Spartan Spam

>>SPARTAN BOOSTER #302
>>January 9, 2006
___________________________________________________________
MONDAY, JANUARY 9
No events scheduled

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10
4:00pm 7th grade girls basketball: GAC at Lovett 4:30pm JV girls basketball: Wesleyan JV at GAC; Bradford Gym 5:00pm Varsity & Juniior High wrestling: Landmark Christian & Dawson County at GAC; P.E. Gym 5:15pm 7th grade boys basketball: GAC at Lovett 6:00pm Varsity girls basketball: Wesleyan at GAC; Bradford Gym 7:30pm Varsity boys basketball: Wesleyan at GAC; Bradford Gym

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11
No events scheduled

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12
4:30pm Junior High swimming & diving: GAC at Wesleyan 5:30pm 8th grade girls basketball: Blessed Trinity at GAC 5:30pm 7th grade girls basketball: GAC at Blessed Trinity 6:30pm 8th grade boys basketball: Blessed Trinity at GAC 6:30pm 7th grade boys basketball: GAC at Blessed Trinity

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13
4:00pm 8th grade girls basketball: GAC at Lovett 4:00pm JV girls basketball: GAC at Providence Christian 5:15pm 8th grade boys basketball: GAC at Lovett 5:30pm JV boys basketball: GAC at Providence Christian 7:00pm Varsity girls basketball: GAC at Providence Christian 8:30pm Varsity boys basketball: GAC at Providence Christian

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14
10:00am Varsity wrestling: Area Duals meet at Lovett 10:00am 8th grade girls basketball: GAC at Buford Middle School 10:00am 7th grade girls basketball: GAC at Jefferson 11:15am 8th grade boys basketball: GAC at Buford Middle School 11:15pm 7th grade boys basketball: GAC at Jefferson
12 noon Varsity girls basketball: Lumpkin County at GAC; Bradford Gym 1:30pm Varsity boys basketball: Lumpkin County at GAC; Bradford Gym 3:00pm JV boys basketball: Lumpkin County at GAC; Bradford Gym ______________________________________________________________
>BASKETBALL

NO. 1 VS. NO. 2: WESLEYAN AT GAC TOMORROW NIGHT!

COACH MIKE MITCHELL REPORTS:
The #2 ranked Lady Spartans picked up two more wins this weekend over region foe Dawson County and  non-region foe Chestatee.  The Lady Spartans are now
14-3 and will host Wesleyan Tuesday night. Please come out and show your support in this battle between #1 and #2.

D'Nay Daniels and Bria Smith were honored Saturday morning by the Gwinnett County Tip-Off Club for their efforts in November and December.  They were chosen as members of the Gwinnett County Team of the Month.

The Lady Spartan basketball team started the new year with a great win [Tues.] night over region foe and #8 ranked East Hall.  The girls had to come from behind with an excellent fourth quarter to achieve the victory. 
Sally Carroll hit two free throws with 25 seconds left to tie the game and Courtney Samuels made two free throws with 4.4 seconds left to give the Lady Spartans the victory.

Lisa Warren was named the female scholar-athlete in the Deep South Classic basketball tournament over the holidays.  She was chosen from all the teams participating for her academics, community service, and an essay that each entrant had to write.  The award was sponsored by IBM and she received a new laptop computer. Congratulations to the girls for their accomplishments.

BOYS' BASKETBALL REPORT [reprinted from Jan. 9 Senior High Announcements] The Spartans lost a tough game Friday night to region opponent Dawson County 64-54.  Reece Wiedeman led the way with 22 points and 12 rebounds.  Taylor Metzger added 17.  Saturday night the Spartans traveled to Gainesville and fell to Chestatee in a non-region contest, 69-49.  Reece Wiedeman again led the Spartans with 15.  The Spartan’s overall record is 9-8 and 3-3 in region play as they prepare for Tuesday’s home game vs. Wesleyan.  It will take a strong crowd, similar to the Buford game, to “knock off” the Wolves!  Come early and witness the Lady Spartan’s win too!

