Tigers defeat Charlton, Calhoun to advance
Greene County basketball continued its playoff run last week, advancing to the Elite Eight round of the Class A Division II playoffs after securing victories over Charlton County and Calhoun County.
The Tigers are striving to win a state championship, which would mark the first in the program's history.
“We’re just taking things day by day,” Greene County head coach Mark Wright said. “That’s our motto.”
Greene County knocked off Charlton County 81-49 in the first round on Feb. 19.
The Tigers led 37-30 at the half, but after making adjustments, they dominated in the last two quarters to secure the win. They struggled with turnovers in the first half and let the Indians hang around.
Greene County slowed its offensive pace and increased the pressure defensively. The Tigers outscored Charlton County 26-7 in the third quarter as Laryous Burt scored 10 of his team-high 17 points.
“We went to a 2-1-2 zone to slow [Charlton] down a little bit,” Wright said. “That allowed us to get to the basket ourselves on the offensive end.”
Greene County’s scoring frenzy didn’t slow down in the fourth, either. Wright emptied the bench and let his younger players gain valuable experience, as six Tigers scored points in the final period.
After Burt, Braylen Hurt contributed 11 points, and Ryder Eschbach added 10 against Charlton County.
On Feb. 22, Greene County, the top seed from Region 8, faced Calhoun County, the No. 2 seed from Region 1.
The Cougars were ranked No. 1 in Class Division II for most of the regular season and defeated the Tigers 83-58 on Dec. 21, but the second-round playoff matchup didn’t go their way.
Greene County upset Calhoun County 76-75 to advance to the Elite Eight on its home court.
“I was hoping Calhoun would come in relaxed based on the fact of how they beat us the first time,” Wright said.
The Tigers were locked in and punched first, leading 42-30 at the half. They played tight defense while Hurt was unstoppable on offense. Hurt scored 21 points and hit four 3-pointers in the first half.
Greene County continued to build on its lead in the third quarter, entering the fourth with a 62-41 advantage. However, Calhoun County mounted a late comeback attempt with just over three minutes left.
The Tigers led 76-61 when Zach Canidate and Darnell Enocher got hot for the Cougars. They scored most of the points in transition off turnovers from their half-court press.
Greene County also shot poorly from the free-throw line at 42.8%, which benefitted Calhoun County.
“That hurt us. [Calhoun] also pressed us at the beginning of the game and did again at the end,” Wright said. “My guys just got a little frantic, so I had to calm them down and help them understand time and pace.”
Greene County slowed its pace and escaped with a one-point upset. Hurt scored a team-high 24 points, followed by Burt, who added 17. Ivan Porter scored eight points, and Corey Brown totaled seven.
“We celebrated until midnight,” Wright said. “It was time to hit the reset button and get ready for the next one.”
Greene County (21-7) advanced to face Bryan County (23-8) in the Elite Eight on Wednesday (past print time) at home. The winner will face McIntosh County Academy or Mitchell County in the semifinal at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28.