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2023-24 GHSA Girls Basketball All-State Honors


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DISCLAIMER: These are Sandy’s Spiel All-State Selections. The GHSA does NOT select All-State Teams.

All-Georgia

Sandy’s Spiel Miss Basketball: Danielle Carnegie, Grayson, Sr.

FIRST TEAM
G – Danielle Carnegie, Grayson, Sr.
G – Chit-Chat Wright, Wesleyan, Sr.
G – Ava Grace Watson, Buford, Sr.
G – Kate Harpring, Marist, So.
G – Tianna Thompson, Galloway, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Bryanna Preston, Wesleyan, Sr.
G – Aubrey Beckham, Hebron Christian, Jr.
F – Ciara Alexander, Mt. Paran, Sr.
F – Jessica Fields, Mt. Paran, Jr.
F – Sa’Mya Wyatt, St. Francis, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – C’India Dennis, Creekside, Fr.
G – Madison Ruff, Baldwin, Sr.
G – Riley Black, Chestatee, Sr.
G – Gabbie Grooms, Trinity Christian, Sr.
G – Lucy Hood, Rabun County, Sr.
G – Kie’Aundria Acree, Monroe, Fr.
W – London Weaver, North Forsyth, Jr.
W – Nya Smith, Milton, Sr.
W – Toni Warren, Cherokee, Sr.
F – Kayla Cleaveland, River Ridge, Jr.
C – Janaye Walker, Baldwin, Jr.

Class AAAAAAA

Coach of the Year: Wesley Willis, North Paulding (25-7; State Runner-Up; Deepest run in school history; Region 3 Champs)
Player of the Year: Danielle Carnegie, Grayson, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Morgan Landrum, North Paulding
Best Scorer: Danielle Carnegie, Grayson, Sr.
Best Shooter: Ava Grace Watson, Buford, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Erin Rodgers, Grayson, Sr.
Best Passer: Danielle Carnegie, Grayson, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Ari Bell, Central Gwinnett, So.
Most Underrated: Nia Morgan, Osborne, Sr.
Most Improved: Caroline Young, Milton, So. (Improved from 0.5 ppg/1.8 rpg/0.5 apg/0.8 spg to 9.8 ppg/9.4 rpg/1.4 apg/2 spg)
Most Improved Team:
 Marietta 17-12 (Improved from 1-24; State playoff berth; 7 wins over ranked opponents)

FIRST TEAM
G – Danielle Carnegie, Grayson, Sr.
G – Ava Grace Watson, Buford, Sr.
G – Nya Smith, Milton, Sr.
G – Brooke Suttle, Campbell, Sr.
W – Toni Warren, Cherokee, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Ja’Quoia Jones, Westlake, Sr.
W – Lydia Ledford, Buford, So.
W – Bella Ragone, Mill Creek, So.
W – Erin Rodgers, Grayson, Sr.
W – Ava Andrews, North Paulding, Jr.

Honorable Mention
G – Tatum Brown, Grayson, Jr.
G – Mearah Whitehead, Archer, Jr.
G – Sanaa Tripp, Newton, Sr.
G – Kalise Hill, McEachern, Sr.
G – Daija Preston, Carrollton, Jr.
G – Londyn Walker, Milton, Jr.
G – Anna Rose Tyre, Lambert, Jr.
G – Nalani Gainey, Central Gwinnett, So.
W – Kaleigh Heywood, Collins Hill, So.
F – Justus Fitzgerald, Norcross, Jr.
F – Taylor Rietveld, Camden County, Sr.

Class AAAAAA

Coach of the Year: Kim Hixon, Marist (30-1; State Champs; Beat No. 1 and No. 2 in state playoffs)
Player of the Year: Kate Harpring, Marist, So.
Freshman of the Year: Finley Parker, River Ridge
Best Scorer: Kate Harpring, Marist, So.
Best Shooter: London Weaver, North Forsyth, Jr.
Best Rebounder: Allie Sweet, River Ridge, Sr.
Best Passer: Sophia Pearl, River Ridge, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Kobi Barnes, Lakeside-Evans, So.
Most Underrated: Kenzie Wyman, Lassiter, Jr.
Most Improved: Morghan Slater, Woodstock, So. (Improved from 1.8 ppg/2.8 rpg/0.3 apg/0.6 spg to 11.7 ppg/5.5 rpg/1.5 apg/1.5 spg)
Most Improved Team:
 Glynn Academy 17-12 (Improved from 8-20; Sweet 16; Region 2 Regular Season Champs)

FIRST TEAM
G – Sophia Pearl, River Ridge, Jr.
G – Kate Harpring, Marist, So.
W – London Weaver, North Forsyth, Jr.
W – Jocelyn Faison, New Manchester, Jr.
F – Kayla Cleaveland, River Ridge, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Kameron Herring, Woodward Academy, Jr.
G – Tre’Miyah Berry, Rockdale County, Sr.
W – Gabby Minus, Veterans, So.
F – Amaya Broadus, New Manchester, Sr.
C – Allie Sweet, River Ridge, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Jimmya Cushion, Tift County, Jr.
G – Nariah Nelson, Veterans, So.
G – Kyla Greene, Langston Hughes, Sr.
G – Abbey Bensman, Pope, So.
G – Makayla Roberson, River Ridge, So.
G – Kyia Barrett, Habersham Central, Sr.
W – Jalaya Miller, Tift County, Jr.
W – Breana Griffin, Rome, Sr.
F – Jasmine Baxter, Langston Hughes, Jr.
C – McKayla Taylor, Langston Hughes, Jr.
C – Kobi Barnes, Lakeside-Evans, So.

