The following is an update on former Newton County basketball players at the collegiate level. Updates are of March 18.
Jamon Hawkins, Newton- Georgia Southwestern senior Jamon Hawkins and the Hurricanes wrapped up their 2013-2014 season this past weekend, falling to the University of Montevallo 97-88 in double overtime in the first round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Tournament.
The Hurricanes qualified for the region tournament for the second time in four years after qualifying for the national postseason event last year.
The Hurricanes earned a top-25 ranking earlier this season after beginning the year 10-0, but dropped five of their last seven games, including a 78-63 loss to USC Aiken in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals.
Hawkins wrapped up his senior season averaging 11.3 points for the Hurricanes in 29 starts, shooting 43 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond the 3-point line.
The Covington native dished out an average of three assists per game while pulling down two rebounds per contest from his guard position.
Hawkins scored a season-high 26 points in the Hurricanes 74-70 win over Lander University in the quarterfinal round of the PBC Tournament and dished out a season-high eight assists in a Dec. 14 victory at Clayton State.
Hawkins was named to the 2014 Peach Belt Conference All-Tournament team
Stephen Croone, Newton- After opening the season with a strong 3-0 start, Croone and the Furman Paladins basketball team struggled down the stretch, finishing the 2013-14 season with a 9-21 overall record and a 3-13 mark in Southern Conference play.
Despite the team's struggles, Croone shined on the court, leading the Paladins in scoring and assists.
Croone finished this past season averaging 19.1 points per game, the only Paladin to finish in double figures scoring, while dishing out a team-high 112 assists — 71 assists more than any other player on the roster.
For his individual efforts, Croone was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District 22 Second Team, while also garnering All-SoCon honors this season.
The Paladins' season came to an end March 7 in the opening round of the Southern Conference Tournament with a 65-50 loss to Georgia Southern.
Shane Henry, Newton- Henry and the Georgia Perimeter Jaguars season came to an end Feb. 27, failing to reach the postseason for the first time under head coach Alfred Barney.
The Jaguars' year came to an end with a 70-67 loss to Chattahoochee Technical College, ending their season with a 16-14 overall record.
Despite the abrupt end to the season, Henry's season ended on a high note.
Henry was named the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year, while also earning All-GCAA first team honors.
On the offensive end of the court this season, Henry averaged 12.2 points per game, leading the Jaguars in scoring while finishing 19th overall in scoring in the GCAA. Henry shot 51 percent from the floor, but it was his efficiency on the defensive end of the court that made him known throughout the league.
Henry led the conference in blocks, recording 4.7 blocks per game, while pulling in a conference-leading 12.2 rebounds per game.
Meagan Tucker, Alcovy- In her freshman season with the Tigers, Tucker recorded five starts in 21 appearances, averaging 3.3 points per game.
The guard pulled down 21 total rebounds while dishing out 54 assists, finishing third on the team in total helpers.
Tucker shot 39 percent from the floor in her inaugural season, while helping lead the Tigers to a 17-14 overall record.
Tucker will have a chance to participate in the 2014 Women’s National Invitational Tournament as Auburn faces Furman in the first round of the event scheduled for March 20.
Alabama has won its last two contests, including a 75-62 victory over Jacksonville Tuesday morning.
If you have an update on a former Newton County basketball player, please contact The Covington News sports department at sports@covnews.com.
