AUGUSTA, Ga – The Augusta University men's basketball team defeated Brewton Parker 86-73 in front of a packed house of Richmond County fifth graders in its ninth annual Education Day game on Thursday morning.

Augusta University Athletics hosted over 2,000 Richmond County fifth graders as well as their teachers and staff. Admission was free to all in attendance.

“The atmosphere for today’s Education Day game with Richmond County schools was electric and it was an unforgettable experience for all involved,” said Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher.  “The students attending were able to experience firsthand a first-class collegiate environment and we appreciate all the efforts made by their teachers, administrators, and support staff to make this day special for so many. It’s an event everyone on our staff looks forward to each season and I hope we can continue this tradition for years to come.”

Richmond Country fifth grade students started arriving to Christenberry Fieldhouse around 9:45 am and were greeted by Augusta University Cheerleaders, Jaguar Elite Dance Team, Augusta University Pom and Dance, and Augusta University Athletes in uniform. Concessions were opened early and dance music set the atmosphere for the 11:00am tipoff.

Lake Forest Hills Elementary school students sang the national anthem to open the game. After the anthem, students ran out with starters from both teams for introductions. A hype video accompanied sparklers, smoke, spotlights, and a newly installed Jaghead inflatable for Augusta University starting lineups. During the game, students were featured on the arena's videoboards and they participated in on-court activities during timeouts. Contests included trivia, layup contests, a free-throw contest, and prize giveaways.

Halftime started with  a performance from Jaguar Elite Dance Team and ended with a game of musical chairs. It also featured remarks from Queensborough Bank & Trust Co. and Richmond and Superintendent of School Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw.

After the game, players visited with the Richmond County students, signing tickets, t-shirts, playing cards, and taking pictures. 

“Huge thank you Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. for their sponsorship of this event,” said head Coach Dip Metress. “Richmond County was amazing as always. Thank you to Dr. Bradshaw for making this event happen and shout out the incredible fifth graders who created an amazing game day atmosphere!”

AUGUSTA vs BREWTON PARKER
 
Augusta 
FG% 44.9
3PT% 40.7
FT% 72.2
 
Brewton Parker 
FG% 35
3PT% 33.3
FT% 80.6
 
In the game, the Jaguars were paced by Ja’Queze Kirby’s 25 points. Kirby filled the stat sheet with 3 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 6 rebounds. Senior David Viti used four triples to score a season-high 19 points and snag five rebounds. The rest of Augusta’s scoring was balanced – Demitri Gardner, Maxamillian Amadasun, and Isaiah Arnold each tallied 13 points. Amadasun recorded another double double, pulling down 12 boards. 

 

For their next game, Augusta will host Reinhardt Dec. 18 for the first ever Columbia County Education Day game. Augusta will welcome over 2,000 fifth graders from Columbia County for the 11:00am tipoff. 

Live stats and video will be available at augustajags.com