Just a sophomore, Metter’s Dillian Lawrence is setting an example for the rest of the Tiger basketball team.
    With a lot of hard work, the 5-foot-11 guard is proving things can and will change for the better.
    “He just works really, really hard,” said Metter coach Brian Hall. “Some of the things he struggled with as a freshman he’s really improved, like his foot work and his defense, rebounding — his range. He’s very coachable.”
    Lawrence is part of a Metter team that has yet to win a region game in 3-AA. Yet Lawrence and the Tigers continue to fight night in and night out.
    “This year we haven’t been winning many games,” said Lawrence. “But we’re working hard and just trying to get better. It’s not so much about winning some times as it is about getting better.”
    Lawrence is shooting 56 percent from inside the arc and leads the team in steals. Hall said word has already gotten out in the league that Lawrence is someone the opposition has to shut down.
    “He’s backing it up and still knocking them down,” said Hall. “The other night we played Westside, who we already played, and he still had 17 and knocked down four threes.”
    Lawrence and Metter now look towards region tournament play where they’ll try and capture a state playoff berth.
    “We just have to step our game up,” Lawrence added.

Victoria Mikell

    On any other squad, Victoria Mikell may very well be the center of attention. But at Statesboro, Mikell is the perfect compliment to superstar Monnette Bennett.    
    “She compliment’s the team because she’s another great ball handler and she brings a great defensive intensity to the ball club,” said SHS coach Jeff Seier.
    Mikell, a senior, runs the point for the Lady Blue Devils (16-3, 4-1 Region 3-AAAA) and is averaging 8.4 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists per game.
    “She’s a kid that could really help a college program somewhere,” said Seier. “We’re looking at some places and she’s gotten some interest. She’s doing some real good things for us right now.”
    Mikell put in 13 Tuesday night in helping knock off previously undefeated Greenbrier. Her six straight points in the first quarter helped rally SHS to a 17-6 start. The senior said the rest of the region better recognize the Devils are ready to make a run.
    “It should (send a message),” she said after Tuesday night’s win. “If it doesn’t, then we’ll get it to them.”
    Mikell and the Lady Devils hit the road Friday to face Lakeside. They’ll return home Saturday night where Mikell will be honored as part of Senior Night.