On March 8, the Chargers welcomed Southern Crescent Technical College for their final game of the season, defeating them 93-75 to close out a challenging regular season with a win.
After the game, star point guard Jah’Kim Payne praised his teammates. “I want to start off by saying I’m proud of my team. Everything we’ve been going through has not been an ideal situation, but I just want to thank my guys for staying the course. Now we’re here, we’ve got a championship to play for and we’re ready to get it done.”
Josh Cooper (21) sets a screen for Jah’Kim Payne (3).
The camaraderie and brotherhood between teammates showed. “My favorite thing this season has definitely been the energy and seeing the brotherhood of the team, before or after the game, regardless if they win or lose,” Assistant Coordinator of Student Engagement Madison Signoret said.
The game was GHC’s Sophomore Night, with each sophomore accompanied by their family and friends before the game.
Payne spoke about the effect that having the stands filled with familiar faces has on the game. “I definitely think the families being here made everybody want to play 10 times harder because you never want to disappoint your family,” Payne said.
Cam Baldwin (23) finishes a scoring run for the Chargers with an aggressive dunk.
Although he was quiet on the stat sheet during the game, Payne’s decision-making and leadership showed.
The three players who did the heavy lifting in the scoring department for GHC were Cameron Baldwin (18 points), Isaiah Logan (18 points) and Marquin Thompson (17 points).
Although an interview attempt was made with Thompson, he nominated fellow sophomore Cameron Baldwin in his place. “I feel like all the craziness this year has taught us adversity, and to fight through whatever we’re facing. So going into the future, hopefully we’ll use that going to the tournament as a lesson to not back down from whatever we face and not give up,” Baldwin said.
Cam Baldwin (23) makes his presence felt with another dunk, a skill he has been known for as a Charger.
Baldwin had one last motivational quote to add. “In the wise words of NickEh30, ‘Never back down, never give up,’” Baldwin said.
He wasn’t the only one with an inspirational quote of the night. Latasha Echols, a fan in attendance, summed up the spirit of the team with a powerful phrase. “Together we rise, united we charge. GHC Chargers, unstoppable in heart and hustle,” Echols said.
