News

Savannah Country Day Boys

Michael Hincker believes Savannah Country Day has the deepest roster in his seven years coaching the boys soccer team.

He has seen the alternative of a thin bench.

“That’s been one of the downfalls was, if you have 11 players in the past and you get someone nicked, it makes it that much more difficult,” Hincker said during the inaugural Optim Orthopedics/Prep Sports Report Soccer Media Day on Saturday, Feb. 3.

“This year we’re a little bit deeper,” he continued. “We’re now working more toward how we’re going to deal with tactical stuff instead of worrying about technical stuff. The interchangeability of players has really allowed us to be more flexible.”

The roster includes forward Wesley Hooker, the Region 3-3A Offensive Player of the Year last season with 15 goals and 18 assists in 14 games. The coach noted a core of four seniors who have played in nearly every game for the past three seasons: Athon Herrin, Madden Gerlach, Carson Cook and Brayden Allen.

“They understand what it takes to win a state playoff game and then push forward,” Hincker said.

The 2023 Hornets (13-3, 6-0 region) won two playoff games, beating Hephzibah 10-0 and Jackson 2-1 before losing to visiting Hebron Christian of Dacula on penalty kicks after 2-2 through regulation and overtime periods.

Herrin said the Hornets probably should have won that game. He said team goals are to try to win all of the home games, capture a fourth consecutive region title and reach at least the state semifinals.

Gerlach also is looking for a “four-peat” as region champions.

“We already made it pretty far in the state last year,” Gerlach said. “I feel like knowing we made it that far with the team we had last year, I feel pretty confident of what our team can do this year and making it far in the playoffs.”

Savannah Country Day Girls

The Savannah Country Day girls squad is going through a youth movement, compounded during the season when nine players will transition from the school’s girls basketball team to the soccer pitch.

“The challenge is to mesh the young talent that are new to the program, make them feel welcome and a part of our team culture,” Hornets coach David Hooker said during the inaugural Optim Orthopedics/Prep Sports Report Soccer Media Day on Saturday, Feb. 3.

“Then, how can they integrate themselves into the team so that we can have a positive outcome?” he continued.

Senior right wing Ella Stone noted the nine basketball players expected at that season’s conclusion to join the soccer team when it’s starting play in Region 3-3A.

“Normally, we do a pretty good job of coming together,” she said. “We have a great team environment.”

Savannah Country Day went 13-2 last season, 6-1 in the region for second place. The team won two playoff games, eliminating Harlem 10-0 and Pike County 2-1 before losing to eventual GHSA Class 3A state champion Oconee County of Watkinsville 4-0 in the quarterfinals.

Among the standouts returning are seniors Stone and attacking midfielder AC Davis and junior midfielders Sophia Okumu and Harris Stone.

Others to watch include Molly Hildebrandt, Sarah Catherine Gilpin, Emma Bromley and Henley Schivera.

The Hornets had an exemplary defense last season, and Davis said the entire team will be critical to a winning season.

“We have the ability to be incredibly versatile in both our midfield and our front line. We have a lot of speed up top,” Davis said. “Our midfield is really good with controlling the play and making sure that we’re controlling the speed of the game. Having both of those along with a strong back line is very important to controlling games and getting the outcomes that we want.”

PHOTO Credit: Optim Orthopedics marketing Department

FOLLOW the Prep Sports Report on Twitter @PrepSav and Instagram savannahsportsreport. If you have any scores, information, or story ideas to share, please email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com.

Optim Orthopedics is a well-known name in Savannah's high school sports community, providing crucial medical support to local high schools. They have dedicated fellowship-trained Orthopedics Surgeons, including Dr. David Sedory for Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, and Liberty County, Dr. David Palmer for Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, and South Effingham, and Dr. Thomas Alexander for Savannah Country Day and St. Vincent's. Optim Orthopedics's commitment to local athletes runs deep. They are proud sponsors of the Prep Sports Report, whose motto is, "Optim Orthopedics gets you back into the game