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Javaun Pittard (3) attempts a 3-pointer in Oglethorpe County’s 72-68 victory over Hart County in a scrimmage on Nov. 9. Pittard averaged 18 points a game to lead the Patriots in scoring last year. (LAUREN HILL/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO) -
The OCHS basketball cheer team performs during halftime of the scrimmage against Hart County. The Patriots open the season in the Billy Wade Classic at Clarke Central on Nov. 20 and 21. (LAUREN HILL/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO) -
Jaelin Lumpkin (2) goes in for a layup to help OCHS defeat Hart County in a scrimmage. Lumpkin led the Patriots in steals last season. (LAUREN HILL/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO) -
Cole Appling (10) dribbles through Hart County's defense in the Patriots’ 72-68 victory over the Bulldogs in a scrimmage on Nov. 9. Appling is one of four senior starters for the Patriots, who hope to build on a 14-win season. (LAUREN HILL/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)
Oglethorpe County’s boys basketball coach Larry Brown said he believes his team “plays with championship DNA.”
A state championship is the primary goal in the Patriots’ line of sight this season.
“In the last couple of seasons and last summer, we’ve gotten used to winning,” he said. “We want it all.”
Last year, Brown’s second at OCHS, the Patriots finished 14-14, their first season with double-digit wins in recent years.
In the season prior to Brown’s hiring, the Patriots won only three games. During his first year as head coach, they won eight.
“They’ve bought (into the program) since day one,” Brown said. “We had to change the culture. I started out with good character kids. Then, it went towards guys working hard. Now, we’re looking for basketball players.”
OCHS advanced to the Region 5-A Division I championship game after finishing with a 3-3 record in region. They lost at Social Circle 72-54, securing the No. 2 seed.
OCHS hosted a state playoff game last season, which Brown said he views as a success.
The Patriots utilize a “three-D” mantra on the court: discipline, defense and determination. Brown said that sets his team apart from others when it comes to “championship DNA” and helped lead his team to the state tournament.
“We're not going to quit, and that determination paid dividends,” Brown said.
Senior guard Javaun Pittard will return for the Patriots after leading the team in points, rebounds and blocks per game last year.
“I'm looking for him to be Class 1A player of the year,” Brown said. “He has that type of ability and skill set, and he has the size. He'll play Division I basketball. And most of all, he’s a great kid.”
After averaging 18 points per game last season, OCHS’ star has a new goal in mind.
“My goal as a player is to average nearly 30 points with at least 10 rebounds per game,” Pittard said.
Senior guard Jaelin Lumpkin, who led the Patriots in steals last season, senior guard Cole Appling and senior forward Jake Turner will also be key. They’re the only other seniors on the team.
Pittard, Lumpkin, Appling, junior Ty Burgess and sophomore Isaiah Ross are the projected starters, Brown said.
“We have a good nucleus,” he said. “We’re gonna be tough.”
*SEASON SCHEDULE AND PITTARD GRAPHIC BELOW*
