Sean Sweeney and Joe Nero both became new head basketball coaches for the boys’ and girls’ programs, respectively, at Savannah Country Day School this winter, and they cautiously optimistic expectations for their teams, both losing a number of seniors.
Ironically and fortunately for them, both teams began the season with 8-2 records through their first 10 games.
It has been a quick adjustment and maturity in which a tight bond has already been formed.
“The guys have been incredible,” gushed Sweeney. “We have asked a lot of them and they have responded to the challenge. It’s a fun group to coach.”
Nero has seen a similar picture.
“Our team is off to a strong start this season and I’m proud of how they’ve bought into our system,” beamed Nero. “We have asked them to play for each other, play to win, and play with joy every time they step on the floor.”
On the boys’ side, Peyton Bean already has established himself as one of the area’s top freshmen, consistently leading the team in scoring and rebounding. Bean, a 6-0 swingman, was recently named to the first team of the Savannah Holiday Classic, and he has been the Hornets’ most versatile player.
“He does a little bit of everything for us,” stressed Sweeney. “He has been our leading scorer and one of our leading rebounders. He has shot the ball well, and has been great on defense. I’m not sure there is a better freshman in Savannah.”
Freshman Gave Bosch runs the point, and Sweeney has watched him improve steadily. Junior small forward Nolan Watson, who didn’t play much on varsity last year, has started every game and has been a defensive stopper.
Up front, seniors center Andrew Nicholson, forward Brooks Kleinpeter, and junior Stone Wells have all been steady scorers and rebounders.
Sophomore guard Chris Wynn has been an effective sixth man, and junior William Sparks has been a strong contributor as the backup point.
Sweeney, who previously coached at Stratford Academy in Macon and remembered playing Country Day in consecutive years in the GHSA playoffs, believed it could be a rebuilding year with the loss of key seniors.
However, a quick and successful transition has altered his outlook.
“We have been focused on development and effort,” he stressed. “These kids have really responded well. I’m excited to see how we can improve throughout the season.”
Nero inherited a girls’ team that went 19-7 and to the second round of the playoffs but lost three seniors.
This season, the Hornets have relied on depth, which has created an adaptable lineup and a deep bench. Youth is also on their side.
Junior Sara Sussman and sophomores Charlie Hawkins and Luana Castillo have paced the team in scoring throughout the season.
“They can heat up and score quickly,” said Nero. “Charlie recently was in double figures for three games in a row, and Sarah almost single-handedly brought us back against Vidalia, and Luana stepped up to lead us in scoring against Jefferson Davis.”
In the post, senior Feriby McCorkle, junior Sophie Myers, and sophomore Olivia Aliotta have steadily combined for more than 15 rebounds per game.
“They have been disruptive force with their length for opposing teams when they attack the rim,” noted Nero. “They have made a difference.”
Referring to them as the team’s “Swiss Army knives,” seniors Ally McCray, Mims Semones, and sophomores Madison McCray and Claudia Barrow have all provided invaluable minutes.
“Ally and Madison provide invaluable defensive energy and attack the rim with a purpose,” stressed Nero. “Claudia and Mims do the dirty work for us - they rebound incredibly well despite being undersized against other ‘bigs,’ but also have the versatility to play on the perimeter when needed.
“These four are our energetic spark off the bench and can shift a game’s momentum with one play.”
Rounding out their regular rotation are junior Molly Hildebrandt and sophomores Madison Bueno and SC Gilpin, who have been recognized for their quickness and agility.
“They are relentless defensively, combining for roughly eight or more steals per game,” stated Nero. “All three are bullets in transition.”
Nero, who teaches Spanish at the school and taught and coached at Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, anticipates that his team can reach a higher level of play.
They’re focused on getting better every day and are developing a next-play mentality,” emphasized Nero. “We’re lucky to have a versatile and athletic group that is dangerous in several ways. I am proud of how the girls have embraced these values, and we are excited about their potential moving forward.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Savannah Country Day School
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