The Wesleyan Wolves' unsung heroes

Metro Atlanta

The Wesleyan Wolves' unsung heroes

The Wesleyan Wolves' unsung heroes

Wesleyan's Michael Cornelius (right) and Dillon Mclaughlin (left) practice their greetings before their game in Decatur on Friday.

Wesleyan's Michael Cornelius (No. 1) fights for a loose ball against Decatur's Nic Wilson (No. 52) during their game Friday night in Decatur. Wesleyan defeated Decatur 55-34. Said Coach Matherly: "Michael (pictured) and Zac must be our defensive stoppers. Both must rebound at both ends like they never have before - make makeable shots, and be able to help us give Howard and Erik a break in the post when they need one."

Wesleyan guard Tanner Smith (right) winces in pain as trainer Steve Stepp positions Smith's left ankle after he sprained it playing against Decatur Friday. Also pictured is Tanner's father Craig (left). Wesleyan defeated Decatur 55-34 but lost Division-1 recruit Smith due to this injury. He'll be out at least through the first week of the regional tournament.

With chairs limited in the visiting locker room of GAC, Wesleyan sophomore Zac Johnston (right) lets seniors, including Michael Cornelius (left), sit down as he prepares for the game against GAC at GAC Saturday in Norcross. The team has seven seniors.

With coach Skip Matherly (left) giving instruction, Wesleyan's Dillon Mclaughlin (center) talks with teammate Erik Strong (right) on the bench during a timeout of their game at GAC Saturday. Also pictured is Zac Johnston (second from left). Matherly said of these three players and teammate Michael Cornelius: "Their role changes from night to night. They have gotten better and they don't get the credit they deserve."

Showing the wear from the first half of the game, a sweaty Erik Strong concentrates on the words of coach Skip Matherly in the locker room during their game against GAC at GAC Saturday in Norcross. GAC defeated Wesleyan 58-48 to end the regular season. Strong is a very intense player and does a lot of the selfless acts for the team like lead the team in charges taken.

Wesleyan's Zac Johnston (No. 22, facing) guards GAC's Brett Johnson (No. 15) during their game at GAC Saturday in Norcross. GAC defeated Wesleyan 58-48 to end the regular season. Johnston has the unpleasant assignment every game of guarding the other team's best player, and this night it was GAC's Johnson who led his team in scoring with 21 points. Johnston said of guarding their opponents top player: "It's tough and all you do is hustle all the time. I like it."

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Wesleyan's Michael Cornelius (right) and Dillon Mclaughlin (left) practice their greetings before their game in Decatur on Friday.

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