Class AAAAA

Coach of the Year: Maurice Miles, Maynard Jackson (29-1; State Champs; Outright Region 5 Champs; Undefeated in 5A; 11 wins over ranked opponents)
Player of the Year: C’India Dennis, Creekside, Fr.
Freshman of the Year: C’India Dennis, Creekside, Fr.
Best Scorer: C’India Dennis, Creekside, Fr.
Best Shooter: Sha’nya Heath, Arabia Mountain, Fr.
Best Rebounder: Alyssa Staten, Statesboro, Sr.
Best Passer: Jordan Brooks, Union Grove, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Cequoyah Harris, ML King, Sr.
Most Underrated: Emma Hefner, Dalton, Sr.
Most Improved: Hailey Wortmann, Midtown, So. (Improved from 5.4 ppg/6.9 rpg/0.5 bpg to 12.4 ppg/8.6 rpg/1 bpg)
Most Improved Team:
 Jefferson 25-4 (Improved from 10-18; Sweet 16; Outright Region 8 Champs; Zero seniors)

FIRST TEAM
G – C’India Dennis, Creekside, Fr.
G – Taliah Cornish, Maynard Jackson, Sr.
G – Jordan Brooks, Union Grove, Sr.
F – Grace Ridley, Dalton, Sr.
C – Alyssa Staten, Statesboro, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Kennedie Cooper, Maynard Jackson, So.
G – Devin Bockman, Midtown, So.
W – Shakira Gresham, Maynard Jackson, Sr.
W – Parris Parham, Bradwell Institute, Jr.
F – Nadea Smith, Union Grove, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Sha’nya Heath, Arabia Mountain, Fr.
G – Reya Johnson, Statesboro, Sr.
G – Brooke Bass, Harris County, Sr.
G – Kendall Davis, McIntosh, Sr.
G – Amaris Ridgeway, Jones County, Sr.
G – Michel Robbins, Jefferson, Fr.
G – Sa’Niah Dorsey, Calhoun, Jr.
W – Trinitee Thomas, Warner Robins, Fr.
W – Chloe Evans, Mays, Jr.
C – Hailey Wortmann, Midtown, So.
C – Emaya Lewis, Loganville, Sr.

Class AAAA

Coach of the Year: Kizzi Walker, Baldwin (29-2; State Champs; Outright Region 2 Champs; Rallied from down 16 in third quarter of state title game; 12 wins over ranked opponents)
Player of the Year: Madison Ruff, Baldwin, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Nakhai Worthy, Holy Innocents’
Best Scorer: Riley Black, Chestatee, Sr.
Best Shooter: Gabbie Grooms, Trinity Christian, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Riley Black, Chestatee, Sr.
Best Passer: Kayla Lopez, Heritage-Catoosa, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Akilah Shelton, Hardaway, Jr.
Most Underrated: Tiara Tucker, Shaw, Sr.
Most Improved: Anaya Ferguson, Fayette County, So. (Improved from 4.6 ppg/4.8 rpg/0.7 bpg to 10.9 ppg/7.8 rpg/2.7 bpg)
Most Improved Team: North Clayton 15-10 (Improved from 7-18)

FIRST TEAM
G – Madison Ruff, Baldwin, Sr.
G – Hailee Swain, Holy Innocents’, Jr.
G – Gabbie Grooms, Trinity Christian, Sr.
G – Riley Black, Chestatee, Sr.
C – Janaye Walker, Baldwin, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Carrington Wilson, Stockbridge, Sr.
G – Stella Chartrand, Westminster, Sr.
W – Mikayla Johnson, Hardaway, Jr.
F – Jah’Naesia Spiers, Southwest DeKalb, Jr.
F – Akilah Shelton, Hardaway, Jr.

Honorable Mention
G – Zaynah Preston, Holy Innocents’, Sr.
G – Aiyanna Peavy, North Oconee, Sr.
G – Claire Carlson, Cherokee Bluff, So.
W – Megan Ohonde, Fayette County, Jr.
W – Kennedy Baker, Northwest Whitfield, Jr.
W – Milani Smith, Luella, Sr.
W – Macie Collins, Heritage-Catoosa, Jr.
F – Teaira Kelley, Walnut Grove, Jr.
F – Kendall Wells, North Oconee, Jr.
F – Kassidy Neal, Baldwin, Jr.
C – Anaya Ferguson, Fayette County, So.

Class AAA

Coach of the Year: Brandon Thomas, Pickens (25-5; Sweet 16; Only one loss outside of Hebron Christian and Wesleyan)
Player of the Year: Chit-Chat Wright, Wesleyan, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Kie’Aundria Acree, Monroe
Best Scorer: Chit-Chat Wright, Wesleyan, Sr.
Best Shooter: Averie Jones, Lumpkin County, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Ja’kerra Butler, Hebron Christian, Jr.
Best Passer: Jatiana Chambers, Dougherty, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Miranda Moore, Crisp County, Jr.
Most Underrated: Mariah Reid, Beach, Fr.
Most Improved: Julie Azeltine, Oconee County, Jr. (Improved from 7.5 ppg to 16 ppg)
Most Improved Team: Douglass 13-12 (Improved from 3-15)

FIRST TEAM
G – Chit-Chat Wright, Wesleyan, Sr.
G – Bryanna Preston, Wesleyan, Sr.
G – Aubrey Beckham, Hebron Christian, Jr.
G – Kie’Aundria Acree, Monroe, Fr.
C – Ja’kerra Butler, Hebron Christian, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Michaela Bogans, Cross Creek, Sr.
G – Averie Jones, Lumpkin County, Sr.
G – Dakota Phillips, Hart County, Sr.
G – Ellison Steinhauer, Pickens, So.
F – Danielle Osho, Hebron Christian, Jr.

