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Cam Holden’s return powers No. 4 Mary Persons’ 104-point outburst

Contributed by Rob Grubbs   (@RCGJr226070)

No. 4 Mary Persons 104, Lamar County 81

FORYSTH, Ga. – The Mary Persons Bulldogs (6-1) began the week ranked No. 4 in Class AAAA but have the misfortune of being in the same region as the No. 1 ranked Upson-Lee Knights and lost to them on Tuesday with Cam Holden sidelined.  The Bulldogs rebounded with a win on Friday against Howard and then faced off with Lamar County on Saturday at home. The Trojans, from Class AA, came into the game with a record of 3-2, each of those loses were against the same Upson-Lee team. So, both teams were undefeated except for playing the Knights.  Mary Persons would make up for some sloppy early play by going on a second quarter run to put the game away by halftime and cruise to a 104-81 win.

Lamar County jumped out to a 12-6 lead behind three-point shots from Josiah Stewart and Rondez Fletcher. Holden who did not start, entered the game with 4 minutes remaining in the first and immediately hit a three, which sparked a 32-7 Bulldog run. It didn’t help that Trojan leading scorer Dallas Ogletree picked up two quick fouls and had to sit down about the same time Holden started his scoring spree. The Bulldogs outscored the Trojans 44-15 after Holden’s initial three and took a 53-27 lead into halftime.  Holden said, “When I hit that first shot, I knew I was going to be alright.”

The Bulldogs kept the full court pressure dialed in and when they forced Lamar County into a 10 second violation with 6 minutes left in the third, Mary Persons had its biggest lead of the night at 60-29. Ogletree showed his mettle by leading a Trojan run, with no further fouls, he was able to play his game. He would finish with 30 points, 21 of those, including three threes, in the fourth quarter to keep the game respectable.  Bulldog Maurice Shannon hit the jumper that would put them over the 100-point mark.

Afterwards, Coach Nix commented on his pressure defense, “The 2-2-1 zone press is our bread and butter, we love to play swarming, team defense. We were able to force them into some mistakes and make a quick run.” And on his star player Holden, he said, “When it is time to play, he wants to win more than anyone. He makes the other players on the court better.”

Rob’s Takeaways 

  1. Mary Persons Head Coach Greg Nix is in his sixth season at Mary Persons. He has served previous stints at Houston County and Veterans High School. The Bulldogs’ record has improved each season he has been there, and the current team seems prepared to continue that trend (they finished 18-10 last season).
  2. Mary Persons implemented a relentless 2-2-1 zone press off
    made shots. Lamar County guard Dallas Ogletree had the primary responsibility to break the press, but it took him somewhat out of his scoring role.
  3. Mary Persons senior forward Cam Holden plays a smooth, almost effortless game. He can score with ease, but he also distributes and makes his teammates better. He had two college recruiters waiting for him after the game.
  4. While Holden has a talented supporting cast, Lamar County’s Dallas Ogletree must carry more of the offensive load. Had he not gotten into early foul trouble, Mary Persons might not have gone on such a big run to end the first quarter.
  5. While beating Upson-Lee for the region championship is a tall order, Mary Persons should still be a Class AAAA playoff team to reckon with.
  6. Lamar County is 3-3, and those three losses were to the No. 1 and No. 4 ranked teams in AAAA. In their own region (5-AA), they should be able to compete and qualify for the state tournament.

Top Performers

Mary Persons
Cam Holden – 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks
Dee Morton – 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks
Rekia Weaver – 14 points, 3 rebounds
Tre Edge – 13 points, 2 assists, 1 steal
Desmon Williams – 6 points, 8 rebounds

Lamar County
Dallas Ogletree – 30 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
Rondez Fletcher – 14 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists
Kellyn Tyus – 2 points, 9 rebounds

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Recaps

Statewide Recap 12-9 (Snow Day Edition II)

BOYS

Class AAAAAA

No. 3 Gainesville 61, Mitchell (TN) 50: The Red Elephants scored another win at the Memphis vs. Atlanta Roundball Classic. Jarred Rosser tallied 19 points and 4 rebounds. Jarrel Rosser added 10 points and 4 rebounds while Brent Kelly picked up 10 points and 6 assists. Raffy Robles totaled 10 points and 7 steals.

