Local Sports
Bulldogs aiming for another tourney title
THOMASVILLE — Thomasville already has one tournament title.
Another could be within reach when the undefeated Bulldogs travel to Ocala, Fla. next week to play in the Kingdom of the Sun tournament.
Thomasville is one of 16 teams from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Kentucky scheduled to play in the tournament that begins Monday and concludes Thursday.
“We get a chance to play against a lot of good teams from the central and south Florida area,” Thomasville coach Ben Tillman said. “Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to play more than two games. We’re only guaranteed two, but there’s a maximum of four. It’s a very humbling experience. It gives the kids a chance to go out and showcase some of their talent.
“This particular tournament will have anywhere from 40-50 Division coaches there. Hopefully, we’ll get some scholarship opportunities for some of our seniors.”
Thomasville, which won its Holiday Hoopfest on Wednesday, was invited to the Kingdom of the Sun tournament after a sponsor saw the Bulldogs play at a summer camp at the University of Florida. It was one of two tournaments the Bulldogs were invited to — the other being the City of the Palms tournament in Fort Myers, Fla.
“We opted to go to the Kingdom because we’re young,” Tillman said. “I think it’ll be a good experience for the kids.
“It’s still a major tournament. It’s one of the top tournaments in the Southeast. We’re excited.”
Thomasville has five seniors — Charles Hayes, Fred Holton, Seandarius Coleman and Anthony Anderson. Three of the Bulldogs starters, though, are sophomores, including Trey Gosier, Willie Clayton and Robert Carter.
The youthful Bulldogs have already navigated a tough schedule this year, recording wins against Mitchell County, Albany, Goose Creek (S.C.) and Bainbridge in the Hoopfest title game. Playing against top-quality teams next week will better prepare the Bulldogs for the second half of the season and a shot at a second straight region title.
“That’s exactly why I’m glad Goose Creek came. It gave us an opportunity to play against some kids that we haven’t seen before. It also gives us a chance to play against some kids that are much taller and have more than one tall kid on the team,” Tillman said. Thomasville’s first game is Monday at 1 p.m. against Summit Christian.
n THS PLAYERS BEING RECRUITED: Carter and Clayton are already garnering plenty of attention from college coaches despite only being sophomores. Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton was at Thomasville’s game against Early County earlier this season watching the two post players.
They aren’t the only Thomasville stars being looked at, however.
“Sean D. (Coleman) has really opened a lot of eyes from area schools, Valdosta State, Albany State,” Tillman said. “Those schools are very interested in him.”
Coleman is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound senior.
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THS, Central, Cairo attend Bainbridge camp
Footballs were flying all over the practice fields adjacent to Bainbridge High School Thursday afternoon.
Thomasville, Thomas County Central, Cairo, along with two schools from Alabama and Leon (Fla.) participated in a passing camp at Bainbridge. The three-hour long passing league drew rave reviews from those in attendance. -
Yellow Jackets making strides in passing leagues
Another summer day gone by, another passing session under Thomas County Central’s belt.
The Yellow Jackets hosted a 7-on-7 passing league with Lowndes Wednesday afternoon.
The two teams threw for almost two hours at Central practice field. With Central set to compete in its last passing league today in Bainbridge, head coach Bill Shaver likes the progression his team has made on offense and defense. -
Folsom galloping ahead
Horseback riding came natural for Landrie Folsom — so, too, has winning.
It’s only natural that a national championship is in the Thomasville resident’s future, right?
That’s the dream Folsom will carry with her this weekend when she participates in the Junior Hunter Finals and Hunterdon Cup Equitation to be held in Lexington, KY on Aug. 2-5. Folsom is excited about participating on the national stage but understands how tough the competition will be. -
Drew still undecided about collegiate future
Ray Drew is still undecided.
By all accounts, Thomas County Central fans will have to wait until Signing Day, 2011, to find out where the highly-recruited senior will play collegiate football.
Speaking five days before the start of fall practice, the Central senior gave no hints as to who his favorites were. He’d like to keep it that way. -
East has mixed feelings with Brookwood’s play in camp
The run-oriented Brookwood Warriors got an extensive look at their passing attack this week.
The Warriors attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes passing camp at Georgia Southern, Monday-Wednesday. Brookwood competed in a passing league that included such schools as Cook, Irwin County, South Effingham and Long County. -
Cairo passing camp a success
Cairo’s eight-team football camp continues to be a passing success.
Thomas County Central, Bainbridge and Valdosta joined the Syrupmakers and four schools from Florida to compete in 7-on-7 drills Thursday morning. - Bombers to host tournament
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YMCA swimmers qualify for state event
The Thomasville YMCA took 26 swimmers to Tifton on for the 2010 GRPA district swim meet. All qualified for the state championships in Tifton in two weeks.
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Haskins running wild
Nathan Haskins has lofty goals for his cross-country career.
Running in a marathon is next for the Thomasville native. - More Local Sports Headlines
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