. Alyisha Anderson of Liberty Coun-

ty works as hard in the classroom as she does in the weight room. Evidently she’s a fan of mathematics, because she’s created her own formula to success, Leg strength + good technique = Distance. That’s a winning formula, and her marked improvement over her freshman season proves it. I was always told to “plan your work, and work your plan.” Sounds like Alyisha is on the right track, in more ways than one. 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 studentathlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.

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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June/July 2015

by John Wood photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

Anyone who has seriously played the game of golf understands the intricacies of a game that beckons its committed followers to embrace its formality, grace, and storied past. Most of the players on Ware County’s Lady Gators state championship team grew up hitting balls in their backyards under their watchful eyes of their fathers, grandfathers, and coaches. Some started to play the game when the clubs were as tall as they were, but as they continued to brush irons through grass, they learned to strike the dimpled white golf ball into the air with perfect flight. Everyone of these girls – Bailey Buie, Megan Carter, Sutton Rollins, and Kylie Wheeler – are definitely good Georgia girls. While they all love bushy-haired Bubba Watson and the genuine, confident Jordan Speith, the girls have immense respect for greats like Arnie and the Golden Bear.

hile these ladies embrace the past and certainly dream about playing storied courses, it will be the memories of Maple Ridge Golf Club, where they finished the 2015 season as GHSA Class AAAAA Girls State Golf Champions, that they remember for the rest of their lives. Hole eight at Maple Ridge has trees to the right with an uphill flight path into the fairway, and Bailey Buie’s second shot was one that set her up with an opportunity for a birdie putt, which she sank. “Playing number eight was one of my favorite memories of the championship,” Buie said. “I did not play well through the first seven holes, and on hole eight I sunk a 25-foot putt for birdie. That putt gave me the boost of confidence I needed and helped me find my rhythm.” Buie found consistency, and freshman teammate Sutton Rollins rolled in a birdie on the final hole to give the Lady Gators a tenshot win for the championship over Dalton. Longtime Ware County girls and boys golf coach Tony Wheeler knew that this could be a special season. This was his 15th year coaching golf, spending the first 11 at Ware County Magnet (before it closed) and the last four years at Ware County High School. “It really was not this golf season that I realized we could win a state championship,” Coach Wheeler said. “We finished third in the state last year, and I really didn’t think we played as good as we could have in the state tournament. I also knew Sutton was coming up from eighth grade, and she has a good golf game. When the state tournament was over last year, my vision became to win the state championship this year. The one key to all of this was, we had to improve and work hard.” Region 3-AAAAA is one of the absolute toughest football regions in the state. Golf can also make that claim, and Ware’s girls found

On the Cover

Bogeys to Birdies

themselves battling against a perennial golf power, Glynn Academy, in the Red Terror Ryder Cup, which foreshadowed events to come. “Bailey Buie and Megan Carter were just tremendous,” he said. “It was a two-person scramble, and they won the tournament with a 64. They were four shots ahead of the field. The weather was just awful. The wind chill hovered around 40 degrees, the wind blew at gusts over 30 miles an hour, and it was misting rain. They were so focused, and on about the fifth hole, I really thought they would win.” Georgia golf legend Bobby Jones once said that ninety percent of competitive golf is played between the ears. Wheeler saw that kind of complete mental focus from his team at the regional tournament at Pine Lakes at Jekyll Island. “Sutton Rollins and Kylee Wheeler both had one hole left, and were playing very well,” Coach Wheeler said. “Sutton stood on the tee box and blasted a hybrid right down the middle, with water on the left, to make a par and shoot her career low, which was an even par 72. Kylee had the same scenario almost. She was struggling breathing and was so nervous on the last hole. She hit a shot in the water, but made a great bogey to shoot 82; which was her career low. The key to this was, I knew we were getting better, and that was the main thing. I tell them we have to be good one day, and it is at the region tournament. If we advance, then we have to be good one more day. Though they won the championship as team, golf is an individual sport.” Serious golfers have no offseason; even if they are playing other sports for the school, they will still play tournaments in the summer and fall when their schedule permits. The driving range and the putting green is as important to become an accomplished golfer as the free throw line to a great basketball player. “I coach the boys and girls golf teams, and I think my favorite June/July 2015

In the Game

memory is just seeing the improvement from start to finish in 16 weeks,” Coach Wheeler said. “I know that might sound strange, but some of these kids have improved so much in a short amount of time. As we go throughout a season, they learn strengths and weaknesses of their game. As they go along and work at that, their confidence grows and grows. I know these kids are state champions and that says a lot; but their character and integrity are state-champion material too. I have really good kids and that is such a bonus.” This championship was even made more special because Wheeler’s daughter, Kylie, was on the team, and she will always remember coming off number 18 and receiving a huge bear hug from her dad. Senior Bailey Buie will be playing golf for Armstrong State University next year, but nothing will ever top her memory of experiencing the championship with her dad. “My true favorite memory of that day would be looking at my dad after we realized we had won,” Buie said. “I remember that moment so vividly. My dad has taught me everything I know about golf. And in that moment, we looked at each other, and I knew that all the practices, all the swings, everything that we had worked for lead to this moment had paid off.” Excellence in athletics is the standard at Ware County. From the 10-0 regular season region champion Gators football

