Last week, I wrote a column for our sister newspaper, The Eatonton Messenger, showcasing the impressive basketball seasons of both Putnam County High School teams, as each made a push in the postseason.
This week, I want to recognize the basketball teams at Morgan County, Lake Oconee Academy, and Greene County for their great accomplishments in the Lake Oconee News.
I will repeat what I said last week: This was the most fun season of basketball coverage in Lake Country. Five of the six teams I cover for Morgan, Greene, and LOA made it to the state playoffs.
You don’t see that a lot, and it was extra special because two made trips to the Final Four.
Morgan County’s Dogs and Lady Dogs each won region championships and at least 20 games, which is rare.
Coaches Cody Anderson and Milfred Franklin each finished their third seasons and are returning their respective programs to the greatness they had in the mid-2010s. Thus, each team’s stock rose.
Morgan’s boys took a huge step forward in year three under Anderson, while Morgan’s girls continued to surge. The Dogs won a playoff game, and the Lady Dogs advanced to the Final Four.
LOA’s teams also made history by each having a winning season for the first time in school history.
Unfortunately, the Titans missed the playoffs, but head coach Josiah Rechenbach led them to a 14-win season, the most in program history. The Lady Titans didn’t win a region title and also lost in the first round for the first time in several years, but they won 17 games under coach Savannah Soles.
Rechenbach has the team trending upward and hopes to make the playoffs next year. Soles also pushed her players through a lot of adversity after losing two key seniors, but they made the most of it.
Greene County’s teams had polar opposite records and seasons, but each made the playoffs.
The Lady Tigers finished the year with a 6-18 record, but coach Steven Hopper and his girls fought through adversity to make the playoffs. They persevered and pulled off a big upset in the region tournament to go dancing. They’re losing a few key players but will return a strong core of younger girls.
Under Mark Wright, the Tigers had one of the best seasons in program history. Like the Morgan girls, they were one quarter away from pulling off an incredible upset and making the state championship game. Still, they won 22 games, captured a region title, and made it to the Final Four.
To me, basketball season is the most stressful sport to cover. I am working alone and cover nearly a dozen teams. I also have a life outside of work, so I can’t make it to see every team play often. However, based on the end results of this season, the stress was worth the reward in March.
Thanks to the coaches, players, and athletic directors for working with me. For now, I’ll see you next year.