Apalachee 75, Jefferson 60: Branden Bannis (21) and Derek Miller (18) combined for 39 points in the win. Miller double-doubled with 11 rebounds. Deron Collier added 10 points and 6 rebounds while Jamonte Wallace chipped in 8 points. Jasper Gibson paced the Dragons with a game-high 24 points.

Lakeside-Evans 69, Midland Valley (SC) 65: Brad Hilley netted 21 points and grabbed 6 rebounds while Kalen Williams finished with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the win. Tucker Gilbert double-doubled with 12 points and 11 rebounds while TyShun Briscoe added 8 points and 5 assists.

Class AAAAA

No. 1 Warner Robins 84, Houston County 53: Nelson Phillips and Jacolbey Owens scored 17 apiece to lead the Demons. Champ Dawson added 11 points in the win.

Woodland-Stockbridge 70, Locust Grove 60: Jalen Mason scored 20 points to lead the Wolfpack. Sincere Whitehead and Curtis Perdue scored 9 apiece.

Bainbridge 82, Cairo 52: The Bearcats thumped their rivals behind Deunta Gardner’s 22 points. Jeremiah Davis (12) and JaKorian Lockhart (10) both cracked double figures.

Statesboro 53,  6ANo. 10 Effingham County 50 2OT: Tray Burns scored 19 points and dished out 5 assists while Daniel Cooper had 12 points and 5 rebounds as the Blue Devils beat Effingham County for the second time this season.

Class AAAA

No. 4 Mary Persons 104, Lamar County 81: Cam Holden entered off the bench and posted 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in the win. Dee Morton collected 18 points and 5 rebounds while Desmond Williams grabbed 9 rebounds. Dallas Ogletree pumped in 30 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the Trojans. Rondel Fletcher chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

No. 10 Baldwin 53, A-PublicNo. 6 Hancock Central 40: Donte Justice netted 18 points to pace the Braves. Torez Hicks scored 11 points while Rodney Walker posted 9 points and 12 rebounds.

Westover 62, Monroe 50: Jordan Brown dumped in 17 points and 4 steals in the win. Camryn Weston added 11 points and 3 steals while Kris Gardner chipped in 11 points and 4 steals.

Class AAA

No. 7 Westside-Macon 78, 2ANo. 8 Northeast-Macon 68: Greg Holloway went for 25 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Khavon Moore tagged on 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Desmon Foston contributed 13 points and 5 steals.

Class AA

No. 6 Dublin 109, A-PublicNo. 10 Treutlen 91: The Irish’s high-powered offense was paced by Steven Linton’s 33 points and 16 rebounds. Kameron Pauldo had 26 points and 14 assists while Clarence Jackson tacked on 23 points and 10 rebounds. Bruce Guyton tossed in 15 points.

Class A-Public

No. 5 Woodville-Tompkins 67, No. 4 Montgomery County 63: The Wolverines passed another Top 10 test by knocking off Montgomery County to gain control of Region 3. Preston Crisp poured in a game-high 25 points while Charleston Willingham added 14 points and Deante Green netted 10.

No. 7 Wilkinson County 75, 2ANo. 9 Washington County 71: Jarden Maze had 16 points, 3 assists and 3 steals while Jawan Dukes posted 15 points and 6 rebounds, but the Golden Hawks couldn’t get by Wilco. Jamarius Dixon produced 13 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals. Conner Frazier had 12 points and 8 rebounds. Zeri Taylor tacked on 11 points and 3 assists in the loss.

 

GIRLS

Class AAAAAA

No. 3 Winder-Barrow 67, Burke County 51: Quin’Deja Hamilton scored 20 points and Kianni Westbrook added 16 in the loss.