Honorable Mention
G – Jatiana Chambers, Dougherty, Jr.
G – Destini Gooddine, Calvary Day, Jr.
G – Emma Lightsey, White County, Jr.
G – Christen Collins, Lakeside-Fort Oglethorpe, Jr.
G – Aubri Wilkins, Carver-Columbus, Sr.
G – Tahjae Hawes, Cross Creek, Sr.
G – Caroline Mullins, Pickens, Sr.
G – Abby Slaton, Dawson County, Sr.
G – Julie Azeltine, Oconee County, Jr.
W – Jazmin Thornton, Carver-Columbus, Sr.
F – Kylie Watkins, White County, Jr.

Class AA

Coach of the Year: Chris Tipton, Murray County (24-7; Final 4 – first since 1966; Outright Region 1 Champs; 2-win improvement after graduating top two players; 3 Seniors)
Player of the Year: Ciara Alexander, Mt. Paran, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Miley McClure, Murray County
Best Scorer: Ciara Alexander, Mt. Paran, Sr.
Best Shooter: Brayla Harris, Butler, Jr.
Best Rebounder: Lyric Green, Dodge County, Jr.
Best Passer: Addison Hoard, Banks County, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Jessica Fields, Mt. Paran, Jr.
Most Underrated: Callan Ledford, Murray County, So.
Most Improved: Paula Robertson, Union County, So. (Improved from JV to 10 ppg/4 rpg/2 apg/1 spg)
Most Improved Team: Sumter County 20-9 (Improved from 5-20; Sweet 16; Region 1 Regular Season Champs)

FIRST TEAM
G – Jacalyn Myrthil, Mt. Paran, Jr.
G – Alaya Grane, Central-Macon, Sr.
F – Ciara Alexander, Mt. Paran, Sr.
F – Jessica Fields, Mt. Paran, Jr.
C – Lyric Green, Dodge County, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Jesstynie Scott, Sumter County, Jr.
G – Kerri Fluellen, Josey, So.
G – Courtney Davis, Fannin County, Sr.
G – Brayla Harris, Butler, Jr.
W – Jada Kendrick, Thomson, Jr.

Honorable Mention
G – Kitali Youmans, Mt. Paran, Jr.
G – Addison Hoard, Banks County, Sr.
G – KeAsia Henderson, Josey, Jr.
G – Analee Morris, Rockmart, Sr.
G – Nia Anderson, Columbia, Sr.
G – Taliah Grier, Central-Macon, Sr.
G – Ariel McCarter, Union County, Jr.
W – Karen Nimo, Butler, Sr.
F – Za’miyah Jenkins, Josey, So.
F – Lacey Thomas, Callaway, Sr.
C – Carley Segars, Banks County, Sr.

Class A D-I

Coach of the Year: Kiesha Brown, Galloway (19-11; State Runner-Up; Returned to state title game after graduating three college signees)
Player of the Year: Tianna Thompson, Galloway, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Giaunni Rogers, St. Francis
Best Scorer: Tianna Thompson, Galloway, Sr.
Best Shooter: Ellie Southards, Rabun County, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Tanyia Williams, Swainsboro, Sr.
Best Passer: Lucy Hood, Rabun County, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Brianna Pelote, Woodville-Tompkins, Sr.
Most Underrated: Amelia Basit, St. Francis, Jr.
Most Improved: Marlene Mbilima, Athens Christian, So. (Improved from 7 ppg/8 rpg to 15 ppg/12 rpg)
Most Improved Team: Metter 17-6 (State playoff berth; 1 senior)

FIRST TEAM
G – Lucy Hood, Rabun County, Sr.
G – Tianna Thompson, Galloway, Sr.
G – Shakiria Foster, Lamar County, Sr.
F – Sa’Mya Wyatt, St. Francis, Sr.
C – Tanyia Williams, Swainsboro, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – I’ziah McCutchins, Trion, Sr.
G – Giaunni Rogers, St. Francis, Fr.
G – Taryn Thompson, Galloway, So.
W – Morgan Blake, Mt. Pisgah, Sr.
C – Marlene Mbilima, Athens Christian, So.

Honorable Mention
G – Denim Goddard, Oglethorpe County, Sr.
G – Camryn Golston, St. Francis, So.
G – Kayley Wedlow, Bryan County, Sr.
G – Sariyah Chester, Pelham, Jr.
G – Jayden Boykin, Heard County, Sr.
W – Ellie Southards, Rabun County, Sr.
W – Natalee Goff, Athens Christian, Sr.
W – Malay Mitchell, Commerce, Sr.
F – Mackenna Nix, Temple, Jr.
F – Kenzie Henderson, Oglethorpe County, Jr.
C – Brianna Pelote, Woodville-Tompkins, Sr.

Class A D-II

Coach of the Year: Tyrone Madison, Montgomery County (30-2; State Runner-Up; Outright Region 3 Champs)
Player of the Year: Marley Bell, Montgomery County, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Tyliah Benjamin, Wilcox County
Best Scorer: Marley Bell, Montgomery County, Sr.
Best Shooter: Ansleigh Padgett, Lake Oconee Academy, So.
Best Rebounder: Marley Bell, Montgomery County, Sr.
Best Passer: Georgia Bosart, Lake Oconee Academy, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Arek Angui, Greenforest, Sr.
Most Underrated: Ndate Ndiaye, Greenforest, Sr.
Most Improved: Ansleigh Padgett, Lake Oconee Academy, So. (Improved from 3.5 ppg/2.2 rpg/0.7 apg/0.5 apg/19 3PTM to 11.4 ppg/5.4 rpg/1.8 apg/1.9 spg/66 3PTM)
Most Improved Team: Atkinson County 19-10 (Improved from 4-22; Sweet 16)

FIRST TEAM
G – Marley Bell, Montgomery County, Sr.
G – Georgia Bosart, Lake Oconee Academy, Sr.
W – Milica Lazarevic, Greenforest, Jr.
F – Jacorra Russell, Early County, Jr.
C – Arek Angui, Greenforest, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Amire Banks, Montgomery County, Sr.
G – Courtney Bray, Warren County, So.
F – Jaydah Ford, Taylor County, So.
F – Amariah Dean, Clinch County, So.
C – Tyliah Benjamin, Wilcox County, Fr.

