Thriller in Thomasville: Brookwood edges out Dogs
Just over a year after Brookwood and Thomasville faced off in a game that ended in a 56-55 Warriors win and the Brookwood faithful storming the court, the two schools faced off again on Saturday for a game that was just as classic. It was a high-scoring, packedout game that ended with the same result, a one-point Brookwood victory.
“I thought Saturday night was an incredibly high-level game,” said Brookwood head coach Nate VanDuyne. “I thought the atmosphere was fantastic.”
It was Brookwood’s second one point game of the season and their first to come out on top. The last was a contest against Crossroad Academy that ended 48-47 in overtime.
Though Brookwood didn’t play to their standard in the first half, they battled back in the second to overcome Thomasville’s lights-out 45% three-point shooting.
The true story of the game was the incredible atmosphere that has been unmatched for either team this season. Cars f illed every available parking space and the Thomasville gym was so loud at one point that, according to VanDuyne, the players couldn’t hear.
“It came to a point where they could hear nothing from the sideline. They had to play the way that we practice because there was nothing they could do,” Vanduyne said. “It’s incredibly valuable. Being in a close game like that, it’s fantastic for us as far as our growth and where we want to go but even more so to be in that close of a game in that environment because they were forced to play.”
Brookwood versus Thomasville has not been known as a real rivalry. The schools have met several times throughout the years in multiple sports, but the games have failed to produce that drama that is necessary to build a strong rivalry. However, in the past two years, Brookwood versus Thomasville basketball has become a must-see game. When asked if he wants to make the game an annual event, Coach VanDuyne said, “Absolutely. I think just for our community it’s a fantastic thing. I thought the kids on both sides were tremendous. I think it would be fantastic for this to keep going because now for two years, I mean, what incredible finishes. You just can’t doubt how awesome the atmosphere of the game was.”
The Bulldogs and the Warriors will face off later this month on January 27.
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“I thought Saturday night was an incredibly high-level game,” said Brookwood head coach Nate VanDuyne. “I thought the atmosphere was fantastic.”
It was Brookwood’s second one point game of the season and their first to come out on top. The last was a contest against Crossroad Academy that ended 48-47 in overtime.
Though Brookwood didn’t play to their standard in the first half, they battled back in the second to overcome Thomasville’s lights-out 45% three-point shooting.
The true story of the game was the incredible atmosphere that has been unmatched for either team this season. Cars f illed every available parking space and the Thomasville gym was so loud at one point that, according to VanDuyne, the players couldn’t hear.
“It came to a point where they could hear nothing from the sideline. They had to play the way that we practice because there was nothing they could do,” Vanduyne said. “It’s incredibly valuable. Being in a close game like that, it’s fantastic for us as far as our growth and where we want to go but even more so to be in that close of a game in that environment because they were forced to play.”
Brookwood versus Thomasville has not been known as a real rivalry. The schools have met several times throughout the years in multiple sports, but the games have failed to produce that drama that is necessary to build a strong rivalry. However, in the past two years, Brookwood versus Thomasville basketball has become a must-see game. When asked if he wants to make the game an annual event, Coach VanDuyne said, “Absolutely. I think just for our community it’s a fantastic thing. I thought the kids on both sides were tremendous. I think it would be fantastic for this to keep going because now for two years, I mean, what incredible finishes. You just can’t doubt how awesome the atmosphere of the game was.”
The Bulldogs and the Warriors will face off later this month on January 27.
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.