2017-18 GHSA All-State Boys Basketball Honors

All-Georgia

Sandy’s Spiel Mr. Basketball: Ashton Hagans, Newton, Jr.

FIRST TEAM
G – Ashton Hagans, Newton, Jr.
G – Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Sr.
G – Nelson Phillips, Warner Robins, Sr.
G – Landers Nolley, Langston Hughes, Sr.
C – EJ Montgomery, Wheeler, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Sharife Cooper, McEachern, So.
G – Isaac Okoro, McEachern, Jr.
G – Jacolbey Owens, Warner Robins, Sr.
G – Devin Vassell, Peachtree Ridge, Sr.
F – Khavon Moore, Westside-Macon, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Alex Jones, Buford, Sr.
G – Dwon Odom, St. Francis, So.
G – Hunter McIntosh, GAC, Jr.
G – Eli Lawrence, Tri-Cities, Sr.
G – Kyle Sturdivant, Norcross, Jr.
F – Jamari Dean, Cedar Grove, Sr.
F – Marcus Watson, Buford, Jr.
F – Reggie Perry, Thomasville, Sr.
F – Jamari Smith, Jonesboro, Sr.
C – Travon Walker, Upson-Lee, Jr.
C – Walker Kessler, Woodward Academy, So.

Class AAAAAAA

Coach of the Year: Curtis Gilleylen, Meadowcreek (26-6 State Champs)
Player of the Year: Ashton Hagans, Newton, Jr.
Freshman of the Year:  Tai Owens, Cherokee
Best Scorer: EJ Montgomery, Wheeler, Sr.
Best Shooter: Adam Flagler, Duluth, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Kalu Ezkipe, Discovery, Sr.
Best Passer: Ashton Hagans, Newton, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Amari Kelly, Meadowcreek, Sr.
Most Underrated: Montae Terrell, Tift County, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Peachtree Ridge 24-5 (Region 6 regular season/tournament champs; Sweet 16; Improved from 16-13)
Most Improved: Devin Vassell, Peachtree Ridge, Sr. (Improved from 13 ppg/4.7 rpg/0.8 apg/1.2 spg/0.5 bpg to 22.3 ppg/7.3 rpg/2.5 apg/1.5 spg/1.3 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Ashton Hagans, Newton, Jr.
G – Sharife Cooper, McEachern, So.
G – Devin Vassell, Peachtree Ridge, Sr.
G – Isaac Okoro, McEachern, Jr.
C – EJ Montgomery, Wheeler, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Kyle Sturdivant, Norcross, Jr.
G – Jamir Chaplin, Meadowcreek, Jr.
G – Tony Jonhson, Berkmar, Sr.
F – Jalyn McCreary, Kennesaw Mountain, Jr.
C – Kalu Ezkipe, Discovery, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Dwight Murray, Pebblebrook, Sr.
G – Nick Edwards, Grayson, Sr.
G – Terrell Burden, Campbell, Jr.
G – Brandon Boston, Norcross, So.
G – Jaxon Etter, Etowah, Jr.
G – Spencer Rodgers, Mountain View, Sr.
G – Adam Flagler, Duluth, Sr.
G – Christian Wright, Milton, So.
F – Mervin James, Pebblebrook, Sr.
C – Babatunde Akingbola, McEachern, Jr.
C – Ahmir Langlais, Parkview, Jr.