Honorable Mention
G – Zah’Mya McDuffie, Telfair County, Sr.
G – Zyi’Kiera King, Seminole County, Jr.
G – Ja’Kari Northcutt, Atkinson County, Fr.
G – Jessika Carter, Chattahoochee County, Sr.
G – Brelan Sieveking, Towns County, Sr.
G – Tadreuna Rogers, Terrell County, Sr.
G – Te’Ahja Hardwick, Randolph-Clay, Sr.
G – Jailee Allen, Warren County, So.
G – Brooklyn Stallion, Christian Heritage, Sr.
F – Carly Bramlett, Christian Heritage, So.
C – Tyana Dorsey, Clinch County, Sr.

Final 2023-24 GHSA Boys Basketball State Rankings


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Class AAAAAAA

1. Grayson (30-2)
2. McEachern (26-6)
3. Wheeler (25-6)
4. Milton (20-11)
5. Newton (20-7)
6. Peachtree Ridge (22-8)
7. Walton (23-6)
8. Norcross (17-14)
9. Buford (25-4)
10. Campbell (16-14)

Class AAAAAA

1. Riverwood (25-7)
2. Alexander (29-3)
3. Jonesboro (22-11)
4. Woodward Academy (26-6)
5. St. Pius X (22-7)
6. Lee County (23-4)
7. Shiloh (23-5)
8. Langston Hughes (21-9)
9. Douglas County (19-13)
10. Woodstock (20-10)

Class AAAAA

1. Kell (28-3)
2. Eagle’s Landing (23-8)
3. Maynard Jackson (21-9)
4. Winder-Barrow (26-5)
5. Tri-Cities (21-9)
6. Dutchtown (19-10)
7. Warner Robins (21-8)
8. Tucker (23-6)
9. Chapel Hill (21-9)
10. Decatur (20-7)

Class AAAA

1. North Oconee (30-3)
2. Holy Innocents’ (26-7)
3. Baldwin (27-3)
4. Seckinger (23-8)
5. McDonough (26-4)
6. Pace Academy (24-5)
7. New Hampstead (23-6)
8. Benedictine (17-8)
9. Westminster (21-10)
10. Whitewater (19-12)

Class AAA

1. Sandy Creek (27-3)
2. Johnson-Savannah (20-12)
3. Dougherty (23-8)
4. Douglass (17-11)
5. Hebron Christian (25-4)
6. Monroe (23-7)
7. Carver-Columbus (24-6)
8. Cedar Grove (16-9)
9. Hart County (16-14)
10. Cross Creek (19-10)

Class AA

1. Westside-Augusta (28-4)
2. Toombs County (29-3)
3. Butler (24-7)
4. Columbia (27-4)
5. Thomson (22-4)
6. North Cobb Christian (20-7)
7. Athens Academy (23-6)
8. South Atlanta (23-9)
9. Model (22-8)
10. ELCA (23-7)

Class A D-I

1. Mt. Vernon (23-9)
2. Paideia (17-13)
3. Savannah (22-9)
4. Darlington (24-6)
5. Mt. Pisgah (14-18)
6. East Laurens (22-5)
7. Bleckley County (21-9)
8. Woodville-Tompkins (22-5)
9. Jasper County (19-9)
10. St. Francis (14-13)

Class A D-II

1. Greenforest (27-4)
2. Macon County (27-4)
3. Manchester (20-9)
4. Warren County (24-6)
5. Portal (28-2)
6. Calhoun County (24-6)
7. Lanier County (23-6)
8. Clinch County (19-6)
9. Mitchell County (23-6)
10. Christian Heritage (21-6)

2023-24 GHSA Basketball State Championship Recaps

Final 2023-24 GHSA Girls Basketball State Rankings


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Class AAAAAAA

1. Grayson (32-0)
2. North Paulding (25-7)
3. Buford (26-4)
4. Lowndes (22-5)
5. Cherokee (24-7)
6. Campbell (22-8)
7. Norcross (24-6)
8. Milton (26-3)
9. Carrollton (24-5)
10. McEachern (17-13)

Class AAAAAA

1. Marist (30-1)
2. River Ridge (26-5)
3. North Forsyth (31-1)
4. Veterans (24-7)
5. Langston Hughes (23-7)
6. New Manchester (22-6)
7. Tift County (25-5)
8. Woodward Academy (24-6)
9. Rome (20-10)
10. Pope (23-8)

Class AAAAA

1. Maynard Jackson (29-1)
2. Midtown (27-6)
3. Union Grove (28-2)
4. Dalton (21-10)
5. Cartersville (18-13)
6. Jones County (23-7)
7. Harris County (25-4)
8. Jefferson (25-4)
9. Creekside (20-9)
10. Ware County (21-7)

Class AAAA

1. Baldwin (29-2)
2. Hardaway (27-5)
3. Holy Innocents’ (24-7)
4. Fayette County (24-5)
5. Stockbridge (23-7)
6. Chestatee (25-6)
7. North Oconee (22-10)
8. Southwest DeKalb (22-8)
9. Starr’s Mill (22-8)
10. Heritage-Catoosa (21-7)

