Friday, November 26, 2010

GC Women's Hoops Squeaks Out a Win vs. West Georgia; On the Road to Dahlonega Weekend after Thanksgiving

Well, it wasn't pretty.

But the old saying remains true: "A win is a win!"

And that's exactly how the Georgia College women's basketball team handled their business this past Tuesday night at home in a 42-41 win over West Georgia. GC closed out the contest on a 15-0 run for capture the victory. Junior forward Tammeisha Law hit two big free throws with less than a minute remaining to put GC in front for good as the team held on for the victory.

Senior guard Chimere Jordan led all scorers with 17 points. The Bobcats shot just 24.4 percent from the floor in the contest, but played spectacular defense down the stretch, chipping away and ultimately garnering the win.

Now it's time to hit the road to Dahlonega, Ga. The Bobcats (3-0) will play in a quick two day. two team tourney hosted by North Georgia College & State University. In the tournament, GC will get to square off against two NAIA schools. Friday, Nov. 26 the Bobcats tip off the tourney with Trevecca Nazarene of Nashville, TN at 4:00, followed by a Saturday afternoon match against St. Augustine's at 1:00 p.m.

Here are some keys to a couple of GC victories:

1) ENERGY: This past Tuesday against West Georgia, the ladies were lethargic for most of the first half. It will be key coming in from a long bus ride and some big meals after Thanksgiving to mentally prepare yourself for the game and play with a high level of energy.

2) DON'T SETTLE: Multiple times in the game against the West Ga. Wolves, the Bobcats settled for too many jumpers. Let's move the basketball effectively against the defenses we will face this weekend for the best shot available.

3) LIMIT TURNOVERS: Georgia College committed 21 turnovers as a team last game against W. Ga. That must change this weekend on the road in Dahlonega.

4) KEEP UP THE FREE THROW SHOOTING: The free tosses this year has been outstanding! Keep up the great free throw shooting this weekend, along with keys 1-3, and things should fall into place nicely for head coach Mo Smith and his 'Cats!

Catch the action on the airwaves this weekend in Dahlonega!

Friday: 3:50 on country 102.3 fm in Milledgeville (country102fm.com...wkzr link)

Saturday: 12:50 on country102.3 fm in Milledgeville (country102fm.com...wkzr link)

Happy and humbled again to have the call this weekend! Talk to you from Georgia's old city of gold!

Bobcat Men's Basketball Falls in Anderson; Travel to Montevallo for Two Day Tourney

Our Bobcat men's basketball team fell on the road in Anderson, SC at Anderson University this past Tuesday night 82-74 to the Trojans.

I was not at the game due to calling the women's contest the same night against West Georgia.

Here is a recap of the match: http://www.gcsubobcats.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/releases/20101123d0kso4


Now it's time to quickly hit the road again after Turkey Day to Montevallo for a two day, two game tournament hosted by Montevallo University. The Bobcats will be facing off against North Alabama Friday, Nov. 26 at 6:30, followed by West Florida on Saturday, Nov. 27.

Here are some keys to look for in the two games if the Bobcats are to be successful:\

1) CLOSE OUT THE GAME: Over the past two games against Tusculum, Georgia College has had the lead late but has squandered it. While this team is young, it must develop a sense of closure and veteranship in order to finish the game out the way good teams do. I think this will happen more and more over the course of the season.

2) JARED HOLMES IS THE TABLE SETTER: This guy is fabulous! Holmes has led GC in scoring in all three game thus far, putting up double figures each night out. When he's on, the Bobcats have a legitimate chance to win.

3) TAKE PRIDE IN REBOUNDING: Last time out at Anderson University, Georgia College allowed 12 offensive rebounds, otherwise known as letting the Trojans creep back in the game by not getting a defensive board when need be. It's imperative to rebound the ball and not allow opponents second chance opportunities in the games this weekend.

4) BOUNCE BACK: The last two games have been punches in the gut, no doubt. Leading late and unfortunately losing the lead and the game can play a told on your mind. GC needs to stay positive, play smart basketball, and get two wins in Alabama like the knows it's capable of doing!


