The Douglas County boys team began with a hot start as they worked the ball around the perimeter and used effective ball fakes to get to the basket. DC guard Brandon Robinson came out trigger happy and was rewarded, hitting three 3-pointers in the quarter. Those nine points was the difference in the game as the Tigers led 23-14 at the end of the quarter.
The offensive tempo was at an all time high for both teams throughout the second quarter. Likewise, both defenses relied on their full court press defense to slow down the pace and to force turnovers, however they would live and die by it because often times it would lead to a wide open man around the perimeter or deep inside the paint. Nevertheless, both teams battled and it was Douglas County's ability to hit their free throws that kept them in the lead until the final seconds of the half when Newnan tied it up at 38 a piece going into the locker rooms.
From the beginning of the second half and on, the game got feisty and each team exerted their resiliency and will to win. For DC, it was Bridges who took control. He scored seven points in the quarter, with most coming off his impressive ability to get to the basket with Newnan bodies surrounding him. The Tigers held on to a slight lead, 52-50 as the quarter came to a close.
Bridges maintained his consistency in the final quarter. Following a monstrous dunk by Newnan center Immanuel Griggs, the Cougars appeared to have gained the upper hand, but with 25 seconds remaining in the game and Newnan up by two, Bridges came up huge with a putback following a miss to tie the game. Four quarters was not enough as the game entered overtime.
It was DC guard Cory Tillery who carried the load in the extra period. Tillery hit a huge 3-pointer to put the Tigers up for good, then followed it by hitting his free throws.
“I am real proud of the kids tonight,” said DC coach Joby Boydstone. “They hung tough and we just gutted out this win.”
“We have a JV aged bunch of guys and they are playing like warriors against varsity squads,” he added. “I will put them up against anyone. We grew up tonight and these guys are getting tougher. The future looks bright over the next two or three years.”
Bridges led all scoring with 20 points. The win could be season changing for the Tigers heading into the final stretch of the season.
The girls game got off to a shaky start as it took over three minutes for a score to be put on the board. Newnan scored first and for a while, controlled the tempo of the game, leading by five with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. However, Douglas County shrugged off their early nerves and began putting up points in bunches, led by guard Santasia Faust. Several of the points came off turnovers leading to fast break opportunities. By the end of the quarter, Douglas County was in control, leading 10-6.
The Lady Tigers carried their momentum into the second quarter where they played with a lot more consistency. This showed up on the box score as several DC players contributed to the scoreboard, including Amadi Brooks, who scored five in the quarter. The Newnan defense didn't help their cause, appearing to let up a little allowing second chance points for the Lady Tigers. A couple last minute field goals kept the Lady Cougars in the game, avoiding a bigger deficit. DC led 24-17 as the half came to a close.
The third quarter was full of intensity as Newnan was determined to narrow the gap, while Douglas County was determined to extend it. The post was an "enter at your own risk" area with the high amount of physical play. Both teams held their own and the DC seven point lead remained at seven at the end of the third, 33-26.
Newnan tried to make it a game at the beginning of the final quarter, coming within five points, however it was DC's 15-4 run that closed out the fourth, as well as the game. Brooks led all scoring with 15 points, followed by Maya Benham with 12.
DC will be back in action Friday when they travel to Langston Hughes. Games start at 6 p.m.
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