Class AAA

1. Hebron Christian (30-2)
2. Wesleyan (27-4)
3. Carver-Columbus (23-7)
4. Pickens (25-5)
5. Monroe (21-10)
6. White County (22-9)
7. Cross Creek (24-5)
8. Oconee County (17-12)
9. Hart County (22-9)
10. Dawson County (18-12)

Class AA

1. Mt. Paran (29-3)
2. Josey (28-4)
3. Central-Macon (26-5)
4. Murray County (24-7)
5. Banks County (25-5)
6. Butler (21-10)
7. Columbia (24-6)
8. Thomson (22-5)
9. Dodge County (23-5)
10. Model (23-6)

Class A D-I

1. St. Francis (24-7)
2. Galloway (19-11)
3. Athens Christian (24-5)
4. Rabun County (24-7)
5. Swainsboro (19-7)
6. Lamar County (24-6)
7. Mt. Pisgah (16-11)
8. Oglethorpe County (23-3)
9. Trion (21-7)
10. Bryan County (26-4)

Class A D-II

1. Greenforest (27-5)
2. Montgomery County (30-2)
3. Taylor County (27-4)
4. Clinch County (21-5)
5. Wilcox County (27-3)
6. Seminole County (23-7)
7. Chattahoochee County (21-8)
8. Early County (22-7)
9. Christian Heritage (18-12)
10. Terrell County (19-8)

2023-24 GHSA Basketball State Championship Recaps

Spielin’ & Dealin’ Ep. 151: State Championship Preview


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***SUBSCRIBE/DOWNLOAD/LISTEN ON iTUNES***
***FOLLOW/DOWNLOAD/LISTEN ON PODBEAN***
***FOLLOW ON ANCHOR***

Sandy’s Spiel Spring Showcase – [:43]
Class 1A D-II – [2:11]
Class 4A – [10:09]
Class 2A – [21:16]
Class 5A – [38:10]
Class 3A – [48:13]
Class 6A – [57:00]
Class 1A D-I – [1:04:51]
Class 7A – [1:14:28]

2023-24 GHSA Basketball State Championship Recaps

2023-24 GHSA Basketball State Championship Recaps


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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

CLASS A D-II

Greenforest EaglesR7 #1 No. 1 Greenforest 39, R3 #1 No. 3 Montgomery County 28: A 10-0 run spanning the end of the third quarter into the fourth quarter gave Greenforest (27-5) the separation needed to pull away from a scrappy Montgomery County (30-2) team, giving the Eagles their first state title. Greenforest trailed 8-5 after one and led 14-12 at the break as both teams struggled from the field, a combined 9-58. In the third quarter Greenforest began to establish 6-foot-6 UCF-signee Arek Angui inside, seeing the lanky post score with her turnaround jumper. The Eagles outscored Montgomery County 26-8 in the paint after being tied 4-4 at the half. Greenforest only won the rebounding battle 46-45. Angui finished with 10 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks while Milica Lazarevic added 11 points and 5 rebounds. Montgomery County was held to 9-62 (14.5%) shooting. Star senior Marley Bell ended her career with 13 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Amire Banks added 7 points on 3-22 shooting.

Greenforest Eagles R7 #1 No. 1 Greenforest 68, R6 #2 Manchester 39: Greenforest (27-4) captured their fifth state title using a 22-7 third quarter to bury Manchester (20-9), outscoring the Blue Devils 38-20 in the second half. Up 30-19 at the half, Greenforest’s size and sharpshooting proved too much for the Blue Devils to contend with. Elijah Lewis dropped in 18 points to pace Greenforest. The Eagles held the Blue Devils scoreless for nearly three minutes as Greenforest soared ahead on a 7-0 run. Caleb Kawela provided the Eagles with 11 points and 11 rebounds as Greenforest outrebounded Manchester 56-29 and outscored the Blue Devils 34-20 in the paint. Daniel Daramola totaled 9 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block. Greenforest shot 39% from the field compared to Manchester’s 27.5%. The Blue Devils were led by Treylin Jones who finished with 14 points. Daryus Bryant collected 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

CLASS 4A

Baldwin BravettesR2 #1 No. 1 Baldwin 47, R1 #1 No. 2 Hardaway 39: After seeing a state title slip away last year, Baldwin (29-2) rallied from down 27-11 in the third quarter to stun Hardaway (27-5) for the school’s fourth state title, first since three-peating between 1986-88. With both teams playing 1-3-1 zones, points were hard to come by, especially in the first half. Hardaway led 15-9 at the break, holding the Bravettes to three points in the second quarter. The Hawks got momentum early in the third quarter building a 27-11 lead at the 5:18 mark riding a 12-2 run, forcing turnovers and getting balanced contributions offensively. Baldwin stormed back with 16-2 run highlighted by a 13-0 spurt to close the gap to 29-27 with 6:55 to play in the fourth quarter, but Hardaway would respond and drew Janaye Walker’s fourth foul at the 5:17 mark up 32-29. Mount St. Mary’s-signee Madison Ruff converted a tough And-1 to knot the game at 36 with 3:22 to play. Walker fouled out at the 1:31 mark tied at 39, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Ruff struck again at the 1:14 mark, finding Kassidy Neal for a hoop to give Baldwin their first lead since 2-0 50 seconds into the game. Ruff, who scored nine of her team-high 17 points in the fourth quarter, also finished with 8 rebounds and 2 assists. The Hawks closed the game on a 16-3 run, including scoring the final 11 points of the game as the Hawks were held scoreless over the final 2:48. Neal finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds for the Bravettes who outscored Hardaway 22-10 in the final frame. The Hawks were led by Adazha Burrell’s 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Akilah Shelton posted 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 blocks while Mikayla Johnson netted 9 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, all her points in the second half.