SENIOR NIGHT SET FOR JAN. 28 HOMECOMING

Athletic Director Tim Vick reports that Senior Night for basketball players, pep band members, and basketball cheerleaders will be at halftime of the boys' varsity basketball game on Saturday, January 28th, which is also Homecoming. There will be two varsity games against Providence Christian that afternoon: girls at 5:00pm and boys, 6:30pm. The Homecoming Court ceremonies start at 4:00pm in the Bradford Gym.

GAC ATHLETES HONORED AT GWINNETT TIPOFF CLUB Jan. 8 Gwinnett Daily Post

The Norcross boys and the Collins Hill girls received the highest awards at Saturday’s Gwinnett Tipoff Club banquet at South Gwinnett High School.

Norcross was selected as Boys Team of the Month and its coach, Eddie Martin, was Boys Coach of the Month. The Girls Team of the Month was Collins Hill and its coach, Tracey Tipton, was Girls Coach of the Month.

The club also honored its players of the month. [Region 8-AA] selections are listed below:

GIRLS' TEAMS:
GAC: Bria Smith, D’Nay Daniels
Buford: Vicky Wilson, Victoria Peevy
Providence: Carli West, Cassi Flowers
Wesleyan: Carolyn Whitney, Le Le LeSeur

BOYS' TEAMS:
GAC: Wade Weldon, Reece Wiedeman
Buford: Cam Sherman, Terrance Birdette
Providence: Andy Vess, Ben Landis
Wesleyan: Howard Thompkins, Tanner Smith

GAC girls 60, Chestatee 34
GAINESVILLE — Greater Atlanta Christian (14-3, 6-0) got an overall team effort as it beat Chestatee 60-34 on Saturday. Bria Smith led the Spartans with 10 points. Sally Carroll chipped in with nine points. [Jan. 8 Gwinnett Daily Post]

Dawson County boys 64, GAC 54
NORCROSS — Reece Wiedeman led Greater Atlanta Christian with 22 points and
12 rebounds but the Spartans fell to Dawson County 64-54 Friday. Shawn Scosbee led Dawson County with 24 points. [Jan. 7 Gwinnett Daily Post]

GAC girls 41, Dawson County 25
NORCROSS — Greater Atlanta Christian (13-3, 6-0) got a total team effort as it defeated Dawson County 41-25 on Friday. Mollie Mitchell led GAC with nine points. Courtney Samuels also chipped in with eight points and seven steals.
[Jan. 7 Gwinnett Daily Post]

GAC VICTORY INDEED TURNS ON A SINGLE PLAY By J.C. Clemons Jan. 4 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

They say no basketball game is ever won or loss on any one, single, solitary play. Excuse my French, but they lied.

One single, solitary play helped Greater Atlanta Christian welcome the new year with a joyous victory.

GAC and East Hall’s game Tuesday night reflected well on their respective statewide standings. The Lady Spartans started the new year ranked No. 2 in Class AA, and the Lady Vikings checked in at No. 8.

The teams were even closer in league play, sharing first place in Region 8-AA South with defending state champions Wesleyan. And there they were with
4.4 seconds left as close as could be — tied up.

All of that changed, however, on one single, solitary play.

Rallying from a double-digit second-half deficit, GAC completed a 13-3 run with a pair of free throws from Sally Carroll that evened the score at 38.

The Lady Vikings then turned the ball over with 19 seconds left, and GAC called time out to set the stage for one single, solitary play.

Courtney Samuels drove the right baseline before Tierra Washington stepped in front and cut her off under the basket. Samuels went up, and a collision sent both players tumbling to the floor.

“Well, I saw them switching, so I gave her a fake and I drove,” Samuels said. “And when I went up, I was like, ‘God be with me.’ “

Someone more nearer to the action most certainly was.

Tweet! Tweet! Went the referee’s whistle. Blocking foul on Washington came the call.

“You never know,” GAC coach Mike Mitchell said. “They called four charges on us, and I was not sure on any of them the defense was set. … [But] when the call’s made, the call’s made.

