AugBball Game of the Day: Columbia Middle 44, Grovetown 35

Julius Brown was the "AugBball Game Ball" winner in the area's first official game.
Brown also played a key role in last season's win over Grovetown, as you can see here.

For the second straight season, Julius Brown played a major role in a Columbia Middle School win at home over rival Grovetown. In Wednesday's season opening 44-35 win, Brown led all scorers with 21 points, grabbing the "AugBball Game Ball" and early season momentum for the Raiders.





Brown had a hand in almost every positive play for Columbia, which led most of the game after taking a 20-17 halftime lead and darting to a 30-21 advantage early in the third quarter. Roaming the baseline against Grovetown's zone, he attacked the basket, shooting 10 free throws in the game; he knocked down several jumpers, including 3 threes; and despite his average size he constantly grabbed offensive rebounds.

Josh Graham, who was highlighted in this "Splash Brothers" feature,
found his rhythm attacking the basket in Wednesday's second half. 

Two of Brown's offensive boards after teammates' missed threes led immediately to made threes of his own. And a third quarter snag allowed teammate Josh Graham a chance for an easy score that sparked a six point second half from the sharp shooter. Graham intelligently turned to attacking the basket after halftime after failing to find the mark from deep in the first 12 minutes.

Rickey McGhee's game is advanced at 13 years old and 6'4" tall.

Grovetown was paced by Rickey McGhee's 18 points. The 6'4" guard with a sweet stroke, a reliable handle, and an unselfish mentality has a special mix of talent and size I can't remember seeing from another eighth grader in this area over the decades. After helping lead the Patriots to a 13-1 record and a tie with Columbia for first place last season, Grovetown will rely on the do-it-all guard to help lead the way in a bounce back game Friday at home versus a very capable Evans team. Columbia hosts Harlem Friday.