Both the Baldwin Braves and Bravettes were named Georgia High School Association Region 4-AAA Basketball Champions Feb. 14 at home. Each team is now preparing for state playoffs.
“My team has been through a lot. It’s a young team with a lot of growing pains. Our guys had to find their way throughout the season, so it was fulfilling to win,” said boys’ head coach Ben Smith.
“We were relieved that we won. We were on a mission,” head coach Kizzi Walker said of her girls. “That was just game one and you have to start playing the next ones.”
To prepare for the region championship, Smith increased practice and encouraged his players to work harder. He said they returned to basics with two “hard practices” that put his players into “survival mode” for their region championship.
“Our main areas of struggle were consistency and focus,” said Smith. “Basketball season is a long period and minor issues can turn into big problems, so it’s important to keep correcting those and keeping players in a positive mindset.”
To prepare for this season, Walker took her players to Atlanta to play in areas not commonly known to them, and against teams that offer greater challenges.
“Our primary struggle was guard play,” said Walker. “They (her players) did not have the experience we were used to as a team, but they showed growth and improvement throughout the season.”
According to Smith, juniors Karez Demory and Deven Nelson represent his top players.
“They were the only two guys that returned from last year’s team, so they had the experience, but they were new to having such a large role,” said Smith. “In addition, juniors Zion Grant, Amos Bouie Tumer, and Jared Mundie stepped it up.”
Walker singled out seniors Janaye Walker and Kassidy Neal as her top players.
“Janaye has more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. She’s had a triple-double and she’s a facilitator on the floor. She opens up a lot of wide-open shots and opportunities,” Walker said.
“Cassidy is very versatile and can play anywhere on the floor. She does whatever I need her to do and she’s the leader on the floor,” she added. “I would also highlight sophomores Suri Clark, Trinia Lawrence, and Zuri Grant as key players.”
Smith stated preparations for state play began immediately by discussing potential dates of the game with his players and continuing to practice.
“It’s about being all in and not looking ahead. We aim to not just play well but to win without overly worrying about the bracket. I want them to focus on each game,” said Smith.
Once Walker found out who her team was to play next, she said she requested video to study the competition and prepare her team.
“You always look forward to the next game,” said Walker. “I analyzed the team and taught the girls what to expect and what to prepare for.”
This year represents the fifth region championship in a row for the Braves, and the second in a row for the Bravettes. As of Feb. 14, the boys’ team had a 21-7 overall record and the girls’ team was 20-6 overall this season.
Walker stated a trend for her team is to win runners-up, win two back-to-back champions, and repeat.
“This was by far my favorite region championship,” said Smith. “Last year we had a better-prepared team, so there wasn’t as much adversity, but the team pushed through this year to make it.”
If either or both of the Baldwin teams advance in the state championships, dates for the games will be announced on the Baldwin County School District Facebook page.
“I think we have a team that represents Milledgeville,” said Smith. “And I encourage the community to come out and watch the games. Each player appreciates your support.”