Game of the Night: Burke County at Washington County

In Friday's Augusta Basketball Report "Game of the Night," the Washington County Golden Hawks defeated the Burke County Bears in Sandersville, Georgia, 52-44.  The win improves the Golden Hawks record to 20-0 overall, and 9-0 in sub region 3A-AAA play.  Burke County falls to 14-5 overall, 4-5 in region play.

The Golden Hawks rushed out to a 15-6 first quarter lead during senior night, as senior Juwan Burden and freshman A.J. Gray made shots early.  Washington County coach Carlos Hope's strategy of playing 12-13 players also paid dividends early as fresh bodies swarmed Burke County's guards, causing turnovers and disrupting the Bears' offense.

But Burke County eventually joined the defensive battle, holding Washington County to 37 points in the final three quarters.  The Bears also scored effectively inside and converted timely transition baskets.

But Juwan Burden's overall floor game was the ultimate difference.  The 6'5" senior created shots for himself and teammates at key moments during the second half, showing the ability to score going to the basket and in the medium range.

Watch the highlights above to see what makes Washington County the team to beat in region 3-AAA play heading into the post season.