Best Basketball Moments From the Season

Outside the Macon Centreplex, traffic passed by as teams from all over Georgia played for the right to be a state champion. Laurens County was fortunate to have not one but two teams make the Class AA Final Four this year (Dublin and East Laurens). Covering these teams, as well as those who didn't make it, has been fun. 

There's nothing like taking a trip south to Savannah State University and watching both teams you were sent to cover win their games. Dublin's upset of Randolph-Clay was one of the best games I saw this year. I wasn't at the game when the Irish beat Wilkinson County but I'm sure the win against the undefeated Devils will be one they will remember for a long time. Coach Clinton Thomas was so excited about the win. Unfortunately, it turned out to be his last win with the Irish. 

While I'm talking about Dublin, the Lady Irish also had a better season than maybe some thought they would. They had a big win against Vidalia. In fact they were the first team to beat Vidalia late in the season. I knew they would have a good season and look out for both of these teams next year because they return a lot of their starters. 

East Laurens boys cruised through the regular season with only one loss coming against West Laurens. A week after that loss, the Falcons were in another Holiday Tournament in Brewton Parker. Once again they were playing the host school in Montgomery County. The game was tight through the first three quarters before the Falcons pulled away. I'll never forget the first game of the tournament. The Falcons weren't playing to good so Coach Jimmy Williams didn't stay in the locker room long. He later told me it was cold and he wanted them to get back out there and warm up. There was a game in Dodge County that went into overtime and the game against Josey, which went down to the final couple of minutes, that stick out in my mind. 

The West Laurens Raiders may not have had as good of a season as some thought they would. But they did get the best of their rivals at East Laurens in the Laurens County Christmas Tournament. They also had close games against Central-Macon. Unfortunately, they didn't go the Raiders way.

I wasn't able to see any of the Trinity girls' games, well except for one. That's when Trinity hosted a girls team from Australia. The team from down under beat the Lady Crusaders who didn't have all of their players for the game. May have been a different outcome if they were there. 

I don't mean to leave anybody out but I'm trying to remember the top moments. I may think of more later. It has been a great season to cover basketball in the Heart of Georgia one I'm sure you'll remember for a long time. We are currently working on the HOG team where we'll announce the girls player and coach of the year as well as the boys player and coach of the year. We'll try to let you know before that comes out.

For now, there are many sport activities going on in this area and many great teams so try to get out and watch some of the moments become memories.