Thursday, December 30, 2010

Bobcat Women Defeat Newberry, Dominique Huffin Surpases 1,000 points

An all around wonderful display of basketball for the Georgia College women's team last night in day one, game two of the Georgia College Holiday Classic. The Bobcats defeated Newberry College 67-43 to move to 7-1 on the season.

Senior guard Chimere Jordan netted 23 points in the win, her third straight game with at least 20 points. Junior forward Tammeisha Law dropped in 12 points respectively, all in the second half. GC shot well at 43 percent overall, while gaining an impressive 46-31 advantage on the rebounds.

The night, however, belonged to senior guard Dominique Huffin. 'Nique poured in 13 points to become the schools 12th member of the 1,000 point club in Georgia College women's basketball. Huffin currently stands at 1,011 going into Thursday's contest vs. Wingate University (6-3).

After possibly the best display of basketball last time out versus Newberry, Georgia College will have to quickly turn the page and get set to play the Bulldogs in day two, game four of the tourney.

Here are some keys for Georgia College to prevail:

1) BREAK THE PRESS: Last night I had the opportunity to watch Wingate, a South Atlantic Conference member, do battle against UNC Pembroke (PBC, just like GCSU). I was impressed with the full court pressure Wingate head coach Barbara Nelson installed for her team. The press itself is fundamental, aggressive, and causes problems for other teams. Georgia College will have to handle ball pressure well to win the ball game.

2) KEEP TRACK OF KURIE WASHINGTON: The junior guard is dropping down 16.7 per night for the Bulldogs. Washington is very talented from the inside, but can also play from the perimeter too. The Bobcat defense will have to make sure Washington does not control the Bulldog offense.

3) CONTEST SHOTS: Wingate shoots the ball well as a team at a 40.2 percent rate. Therefore, it is imperative to close out and contest shots the Bulldogs will get from anywhere on the floor.

4) KNOW WHAT'S AT STAKE: Although not a conference game, the game against Wingate (and last time out versus Newberry) all have implications toward the NCAA Southeast Regional rankings. The top 8 teams get an at-large bid at season's end to the NCAA Tournament. You do not want to drop one of these games and have to look back at season's end with wishful thinking.

Join in today for the broadcast: Bobcats vs. Bulldogs on your radio dial! 2:50 p.m. on www.country102fm.com (Listen Live...click WMVG). Yours truly has the radio call today!

The telecast duties will be handled by Georgia College Sports Information Director, Al Weston. For that, go to www.pennatlantic.com for all the action.

Great staff, great games ahead right before New Years. Let's hope GC makes a resolution to win!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

GC Women's Hoops Turns Attention to Newberry College after Long Holiday Break

I hope Santa was good to you all!

It's been almost two weeks since we last saw the Bobcat women's basketball team in action. GC defeated Winston Salem State 63-53 on Dec. 16 to move to 6-1 on the season.

After a long break with no practice or games, head coach Mo Smith and his team must focus on getting ready for Newberry College Dec. 29 and Wingate on Dec. 30 for the after Christmas tournament hosted by Georgia College.

Here are some keys for a Bobcat victory against Newberry:

1) DEFEND THE INSIDE: Newberry does not shoot the rock well from behind the perimeter. At just, 27.1 percent from three point land and averaging 3.3 makes per game, it's obvious Newberry struggles from the outside. Therefore, it will be important to defend the interior and protect against any sort of dribble penetration Newberry might present.

2) KEEP HELEN MCKINNEY IN CHECK: Newberry's star senior guard (20.3 points per game) has been outstanding thus far on the year. Holding true to her on defense will be imperative whoever draws that task for GC.

3) PLAY AT A GOOD PACE: This is the first game back after Christmas holidays. If the Bobcats get caught up in playing too fast or too slow, things could go south quickly. I'd like to see Georgia College pick and choose their spots to push the ball or run a good offensive set.