“We finally got one there.”

Which drove Lady Spartans backers to cheers, while the large East Hall contingent jeered.

“Yeah, it was a charge,” East Hall coach Allen Pritchett said, “but you know, when you play on the road, we tell our players, ‘Don’t expect any favors.’ You got to play above the calls.”

Those are Samuels’ sentiments, exactly.

“Well, it might have been [a charge]; it might not have been,” the Lady Spartans’ senior forward said. “I don’t know, but the referees made the call, so I just had to go with what they were saying.”

Such a bright and practical young lady. A clutch one, too.

After Bria Smith scored to get the Lady Spartans within 35-29, Samuels drained a 3 from the top of the key. Smith put back her own miss to make it 35-34. Then, after a Lady Vikings free throw, Kiara Swanier’s short jumper evened the count at 36.

But Kela Coleman gave East Hall the lead with a driving basket before Carroll answered with her tying free throws.

Then came the blocking call, and it was Samuels’ time to shine. This time from the free-throw line

“Yeah, I was pretty nervous,” she said. “But I just told myself ‘Relax, you’re at home. Just pretend no one’s here. Do what you’re supposed to do, and it will go in.’ “

She made them both.

“I had to step up,” Samuels said. “When the team needs you, you do what you have to do.”

Now, that’s one call that’s beyond dispute.

“This was a big win to get us back on the right track,” Mitchell said after GAC ended a two-game losing streak and improved to 12-3 overall and 5-0 in the league. “We started the new year off on the right track.”

LADY SPARTANS RECORD (14-3)
--------------------------------------------
GACS 46-55 Marist
GACS 74-30 Chestatee
GACS 75-58 Shaw
GACS 75-35 Lovett
GACS 49-22 Paideia
GACS 81-28 Banks County*
GACS 57-51 Cartersville
GACS 67-12 Union County*
GACS 67-22 Rabun County*
GACS 76-40 Jefferson
GACS 57-39 Buford*
GACS 57-28 Walton
GACS 43-53 South Gwinnett
GACS 55-63 Spartanburg SC
GACS 40-38 East Hall*
GACS 41-25 Dawson County*
GACS 60-34 Chestatee
*Region game

VARSITY BOYS RECORD (9-8)
-----------------------------------------
GACS 60-47 Cross Keys
GACS 63-53 Blessed Trinity
GACS 54-47 Blessed Trinity
GACS 69-52 Banks County*
GACS 61-71 Union County*
GACS 96-44 Rabun County*
GACS 55-79 Jefferson
GACS 64-63 Buford*
GACS 68-54 Habersham Central
GACS 56-64 Mill Creek
GACS 67-36 Jackson County
GACS 65-70 Christ the King School (NC)
GACS 59-60 Marist
GACS 68-62 Westminster
GACS 60-75 East Hall*
GACS 54-64 Dawson County*
GACS 49-69 Chestatee
*Region game

BOYS CLASS AA
COACHES' POLL
---------------------------------------
1. East Hall*
2. Greenville
3. Manchester
4. Buford*
5. Darlington
6. Dublin
7. Josey
8. Albany
9. Greene County
10. Coosa
*Region 8-AA team
[Source: www.gasports.com]

HOOPS NOTEBOOK: WADE WELDON IS A BRIGHT SPOT By John Hollis Jan. 6 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Veteran Greater Atlanta Christian coach Ron Bradley has had his share of ups and downs in his first year at the helm of the Spartans.

GAC (9-6) has looked impressive at times, even besting Region 8-AA rival Buford last month.

It's the other games, such as the Spartans' lackluster loss to Jefferson, that have Bradley, the nation's winningest active coach with 1,312 career victories, at a loss.

A bright spot, however, has been senior guard Wade Weldon, who is averaging
25.5 points per game.

