Men's Basketball

Preview

	The Middle Georgia College Warriors are very excited to begin the 2011-12
basketball season. Head Coach Scott Moe enters his 10th season with a lot
of anticipation and a revamped roster of players. The Warriors finished
last season 7th in the region, with a record of 7-11 and an overall record
of 15-15. Moe says, “We are very excited about this year because, although
we have many freshmen, they are talented and ready to work.”
	This year’s team consists of five sophomores, four of them returning from
last year’s team. Buddy Bivins (Houston County High) and Ricky Rivera (Long
County High) are both experienced point guards that will be counted upon to
lead the team. Buddy was the only player on last year’s team to play in all
30 games, which shows how much he will be counted on this year. 
At the shooting guard position, Derrick Lacey (Mill Creek High) looks to
build on his success from last year and become even more of a threat to
opposing defenses. Another key contributor this year will be Mike Wheeler
(Westover High), who averaged 8.1 ppg and 5.5 rbg as a freshman, and is
expected to play a variety of positions in order to help the team win. 
Also, the Warriors have added transfer player Javan Wells (Eagles Landing
High), who comes in from Wallace State Community College - Hanceville.
Javan is a smooth wing player that has the exceptional ability to put
points on the scoreboard and also provide some big game college basketball
experience.
	Of the 11 freshmen on this year’s team; five are from the middle Georgia
area, with some especially close to Middle Georgia College. Corey Blash
(West Laurens High) and Chris Wright (Dublin High) are wing players that
both come from Dublin, GA. They both really shoot the ball well and will
have the opportunity to contribute for the Warriors. Chris is a two time
All Middle Georgia Player of the Year Award winner and also won a state
championship in 2006.
Terryhon Wright (Washington County High) is a strong, athletic guard who
could fill a need for the team. His high school team went to the Elite
Eight last year. Forward Brentine Taylor (Bleckley County High) is a very
talented local boy from right here in Cochran, and plenty of people in the
community are excited to see him wear the red and black colors of Middle
Georgia College. Cortez Riley (Perry High) will also play forward and has
been a very hard worker and a tremendous athlete as well.
	The Warriors also bring in two players from Charleston, SC. Earl Lawrence
and Shane Heyward both played at West Ashley High School and had stellar
careers. Earl transfers in from Lander University, while Shane picked up
area Player of the Year honors last season as a senior at West Ashley.
	Rounding out the freshmen class for the Warriors are forwards Tim
Washington (Dougherty Comprehensive High) and Demetrius McCray (Tift County
High). Tim is a long, lanky, and athletic big man who can get off the floor
quickly. Demetrius is an all around hustle player who can also shoot the
ball. At point guard, Aris Hursey (Pepplebrook High) is a fiery competitor
who can make plays with the ball. Also at wing D’Angelo Johnson (Richmond
Hill High) is another strong player who can impact the game in many ways
and could see significant playing time.
	Recently the Warriors were picked sixth in the Pre-season Coaches Poll.
“Of course we expect to finish better than that,” says Moe. “Staying injury
free and maintaining focus will likely determine how far into the
post-season we go.” Overall, this upcoming season promises to deliver a
calendar full of exciting, crowd pleasing games that Middle Georgia College
Warriors basketball is known for.

NEWS