Class AAAAA

No. 6 Eagle’s Landing 64, Stockbridge 20: Jaleah Storr scored 15 points and Jasmine Atkins netted 12 in the win. Reyonna Hopkins, Briana Madison and Michaela Fletchers all scored 8 points.

Class AAAA

No. 5 Jefferson 50, Apalachee 34: Jazmin Allen, McKenzie Ulmer and Mariah Starks all scored 9 points in the win. Nakia Hooks netted 13 in the win for the Wildcats. 

LaGrange 64, Callaway 52: Chnaireia Strozier scored 24 points and Aryan Dozier netted 20 in the win. Qua Robinson had 10 points.

Class AAA

No. 6 Johnson-Savannah 50, Camden County 49: The Atomsmashers stole a win against the Wildcats after trailing the entire game. Johnson-Savannah took their first lead with 31 seconds remaining to revenge a 46-41 loss from two weeks ago. Bubbles Williams went off for 30 points to lead the way. Jasmine Thompson scored 9 points and J’mya Cutter added 6. Giana Copeland posted 5 points and 15 blocks.

Class AA

Bryan County 48, Screven County 6: Olonna Rawls posted 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals in the rout. Jay Black hung 10 points and 13 rebounds. Alicia Fabin and Alation Eason scored 5 points apiece.

Lamar County 49, Mary Persons 20: Tomiyah Alford scored 11 points and Victoria Boland added 10 in the win. Makalyn McGuire and Taschanda Castlin chipped in 9 points apiece. Mary Persons was led by Taylor Buffington and Ateria McDowell’s 7 points.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Girls Recaps, Recaps

Statewide Recap 12-8 (Snow Day Edition)

BOYS

Class AAAAAA

No. 3 Gainesville 66, Cordova (TN) 57:  The Red Elephants picked up their first win of the season at the Memphis vs. Atlanta Roundball Classic. Gainesville featured five players in double-digits: Bailey Minor with 13 points, Jarrel Rosser with 12 points, Raffy Robles with 12 points and Jarred Rosser with 10 points. Brent Kelly tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

Glynn Academy 74, McIntosh County Academy 50: Syron Noyes led Glynn Academy with 24 points, Carieon Robbins added 21 points and Santana Young scored 15 points for the Terrors.

Class AAAAA

Harris County 52, Bainbridge 48: Tevin Price led Bainbridge with 16 points and Jeremiah Davis had 14 points in the loss.

Class AAAA

No. 2 St. Pius 53, Christian Brothers (TN) 50: The Golden Lions remained unbeaten and handed the Purple Waves their first loss of the year at the Memphis vs. Atlanta Roundball Classic. Everett Lane was named MVP following his team-high 12 points. Kennedy Willis added 11 points and Zach Ranson had 10. Niko Broadway chipped in 8 points while Matt Gonzalo dealt out 6 assists.

No. 4 Mary Persons 88, Howard 66: Dee Morton led Mary Persons with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Tre Edge scored 17 points and added 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Reika Weaver also scored 17 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out 5 assists. Desmond Williams and Tre Slaten each scored 13 points and added 4 assists.

No. 5 Carver-Columbus 72, No. 9 Northside-Columbus 52: Carver featured a balanced scoring effort with four players in double digits: Devin Flowers (15 points), Jalen King (14 points and 8 rebounds), AJ Watts (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Xaiyhir Jacobs (10 points and 7 rebounds). Northside was led by Jhaquez Anderson’s 14 points.

Class AAA

No. 3 Johnson-Savannah 67, No. 4 Jenkins 54: The Bowles led the way for Johnson-Savannah with Eleik’s 20 points, E’Maury’s 14 points and Emondre’s 11 points. Ty Scott (14 points) and Tre Mays (11 points) led the scoring for Jenkins.

Class AA

No. 1 Glenn Hills 66, Butler 53: Timmy Sellers and Tim Williamson scored 17 apiece to carry the Spartans over the Bulldogs.