4) REBOUND: Last game, GC was marvelous on the defensive glass. Newberry tallies 40.3 rebounds per game as a team. For a win, it will be crucial to get on the glass.

Looking forward to taking the mic after a wonderful holiday! Tune in tonight at 6:55 on www.pennatlantic.com! Georgia College vs. Newberry College!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Georgia College Women's Basketball Welcomes Winston Salem St. Before Christmas Break

Finals are done. The stress load is lifted. And the Bobcat women's basketball team, after an 83-67 loss a couple of weeks ago to #2 Lander, returns to the hard wood to play host to Winston Salem St. and the Rams on Thursday night at the Centennial Center.

Georgia College (5-1, 0-1 PBC) will look to avenge a loss against Lander that saw the Bobcats not help their own cause. Multiple times throughout the game against the Bearcats, GC had costly turnovers to give Lander easy buckets.

But, the beauty of sports is having chance after chance to redeem yourself. And that's exactly what Georgia College will look to do against the Rams (4-3, 0-0 CIAA).

The Rams present an interesting look, much like Lander University. Although not as talented, Winston Salem will look to dribble penetrate the Bobcat defense early in the possession and often during their offensive sets. Junior guard Courtney Medley leads the team in scoring, averaging 13 per game. Behind Medley is sophomore guard Jasmine Newkirk at 12.1.

Winston Salem does not shoot well from behind the arc, dialing in at just 23.2 percent.

With that being said (or written), here are the keys for a Georgia College win:

1) LIMIT THE DRIBBLE PENETRATION: The Rams will look to dribble penetrate the Bobcat defense. Therefore, it's imperative for the Bobcats to rotate over quick enough during the defensive stand. Not doing so will allow easy layups or dishes to other players.

2) CONTINUE SHOOTING WELL: The last two games the Bobcats have shot extremely well from the field. Against St. Augustine's on Nov. 27, GC shot 47.1 percent as a team and followed that with a 43 percent performance last game against Lander University. The team is starting to gel offensively, which is nice to see.

3) POST PLAYERS: Winston Salem has four players on the roster that stand 6'0" or higher! The Bobcat post players will have to bang bodies all evening in order to be successful. This includes boxing out, contesting shots, and being a good defensive position on the floor. I wouldn't be at all surprised if head coach Mo Smith went with the "4 out, 1 in " style of offense to try and counteract the size of Winston Salem with GC's speed.

4) STAY FOCUSED: This is the last game before the ladies will have significant time off. Winning this eases the pressure going into the holiday break. A 6-1 record looks a whole lot better than 5-2 with two weeks off!


Catch the action this afternoon and on into the early evening on the video webcast! Air time is set for 5:25 et on www.pennatlantic.com

Let's hope Santa drops off an early gift in the way of a win for GC today!

Friday, November 26, 2010

GC Women's Hoops Squeaks Out a Win vs. West Georgia; On the Road to Dahlonega Weekend after Thanksgiving

Well, it wasn't pretty.

But the old saying remains true: "A win is a win!"

And that's exactly how the Georgia College women's basketball team handled their business this past Tuesday night at home in a 42-41 win over West Georgia. GC closed out the contest on a 15-0 run for capture the victory. Junior forward Tammeisha Law hit two big free throws with less than a minute remaining to put GC in front for good as the team held on for the victory.

Senior guard Chimere Jordan led all scorers with 17 points. The Bobcats shot just 24.4 percent from the floor in the contest, but played spectacular defense down the stretch, chipping away and ultimately garnering the win.

Now it's time to hit the road to Dahlonega, Ga. The Bobcats (3-0) will play in a quick two day. two team tourney hosted by North Georgia College & State University. In the tournament, GC will get to square off against two NAIA schools. Friday, Nov. 26 the Bobcats tip off the tourney with Trevecca Nazarene of Nashville, TN at 4:00, followed by a Saturday afternoon match against St. Augustine's at 1:00 p.m.

