The Sandy

Creek Patriots played in the Osborne-Campbell basketball

tournament over the holidays.

The boys

went 2-2 but have much to look forward to in their

regular season. The Patriots have had a balanced attack

and an aggressive defense in their last three games,

giving them hope at a successful regular season.

Sandy Creek

did not come out too sharp in its first game. The

Patriots faced Sprayberry and lost 69-47. Down by six at

the half, the Patriots then gave up 28 points in the

third quarter alone. In the end, it was too big a deficit

to overcome, despite holding Sprayberry to 12 points in

the fourth quarter. L.T. Lockett led the team in scoring

with 15 points, while Jermaine Harris chipped in 12.

The

Patriots faced Crim High School in their second game and

looked a lot like Sprayberry. Sandy Creek had a 10-point

advantage at the half, leading 38-28. They scored 25

points in the third quarter and 20 in the fourth to bury

Crim, 83-68. Lockett again led the team in scoring with

27 points, while Harris was right behind him with 24

points.

The third

game for the Patriots pitted them against Lassiter. Sandy

Creek led 34-30 at the half, but eventually lost 66-65 in

overtime. The Patriots scored only 10 points in the third

quarter and their lead had been cut to one point. Sandy

Creek had its most balanced attack of the year against

Lassiter, with many people contributing points. Lockett

scored 20 points, while Olive McGee scored 14 and Harris

netted 12.

The final

game for Sandy Creek in the tournament came against FAMU

High School of Daytona Beach, Fla. The Patriots continued

to perform well, playing like they had in their last two

games and improving on the necessary areas of their game.

Sandy Creek won 69-60. They had four players scoring in

the double digits; Lockett netted 20, Harris scored 17,

and Corey Adams and William Belton each scored 12 points.

Harris made the tournament team for playing well in all

areas.

Sandy Creek

takes many positives away from the tournament and team

members hope to extend their success throughout the

regular season. They are currently 5-6.

Tuesday

after press time, the Patriots hosted region opponent

Jonesboro. They will host Forest Park Friday evening and

will travel to Heritage High School in Conyers Saturday.