Shropshire stands above area in his senior season
Any discussion about boys’ basketball in Northwest Georgia this season eventually led to Chattooga. And at the center of that was Jay Shropshire, making him the 2017 Rome News-Tribune Player of the Year.
The Region 7-AA champion Indians lost two games all season as they played in front of a packed crowd for every home game on the way to the state quarterfinals.
The success through the season required plenty of senior leadership and players who could handle coach Jared Groce’s up-tempo style, and Shropshire fit the
bill, leading the team with 18.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, along with 2.1 steals per game and a teambest 71 3-pointers made.
Shropshire displayed versatility, hurting opponents outside with his jump shot or with a quick drive to the bucket. With Chattooga often playing faster than their opponents, Shropshire was the ultimate headache for any defense.
The senior was one of the top three scorers in all three of Chattooga’s playoff games, as well as Chattooga’s Region 7-AA title win against Rockmart.
Despite the Indians falling short against Swainsboro in the Class AA Elite Eight, Shropshire still scored 25 points to lead the team.
Of course, there was still plenty of talent in the surrounding area as four boys’ teams made the state playoffs, two of which getting to at least the second round. Players like Chattooga’s Isaiah Foster, Darlington’s J.T. Mumber and Rockmart’s Bronson Garner are recognized as RN-T All-Area first team players.
Foster could do nearly anything on the court, averaging 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, five assists and 3.3 steals per game. As the Indians’ starting point guard, he served as facilitator and conducted whatever style he wanted to run.
Mumber was one of the best big men in the area as he dominated the paint with 15.7 points, 10 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
The senior, who recently signed with Samford, recorded a double-double in 66 percent of his games.
Senior forward Garner was the leader of a Rockmart team that exceeded expectations and reached the second round of the state playoffs.
He led the team with 17.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, along with two blocks per game.