Chargers’ season ends in NJCAA first round
Ƈ Georgia Highlands battles back in second half but falls short vs. Trinity Valley
After a slow start on Sunday, the Georgia Highlands Chargers battled all the way back within six in the second half, but ultimately fell short as their season ended with a tough 61-54 loss to Trinity Valley in the opening round of the NJCAA Division I Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Georgia Highlands (19-15) struggled offensively in the first half as it fell behind by double digits before rallying within 11 at halftime as Trinity Valley carried a 29-18 lead into the locker room at the break.
The Chargers continued to battle in the final 20 minutes as the offense got going a little more to go with its strong defensive effort, and they were able to cut the deficit to 54-48 at one point. Trinity Valley (27-7) responded, however, to close out the game well and secure the season-saving victory.
Leading Georgia Highlands was Jay’quan Nelson with 19 points, including some big shots in the second half to key his team’s comeback bid. Nelson, who played part of his high school career at Rome High, made three 3-pointers in the contest, to go with three rebounds and two steals.
Also in double figures for the Chargers was Jah’kim Payne with 11 points to go with eight rebounds, and Khimani Hendesron with 10 points. Cameron Baldwin added 10 rebounds, and Jayshon Jones provided 11 rebounds off the bench.
Trinity Valley, which moved on to play No. 7 seed Triton in the second round late Monday night, was led in scoring by Ahamad Bynum with 22 points, including five 3s. Denim Johnson added eight points and six assists, and Ibra Bayu had eight points and five rebounds off the bench. Cisso Mouhamadou contributed 10 rebounds as well.
Georgia Highlands was making its first appearance at the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Tournament since the 2016-17 season after winning the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) championship last weekend with a 56-53 win over Albany Tech to secure the NJCAA District 17 crown along with a national tournament berth.
Chargers head coach JJ Merritt was instrumental in leading his team back from a 3-9 start to the season all the way to a conference title and national tournament berth.