Mike Barnes got his money’s worth in his first game as head coach of the Gainesville High Boys basketball team at Purple Palace on Tuesday.
While the Hurricanes (2-0) welcomed the Santa Fe Raiders (0-2), the teams put on a late-season show as Gainesville beat Santa Fe 62-61 in an overtime Barnburner.
“I wish it was less exciting,” said Barnes. “But it is what it is.”
Here are three lessons learned from the Hurricanes’ exciting win over the Raiders:
Seth Childers is the engine of Gainesville
GHS junior Seth Childers returned to the Hurricanes after spending his sophomore season at The Rock.
And boy, should the Hurricanes be glad to have him back. Childers contributed 12 points, but steered the Hurricanes overall from the point guard spot and provided five assists at the top of the team.
“He kind of makes us do it,” Barnes said of Childers. “He’s a leader on and off the pitch. And he kind of tensed up there when we went into overtime and as much as I didn’t want to turn him off, the coaches say you have to turn him off. “
Bodie, Stephens and Hankison too much for the Raiders
Juniors Theo Stephens, Jordan Bodie and Vontrell Hankison together scored 41 of the Hurricanes’ 62 points, each with double digits.
“I learned before this game that I can trust some guys more than I thought,” said Barnes.
Stephens led the Hurricanes with 18 points while Bodie (13) and Hankison (10) were hot on his heels.
Hankison, who spans 6 feet 5, made his return to the basketball court after having suspended last season due to COVID-19. The lean center put a lot of effort into getting back into the sport better than leaving, Barnes said.
“He played great tonight,” said Barnes. “He really helped us change the shots in this game. He had a big block on a dunk attempt, I think. Or at least a layup. But he also changed a series of shots and bounced the ball well into them second half.”
Hankison ended the night with seven rebounds and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Bodie received high praise from Barnes for giving the Hurricanes a spark after the Raiders took a 10-2 lead in the first quarter.
“Jordan Bodie came off the bench and gave us good energy,” said Barnes.
Bodie finished with a team-leading eight rebounds.
Santa Fe’s Dontrell Jenkins is set to frustrate teams this season
Santa Fes offense runs by junior point guard Dontrell Jenkins.
Jenkins, listed as 5 feet 9 and only 120 pounds, could be one of the smaller dudes on the ground at any time, but that doesn’t stop him from being a huge influence.
Against the Hurricanes, Jenkins scored 13 points, finishing second after Junior Mason Brown’s 14 points.
But the Raiders ‘quick game manager took advantage of the Hurricanes’ defense, Barnes said.
“Our defense on the help side has been tough tonight,” said Barnes. “All of her boys, but especially (Jenkins), got into the paint and basically did what he wanted.”
For Santa Fe, Junior Makhi Lewis also contributed with 12 points and Junior Kyren Washington with nine points.
looking ahead
The Hurricanes travel to Williston Thursday evening for a notice at 7:30 a.m. Santa Fe receives Buchholz on Friday evening at 7 a.m.
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