Walnut Grove Basketball Battles Adversity, Fall to North Oconee

On Friday, January 12th, 2024, the Walnut Grove JV Boys, Varsity Girls, and Varsity Boys teams all fell to North Oconee’s teams. According to Coach Dennis Whitley, the teams have been working through injuries and sickness and have been reworking their game strategies, building beyond these losses.
by Drew Caraway, Ty Cameron, Arynn Clayton, Jayden Barwick, Noah Van Name

picture by @tulishot_it (Instagram)

On Friday, January 12th, 2024, the Walnut Grove JV Boys, Varsity Girls, and Varsity Boys teams all fell to North Oconee’s teams. According to Coach Dennis Whitley, the teams have been working through injuries and sickness and have been reworking their game strategies, building beyond these losses.

Varsity Boys
The Varsity Boys lost on the 12th, by a score of 39-64. The team did not look as good as they did at the beginning of the season, and injuries could be a huge factor in why. 

When asked why he thinks the team underperformed, Forward, Xavier Malcolm, says, “Probably because we weren’t talking as much on defense, and we just weren’t really communicating well.” Fellow Forward, Cameron Selman, says, “We gotta be better on the boards (rebounds) and just play better defense.”

On the 16th, the Boys played again, this time at Cherokee Bluff, and unfortunately fell, once again, 56-58. The team’s record drops to 10-9, which includes a 5 game losing streak (as of 1/17). The boys started off hot, opening the season with an 8-1 record easing into region play, but, all dynasties must fall, and the Warriors have. (MaxPreps)

UPDATE: The Varsity Boys came up short in close battle on Fri, Jan 19th against Cedar Shoals (57-60) and beat Loganville Christian on the 20th (52-51). Things are soon to get back on point as they approach the region tournament.

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Niera Ovalles - from @goladywarriors (Instagram)

Varsity Girls
The Varsity Girls WGHS Basketball team also recorded a close loss to North Oconee, one of the best teams in the region, on Friday with a score of 58 to 51. This loss adds to the girls overall record of 9-7. This game now brings the Warriors GA ranking to 186 while North Oconee has a ranking of 88. 

Starting point guard Aviya Thompson, a Junior at Walnut Grove, was asked what she could do to improve her game and her answer was one with determination. “I think I could [cause] more turnovers [on defense] and be more aggressive with the ball [on offense].” Aviya’s quick reply leaves the Lady Warrior’s intentions for this season very clear. 

Another Junior at WGHS, Tearia “Money” Kelley, with a starting position of power forward, was asked about her feelings on the game with North Oconee and she responded, “I felt disappointed and kinda upset.” Though disappointed by her team's loss, Money feels she can improve using patience, emotional control, and teamwork. (MaxPreps)

UPDATE: (22 Jan 2024): The Varsity Girls beat Cedar Shoals on Friday, January 19th (52-37) and Loganville Christian on the 20th (56-36). Looks like they are back on track! 

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JV Boys
The JV Boys basketball hosted North Oconee on the 12th of January. The Walnut Grove Warriors lost in a nail biter by a final score of 40-45. They had previously beaten North Oconee back in December 2023. 

When asked why the team ultimately lost, Will Tyre pointed out the slow start and lack of teamwork. He says, “We didn’t start playing as a team until the fourth quarter… We can focus on starting the game off well, and working as a team more.”

Although the team lost, they showed a tremendous amount of courage and effort to complete a major comeback in the 4th quarter and almost snatch a victory. The team now looks to learn from the loss and move on. 

Furthermore, Jethro Victome gave some insight of how practice goes for the team. He said, “We go against each other for like a scrimmage usually so we can test each other’s skills or we practice plays before the game.” 

The team is now 13-7 on the year. They are hoping to get back on track, and not let this one loss define them. (MaxPreps)


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On the bright side, the teams are recovering from their injuries and should have fully healthy rosters soon. Though the Warriors may have lost this battle, many still believe that the team will come back from these losses and win the playoffs.