By Lee Wilson
MaxPreps.com
Greg Reid has had an unbelievable high school football career. His Lowndes Vikings have been a dominant force and he has been a pivotal part of that success. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recognized the future Florida Gator with All-Class Player of the Year honors.
It is easy to see why Urban Meyer is so interested in his services. Even opposing coaches note Reid's talent. Valdosta head coach Rick Tomberlin did just that in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"He’s the most instinctive player I think I’ve ever seen,” Tomberlin said. “I’ve seen him run a sweep, and the defense has it played perfectly, and he’s like a ghost. He’ll break a long run. He just does things you don’t see ordinary guys do.”
Reid, who is the first Lowndes player to win the AJC All-Class Player of the Year honors, tallied 1,242 yards with 16 touchdowns on 118 carries. He averaged 10.5 yards per rush this year. He also caught eight passes for 234 yards and returned 14 punts for 267 yards. His nine interceptions were also tops in the region.
“You’ve got to put the ball in his hands,” Tomberlin told the AJC. “He’s special. I’ve coached against Reggie Brown, Rennie Curran, Trey Blackmon. I’ve coached Takeo Spikes, Robert Edwards, Randall Godfrey. He’s certainly in that group."
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Players of the Year
Class AAAAA
Offense: Toney Williams, RB, Milton
Defense: Abry Jones, DL, Northside Warner Robins
Class AAAA
Offense: P.J. Greene, RB, Rome
Defense: Jonathan Davis, LB, Tucker
Class AAA
Offense: Angelo Pease, AP, Cairo
Defense: Qua Huzzie, LB, LaGrange
Class AA
Offense: Cody Getz, RB, Buford
Defense: Jemea Thomas, DB, Fitzgerald
Class A
Offense: Washaun Ealey, RB, Emanuel County Institute
Defense: Tony McCrea, DB, Wilkinson County
Basketball: Deep South Classic Underway
Gwinnett County’s Deep South Classic got underway Saturday at Brookwood High School. Unlike previous years, there are no out-of-state teams in the field. Semifinal action will take place Monday and will wrap up on Tuesday.
Here is a rundown of Saturday’s action;
Boys
Peachtree Ridge 50, South Cobb 48
In the opening game of the tournament, the Peachtree Ridge Lions earned a 50-48 win over the South Cobb Eagles. Rico Spear led all scorers in a losing effort with 15 points.
South Forsyth 53, North Cobb
Jonathan Sauls scored 21 points as the South Forsyth War Eagles defeated the North Cobb Warriors 53-48 to advance to the second round of the Deep South Classic.
Collin Slotter had 18 points for North Cobb in defeat.
Greater Atlanta Christian 66, Grayson 54
Behind Trent Wiedeman's 25 points and Paul Dawson's 24 points Greater Atlanta Christian defeated Grayson Rams 66-54 in another first round match-up. GAC made an impressive run in last year's tournament but fell short to the Wesleyan Wolves.
Brookwood 66, Loganville 51
Feeding off its home court advantage and 17 points from Chris Bolden, Brookwood breezed by Loganville, 66-51. Lavon Hooks added a double-double for the victors, posting 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Monday’s Games
Semifinal: Peachtree Ridge vs. Greater Atlanta Christian
Semifinal: Brookwood vs. South Forsyth
Consolation: Loganville vs. North Cobb
Consolation: Grayson vs. South Cobb
Girls
Peachtree Ridge 49, Northwest Whitfield 45
Peachtree Ridge’s girls squad matched the boys with a first round victory, defeating Northwest Whitfield 49-45. Leading the charge for Peachtree Ridge was Brittany Jack with tallied 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Buford 73, North Cobb 37
The Buford Wolves didn't leave anything on the table in their first round 73-37 demolition of the North Cobb Warriors. Blanche Alverson (17), Chanee Carson (12) and Andraya Carter (12) all finished in double figures.
Greater Atlanta Christian 75, Grayson 42
Greater Atlanta Christian – two years removed from a state title – got off to a fast start in the Deep South Classic with a big 75-42 win over Gwinnett rival Grayson.
Chaney Means of GAC was the game's high scorer with 18 while Grayson's Erika Joseph grabbed 15.
Brookwood 47, Loganville 44
Brookwood pulled out a narrow victory in its home gym and tournament site for the Deep South Classic with a 47-44 over Loganville. The Broncos improved to 5-3 while the Red Devils fell to 6-5 on the season.
The Broncos were lead by Jasmine Jackson, the game's high scorer with 17 points.
Monday’s Games
Semifinal: Brookwood vs. Buford
Semifinal: Greater Atlanta Christian vs. Peachtree Ridge
Consolation: Loganville vs. North Cobb
Consolation: Grayson vs. Northwest Whitfield
