Chris Whitaker
AMERICUS — Senior Deonte Fulks never played junior varsity basketball at Americus-Sumter.
He didn’t have to.
Fulks proved as a freshman he was a much-needed asset, and when former Panthers coach Robert Cotton moved him to the varsity squad, he knew it was time to perform.
“In ninth grade, I was kind of shaky,” said Fulks. “I went to summer camp with coach Cotton, and after seeing me play with people on my level, he moved me up. After that, I had to step my game up.”
And Fulks hasn’t stopped.
He was one of two captains for the Panthers this season, and he was selected to the 1-AAAA All-Region Team and to the Deep South Classic all-star game, which is set for 8:30 p.m. on March 27 at Darton College.
“It feels good,” said Fulks. “Our season didn’t go out the way we wanted it to go, but for me specifically, it’s great to be honored for it.”
Bainbridge’s Devon Baulkman was Player of the Year, receiving three first-place and two second-place votes. The Panthers’ Tyler Moore was named honorable mention after averaging 10.2 points and three rebounds a game.
Fulks, along with Upson-Lee’s Quentelus Howell were the top point guards in the region.
Fulks averaged 14.5 points, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals a game this season. He set the school records with 27 points against Bainbridge on Jan. 22 and 10 assists against Lee County on Feb. 5.
The Panthers finished 7-17 on the season and third in the sub-region. Fulks scored 17.3 points a game in sub-region play, including 20 or more in the first three contests.
“I think he developed as a very good ball player,” said first-year head coach Michael Coley. “He lived up to the expectations. He’s been a leader for us, and he consistently led us this year, running the offense and getting people involved. He did a great job over his entire career.”
Coley said Fulks put the team on his shoulders during region play.
“We emphasize all year those games, we needed to play well,” he said. “He saved his best for those big games. He played big, very big. He probably played the most minutes, and he never wanted to come off the floor.”
Fulks said the responsibility was in his hands, and he didn’t want to let the team down in those instances.
“I just came out and played and let the game come to me,” he said. “I tried to help my other players get more points. Coach always told me nobody can stay in front of me, and I need to take my time and everything would come to me.”
The all-star classic features players from the Albany area and southwest Georgia. Fulks said he hopes to leave an impact on the game.
“I got to go in knowing I ain’t the best out there,” he said. “I’m playing with a variety of players, and I’m going to play my game and come in with no fear.”
Gilbert named to All-Region, All-Star game
Americus-Sumter Jayme Gilbert was a force to be reckoned with all season.
The junior guard scored 30 points or more in eight games, and she set the school record with 43 points against Crisp County.
Gilbert averaged 23.3 points, 3.5 steals and two assists a game in being named to the 1-AAAA All-Region Team and to the GACA Junior All-Star game, set for March 20 at Savannah State.
Bainbridge’s Alexis Burke was named Player of the Year.
Coach Evelyn Wright said she was the best guard in the region.
“She’s a player and is definitely worthy to be there because of her ability and the way she hustles and the way she plays. A lot of times, if you don’t hustle or put forth the effort, that will really knock down your ability to be chosen for certain things. She’s one of those types that when she’s on the floor, she gives you 100 percent. That’s the key thing there.”
More on Gilbert next week.
