While a lot of our student body boarded planes, flew off to remote islands, or simply drove down to where the pavement turned to sand, something quietly – or not so quietly – has happened indoors once again regarding our basketball programs.
Now to be clear, this year's teams had pressure as both the girls and the boys cut down the state championship nets around a year ago today. Not only that, but both teams also sported a McDonald's All-American and a Georgia Mr. and Mrs. Basketball.
"Wow, this may never happen again," was the common sentiment among our hallways.
As far as the individual honors, maybe, maybe not, but this year's teams have – perhaps without the hoopla – simply played good basketball and today (Friday) find themselves in the Final Four.
Our girls play GAC at 5 p.m. today while our boys will take the court afterwards at 7 to face Walker. Both schools are nearby in geography, though the games will take place in Athens. Sounds interesting, I know, but remember years ago when our girls' soccer team played Pinecrest – north of here – down in Savannah?
Moving on, and starting with the girls, Coach Nathan Teymer is new among us – had a tough job in taking over for the uber-successful Nichol Dixon. And though his voice may range an octave or so lower, his keeping the team among the top remains the same.
As for the roster – picking an Athlete of the Week among this bunch has been like throwing a dart at a dart board of the roster. Wherever it lands would work fine, from the Elana McMasters, Loriel Murray, Makayla and Mackenzie Weaver, Aaniyah Branch, or you could even go to the bench with that freshman named Parker Smith and others that can fill it up.
Keep in mind, this group has lit it up despite one their superstars – Nakai Worthy – trudging up and down the hall on crutches after a pre-season injury.
On the boys' side, Super Mario Mays – still not depleted even though King Caleb is now a couple states north, as we saw hints of this team's potential success last year if that makes any sense. Devin Hutcherson is as smooth as they come, Kai Worthy – after shedding football – jumps right in the picture. Jaden McCullough was a force last year as a freshman, and add the always athletic and solid Jordan Mays, and a new kid ironically named King – and here we are again.
And this is not leaving out the bench – girls or boys – as both leaders can pick and choose and not lose much if anything from the talent on the floor.
Moving on – and regardless of what happens tonight when the final horns blow – it's been a season where perhaps the air was expected to go out of the basketballs. It has not. And I hope that wherever these kids are – that this time around – this Wednesday to be exact – we can all head down 75 South to that huge gym in Macon and watch it again.
But regardless – win or lose – these are two teams not to forget, two teams that shook off last year's glitter, put on not only their uniforms but added short memories – and have continued to play the game well.
Go Bears!
