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Meet the 2023 All-Greater Savannah Boys Basketball team and Coach of the Year

Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News
·8 min read

St. Andrew's basketball coach Mel Abrams knew his Lion squad would have a target on its collective back this season coming off a GIAA Class 3A state championship last year and he tried to use that to motivate his players.

Abrams also made sure to set up a rugged non-region schedule so his team would be battle-tested come playoff time and the team responded.

In December, the Lions had wins over Ponte Vedra, which was ranked No. 9 in the state of Florida among Class 4A-7A teams at the time, and also knocked off Hiram, which was then ranked No. 3 among GHSA Class 5A teams in Georgia. Hiram went on to reach the Class 5A State quarterfinals and finished with a 25-3 record, with one of those losses coming in overtime to Johnson.

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The Lions ran a win streak dating back to last season to 26 games before losing to Gibbs of St. Petersburg, Fla. 43-40 on Jan. 7. It was the only setback of the year for St. Andrew's, which closed out the season on a 16-game win streak -- defeating Heritage 44-42 to repeat as state champions and close out the season with a 28-1 record.

Abrams, who has coached St. Andrew's for eight seasons, is the Savannah Morning News Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.

St. Andrew's Coach Mel Abrams gives direction to the Lion defense as St. Andrew's beat Heritage Saturday to win its second straight GIAA state title.
St. Andrew's Coach Mel Abrams gives direction to the Lion defense as St. Andrew's beat Heritage Saturday to win its second straight GIAA state title.

"It was another great season and I was impressed with the commitment we got from our players," Abrams said. "Everyone was so dedicated, they wanted to win it all again and they put in all the work over the summer. We had new guys come out to join the team, and they respected our veterans, who embraced them. We had great camaraderie and great teamwork. When you win two in a row, you know that success is not by accident -- they worked hard for it."

St. Andrew's School boys basketball head coach Mel Abrams watches the Lions run fundamental practice drills.
St. Andrew's School boys basketball head coach Mel Abrams watches the Lions run fundamental practice drills.

The All-Greater Savannah Boys Basketball first-team selections are announced today, with Lion senior Zyere Edwards on the list. First-team honorees receive an invitation to the Coastal Empire High School Sports Awards, presented by Georgia Ports, set for Monday, June 5, at 7 p.m., at the Johnny Mercer Theatre. It is produced with support from Chatham Orthopaedic Associates. The Boys Basketball Player of the Year will be announced at the show.

Nominees in each of 23 state-sanctioned sports across the Coastal Empire area will be honored that night. Winners will be announced, in addition to Boys and Girls Athlete of the Year, Coach of the Year, Teams of the Year, and a Courage Award.

More information about the show, including fall nominees already selected, can be found at this link.

All-Greater Savannah Boys Basketball First-Team

Antonio Baker, Johnson, sr., G

Johnson High's Antonio Baker breaks away for a dunk against Beach High on Friday January 6, 2023.
Johnson High's Antonio Baker breaks away for a dunk against Beach High on Friday January 6, 2023.

Baker was named the Region 3-3A Player of the Year as he led the Atom Smashers to the region tournament title. He averaged 20.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.0 steals for Johnson, which lost to eventual state champion Sandy Creek in the state quarterfinals and ended the season ranked second in the state by Sandysspiel.com.

Zyere Edwards, St. Andrew's, sr., G

Edwards helped lead the Lions to their second straight GIAA Class 3A state title, earning GIAA State Player of the Year honors for the second year in a row. The Augusta University signee averaged 22.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 4.1 steals per game.

St. Andrew's senior Zyere Edwards drives in for a layup in the Lions' win over Heritage Saturday.
St. Andrew's senior Zyere Edwards drives in for a layup in the Lions' win over Heritage Saturday.

Alfonzo Ross, Woodville-Tompkins, sr., G

Ross was the Region 3A Division I Player of the Year after a stellar senior campaign. He averaged 24.8 points per game and scored 741 points on the season -- closing out his career at Woodville with 1,607 points. Ross came up big in the playoffs as he scored a career-high 42 points in a Sweet 16 win over Pelham. He led the Wolverines to a region title and to the state quarterfinals and has signed to play at USC Beaufort.

Woodville-Tompkins' Alfonzo Ross attempts a basket between Savannah High's Chance Hendricks and Nayshawn Heyward during the Region 3A Div.1 Title game.
Woodville-Tompkins' Alfonzo Ross attempts a basket between Savannah High's Chance Hendricks and Nayshawn Heyward during the Region 3A Div.1 Title game.

Shamarrie Hugie, Beach, sr., G

Hugie had another impressive season for the Bulldogs, but hurt his wrist at the end of the regular season -- coming back for Beach's final game -- a road loss to Harlem in the first round of the playoffs. Hugie was an All-Region 3-3A First-Team selection and averaged 20.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

Beach High's Shamarrie Hugie goes up for a slam on Friday January 20, 2023 at Calvary Day School.
Beach High's Shamarrie Hugie goes up for a slam on Friday January 20, 2023 at Calvary Day School.

Qurahn Anderson, Windsor Forest, sr., G

Anderson was the main man for the Knights, who won the Region 3-2A title and advanced to the state quarterfinals. He was named the region's Player of the Year after averaging 17.3 points per game. Anderson has signed to play at USC Beaufort.

