Tattnall Versus Mount De Sales: Always a Good Matchup

We've got a lot of talented basketball programs in Central Georgia. But as a sports anchor let me share how our nightly drill usually goes down. We show up at a game and shoot one quarter or maybe two and head on out to try and cover another school, thus getting you as many highlights as possible. Rarely do we ever get to sit back and watch and enjoy the hoops action.

Because some of my friends have kids playing on the Mount De Sales team I've watched the guys hoop it up against Tattnall twice this season. And boy what a show they've put on the court. MDS relies on the spectacular shooting of John Rhyne, the guy's dumped in over 2,000 points in his career. Most kids never even reach the 1,000 point mark. Tattnall turns to one of the best all-around athletes in Bibb County, Deondre Smelter. Even though this kid can take it to the hoop whenever he wants, he's truly unselfish and logs an assist as often as he scores a bucket.

The two teams split wins during the regular season. Saturday night they made it to the region championship. And boy let me tell ya even though we had snow outside...folks were sweating in their turtlenecks...fans packed the stands and stood up all around the second level overlooking the floor to catch all the action.

The Cavs started out slow and it looked like the Trojans may have put things in cruise control, especially since Mount De Sales found themselves in a ten point hole at half-time. They must of had a great locker room chat because they clawed their way back and with a minute-thirty the Trojans had it by a mere three points. Smelter had a key lay-up and Andrew Layson was money dumping in a couple of clutch free throws. Tattnall took it 59-53.

But hey the GISA State Championships get going this week. The girls start Wednesday and the guys will work toward the crown beginning Thursday. So my gut tells me we will see these two meet up again for the State Championship. At this point I'd call it a coin toss on who could come out for all the marbles.

See ya on the air,
Suzanne