By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

Jonathan Boswell knew this season would be his time to shine.

Boswell, known simply as ‘J.B.’ by teammates and coaches, got a taste of what leading the Tigers on the basketball court would be like last season.

Now that his time has fully arrived, the senior is taking advantage of it.

As the Tigers’ leading scorer, Boswell took the reigns from last year’s senior leader in Marcus Williams as the team’s go-to playmaker.

He saw it coming from a mile away.

“Coach (Thermond Billingslea) told me last year that this year was going to be my year,” Boswell said. “Everyone was telling me that. I think I’ve done all right. You could always do better, but I think I’ve done OK.”

The Tigers started out shaky, but the team has since rebounded with a 3-2 start in Region 2-AAA.

After Tuesday’s tough loss to Kendrick which was a last-minute nail-biter that included an impressive Troup rally, Boswell and the Tigers have plenty to play for as the region season nears its mid-point.

“I think we’re doing a lot better,” Boswell said. “We’re not satisfied because we should be undefeated, but I guess we’re doing all right.”

It helps having some help for Boswell.

The Tigers have seen several players step up to take some pressure off him, namely sophomores Eric Bridges and Jawuan McGee.

Fellow seniors Jaquante Holloway and Kendrick Ward have also played well in the Tigers’ resurgence.

It’s all about chemistry, and Boswell thinks the Tigers have it.

“Even though we lost (Tuesday) we played pretty well and the game before that (against Shaw),” Boswell said. “We have chemistry and it’s showing up now. Bridges and McGee, they’ve been stepping up. It’s a good time for them to do it now is when we need it.”

With the Tigers’ biggest game of the year so far tonight at arch-rival LaGrange High, Boswell knows his team will be ready.

Although the Grangers are undefeated and sport the region’s best record, Boswell isn’t conceding anything, especially considering his relationship with many LaGrange players.

Being in the same graduating class as all eight of LaGrange’s seniors, Boswell has played alongside many of them in offseason AAU leagues.

“I know what to expect from them and all the other guys know what to expect too,” Boswell said.

Although the Grangers are undefeated, Boswell thinks the Tigers stack up well with their rival.

“I think we match up pretty well,” Boswell said. “They’re a good team. They have a lot of talent and they’re fast. If we play well on defense, we should we all right.”

Boswell would like to play college basketball, but he isn’t banking on it.

After all, he has a 3.5 GPA and is considering focusing solely on academics in college.

“I’ll go to any school I can play at, but I can get in with my academics too,” Boswell said.

Despite what happens during tonight’s game, Boswell knows the Tigers will be able to compete the rest of the season.

A high region finish and a state-tournament berth are within Troup’s grasp, and Boswell is hoping to jump start the team’s success.

“I think we’ve got to make the playoffs this year,” Boswell said. “Troup used to be known for basketball. It’s fallen off the past few years, but I think we have to do it this year.”