No. 5 Jeff Davis 74, Metter 73: Kirese Manley scored 19 points including the game-winning buzzer beater to beat Metter. Tae Thomas netted 21 points while Ja’Queze Kirby finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 steals and 3 blocks. Chandler Davenport added 11 points.

No. 6 Dublin 100, Twiggs County 76: Clarence Jackson turned in a dominant performance with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Kameron Pauldo contributed a double-double of his own the hard way with 23 points and 13 assists.

No. 9 Washington County 75, A-PublicNo. 6 Hancock Central 71: Jarden Maze paved a path to victory for the Golden Hawks with 23 points and 4 assists. He was assisted by Jawan Dukes’s 17 points and 13 rebounds. A strong junior class in Keith Foster (4 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks) and Ivory Williams (6 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) rounded out the stat sheet to keep Washington County undefeated early.

Bleckley County 63, Dodge County 49: Nick Cummings led Dodge County with 21 points. RJ Carr’s 10 and Noah Wilcox’s 9 points weren’t enough to overcome Bleckley County.

Lamar County 69, Mt. de Sales 65: Quay Parks led Lamar with 18 points, followed by Dallas Ogletree’s 17 points and Keilyn Tyus’ 10 points. Matthew Daniel led all scorers for Mt. de Sales with 20 points.

Class A-Private

No. 3 ELCA 75, Tattnall Square 52: KJ Jones stroked six threes and finished with 19 points, 3 rebounds and 5 steals. Malachi Rhodes collected 12 points and 10 rebounds while Trevon Reddish added 11 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Jamaine Mann tallied 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals.

Class A-Public

No. 2 Central-Talbotton 86, Marion County 74: JaQuavius Smith led Central High with 28 points. Javares Copeland contributed 22 points and 8 rebounds, while ZyTavian Hill added 21 points and 14 rebounds.

No. 5 Woodville-Tompkins 63, Savannah Christian 46: Preston Crisp led all scorers with 24 points, while Bernard Pelote added 18 points and Deante Green scored 13 points.

 

GIRLS

Class AAA

No. 6 Johnson-Savannah 69, Jenkins 26: Bubbles Williams led the charge for Johnson-Savannah with 18 points, followed by J’mya Cutter’s 17 and Giana Copeland’s 13 points.

Islands 49, Windsor Forest 32: Elizabeth Sierzant and Hannah Burner led with 12 points apiece. Diamond Garvin and Morgan Klotz were monsters on the board with 14 and 15 rebounds, respectively.

Dougherty 77, Brooks County 71: Jah’ne Brown poured in 45 points for the Lady Trojans in the win.

Class AA

Bryan County 59, Toombs County 34: Olonna Rawls led Bryan County with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Jay Black was a point short of a double-double (9 points, 10 rebounds) and Brooklyn Hewitt scored 10 in the victory.

No. 8 Dodge County 63, Bleckley County 60: Zanessia Mitchell led Dodge County with 23 points. Destanee Wright and Europe Brown scored in double digits with 18 and 10 points, respectively.

Josey 74, Harlem 28: Tykedra Rolland led Josey with 20 points, while Rhykeria Rolland, Ebony Chisolm, and Rondaijah Wynn each scored 9 points to keep the Lady Eagles undefeated.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Spielin' & Dealin' Podcast

Spielin’ & Dealin’ Ep. 36: Week 3 GHSA Storylines

***SUBSCRIBE/DOWNLOAD/LISTEN ON iTUNES***
***FOLLOW/DOWNLOAD/LISTEN ON PODBEAN***

Week 3 GHSA storylines include:

  • R6-AAAAAAA’s depth (1:07)
  • Langston Hughes claims the top spot in Class AAAAAA, while Gainesville’s season is in early jeopardy (3:09)
  • South/Coastal Georgia teams in Class AAAAAA for real? (7:56)
  • Statesboro and Lithia Springs on the verge of debuting in Class AAAAA? (10:20)
  • [G] How big of a threat is No. 2 Henry County in Class AAAA? (15:33)
  • [G] Class A-Private girls update. FSU-signee Morgan Jones coming in hot (17:27)
  • Tuesday night recap (19:33)
  • Thoughts on witnessing LaFayette beat Heritage (24:11)
GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Peach State Stops of the Week (12/3-12/9)

People always ask me, “What’s the best game in town this week?”