North Oconee TitansR8 #1 No. 3 North Oconee 65, R6 #1 No. 5 Holy Innocents’ 60 : A balanced attack and bevy of three-pointers helped North Oconee (30-3) upend Holy Innocents’ (26-7) for their first state title in school history. Down 29-25 at the half, the Titans went on a 14-0 run sprung by four consecutive threes to jump ahead 44-33. Holy Innocents’ wouldn’t lead again after the stretch which saw freshman Justin Wise bury three of his five three-pointers en route to finishing with 19 points. North Oconee would go 9-24 from deep, including 6-12 from distance in the second half. Khamari Brooks, who did a great job defending Caleb Wilson in the first half, picked up his fourth foul with 1:33 to play in the third quarter. Wilson quickly got to work, and propelled the Golden Bears to a 7-1 run to finish the third quarter down 45-40. Fast forward to 39.1 seconds left in regulation, Holy Innocents’ still trailed 60-57 after Devin Hutcherson ripped away steal under the North Oconee basket for two of his 23 points to pair with his 13 rebounds. The Golden Bears got a stop on defense but with Wilson trapped in the corner on offense, the star junior called a timeout but had none left, resulting in a technical foul where Justin Payne split a pair of free throws to put the game out of reach for good. Wilson finished with 26 points (9-11 FT; 3-4 3PT), 18 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks but the balance of North Oconee was too much. Byrd Carter piled in 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block while Brooks tallied 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Evan Montgomery provided 7 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block while Payne had 5 points, 8 assists and 2 steals. The Titans beat the Golden Bears in transition, outscoring them 12-2 in fastbreaks and turning 12 Holy Innocents’ turnovers into 15 points while turning the ball over only six times.

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

CLASS 2A

Mt. Paran EaglesR6 #1 No. 1 Mt. Paran 59, R4 #2 No. 2 Josey 52: Mt. Paran (29-3) didn’t make a field goal the last 6:18 of the game but the Eagles shot 12-24 from the foul line in the fourth quarter and 23-40 for the game to three-peat as state champs. Campbell-signee Ciara Alexander put in 22 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 8-13 from the line while Jessica Fields collected 16 points, 14 rebounds, 2 steals and 6 blocks, going 10-15 from the line. Tied at 27 at the half, Josey (28-4) never led in the second half as the Eagles slowly pulled away. Kerri Fluellen was electric for Josey with 11 of her 20 points coming in the first quarter before fouling out at the 1:58 mark down 53-46. KeAsia Henderson supplied support with 17 points. Mt. Paran saw Kitali Youmans post 5 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 5 steals. Jacalyn Myrthil had 11 points.

Westside-AugustaR4 #1 No. 1 Westside-Augusta 64, R3 #1 No. 4 Toombs County 29: Westside-Augusta (28-4) controlled the pace from the opening tip, jumping out to a 10-0 run to race away from Toombs County (29-3) to claim their third consecutive title. 11 players scored for Westside led by Lavonta Ivery’s 14 points and Jarious Adkinson’s electrifying 11 off the bench highlighted by a handful of dunks. The Patriots outscored the Bulldogs 34-6 in the paint, 12-0 in transition and 28-6 via the bench. Dominic Eason led Toombs County with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. The Bulldogs trailed 16-7 after one and 31-14 at the half. Westside held Toombs County to just eight made field goals and a 24.2% success rate. The Patriots converted on 26 attempts and took 20 more shots than the Dogs.

COED THREE-POINT CONTEST

  1. North Hall
  2. Commerce
  3. Trion/Lowndes

CLASS 5A

Maynard Jackson JaguarsR5 #1 No. 2 Maynard Jackson 58, R5 #2 No. 4 Midtown 44: For the fourth time this season, Maynard Jackson (29-1) defeated region rival Midtown (27-6) to claim the program’s elusive first state title. Down 14-10 after the first quarter, the Jaguars ripped off a 14-0 run which grew to a 24-6 spurt that gave Maynard Jackson an 11-point lead midway through the third quarter after holding a 28-22 advantage at halftime. Turnovers were the story as they were all year for the Knights against Maynard Jackson, coughing the ball up 22 times after turning it over 29, 17 and 17 times during their first three meetings. The Jaguars scored 27 points off turnovers and netted 18 fastbreak points. Briaiah Lewis was held to six minutes in the first half after picking up two fouls and finished her career with 1 point and 10 rebounds. Midtown trimmed the lead to 38-35 with 6:33 to play on a Devin Bockman jumper, two of her game-high 23 points on 7-11 shooting, 4-5 from beyond the arc, but the Jags would respond with a 9-0 run which featured a three-pointer from Kennedie Cooper, Maynard Jackson’s first make from distance after missing their first 11 attempts.  The Jaguars outscored the Knights 36-12 in the paint. Shakira Gresham led Maynard Jackson with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals and 2 blocks. Aaliyah Weaver posted 13 points while Taliah Cornish added 11. Hailey Wortmann battled foul trouble and provided the Knights with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Kell LonghornsR6 #1 No. 1 Kell 62, R2 #1 No. 3 Eagle’s Landing 51: After beating Eagle’s Landing 61-53 last year in the state championship, the Longhorns (28-3) topped the Eagles (23-8) again behind a decisive 8-0 run in the fourth quarter. Kell led wire-to-wire in a close game, up 26-24 at the half. A 6-0 run from Eagle’s Landing knotted the score at 35 at the 2:29 mark of the third quarter but the Longhorns closed on a subsequent 7-0 spurt keyed by a Connor Staphylaris corner three right before the buzzer to surge ahead 45-37. Staphylaris, who finished with 9 points, drilled back-to-back threes part of an 8-0 jolt that pushed Kell to a 55-42 advantage with 4:51 left in regulation. Before the Staphylaris daggers, it was South Florida-signee CJ Brown who answered every Eagles threat. Brown tallied 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block to close his career, excelling at getting to the rim and scoring through traffic. Alabama A&M-signee Jaylen Colon provided 14 points while Cannon Richards posted 8 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Eagle’s Landing saw Chris Morris II record 17 points and 6 rebounds. Dwight Brown pitched in 9 points and 8 rebounds.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

