THOMASVILLE — Three days down, one to go for the Thomasville Bulldogs.
The Region 1-AA champions, coming off a 70-44 rout of Benedictine in the second round of the Class AA playoffs on Tuesday, are a win from the final four in Macon. Playing the waiting game has proven to be a tough chore for Thomasville coach Ben Tillman.
"It's going to be tough trying to make sure we cover all our bases as coaches, making sure the kids stay focused and prepared, not only mentally, but physically," said Tillman, whose team will play Henry County on Saturday at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus. "We've got to figure out what we're going to do about riding, transportation and that kind of stuff, and where we're going to spend the night, all the logistics that come along with it. That plays a major part on how our kids perform."
Thomasville has been performing at a high level in recent weeks. The Bulldogs sport a 22-4 record and won both state playoff games by at least 20 points. Thomasville hopes to advance to its first final four since 2006.
"It is really exciting,” Tillman said. “We really talked about that at the beginning of the season, just finishing our season out strong. We've been able to stay really focused the last couple of games," Tillman said. "It is exciting to see the hard work pay off for the kids.
"I think this group of kids that we have, they want to make history. They want to be the ones that can finally say that the Thomasville High boys basketball team is able to win a championship. That's what's really driving them and driving them to be the first to do so."
Thomasville's foe on Saturday has had a much different season. Henry County is 15-13 and suffered through an eight-game losing streak. However, the Warhawks have won six straight, including two impressive wins over Fitzgerald and Long County in the state playoffs.
"They're very athletic," Tillman said. "They play probably about eight players. It's going to be a real good contest. They're not quite as big as we are, but they are a very athletic team."
The difference could be the Bulldogs' defensive pressure. With quick guards like Trey Gosier and Fred Holton and post players Robert Carter and Willie Clayton, the Bulldogs hope to continue their stifling defensive play. Thomasville is allowing just 52 points per game this postseason. Thomasville has surrendered more than 60 points only three times this year.
"This team is really a blue-collar team. I said that last year and I say it again this year, they're just hard workers," Tillman said. "It's starting to pay off a little bit. You saw it (Tuesday), especially on the defensive end. We're just a really hard-working team right now."
Local Sports
Henry County next for Thomasville boys
- Local Sports
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Bulldogs fall to Indians
Two teams entered Friday night tied for the Region 1-AA lead.
One is still perched atop the region standings with one week left in the regular season. -
Lady Bulldogs hold off Squaws
What started ugly ended beautifully for the Thomasville Lady Bulldogs Friday night.
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First place at stake
The kings of Region 1-AA are ready to defend their crown.
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Central wrestling ready for area tournament
The first step in Thomas County Central’s trek to the state wrestling meet starts on Saturday.
The Yellow Jackets wrestling team will travel to the area meet in Leesburg. -
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.
At least, that’s the case for Thomasville High senior Tyree Mitchell. -
Central trio ready for new start
College football means a new start for three Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets.
Two are bound for Massachusetts. One is set to suit up for a first-time program. All three made their collegiate decisions known on Wednesday when they inked letters-of-intent. -
Mosely bound for Southern; Cason headed to Holmes Community College
Two integral pieces of Cairo’s state semifinal team from last year are set to play at the next level.
Offensive lineman Anthony Mosely and linebacker Terrell Cason signed letters-of-intent on Wednesday, -
Dreams come true for Bench, Gurley
It’s not every year a school the size of Cairo High has two football players to sign letters-of-intent with FCS schools.
The Syrupmakers have two. -
Area signings roundup
Here is a list of those area seniors who signed letters-of-intent on Wednesday.
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Bench, Gurley lead Cairo signees
Four Cairo Syrupmakers signed letters-of-intent on Wednesday, National Signing Day, two were with FCS schools.
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