Habersham’s 8th grade boys basketball team defeated Stephens County in the championship game by a score of 56-32.
The Raiders were led in scoring by Eli Maye 14 points, Ethan Wheeler 14 points, Micah Huff 9 points, Paris Wilbanks 9 points, Jay Feltus 4 points, Tay Spencer 4 points and Griffin Cunningham had 2 points.
In the opening round of the tournament, the Raiders defeated Elbert County by a score of 50-44. The Raiders were led in scoring by Eli Maye 16 points, Micah Huff 15 points, Ethan Wheeler 11 points, Jay Feltus 6 points and Paris Wilbanks had 2 points.
In the semifinal game of the tournament the Raiders defeated No. 1 seeded Franklin County by a score 36-34. The Raiders were led in scoring by Jay Feltus 11 points, Eli Maye 9 points, Paris Wilbanks 8 points, Ethan Wheeler 3 points, Tay Spencer 3 points and Micah Huff 2 points.
The Raiders finished 12-6 and they finished the season by winning their last seven games.
“I’m really proud of our season and the effort and determination that the players showed throughout the year,” Raiders coach Micky Huff said. “It’s a really great group of kids and we had several players step up throughout the year to lead us. I felt like we played great defense all year, really moved the ball on offense and shot the ball well. I feel like we have a lot of potential on this team and look forward to seeing them continue to get better and play at the high school level.”
PICTURE: Habersham’s 8th grade champions included (bottom row, from left) manager Jake Cross, Hayden Gano, Micah Huff, Paris Wilbanks, Noah Harkins and Tay Spencer. Middle row (from left) Eli Maye, Geo Lara, Mason Witt, Sutton Porter and Jonas Owen. Back row (from left) Jay Feltus, Griffin Cunningham, Waylon Henson, Evan Smith, Ethan Wheeler, 7th Grade Coach Daniel Eppling and 8th Grade Head Coach Micky Huff. Cheer squad: ayla Stewart, Ava Cash, Annika Barron, Blair McEntire, Chanley Joy, Payton Plocharczyk, Shyaira Hamilton, Reese Frady, Kayla Stevens, Mikayla Crandall, Brooklyn Manus and Bailey Jones.
Lady Raiders 7th grade
Habersham’s 7th grade girls finished 12-4 and defeated Madison County in the finals 30-28 to take home the region title.
“From day one I knew this team had the potential to be really good,” Lady Raiders coach Kelsey Anderson said. “They are such a special group. They came in and worked hard every single day and they truly never gave up. We knew the championship was going to be hard, but they fought until the very end, and it paid off. The joy and pride on their faces after they won is something I will forever cherish.”
– Staff reports