Josey to Face Westside in Region 3-AAA Championship Game

***While we attempt to fix our technical problems, please enjoy this brief look at tomorrow's matchup between Josey and Westside in the region 3-AAA championship game.  Notice the links to highlights of recent games involving both teams.***

It is commonly said that a good big man will beat a good small man playing basketball.  If comparing Josey's strength, its long and tall front line, featuring 6'6" Kyle Doyle and 6'7" Robert Askew, to Westside's differentiating duo, guards Frank Booker and Ronald Campbell, provided a full analysis of tomorrow's region 3-AAA championship contest, then picking the winner would be easy.

But Josey also features good guard play.  Senior Deion Craig and Freshman Darius Williams have provided solid shooting lately, and Williams in particular has electrified the Raleigh Roundtree Athletic Complex during the last week of play (see the Josey-Laney highlights and the region tournament quarterfinal highlights for proof).

And Westside's senior guard Kendall Harris is also playing well lately, making three pointers and attacking the basket.  Harris adds a third threat to the already potent Westside attack.  After watching the Patriots play lately (click here for a visual of Westside's three guard attack), we are beginning to question whether the saying referenced above about big players being preferable to small players was originated before the addition of the three point line.

***The Josey Eagles reach the championship game after defeating the Washington County Golden Hawks tonight 46-42.  And the Westside Patriots advanced by beating the Thomson Bulldogs 64-56.  Highlights of these games and others will be ready tomorrow.

The highlights of the most recent Josey-Westside game can be found here.

Washington County Advances to 3-AAA Semifinals

Wednesday's region 3-AAA tournament quarterfinal match up between the Washington County Golden Hawks and the Richmond Academy Musketeers was not always pretty, as both teams struggled to score.  But Washington County coach Carlos Hope's philosophy that his team can win by keeping its opponent's scoring to a minimum worked beautifully as his squad advances to face Josey at 5:30 P.M. in Friday's semifinal round.

Westside Defeats Burke County in Quarterfinals

During the past several weeks, the Westside Patriots are playing as well as, if not better than, any team in the greater Augusta, Georgia, area.  Guards Frank Booker and Ronald Campbell are shooting, and playing, at an extremely high level.  And teammates play their roles increasingly well.  One thing on which we at the Augusta Basketball Report have come to rely is that when Westside is playing, Augusta's basketball fans are in for an exciting thirty-two minutes.  See for yourself by watching the highlights of the Patriots' 64-50 quarterfinals win over the Burke County Bears.

Thomson Moves On

The Thomson Bulldogs defeated the Butler Bulldogs in Wednesday's second quarterfinal match up of the region 3-AAA tournament at the Raleigh Roundtree Athletic Complex.  Thomson advances to face the Washington County Golden Hawks, who beat Richmond Academy (highlights coming tomorrow) in Wednesday's third game.

Thomson was firing on all cylinders early as guard Ronkeem Sallywhite was hot from behind the arc, center John John Atkins controlled the paint, and Thomson's full court pressure created scoring opportunities in transition.

Butler's Jeffery Archie ignited a comeback with hot shooting of his own.  And his Butler teammates joined him in cutting Thomson lead, once as large as 15 points, to 53-49 in the fourth quarter.  But Thomson's pressure took its toll, and Butler's comeback attempt fell short.

Enjoy the highlights from Wednesday's quarterfinal match up.

Josey Advances to Friday's Semifinal Round

In the opening game of Monday's quarterfinal round of the region 3-AAA tournament, the Josey Eagles defeated the Glenn Hills Spartans.  The Eagles advance to Friday's semifinal round and earn a spot in the state tournament with the win.

Josey led early as the front line of Kyle Doyle (6'6"), Robert Askew (6'7") and Rueben Dean (6'6") was effective on both ends.  But the Spartans mounted a comeback with the help of the accurate shooting of guards Aubrey McRae and Leroy Graham.  But Josey guard Darius Williams came off the bench and gave the Eagles a spark, hitting three pointers and attacking the basket in transition.  After trailing 29-27, a flurry of scoring put Josey ahead 48-36, and the Eagles never looked back.

Enjoy the highlights.  And stay tuned for highlights from more of Wednesday's region 3-AAA tournament action.

