Special to the WJH
South Georgia State College captured the 11th annual Applebee’s Okefenokee Classic to remain perfect on the season.
The Hawks (5-0) knocked off Denmark Tech 81-77 Friday night (November 15) and mounted a second half comeback Saturday afternoon (Novebre 16) to beat St. Petersburg Community College 74-69.
SGSC trailed St. Petersburg 42-31 after the first 20 minutes after shooting just 32 percent from the field and less than 50 percent from the free throw line. St. Petersburg increased its lead to as many as 15 points in the second half.
The Hawks found their range from the field over the final 20 minutes shooting 50%, shot 47% from beyond the arc, and connected on 67% of their free throws.
Amren Hoard (19 points, five assists) and Devon Rainey (19 points, seven rebounds) led SGSC’s scoring Saturday afternoon, followed by Justin McCarter (13 points) and Ashton Pennamon (12 points, six rebounds, and four assists).
Earlier in the week South Georgia State College defeated visiting Reinhart’s jayvee squad 97-60 on the Douglas campus.
McCarter scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds while three other Hawks scored in double figures.
Other top scorers for SGSC included Hoard (18 points and eight rebounds), Grant Raven (12 points and 11 rebounds) and Chandler Thomas (10 points and four rebounds).
The Hawks made 49 percent of their field goals, shot 33 percent from behind the three-point line and made 13-of-18 free throws (72 percent).
SGSC’s defense held Reinhardt to 32.8 percent shooting and forced 28 turnovers, 12 of which were steals. The Hawks also grabbed a total of 40 defensive rebounds.
SGSC’s next home game is scheduled for Monday, November 25 when the Hawks host the junior varsity team from Thomas University. Tip for the Nov. 25 game is set for 7 p.m.