team led by first year head coach Franklin Stephens to every other sport, Ware County sets the pace. Attributes simply make Wheeler’s job, purpose, and vision stronger and clearer. Not to mention fun. “I know all coaches want to win a state championship, and they know the hard work it takes to just have a chance to compete at that level,” Coach Wheeler said. “Coaches normally coach multiple sports, and I think they take that to whatever sport they coach. I would like to thank a lot of people. Thanks to Okefenokee Country Club and its members for allowing us to play and practice out there. Mike Ranew has been great to us. I would like to thank Mr. LeBrun (superintendent), Dr. Tim Dixon, and David Shields for allowing us to travel and play a full schedule. Some administrations at school will not allow that. They have been so supportive in allowing us to do our own thing. I would like to thank our Athletic Department and Booster’s Club for financial support. We also have businesses and people in the community that have been supportive with donations. I would like to thank our parents for supporting their kids all year. I would like to thank my wife because she has sacrificed so much for me to coach. Most of all, I would like to thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to work and coach kids that are just fun to be around and that have good morals. We are truly blessed to be the Class AAAAA State Champions.” ITG

**Area head coaches and key players from area teams will address the crowd and the media regarding the upcoming season**

Come be a part of all the action! www.seapalms.com

Contact Shawn Smoak at shawn@inthegamemagazine.com for more information

Player Spotlight

Perfect on the Pitch

Southeast Georgia Soccer Stars

by Rob Asbell photography by Jeffrey Griffith

Inthegamemagazine.com

June/July 2015

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y the time they are old enough to walk, they are kicking a ball. Before long, a soccer ball is bouncing off of their knees and then their head, until one day they are playing in a game and put the ball in the back of the net for a goal. The life of a soccer standout starts young; as early as the age of three for some. Then, they play organized soccer with coaches, who teach them proper form. Later, it becomes a year-round sport with traveling clubs and camps. But every time they score a goal, it all seems worth it. “I do not remember my first goal from my entire soccer career, but I remember some of my favorites,” said Camden County’s Abby Slattery. Like her first high school goal, for example, which came on a breakaway

during a scrimmage against Glynn Academy. She beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one showdown. “Everyone was cheering my name and was so excited,” she said. Soccer can sometimes move pretty fast, and it is tough to keep your mind one step ahead of your opponent. Brunswick’s Enrique Power tries to live in the moment so that everything comes naturally; a sentiment shared by Slattery who says she sometimes “overthinks” games. For all who play, there is a sense of camaraderie on the pitch. “We grow together, we win together, we lose together, we fight for each other together, we do fitness together and we laugh together,” said Glynn Academy’s Larkin Stroud. She is among four Southeast Georgia standouts featured in “Perfect on the Pitch.” ITG

Abby Slattery Camden County High School Coach: Pam Agler

Class Senior Position Center Midfielder Fast Fact Slattery started playing soccer when she was 6-years-old and played through Camden County recreational sports. Classroom Clout Slattery has a 4.95 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society, National Hispanic Honor Society, Senior Beta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Connections Club and HERO Club. She has won the Wellesley Women’s Book Award, Georgia Certificate of Merit, Superintendent’s Award, Rotary Club Award, Camden County 2015 Youth Civility Award and she is an Advanced Placement Scholar . Most Memorable Match “My most memorable high school game was last year when we beat Glynn Academy for the first time. Every year, since I was a freshman, they destroyed us, and finally we had our comeback. It was a hard fought game, as it always is against Glynn, but that made the victory so much more meaningful.” On the Pitch “My favorite part of the game is the team aspect of it. When you are on the field, regardless of your conflicts off the field and all the differences that you and the other girls may have, you are a team. The shared goal brings everyone together in a way that could never be described.” College plans: “I plan to attend Georgia Southern University to major in Early Childhood Education and will be a member of the Honor’s Program. I do not plan on playing for the school, but instead would like to play club ball.” What goes through your mind the first time you get the ball in a match? “Honestly, a lot of the time, when I am having an off game, it is because I overthink things. I think about not messing up. I think about who I am going to play the ball to. I think about every minute detail. But to me, when I’m having a good game, it is because I stop thinking and just start playing for the fun of it.”

Coach Agler on Abby Slattery “Abby has been a positive role model on the varsity team ever since her freshman year. Her work ethic is incredible. Her passion for the game is infectious and helps to raise the level of play to others around her. She is a leader on and off the field and I have been extremely fortunate to have her as a member of my team for four years.” 12

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Class Junior Position Center Midfielder/Left Midfielder

Enrique Power Brunswick High School

Coach: Andrew Madden

Fast Fact Power was born in Baracoa, Cortes, Honduras and moved to Brunswick when he was six years old. Classroom Clout Power holds a 3.8 grade point average and is a member of the journalism club, plays travel soccer for Coastal Outreach Soccer, and is a member of the Pirates’ cross country team. Power was invited to Brunswick’s Honor Society program, he has won the Katz-Whittle Golden Rule Award twice, and has been awarded the President’s Education Award, A-B honors Award, and Good Citizen Award. First Goal “The first goal that I can remember was when I was six years old. The goalie passed me the ball while I was playing centerback. I dribbled the whole length of the field to our goal, I juked out the goalie and walked to the goal and scored.” Most Memorable Match “My favorite match was a region match against Valdosta High School while it was raining. The last five minutes of the game we were tied 1-1. My teammate, Stevie Minto, passed me the ball and I took a shot from 40 yards out and scored the winning goal.” On the Pitch “My favorite part of the game is the complexity. You can’t just pick up a soccer ball and become good at it. You have to train your mind and body to advance to the next level.” College plans: “My dreams for the future are to attend a college preferably in Georgia and play college soccer. I plan to major in Foreign Language; I hope to become a Spanish teacher.”