CLASS 3A

Hebron Christian LionsR8 #1 No. 1 Hebron Christian 62, R7 #1 No. 2 Wesleyan 60: A Chit-Chat Wright three-pointer trimmed the Hebron Christian (30-2) lead to 19-18 at the 4:20 mark of the second quarter but the Lions responded with a 13-2 run to close the half and lead 32-20 at the break, before surviving in the second half to repeat as state champs. Hebron outrebounded a relentless Wesleyan (27-4) 40-27 and held the Wolves to 31% from the field. Danielle Osho posted 14 points and 15 rebounds in the win. Texas-signee Bryanna Preston powered Wesleyan with 22 points and 10 rebounds. The Wolves closed the third quarter on a 7-0 run to enter the fourth down 47-35 after trailing by as many as 23 points and sliced the lead to 49-40 after a Shayla Bahr three but Johanna Potter fouled out with 4 points for Wesleyan at the 6:02 mark. A pair of Wright free throws put the Wolves behind 55-48 with 2:40 left and trailed 61-56 with 20.6 seconds left after a Wright three. The Georgia Tech-signee finishing with 24 points, 14 coming in the fourth quarter sparking a frantic comeback, outscoring Hebron 25-15 in the final period. Following a technical foul on the Hebron bench and a foul on a jump shot, the Wolves found themselves down just two with 6.8 left to play. Coming out of a timeout, the Wolves were unable to get a shot up, turning the ball over.

Sandy Creek PatriotsR5 #1 No. 1 Sandy Creek 74, R3 #2 Johnson-Savannah 49: Sandy Creek (27-3) ripped off a 27-4 run in the first half to pull ahead for good and claim their second consecutive state title. The upset-minded Atomsmashers (20-12) went blow for blow with the Patriots, tied at 11 midway through the first quarter before Sandy Creek found their groove. Jacobi Robinson netted eight of his 18 points in the frame to spring the Pats to an early lead. Sandy Creek shot 6-13 from beyond the arc in the first half to build a 42-22 lead and finished the game 8-19. James Madison-signee Micah Smith posted 15 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 5 blocks. Five Patriots reached double figures with Jared White (12), Missouri baseball-signee PJ Green (12) and Amari Brown (11) all producing. Joshua Quarterman paced Johnson-Savannah with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Favion Kirkwood netted 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks.

GIRLS THREE-POINT CONTEST

Lizzie McGrath

First Place: Lizzie McGrath – Riverwood
Second Place: I’ziah McCutchins – Trion
Third Place: Ellie Southards – Rabun County/Amira Walters-Smith – Colquitt County

CLASS 6A

Marist War EaglesR4 #1 No. 3 Marist 67, R8 #1 No. 2 North Forsyth 48: Marist (30-1) shot a blistering 63% and saw Kate Harpring rack up 27 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals and 1 block before fouling out at the 2:29 mark up 62-45 as an encore performance after netting 47 points in the Final Four to power the War Eagles to their second title in three years. Tied at 16 after one quarter, North Forsyth (31-1) fell off pace, outscored 16-7 in the second quarter to enter the break down 32-23. Abby Lindsay sank a pair of threes for the War Eagles in the frame and finished with 13 points. Hannah Faklaris posted 16 points. North Forsyth got a buzzer-beating three from London Weaver to send the game into the fourth quarter trailing 54-38. Weaver would finish with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Gabbie Gliatta tacked on 16 points and Emma Rose scored 10.

Riverwood RaidersR4 #4 No. 7 Riverwood 67, R5 #1 No. 1 Alexander 63 OT: History was made in scintillating fashion as Riverwood (25-7) stunned the defending state champs after trailing 12-1 to open the game, forcing overtime on a pair of Vanderbilt-signee Karris Bilal free throws at the 1:04 mark of regulation. Riverwood trailed Alexander (29-3) at the half 29-26, shooting just 19% from the field, but buoyed by JR Leonard’s 13-16 shooting from the foul line. In total, Leonard would go 19-23 from the charity stripe as the Raiders went 25-32 while shooting just 2-23 from beyond the arc. Riverwood took their first lead of the game with 6:20 to play in the third quarter, 32-31, but would lead for just 16 seconds before falling behind again. Alexander held a 43-39 lead through three quarters but couldn’t gain any separation. Kennesaw State-signee Braedan Lue led the Cougars with 26 points and 13 rebounds while Chris Hutchinson stepped up with 15 points and 9 rebounds, but fouls were a major problem throughout, especially in the backcourt as Alexander was whistled for 27 fouls as they struggled to contain Leonard. The star junior gave Riverwood their first lead since early in the third quarter when he scored at the 3:30 mark of the fourth quarter to go ahead 52-51. From there, the score would see-saw, Jermaine Freeman putting the Cougars up 54-52 after converting an And-1 with three minutes to play but the South Cobb transfer would foul out with 1:04 to play with 8 points as Bilal netted a pair of free throws to deadlock the game at 57, forcing overtime. In the extra period, Bilal hit a pull-up jumper with 2:13 to play to take the lead, two of his 17 points to pair with his 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Jesse Graves, who had 5 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, hit a short jumper in the lane to go up 61-57 with 90 seconds left before Leonard sank two more free throws to lead 63-57, part of his 31 points and 5 rebounds. Lue trimmed the lead to 64-63 with 26.8 left to play, but Kaleb Bilal coolly sank a pair of free throws before Leonard buried the dagger from the line to make it a four-point game. The Raiders led for just 2:57 of the game, trailing Alexander for 27:12.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