LADY SPARTANS & 3 OTHER REGION 8-AA TEAMS DOMINATE CLASS AA TOP 10

GIRLS CLASS AA
COACHES' POLL
---------------------------------------
1. Wesleyan*
2. GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN*
3. Laney
4. Model
5. Buford*
6. Dodge County
7. Holy Innocents'
8. East Hall*
9. Josey
10. Dade County
*Region 8-AA team
[Source: www.gasports.com]

JV GIRLS BASKETBALL

Coach Tony McDonald reports: JV Lady Spartans are undefeated at 10-0

Our JV Lady Spartans continued their winning ways with a 52-31 victory over Dawson County last Friday evening. Everybody on the team scored in this great team effort. The JVs returned with a big 65-54 win over Chestatee on Saturday nite led by Anjelica Wilcox 19 points, Heidi Tabor with 12 points, and Briana Jordan. Chaney Means and Clarke Boards with 8 points each.

The team returns to action this Tuesday afternoon vs. Wesleyan at home at 4pm. Come out and support the future of Lady Spartan basketball.
.........................................................................................
>WRESTLING

COACH JEFF HARSH REPORTS:
Here are some results from the Varsity wrestling team over Christmas break:

Landmark Christian Tournament (December 16-17)
The Spartans wrestled extremely well in our second tournament of the year
placing fifth as a team. Placing fourth individually was heavyweight
Jonathan Donald. Placing third were Locke Hoover (103 lbs), Travis Elrod
(112 lbs) and Ben Hixson (140 lbs). Coming home as champion of 119 lbs was
co-captain Mason Deal. Everyone wrestled well and we were really impressed
with Mason as he pinned his opponent from Lagrange in the second period.

Amicalola Classic Tournament (December 30-31)

The Spartans came into the Classic without much expectation to finish very
high because of the dual tournament format but finished very strongly with
sixth place. Day one of the Classic was a five dual meet tournament with us
matching up against Oglethorpe County, Dawson County, North Oconee County,
Gainesville, and Buford. Four of these teams are in our area so it was good
to have this chance to see what they have on their teams. We won against
North Oconee 46-22 and Gainesville 48-33 but lost the other three, one of
them by a point. Buford beat us by a score of 39-40 after we gave them 18
points because of forfeits. We hope to have some revenge on January 26th
when we host them and Wesleyan in our final home meet of the season.
Oglethorpe County beat us by a score of 32-38 and Dawson County laid one on
us again by a score of 27-48. We hope to improve in tomorrow night’s meet in
the PE Gym. In day two we were more at home in an individual style
tournament with six of our eleven wrestlers bringing home hardware (medals).
Finishing fourth were Ben Golden (125), Chris Alston (215), and Jonathan
Donald (275). Finishing second was Locke Hoover (103) and coming home
champions were our two captains Mason Deal (119) and Andrew Deneen (189).

Meet at North Hall w/ Oconee County and White County (January 5th)

The Spartans had three tough AAA opponents on Thursday night as they
wrestled at North Hall with White County and Oconee County. In our first
match against White County the final score ended up to be 18-60. Having pins
against White County were Locke Hoover (103) and Mason Deal (119). Against
Oconee County the Spartans came closer but came up short by a score of
30-41. Having pins against Oconee County were Mason Deal, Ben Golden (125),
Alex Davis (130) and Chris Alston (215). In our final meet of the night the
Spartans took down North Hall by a score of 48-30. Having pins in our win
were Mason Deal, Alex Davis, Ben Hixson (135), and Joe Kennedy (171).

The Spartans are now 7-10. Leading the team with wins this season are Locke
Hoover and Mason Deal each with 23 wins followed closely by Travis Elrod and
Andrew Deneen each with 20 wins. Having the most pins so far are Mason Deal
and Andrew Deneen each with 13 pins followed closely by Locke Hoover and
Chris Alston with 12 pins each.

Our next meet is tomorrow at home in the PE Gym at 5 PM. Come out and
support your Spartan wrestling team!

