Jenkins coach Bakari Bryant said he’s found a way to sell his boys basketball team the notion that “playing defense is sexy.” While others may be happy to play at a breakneck pace, the Warriors are happiest when they’re in a lockdown mode. It’s one reason the team is off to a 17-3 start and ranked No. 2 in Class AAA.
“Most of all we play defense,” Bryant said. “A lot of people don’t like to play defense. We make it sexy to play defense.”
Jenkins allows only 50.5 points per game. The Warriors are riding an 11-game winning streak into this weekend’s games. They play at Brantley County on Friday, then play nemesis Savannah on Saturday at Armstrong Atlantic University.
Bryant’s team is to finish the Region 1-AAA schedule undefeated, which would guarantee his team a spot in the state playoffs. An undefeated subregion record automatically puts a team in the semifinals of the Region 1-AAA tournament. The most serious remaining test for Jenkins will come against Savannah, which is where Bryant went to school and was an assistant before taking his current job three years ago.
That perfect subregion record didn’t look so probable last month when leading scorer Mikel Benlevi sustained a knee injury. But while the Georgia State signee was missing those eight games, the team and Benlevi were able to gain a unique perspective.
Bryant made Benlevi show up for the games in a suit and tie, just like the coaches. He became an assistant coach and was able to observe the game from a different point of view.
His teammates had to find a way to survive with Benlevi’s team-leading 14.7 points per game.
“He’s the heart of the team,” Bryant said. “It forced him to see the game from a different perspective. Now he sees things differently. And the team learned to play without him. The kids stepped up and it made our players get even stronger.”
Among those who stepped up were point guard Eric Johnson, a 5-8 senior who averages 9.3 points and 3.7 assists. Johnson is a physical presence (he was a cornerback on the football team) who is a tough competitor. Bryant said, “I believe he’s one of the best point guards in the state.”
Another who stepped up was Jamori Bryant, a 5-8 wing who averages 8.2 points. He is an excellent shooter, a strong defender and one of the team’s most consistent players.
Jenkins also relies on Nicholas Severado, a 6-8 senior who is capable to playing all positions. Bryant has even used Severado as a point guard at times. He averages 5.1 points, 4.21 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.
Other key contributors have been left-hander Dimetri Chambers, Trevion Lamar and Dedrick Waldburg.
In other big games this weekend:
Boys
No. 1 Laney (20-1) at Butler (15-7), Saturday. Laney won the first game by seven points on Jan. 9. The Wildcats have won 20 straight games since dropping the season opener.
Ringgold (17-5) at North Murray (16-5): If Ringgold wants to have any chance to catch Calhoun for first place in Region 6-AAA, the Tigers need to win this game. A win could keep North Murray alive for the No. 2 spot. Ringgold sports three double-figure scorers. Ringgold won the first meeting 48-47 on Dec. 13.
Girls
No. 6 Beach (17-5) plays Johnson (14-6) and is closing in on an undefeated Region 1-AAA season. The Bulldogs would earn a bye until the region semifinals if they finish with a perfect subregion record, guaranteeing them a spot in the state tournament. Beach won the first meeting 64-49 on Jan. 2.
No. 1 Dawson County (21-0) plays at Lumpkin County (2-21). The Tigers are led by Sheyenne Seabolt, who had 29 on Tuesday, Ashley Parker, Karley Bearden and Haley Burgess. Dawson beat Lumpkin by 48 in the first meeting on Jan. 6.
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