The Johnson Atomsmashers won the last time they faced the Beach Bulldogs, and things went their way on Friday too. Johnson pulled ahead with a 52-51 photo finish over the Bulldogs. Given Johnson's advantage in MaxPreps' Georgia basketball rankings (they are ranked 131st, while the Bulldogs are ranked 298th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Johnson's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Favion Kirkwood, who scored 22 points along with two steals. Kirkwood is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 16 or more in the last five games he's played. Another player making a difference was Kadin Davis, who scored 11 points along with three steals.
Johnson is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests, which provided a nice bump to their 13-9 record this season. As for Beach, their defeat was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 7-15.
Johnson will head out on the road to take on the Blue Tide at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Long County knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with flashy point totals in its past six matchups -- so hopefully the Atomsmashers like a good challenge. As for Beach, they will look to defend their home court on Saturday against the Rebels at 7:30 p.m. One thing working in Groves' favor is that they have posted big point totals in their last 11 matches.