Coach Madden on Enrique Power “Enrique is one of the integral parts of our team. As an attacking midfielder, playing primarily in the center, everything flows through him. He still has areas to work on that will make him a more complete midfielder, but he was easily our most important piece. Also, his recovery runs and defensive play are aggressive and well-timed, exactly what you want in a central midfielder. His qualities as a person far outweigh his soccer abilities, thoughhe’s the kind of kid you hope your own grown up to be like. As a father, that’s the highest compliment I can give him.” June/July 2015

In the Game

Frankie Vargas Wayne County High School

Coach: Darryl Mosley

Class Senior Position Left Wing

Fast Fact Frankie started playing soccer at the age of six. “I first started playing at the recreation center and ended up playing Division One club soccer.” First Goal “My first goal was when I was six years old in recreation league. It felt great scoring. It’s a feeling I can’t describe.” Favorite Part of the Game “My favorite part of the game is when you do something creative to help your team score.” On the Pitch “When I get the ball, first thing that runs in my mind is first look up and beat the first player in front of you.” College plans: “I haven’t decided where I want to play, but I will be part of the team at either Coker or LaGrange. I am planning to be an engineer.”

Coach Mosley on Frankie Vargas “Frankie is an outstanding young man. Frankie has incredible touch on the ball and explosive left foot. Frankie is a very positive person and always has a great attitude, even at practice and in games where the outcome is not in our favor. Frankie’s calm demeanor and constant smile are very reassuring to his younger teammates. Frankie is one of the quiet leaders on our team.” Inthegamemagazine.com

June/July 2015

Class Senior Position Center Midfielder

Larkin Stroud Glynn Academy

Coach: Tom Lemmon

Fast Fact Stroud started playing soccer at three years old for the Golden Isles Soccer Association on Jekyll Island. Classroom Clout Stroud maintains a 4.23 grade point average and is ranked in the top 20 in her graduating class at Glynn Academy. Stroud is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council and Pirates of the Spanish Main. She has been on the All A Honor Roll all four years and a Rotary Club Student of the Month. Most Memorable Match “My most memorable match in high school was last year when we played Richmond Hill for a second time. We had played them earlier in the season and lost 2-1. Because of our loss, they were number one in the region and we were number two. When we played them the second time we knew we had to win by at least two goals to secure our spot as region champions. At halftime we were down 0-2. We had to get at least four goals to win the region. At the beginning of second half a girl on my team got a goal. We were down 1-2 with a majority of the half remaining. Our team stepped it up and I ended up scoring four more goals to win the game 5-2. It was by far the best high school game of my career. Unforgettable.” What goes through your mind the first time you get the ball in a match? “My first thought is probably to try to get the ball up the field to a teammate, but I am also thinking and hoping that everyone is ready to play and has their head in the game. I am a lot less selfish now that I am a captain, it’s my team so I have to constantly be aware of the other 10 players on the field that are on my team.” College plans: Stroud will be attending the University of Georgia in the fall and will play club soccer at UGA.

Coach Lemmon on Larkin Stroud “When Larkin steps on the field you as a coach know that she is going to give 110 percent. She is a huge asset to the Glynn Academy Lady Terrors soccer program and will be greatly missed, she is a goal scorer who also has great vision on the field and can play the ball to teammates in the tightest spots for them to score.” June/July 2015

In the Game

Pierce County High School Blackshear, Ga.

Girls Golf Places Fourth in State The Pierce County girls’ golf team competed in the GHSA Girls AAA State Golf Championship in Roswell, Georgia on May 18th. Hosting the tournament was Blessed Trinity at Horseshoe Bend Country Club (Roswell). The Lady Bears placed fourth out of 18 teams. The Lady Bears totaled a team score of 287. Leading the Lady Bears were freshman Kayla Petrowicz with a 93, junior Natalee Boatright with a 96, sophomore Anna Tiller with a 98, and sophomore Terissa Hughes with a 102. I am so proud of these girls. We had two long rain delays that lasted for about an hour or longer apiece, and I never heard a complaint. We were all very tired and hungry, but the fight I saw in these girls through all the negativity was rewarding to me as a coach. I have had the opportunity to be around such an amazing group of girls this season. We have come a long way, and we still have more to go to achieve all of our goals in the future. The Lady Bears tied for 10th place in the GHSA State Tournament in the 2014 season last year (first time breaking 300 in Pierce County with the new GHSA player numbers). In the 2015 season, the Lady Bears have clawed their way to fourth place, shooting 10 strokes better than last year. We have a very young team. I am not graduating any seniors, and I look forward to see how my girls compete in offseason junior tournaments in preparation for next season. We are getting better each year with added talent, hard work, and good attitudes. I am excited to see what God has in store for us in years to come, but today, I am a very proud and excited coach.

