By Brandon O’Connor

Reporter

The Bainbridge High School boys’ basketball team split its two games this past weekend losing to Thomasville on Friday and defeating Seminole County on Saturday. The win against the Indians on Saturday was the first win of the season for the Bearcats (1-4).

On Friday, the Bulldogs topped Bainbridge 62-50 after bouncing back from a halftime deficit. Bainbridge took a 13-9 lead at the end of the first and led 25-21 at halftime, but could not hold on in the second half.

“We actually played well,” head coach Terry Smith said. “We had three good quarters that we put together it came down to a size factor.”

Thomasville used a 20-15 third quarter to take one point lead heading into the fourth quarter and then pulled away in the final period outscoring Bainbridge 21-10.

“That’s the number one sign of a young team, not knowing how to finish,” Smith said. “That falls back on me. I’ve got to do a better job in practice and I’ve got to do a better job of subbing so we can have some legs in the fourth quarter to try to finish things up or make a run.”

Jeremiah Davis led Bainbridge in the game with 23 points including seven 3-pointers. Milton Gayle was second on the team with 14 points and Tevin Price and Jacquez Bruton tied for third with four points.

“He’s always been able to shoot the ball,” Smith said of Davis. “That’s by far the best game he’s had as far as shooting this year so far. He had a pretty decent scrimmage game, but then he hadn’t shot the ball even close to that until Friday night. It was one of his coming out games.”

The Bearcats rebounded on Saturday to steamroll Seminole County 68-34 for their first win of the year. Bainbridge outscored the Indians in every quarter. They took a 16-9 lead at the end of one and outscored their opponent by nine points in each of the final three quarters as they doubled Seminoles’ point output.

“We defended well,” Smith said. “We didn’t give up easy baskets. From an offensive standpoint, we are now becoming more disciplined on offense. That was the best offensive performance they’ve had all year. Now they understand the scheme and the plays.”

Maleke Lurry and Gayle were Bainbridge’s leading scorers in the game with 13 points apiece. Bruton added 11 and Jeremy Freeman had eight.

“He’s getting better,” Smith said of Gayle. “As a point guard, you’ve got to be an extension of the coach on the floor. This being me and him’s first year working together, a coach and the point guard have got to have a great relationship and it’s getting better.”

Bainbridge hosted Early County on Tuesday and will host Cairo on Saturday.