Laney Makes History

Enjoy the highlights of the Laney Wildcats making history, winning their first state title 67-53 in Macon, Georgia, last Saturday.  The Wildcats had a fast start, taking a 47-27 lead.  And the lead never got below 10 before the Wildcats hoisted the Class AA state championship trophy.

Laney-Jordan State Semifinal Highlights

Tonight we begin our review of the Final Four portion of the Laney Wildcats' state championship run.  The Wildcats defeated the Jordan Red Jackets 52-44 Friday in the Class AA state tournament semifinals in Macon, Georgia.  During this game, Laney displays some of the characteristics shared by all fine teams:  tough defense, teamwork, and poise under pressure.  And 6'6" center Shaquille Cook spices things up with 3 consecutive dunks in the game's 1st quarter!  Tomorrow we will release the highlights from the championship game.

Laney Boys Advance to Final Four

We conclude the Final Four video release with the highlights of the Laney boys team's victory over Morgan County.  These guys are playing hard, playing smart, and playing together!

Laney Advances to the Elite 8!

The Thomasville Bulldogs visited Laney's "Norman Bonner Athletic Complex" Wednesday night, sporting an imposing frontline of players measured at 6'7", 6'6", and 6'5".  But the Laney Wildcats' players proved that the most important measurement in determining a champion may be the size of a player's heart.  Laney's Shaquille Cook (6'6"), Glen Rodriguez (6'1"), and Daiquan Taylor (6'2") battled to keep the taller Bulldogs out of the paint and off of the boards.  And the group of inside players manufactured much needed points through offensive rebounding, running the floor, and scoring in the post.

The tough inside play, combined with timely perimeter shots by Laney's formidable back court of seniors Drez Newton and Jamie West, was enough to allow the home team to secure a 44-37 victory and a birth in Saturday's elite eight round at Savannah State University.  We will "live blog" the 5:30 P.M. contest, along with the 5 other boys and girls games involving teams from the greater Augusta, Georgia, area.

Watch the highlights above of the gritty and unselfish Wildcats as they advance to the third round of the Class AA state tournament in front of a packed house Wednesday night.

And listen to the post game interview (below) with Laney's fine coaching staff, starting with head coach Jerry Hunter, and concluding with assistant coach Buck Harris.

Closer Look: Laney Wildcats

Laney Wildcats (23-4) vs Crawford Co Eagles (9-19)

@Laney High School

5 P.M., Saturday, Feb 25

After reaching Class AA’a state tournament Final Four during each of the two previous seasons, the Laney Wildcats are poised for another deep run, but senior Drez Newton informs us that the Laney players and coaches are focused squarely on the immediate task:  "Last year we set out to win a state championship.  This year we are taking it one game at a time," explains the point guard.  Saturdays opening round game is at home versus Crawford County.

The Wildcats have been motivated all season to prove that the loss of Rod Hall Jr., who now plays guard for the Clemson Tigers, will not interrupt the program’s transformation into a perennial class AA power.  "We have worked to establish a basketball program, as opposed to a basketball team, emphasizing weight training and conditioning.  This year's group got a dose of that routine last year, but they got the full experience this season.  And they have learned that when your skill fails, your will prevails," said head coach Jerry Hunter at a recent practice.  And the Wildcats seem to be on track, moving through region 3-AA play undefeated before capturing the region tournament championship with a convincing, 59-49 victory over Bleckley County last Saturday.

Region 3-AA Champion: Laney Wildcats

Newton and Senior back court mate Jamie West lead a high energy, yet disciplined, attack that features experienced, dynamic guard play and a formidable inside attack centered around 6’6” senior center Shaquille Cook. The Wildcats are playing at a high level, closing the regular season with a road win against the region 3-AAA champion Josey Eagles before sailing through its own region tournament. 


The seemingly smooth transition to life without Hall is no surprise to the Tiger guard.  According to the beloved Wildcat Alum, the maturation and leadership of Laney’s senior back court is no surprise, "Drez and Jamie work hard and will do whatever it takes to get better,” Hall recently explained.  Head Coach Jerry Hunter and his fine staff are obviously well down the path of installing an elite basketball program to compliment Laney’s proud heritage.

Laney vs Bleckley County: Championship Weekend Highlights

The second of our three region championship game highlight videos features the Laney Wildcats.  Laney defeated Bleckley County 59-49 in Eastman, Georgia, to capture the region 3-AA tournament championship.  After this release, we have one more championship game to share:

Tuesday Evening:  Aquinas vs Wilkinson County (Region 7-A championship game)

Also, we intend to publish a preview of the upcoming state tournament, with a special emphasis on the schools from the greater Augusta, Georgia, area.  The first round is Saturday.  We will live blog each round.  So if you are going to a game, bring your smart phone to stay up to speed with other area teams.  And if you are staying at home, tune in on your computer.

*Useful Tip - When watching the video, click on the "YouTube" icon on the bottom right of the video window to be taken to our YouTube page, where you will see a bigger screen.  Once on YouTube, double click the video, and the video will be displayed on the entire screen!