Submitted
Suwannee Democrat
Live Oak —
The Suwannee High School varsity boys’ basketball team defeated the Hamilton County Trojans at home on Jan. 25 by a score of 70-58 in front of a record crowd.
The ‘Dogs lost the first matchup against the Trojans during their second regular season game.
But this time, the outcome would be different as fans came from every corner of the county.
By tipoff of the varsity game, the gym had reached maximum occupancy, and there was standing room only around the court. School administrators made the decision to stop selling tickets and stood at the doors of the gym, turning fans away.
“We sincerely regret that some fans were unable to get inside the gym,” said SHS principal Ted Roush. “However, there are fire codes which must be enforced to ensure the safety of the fans and players. We thank everyone who came to support the teams.”
Senior shooting guard Raymond Gardner was on fire in the first quarter, scoring 10 of the team’s points. The Trojans transitioned to man defense, but sophomore center Kevarrius Hayes began his triple-double performance with the first of several put-back slam dunks.
Hayes’ mother had just returned from active military duty and was in attendance in the stands.
Senior guards Jimmie Taylor III and Deangelo Ross carried the second quarter, but sluggish Bulldog defense allowed the Trojans to go into the half down by only five (26-21)
.
The SHS Bulldog mascot stole the show at halftime, as fans from both sides could not stay seated as everyone danced along with the “baddest” dog in town.
The ‘Dogs erupted in the third quarter, scoring 29 points. Freshman forward Aaron McAllister came out on fire, and started the ‘Dog scoring run with a steal-jumper combination. McAllister combined layups, steals and offensive put-backs for 10 points in the half. Taylor and McAllister led the team in offense, and Taylor passed for 11 assists. Hayes put on a strong performance with dunks, 20 rebounds, 10 blocks, and two steals.
Against Trinity Catholic
The ‘Dogs also defeated Jacksonville Trinity Christian on Jan. 21 by a score of 67-57, and Jacksonville Mandarin (class 8A) on Jan. 26 by a score of 64-58. Taylor had a banner week with a career-high 14 assists in the game against Trinity as he achieved another triple-double with an additional 14 points and 11 rebounds, followed by a 33-point performance against Mandarin. Hayes also delivered a double-double (12 pts, 17 rbs) in the game against Trinity, and Ross netted 13 points.
This brings the team record to 15-5 as the ‘Dogs play their final two regular season games this weekend at home against Taylor County on Friday night and Santa Fe on Saturday night.
Game Statistics (Pts-Rbs-Ast-Stl)
Vs. Trinity Christian
Jimmie Taylor III (14-11-14-4)
Deangelo Ross (13-6-0-0)
Kevarrius Hayes (12-17-1-0) 8BL
Raymond Gardner (12-1-1-1)
Aaron McAllister (10-5-0-0)
Dalvious McQuay (6-0-0-0)
Vs. Hamilton County
Jimmie Taylor III (24-9-11-1) 1BL
Kevarrius Hayes (15-20-0-2) 10BL
Raymond Gardner (14-4-1-1)
Aaron McAllister (10-4-1-1)
Deangelo Ross (7-6-0-1)
Vs. Jacksonville Mandarin
Jimmie Taylor III (33-5-4-1) 1BL
Kevarrius Hayes (8-13-1-0) 3BL
Deangelo Ross (8-2-1-1)
Aaron McAllister (8-7-1-0)
Raymond Gardner (5-1-1-0)
Randy Waddy (2-1-0-1)
