Jaguar basketball teams sweep Young Harris; Myers gets assists record
Staff report
The 10th-ranked Augusta University men defeated 18th-ranked Young Harris 87-66 on Jan. 7 in a Peach Belt Conference showdown in which point guard Tyree Myers became the all-time leader in career assists in the PBC.
Earlier, the AU women, led by Kennedi Manning’s 14 points and 8 rebounds, used a solid defensive outing to upend Young Harris 60-47.
Myers had 9 points and 8 assists to help the first-place Jaguars (4-0, 13-1) to the conference road win over second-place Young Harris (3-1, 12-1). Myers, the Baltimore, Md., product, now has 581 career assists, moving him past previous holder Troran Brown of the University of Montevallo (which is no longer in the conference).
“Tyree’s ability to pass the ball and get his teammates involved is paramount for our success,” said AU Coach Dip Metress. “He is a true leader on the floor and off the floor. Without him we would not have the banners that we have had in his career.”
Miguel Arnold, who earlier in the week became the PBC’s all-time leader in made 3-pointers, led Augusta in scoring with 21 points. Center Tyshaun Crawford had 18 points and 12 rebounds, while forward Ja’Queze Kirby totaled 14 points and 5 assists. Darren Lucas-White added 9 points, 6 boards and 4 steals.
The Jaguars continued their efficient play on the offensive end of the floor, shooting 56 percent from the field and 48 percent from behind the arc.
Karl Chavis and Eden Davis each scored 11 for the Lions. Lenny Pradia added 10.
Young Harris shot 51 percent from the field overall, but only 33 percent on 3-pointers. AU only had six turnovers on the afternoon.
“After the first four minutes, we had great energy the entire game,” said AU Assistant Coach Zach Tinkham. “Our ball movement and ball security was the big difference. We were able to move the ball and get multiple guys shots. Also by only having six turnovers, it caused us to get a lot more shot attempts then them. It was a great team win.”
In the women’s game, Manning got plenty of help from Mone Florence and Kiera Howard. Florence and Howard each scored 12 points for the Jaguars (3-1, 10-4). Howard made all five of her floor shots and both free throws.
The Lions (1-3, 5-7) were led by JaMari Frederick with 17 points and Mackenzie Johnson with 16.
“It took a collective effort defensively and offensively,” AU Coach Celeste Stewart said of the victory over the Lions. “It’s hard to win on the road, so for our team to respond to the challenge and rise to occasion makes me proud.”
Augusta will host Lander on Wednesday, Jan. 11. The women tip off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men at 7:30.
Stewart said that AU wants to keep the momentum going Wednesday night.
“We must come out with intensity defensively to start the game and execute offensively,” she said. “As a team, we've discussed the importance of staying consistent so that will be key going forward. We look forward to competing back at home in front of our fans in the new year."
Darren Lucas-White (11) had 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals to help AU get a key road win at Young Harris. At the top of the page, Tyree Myers (2) became the Peach Belt Conference’s all-time leader in assists after he dished out 8 assists in the win over the Lions. (photos by Madison Keel)
Kiera Howard (3) had 12 points on a perfect shooting night, along with 5 rebounds and 5 steals as the Jaguars downed Young Harris 60-47 in a Peach Belt Conference game. (photo by Madison Keel)