(From left) Natalee Boatright, Kayla Petrowicz, Anna Tiller, Terissa Hughes, and Amber Matthews

Boys Finish Second at State Golf Tournament

The PCHS boys golf team, champions of Region 1-AAA (as were the PCHS Lady Bears), acquitted themselves quite well at the GHSA State Tournament May 18, bringing home second place. PCHS fired a team score of 304, finishing just behind Blessed Trinity, which took top place with a score of 299. The tourney was held at the Brookfield Country Club in Roswell, a par-72 course measuring 6,348 yards. Matthew Grieco was the team’s low medalist, shooting a 74. He was followed by Jake Harvard and John Ben James, who each fired 76, Zac Thornton (78), Lee Bennett (81), and Weston Sapp (86). “Anytime you set a goal and come up short, there is some disappointment,” said head coach Stuart Stipe. “We were definitely heartbroken. However, we have found comfort knowing we worked hard and did our best. Second place is not what we wanted, but out of 74 teams in AAA, we’ll take it.”

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Bacon County High School Alma, Ga.

pictured (from left): Anascio Washington, Klein Nipper, and Dalton Spires

Young Raiders’ Baseball Team Has a Season for the Books by Rob Asbell photography by Andrea Heflin

It was a record-setting season for the Bacon County High School baseball team. The Red Raiders finished 22-6 and tied for the region title with a 12-2 mark. The victory total more than doubles last season’s win total and surprised many who had no idea what to expect from such a young team. “The kids did a great job working day in and day out during the season,” said head coach Derek James. “We were able to win a lot of close games due to the way they executed at key times during the season. We had some great wins against some well-coached and talented baseball teams during the year that helped us build some confidence in ourselves. Every player did something very important during the season to help us get to 22 wins.” By the end, the Raiders had split a two-game series with defending state champion Benedictine. Both Bacon County and Benedictine had the same region record and had defeated each other, each winning by one run. “They had us in the tiebreaker, so they received the number-one seed; we were the number-two seed,” Coach James explained.

Breakout Players

“We are really excited about what we have coming back, and we look to build on what we did this past year. With Region 2-AA, you know you will have to play well during the season to earn a spot in the playoffs, and we are looking forward to getting back to work this summer.” Bacon County Head Coach Derek James The Raiders were ranked at number five in the state at the end of the regular season. Bacon County hosted Thomasville and swept them in the first round of the state AA playoffs. The second round pitted the Raiders against Rabun County and the eventual state semifinalist Wildcats defeated Bacon to put them out of the playoffs. Overall, it was a stellar season for Bacon County, who will lose just two players to graduation. “We had two seniors who did a great job lead-

ing us both on and off the field,” Coach James said. “Carter Lee (first baseman) and Ryan Taylor (outfielder). He also represented our school at the state golf tournament; he finished as the low medalist and individual state champ.” Bacon County had several standout players: juniors Dalton Spires, who started at shortstop and pitcher, Adam Grayson at third base, Jared Kilpatrick at catcher, Sky Kaeck at pitcher, Aniscio Washington who had 27 stolen bases; and Aubrey Carter, who was the winning pitcher in the final game to give Bacon County home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Sophomores included Dawson Dyal, a middle infielder who made some key defensive plays; Dalton Youmans, the outfielder who made a big play in the win at Jeff Davis County with a relay; third baseman Kyler Wade; Tyler Altman, who had 10 wins from the mound; Peyton Nobles, who had some key hits during the season; pitcher Alex Turner, and outfielders Lane Foster and Josh Holton, who made some great plays in right field to help in the victory over Benedictine. Freshmen on the team included Cy Taylor and Austin Boatright.

The Raiders had five players named to the 2015 All-Region 2-AA Team: Dalton Spires, Junior, 1st Team Pitcher Jacob Holton, Sophomore, 1st Team DH Klein Nipper, Sophomore, 2nd Team 3rd Base Aniscio Washington, Junior, 2nd Team Outfield Tyler Altman, Sophomore, 2nd Team Pitcher

June/July 2015

In the Game

Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

DeAndre Davis

by Rob Asbell photography by Jeffrey Griffith

Bradwell Institute

Quietly Succeeding He may be the most successful coach in Southeast Georgia that you have never heard of. That is, unless you follow high school track and field. Then the name DeAndre Davis is very familiar. He has been the head coach of the Bradwell Institute Tigers track and field team for eight years and has led them to seven region championships during that time, a feat that is especially tough for the Hinesville school because it competes in Region 3-AAAAA, which includes the likes of Brunswick, Glynn Academy, Ware County, Camden County, Coffee County, Effingham County, South Effingham, Statesboro, and Richmond Hill.

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June/July 2015

“As a coach, I try to utilize the experience, knowledge, beliefs and values that I have learned over the years. In doing this, we have helped our kids academically, athletically, and personally. If you fail to plan, plan to fail. The coaching staff, as well as the kids, should be prepared at all times. We want our kids to be prepared for the next level.”

DeAndre Davis grew up in Savannah, where he graduated from Sol C. Johnson High School. From there, he went to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he competed in the 100 and 200 meters, the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays, and the long jump. After college, he returned to his high school alma mater to coach track for the Atomsmashers for six years. He left in 2007 to join the staff at Bradwell Institute, and he became head track coach the following year. Since then, he has been the Region Coach of the Year seven times and the Best of Prep Sports Coach of the Year three times. Who were your biggest influences? “My biggest influence was Roosevelt Coleman. He was my football and track coach in high school. The crazy part is, he gave me my first high school job at Johnson. My second influence was Emmitt Watkins. While I was coaching at Johnson, he was the coach at Bradwell. He persuaded me to come with him at Bradwell. I accepted, not knowing that he was planning to leave when I got here. I learned a lot from him in one year.”