Class AAAAAA

Coach of the Year: Rory Welsh, Langston Hughes (27-5 Repeat State Champs)
Player of the Year:  Landers Nolley, Langston Hughes, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Peyton Daniels, Tri-Cities
Best Scorer: Landers Nolley, Langston Hughes, Sr.
Best Shooter: Landers Nolley, Langston Hughes, Sr.
Best Rebounder:  Jamari Smith, Jonesboro, Sr.
Best Passer: Xavier Bledson, Gainesville, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Brady Spence, Alexander, Jr.
Most Underrated: Joe Jones, Northview, Jr.
Most Improved Team: North Atlanta 21-10 (Region 7 tournament champs; Elite 8; Improved from 7-18)
Most Improved: Jackson Greco, Sequoyah, So. (Improved from 4.2 ppg/1.7 rpg/0.4 apg to 19 ppg/3.1 rpg/ 1.7 apg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Eli Lawrence, Tri-Cities, Sr.
G – Jayce Moore, Coffee, Jr.
G – Landers Nolley, Langston Hughes, Sr.
F – Jamari Smith, Jonesboro, Sr.
F – Tyson Jackson, Creekside, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Messiah Thompson, North Atlanta, Jr.
G – Mekhail Bethea, Dacula, Jr.
G – Kamar Robertson, Cambridge, Jr.
G – KJ Jenkins, Creekview, Sr.
F – KJ Buffen, Gainesville, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Brenden Tucker, Dacula, Jr.
G – Adrian Martin, Lanier, Sr.
G – Kalen Williams, Lakeside-Evans, Jr.
G – Marcus Scott, Brunswick, Sr.
G – Khalyn Weekley, Bradwell Institute, Sr.
G – Jackson Greco, Sequoyah, So.
G – Malik Battle, Douglas County, Jr.
G – Brandon Barron, Alpharetta, Jr.
G – Xavier Bledson, Gainesville, Sr.
F – Khadim Samb, Sprayberry, Sr.
C – Brady Spence, Alexander, Jr.

Class AAAAA

Coach of the Year: Darius Hodge, Hiram (23-10; Region 7 tournament champs; Final 4; Allowed only 41.3 points per game in state tournament; Started season 8-6; Most Improved Team)
Player of the Year: Nelson Phillips, Warner Robins, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Omarion Smith, Lithia Springs
Best Scorer: Nelson Phillips, Warner Robins, Sr.
Best Shooter: Brandon Thomas, Eagle’s Landing, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Lorenzo McGhee, Columbia, Sr.
Best Passer: Alex Jones, Buford, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Omarion Smith, Lithia Springs, Fr.
Most Underrated: Vinnie Viana, North Springs, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Hiram 23-10 (Region 7 tournament champs; Final 4; Improved from 11-15)
Most Improved: Demonte Demore, Banneker, Sr. (Improved to 25.1 ppg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Alex Jones, Buford, Sr.
G – Jacolbey Owens, Warner Robins, Sr.
G – KD Johnson, Southwest DeKalb, So.
G – Nelson Phillips, Warner Robins, Sr.
F – Marcus Watson, Buford, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Maurice Harvey, Miller Grove, Jr.
G – Brandon Thomas, Eagle’s Landing, Sr.
F – Lorenzo McGhee, Columbia, Sr.
F – Kavonte Ivery, Stockbridge, Sr.
F – Dontavius King, Dutchtown, Jr.

Honorable Mention
G – Marquavius Carter, Maynard Jackson, Sr.
G – Justin Quick, Flowery Branch, Sr.
G – Ziven Alexander, Lithonia, Sr.
G – Daniel Cooper, Statesboro, Sr.
G – Javonte Hart, Villa Rica, Sr.
G – Lorenzo Anderson, Miller Grove, Sr.
F – Drew Hudson, Starr’s Mill, Sr.
F – Josh Taylor, Columbia, So.
F – Quamonte Monfort, Clarke Central, Sr.
F – David Viti, Buford, Sr.
C – Nathan Presnell, Hiram, Jr.

Class AAAA

Coach of the Year: Darrell Lockhart, Upson-Lee (31-0 Repeat State Champs, 63-straight wins)
Player of the Year: Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Breylon Davis, Hephzibah
Best Scorer: Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Sr.
Best Shooter: Everett Lane, St. Pius X, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Travon Walker, Upson-Lee, Jr.
Best Passer: Matt Gonzalo, St. Pius X, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Walker Kessler, Woodward Academy, So.
Most Underrated: Kam Miller, Sandy Creek, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Jefferson 18-11 (Sweet 16; Only 4 seniors; Improved from 4-21)
Most Improved: Joshua Lusane, Americus-Sumter, Jr. (Improved from 5.7 ppg/2.5 rpg/0.8 spg/0.4 bpg to 15.1 ppg/8 rpg/2.6 spg/1 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Everett Lane, St. Pius X, Sr.
G – Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Sr.
G – Cam Holden, Mary Persons, Sr.
C – Travon Walker, Upson-Lee, Jr.
C – Walker Kessler, Woodward Academy, So.

