Oh, the boys of the Bubble, running the floor with the greatest of ease, grinding win after win, a team of destiny, meant to be the champions, that was our 2014-2015 McIntosh Chiefs boys basketball team. The team had 24 convincing wins and no losses. Then the second round of the state tournament, another dynamic winning effort until, with just minutes left in the game, point guard Will Washington broke his wrist dunking the ball on a beautiful drive to the basket.
The remaining few minutes of that 25th game lapsed to utter chaos with multiple turnovers, resulting in a stinging defeat, leaving the team of destiny destined to try again this season.
And here we are today. A crushing 100-69 victory in the first round over Carver. The second round provided an 87-84 skin of our teeth last-second victory over a solid Gainesville team.
The game against Gainesville featured a packed capacity crowd and the loud roars down the stretch were thunderous. The boys played their hearts out, but the enthusiastic booming crowd kept the momentum on McIntosh’s side.
The starting five have earned their day in the spotlight, mastering their craft year after year. Those seniors are now just two games away from the state championship game.
Will Washington marches the ball up and down the court with finesse. He is a magician, working his way through numerous opposing players with surprising speed and unbeatable ball handling. Will’s defensive abilities are just as good. If you are not careful, by the game’s end, he will surprise you with his numbers. He had 31 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds and 4 steals against Gainesville.
For the first half of the season, Braxton Shaw was the quiet guy on the wing. When the opposing defenses tighten to close-up the middle, Braxton begins hitting 3-pointers. He keeps the defenses spread out which creates opportunities for his teammates.
Isaac Kellum took over in the forward spot for the second half of the season. He was a transfer this year and was forced to sit out the first half of the season. He picks up the key rebounds, plays tough under the basket, and can burn a team with outside shooting.
Jordan “long range missile” Lyons hits some of the longest shots you will ever see. In fact, he has made so many of those shots that he became the all-time leading scorer in McIntosh history. He broke the record of none other than Jeff Sheppard (1993 Georgia Player of the Year, two NCAA championships with the University of Kentucky, Most Outstanding Player of the 1998 NCAA tournament).
It’s the easygoing and captivating big guys who have really helped fend-off some of the powerful opposing offenses all season long.
Dishon Lowery has turned into a rebounding machine this year. He is around six-foot, seven-inches tall, but his trade mark hairstyle adds another five inches. Dishon is also a shot blocker and has great footwork for a big guy. He had 15 rebounds and 2 blocked shots against Gainesville.
Chase Walter, around six-foot, six-inches, is as wide as he is tall. Picture an oak tree standing on a basketball court. He had three blocked shots and the winning slam dunk against Gainesville. The two-fisted slam has become an Internet sensation.
If an opponent dares to shoot the ball within five feet of the basket, they had better be prepared to watch their shot get swatted in the opposite direction.
Head coach Jason Eisele is probably the most calm and collected coach in high school basketball. He has a determined, get down to business attitude that has served his star players well.
We are playing Riverwood in the Final 8 on Friday, Feb. 26 at 8:15 p.m. Come to Columbus State University (4225 University Avenue, Columbus, Ga. 31907) and watch the dream come true. Be part of Bubble history!
Steve Brown
Fayette County Commissioner
Peachtree City, Ga.