Peach State Stops of the Week will highlight some of the best basketball being played in Georgia for the current week. Whether it’s a tournament/showcase, a region rivalry, a Top 10 showdown, or a seldom heard sleeper, Peach State Stops of the Week will let you know what gym you need to get into

FRIDAY

No. 5 Bradwell Institute at No. 4 Brunswick

If you want to take a trip to go see the Savannah River this Friday, you might as well stop by to catch two of the coast’s best basketball teams they have to offer at 8:30. The Tigers (6-1) are somewhat of an upstart, going 11-12 last year, but were a Preseason Top 10 team and haven’t disappointed yet thanks to the arrival of Preseason All-State First Teamer Khalyn Weekley and Isaiah Scott. Weekley is averaging over 20 points per game as a physical and explosive 6-foot-3 point guard while Scott provides a wiry 6-foot-4 frame on the wing that possesses a soft touch. Add Ronald Canty Jr. and Javonte LeCounte and you have a potent offense. The Tigers face a major test in defending Class AAAAAA state runner-up, Brunswick (5-0). The Pirates have handled their business behind a quick, yet undersized backcourt. 5-foot-8 senior Marcus Scott leads the team in scoring while 5-foot-10 Daquan Humphreys and 6-foot Jaylen Jackson are also experienced seniors. Tarique Gray and Shaky Baggs are two versatile pieces at Coach Chris Turner’s disposal.

No. 5 Southwest DeKalb at No. 3 Miller Grove

Region 5-AAAAA is always a dogfight with DeKalb County powers going toe-to-toe nightly. The young Panthers (5-2) will try to pick up a statement win over the Wolverines (4-2), who have seen their dominance and their talent gap shrink over the past two years, but still remain the team to beat. Sophomore point guard KD Johnson has proven to be the real deal and merits his Preseason All-State honors. The fearless competitor is averaging 18.9 points, 4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.6 steals per game. James Glisson III continues to round into a strong post presence, the 6-foot-6 junior averaging 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks while lanky 6-foot-4 wing Eugene Brown III is chipping in 11.1 points and 7 rebounds. The trio will have to compete with TJ Stargell, Maurice Harvey and Lorenzo Anderson who pace the Wolverine offense from the backcourt. Stargell plays floor general while getting Anderson and Harvey in scoring position. Jermon Clark and Kevin Paige are two space eaters that rebound and block shots inside.

 

SATURDAY

No. 7 Cedar Shoals at Clarke Central

The shoe is on the other foot for the first time in a long time for these two Athens rivals. Though they are currently ranked in the Top 10, No. 7 Cedar Shoals (2-4) is reeling after three straight losses against elite competition including a 74-48 defeat against Region 8 foe No. 2 Buford this Tuesday. Clarke Central (5-0) hasn’t played nearly as difficult of a schedule but have the momentum heading into Saturday’s showdown. The Gladiators have often been the underdog but even so, they’ve always found a way to play the Jaguars tight, losing 73-70 and 67-57 last season. The core of Dwon Smith, Quamontae Monfort, Mijah Campbell and Jaiquez Smith have helped the Gladiators to their best start since 2013-14’s 26-2 team. Trey Johnson and Martavius Darden give Andre McIntyre a bevy of scoring options. Cedar Shoals will turn to sophomores Quincy Canty and Tyler Johnson to provide an inside-outside punch. Jai’Vanni McDavid and Keivaziay Ball are scrappy senior guards that have been through countless wars under Coach L’Dreco Thomas. Keep an eye on sophomore Demetrius Glenn, a sharpshooter that transferred from Clarke Central to Cedar Shoals this offseason.