Men’s and women’s basketball teams pass season midpoint at 7–4 in conference play

By Parker Henningsen

Sports Editor and Chief Photographer

Both the men and women’s basketball teams have passed over the half-way mark in their season. Both teams are currently 14-7 overall with the men being 9-6 in conference play and the women are 11-5

Four-time freshman of the week, Fred Bailey, has been a key player to the men’s team this season.

“I was a red-shirt last year so I have just been eager to play. So freshman of the week compliments the work I just put in,” said Bailey.

Bailey becomes the second Trojan athlete to ever win the award four-times in one season, behind Julius Turnipseed IV (track and field). Bailey currently has the second highest point average per game at 13.2 ppg, the most defensive rebounds (85), and the second most points (224) this season. 

Spencer White, another prominent player on the team, is satisfied with the team and their ability to perform.

“I’m encouraged. I think we have a lot of depth. We can play 10 guys and there is not a fall off,” said White.

Head Coach Nate Moran is also encouraged by the team’s performance and being third in the conference.

“We play hard; we are physical. We apply pressure and we’re just tough. We hang our hat on defense, that’s our identity,” said Moran.

The women’s team has also thrived under new leadership this season.

“[The GSC] is a very competitive conference. Whoever’s there to show up to play that day usually wins,” said Tatum Shaw, women’s basketball guard.

Jayda Woods, another guard, agreed with Shaw and the importance of being prepared and ready to go for the day.

“I make sure I get into the right mindset to come in and give my best effort and hopefully uplift my teammates,” said Woods.

Women’s basketball head coach, Doug Novak, has seen his team come a long way this season.

“Just in the process of connecting, communicating, and playing to eachother’s strengths. We are in the process of developing that right now, and relatively speaking, that is a strength of ours,” said Novak.

The women’s team has already improved their record since last season where they went 8-20 for the year.

With 13 games left to play this regular season, 6 for the women and 7 for the men, both teams will play at Valdosta St. this Saturday, Feb. 7th.