Catch the action in Montevallo, Alabama from Bank Trust Arena! Veteran "Voice of the Bobcats" Scott MacLeod has the call this weekend on 102.3 fm in Milledgeville or online at country102fm.com (listen live...wkzr link).

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Bobcat Women Win Home Opener; Set for West Georgia Wolves before Turkey Day

The Georgia College women's basketball team this season is determined to do one thing they have failed at doing over the past few years: make the NCAA Tournament.

And with the start the team has had thus far, there's no reason to believe that this team can't accomplish that task.

Georgia College (2-0) most recently defeated USC Aiken in a non-conference match last Wednesday 74-55 in the teams home opener. Senior guard Chimere Jordan posted 19 points to lead all scorers, while junior point guard Karisma Boykin was just two tallies shy of posting a double-double with 10 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

After almost a full week off, it's back to the hard wood where the classic battle of "Cat vs. Dog" will take place at the Centennial Center.

The Bobcats welcome to West Georgia Wolves of Carrollton, Ga. to the house in a non-conference battle.

The Wolves enter 1-2, previously falling 57-48 to nationally ranked Ft. Valley State.

With the holidays nearing and school coming down to crunch time, head coach Mo Smith and his assistants Toby Wagoner and Liz Hathaway must keep the ladies focused before Turkey Day.

Here are come keys to watch for in the contest against W. Ga:

1) CONTINUE SHOOTING WELL FROM THE FREE THROW LINE: In the first two games of the year, the Bobcats are 83.8 percent as a team from the charity stripe, an outstanding number! With a physical team like the Wolves coming, it will be important to knock down free throws early and late.

2) BE PATIENT ON OFFENSE: GC must work for a high percentage shot each possession down the floor. That starts with the point guard Boykin who dazzled Bobcat fans last time out with her smart play and the ability to penetrate the USC Aiken defense.

3) REBOUNDING: Currently Georgia College holds a +10 margin on the rebounds as a team, pulling down an average of 42 per game, another sensational number! Getting on the defensive glass will be key.

4) STAY FOCUSED: Thanksgiving is close for everyone and Christmas is just right around the corner. It is imperative for players, coaches, officials, broadcasters, and athletic personnel to stay focused at the task at hand throughout the holiday season.

Other stories, as always, will unfold throughout the match.

Catch the action tonight on AM 1450 in Milledgeville or www.country102fm.com (listen live...wmvg link) at 6:50! Humbled and happy to have the call again!

Chat with you tonight on Thanksgiving Eve Eve

Monday, November 22, 2010

Bobcat Men's Hoops Back from Tennessee; Back on the road Tuesday at Anderson Univ

We learned a lot about the Georgia College men's basketball squad this past weekend in Greeneville, TN.

Terry Sellers and his Bobcats went 1-1 over the quick two day, four team tournament hosted by Tusculum College. GC won Friday evening 60-30 against South Atlantic Conference (SAC) member Carson-Newman. The win for Georgia College (2-1) gave Sellers his 300th victory on the Georgia College sidelines.

Then, on Saturday afternoon against SAC member Tusculum, the Bobcats hit a road block. Georgia College led by nine with less than 10 minutes to go in the game, before foundering from the free throw line (14-of-25 overall), shooting 56 percent. GC fell 60-57 to Tusculum, the first loss of the season for the 'Cats.

After returning home in the wee hours of Sunday morning, here is what I learned about the Georgia College men's basketball team thus far:

1) JARED HOLMES IS GOING TO BE SOMETHING SPECIAL: Holmes scored in double figures each game this past weekend in Tennessee. The junior transfer from Kankakee Community College dropped in 17 points against Tusculum before fouling out of the contest. Bobcat fans will enjoy watching Holmes' athleticism and strong court demeanor.

2) DEFENSE WILL BE THE CALLING CARD: Last year, Georgia College averaged over 74 points per game. In the first three games this year, GC is scoring on average 58.5 points per game. A number significantly lower than last year's squad means that the Bobcats will have to D-up each night out.

