Glynn Academy made the Region 2-AAAAAA race a little closer on Tuesday by snapping Richmond Hill High School’s eight-game win streak with a 60-57 win in Brunswick.
Trey Deloach led Richmond Hill (17-4, 4-1) in scoring with 16 points while Sheldon Lewis had 14 points and Montest Bumpers added 10 for the Wildcats, who overcame a first-period lead to tie the Red Terrors 28-28 at halftime.
The game stayed close the rest of the way and brought Glynn Academy (14-8 overall, 4-2 region) two within a game of the Wildcats in the 2-AAAAAA standings.
Despite the loss, Richmond Hill still controls its own destiny down the stretch, though it’ll all be on the road. The Wildcats have games at Effingham County, Brunswick and Bradwell before the 2-AAAAAA tournament begins.
Coach Bill Henderson said it will be a test, but he believes his players are up to the challenge.
"I’m very proud of the attitude and effort that the guys have put forth so far this season," he said. "They have bought into the things that we are trying to do, and they have done a great job pushing each other to get better every day. We have been working throughout the season on giving our best effort in everything that we do, and the effort that the guys have been giving has led to the success we have had so far this season. Our hope is that we will be playing our best basketball throughout these last few games and heading into the region tournament. And it is going to be a real test with the quality opponents that we will come up against."
Now in his fifth season, Henderson has his alma matter consistently competing at a high level in boys basketball. It apparently has also been fun for the former point guard, who played for the legendary Jimmy Hires.
"This has been a great group of guys to coach, and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach them," the coach said. "They are continuing to work towards the goals that they’ve set for themselves, and I am really happy to see the success that they have had so far this season. With that being said, they still understand that the season isn’t over yet, and in order to do the things that we are wanting to do, we will have to stay disciplined and focused on doing all of those things that it takes for us to be successful."
Henderson also noted this team may have outperformed some expectations.
"After graduating eight seniors from last year’s team, I think there may have been some thoughts that this year may be more of a struggle than the previous two years (18-9 and 17-10), but the guys have made the most of their opportunities that have been presented to them," he said.
The Richmond Hill girls’ team fell to 0-5 in 2-AAAAAA and 8-13 overall with a 38-17 loss to the Red Terrors.
BCHS
Swainsboro swept Bryan County in a 2-AA basketball doubleheader Tuesday.
The girls’ fell 54-51 to SHS to drop to 14-4 overall and 8-3 in 2-AA. The boys lost 69-53 to fall to 3-15 overall and 0-11 in 2-AA. No individual stats were available Wednesday.
Bryan County plays host Friday to Vidalia in a boys and girls doubleheader beginning at 6 p.m.