By Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
In the postseason, timing can be everything.
Unfortunately, Bill Henderson and his Richmond Hill boys’ basketball found out Friday night.
The Wildcats led most of their game against Tift County, but they couldn’t hang on in a 51-49 loss in a Class 6A Region 1 consolation game at Lowndes.
However, Richmond Hill will begin play in the GHSA tournament as a fourth seed at Buford, the top seed from Region 8, Wednesday night.
Richmond Hill (14-14) appeared to take control of the game in the opening half, as they stormed out to a 25-12 halftime lead. However, the Wildcats couldn’t maintain their first-half momentum.
In the second half, Richmond Hill had trouble with Tift County’s pressure. Yet, the Wildcats held a 35-20 lead going into the final quarter.
“In the third quarter, they pressed and started to play more physically," added Henderson. “We did not respond well to that. We still led going into the fourth, but we had some bad turnovers, got undisciplined on a few defensive possessions, and only converted two of five attempts from the free throw line.”
As a result of their defense, Tift County outscored Richmond Hill, 39-24, in the second half, and the Blue Devils posted 21 fourth-quarter points.
The Wildcats were reminded about how every possession can matter in the postseason.
Alonzo Miller, Josh Mock, and Drew Nudo each had 13 points for Richmond Hill.
“We have to do a better job at winning the little things,” stressed Henderson. “Making free throws, boxing out, getting loose balls, and finishing layups. Those things win close games.”
Mock, a senior, has cherished every moment along the way, and he plans to continue his trek. He and his teammates have experienced two difficult defeats in as many nights. They suffered a 60-56 loss to Lowndes in the semifinals Thursday night.
“The past two nights have been tough losses,” but the opportunity to travel for the region tournament is very special to me,” boasted Mock. “I’m so glad we were able to extend our season because I love this team and would love to continue extending it. A chance to play in the state tournament is very big to me as it’s something we didn’t get to experience last year, but also for me as a senior this means a lot.”
Nudo, another senior, sees the state tournament as another opportunity.
“Even though we lost, we feel like we can learn and fix our mistakes,” offered Nudo. “We can be very dangerous in the playoffs.”
Despite the recent losses, the Wildcats continue to brim with confidence.
“We can beat anybody when we do what we do,” beamed Mock. “With Coach Henderson leading us, we are capable of pulling off upsets and being prepared for any opponent.
If there is a consolation, the Wildcats will be back in the state tournament for the first time since the 2020-21 season when they advanced to the elite eight.
Henderson knows there is some work to be done.
“We will work to clean up a few small details in practice Monday and Tuesday,” stated Henderson. “We will be ready for Wednesday.”