3) EXECUTING THE LITTLE THINGS IS IMPERATIVE: Coach Sellers emphasized that the team has to learn to do the small things during a basketball game that ultimately leads to a win. What he means by that is that the team must shoot free throws well, not turn the basketball over in key spots, play smart defense, and play smart offense. These things, I think, will come more and more as the season progresses.

Nonetheless, the Bobcats are back in action on Tuesday evening, Nov. 23, at Anderson University doing battle against the Trojans. I will not be with the team due to calling the women's game at home, but below are a few keys I will look for in the box score.

1) AT or LESS THAN 15 TURNOVERS
2) ABOVE 70 percent free throw shooting
3) REBOUNDING on the defensive glass
4) Senior Josh Hurst and his overall play down low

Catch the action Tuesday evening on the 'Home Team' broadcast! Scott MacLeod has the call on 102.3 fm in Milledgeville (country102fm.com...listen live...wkzr- online streaming) from Anderson, SC!

Best of luck to the guys!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Bobcat Men's Basketball Team Brings New Faces Into Home Opener vs. Carver

Last year the Georgia College men's basketball team was outstanding! GC won over 20 games, the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) West Division crown, and earned an at large bid to the NCAA National Tournament in the Southeast Regional.

That team garnered star guards Graham Martin, Ty Rowland, and Jake Rios, all who averaged in double figures and all who have been lost via gradation.

Now veteran head coach Terry Sellers, in year number 18 at the helm of GC, must blend in returners and newcomers in order to have a successful 2010/2011 season. Senior forwards Josh Hurst, Reece Wiedeman and guard Andre Mikell will have the heavy burden of carrying this team back to a deep postseason run in the conference and hopefully, to a national tournament berth.

The task starts with game one of the season at home against NAIA Carver Bible College. The Bobcats lead the overall series with the Cougars four games to none, having scored at least 120 points in every game these two teams have played.

But without the "Big 3," GC will have to get production elsewhere and fast as the season quickly moves from Milledgeville on Wednesday, to Tenn. on Friday and Saturday to tip off against NCAA DII and regional opponents Carson Newman and Tusculum.

Therefore, how can Georgia College defeat Carver Bible and get the season off on the right foot?

Here are some keys to watch?

1) SENIOR LEADERSHIP: As I alluded to above, Hurst, Wiedeman and Mikell have all been around long enough to know what it takes to be successful in the league and for Coach Sellers. It will be imperative for these three players to have an active voice and role if the team wants to be successful. The new leaders will have to lead by example both on and off the court to show the youngsters how to carry themselves.

2) BALANCED SCORING: Last season, Georgia College relied on Martin, Rowland, and Rios. This season, all guys will have to contribute each night both offensively and defensively in order to be successful.

3) BALL MOVEMENT: Making the defense move is key to a scoring attack in basketball. Last year, GC moved the ball effectively around defenses in order to get the best shot most of the time. That must continue this year and in the first game against Carver.

4) EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE: With three legitimate scorers from last years team gone, the new players must meet the challenge head on to get better each time out on the court. This season, in my opinion, will be a dogfight in a competitive and balanced Peach Belt Conference, both in the east and west divisions.

More stories, though, will unfurl in the season's opening week for the men.

Be sure to catch all the action Wednesday Nov. 17 as Georgia College opens the season inside the Centennial Center. Tip off is set for 7:30.

Catch yours truly on the telecast at http://www.pennatlantic.com/ ! Talk to you from Georgia's Antebellum Capital!

Players to watch in 2010/2011:
Jr. G Jared Holmes (transfer from Kankakee Community College)
So. G Ryan Legates (transfer from NCAA DI USC Upstate)
So. G Nate Hamilton (returner & graduate of Brookwood High School)
Fr. G Royal Thomas (graduate of LaGrange High School)

Chimere Jordan Leads Bobcats to First Victory Under Mo Smith Era; Set for Home Opener Against USC Aiken

What a dazzling performance by senior guard Chimere Jordan! The local product netted 35 points in her season debut to propel Georgia College (1-0) to a 72-52 victory this past Friday night in Anderson, SC.

