Our Game of the Week is Habersham Central versus Stephens County. The Habersham Central teams are really hitting their stride here before Christmas, while both Stephens County programs as a hole are on an upward trajectory after a very difficult last few years.
HABERSHAM VS STEPENS GIRLS
The Lady Raiders may have started out 0-3, but they really turned a corner as of late, winning three straight before a region-opener against Jackson County. Meanwhile, the Lady Indians have 12 COMBINED wins from the past four seasons combined. They already have six this year under new coach Tess Wright. Stephens is ready to renew the rivalry with more intense play against Habersham.
HABERSHAM VS STEPHENS BOYS
Habersham has mostly cruised to this point, and players not named Jake Mihalick or Judge Wilbanks are starting to come into their own. They have some top-10 victories already, and will look to squash rivals Stephens in this one. The Indians have a couple of wins, which already doubles their total of ONE all of last year.
BY THE NUMBERS
HABERSHAM CENTRAL
LADY RAIDERS
- 4-4 (0-1 in 8-AAAAA)
- Region Standings: 6th
- State Ranking: N/A
- PF: 49.9
- PA: 52.6
- Head Coach: Brianna Webb
STEPHENS COUNTY
LADY INDIANS
- 6-5 (0-0 in 8-AAA)
- Region Standings: 1st
- State Ranking: N/A
- PF: 44.6
- PA: 45.3
- Head Coach: Tess Wright
HABERSHAM CENTRAL
RAIDERS
- 7-2 (1-0 in 8-AAAAA)
- Region Standings: 1st
- State Ranking: #10
- PF: 62.0
- PA: 59.4
- Head Coach: Tommy Yancey
STEPHENS COUNTY
INDIANS
- 2-8 (0-0 in 8-AAA)
- Region Standings: 1st
- State Ranking: N/A
- PF: 48.4
- PA: 56.7
- Head Coach: Greg Wilson
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GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Be looking for highlights post-game later tonight as well as a story recapping the contest.
3 KEYS TO WIN
- HABERSHAM/STEPHENS GIRLS
- The Lady Raiders must (1) demoralize Stephens with a quick opening run, (2) win the rebound battle, and (3) play quick.
- The Lady Indians must (1) get Habersham in foul trouble, (2) convert in the paint, and (3) get early momentum.
- HABERSHAM/STEPHENS BOYS
- The Raiders must (1) play fast-paced and force Stephens to commit turnovers, (2) Avoid foul trouble, and (3) play tight perimeter defense.
- The Indians must (1) get a fast start in which they hold a lead, (2) hit on a HIGH percentage of free throws, and (3) get the Habersham big duo in foul trouble.
DETAILS OF THE MATCHUP
TIME: 7 PM Girls / 8:30 PM Boys
PLACE: Habersham Central HS / Mt. Airy, GA
PLAYERS TO WATCH – GIRLS
HABERSHAM
- Daytona Underwood
- Tessa Murdock
- Oaklee Jackson
- Sadie Chambers
- Kenzie King
STEPHENS
- Ivey Jackson
- Lanesia Verdell
- Saige Weckesser
PLAYERS TO WATCH – BOYS
HABERSHAM
- Jake Mihalick
- Judge Wilbanks
- Micah Huff
STEPHENS
- Jayden Haynie
- Colsen Ivey
BLITZ 
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