Bradwell 67, Camden 23 (girls)
Camden County became the latest victim of the unbeaten Bradwell Institute Lady Tigers’ intense defensive pressure, strong shooting and smooth transition game as BI cruised to a 67-23 win Tuesday.
"We press a lot and we have been successful with it, but I have to give credit to our girls. They really work hard at pressuring the ball. It is a source of pride for them," BI coach Faye Baker said.
Bradwell’s Shaquioa Crockett had nine of the Lady Tigers 19 first quarter points and Bradwell continued to roll through the first half to lead 33-11 at the break.
Holding a commanding 38-13 lead, the Lady Tigers (5-0) took a timeout early in the third quarter so Baker could make her team work on running a fluid offense.
"We needed to slow down a little bit, not force the ball with a lead and just work on timing, cuts and getting everyone involved in the offense," Baker said.
The Lady Tigers held Camden to two points during the third quarter.
Bradwell’s Mariah Maternik led all scorers with 21 points. Crockett had 14 points, while Latisha and KeAndra Frasier scored seven points each.
Quianaika Hatchell yanked down eight rebounds and Crockett was credited with five assists.
"Shaquioa is starting to really understand the offense and she is getting better every game," Baker said.
The Lady Tigers are starting to separate themselves from everyone else in Region 3-AAAAA. Four of their wins have been in double digits and the closest game they have seen was a three-point win over Savannah power Beach.
defensively and the transition game is coming along. Strong defense and the transition game is what will allow us to be successful because we do not have a lot of size inside," Baker said.
Bradwell has two remaining region games before Christmas break and an appearance in the Macon Christmas Tournament. They travel to Jenkins on Friday and visit Groves on Tuesday night.
"I really don’t know what Jenkins has because I haven’t seen them play this year yet. I have no doubt they will be athletic and play tough basketball. We are going to have continue to play good defense and score in transition to have a chance to be successful," Baker said.
Bradwell 67, Camden 23 (girls)
BI 19|14|20|14-67
Camden 7|4|2|10-23
Bradwell - Mariah Maternik 21, Shaquoia Crockett 14, Latisha Frasier 7, KeAndra Frasier 7, Quiatunya Chapman 6, Quinaika Hatchell 4, Leitia Leitaua 2, Symone May 2.
Camden 67, Bradwell 62 (boys)
The Bradwell Institute boys’ basketball team dropped another heartbreaker on Tuesday, falling 67-62 to Region 3-AAAAA foe Camden.
This time, the Tigers (0-5) led for most of the game before the Wildcats began taking advantage of BI miscues late in the third quarter.
Despite the loss, BI coach Pete Woodard saw an effort worth praising as his inexperienced team fought to pull out the win.
"The coaches and I were really pleased with the boys’ performances. The outcome of the game resulted in our losing not because the guys didn’t play hard, but because of our youth and inexperience," Woodard said.
Bradwell’s Deon Craig led all scorers with 15 points. Craig has been averaging in double figures most of the season. Jamael Smith scored 10 points. Malcolm Dingle and Miguel Pineda finished with nine points each. Javonte Richey and Anthony Campbell had seven points apiece.
"Although we controlled the momentum for three and a half quarters, those four turnovers with 58 seconds and some missed free throws told the whole story. On a happier note, we were pleased with their defensive efforts and the team rebounding," Woodard said.
After BI led for much of the contest, Camden began to take advantage of Bradwell miscues and cut the Tigers lead to one point late in the third quarter. But Smith hit a pair of free throws and Campbell drove the baseline scoring off a layup to make the score 49-45 at the end of the third quarter.
Both teams took turns leading the contest throughout the last quarter before Bradwell turnovers forced the Tigers to foul. Though the Tigers have yet to win, they’ve been competitive in every game this season.
"The guys have shown great progress … maybe we will get a few breaks here and there, then maybe we will get a few wins here and there. As all competitors know, sometimes the breaks make all the difference in life," Woodard said.
The Tigers travel to Region 3-AAAAA foe Jenkins tonight. Tip off is scheduled for 8:30.
Camden 67, Bradwell 62 (boys)
BI 16|22|11|13-62
Camden 14|13|19|25-67
Bradwell - Deon Craig 15, Jamael Smith 10, Malcolm Dingle 9, Miguel Pineda 9, Javonte Richey 7, Anthony Campbell 7, Darius Mowbray 5.
"I am really happy how we are playing as a team right now. We are progressing really well early in the season. We are playing well