Butler-Thomson: Video Preview

A video preview of today's 5: P.M. game between the Butler Bulldogs and the Thomson Bulldogs.  This is the second of four quarterfinal match ups in the region 3-AAA tournament.  We will be covering this tournament as well as the region 7-A (hosted at Aquinas) and the region 2-AAAA tournament (hosted at Richmond Hill).  Stay tuned!

Josey-Glenn Hills Video Preview

A video preview of today's 4 P.M. game between the Josey Eagles and the Glenn Hills Spartans.  This is one of four quarterfinal match ups in the region 3-AAA tournament.  We will be covering this tournament as well as the region 7-A (hosted at Aquinas) and the region 2-AAAA tournament (hosted at Richmond Hill).  Stay tuned!

Thomson Advances to Region 3-AAA Quarterfinals

Thomson coach Michael Thomas's plan to pound the ball inside and to rely on the team's senior leaders worked especially well Monday as the Bulldogs defeated the Hepzibah Rebels in the opening round region 3-AAA contest.

The Bulldogs' full court pressure forced numerous Rebel turnovers, creating easy scoring opportunities.  And John John Atkins provided a consistent source of points in the post while Ronkeem Sallywhite made key shots from behind the arc.

With the win, Thomson advances to Wednesday's quarterfinal round.  The Bulldogs will face sub region 3B-AAA's second seeded Butler High School.

Enjoy the highlights from Monday's game.

Glenn Hills Advances. Next Opponent: Josey

The Glenn Hills Spartans advanced to the region 3-AAA tournament's quarterfinal round to face the Josey Eagles after defeating the Grovetown Warriors 77-44 in Monday's opening round.

The Spartans and the Eagles face off at 4 P.M. Wednesday.

Video Highlights of Monday's Game and a Preview

of Wednesday's Opponent.

Burke County Advances to Quarterfinals

The Burke County Bears advance to the region 3-AAA tournament quarterfinals after beating the Harlem Bulldogs 70-64 Monday.  The Bears will face the top seed from sub region 3B-AAA, the Westside Patriots.

Burke County benefited from a balanced attack on offense and a trapping defense against Harlem.  But Harlem's guards kept the Bulldogs in the game.  Freshman Reggie Reid was effective despite being double teamed much of the night.  After Burke County's 11 point first half lead was erased by the end of the third quarter, the Bears made key shots late en route to the opening round victory.

Enjoy the highlights from the game.  The Bears are a very good team, especially for a four seed.  But Augusta's basketball fans have to be excited about the future for Harlem's freshman point guard...

Richmond Advances to Quarterfinals in Region 3-AAA Tournament

In the opening round of the region 3-AAA tournament, the Richmond Academy Musketeers defeated the Cross Creek Razorbacks 45-39.  The Musketeers played well defensively and passed the ball extremely well during the first two quarters, establishing a 31-16 lead at intermission.  The Razorbacks made two attempts to get back into the game, cutting Richmond's lead to 5 twice, once in the third quarter (31-26) and another time in the fourth (38-33).  But Jonathan Bradley and Marcus Walden made key baskets to help Richmond retain the lead.

The Musketeers advance to Wednesday's quarterfinal round to face top seeded Washington County.

Thomson's Teachable Moment... (And a Region 3-AAA Tournament Preview)

Some of the greatest benefits gained from playing basketball are the lessons learned through competition.  And Thomson High School coach Michael Thomas is one of the area's finest teachers of young men.  As his Bulldogs (19-4, 7-3) prepare to take the court in tonight's opening round of the Region 3-AAA tournament,* they are learning about concentrating on the things they can affect, and ignoring the things they cannot.

After losing only four games this season, the Bulldogs, sub region 3B-AAA's third seed, faces a formidable opponent, the Hepzibah Rebels, in today's round.  The Rebels (8-11, 2-8) are playing well, recently defeating Burke County, Cross Creek, and class AAAA member Evans.  Without the benefits of their leader's wisdom and experience, gained during the course of a 29 year career as Thomson's head coach, Bulldog players may be tempted to feel sorry for themselves after missing out on the first round bye awarded to the top two teams in each sub region.  But the veteran coach has provided guidance with a consistent approach.  "The seed is important, but the most important thing is that we play well, because any team can beat any team in this region.  So we take things one possession, one practice, and one game at a time," Thomas said toward the end of the regular season.

