Out of the state playoff picture since February, 1995, the Screven County High School Gamecocks of Coach Arthur Davis, now in his sixth year at the helm, have improved steadily over the past three seasons. Ten returning letter winners have given rise to the hope that this is the season the red and white finally break through.
“We definitely have an experienced group returning this season,” said Davis. “We are going to look to our (six) seniors for positive and strong leadership. They are going to have to lead us through the tight times in the fourth quarter.”
Breaking even at 13-13 a year ago in the largess of the old Region 3AA, SCHS lost six games by six points or less. The .500 season came after successive 10-14 (2004-05) and 5-18 (2003-04) campaigns, as the Gamecocks get closer and closer to their first winning season since the 1998-99 season.
Veteran personnel at every position bolster SCHS hopes for a possible breakthrough season. Returning the top four scorers along with the top two rebounders add to the expectation. Juniors Antrjuan Albright and Dajuwan Carter come to the top of the list on Davis’ thoughts.
Albright (6-foot-1), a first team All-3AA pick a year ago, led the team with 438 points for a 16.8 average while the 6-4 Carter was second in scoring (12.0 ppg) and tied for the team lead in rebounds (153). Senior Matt Taylor (6-2) also pulled down 153 boards. Taylor was third on the team in scoring with 6.2 ppg.
“Rebounding should be a plus for us with Dajuwan (Carter) and Matt (Taylor),” said Davis. “We are going to strive to play better defense this season and they should anchor us under the boards.” Off the bench for board strength will be juniors Darion Carter (6-3), Kail Griffin (6-1) and Josh Adams (6-1), along with senior Brandon Pridgen (6-2). Darion Carter and Griffin are still involved in football.”
Playing unselfish on offense will be a huge key to success ,added Davis. Albright, who may well become the first Gamecock to go over 1,000 points as a junior, is “working hard to improve his outside shooting and consistency.”
Joining Albright will be seniors Octdravious Lawton and Desmond Campfield, junior Jamez Colbert and sophomore Bennie Washington. Those four will “also contribute with their improved shooting,” according to their coach. Upon completion of football season junior Trent Roberts will also join this group.
“The point guard position should be much improved,” continued Davis, as senior Quan White and junior Maurice Perry return. The duo rotated throughout much of last season with Perry being fourth on the team in scoring and leading the team in assists, while White was second. “They must step it up on defense and cut down on turnovers to help us set up our offense.”
While the new Region 3AA features familiar faces from the old 3AA East in Metter and SEB as well as old 3AA West Swainsboro, new faces will dominate the region schedule. Down from AAA is Jefferson County, along with traditional Augusta powers Laney and Josey, as well as frequent power Westside-Augusta. The influx gives the region a lot of balance as well as a lot of strength.
“We hope that we are ready to compete for the top spots this year,” Davis said.
“We definitely have an experienced group returning this season,” said Davis. “We are going to look to our (six) seniors for positive and strong leadership. They are going to have to lead us through the tight times in the fourth quarter.”
Breaking even at 13-13 a year ago in the largess of the old Region 3AA, SCHS lost six games by six points or less. The .500 season came after successive 10-14 (2004-05) and 5-18 (2003-04) campaigns, as the Gamecocks get closer and closer to their first winning season since the 1998-99 season.
Veteran personnel at every position bolster SCHS hopes for a possible breakthrough season. Returning the top four scorers along with the top two rebounders add to the expectation. Juniors Antrjuan Albright and Dajuwan Carter come to the top of the list on Davis’ thoughts.
Albright (6-foot-1), a first team All-3AA pick a year ago, led the team with 438 points for a 16.8 average while the 6-4 Carter was second in scoring (12.0 ppg) and tied for the team lead in rebounds (153). Senior Matt Taylor (6-2) also pulled down 153 boards. Taylor was third on the team in scoring with 6.2 ppg.
“Rebounding should be a plus for us with Dajuwan (Carter) and Matt (Taylor),” said Davis. “We are going to strive to play better defense this season and they should anchor us under the boards.” Off the bench for board strength will be juniors Darion Carter (6-3), Kail Griffin (6-1) and Josh Adams (6-1), along with senior Brandon Pridgen (6-2). Darion Carter and Griffin are still involved in football.”
Playing unselfish on offense will be a huge key to success ,added Davis. Albright, who may well become the first Gamecock to go over 1,000 points as a junior, is “working hard to improve his outside shooting and consistency.”
Joining Albright will be seniors Octdravious Lawton and Desmond Campfield, junior Jamez Colbert and sophomore Bennie Washington. Those four will “also contribute with their improved shooting,” according to their coach. Upon completion of football season junior Trent Roberts will also join this group.
“The point guard position should be much improved,” continued Davis, as senior Quan White and junior Maurice Perry return. The duo rotated throughout much of last season with Perry being fourth on the team in scoring and leading the team in assists, while White was second. “They must step it up on defense and cut down on turnovers to help us set up our offense.”
While the new Region 3AA features familiar faces from the old 3AA East in Metter and SEB as well as old 3AA West Swainsboro, new faces will dominate the region schedule. Down from AAA is Jefferson County, along with traditional Augusta powers Laney and Josey, as well as frequent power Westside-Augusta. The influx gives the region a lot of balance as well as a lot of strength.
“We hope that we are ready to compete for the top spots this year,” Davis said.