2005-06 SPARTAN ROSTER
Name / Grade
Alex Davis  10
Andrew Classon  11
Andrew Deneen  12
Ben Golden  10
Ben Hixson  11
Chris Alston  9
Christian Fretz  10
Cody Davidson  9
Corbin Reynolds 9
Drew Schoepf  9
Locke Hoover  9
Mason Deal  11
Michael Phelps  11
Travis Elrod 9
Head Coach: Jeff Harsh
Asst. Coach: Bob Harsh

WRESTLING CLASS AA
PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
Rank / School
---------------------------------------
1 Dublin
2 LaFayette
3 West Laurens
4 Cook County
5 Darlington
6 Pepperell
7 Lovett
8 Calhoun
9 Toombs County
10 Wesleyan
[Source: www.gasports.com]

VARSITY WRESTLING SCHEDULE (*Home matches noted)

*Jan. 10 Dawson County and Landmark Christian at GAC; PE Gym
Jan. 14 Area Duals at Lovett
Jan. 18 GAC and Yeshiva at St. Francis
Jan. 20-21 State Duals
*Jan. 26 Buford and Wesleyan at GAC
Jan. 27-28 GAC at Bowdon Tournament
Jan. 31 GAC and Chamblee at Dunwoody
Feb. 3-4 Traditional Area
Feb. 10-11 Traditional State

JUNIOR HIGH WRESTLING SCHEDULE (*Home matches noted)
*Jan. 10 Dawson County and Landmark Christian at GAC; P.E. Gym
Jan. 18 GAC at St. Francis
Jan. 21 GAC, Pace Academy and Holy Innocents' at Lovett Duals
Jan. 24 GAC and Walker at Woodward Academy
Jan. 28 GAC at North Chattahoochee Middle School Conference Tournament
....................................................................................
>SWIMMING & DIVING

SWIM TEAM REPORT [reprinted from Jan. 9 Senior High Announcements]

Although the final scores did not claim the Spartan team as the victors in
Friday night’s meet against Wesleyan and Providence, the GAC clan
reestablished themselves as contenders for the big meet to come in February.

The girls’ medley relay team of Patricia Williams, Emma Eisler, Ali Slack,
and Annalise Peters bettered their State Qualifying cut by better than 3
seconds (!:57.48).

The boys’ medley relay team of Sean Frendt, Tom McArthur, John Toll, and
Michael Hughes answered with an identical 3-second better time in the State
ranks (1:48.84).

Ali Slack in her first individual appearance this season, solidified her top
2 State ranking in the 50 free (24.42) and the 100 free (53.37). John Toll
became the 4th ranked in the State for the 100 fly with his race Friday
night (53.96). Almost all swimmers had personal bests for the evening.  The
final scores for the boys: Wesleyan – 309, Providence – 173, GAC – 148.
Final girls’ scores: Wesleyan – 317; GAC – 228; Providence – 106.

For Saturday’s meet vs. Paideia, the scores for the boys were Paideia – 97;
GAC – 70.  Girls’ scores were GAC – 103; Paideia – 65 .  We will receive
official times from that meet later this week.

GACS SWIMMING STATE QUALIFIERS
[Source: www.gasports.com]

EVENT.....GENDER....SWIMMER OR
TEAM....GRADE...TIME...SCHOOL....CLASSIFICATION
200 MedRel F Greater Atlanta Christian Relay 12 2:00.28 Greater Atlanta
Christian AAAA-A
200 MedRel M Greater Atlanta Christian Relay 12 1:51.43 Greater Atlanta
Christian AAAA-A
200 Free M John Toll 12 1:47.95 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
200 IM F Emma Eisler 9 2:19.68 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
200 IM M John Toll 12 2:05.30 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
50 Free F Annalise Peters 12 26.07 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
50 Free M Michael Hughes 12 22.97 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
50 Free M John Toll 12 23.26 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
100 Fly M John Toll 12 54.81 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
100 Free F Jessica Pate 12 56.54 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
100 Free F Annalise Peters 12 57.18 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
100 Free M Michael Hughes 12 51.97 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
200 FrRel F Greater Atlanta Christian Relay 12 1:51.73 Greater Atlanta
Christian AAAA-A
200 FrRel M Greater Atlanta Christian Relay 12 1:37.74 Greater Atlanta
Christian AAAA-A
100 Back F Jessica Pate 12 1:02.33 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
100 Brst F Emma Eisler 9 1:10.64 Greater Atlanta Christian AAAA-A
400 FrRel F Greater Atlanta Christian Relay 12 3:57.36 Greater Atlanta
Christian AAAA-A
400 FrRel M Greater Atlanta Christian Relay 12 3:38.96 Greater Atlanta
Christian AAAA-A

