Baldwin, Swamp Foxes earn All-State awards

April 6, 2011

Head coach Cory Baldwin and eight of the Waycross College Swamp Foxes have been honored by the Georgia Basketball Coaches Association (GABCA) for their accomplishments, both on and off the court, during the 2010-2011 season.

Baldwin was named Co-Coach of the Year in the NAIA/Junior College category. He led the Swamp Foxes to a 27-9 record this season, which included the GCAA Basketball Championship and a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.

“Anytime an award is given, it not only honors the person but it also honors the team,” Baldwin said. “What’s neat about this award is that it is voted on by the (GCAA) conference coaches and also by coaches from around the state.”

Reco Lewis was a first team All-State selection. He averaged 13 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. The reigning GCAA Defensive Player of the Year, Lewis led the nation and the GCAA in steals per game (4.5 avg.). He was also a First Team All-GCAA selection and was runner-up for the GCAA’s Region XVIII Player of the Year.

“Reco was the energy guy for our team,” said Baldwin. “He was not only a leader, but he brought extra intensity to every practice and every game. He was a player who did everything well. He had a lot to do with our success this season.”

Joe Williams was a second team All-State selection. He averaged 11.5 points, eight rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Williams broke WC’s record for points in a single game when he scored 39 against Atlanta Metro in the GCAA semifinals March 4. He was named the Most Valuable Player for the GCAA Tournament and was an Honorable Mention selection to the All-GCAA Team.

“Joe was a big part of everything for us,” Baldwin said. “He improved each game with some of his best games coming at the end of the season and in the (GCAA and national) tournaments.”

Josh Mendenhall was an honorable mention selection to the All-State Team. He averaged 9.7 points and eight rebounds per game. Mendenhall scored a career-high 22 points against East Georgia College this season and finished with 10 rebounds in seven different games.

“Josh is a guy who had to do a lot for the team, which might have hurt him statistically,” said Baldwin. “He was asked to do more ball handling, which took him away from his post play. Whether it was scoring, rebounding, or passing, he did what it took to make us successful.”

Rachard Lofton was also an honorable mention selection. He averaged 8.4 points and 2.8 assists per game. One of Lofton’s biggest highlights this season came in the March 5 GCAA Championship Game against the College of Coastal Georgia when he made 10-of-12 free throws including eight consecutive shots in the second half.

“Rachard dictated our pace this season. After missing three games early due to injury, he came on strong to have a great year for us,” Baldwin said.

Richard Buford, Tarrence Chatman, Blake Fussell, Jacob Mitchell, and Williams rounded out the awards by being selected to the GABCA’s All-Academic Team. According to Baldwin, players must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average or a 3.0 GPA at the end of the previous semester.

“I am very proud that one-third of our team made the All-Academic Team,” he said. “To me, this award speaks more than the others.”

The GABCA is comprised of teams from NCAA Division II and III as well as the NAIA and Junior College levels. Baldwin said a total of 46 coaches from 20 different colleges and universities vote on the season-ending awards across all categories.

Waycross College has been a proud member of the University System of Georgia since the College’s founding in 1976.

Cory Baldwin, head men’s basketball coach at Waycross College, was named Co-Coach of the Year by the Georgia Basketball Coaches Association (GABCA).

Reco Lewis was a first team All-State selection as voted by the coaches in the GABCA.

Joe Williams was a second team All-State selection as well as a member of the GABCA’s All-Academic Team.

Josh Mendenhall was an honorable mention selection to the GABCA All-State Team.

Rachard Lofton was an honorable mention selection to the GABCA All-State Team.

Richard Buford was named to the GABCA’s All-Academic Team.

Tarrence Chatman was named to the GABCA’s All-Academic Team.

Blake Fussell was named to the GABCA’s All-Academic Team.

Jacob Mitchell was named to the GABCA’s All-Academic Team.