Jordan knocked in 29 in the second half to put the match away, while also helping to earn first year head coach Maurice Smith his first victory as a collegiate coach in as many tries.

Now, GC will face USC Aiken in non-conference battle on Wed. Nov 17 to open up the home slate for the Bobcat women.

The Pacers (2-0) and 15-3 a year ago and Bobcats will get a "free" look at one another, as the game does count in the win/loss column, but not in the conference standings.

Therefore, what are the keys for Georgia College? Here you go:

1) TRANSITION DEFENSE: Early on, teams are not in the best of shape due to not seeing much live action. Hence, GC must be aware that the Pacers will look to attack early and can not afford to allow easy buckets.

2) REBOUNDING: I've hear Mo Smith say multiple times at practice, "One shot." What he means by that is that the Bobcats can't allow second chance opportunities against Aiken. The Bobcats won the battle on the boards in the season opener at Anderson 40 to 35, and whaddya know, the result was a win!

3) SPREAD THE SCORING: Because USC Aiken knows who the Bobcats' 'go to gal' is on the squad (Jordan), someone else will need to fill in the void if Jordan does not hit early on. I will be looking for other star senior guard Dominique Huffin to score when Jordan is doubled and cut off from penetrating off the dribble.

4) HAVE FUN: This is your home opener, and the last for seniors Jordan, Huffin, guard Mandi Dudish, and guard Jessica Baker. The crowd will be above average, as multiple festivities will be going on pre-tip invoking student and community spirit. Make it count!

Catch all the action live on News/Sports AM 1450 in Milledgeville or online at http://www.country102fm.com/ (click "Listen live...WMVG"). Humbled and happy to have the radio call in the women's contest!

Talk to you from the friendly confines of the Centennial Center for the home opener!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Georgia College Womens Basketball Set for Season Opener at Anderson

In the words of the 1980s hair band Whitesnake, "Here we go again..."

Granted that lyric entails more, but it's time once again for the return of Georgia College basketball to Milledgeville for the 2010/2011 campaign!

Friday, Nov. 11, starts hopefully a long and joyful journey to the NCAA postseason in early March for the Bobcat women and men.

First year head coach Mo Smith of the women's team is first up on the slated schedule. His 'Cats travel to Anderson, SC to battle the Trojans of Anderson University in the season's opening night in a non conference matchup!

Georgia College is fresh off a 21 and 8 season that saw them win the Peach Belt Conference West Division. Unfortunately, GC just missed out on the national tourney after such a successful year.

The Trojans, on the other hand, have been in postseason glory for quite some time. Anderson has made the NCAA Tournament seven straight seasons dating back to 2004. Last year, AU posted a 20 and 11 mark, while winning three games in a row in the conference tournament to claim the Conference Carolinas title, earning an automatic bid to the 'Big Dance.'

Smith will return some wonderful talent this year in senior guards Chimere Jordan and Dominique Huffin, both which will anchor much of a guard heavy scoring attack. With the loss of point guard Shandrea Moore to graduation, GC will welcome in transfer sophomore point guard Karisma Boykin from DI Jacksonville State to run the show. Boykin netted a team high 20 points in the teams only official exhibtion against DI Mercer a short week ago in a 67 to 57 victory. Jordan posted 18 points, while Huffin knocked in 15 respectively.

With the back court relatively set for GC this year, the post positions will be up the air, however. The Bobcats lost all conference center Antoinette Reames last season along with Moore, again due to graduation. This time around, the squad does return junior forward Tammeshia Law, but the other post position is still vacant. With incoming freshman such as Abby "Cuz" Slocumb and Krysta Lewis, the Bobcats should be able to play a "post by committee" this year.

Therefore, with key returners and and hard working incoming class, the 2010/2011 slate looks to be an exciting one!

