Houston County Sharks win eighth consecutive title in comeback fashion

For nearly six periods it looked as though the Houston County Sharks’ run of consecutive AAASP Wheelchair titles was finally coming to an end. But a furious rally engineered by O’Lando Hicks — who scored nearly all of his team-high 12 points in the second half — gave the Sharks their eight straight title with a 23-22 win over Henry County in overtime.

The Sharks fell behind in the first period 8-2 as Henry County got off to a hot start behind Kendrick Newton’s four-point first period. The Hurricanes added to their lead in the next two quarters to take a 17-6 lead into the half.

The Sharks offense struggled to get going early as Hicks and Jacob Stevens combined for all six of the team’s first-half points. But it was the Sharks defense in the fourth period that would be the key as the held Henry County scoreless and allowed the Sharks to hang around heading into the final two quarters trailing 17-11.

In the fifth period, Stevens drilled a three-pointer that got the crowd and team fired up. The comeback was on. The Sharks went into the sixth period down 21-17. Once again it was the Houston County defense that would step up allowing no points in the final period of regulation.

Hicks made key free throws down the stretch before Jaquavious West hit a game-tying shot in the final 30 seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime.

Henry County would strike first in overtime with Newton giving them a 22-21 lead in the final minute of the game on a free throw. With nine seconds remaining, Dylan Thomas caught a pass underneath the basket all alone, hit the shot to win the game for the Sharks and give them their eight straight title.

Three Stars

Houston County Sharks O’lando Hicks: After the game, Hicks became emotional with the trophy and the commemorative ball as he helped lead an impressive comeback for the Sharks. The team found itself down double-digits but Hicks leadership and scoring kept them in the game late.

Henry County Hurricanes Kendrick Newton: Newton finished with a game-high 14. He was a consistent option all game for Henry County and nearly dethroned the Sharks as the top team in the state of Georgia.

Houston County Sharks Dylan Thomas: Thomas finished with two points for the game. They were the most important of the game as they secured the victory for the Sharks.

Quotes

“I can’t tell you the growth of these guys. We have a lot of new players. For them to keep this legacy going it just means the world to me.” — Sharks head coach Christy Jones on what it means to win eight straight titles

“This the most special one of all. We have got awesome seniors. ...To come back and do this game like they just did it just makes me feel so good. I am just so proud.” — Jones on if this one is the most special

“They know what they are capable of. We held them in three quarters without scoring. They knew they could do it. They put their head down and went to work and they played Sharks ball.” — Jones on why her team was able to mount the comeback

This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 5:37 PM.