TIFTON —
The postseason has fully begun for the Tiftarea Academy Panthers, who over the next two days will play in state tournament games at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon. The girls tip today at 5:30 p.m. against the Holy Spirit Prep Lady Cougars from Atlanta. The Panthers will have to wait until Thursday to play their game against the Dominion Christian Knights from Marietta.
Both girls teams will be trying to avenge first round losses from last season. Holy Spirit Prep was defeated by John Milledge Academy, while Tiftarea fell to Stratford.
The Lady Cougars, said girls head coach Mike Patrick, were the regular season champs out of their region, but dropped a region tournament game and fell to the consolation game, which they won.
Patrick said he had spoken with three coaches and they agreed about the Lady Cougars’ strength. “Guards are their strong point,” he said.
Those guards for Holy Spirit Prep are Aimee Sinks and Selina Kelete, both juniors. Their main post player is senior Emily Browning. “We’re going to put a lot of pressure on them,” he said. “They’re going to be a good challenge for us.”
Tiftarea is the No. 2 team out of their region after losing to Deerfield-Windsor in the finals. Deerfield has been the Lady Panthers thorn. After winning the first game against them this year, the Lady Knights have taken the past two, including the clincher for the regular season championship.
The Lady Cougars were region champs last year in addition to winning the regular season crown this year. “That tells me they’re a pretty decent club,” said Patrick.
Thursday night finds the Panthers in Macon against Dominion Christian. Patrick said the Knights are 20-7, in addition to being the No. 1 team out of their region. Last year, the Knights fell in the first round to Bulloch Academy. Tiftarea makes its return to state after missing last year.
“Traditionally, they’re a pretty good basketball team,” said Patrick, adding that boys head coach Dan Henderson knew his players would be in for a tough time . “It’ll be a good experience for us.”
If the girls win, they play the winner of Tattnall Square and Westminster Christian. If the boys win, they play the winner of John Milledge Academy and Westfield.
Local Sports
Panthers, Lady Panthers head to state
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Two from Tift named 1st team All-Region
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Battle for state golf title held at Spring Hill
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Spurlin snags state title
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Tift County High has summer basketball camp
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Spring game goes well for Devils
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Greene named Parade All-America
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Lady Devils golfers finish 7th
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ABAC tennis finishes 9th in nation
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Summer tennis camp at ABAC June 24-27
Middle school and high school tennis players who want to improve all phases of their game should sign up for the summer tennis camp June 24-27 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
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