Baldwin gets 100th win as Swamp Foxes down Flames

November 7, 2011

Cory Baldwin has reached another milestone in his young coaching career.

The Waycross College Swamp Foxes (3-0) overcame a hot shooting night by the Lee University (JV) Flames to give Baldwin his 100th career win. WC defeated the Flames, 91-72.

Darius Tookes led the Swamp Foxes with 31 points and 12 rebounds. Stan Maxwell finished with 11 points and four rebounds, while Herb Thomas had ten points and four rebounds in the win.

Baldwin was recognized after the game by Swamp Foxes Booster Club president Jimmy Lamb and was presented with a sign that will hang in the gym alongside the 2010-2011 GCAA championship banner.

“I’m proud to have coached at least 100 games,” said Baldwin after the game. “During the recognition, I kept thinking of the guys I’ve coached. I thought about the tough losses we’ve had and also the great wins, especially during my three years at Waycross.”

Baldwin acknowledged tonight’s win did not come easy. Led by Chad Lee’s 35 points, including 9-for-15 (60 percent) from the three-point line, the Flames managed to keep the game close until the closing minutes.

“I have never seen a kid shoot that well,” said Baldwin. “Every time we would pull away, he would hit one for them.”

According to Baldwin, Lee’s performance was the result of trying to keep another player in check.

“We were worried about this game, especially number 33 (Patrick Shaughnessy),” Baldwin said. “He had 27 points in their (Lee’s) last game. We held him to five points tonight, which was good. But when we were concentrating on him (Shaughnessy), we left too much space for Lee. That had a lot to do with Lee hitting his shots.”

Baldwin said the Swamp Foxes’ pressure, as well as their rebounding ability, were the biggest keys in the victory. WC out-rebounded the Flames, 46-30, and forced 28 turnovers.

“To win a game when an opponent shoots that well tells you that we did a good job of rebounding and scoring on our end,” said Baldwin. “Our pressure so far this season has probably been the best it’s been in three seasons. There have been moments where we’ve gotten two or three steals and layups in a row.”

While he is proud of the win, Baldwin said he is also glad the Swamp Foxes passed an early season test.

“That was not your typical JV team,” he said. “They were big, physical, and could shoot the ball well. I’m proud that we fought through it.”

The Swamp Foxes’ opening home stand continues Thursday, Nov. 10 against the TAAG Academy. Tip for the game is scheduled for 7 p.m. General admission to all regular season home games is five dollars with children five and under admitted free.

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

Players, assistant coaches, and cheerleaders gather around head coach Cory Baldwin in celebration of his 100th career win. The Swamp Foxes defeated the junior varsity squad from Lee University, 91-72.