Here are some keys to a couple of GC victories:

1) ENERGY: This past Tuesday against West Georgia, the ladies were lethargic for most of the first half. It will be key coming in from a long bus ride and some big meals after Thanksgiving to mentally prepare yourself for the game and play with a high level of energy.

2) DON'T SETTLE: Multiple times in the game against the West Ga. Wolves, the Bobcats settled for too many jumpers. Let's move the basketball effectively against the defenses we will face this weekend for the best shot available.

3) LIMIT TURNOVERS: Georgia College committed 21 turnovers as a team last game against W. Ga. That must change this weekend on the road in Dahlonega.

4) KEEP UP THE FREE THROW SHOOTING: The free tosses this year has been outstanding! Keep up the great free throw shooting this weekend, along with keys 1-3, and things should fall into place nicely for head coach Mo Smith and his 'Cats!

Catch the action on the airwaves this weekend in Dahlonega!

Friday: 3:50 on country 102.3 fm in Milledgeville (country102fm.com...wkzr link)

Saturday: 12:50 on country102.3 fm in Milledgeville (country102fm.com...wkzr link)

Happy and humbled again to have the call this weekend! Talk to you from Georgia's old city of gold!

Bobcat Men's Basketball Falls in Anderson; Travel to Montevallo for Two Day Tourney

Our Bobcat men's basketball team fell on the road in Anderson, SC at Anderson University this past Tuesday night 82-74 to the Trojans.

I was not at the game due to calling the women's contest the same night against West Georgia.

Here is a recap of the match: http://www.gcsubobcats.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/releases/20101123d0kso4


Now it's time to quickly hit the road again after Turkey Day to Montevallo for a two day, two game tournament hosted by Montevallo University. The Bobcats will be facing off against North Alabama Friday, Nov. 26 at 6:30, followed by West Florida on Saturday, Nov. 27.

Here are some keys to look for in the two games if the Bobcats are to be successful:\

1) CLOSE OUT THE GAME: Over the past two games against Tusculum, Georgia College has had the lead late but has squandered it. While this team is young, it must develop a sense of closure and veteranship in order to finish the game out the way good teams do. I think this will happen more and more over the course of the season.

2) JARED HOLMES IS THE TABLE SETTER: This guy is fabulous! Holmes has led GC in scoring in all three game thus far, putting up double figures each night out. When he's on, the Bobcats have a legitimate chance to win.

3) TAKE PRIDE IN REBOUNDING: Last time out at Anderson University, Georgia College allowed 12 offensive rebounds, otherwise known as letting the Trojans creep back in the game by not getting a defensive board when need be. It's imperative to rebound the ball and not allow opponents second chance opportunities in the games this weekend.

4) BOUNCE BACK: The last two games have been punches in the gut, no doubt. Leading late and unfortunately losing the lead and the game can play a told on your mind. GC needs to stay positive, play smart basketball, and get two wins in Alabama like the knows it's capable of doing!


Catch the action in Montevallo, Alabama from Bank Trust Arena! Veteran "Voice of the Bobcats" Scott MacLeod has the call this weekend on 102.3 fm in Milledgeville or online at country102fm.com (listen live...wkzr link).

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Bobcat Women Win Home Opener; Set for West Georgia Wolves before Turkey Day

The Georgia College women's basketball team this season is determined to do one thing they have failed at doing over the past few years: make the NCAA Tournament.

And with the start the team has had thus far, there's no reason to believe that this team can't accomplish that task.

Georgia College (2-0) most recently defeated USC Aiken in a non-conference match last Wednesday 74-55 in the teams home opener. Senior guard Chimere Jordan posted 19 points to lead all scorers, while junior point guard Karisma Boykin was just two tallies shy of posting a double-double with 10 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

After almost a full week off, it's back to the hard wood where the classic battle of "Cat vs. Dog" will take place at the Centennial Center.

The Bobcats welcome to West Georgia Wolves of Carrollton, Ga. to the house in a non-conference battle.