What has been your proudest moment as a coach? “I would say that my proudest moment was last year. Every year, we lose at least eight guys to graduation. Going into the season, Effingham was the team to beat, and they were loaded in every area. They are one of the few schools who have a pole vaulter. With that, they go into every meet up 18 points because of that event. My kids fought hard every meet but would fall short because of their depth. Every invitational, we would get closer and closer. The region championship was no different. The kids stepped up and pulled out the victory. Even with being down at the start, we ended up winning our sixth championship by 12 points.”

What was your first “big moment” as a coach?

“My first big moment was when Larry Henry won the high jump championship my first year coaching. He was also my triple jumper. He jumped 7’0” that year. He missed 7’2” by a couple of inches. He was also given the best performance trophy.”

As a track and field coach, how do you coach so many athletes in so many events? “In track and field you have to have a plan. Each kid has their own individual plan. My main responsibilities are sprints, jumps, hurdles, and relays. I’ve been doing it for so long that it becomes second nature. I would love to have other coaches. Most schools have at least 8-10 coaches. You can get a lot more done when all the kids’ needs can be met. It is hard to find experienced people who will work for free.” ITG

June/July 2015

In the Game

Academic Athletes

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They have been the heart and soul of Pierce Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf program for years, but Lee Bennett and Matthew Grieco are now going their separate ways. They have helped key a prolific golf run in Blackshear that includes six consecutive championships - two middle school conference titles and four region titles in high school, along with a second-place finish in class AAA this year. But beginning this fall, Bennett will play for ABAC and Grieco at Brewton-Parker, making for a bittersweet changing of the guard in Bearville.

Inthegamemagazine.com

June/July 2015

Flying the Greens

by John DuPont photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

“T

hey are like peanut butter and jelly,” says Stuart Stipe, the head golf coach at PCHS. “Matthew and Lee are the type of kids that make coaching fun.” Grieco, the son of Paul and Jennifer Grieco and the late Sonja Bennett Grieco, was ranked fourth in his senior class. A Beta Club member, he scored 1580 on the SAT. He has also won his team’s scholarathlete award every year since eighth grade. “Matthew is very self-motivated and has a standard probably beyond what I have for him,” says Stipe. “If he has a bad day, he doesn’t need his dad, the coach, or anybody to get on him. Whether it’s in the community, in the classroom, or on the golf course, those are some of the things that make Matthew Grieco who he is and such a fun person to be around.” Defending the choice of math as his fa-

vorite subject, Grieco says, “I like pushing numbers. Mental math comes easy; I can see it in my head. I plan on majoring in finance to be a commercial banker. It’s just good that I get to go to college and play golf – the two things I like.” Bennett, the son of Greg Bennett and Barbara Ann Bennett, chose ABAC from among his scholarship offers. An honor graduate, he scored over 1200 on the SAT and carried a 90-plus average through high school. He excels in math and plans to study turf management in college, but says he also has an affinity for history. “I especially like to study the 1920s, the 30s, and the wars,” notes Bennett. “In math, I used to take different routes to solving problems. It’s just like if I miss a fairway; I can still make a par. There’s more than one way to solve that problem.” Stipe says, “I never have to worry about Lee having a bad hole and not trying anymore. I know whatever score he put on that scorecard, he worked for it. That’s a compliment to him and what golf means to him and to his character. Lee is arguably one of the greatest golfers ever to play at Pierce County, and we have a rich tradition here. He is as good as it gets. And so ABAC wins.” Both lefties, Bennett and Grieco each took up the game before kindergarten, and each started out swinging right-hand-

ed clubs backward. “When Lee was about five, we had a photographer come the course to take some pictures,” shares Greg Bennett. “The photographer was standing in front of Lee, facing him and he told Lee to hit the ball as hard as he could. I warned the guy about getting hit, but he didn’t seem worried. Then Lee just about took his head off with the next drive.” Bennett took his first golf lesson from the late David Wall at Blackshear’s Lakeview Golf Club. He later worked with Metter pro Greg Wolfe before transitioning to Rob Ellis, a pro based on Jekyll Island. In those days, Bennett says he featured a lot of body movement and a long swing with plenty of head dip. “Rob quieted all that down,” Bennett says. “My legs don’t move as much now. He slowed my tempo down, and that’s what you see from high school golf to college to pro - less body movement and your legs not moving much.” “I can tell by his walk when he is in his ‘Lee’ zone,” says Barbara Ann Bennett. “He tunes everything out, looking down fairways, greens, and the approach shot. We’ve never had to make him practice and we let him choose whatever sport he wanted. At one time he played football, basketball, baseball, and golf. Then he decided golf was his game.” Carding his first hole-in-one at age nine,

