As 2023 dawns, it figures to be an exciting couple of months at our local high school gymnasiums.
Habersham Central’s boys and girls basketball teams are both off to terrific starts in their pre-region season, and they both have a chance to make waves in January and February leading up to tournament play.
The Raider boys have had four coaches in five years, but new coach Tommy Yancey seems like he is here to stay and build a program from the ground up. Yancey has instilled a strong work ethic in his players and is not going to let them slack in their effort on or off the floor.
Lady Raiders coach Bill Bradley is a similarly discipline-based coach who demands the most from his players, not just as players, but as students and high-character young women.
This is a great time to get out to the gym to support our teams and get behind our Raiders. They have a chance to not only succeed this year, but lay the groundwork for the future.
Tallulah Falls has had a long break for their basketball teams, but they return to play this weekend. The Indians and Lady Indians have a lot to offer this winter as well, and the school’s athletic program has lots of momentum to build off of in the wake of their state championship in volleyball.
That Lady Indians team and several new inductees to the Tallulah Falls Hall of Honor will be recognized at games on Jan. 13-14.
Both schools have hard-working student athletes who deserve our support and encouragement. And let’s not forget about our Raider wrestlers and both schools’ swimmers as well.
While those are not as popular in the realm of spectator sports, those athletes are no less deserving of adulation. The Raider wrestling program is one of the best in the region led by head coach Morris Brooks, and it is driven by a strong youth program that has prepared many a wrestler for varsity competition at young ages.
It is an amazing time of year for local sports, and it is a privilege to be able to enjoy the talents of our young people.