Here are come keys to look for in the season opener at Anderson:

1) REBOUNDING: With Reames gone, how well and efficient can the Bobcats rebound the basketball? Last season GC was 10th in the PBC in rebounds per game at 39.5. Rebounding is imperative, especially on the defensive end.

2) TRANSITION DEFENSE: How well can the Bobcats move from offense to defense, stopping an Anderson team that looks to score early and often in transition? Getting back on defense, stopping the basketball, and keeping the Trojans to one shot per possession is crucial.

3) SENIOR LEADERSHIP: This is now the team of Huffin, Jordan, back up point guard Jessica Baker and sharpshooter Mandi Dudish (who has been battling injury over the past year or so). How well these four ladies communicate on the court with their teammates will tell how far the Bobcats go this season.

4) FREE THROWS: Early season jitters can cause a player to alter his/her shot and sometimes not recover from a bad start. Consequently, free throws are an even tougher battle due to the mental aspect of the shot. Knocking down free tosses early and late in the contest should put the Bobcats on top.

Other stories will unfold in Coach Smiths first game at the helm.

And we hope you join us for those stories on Friday night at 6:50. Tune in to the radio broadcast from Anderson on AM 1450 in Milledgeville or online at www.country102fm.com (Listen Live...WMVG link).

I will be calling the game with Georgia College sports information grad assistant Brian DeCandia, who will add color commentary.

A new era of Bobcat women's basketball is upon us! Talk with you from the Palmetto state!

Georgia College Sports Report Podcast Series: Episode 8 with Head Women's Basketball Coach, Maurice Smith

Georgia College Sports Report Podcast Series: Episode 7 with Head Men's Basketball Coach, Terry Sellers

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Bobcat Basketball Teams Set for Exhibitions At Mercer

Hello basketball fans!

It's time to hit the hardwood for the 2010-2011 Georgia College basketball season!

We are all abuzz about the upcoming year as both teams will be looking to defend their Peach Belt Conference Western Division Title from just a short year ago.

More information will follow.

Be sure to catch all the action tonight (Thurs, Nov. 4) at Mercer as the Bobcats take on the Lady Bears and Bears in the annual "Coaches vs. Cancer" contest. Tip off for the women is set for 5:00, followed by the men at 7:00.

Great to have hoops back!

Listen in at www.gcsuradio.com or 88.9 FM in Milledgeville. Airtime is set for 4:50.

Georgia College Soccer Ends 2010 Going Out With a Bang

In all my years of sports, I have never been a part of something so exciting, something so improbable, and something so unbelievable.

The Georgia College women's soccer squad ended its postseason this past Tuesday night in Dahlonega, Ga, falling to North Georgia 2-2 (6-5 on penalty kicks).

North Georgia garnered a first half goal off a corner kick from Casey Smith. The ball found the head of Natalie Douglass, who put it past GC keeper Mary Rob Plunkett to give the Saints a 1-0 lead.

Going into halftime with a 1-0 score in favor of the Saints, North Georgia added one more goal in first 15 minutes of the second period, to seemingly put the contest away 2-0.

That was, until, senior midfielder Ally Treat took matters into her own hands.

With 17 minutes remaining the game, Treat received a touch from senior Jessica Newland and powered home a goal from 40 yards out to make it a 2-1 ball game.

Then, less than three minutes later, after the North Georgia defense deflected a ball sent down by GC, Treat gathered the rebound, and hammered a shot from 45 yards away, finding the bottom left shelf of the goal past a diving Kirsten Ross to even things up at 2-2!

The game would go into both overtime periods, with neither team able to score. Penalty kicks ensued, and North Georgia was able to win the battle 6-5, moving on to the Peach Belt Conference semifinals.

Congrats to the ladies on a fine season! Much thanks to the six seniors (Mary Rob Plunkett, Jessica Newland, Kelli McLane, Ally Treat, Jessica Binkowski, and Kayla Emerson) for making it a special one for this broadcaster.

Also, thanks to the Bobcat sports information office, front office, and everyone involved in Bobcat athletics for allowing yours truly to bring you the action this season.

