Live Oak — The Suwannee High School varsity boys basketball team defeated Wakulla County on Jan. 17 in front of the home crowd by a score of 75-57. This gives them a current ranking of first place in the district (3-1, Maxpreps.com). 


The ‘Dogs dominated from tipoff to final buzzer and spread the points among seven players, in contrast to the War Eagles who had 11 offensive contributors. Suwannee shot an impressive 16 for 19 free throws and had four players who hit three pointers during the game. 

Senior guard Deangelo Ross netted three, three point shots and tied with freshman forward Aaron McAllister for second place in scoring with 15 points each. McAllister has developed recently as a strong second-half player, much like a “closer” in baseball, whose momentum improves in the clutch. Sophomore center Kevarrius Hayes blocked a dominating nine shots during the game, pulled down 10 points and 10 rebounds. Team scoring was led by senior Jimmie Taylor with his second triple-double performance of the year of 25 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.  


Two nights later in Columbia the Bulldogs seemed less sharp overall as the Tigers stole the win on the road. The ‘Dogs struggled throughout the night with both offensive and defensive execution as the Tigers jumped to a 11-2 lead early in the first quarter. However, a scoring run led by McAllister and Taylor including two back-to-back three pointers, drives inside, and defensive blocks from Hayes brought the ‘Dogs up to lead by four at halftime (29-25).


In the second half, the ‘Dogs struggled with rebounding on both ends, pulling down only 13 rebounds. The Tigers went on a scoring run which combined precise perimeter shooting with short inside jump shots to take the lead 38-36 with 1:26 left in the third quarter and Suwannee had no answer as the ‘Dogs ran out of steam to fall to Columbia 59-51. 


Fans please note there has been a cancelation of Thursday night’s game with Jacksonville Bolles. However, Friday night the ‘Dogs seek to avenge their earlier season loss to the Hamilton County Trojans here at home, and a very large crowd is expected so arrive early to get a good seat. 


Go Dogs!



Game Statistics vs/ Wakulla (Pts-Rbs-Ast-Stl)


Jimmie Taylor III (25-12-11-2) 1BL


Deangelo Ross (15-2-1-1)


Aaron McAllister (15-2-0-2)


Kevarrius Hayes (10-10-1-1) 9BL


Raymond Gardner (6-3-0-0)


Randy Waddy (2-1-0-0)


Dalvious McQuay (2-3-1-0)



Game Statistics vs/ Columbia (Pts-Rbs-Ast-Stl)


Jimmie Taylor III (24-13-6-2)


Aaron McAllister (11-5-1-0)


Raymond Gardner (8-1-0-0) 1BL


Kevarrius Hayes (6-12-0-0) 4BL


Deangelo Ross (2-1-1-1)


Randy Waddy (0-2-1-0)