State Champions Advance 5 Athletes to the Next Level

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Savannah High boys basketball team, the reigning Class A Division II state champions, sent five members from this year’s team to the collegiate level.

Maki Joyner, arguably the best basketball player in the 912 area code, is headed to Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Fla.

“I feel like if I go [to junior college] for a year,” Joyner said. “At least, put some more weight on myself, get better. Stay humble, stay locked in and I’ll be straight.”

Then, 6-foot-8 Deshawn Davis is going to the Midwest. He will play at Cowley College.

Chance Hendricks, who was the MVP of the state championship game against McIntosh County Academy will stay in state, is committed to Middle Georgia Prep.

“It’s developmental to me,” Hendricks said. “I want to go and get way better. Winning comes with getting better. I’m not trying to go win. I’m trying to develop as a player.”

Zy Smart and Shone Ruth will stay teammates as they head to Swainsboro, Ga. and attend East Georgia State College.

It just is it’s not really too much around there,” Ruth said. “It’s just strictly basketball and just no distractions so I can put my head down to work.”

Smart added, “Tomorrow we graduate too. So it’s a serious, serious feeling. So I, I really really haven’t got the feeling yet, but I know it’s going to probably going to hit tonight.”

Congrats to all the signees.