The Lady Blue Devils opened the game with energy, as senior forward Lindsey Johnson scored the first baskets, giving Statesboro an early lead. However, the offense struggled to find a rhythm against the Lady Mustangs' tight defense, with missed shots and forced turnovers preventing the Devils from capitalizing on their early momentum. The game shifted when senior guard Azziza Flowers took charge, driving coast-to-coast on back-to-back possessions to spark a 6-0 run that put the Blue Devils back in the lead. As the first half progressed, the Blue Devils found their defensive rhythm, pressuring the Mustangs and even forcing a shot clock violation. By halftime, their defensive intensity had given them a solid 29-21 lead.
Coming out of the break, the Blue Devils turned up the heat. Their offense was sharp, moving the ball with precision and getting high-quality looks, but it was their defense that truly defined the third quarter. Statesboro dominated the glass, securing key second-chance points while stifling the Mustangs' offense. A 7-0 run midway through the quarter extended their lead, and the Mustangs, visibly frustrated, found it difficult to break through the Devil’s pressure. Statesboro outscored their opponents 15-12 in the third, pushing their lead to 44-33. In the fourth, the Devils showed no signs of letting up, continuing to execute both offensively and defensively. Flowers hit a key jumper, and the Blue Devils sealed the game with confidence, finishing with a dominant 54-36 victory. It was a statement win, showcasing their balanced offense, defensive dominance, and relentless team effort.
To lead Statesboro, senior Gerziya Haggray had 18 points. Following behind her was senior Azziza Flowers with 10 points, junior Kennedy Myers with nine points, sophomore Zariah Majors with eight points, senior Lindsey Johnson with six points, junior Maggie O’Neal with two points, and freshman Zoie Lundy with one point.
Head coach Marty Holder is glad his team pulled out this big win against a tough region opponent early. This season the Lady Blue Devils have to focus more on toughness on all fronts to have a successful season.
“We’re finally finding our rhythm,” Holder said. “The girls are coming to work everyday, doing the work, not complaining, and they’re building off each other, so as long as we’re doing that I know that we will continue seeing success in this program.”
On the men’s side, the Blue Devils wasted no time asserting their dominance in the first half. Despite the Mustangs striking first with a free throw, Statesboro quickly found their rhythm. The defense, initially passive, ramped up intensity, forcing turnovers and allowing for fast-break opportunities. Sophomore AK Watkins relentless effort on the boards provided crucial second-chance points, and the offense shared the ball well, executing clean plays. By the end of the first quarter, the Blue Devils were firmly in control, outscoring the Mustangs 20-5. The Mustangs attempted to slow the game down in the second quarter, spreading the floor and trying to chip away at the Blue Devil’s lead. The Blue Devils’ defense stood firm, and although their offense slowed briefly, they never lost their hold on the game, finishing the half with a commanding 37-17 lead.
In the second half, the Blue Devils continued to tighten their grip on the game. Despite some jawing between the two teams in the third quarter, Statesboro remained focused, never letting the tension affect their play. The Blue Devils' defense was suffocating, forcing missed shots and converting them into easy points on the other end. The Blue Devils outscored the Mustangs 24-19 in the third, extending their lead to 61-36. In the final frame, senior guard DJ Brown sealed the game with a coast-to-coast layup, and the Blue Devils cruised to an 86-49 victory. It was a comprehensive team effort—balanced offense, stifling defense, and the kind of focus that made it clear: the Blue Devils were on another level.
Junior Ja’Caiden Cone led the Blue Devils in scoring with 23 points on the night. Following him was sophomore Devin Mikell with 20 points. Senior DJ Brown had 13 points, senior Muhammed Shareef had 12 points, senior Camdyn Wilkerson had seven points, sophomore AK Watkins had seven points, freshman Beckham Jarrard had three points, junior Shyterious Jones had two points, and freshman Charles Harris had one point.
Head coach Keith LeGree was happy with this win for his team. He wants his guys to continue playing to their standards because he’s sure that is what will take them far this season.
“We don’t worry about the score,” LeGree said. “We just play one game at a time and try to get better while doing it.”
The Blue Devils will be back in action on January 11, as they host their next region game of this season as they take on the Effingham Rebels. The Lady Rebels are (1-10,0-6) and the Rebels are (6-8,0-1) on the season so far. Both Blue Devil teams have shown that when they play with intensity and focus, they are an unstoppable force. Let’s hope that success continues.