2005-06 SWIMMING & DIVING SCHEDULE
Day / Date /  Meet / Type / Opponents / Location / Start

Thursday Jan. 12  Junior High swim & diving at Wesleyan 4:30pm
Thursday Jan. 19  Varsity swim & diving at Lovett 4:30pm
Friday Jan. 20  Junior High diving at Marist Championships 5:00pm
Saturday Jan. 21  Junior High swimming at Marist Championships 9:00 am
Friday Jan. 27  Varsity diving at Metro Championships at Westminster 4:00pm
Saturday Jan. 28  Varsity Swimming Preliminaries at Metro Championships
Westminster 9:00am
Saturday Jan. 28  Varsity Swimming Finals at Metro Championships at
Westminster 7:30pm
Wednesday Feb. 8  Varsity Diving at State Championshipa at Westminster
1:00pm
Friday Feb. 10  Varsity Swimming Preliminaries at State Championship at
Westminster 5:00pm
Saturday Feb. 11 Varsity Swimming Finals at State Championship at
Westminster 6:00pm

____________________________In Memoriam_____________________________

                             JIM MCAMIS

Please keep the family of Jim McAmis in your prayers. He passed away
suddenly on December 29.  Jim worked in the technology department at GACS as
the network specialist. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, and son, Ernie.
Jim was 51 years old and had worked at GAC for 20 years. He attended the
Snellville Church of Christ.
____________________________________________________________________

>THE BEST OF GAC ANNOUNCEMENTS [reprinted from
>www.greateratlantachristian.org]

Please make a note that the school address has changed.  We no longer have
the P.O. Box.  All correspondence to GACS should be addressed to 1575 Indian
Trail Road; Norcross, Ga. 30093-2614.

This past weekend the Junior High Swim Team had a great meet against Paideia
at Agnes Scott College. The official times for the events will be sent the
school later this week, but we wanted to congratulate the team on an
outstanding overall performance today. Final scores for the boys were:
Paideia – 88; GAC – 72. Final girls’ scores were GAC – 122; Paideia – 39.
Coach K is waiting to get the official times before revealing any records
that may have been broken! Sounds like congratulations are in order!

The 7th Grade Girls Basketball team is 10-0 after a great win at Buford on
Saturday 28-25! Way to go Spartans!!  The team has three away games this
week Jefferson, Lovett, and Blessed Trinity.

Reminder of the Coat Dress code for JH and SH: only GAC uniform outerwear is
permitted.  The Spartan Store has a new delivery of 200 wool coats for the
JH and SH boys that arrived yesterday.

Please bring any gently worn jackets, sweaters, coats, sweatshirts, hats,
and gloves to the JH lower and upper hall drop off boxes to help support
“Jackets for Jesus”.

Mark you calendars for every Monday in January, February and March for the
JH Parent to Parent Meeting from 2:15 – 3:00pm in the Wista Worthen Meeting
Room located in the Student Family Center.

