At Sandy Creek High School, the basketball program isn’t about rebuilding but reloading. The Patriots, reigning two-time GHSA state champions, are poised for a potential three-peat as they power through the first half of the 2024-2025 season.
The Legacy of Excellence
Head Coach Jon-Michael Nickerson has become a household name in Georgia high school basketball. His brand of Patriot Basketball—smart, fast, and relentless defensive pressure—has set the standard. In his eighth season, Nickerson has built an unmatched record of success. With at least 20 wins yearly, his career tally at Sandy Creek stands at an impressive 192-36.
After years of knocking on the door, Nickerson led his team to the mountaintop with a dominant 66-37 win over Cedar Grove in the 2022-2023 state championship. The following year, they cruised to another title with a commanding 74-49 victory over Savannah’s Johnson Atomsmashers.
A Pipeline to College—and Beyond
The Patriots’ championship pedigree is reflected in their alumni, many of whom are excelling in college programs across the Southeast. PJ Green is at Missouri, Josh Hales at Georgia State, Amari Brown at Paris Junior College, Micah Smith at Georgia Southern, and Kani Rashied-Henry at LaGrange. Of course, there’s no forgetting Jabari Smith, the former Patriot who was the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and is now averaging 12 points per game for the Houston Rockets.
2024-2025: Another Championship Run?
This year’s squad is cut from the same championship cloth. The Patriots started the season with six straight wins and recently improved to 9-2 after a 62-50 victory over the Alexander Cougars in the Lemon Street Classic in Marietta.
In their latest Region 2-3A matchup, Sandy Creek dominated Trinity Christian 83-34. Jared White led the charge with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Jacobi Robinson contributed 19 points. Alongside White and Robinson, Antonio Rivers, Avohn Florence, Austin Florence, and Amari Latimer form a formidable rotation.
The Lady Patriots: A Force of Their Own
Not to be overshadowed, the Lady Patriots (8-3) are building an impressive season under Head Coach Tishay Lewis. Freshman sensation Morghan Reckley stole the spotlight with a jaw-dropping 39 points, eight rebounds, six steals, and five assists in a 71-50 win over the Newnan Lady Cougars during the Fayette/Coweta Classic. Her sister, sophomore Madison Reckley, adds further depth to a talented team that blends experience, athleticism, and youthful energy.
Last week, the Lady Patriots added a 48-36 victory over South Carolina’s Greenwood Lady Eagles to their résumé, signaling their readiness to compete at the highest level.
Upcoming Action
The Patriots return home this weekend for back-to-back region games. They’ll face McIntosh on Friday night and host the Troup County Tigers on Saturday. With both teams firing on all cylinders, Sandy Creek basketball is once again the talk of the town.
