Statesboro High began its annual Gentlemen's Classic tournament Wednesday night with a stiff test against defending Class AAA runner-up Drew.

The Blue Devils (10-2) proved to be up to the challenge, topping the Titans by a count of 65-62 in a hard fought tournament opener.

"That was a very good team that we were able to beat tonight," said SHS coach Lee Hill. "They were one win away from a championship last season. Drew is a great Atlanta-area team and I know that we got a lot better by playing them."

Senior guard Yakeem Coleman did just about everything for Statesboro, racking up 18 points, pulling down eight rebounds, and dishing out six assists to boot.

Coleman was far from the only Blue Devil who had a good night as Alex Simmons (12 points), Jonathan Taylor (12) and Zaquavian Smith (10) also reached double-digits in scoring.

"That's the kind of game that we need to play," said Hill. "When we go up against talented teams like Drew, we need balance. We need everyone doing their part."

Statesboro goes back to work tomorrow as the Devils take on Osborne — out of Marietta — hoping to avenge a loss in the final game of last year's Gentlemen's Classic.