2006 SCHOOL CALENDAR

January 16 School holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 26-27, 29 Homecoming musical: Beauty and The Beast
January 28 Homecoming Court; 4pm; Bradford Gym
February 17-21 Winter Break
March 23, 25 Spartan Spectacular
March 31 Grandparents' Day (noon dismissal)
April 3-7 Spring break
April 28 Junior/Senior Banquet
May 5 Celebration Dinner
May 25 Commencement

See the school calendar online at
http://63.243.64.130:84/default/d01/01/2006?display=M&style=B&positioning=A
________________________________________________________
|
|                 KING'S GATE THEATRE
|
|  Jan. 26-27 & 29.....BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; Homecoming Musical
|  Feb. 10-11............FRESHMAN FOLLIES
|  Mar. 10-11............DINNER THEATRE
|  Mar. 17-18............VISION SHOWCASE
|  May 11-13............COMEDY OF ERRORS
|
| [reprinted from the GACS PARENT CONNECTION]
|_______________________________________________________

>SPARTAN ALUMNI NEWS

SHERILL BAKER STEALS EDWARDS SPOT IN LADY DOGS' RECORD BOOK
By Chip Towers - Staff
Jan. 9 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Athens --- Teresa Edwards could not overcome her own playful nature. She
came to the Georgia women's game Sunday specifically to present a basketball
to Sherill Baker, who recently broke her 20-year-old school record for
career steals.

As Baker reached out to accept the commemorative ball, the five-time
Olympian yanked it back at the last second, forcing the Georgia senior to
--- like she has done 352 times in her career --- take the ball away.

"I told her I was glad she waited until January to break it," said Edwards,
who recently retired from professional basketball. "Twenty years sounds a
lot better than 19."

Apparently the gesture inspired Baker. She stole the ball on Florida's first
two possessions and scored 20 points as Georgia defeated the Gators 89-70
before 6,178 at Stegeman Coliseum.

"I had no idea [Edwards was going to be at the game]," said Baker, who
finished with four steals and is only 20 shy of the SEC record held by
Mississippi State's Tan White. "It was exciting to see her. She's a legend."

"I think Teresa got her excited," Georgia coach Andy Landers said. "It was
awfully nice of her to come over and do this. She genuinely hoped Sherrill
would get the record. It was just like Teresa to actually make her steal it
from her."

Tasha Humphrey scored 26 points and had 15 rebounds, Cori Chambers and
Janese Hardwick each had 13 points, and No. 17 Georgia won its fourth
consecutive game. The Lady Bulldogs (11-3, 2-0 SEC) carry some valuable
momentum into Thursday night's contest at No. 1 Tennessee.

"We're all very proud of Sherill," Humphrey said. "She's a very deserving
lady. You think about the record she broke, Teresa Edwards, a five-time
Olympian, that makes it very special."

Baker came into the contest leading the nation in steals at 5.4 per game,
and she has 75 this season. She actually got the record on her first theft
in Georgia's game against Ole Miss.

"With her speed and quickness, I envisioned she would be a terrific
defensive player," Landers said. "Did I envision her having 70 steals in the
last 10 games, or whatever it is, and breaking the career steals record?
No."

It was the second loss of the season for the Gators (13-2, 1-1), who lost to
Georgia for the 37th time in 44 games and fell to 23-19 in Athens.

Georgia was leading by 10 when Humphrey drew her second foul with nine
minutes remaining in the first half and had to leave the game. The fact that
the Bulldogs made it to halftime with a 45-34 lead was critical. They had
held serve with Humphrey sidelined. She responded with a 19-point second
half.

>SPARTAN PHOTOS ONLINE

Martin Photography link
http://martinphotography.morephotos.com/mp_includes/index.asp

Gwinnett Daily Post link
http://gwinnettdailypost.mycapture.com/mycapture/index.asp?view=yes&groupingid=2649

---------------- PHOTO GALLERY BELOW ---------------
1. Mollie Mitchell in the backcourt against East Hall.
2. Coach Mitchell discusses 4th quarter strategy with Bria Smith.
3. Brett Johnson hustles up the court.
4. Brock Bennett drives against East Hall.
Photos 5-9 below are from www.georgiadogs.collegesports.com
5. Sherill Baker, GAC Class of 2002, and now senior at University of
Georgia.
6. GAC coaches Mike Mitchell & Dana Davis watch as Sherill gets a hug from
Teresa Edwards.
7. Sherill gets an easy two points after a steal.
8. Sherill dribbles in heavy traffic.
9. Sherill goes strong to the hoop.