Lady Bulldogs off to hot start

Coming into most basketball seasons, fans typically have a good idea which players will put up big numbers for their team and which teams will be among the best in the area.

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However, 2008-09 has been a little more interesting than normal. Of course, we do have guys like Cedric Boatner (Harlem) and Jim Hull (Augusta Prep), who were expected to put up plenty of points, and they have not disappointed.

This season has produced plenty of performances and moments worthy of some attention.

Augusta Christian

Elizabeth Alewine: She is finally healthy and it is showing on the floor. She has been a consistent scorer and her 21 points per game has helped lead the Lady Lions to a 7-4 start. She is in line for All-County, All-Region, and possibly All-State honors this season.

Augusta Prep

Hull: He is averaging an amazing 35 points per game and is capable of going for 40, or even 50, on any given night. He had a 43-point game as a sophomore and topped 40 points five times last season. He already has more than 2,000 career points and should finish this season with his third consecutive Georgia Independent School Association scoring title.

John Paul Lynn: He has really stepped up his play this year. As teams attempt to double or triple team Hull, Lynn has been there to pick up the slack. He is averaging just under 14 points per game and might become a key factor to this team's postseason success.

Evans

Tony Davis: He is fun to watch if you are a true basketball enthusiast. He does the dirty work for the Knights, and does it well. The 6-foot-4 forward is averaging 16.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest and has been the key reason Evans (12-1, 6-1) has enjoyed such a great start.

Anthony Williams: He has quietly become one of the county's top scorers. He is scoring more than 15 points per game; not bad considering Evans has one of the deepest teams in the area.

Jaleel Roberts: He's very raw, but there is no doubt that he will get an opportunity at the next level. You simply can't teach height. He is almost 6-9 and is still learning the game. He is leading the area with seven blocks per game, including 10 in one game. He also averages six boards per game.

Greenbrier

The girls team is playing well again this year with a balanced attack, and while the boys have struggled at times, two senior leaders have been solid.

Horace Carney: The guard has been a model of consistency for coach Casey Dees, scoring in double figures in all but one game this season. He is averaging nearly 13 points a game.

Bryan Andrews: The speedster is playing well this season and is among the county's top scorers, posting more than 16 points per game.

Harlem

The Lady Bulldogs (10-1, 6-1) are off to an incredible start. They have a solid team, but three players really stand out.

Nicole Wells: The senior is a talented all-around player that can do pretty much anything on the floor. She is not selfish but averages 14 points per game.

Ebony Wells: Nicole's baby sister is 6-2 and in the 10th grade. She has the potential to be the most highly recruited girls player in Columbia County history as she is putting up big numbers. She should be a double-double machine for the next few seasons.

Chancellor Martin: The senior chips in more than 11 points per game and is every bit as important to the team's success. With her at point and the Wells sisters, Harlem is a legitimate contender for a region title and a deep run in the state tournament.

Cedric Boatner: This high-scoring guard is pouring in 17 points per game, despite the boys team's struggles thus far. His scoring should climb as the year goes on.

The Bulldogs recently suffered a few academic casualties. Coach Kim Chambers will need some of his youngsters to grow up quick.

Lakeside

Carolyn Hennecken: Although only a sophomore, she already has an All-Region season under her belt. This year, she has picked up more of the scoring load and is averaging 11 points per game and five assists.

Tishal Turknett: Also a sophomore, she is putting up about 11.5 points per game with six assists. Hennecken and Turknett have played together since they were 5 and appear to be in position to make Lakeside a contender in Region 3-AAAA.

The boys team is led by C.J. Marshall, with 12 points per game, and Rosbie Mutcherson, with 10 points per game, but they also have gotten solid efforts from Cody Marsh and Khadi Tshishiku. They have been extremely competitive all season.