That focus will be key in determining the results of the Bulldogs' post season.  It has been said that doing the right things poorly is more effective than doing the wrong things well.  Coach Thomas is teaching his players that focusing on the correct things - the next possession, the next game - is more important to their success than focusing on something outside of their control - the tournament seed.  And under Thomas, the Bulldogs have tended to do things well, both this season and over the past three decades.

*The Augusta Basketball Report will provide complete coverage of post season action, starting with today's opening round play in the Region 3-AAA tournament.  Coverage of Region 2-AAAA's tournament, featuring Effingham County, Evans, Lakeside, and Greenbrier, at Richmond Hill High School, and Region 7-A's tournament, featuring and hosted by Aquinas, will follow.


Region 3-AAA Breakdown

Where:  T.W. Josey's James Henry Roundtree Athletic Complex

When:  Monday-Saturday (Boys play Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday)

Monday's Schedule:


4 P.M. - Richmond Academy Musketeers (11-10, 6-4) vs Cross Creek Razorbacks (11-14, 2-8)
Both teams have recorded impressive wins during the regular season.  Richmond defeated sub region rival and second seeded Josey two times, while Cross Creek twice defeated sub region 3B-AAA's top seed Westside.  The teams split two games this season, both winning at home.  The Washington County Golden Hawks await the winner.

5:30 P.M. - Burke County Bears (15-6, 4-6) vs Harlem Bulldogs (9-16, 2-8)
Burke County's fourth seed proves the difficulty of the competition in sub region 3A-AAA.  The Bears' only losses have come against sub region opponents.  Harlem is dangerous, as freshman guard Reggie Reid can score, and he can set up teammates for scoring opportunities.  The winner will play the Westside Patriots Wednesday evening.

7 P.M. - Glenn Hills Spartans (11-13, 5-5) vs Grovetown Warriors (5-18, 0-10)
The Warriors face a stiff challenge against sub region 3A-AAA's third seed.  Glenn Hills has looked great at times, defeating sub region rival and second seeded Butler, as well as Laney and Josey, during the regular season.  The Josey Eagles are set to take on the game's winner Wednesday.

8:30 P.M. - Thomson Bulldogs (19-4, 7-3) vs Hepzibah Rebels (8-11, 2-8)
The Bulldogs are loaded with senior leadership, a veteran coaching staff, and the confidence that comes with a 19 win season.  John John Atkins provides a reliable source of offense inside, while Ronkeem Sallywhite and Dwayne Williams handle much of the work on the perimeter.  A Wednesday game against the Butler Bulldogs is the prize for the winner of this contest.

Region Round Up: Washington County Stays Unbeaten

The Washington County Golden Hawks defeated the Cross Creek Razorbacks Tuesday, moving to 22-0 overall and 10-0 in sub region play.  The Razorbacks fall to 11-14 overall and 2-8 versus sub region opponents.

Washington County's formidable defense smothered Cross Creek early, forcing turnovers that led to easy transition baskets.  The Golden Hawks also shot well from the three point line, making five first half three pointers.  After taking a 33-9 lead, Washington County withstood a Razorback surge and eventually cruised to the team's 22nd straight win.

Check out the highlights of Washington County's tenth sub region victory...

Region Picture Still Somewhat Hazy

Eight teams have been fiercely competing for four first round byes in the region 3-AAA tournament to be held next week at Josey High School.

Washington County was the earliest team to secure the advantage by achieving a 7-0 sub region record in a 52-40 win over Butler two weeks ago, before clinching sole possession of first place in its next contest versus Glenn Hills.

Friday night, the Butler Bulldogs defeated the Glenn Hills Spartans blank-blank, assuring themselves of a first round bye in the region tournament by locking in the second place position in sub region 3A-AAA.  Click below to see highlights of Butler's important victory over the Spartans.

But the standings sub region 3B-AAA are less clear.  After important wins against Josey and Thomson in recent weeks, the Westside Patriots lead with a 7-2 record and sit in the driver's seat approaching the final sub region game at home against the Richmond Academy Musketeers.  But Richmond, Josey, and Thomson are poised to join Westside in a four way tie should the Patriots lose at home and the Eagles and Bulldogs win their final sub region contests, versus Harlem and Grovetown, respectively.

A Westside win would quickly make things clear, as Westside would secure the number one spot and Josey, should they defeat Harlem at home, will win the tie breaker versus Thomson* and grab the number two spot.  But a Richmond victory over the Patriots will force the region 3-AAA committee to consult the rule book to decide which two teams will earn the two top sub region 3B-AAA positions and region tournament byes.

