The Lake Oconee Academy boys basketball team ended 2025 with a trip Dec. 29-31 to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for the Smoky Mountain Winter Classic.
The Titans (3-7) faced Morgan County (Kentucky) in their first night of competition, then faced Wren High School (South Carolina) the following evening.
Morgan County defeated Lake Oconee Academy 62-52 on the opening night of competition.
LOA head coach Josiah Rechenbach said this marks the team’s second appearance in the annual tournament after debuting in it two seasons ago. He mentioned the team competes in a Christmas competition each year, which helps bring exposure to the players.
“This Christmas tournament is a good opportunity for my guys to compete against teams from other states,” Rechenbach said. “Hopefully, they can build disciplined habits that carry over into the new year as we prepare for the bulk of our region schedule.”
By preparing through practice, Rechenbach said he is trying to teach his players the importance of valuing practice time and “not cutting corners or skipping steps.” He explained his athletes are “very young” and need more experience, and therefore, it is vital for them to learn the principles to move in the right direction.
Rechenbach said that senior shooting guard Corrion Jernigan is a team leader this year and has played a vital role throughout the tournament and in seasonal games.
“He sets the tone for our group, and I am hoping he continues to grow in understanding the importance of his role,” Rechenbach said. “He brings much-needed energy on the defensive end, and guys follow his lead.”
Rechenbach added that junior Kam Geter and sophomore CJ Stembridge have also made significant contributions this season and to the team.
“Geter is a consistently solid ball handler and pressure reliever for our group and is a very important part of our team’s success,” Rechenbach said. “Stembridge plays hard; he has stepped up big for us during his sophomore season and improved from being a role player last year to a major piece in our developing chemistry.”
The Titans will play 12 more games this season, following the conclusion of their Christmas competition. Rechenbach said he hopes the team can leave the tournament with stronger playing habits.
“All of the habits we build in our non-region schedule are crucial, and I pray they are the correct ones,” Rechenbach said. “I harp on these habits to my guys, and we are getting some of them, but others are a work in progress.
“Our regional schedule is truly a gauntlet, and I need our guys to be prepared for what is ahead.”
Overall, Rechenbach believes his players are beginning to understand their roles on the team better. He said they have a demanding region schedule ahead, so they need to stay prepared.
“I’ve seen improvements in an ability to handle pressure, and guys understanding their roles,” Rechenbach said. “Not everyone’s role is to be the scorer; everyone has a different skill set they bring to the table, and they are beginning to embrace that.”
The Titans will play at Twiggs County on Jan. 3 before returning home to resume region play against Lincoln County on Jan. 9.