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In the Game

Bennett then shot a 68 at age 11. He later won the 14 and 15-year-old division while competing in the Georgia State Golf Association. Bennett was accorded All-State recognition in 2014 as PCHS finished fifth in class AAA. A naturally long hitter, Grieco consistently drives the ball 300 yards and chose not to retain a swing coach during his formative years. Instead, he tries to emulate similarly-gifted ball-strikers like Davis Love III and Fred Couples. According to his dad, he also possesses a natural resilience that has proven valuable on the links. “The day after Matthew’s mom died, Coach Tommy Doss told him he could miss a conference match,” says Paul Grieco. “But Matthew wouldn’t do it. Through all the years his mother was sick, Matthew kept his grades up. He never made a B his entire 12 years and was always either number one or two in golf. He and Lee went back and forth each year.” Heavy-hearted, Grieco fired a seasonlow 38 that day, just two strokes behind Bennett. “Even in middle school, Matthew’s ‘off’ days were still better than most golfers on their best days,” says Doss, the head golf coach at PCMS. Though Matthew and Lee are both formidable golfers, each man’s greatest asset is his personal character. I look forward to seeing them become successful with their careers and families, and perhaps even in golf.” “Lee and I are like the Bandit and Snowman, like Goose and Maverick,” observes Grieco. He points to last summer’s

David A. Wall Tournament at Lakeview to illustrate the point. Grieco started the two-day, 36-hole tourney at 4-under par through the first five holes, thanks in part to an eagle. After shooting 34 on the front side, he closed on the back with a 38 for a final round of par. “The next day, I was up five strokes up on Lee, and then we were tied through 15,” says Grieco. “And I wound up tying him for the day. I won the tournament and Lee got second, but it got dicey. Lee makes par from everywhere. That’s his game.” Bennett and Grieco each made the All-Region team this year. Bennett and Jake Harvard led the way for the Bears at the region tourney, with each firing regulation rounds of 69. Meanwhile, Grieco was the team’s low medalist at the state tourney with a 74. Ellis says Grieco and Bennett each have what it takes to continue their success on the college links. “From the first time I saw Lee swing a golf club three-plus years ago, I knew he would play at the next level,” says Ellis. “His constant desire to improve his golf game has led to many long conversations and has kept me on my toes. It has been a joy to watch the maturation of his game and him as a young man. Physically, Matthew has a wonderful golf swing. As he continues to understand the small nuances of the game, I think he has all the potential in the world. Both schools are not only getting good golfers, they are getting outstanding people.” ITG

Alexus Shaw: Pierce County’s

State Track Champion by John DuPont photos provided by Pierce County High School

ierce County High standout Alexus Shaw now sits among the track elite in school history. Shaw, a junior, claimed the state crown in the women’s 300-meter hurdles May 9 at the Class AAA State Track Meet in Albany, Georgia. The daughter of Darlene and Anthony Grant, Shaw is just the third female track athlete in PCHS history to win an individual title. “It was very nerve-wracking. I was stressed the whole day,” said Shaw. “I talked myself out of it, and then Coach (Robbie) Spires talked me back into it. I didn’t think I had the potential to win a state title. I thought I had a lot of people ahead of me.” Shaw bested the field in 44.65 seconds, establishing a personal record. “Lex beat the next person by 15 yards,” said Spires. “I just told her she is as good as anyone else – fully capable, a good athlete – and that she needed to show out. And she did.” The championship brings validation for Shaw, who bypassed basketball this past year to get more track time. “It was hard to give up on my teammates, knowing they were there and it was their senior year, it hurt,” said Shaw. One of Shaw’s former court mates – older sister NeNe – was on hand to witness the championship moment. “NeNe is the reason I ran track,” said the younger Shaw. “In middle school, I saw her run, and it made me want to run. Even when she is off at college (West Georgia), NeNe texts me things like ‘good luck’ and ‘give it your all’.” Shaw earned the coveted position of lane four in the Thursday preliminary and again in Saturday’s finals. Spires said her pupil showcased much better leg kick than the

Inthegamemagazine.com

June/July 2015

nearest competitor and the champion-to-be got out of the blocks low and hard. “Lex had the best start that she’s had all year, and by the second hurdle she always knows by her steps if she’s where she needs to be or not,” said Spires. “She just kept overtaking them, and by the straightaway, she had it conquered.” Shaw competed in five events at the state meet, but Spires had a premonition about the 300 hurdles and advised the sprinter not to expend herself in the 400-meter sprint. Shaw finished eighth in the 400-meter prelims and fifth place in the triple jump, posting personal records in both. She also competed in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays alongside Phila Bryant, Kimberly Gray, and Keara Clark. PCHS took 12th and ninth places, respectively, in those events. For all her success, Shaw is quick to share the credit. “My grandaddy, Johnny Mitchell, is my support system,” Shaw says. “He is at every race and every practice. My parents – if they can’t make it, they’ll send me text messages. And Mama always brings my banana. Then Coach Spires - she always pushes me. With me not doing basketball this year, I wasn’t in shape at all. Coach said ‘if you continue to slack off and try to live off last year’s success (third place at state in 300 hurdles), you will not win.’” Now Shaw is on the radar with several Division I colleges, but she says it will be tough finding the right fit for her desired major – physical therapy. First though, she’ll run some events this summer in Atlanta for USA Track. After that comes the task of repeating as a champion. “This year, the goal was to win it,” Shaw says. “Next year, the goal will be to break the state record.” ITG