*As mentioned, Josey is in position to win a direct, two way tie breaker with Thomson.  Click the video below to see highlights of the Eagles' important win at Thomson Friday night.

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.

Region Round Up: Grant and Wright Lead Rebels Comeback

Sophomore forward Jakeenan Grant and junior guard Jay Wright led the Effingham County Rebels to a 53-41 win over region rival Evans High School Friday night in Evans.  Grant scored 16 and Wright added 12, while Evans guard Damion Foreman led all scorers with 17 in the loss.


The Knights' (14-10, 6-3) patient attack and strong guard play worked for much of the night.  Evans repeatedly ran significant time off the clock before finding good scoring opportunities and kept the pace slow on the defensive end by using a tight 2-3 zone.  But the Rebels (21-1, 9-0) found their stride towards the end of the third quarter, ending the game with a 12-2 run after Foreman pulled the Knights to within two points early in the 4th quarter.


Check out the video highlights from this exciting match up between the teams at the top of the sub region 2B-AAAA standings...

Region Round Up: Washington Wilkes at Aquinas

The Augusta Basketball Report's first update from Friday's region contests features the Aquinas Fighting Irish, the top team in sub region 7A-A.  Aquinas improved to 18-4 overall, and 9-0 in region play after an 81-29 route of the Washington Wilkes Tigers.  The highlights below speak volumes.  Aquinas's defensive pressure, outside shooting, and guard play were simply too much.  Watch Aquinas guards Michael Scott and Ahmed Hill connect repeatedly for exciting baskets in transition.  Next for the Fighting Irish is a road game at Westside High School Saturday at 6:30 P.M.

Washington County Aims to Preserve Perfect Record

Washington County's Carlos Hope talks like a coach who is fond of the people with whom he works.  He describes Golden Hawks 6'5" captain and leading scorer, senior Juwan Burden, as "the kind of kid who you would be proud to have as a son."  He gives credit for his team's phenomenal defensive performance this season (opponents have yet to record 50 points in a game against the Golden Hawks) to assistant coach, and "defensive coordinator," Tyrone Dean.  And he describes Burke County head coach Purvis Dukes, whom he will face Friday in Augusta Basketball Report's "Game of the Night," as "a kind of big brother," crediting much of what he knows about coaching to the experience he gained assisting Dukes at Burke County during the 2004-2005 season.

Region 3 AAA Cheat Sheet

The region standings are getting interesting as local boys high school basketball teams approach the end of the regular season.  HS Hoops analyzes Tuesday's key match ups:

Game of the Night
Westside Patriots (13-6, 5-2) at Thomson Bulldogs (18-2, 7-0) 6:30 P.M.

Big Night for Region AAA Teams

by HS Hoops

Friday's region match ups provide opportunities for several Augusta area AAA boys basketball teams to solidify their positions heading into the last weeks of regular season region play.  Teams are fighting for one of four coveted "byes" in the region tournament.  A first or second place in either of the sub regions does the trick.  Washington County, Butler, Thomson, Westside, and Josey all currently occupy one of the top two spots in their respective sub regions, but almost all of these teams (with undefeated Washington County being the lone exception) can lose ground Friday.  And Richmond Academy, Glenn Hills, and Burke County can all move into second place under various scenarios.  HS Hoops breaks down the various AAA sub region contests and the implications on the standings:

Sub Region 3A AAA

Washington County Golden Hawks (16-0, 6-0) at Butler Bulldogs (11-8, 4-2)
Washington County looks to clinch at least a share of the number one spot in the sub region by defeating Butler, last season's region champion and state tournament runner up.  A win will improve the sub region record to 7-0.  A Butler win would move the Bulldogs firmly into second place and one step closer to catching Washington County.

Playing at home should benefit Butler.  Senior Dan Lambert and junior Ronald Jones are solid front court players with valuable experience in important games.  But Washington County is undefeated for a reason.  The Golden Hawks, the sub region's only team located a good bit away from the city of Augusta, are a bit of a mystery to many who haven't seen them in action this season.  HS Hoops will get its first look at Washington County Friday.  We know freshman guard AJ Gray is a big contributor and that Coach Carlos Hope is one of the best around.  Staying undefeated with a win over Butler on the road will speak loudly for the potential damage the Golden Hawks may inflict come region tournament and state tournament time.