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PAGE 2B BARROW NEWS-JOURNAL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016 The Game Plan Olympics couldn’t come at a better time for Durant T he United States Men’s Olym pic Basketball Team had a tough first game of the 2016 Summer Olym pics, they just barely squeezed by China — the final score was 119-62. Team USA is always expected to win gold, and this year is no different. This year’s squad is led by Kevin Durant, the 27 year- old superstar who just joined the Golden State Warriors amid much scrutiny from the media. Durant was one of the most beloved players in the NBA over the last several years. He has been touted as a top three player in the league and many anticipat ed that he would stay in Oklaho ma City after this past season. Instead he decided to join the Golden State Warriors, the team who eliminated Durant and his Thunder in the Western Conference Finals this past postseason. The days after his announcement to join the already loaded Golden State squad were filled with judgment and hate. Fans who once loved Durant and supported him quickly let go of their affection for him. In the blink of an eye, Durant went from the beloved golden boy to the Golden State Villain. In light of all that, the Olympics couldn’t come at a better time for Durant. What better way to make NBA fans for get about making an unpopular move to the Warriors than winning a gold medal at the Olympics? At the end of the day, it is a great P.R. move for Durant. Fans are likely still to be aggravated with Durant and the Warriors when the NBA season starts back, but for now everyone is in love with Durant again — and why not? Team USA seems to be on their way to another gold medal. There isn’t a team in the world that can compete with the Unit ed States in basketball, there’s just no question about it. Durant just better be thank ful that the Olympics are this summer, otherwise he would have had a very long summer waiting for the NBA season to get started. This comes per fectly because it helps to fill the gap between the day he signed with the Warriors to the day he plays his first game. To be honest, I’m still not upset with him for joining the Warriors. Any time I play a sport I always hope to play for a team that can compete and that I will have fun on. I don’t know if anyone has been watching the Warriors over the last two years, but they compete very well and always seem to have fun. I can’t fault the guy for wanting to be a part of that. And now that Durant is aiding the United States in their quest for another gold medal, Durant is doing his best to get others not to fault him or judge him for his decision. Let’s just hope Durant and the boys can do what everyone is expecting them to do in bringing home the gold medal. Tyler Rollason is a Winder-Barrow High School and University of West Georgia graduate. You can e-mail comments about this column to tyrollason @yahoo. com. Snapshots FAST-PITCH DIAMOND DAYS RETURN The Winder-Barrow High School softball team, under the direction of coach Monty McClure is set for a new season. The Lady Bulldoggs will host Loganville High School Thursday at 5:30 p.m. WBHS will then host a junior varsity tournament Friday and Saturday. The varsity team will return to action Tuesday at home against Habersham Central. Photo by Jessica Brown Tournament to benefit Boys & Girls Club A 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, with proceeds bene fiting the Boys & Girls Club of Barrow County. The tournament will be at the Harrison Activity Building at Winder-Barrow High School. Play begins at 10 a.m. There is a $100 entry fee per team, which includes three players and one alternate. T-Shirts will be included with the entry fee. There is also a three-point and free throw contest which costs $10 to enter. The tournament will include competitive and recreation divisions. Team entry deadline to ensure T-Shirt is Friday, Aug. 12. Checks should be made payable to the Boys & Girls Club of WBC. For more information, contact Derek@WinderBarrowBGC.com or call 770-307-0319. Volleyball continued from IB While thankful four teams will now advance to the postseason, the new region also has a drawback. “All six teams are very good.’’ Rows said. “There are no weak links or easy victories. A team could go 12-0 in our region or 0-12 and the difference between that would be minor.” WBHS opens its home schedule Thurs day against Prince Avenue and George Walton Academy. Both teams were at the Monroe Area “play date” but did not face the Lady Bulldoggs. “Right now we are going to continue working on our offense in practice.” Rows said. “We have some new roles for certain players and they are getting settled in.” High School Football PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT The countdown continues to a new season for the Winder-Barrow High School football season. The Bulldoggs, who host Flowery Branch High School for a scrimmage Friday, begin the regular season on Aug. 19 at Clarke Central High School in Athens. Photos by Jessica Brown FOLLOW IT IN WBHS offensive players work on receiving drills during a recent practice session. DROP BACK TO THROW Quarterbacks work during a recent practice session for the WBHS Bulldoggs. Coach Heath Webb’s team was predicted to finish fourth in the region this fall in a preseason poll. Recreation Sports Fall baseball, softball registration concludes Friday Fall baseball and softball registration sign-ups will continue through Friday, Aug. 12, through the Barrow County Leisure Services Department. Cost includes: Pre-Tee. age 4, $65; boys 5-6, $85: boys 7-8, $95; boys 9-12, $105; boys 13-16, $110; girls 5-8, $95 and girls 9-14, $105. Contact Megan Myers for more information at 770-307-3024, ext. 3 or email mmyers@barrowga.org. 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