Windsor Forest’s Qurahn Anderson slams the ball for 2 points on a break away against Groves High School.
Windsor Forest’s Qurahn Anderson slams the ball for 2 points on a break away against Groves High School.

Caleb Jones, Benedictine, soph., G

Jones had a breakout season after an impressive showing as a freshman. He was an All-Region 3-4A First-Team selection after averaging 21.0 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Jones helped lead the Cadets to a region title and ramped up his game for the playoffs as BC reached the Final Four for the first time since 1959. He scored 31 points in a loss to Fayette County in the final game of the year.

Benedictine's Caleb Jones goes up for a basket against Madison County's Kyle Pruitt and Jay Carruth during the Class 4A quarterfinals on Wednesday March 1, 2023.
Benedictine's Caleb Jones goes up for a basket against Madison County's Kyle Pruitt and Jay Carruth during the Class 4A quarterfinals on Wednesday March 1, 2023.

James Leach, Beach, sr., F/G

Leach was a difference maker for the Bulldogs with his length and athleticism. He was an All-Region 3-3A first-team selection as he averaged 10.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per contest.

Stephon Frazier, Benedictine, sr., PG

The floor general for the Cadets controlled the tempo of the game on both ends of the court with his vision and defensive intensity. Frazier was named the Region 3-4A Player of the Year and was pivotal in the Cadets run to the Final Four. He averaged 10.8 points per game.

Joshua Quarterman, Johnson, jr., G

The transfer from Bethesda Academy had an immediate impact with the Atom Smashers with his speed, athleticism and high basketball IQ. Quarterman averaged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.7 steals per game. He reached the 1,000 point milestone for his career and was an All-Region 3-3A first-team pick.

Elyjah Thurmon, Bradwell Institute, jr., F

The 6-4, 275-pound junior is also a talented offensive lineman whose football offers include Florida, UCF and Georgia Southern. He was a force in the paint for the Tigers, who won the Region 1-5A title, and was named the region's Player of the Year. He averaged 16.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Maki Joyner, Savannah High, soph., G

Joyner improved upon his solid showing as a freshman as he helped lead the Blue Jackets to the playoffs with a second place finish in Region 3A Division I. He averaged 14.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game and was an All-Region first-team selection.

Malachi Robinson, Johnson, sr., F

Robinson was a rugged presence down low who got things done in the post. But he is also a strong outside shooter and a solid ball handler. Robinson averaged 10.9 points and 9.4 rebounds and was an All-Region 3-3A first-team selection.

SECOND TEAM

Keion Wallace, Effingham County, G/F, sr.

Zayden Edwards, St. Andrew's, soph., G

Zsolt Boros, Memorial Day, sr., G

Ja’Quawn Singleton, Groves, sr., G/F

Jonathon Pickering, Woodville-Tompkins, soph., G

Khari Manning, Groves, sr., G

C.J. Gaines, Calvary Day, jr., G

Tyler Tift, Habersham School, sr., G

Ashton Wright, Bethesda, jr., G

Jermaine Edwards, Savannah High, jr., F

Isaiah Campbell, South Effingham, sr., G

Rashad Scott, Effingham County, sr., G

Tahshaun Frasier, Bradwell Institute, jr. G

Jonah Coppock, New Hampstead, sr., G/F

Larry Pounds, Windsor Forest, sr., G

La'Don Bryant, Benedictine, G/F, jr.

Jeremiah James, Jenkins, F, jr.

Favion Kirkwood, Johnson, soph., G/F

Chandler Reid, Beach, soph., G

Elijah Mincey, Bryan County, soph., G

Jordan Cave, Islands, jr., G

Jake Merklinger, Calvary Day, jr., F/G

Matas Aidietis, Memorial Day, jr., G/F

HONORABLE MENTION

Beach--Tyrese Bellamy

Benedictine--Makhi Hampton, Jordan Dorsey, Luke Kromenhoek

Bethesda--Jacari McKay

Bryan County--Tanner Ennis

Bradwell--Jamal Jackson, Chris Perry, Jamar Price

Calvary Day--Sean Stoddard, Chol Kiir

Coastal Homeschool--Micah Faith, Antwaun Parham

Effingham County--Ashley Thompson, Timmy Brown

Groves--Sidney Flaggs, Ty Chisholm

Habersham--Hamilton Colley

Islands--Braylen Butterworth

Jenkins--Juwan Boggs, Troy Smith Jr.

Johnson--Cormari Jones

Liberty County--Elijah Brown

Memorial Day--KC Edgecombe, Jake Vendetti

New Hampstead--Kentavious Woodberry, Toland Daughtry

Richmond Hill--Anthony Bynum, Bryce Hendricks

Savannah High--Deshaun Davis, Shone Ruth, Amarion Watson

Savannah Christian--Blake Hall, Jamari McIvory

Savannah Classical--Jabril Simmons

Savannah Country Day--Robert Spaulding

St. Andrew's--Kaleb Lofton, Will Thompson, Rod Conley

South Effingham--Gavin Hiatt, Justice Mydell

Windsor Forest--Ahmad Grovener, Landon Page

Woodville-Tompkins--Tyler Grant, Joey Bell, Terrence Bush, Wes Walker

Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: All-Greater Savannah Boys Basketball Team and Coach of Year announced