Sports

Oglethorpe County's Alex Faust battles two Thomson players for the ball in the 87-56 home loss to the Bulldogs on Nov. 23. (Photo/Donny Faust))

Oglethorpe County's Alex Faust battles two Thomson players for the ball in the 87-56 home loss to the Bulldogs on Nov. 23. (Photo/Donny Faust))

Prep Roundup: McGarity leads boys basketball to victory

Luke McGarity scored 19 points and Nick Huff added 15 points to lead the Oglethorpe County boys basketball to a 57-47 victory over Athens Christian School on Tuesday night.   Both teams are coached by former UGA basketball players.
Abby Jones goes up for a shot in the Oglethorpe County High School girls varsity basketball game on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Oglethorpe defeated Monticello 63-14. (Photo/Sarah White)

Abby Jones goes up for a shot in the Oglethorpe County High School girls varsity basketball game on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Oglethorpe defeated Monticello 63-14. (Photo/Sarah White)

Seasons of change: Three-sport athletes help fuel OCHS athletics

With Oglethorpe County offering athletic opportunities at the recreational, middle and high school levels, the abundance of student-athletes is not surprising. The support and excitement from the community only adds to the appeal of playing.
Elin Turner, who is in the eighth grade, keeps the ball away from an Athens Christian School defender in a game on Dec. 2. (Photo/Ralph Maxwell)

Elin Turner, who is in the eighth grade, keeps the ball away from an Athens Christian School defender in a game on Dec. 2. (Photo/Ralph Maxwell)

Henderson double-double sparks Lady Pats' victory

Kenzie Henderson scored 18 points and had 11 rebounds to lead the Oglethorpe County girls team to a 61-9 victory over Washington-Wilkes on Tuesday night.   Denim Goddard added 12 points, McKenzie Freeman had 10 points and Sofia Horsley scored nine as the Lady Patriots improved to 4-1.
Kayleigh Hilley, who finished second in the state last year, wins a match against Putnam County's Breyesia Farley during Oglethorpe County's 72-18 win on Nov. 18. (Photo/Sarah White)

Kayleigh Hilley, who finished second in the state last year, wins a match against Putnam County's Breyesia Farley during Oglethorpe County's 72-18 win on Nov. 18. (Photo/Sarah White)

Trailblazer Hilley determined to win state title

When sophomore Kayleigh Hilley first asked her parents if she could start wrestling in the seventh grade, they didn’t exactly jump on board. After being encouraged to join by other female wrestlers on the team, she begged her parents for weeks before they let her try it out.
Larry Brown, who played both football and basketball at the University of Georgia and played a year in the NFL, is in his first season as the coach of the Oglethorpe County boys team. "As for basketball, I just want to build a first-class program," Brown said. (Photo/Sarah White)

Larry Brown, who played both football and basketball at the University of Georgia and played a year in the NFL, is in his first season as the coach of the Oglethorpe County boys team. "As for basketball, I just want to build a first-class program," Brown said. (Photo/Sarah White)

Finding 'a way to piece it together'

When Oglethorpe County began the search for a new head boys basketball coach, they looked for someone who could bring change to the unsuccessful program. They needed someone with knowledge and patience to work with a young team and turn their potential into prosperity.    They found Larry Brown.
Luke McGarity drives to the basket in a 39-36 loss to Jasper County. (Photo/Sarah White)

Luke McGarity drives to the basket in a 39-36 loss to Jasper County. (Photo/Sarah White)

Girls basketball team wins season-opening games

The Oglethorpe County girls basketball team improved to 2-0 with two victories last weekend.   On Friday, Kenzie Henderson had 20 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Lady Patriots to a 59-15 victory over West Hall.

Appeal granted: OCHS goes to 3-AA

Oglethorpe County won its appeal to the Georgia High School Association and will play in Region 3-AA during the 2022-24 school years.
Kenzie Henderson, who is 5 foot-11, is one of three freshmen on a young Lady Patriots basketball team. (Photo/Sarah White)

Kenzie Henderson, who is 5 foot-11, is one of three freshmen on a young Lady Patriots basketball team. (Photo/Sarah White)

Henderson looks to lead young girls team to playoffs

Freshman Kenzie Henderson is one of seven underclassmen preparing to lead the Oglethorpe County High School girls basketball team back to the state playoffs. After losing in the first round last year, the team will look to Henderson to be a young leader during the season.
Nick Huff (5) shoots over Henry Johnson (20) during the Oglethorpe County basketball team's Super Saturday fundraiser on Nov. 13. The Varsity Blue team played the Varsity White team in a scrimmage, and other activities included 3-point, hot-shot and dunk competitions. (Photo/Ralph Maxwell Jr.)

Nick Huff (5) shoots over Henry Johnson (20) during the Oglethorpe County basketball team's Super Saturday fundraiser on Nov. 13. The Varsity Blue team played the Varsity White team in a scrimmage, and other activities included 3-point, hot-shot and dunk competitions. (Photo/Ralph Maxwell Jr.)

Pittard, Huff bring young leadership to boys basketball

With a new head coach and plenty of young talent, the Oglethorpe County’s boys basketball team prepares for its first game this week. Following a difficult few years, the team will rely on underclassmen to help turn the program around.

High school to appeal region realignment

Oglethorpe County High School will appeal its realignment to Region 8-AA.   Athletic director Kris Patel said the appeal to the Georgia High School Association will be heard on Thursday, Nov. 18.