Ten games are in the books, and not a single one tallies in the loss column for Tallulah Falls.
The boys basketball team has been perfect, and has no signs of slowing down. As the Indians enter a mini-break – they return to action December 29 vs Strong Rock Christian – they are enjoying the best start in school history.
The 10-0 mark includes a flawless region record of 5-0, which puts TFS officially as the #9-ranked team in the state among 1A schools. The boys score 71.7 points per game on average, while the defense has held opponents to 48.4.
An 84-73 win over Towns County proves to be the closest any team has come to overtaking the Indians so far. The true litmus test lies ahead of Tallulah Falls, however. It has the much-deserved break, but will play three games in as many days beginning with the Strong Rock Christian game. That game and when the Indians take on Elbert County the following night, are both part of the Athens Academy Tournament. The Indians will then be traveling to White County on New Year’s Eve to close out calendar year 2016.
Through ten games, the senior-heavy team relies on its seven impact seniors:
Josey Keene (16.9 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.6 stl)
Michael Van Hooser (13.1 pts, 6.0 reb, 2.1 ast)
Trey Wilcox (8.4 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.8 stl)
Michael Weidner (8.3 pts, 4.1 reb, 2.5 ast, 3.6 stl)
Zatrick Pearce (6.0 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.1 ast, 1 stl)
Sanson Navarrete (5.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.6 stl)
Thala Freeman (2.4 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.0 blk, 1.0 ast, 0.9 stl)
No typo here – the team averages north of 15 steals per game – an incredibly high number. If there’s any glaring area the Indians can improve, it’s at the free-throw line, where as a team they shoot 65%. The boys as a group shoot 31% from 3-point distance and 43% overall from the field.
Freeman has been exceptional in defending the goal, collecting 18 blocks on the season. The Indians have more than enough athleticism and height, with seven players listed at 6’2 or taller.
The Indians have 15 games left on the regular season schedule, with six remaining on the home court.
