What A Difference A Year Makes

Last year Cumberland's boys basketball team made it to the state tournament only to lose in the opening round to the eventual winner, perennial power Loganville Christian Academy. This year the Patriots, led by Mitchell Bumgarner, made it to the championship game to face Loganville again.

A substantial crowd gathered to see the finals at Columbus State University, and they were treated with some great basketball action. Without starting point guard Kiy Webb, Cumberland had to rely on backup sophomore Armando Ross to direct the team. Cumberland took control early with the play of its three “big men.”  With aggressive play on the boards and crucial three-point shooting, Mitchell racked up 24 points and 10 rebounds.  The three were too much to handle as Arthur Parker added 17 points and Dylan Cole added 13. The final score was 63-51. Mitchell, a signee to Bryan College, was named Tournament MVP.

Cumberland’s girls basketball team went to the state tournament confident, despite a double-overtime one-point loss in the opening round last year. Unfortunately, the girls fell short by just one basket in the finals. The loss was another heartbreaker, but a great season nonetheless for the region champs. Led by Allyson Box, who averaged 16 points for the tournament, the team was also assisted by Jalyea Cheeks' 11 points and Rachel Jones’ eight points.