Georgia Highlands captures 1st GCAA Basketball Title

In only their third season of athletic competition, the Georgia Highlands Chargers reached a level that can take some many years to reach and the pinnacle in this case was a NJCAA Region 17 Championship and a 81-70 victory over South Georgia State.

GHC got off to a fast start leading 17-4, but the Hawks of South Georgia State came back tying the game at 24 with 8:00 minutes left in first half. The Hawks led 38 – 34 at the half.

"We knew they would have their runs throughout the game, we beat an excellent basketball team tonight in a very tough place too play. We started this program three years ago and to see how far we have come is something special. I can't say enough about sophomores Montrel Goldston and Donovan Harris our North Carolina guys who have been here two years. With the addition of Ty Toney, Denzil Council, and Terrance Thompson we had a nucleus to do something special and it came together tonight , we are headed to Kansas for the National Championship Tournament," said Charger Head Coach Phil Gaffney.

The Chargers battled foul trouble all night with 2 starters in foul trouble in the first half. In only 25 minutes of playing time Ty Toney led all scorers with 30 points. Terrance Thompsonhad another big game for the Chargers scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds coming off the bench and Denzil Council had 12 points. GHC sealed the win on the free throw line down the stretch shooting 75% for the game.

The Chargers go to 27-6 on season and are headed to Hutchinson, Kansas next week for the NJCAA National Basketball Championship Tournament. What a year for the GHC Chargers!