A big thank you, finally, to the listeners and fans, for without you, none of this would be possible.

Much is expected in 2011 from Bobcat soccer. I know head coach Hope Clark will be chomping at the bit to get back out there as soon as possible. For now, though, let's get some rest and see what awaits in 2011 as we move on to Bobcat basketball!


Chandler Lee

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Georgia College Women's Soccer Set for Playoffs as No. 5 Seed in Peach Belt Conference Tournament in Rd. 1 at #4 North Georgia College

Time to throw all the records, stats, and past meetings out the window.

The Georgia College women's soccer team will embark on their postseason journey on Tuesday (Nov. 2) as the ladies travel to do battle in Dahlonega, Ga. at North Georgia College. The Bobcats will represent the #5 seed in the conference tourney, while the Saints will be #4.

The playoffs represent an exciting time of the year for any team at any level. The stakes are raised. The tension is high. Every minute of every game matters.

These two teams met early in October, with the Saints taking the match 1-0 off a late goal with less than seven minutes remaining.

Ironically, these two teams met last season in round one, with the Bobcats emerging as the victor, 2-1.

This year, the Saints are a lethal team. North Georgia has proven themselves as one of the upper echelon teams in the Peach Belt. Casey Smith leads the team and is tops in the nation with 15 assists. Scoring wise, the Saints have scored 40+ goals this season, obviously presenting problems for the stagnant offense the Bobcats have displayed over the past six games.

But, all is not lost.

Georgia College has a new breath. Making the postseason allows a team to wipe the slate clean and start over. That's what Head Coach Hope Clark and the Bobcats will look to do.

Here are the keys to a Bobcat victory in Round 1 against the Saints:

1) LIMIT NORTH GEORGIA'S SPEED: The saints present a lethal scoring attack and a deadening defense. North Georgia is superb at moving the ball down the field and finding seams in opponents defense. If the Bobcats can limit the midfielders and forwards on the outside of North Georgia, the Bobcats will give themselves a chance.

2) SCORE FIRST: Obviously the Bobcats have struggled to score of late. GC has tallied just one goal in the past six contests. But thankfully the postseason symbolizes a new birth and a new beginning. If the team can keep that in mind and use the attacking offense effectively, Georgia College will have a chance.

3) URGENCY: If you listened or were at the Montevallo game for the seasons final regular day, you saw the Bobcats play with a sense of meaning. The Bobcats knew for the final 10 minutes of the game that they had to somehow try to score a goal. When playing that style, the Bobcats had multiple opportunities to score. If the Bobcats play with that attitude, again, we give ourselves a chance.

4) FINISH: Now is not the time to miss from 10 yards and in. When GC gets a good look on offense, it will be crucial to score.

Nothing like the playoffs! Every aspect of the game will be elevated! This is going to be fun!

Tune in at 5:50 p.m. on www.gcsuradio.com ! First kick is set for 6:00 p.m. ET.

GAME TIME CHANGE FOR GEORGIA COLLEGE at NORTH GEORGIA

The first round of the 2010 Peach Belt Conference Women's Soccer Tournament game between #5 seed Georgia College and #4 North Georgia has been changed to a 6:00 et first kick in Dahlonega. Air time will now be 5:50 et on http://www.gcsuradio.com/ !

More information to follow, including keys to a Bobcat victory!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Round 1 of Peach Belt Conference Tourney On Tap for Georgia College Soccer

P-L-A-Y-O-F-F-S ! !

Throw the records, the stats, and previous meetings out the window.

It's time for playoff soccer as the Georgia College women's soccer squad and first year head coach Hope Clark travel to do battle in Dahlonega on Tuesday evening against North Georgia College in round one of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.

More information to come, including keys to the contest for a 'Cat victory.

Georgia College "Bobcats" @ North Georgia College "Saints"
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010
6:00 p.m. et
Dahlonega, Ga.

Listen live on http://www.gcsuradio.com/ ! Air time at 5:50 p.m. et.