Josey junior Za'Miyah Jenkins backs down Burke County defender. Jenkins leads the state with 17.7 rebounds per game. Christopher Rickerson/Augusta Good News
Josey junior Za'Miyah Jenkins backs down Burke County defender. Jenkins leads the state with 17.7 rebounds per game. Christopher Rickerson/Augusta Good News

Josey girls devastate Burke County Jan. 31 with hopes of another state title run

WAYNESBORO, Ga. -T.W. Josey High School girls’ basketball team continued their on-court dominance this season by rolling over Burke County 77-20 on Friday, Jan. 31 on the Bears’ home court.

Similar to last season, the Eagles have been dominant, especially as of late by winning their last
three games by 50 plus points each.

Despite their strong performances, Josey Coach Nichelle Chapman thrives to continue to keep the girls motivated and focus on each current task at hand.

T.W. Josey junior Kerri Fluellen drives for layup as she led Friday’s game with 21 points. Christopher Rickerson/Augusta Good News

“Just trying to keep them motivated and live in the moment and make the next play,” Chapman said.

Josey finished 28-4 last season and made it all the way to the AA State Championship game
before losing to Mount Paran Christian.

See more: In pictures: Burke County boys defeat Josey Jan. 31

The Eagles are currently 16-3 and 6-1 in region play, looking to win another state title like they
did in 2021.

Josey’s team features several outstanding players who lead the nation in many categories including
assists, rebounds and steals per game.

Senior guard Keasia Henderson leads the nation with an average of 10 assists per game and
160 total on the season. Junior Za’Miyah Jenkins leads Georgia with 17.7 rebounds per game,
which is also 17th in the nation. Junior Kerri Fluellen leads the state with eight steals per game and
is 23rd in the nation. Fluellen led Friday’s game in scoring with 21 points.

“I try to get them to understand that all of them bring something different to the table and get
them to embrace their role and try to get better every day,” said Chapman. “I want them
to be more aggressive with their skills every time they step on the court.”

While the Eagles look to make another run at a championship, their path won’t be easy. Their
next two games will be at Butler on Saturday, Feb. 1 and at home versus Thomson on Tuesday,
Feb. 4.

T.W. Josey’s girls dominated the court Friday at Burke County. Christopher Rickerson/Augusta Good News

Butler is currently 15-3 and third in the region with a 4-2 record right behind Josey. Thomson is
first in the region with a 7-0 record and is 20-1 overall. Josey previously lost to the Bulldogs
earlier this season 61-49.

“We need to stay composed, play defense and live in the moment,” Chapman said. “Those are two great programs and two great coaches. We just got to handle what we can handle and not turnover the ball and not too many crazy fouls and will see what we come out with.”

The Eagles will finish the regular season at home versus Glenn Hills on Friday, Feb. 7. Josey
will then have to win their way to another championship in the playoff stretch.

“We need to stay together as a team and take care of what we can. Limit turnovers and fouls
and leave it in God’s hands,” said Chapman.

T.W. Josey’s girls are eyeing the playoffs as the season winds down. Christopher Rickerson/Augusta Good News

Christopher Rickerson, an Augusta University graduate, has covered area sports for Augusta University, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News newsletter here.

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