PREPS: Rich Rivalry

It felt strange shooting my first high school basketball game of the season the other night. I was not very motivated although I did sling up a couple speedlights in the dark gym of Prince Avenue Christian School. The Wolverines were facing Region 8-A rival and fellow private school the Athens Academy Spartans. These two schools are where some of the Athens area's wealthiest and most well known families send their children to get an education. Prince Avenue Christian is where Georgia football coach Mark Richt sends his brood. The son of Congressman Dr. Paul Broun attends Athens Academy. There are many more familiar last names walking around the hallways of these schools. However, celebrity and dollar signs don't matter when it comes to playing time on the hardwoods. It was an all out battle in both the girls and boys games tonight. The girls went into overtime tied 39-39, but Prince Avenue dominated the 4 minutes earning a 46-39 win. Not to be outdone the boys fought to the end heading into their own overtime. This time Athens Academy came out on top breaking a 5-game losing streak with a 61-57 victory.


Athens Academy's Margaret Boyette (15) fends off Prince Avenue Christian's Amber Howell (3) in the 4th period of the Wolverines 46-39 victory Tuesday in Bogart.


Prince Avenue Christian's Shelby Mason (4) shoots 2 points in the 4th period of the Wolverines' 46-39 win over Athens Academy Tuesday night in Bogart.


Athens Academy's Emily O'Rear (13) battles for a rebound with Prince Avenue Christian's Katie Looney (23) in the 4th period of the Wolverine's 46-29 victory Tuesday in Bogart.


Athens Academy's Davis Finney (35) and Prince Avenue Christian's Thomas Mazeika (50) battle for a rebound in the first period Tuesday night in Bogart.


Athens Academy's Bryant Shirreffs (22) is fouled by Prince Avenue Christian's Felipe Howell (23) in the 1st period Tuesday night in Bogart.


Athens Academy's Nick Miller (5) is fouled by Prince Avenue Christian's Thomas Mazeika (50) in the first period Tuesday in Bogart.


Athens Academy's Kalupe Booze (3) hits the hardwoods while trying to make a shot in the 1st period Tuesday night in Bogart.


Athens Academy's Bryant Shirreffs (22) shoots over Prince Avenue Christian's Daniel Howell (33) in the second period Tuesday night in Bogart.


Athens Academy's Jordan Richardson (45) loses the ball with Prince Avenue Christian's Quinn Adamson defending (31) in the second period Tuesday in Bogart.