Golden Hawks Lift Hope to 200th Win | Families

The Golden Hawks wounded the Swainsboro Tigers 77-49 on January 29.   A. J. Gray was the leading scorer with 14 points. Winning the game was a sweet victory for Coach Carlos Hope as he reached a milestone with his 200th career win as a head coach. Of the 200 wins, 154 of them have come as the head coach of the Washington County Golden Hawks.

Coach Hope commented on this accomplishment, “With any record or milestone it takes a wonderful supporting cast. I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful staff and a great group of young men who have bought into my coaching philosophy here at WACO and South Aiken High School (previous school I coached). I’m truly honored and blessed to reach this milestone of 200 career wins. I give God all the glory and praise for all the success I have had as head coach. I know it has been his favor that has allowed me to be successful because basketball wasn’t my first love. I was a football guy at heart. As a basketball head coach, I have had the opportunity to impact so many young men’s lives and for that I am forever grateful.”  Coach Hope also commented on the season so far saying, “I am really excited about the season so far, we are right where I expected us to be. I feel if we continue to stay healthy we are in position to win a region championship and make a long run in the state play-offs.”

February 1 saw the Hawks top the Thomson Bulldogs 56-44 to move their record to an impressive 19-4. McKel Miller led the scoring with 21 points, followed by, A. J. Gray and Tadavis Henderson with 14 and 8 points.

Continuing their winning streak through the last regular season game, the Hawks squeaked by the Dodge Co. Indians 58-50. Eric Key led the scoring with 13 points, McKel Miller and A.J. Gray had 12 and Tadavis Henderson added 8.With this win the Hawks finish 20-4 overall and 7-1 in Region 3AAA play and are region champions securing a spot in the 3A state play-offs. The region tournament will determine the play-off seed.

Congratulations to A.J. Gray who was named Region 3AAA Player of the Year. McKel Miller was chosen for 1st Team All-Region and D.J. Sanders and Tadavis Henderson were chosen for 2nd Team All-Region. Josh Burden was named to the Honorable Mention Team.