Wildcats set season high against Monroe Area

The Apalachee High School boys basketball team was clicking on all cylinders Friday against visiting Monroe Area.

The Wildcats rolled to a 91-60 victory in non-region play as coach Kevin Morris’ team prepares for the final stretch of the regular season. Both Morris and AHS assistant Dan Woschitz said after the win the 91 points were the most in recent memory for the Wildcats and possibly could have been a program record. The 91 points topped the previous season high of 81, which happened against North Oconee and Gainesville earlier during the 2012-2013 campaign.

All 13 players were in the scoring column for the Wildcats Friday. Cameron Blakley had 17 points and 13 rebounds and was one of the team’s seniors recognized. Fellow senior Qua Cleveland had seven points and seven assists while Ramim Peters finished with 10 points and seven boards.

Freshman Kamar Baldwin shared in the spotlight with 11 points, seven rebounds, five steals, two blocks and two assists. Austin Miller, Jermaine Smith and Brandon Grullon each scored nine points while backup point guard Kent Knowles finished with seven points.

“We got a good group of seniors,” Morris said. “It’s unusual to keep a group like this together for three years. If you are lucky, you will have them for a couple of years. We’ve all experienced some down times so it’s great to enjoy the good side of things.”

AHS jumped out to a 22-11 first quarter lead and held a 47-28 advantage at halftime. The second half was merely academic as the Wildcats continued to keep their foot on the gas pedal, leading 72-43 after the third quarter.

“It was a good night for our seniors,” Morris said. “It was to nice to take them out of the game one at a time to be recognized. This win should help our confidence.”

Seniors on the 2012-2013 roster include Cleveland, Smith, Grullon, Miller, Peters, Blakley, Ahmed Ahmed and Vontez Heard.
The Wildcats, who entered this week 15-6 overall and 8-6 in region play, will wrap up the regular season Friday against Heritage on the road in Conyers at 8:30 p.m.