By LIZZY GORDON
The slick movement of the basketball from one player to the next caught number 22, senior Austin Harris, off guard. As he shifted across the court, a defensive player nailed him in the eyebrow with his elbow.
As blood began to trickle down his face, an athletic director escorted him to The First Academy’s first aid room. That night the boys won the tip off game, 63-27.
“I was a little mad when the kid hit me, but stuff like that happens so I didn’t stress it too much at first. I started getting heated about it when we played The First Academy at the next game, because I had to sit on the bench and watch everyone else play [because the doctor didn’t want to mess up my stitches],” Harris said.
The boys started their season with a win against Lake Brantley, 56-49, in overtime. Junior Robert Rimmer led the team with 11 points and 20 rebounds, sophomore Berry Taylor made 13 points, and junior Robert Irwin scored 10 points.
“The team has a very strong group of returning players, and players moving up from a very successful junior varsity team. The majority of them played together in the fall and summer, and they have a better idea what to expect of each other and from me,” coach Gregory Shirley said.
The five starters include Rimmer, Jaccori Mitchell, Dominique Wilson, Irwin and Taylor.
On Dec. 2, in the game against Wekiva, Mitchell endured an injury to his ankle. This game ended up being their first loss, 35-39.
“I’m mad because I am not able to play, and I can’t lead my team to victory [because I have a high ankle sprain],” Mitchell said.
The boys next home game is Jan. against Apopka at 7:30 p.m. and their current record is 4-1.
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