High hopes for Hornet hoops

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December 3, 2012

High hopes for Hornet hoops

Anonymous CNHI The Tifton Gazette Mon Dec 03, 2012, 08:37 PM EST

TIFTON — After state appearances by both squads last year, the Cook Hornets hope to build on their successes this year. They have certainly started 2012-13 in fine fashion. In their opener Saturday against the Baker County Bears, both boys and girls won by nearly 20 points.

“We’re hoping to have a real successful season,” said boys coach Tommy Blackshear. He admits, though, that the task may be a bit more difficult this year. Cook graduated five seniors and they took most of the squad’s height with them. “We’re extremely small compared to what we had in the past,” he said.

If anyone could make the most out of his talent, it would be the veteran boys coach. He guided Tift County to a state championship in 1996 and had two more appearances in the semifinals.

Since his arrival in Adel, he has worked his magic there. Cook boys basketball could perhaps be divided into two eras. There was the pre-Blackshear era, from the school’s opening in 1949 to 2005. The Hornets made only five appearances in the state tournament, which included a drought from 1951 until 1992.

Since his hiring, they have gone to state six times, including a first round trip last season. “We’re expecting to go every year,” he said. “The program is beginning to get the recognition it deserves.”

Blackshear said his key players will be Tomias Harvey, Chris Lissmore, Tim Kimsey, Thomas Roundtree, Jaylen Sharpe and Rakeem Battle. Battle is expected to be the team leader. “We’ll be relying on him a whole lot,” the coach said.

Also on the roster is Keith Tucker, who is coming back after being hit by a car last year. “I’m happy he’s back,” said Blackshear.

On the girls side, coach Clemmie Foster believes her squad will be even better after their state trip in 2012, where they were knocked out in the first round by Tattnall County. “We’re expecting to go even farther this year,” she said.

She has already seen signs. “Our skill level has improved,” she said.

Coach Foster also has her best player back this year. Leading scorer Elesha Foster is returning at center. Other assets for this year’s squad are to be forward Shakeria Deberry and guard Lakeyda Zackery.

“I’m expecting our girls to do well in the region,” she said.

While she believes in great things for her own squad, Foster is not discounting her Region 1-AA opponents. She is expecting them to be up to par as usual.

“Our region is always kind of tight. It all boils down to who wants it more.”

Cook’s next opponents are tonight, when they travel to Lakeland to face the Lanier County Bulldogs.

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