Player of Year leaving hoops behind

Jim Hull spent spring break in 2008 running from one basketball tournament to another.

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This year, he just ran.

The Augusta Prep senior, The Columbia County News-Times Boys Basketball Player of the Year, completed his standout basketball career and turned his focus to running.

He will run track for the University of Richmond next year. He said he hasn't picked up a basketball since the Cavaliers' season ended.

"This is pretty good for me," said Hull, who will hold a signing ceremony at Prep today. "I haven't missed basketball that much."

Augusta Prep basketball likely will miss him, although Cavaliers coach Mike Guthrie is hesitant to signal the end of an era.

"I hope not," he said. "I hope there will be another one (like Jim)."

Hull led all of the Georgia Independent Schools Association in scoring 34 points per game. He finished with more than 2,700 points for his career.

Hull attempted 257 free throws, the most in GISA. He scored 46 points, one shy of his career-best, in a Dec. 4 win over Edmund Burke that put him past 2,000 points for his career.

Cavaliers coach Mike Guthrie said Hull worked more on his 3-point shooting this season. Hull made 50 3-pointers, more than he attempted (49) as a junior.

The Cavaliers won their first-ever region basketball title this year and won their first-round state playoff game. But unlike in previous seasons, Hull wasn't asked to do it all. He couldn't have.

To stop Hull, opposing teams employed every sort of defensive pressure, ranging from a simple box-and-one to more gimmicky schemes.

Sophomore John Paul Lynn emerged as another scoring threat and helped handle the ball. As a result, Hull had more chances to work off screens and free himself for open looks.

When Central Fellowship double-teamed Hull each time he tournament, Hull would find Lynn for easy baskets. Lynn had a game-high 19 points.

When guarded straight up or in a zone, Hull showed off his shot. He scored 34 points in the semifinals to beat Gatewood in overtime.

And Hull delivered in key situations, scoring the final eight points against rival Westminster in the region final.

But that was the probable end to Hull's heroics on the hardwood. Hull has switched gears, running every day in preparation of his state title defense in the 3,200, 1,600 and 800 meters.

His spring break consisted of two optional track practices at Prep, and three days running on his own.

"He's got a great career in front of him in track," Guthrie said.

The Columbia County News-Times All County Boys Basketball Team

Player of the Year: Jim Hull, Senior, Augusta Prep

-- There was plenty of competition for this year's title, but no one meant more to his team's success than Hull.

Coach of the Year: Mike Guthrie, Augusta Prep

-- Guthrie led the Cavaliers to their first-ever region title by emphasizing defense and making his team more three-dimensional on offense. He sought advice from longtime Augusta Prep coach Steve Boyd, who served as his assistant.

First team

- Bryan Andrews, Senior, Greenbrier : Andrews led the Wolfpack to an improbable Class AAAAA playoff berth. He averaged 16 points per game.

- Cedric Boatner, Senior, Harlem : The senior averaged 16.7 points per game despite being slowed for part of the season with a back injury. He was a McDonald's All-American nominee.

- Tony Davis, Junior, Evans : The junior did it all for the Knights, crashing boards and leading Evans in scoring.

- Rosbie Mutcherson, Senior, Lakeside : The Panthers leader started three years at point guard for coach Ryan Morningstar. He shot 45 percent inside the 3-point line.

- Jim Hull, Senior, Augusta Prep : The Columbia County Player of the Year finished with more than 2,700 points for his career. He was selected for the GISA North-South All-Star game.

Second team

- Anthony Williams, Senior, Evans : The physical guard could get to the basket or pull up and shoot mid-range. He averaged 13.2 points per game.

- Jaleel Roberts, Junior, Evans : The Knights big man altered games with his presence in the middle. On average, he blocked eight shots per game and pulled down seven rebounds.

- Jonathan Smalley, Senior, Augusta Christian : Smalley led the Lions in almost every statistical category despite playing out of position at point guard for 12 games.

- C.J. Marshall, Senior, Lakeside : The Panthers point guard was an All-Region selection and led Lakeside in scoring.

- Troy Belton, Senior, Evans : The speedy point guard pushed the Knights up-tempo attack. He averaged almost five assists per game.

Honorable mention

Horace Carney, Senior, Greenbrier

Aldane Walden, Senior, Harlem

Brandon McCladdie, Senior, Evans

Cody Marsh, Senior, Lakeside

John Paul Lynn, Sophomore, Augusta Prep

Jaiden Brandt, Senior, Augusta Christian

Chad Waddell, Sophomore, Greenbrier

Chris Hartfield, Junior, Lakeside