Pierce County High standout Alexus Shaw now sits among the track elite in school history. The daughter of Darlene and Anthony Grant, Shaw is just the third female track athlete in PCHS history to win an individual title.

thletic director Jordan Mullis can certainly look back on the year with success, but he also knows all of the hard work and help it took to get the programs to the next level. “In 2010, Coach Mullis established a middle school strength and conditioning program for our studentathletes,” said AWMS principal, Dr. Reggie Burgess. “The hard work those students have put in since then has translated into accomplishments in high school and on into college, with many of our former students earning college scholarships in football, softball, baseball, basketball, soccer, and golf. In recent years, alums have gone on to college careers at the University of Georgia, the University of Kentucky, the University of Virginia, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Oklahoma, North Carolina State, Georgia Southern, Valdosta State, UT-Chattanooga, the College of Coastal Georgia, and many others.” Over the past couple of years, the school has doubled its number of football players. Led by eighth-grade quarterback Nolan Grooms, a former In the Game Rising Star, the team went 8-0, winning the school’s first conference championship. Grooms tossed a school-record 21 touchdowns with a speedy offense that produced nearly 35 points a game. The most points that the defense gave up all year was 18 and had 3 shutouts. “I got to hire a few football coaches, and they did a great job. Our head coach, Coach Rothwell, is the engine. He is hard-working, loyal, and extremely organized, and getting him on our campus has translated to our success,” Mullis said. Rothwell also won another conference title in the spring as head track coach. AWMS took control of the sprint events at the conference track meet. The track team took first in the 400 meter, where Kevionte Nix set a school record. Demaurio Nelson also added points with a 19’5” long jump. Nix, Nelson, Conelious Pittman, and Michael Jernigan won first with a 3:55 in the 4x400, also a new school record. Another In the Game Rising Star, Gant Starling, was integral among a large group of eighth-graders that took a conference title in baseball. This group has been playing together since sixth grade. “The baseball team worked really hard in the weight room; they would even lift weights on game days,” Mullis said. “Our athletic success this year is changing our culture. It has created work-ethic, discipline, and confidence in many kids that teachers thought would not make it 3 years ago. Everybody knows this group was special athletically, what they don’t know is that we had 249 kids make honor roll in a 600 student school. That’s the most we have ever had. Success breeds success.” ITG

RECORD YEAR FOR

ARTHUR WILLIAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL by John Wood

Special Feature

“Dominant” is a word that is usually reserved for a team that has controlled the pace of play, or just keeps winning during its season. At Arthur Williams Middle School in Jesup, the athletic teams were dominant. During the 2014-2015 school year the AWMS football team, baseball team, and track teams all won conference titles.

June/July 2015

In the Game

Rising Star Latreona Holmes Ware County Middle School 34

Inthegamemagazine.com

June/July 2015

When coaches say it’s a joy to work with Latreona Holmes, you can believe it. Holmes, the daughter of Letrima (husband Robert) McNeal and Larry Holmes, is a multi-sport star who just completed her career at Ware County Middle School. Known affectionately as “Laylay,” Holmes has the type personality that really shines through. You can almost hear her smiling over the phone.

On Cloud Nine by John DuPont photography byJennifer Carter Johnson

“S

he has this sweet personality,” says Mrs. McNeal. “We can be in Walmart and someone will ask me ‘Are you Laylay’s mom?’ Everybody just loves her. The teachers say she stays on task and helps in the classroom. She is a down-to-earth girl until you get to know her; then she is just silly and goofy, a typical 14-year-old.” Her atypical initiative recently earned Laylay the WCMS “Hard Work” Award, bestowed in memory of Coach William Golden. She was also voted Most Athletic for the 2014-15 school year by her peers, recognizing contributions to the WCMS softball, basketball, and track teams. She has also played on several travel softball teams. “Softball is my favorite because I’ve played it the longest, about six years now,” says the switch hitter, who plugs in at first base, shortstop, and centerfield. “I like slap-hitting and slap-bunting. Since I’m on the left side, I can take advantage of my speed in getting to first. My

favorite highlight is when we played Waycross Middle and I made a double play. We had runners at first and second and I caught the ball and threw to second to get the out.” Zena Lloyd, the softball coach at WCMS, says, “Latreona was always willing to make herself the best player at whatever position I needed her. Our team will truly miss her, but she will be an incredible addition to Ware County High.” Coaches at the high school are already taking note. Mandy Lingenfelter, the girls’ basketball coach at WCHS, taught Holmes in middle school the past two years. “She is a very hard-working and committed young lady,” says Lingenfelter. “Her character is what makes her. I am looking forward to finally getting Latreona at the high school, where she will contribute to our team in a positive way.” Jerry Murray, Holmes’ coach at WCMS the past three years, conJune/July 2015

