By Alicia Couch Payne
There was plenty to celebrate on Friday night, February 1, 2019, at the Buford City Arena. A crowd gathered to cheer on the home teams as they played against Clarke Central’s basketball teams. They also were there to support their favorite senior winter sports athlete as they were being recognized during Senior Night festivities. This was also the perfect time to recognize to outstanding coaching careers.
The Lady Wolves started it off right with a landslide win over the Lady Gladiators from Clarke Central. They were able to clinch the number one seed in the upcoming Region 8-AAAAA tournament with the 72-29 win. Buford is 22-2 and 10-0 so far this year.
Junior Blair Wallis led the scoring for Buford sinking several three-pointers for a total of 17 points. Tate Walters added 15 points while senior Preston Reid contributed 14 points. A total of ten different Lady Wolves scored against Clarke Central.
Buford girls will play next in Walnut Grove in the Region 8-AAAAA semifinals on Thursday.
In between the girls and boys varsity games, the coaching careers of Head Basketball Coaches, Eddie Martin and Gene Durden were honored. They were presented plaques to honor their 800th career wins. Coach Martin earned his 800th win on January 22, 2019, when his boys beat Johnson. Coach Durden got his 800th career win against Loganville on January 30, 2019. Principal Ed Shaddix and Athletic Director Tony Wolfe presented the plaques to
Martin and Durden.
The senior athletes that participated in 2018-2019 Winter Sports were also honored in between the girls and boys games. Senior athletes in riflery, swimming, wrestling, and basketball were escorted by their families down the court as crowds cheered for them.
Last but not least, the Buford boys took to the court to play Clarke Central. Starting a little slow, Buford (22-2, 9-1) really picked up momentum in the second half beating Clarke Central 73-40.
Eric Coleman led the Wolves in scoring where he contributed 17 points. Donell Nixon scored 15 points. Marcus Watson and Bobby Miller each added 10 points for Buford ending the regular season on a high note.
Up next will be the region semifinals.
