About The Banks County news. (Homer, Banks County, Ga.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (June 18, 2025)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2025 BANKS COUNTY NEWS PAGE 5A Sports £RKEPOIT 7 RAVEL AND YOUTH SFENTS DESTINATION 1 The Banks County Lady Leopards are all smiles after winning their first game of their summer season at the GBCA Live Event. Lady Leopards roar in summer opener, go 3-1 at GBCA Live Event By RENEE BRITT The Banks County Lady Leopards kicked off the summer season with a strong showing at the Geor gia Basketball Coaches Association (GBCA) Live event, posting an impres sive 3-1 record against for midable opponents. Head Coach Jason Gib son’s squad showcased their potential, securing key vic tories and gaining valuable experience for the upcom ing season. The action tipped off on Thursday, June 12, with the Lady Leopards dominating ELCA (Eagle’s Landing Christian School) in a stag gering 52-25 victory. Their momentum contin ued later that day as they edged out Forsyth Central in a hard-fought 45-40 con test, demonstrating their re silience in a tight match- up. Friday brought the team’s lone setback, a hard-fought 52-45 loss to a tough West Forsyth squad. However, the Lady Leop ards refused to end on a sour note. In their final game of the tournament, they dug deep and secured a nail-biting 34-32 win over Mill Creek High School, capping off a successful weekend. While individual sta tistics weren’t the focus, Coach Gibson emphasized the importance of the tour nament in shaping the team’s future. “We had a great time playing in the GBCA Live event,” Gibson stated. He added, “Our goal for summer basketball is to evaluate where we are in dividually and as a team and zero in on what our strengths and weaknesses are. Using what we learn to put together our game plan for next season.” Future Banks County Leopards shine at annual summer baseball camp By RENEE BRITT In a display of community and love for the game, Head Varsity Baseball Coach Jar ed Jones and his Leopard players welcomed the next generation of baseball tal ent to their annual summer camp this week. From June 10th to 12th, twenty-eight eager young athletes de scended upon the Leopards’ home field for three morn ings of skill-building, men torship, and a firsthand look at what it means to be part of the storied program. The camp, run by current players, coaches, and even former Leopard standouts, provided a comprehensive baseball education. Camp ers had the unique opportu nity to rotate through every position on the diamond, from the outfield grass to the pitcher’s mound. A highlight for many was to get a feel for the demanding position of catcher, com plete with full gear. For Coach Jones, the camp is about more than just fundamentals. It’s a chance to build a bridge be tween his current squad and the future of the program. “I love working with the future Leopards and let- ting my players teach and coach,” Coach Jones shared. “My players do a fantastic job connecting and helping the young kids. It’s a great thing to see.” That connection was evident as varsity players took on the role of mentors, guiding the young campers through drills and offering encouragement. The expe rience provided invaluable leadership training for the high schoolers while giving the campers an authentic taste of high-level baseball. When asked about his primary objective for the three-day event, Coach Jones emphasized a sense of belonging over mere athlet ic development. “I wanted all campers to feel a part of the team and see what it’s like to be a Leopard,” he stated. ga 12 NEW TURF FIELD Banks County High School has a new turf field that will be ready by football season.
