Mitchell pushes the Tigers past the Irish
BY JIM WILLIS

The Swainsboro High School Tiger boys' basketball team began their 2007- 08 season last Tuesday night against the Fighting Irish of Dublin High School. The boys squeaked out a tough one, 78-75. Senior Tony Mitchell led the way for the Tigers with 39 points. Mitchell completely took the game in his hands after not scoring one point for the Tigers in the first quarter of play. Senior Tiger Byron Foots posted 13 points and went 5-7 from the foul line. Dublin High School, still an honorable contender for the State Football Championship, led the entire game until Mitchell and the Tigers pulled away with a little under 4 minutes left to go in the game.

The Tigers did not look prepared to play in the first quarter. With Dublin only dressing out nine players, Head Coach Leroy Jordan decided to pick up the pace of the game hoping to weardown the Irish team. By playing a full-court press, the Tigers tried to fatigue the Irish and force them into critical mistakes early on. However, Coach Jordan's game plan did not succeed. Dublin displayed their stamina and was able to break the Tiger press. Swainsboro High Sophomore Malcolm Eady hit two three-pointers to keep the Tigers within striking distance. After the first quarter of action the Irish were on top, 19-12.

The second quarter was highlighted by an amazing backwards slam by Tony Mitchell. The Irish and Tigers went back-andforth the entire period. Both teams scored 22 points in the second quarter. When the first half ended the Tigers were down, 41-34.

When the Tigers came out of the locker room there was a new intensity among them. Both teams began the second half in foul trouble. Dublin Coach Clint Thomas and Coach Jordan were very selective in their substitutions. The Irish scraped 13 offensive rebounds in the first half of play. "This ball game will be won in the third quarter," Coach Jordan told his team. The defense took this advice to heart by only holding the Irish to 16 third quarter points.

From then on the Tigers were in the driver's seat. Mitchell added 18 points in the fourth quarter, and went perfect from the foul stripe in the last period of play.

The Tigers will host rival Wilkinson County this Friday night. This will be one of the biggest games of the year. The Wilkinson Warriors are coming off of a very impressive win over AAAA Jones County, 86-59. Tiger fans should expect a very up-tempo, intense game at Swainsboro High School this Friday night. Make plans to attend early due to a short supply of tickets. The Tiger Girls will begin at 7 p.m. and the boys at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door beginning at 3:30 in the afternoon.

***Swainsboro High played host to Dublin High in a rematch Tuesday night, look for results in next week's issue of The Forest- Blade.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Relay for Marie	1
Seedling Garden Club holds auction	1
Good teachers make a difference	1