In the Game

“Latreona is one of those student athletes that are hard to find these days. Her work ethic and desire to get better rank up there with anyone I have ever coached. She strives to excel in the classroom first and takes that same attitude to the playing field or court. The characteristics that she possesses will be hard to replace, but it has truly been an honor and a blessing to be a part of her life. I believe God has big plans ahead.” Chad Starling, Ware County Middle School Athletic Director

firms that assessment. “Latreona prioritizes the team’s success over her own and will speak up when she feels you’re not pulling your own on the court,” says Murray of the 5’5” small forward. “There is no denying she will be successful in whatever she does in the future.” “I like having the ability to attack the basket and score,” says Laylay, who helped WCMS win a conference hoops title. “But my biggest challenge was shooting three-pointers. After we won the championship, all the girls came into the locker room and started celebrating. It was a fun experience.” Though she has also tried her hand at tennis, Laylay usually spends spring on the cinder track. “Tennis is different challenge; I’m used to softball, and I’d hit the ball too hard,” she laughs. “I actually have hit the ball over the fence before. My coach was like, ‘Honey, this is not softball.’” On the track, Laylay helped lead WCMS to a runner-up finish this spring at the conference meet. Last year, she finished third at conference in the 400-meter sprint. She has also competed in the 200-meter and high jump, as well as the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. “My favorites are 4 x 100 and high jump,” she says. “High jump looked like a challenge, so I tried it. But I like the relays because of all the different extremes.” “Latreona is one of those student athletes that are hard to find these days,” says WCMS athletic director Chad Starling. “Her work ethic and desire to get better rank up there with anyone I have ever coached. She strives to excel in the classroom first and takes that

Inthegamemagazine.com

June/July 2015

same attitude to the playing field or court. The characteristics that she possesses will be hard to replace, but it has truly been an honor and a blessing to be a part of her life. I believe God has big plans ahead.” She carried a 93 average through middle school, with a concentration in gifted studies. Laylay has also been a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Additionally, she has been on the honor roll and had perfect attendance the past four years. Other pursuits have included FCA, Junior Cotillion, and Student Council. Outside of school, she worships at Church of Christ Written in Heaven. Community service interests include Hospice House. “Laylay has a hectic schedule, and I have to keep stuff written down,” says Mrs. McNeal. “She goes to morning workouts with the high school and then goes to afternoon practice until 4. Then we go to Hinesville for AAU basketball. On weekends, she is either sleeping or curled up reading a book.” With a grandmother and aunt who both work in nursing, Laylay has an affinity for science and hopes to become a cardiologist. She follows University of Georgia softball, along with Notre Dame and Baylor basketball. When time permits, she plays with her sister, Alexis, a second-grader. At the end of the day, the entire family comes together to provide encouragement and support. “I want to thank my mom and my family,” says Laylay. “Also, my coaches I’ve had over the years and our school staff for allowing us to have athletics. And I want to thank God for having the opportunity and ability to do what I do.” ITG

Ware County High School Waycross, Ga.

Spring Football Lights up the Stadium by Rob Asbell

A large crowd turned out at Memorial Stadium in Waycross last month to watch the Ware County Gators football team’s spring scrimmage. “I thought it went well,” head coach Franklin Stephens told In The Game radio. “A good number of kids came out.” The Gators will be younger in 2015, with the loss of 22 seniors to graduation from an 11-1 team. The scrimmage started with the middle school game, featuring Ware Middle and Waycross Middle. Coach Stephens was impressed by what he saw from the middle schools, saying they were ahead of where they were last year. “I’m watching them, and I can tell what they are running. They are running the right plays, going in the right direction, and using the correct terminology.” Every year, the goal is to have 60 players from each of the middle schools. This acts as a feeder system for the high school in future years. Coach Stephens has already seen progress from his rising ninth-graders. Following the middle school game, the Gators held a controlled scrimmage, which allowed coaches to focus on movement and technique while keeping everyone injury-free.

“We got done what we needed to get done, and there wasn’t situation where anyone got hurt,” Coach Stephens said. In June, the players will begin attending camps, including a quarterbacks and receivers camp in Cochran, Ga. The following week, the offensive linemen will attend. The Gators also begin their strength and conditioning program three days a week. In mid-June, the Gators are hosting a Wing-T offense camp, which will involve Waycross Middle School. “We are getting these kids involved earlier, so eventually when they get to high school, they have a better idea of what we are trying to accomplish.” After the state-mandated “dead week,” Ware County players will be attending “helmet and shoulder pad” camps and doing some seven-on-seven passing work in preparation for he 2015 season. The Gators are hoping to continue on last year’s success, which saw Ware County at the top of the GHSA Class AAAAA poll with a perfect regular season record of 10-0. The Gators made it to the second round of the playoffs before falling.

Gators Baseball All-Region Honorees The Ware County Gators baseball team of Coach Tony Yeomans had an outstanding season before falling to the Union Grove Wolverines in McDonough in the first round of the state AAAAA playoffs. For their outstanding play, five Gators were named to the first team All-Region 3-AAAAA.

and 18 RBI’s. He has signed to play college baseball at Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia.

Zachary Strickland - Junior, Sub-Region Pitcher of the Year. A 5-3 record with 65 strikeouts over 53 innings and an ERA of 1.849.

Laban Faulk - Senior Utility Player. Batted a team best .392 with 32 RBI’s playing wherever needed.

Cody Grant - Sophomore pitcher. Had 30 strikeouts over 30 innings and an ERA of 2.188.

Honorable Mention: Kobe Manders: Junior infielder. Had five double plays while scoring 24 runs for the Gators.

Kaleb Hill - Senior second Base. He batted .378 with five homeruns

Jet Thomas - Outfield. He had 49 putouts and a fielding percentage of .975. Batted .378 with 12 RBI’s.

June/July 2015

In the Game

Most Improved Player