The Wolves enter 1-2, previously falling 57-48 to nationally ranked Ft. Valley State.

With the holidays nearing and school coming down to crunch time, head coach Mo Smith and his assistants Toby Wagoner and Liz Hathaway must keep the ladies focused before Turkey Day.

Here are come keys to watch for in the contest against W. Ga:

1) CONTINUE SHOOTING WELL FROM THE FREE THROW LINE: In the first two games of the year, the Bobcats are 83.8 percent as a team from the charity stripe, an outstanding number! With a physical team like the Wolves coming, it will be important to knock down free throws early and late.

2) BE PATIENT ON OFFENSE: GC must work for a high percentage shot each possession down the floor. That starts with the point guard Boykin who dazzled Bobcat fans last time out with her smart play and the ability to penetrate the USC Aiken defense.

3) REBOUNDING: Currently Georgia College holds a +10 margin on the rebounds as a team, pulling down an average of 42 per game, another sensational number! Getting on the defensive glass will be key.

4) STAY FOCUSED: Thanksgiving is close for everyone and Christmas is just right around the corner. It is imperative for players, coaches, officials, broadcasters, and athletic personnel to stay focused at the task at hand throughout the holiday season.

Other stories, as always, will unfold throughout the match.

Catch the action tonight on AM 1450 in Milledgeville or www.country102fm.com (listen live...wmvg link) at 6:50! Humbled and happy to have the call again!

Chat with you tonight on Thanksgiving Eve Eve

Monday, November 22, 2010

Bobcat Men's Hoops Back from Tennessee; Back on the road Tuesday at Anderson Univ

We learned a lot about the Georgia College men's basketball squad this past weekend in Greeneville, TN.

Terry Sellers and his Bobcats went 1-1 over the quick two day, four team tournament hosted by Tusculum College. GC won Friday evening 60-30 against South Atlantic Conference (SAC) member Carson-Newman. The win for Georgia College (2-1) gave Sellers his 300th victory on the Georgia College sidelines.

Then, on Saturday afternoon against SAC member Tusculum, the Bobcats hit a road block. Georgia College led by nine with less than 10 minutes to go in the game, before foundering from the free throw line (14-of-25 overall), shooting 56 percent. GC fell 60-57 to Tusculum, the first loss of the season for the 'Cats.

After returning home in the wee hours of Sunday morning, here is what I learned about the Georgia College men's basketball team thus far:

1) JARED HOLMES IS GOING TO BE SOMETHING SPECIAL: Holmes scored in double figures each game this past weekend in Tennessee. The junior transfer from Kankakee Community College dropped in 17 points against Tusculum before fouling out of the contest. Bobcat fans will enjoy watching Holmes' athleticism and strong court demeanor.

2) DEFENSE WILL BE THE CALLING CARD: Last year, Georgia College averaged over 74 points per game. In the first three games this year, GC is scoring on average 58.5 points per game. A number significantly lower than last year's squad means that the Bobcats will have to D-up each night out.

3) EXECUTING THE LITTLE THINGS IS IMPERATIVE: Coach Sellers emphasized that the team has to learn to do the small things during a basketball game that ultimately leads to a win. What he means by that is that the team must shoot free throws well, not turn the basketball over in key spots, play smart defense, and play smart offense. These things, I think, will come more and more as the season progresses.

Nonetheless, the Bobcats are back in action on Tuesday evening, Nov. 23, at Anderson University doing battle against the Trojans. I will not be with the team due to calling the women's game at home, but below are a few keys I will look for in the box score.

1) AT or LESS THAN 15 TURNOVERS
2) ABOVE 70 percent free throw shooting
3) REBOUNDING on the defensive glass
4) Senior Josh Hurst and his overall play down low

Catch the action Tuesday evening on the 'Home Team' broadcast! Scott MacLeod has the call on 102.3 fm in Milledgeville (country102fm.com...listen live...wkzr- online streaming) from Anderson, SC!

Best of luck to the guys!