Strong season enters new phase for Central boys basketball

The regular season couldn't have gone much better for the Central boys basketball team.

Other than an early setback to Westside and a holiday tournament loss to GHSA Class AAAAA No. 9 Effingham County, the 2015-16 season has been a strong one for the Chargers. They have won 18 straight, and they have yet to lose at home.

After holding off Westside on Friday for the GHSA Region 2-AAA Tournament title, sixth-ranked Central (25-2) opens Class AAA Tournament play Wednesday at home against Josey.

"The guys are close-knit, they love to joke around and play together, and they carry that on to the court," Central head coach Andre Taylor said. "They've grown up and have done a great job of playing together."

Defense is something Taylor has stressed in recent weeks. Central has played some close games down the stretch, winning four of its past five by fewer than 10 points.

Prior to the region tournament, Central played three straight games against Columbus schools, including two on the road.

"We put more effort in on defense in the region tournament," Taylor said. "I hope that carries over."

Josey (12-11) is the No. 4 seed from Region 3-AAA. The Eagles faced a strong schedule during the regular season, giving fourth-ranked Laney, the Region 3-AAA Tournament champion, one of its two losses this season. Josey also faced several teams from Region 2-AAAAA.

The Eagles are led by senior shooting guard Donald Jordan, who averages in the high teens in scoring.

"They're a good team," Taylor said. "Beating a team like Laney shows they have something going over there."

The Josey-Central winner matches up against either ninth-ranked Banks County (23-4) or unranked Coahulla Creek (21-6) in the second round. Central will host should it beat Josey.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 3:33 PM with the headline "Strong season enters new phase for Central boys basketball ."