CLASS A D-I

St. Francis KnightsR6 #1 No. 1 St. Francis 74, R6 #2 No. 2 Galloway 71 OT: A 6:30 scoring drought for Galloway (19-11) in the second quarter nearly cost the Scots a chance at a state title as St. Francis (24-7) utilized a 16-0 run to jump ahead 30-17 and lead 30-19 at the half before a Tianna Thompson barrage got the Scots back in it before ultimately falling to St. Francis (24-7) for the third time this season and second straight year in the state championship. Thompson exploded in the third quarter with 11 points and two free throws from freshman Sophia Louis-Pierre pushed Galloway ahead 40-38 before settling for a 42-40 deficit after three quarters. Austin Peay-signee SaMya Wyatt, the reigning Class A D-I Player of the Year, was saddled with foul trouble and attempted just two shots over 14 minutes over the first three quarters. Wyatt, who scored 13 of her 27 points in the fourth quarter of last year’s championship, scored eight points over the fourth quarter and overtime to finish her career with 10 points on the day. A transition layup from Thompson, a Georgia Tech-signee, put the Scots up 62-60 with 69 seconds left but Wyatt would knot the game up from the foul line seconds later and the score would head into the extra period deadlocked at 62 after a Desi Taylor layup with three seconds left rimmed out for the Knights. Up two in overtime, Nya Young delivered a dagger three from the wing with 32 seconds left to take a five-point lead. Freshman Giaunni Rogers led St. Francis with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists while Amelia Basit double-doubled with 12 points and 11 rebounds.  Thompson led all scorers with 37 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Louis-Pierre stepped up with 18 points and Taryn Thompson netted 8 in a game that featured 12 lead changes and 14 tied scores.

Mt. Vernon MustangsR6 #1 No. 1 Mt. Vernon 48, R6 #2 No. 2 Paideia 40: Paideia (17-13) scrapped and clawed but a 17-4 third quarter did in the baby snakes as Mt. Vernon (24-9) was able to dominate inside to pull away for the school’s first state title, beating Paideia for the second time this season after cruising to the Region 6 title 66-48.  After being outscored 10-4 in the paint in the first half, trailing 23-18 on the scoreboard against Paideia, the Mustangs outscored the Pythons in the paint 12-0 in the third quarter and went on a 12-1 run to lead 35-27 following three quarters. Mt. Vernon would finish the game with a 22-16 advantage in the paint and outrebounded the Pythons 34-24. West Georgia-signee Xavier Shegog led the charge after a 1-point first half, totaling 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. KJ Garris added 10 points and 8 rebounds while Sha’Yah Goba racked up 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. Georgia State-signee Trey Scott had 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks, the Mustangs blocking 10 shots total. Freshman Tristan Mitchell powered Paideia with 16 points. Frank Jackson fouled out with 5 points and David Oglesby-Smith fouled out with 4. CJ Harper netted 6 points.

BOYS SLAM DUNK CONTEST

  1. Jeremy Bell – Clinch County
  2. Chris Perry – Bradwell Institute
  3. Evan Montgomery – North Oconee
  4. Dylan Barbra – East Coweta

CLASS 7A

Grayson RamsR4 #1 No. 1 Grayson 65, R3 #1 No. 4 North Paulding 44: There was no let down on the pursuit to perfection as Georgia’s best rolled to their first ever state title, Grayson (32-0) racing past North Paulding (25-7) for the second time this season. A slow start saw both teams tied at 2 early on, but a decisive 15-0 run moved the Rams ahead 17-2 and would never trail. Georgia Tech-signee Danielle Carnegie tallied 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals while Florida Atlantic-signee Erin Rodgers contributed 18 points and 6 rebounds. Grayson outscored North Paulding 42-20 in the paint and scored 27 points off 19 Wolfpack turnovers, 14 miscues which came in the first half. The Rams recorded 14 fastbreak points and 22 second chance points. Tatum Brown had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals while Nicholls State-signee Malaya Jones added on 10 points and 3 assists. North Paulding received 12 points from Marina Sippola and 7 apiece from Wheeling-signee Jayda Jackson and Ava Andrews while Andrea Landrum netted 8 points off the bench.

Grayson RamsR4 #1 No. 1 Grayson 51, R3 #1 No. 2 McEachern 41: Grayson (30-2) edged Rutgers-signee Ace Bailey and McEachern (26-6) for the second time this season to finally claim the program’s first state title and sweep Class 7A along with the girls. McEachern opened the game ice cold, just 1-17 from the field but trailed only 11-5 after one quarter. The Indians surged ahead 22-20 at the 1:42 mark of the second, but Grayson closed on a 6-0 run highlighted by two Jacob Wilkins slams to enter the break up 26-22 and never trailed again, the Rams leading for 29:15 minutes compared to just 33 seconds of an Indian advantage. The UGA-commit Wilkins had multiple highlight plays with slams that broke the back of the Indians, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Bailey did his best to lead McEachern, scoring 14 points in the first half, but the five-star prospect was clamped down to just 18 total points in the game to go along with his 6 rebounds and 2 assists, finishing 8-20 from the field as the Indians as a whole shot 30.5%, buoyed by a 53.3% second quarter in which they scored 17 points. The Rams outscored McEachern’s bench 11-0 and outrebounded the Indians 47-27, College of Sequoias-commit Ahmad Clark providing a spark off the bench with 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Purdue-signee Gicarri Harris tallied 9 points and 5 rebounds followed by Western Carolina-signee CJ Hyland’s 8 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. McEachern received 10 points and 6 rebounds from Nnadozie Onyirimba, the only other Indian in double figures.