SECOND TEAM
G – Jarred Godfrey, Sandy Creek, Sr.
G – Jaylon Pugh, Cartersville, Sr.
G – Jay Jefferson, Troup, Sr.
G – AJ Watts, Carver-Columbus, Jr.
F – TJ Bickerstaff, Sandy Creek, Jr.

Honorable Mention
G – Kris Gardner, Westover, Sr.
G – TJ Horton, Cartersville, Sr.
G – Zyrice Scott, Upson-Lee, Jr.
G – Jhaquez Anderson, Northside-Columbus, Jr.
G – Zayveon Williams, Burke County, Sr.
G – Jordan Brown, Westover, Jr.
G – Brenden Robertson, Baldwin, Sr.
F – Joshua Lusane, Americus-Sumter, Jr.
F – Tabais Long, Salem, Sr.
F – Jon Morgan, LaFayette, Sr.
C – De’Undra Singleton, Stephens County, Sr.

Class AAA

Coach of the Year: David Eaton, GAC (28-3 State Champs, Two seniors, Beat regular season No. 1, No. 2, No. 5, No. 9 on way to state title)
Player of the Year: Khavon Moore, Westside-Macon, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: JaVen Flowers-Smith, Redan
Best Scorer: Khavon Moore, Westside-Macon, Sr.
Best Shooter: Alec Woodard, Morgan County, Jr.
Best Rebounder: Jamari Dean, Cedar Grove, Sr.
Best Passer: Kanuri Williams, Central-Macon, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Elavian Bowles, Johnson-Savannah, Sr.
Most Underrated: David Manigo, Towers, Sr.
Most Improved Team: East Jackson 16-13 (State Playoff berth; Improved from 2-23)
Most Improved: Greg Holloway, Westside-Macon, Sr. (Improved from 7.1 ppg/5.7 rpg/0.6 apg to 18.5 ppg/11.9 rpg/2.1 apg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Hunter McIntosh, GAC, Jr.
F – Khavon Moore, Westside-Macon, Sr.
F – Jaylin Williams, Brantley County, Jr.
F – Jamari Dean, Cedar Grove, Sr.
F – Amanze Ngumezi, Johnson-Savannah, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Alec Woodard, Morgan County, Jr.
G – Tyrin Lawrence, Morgan County, Jr.
F – Greg Holloway, Westside-Macon, Sr.
F – Kylan Hill, Central-Macon, Sr.
F – Isaiah Kelly, Pace Academy, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Eleik Bowles, Johnson-Savannah, Sr.
G – Stevin Greene, Morgan County, Jr.
G – JaVen Flowers-Smith, Redan, Fr.
G – Tyrone Scott, Jenkins, Sr.
G – Ben Sheppard, GAC, Jr.
G – Wil Walraven, Sonoraville, Sr.
G – Cullen Reed, Dawson County, Sr.
G – Shamar Jones, Johnson-Savannah, Jr.
G – Brice Paster, Peach County, Sr.
G – Zimbabwe Fields, Windsor Forest, Jr.
C – Carlos Curry, Dougherty, Sr.

Class AA

Coach of the Year: Benjamin Tillman, Thomasville (28-3 State Champs; Beat regular season No. 3, No. 4, No. 8 on way to state title)
Player of the Year: Reggie Perry, Thomasville, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Robbie Armbrester, Therrell
Best Scorer: Kameron Pauldo, Dublin, Sr.
Best Shooter: Chris Jennings, Berrien, So.
Best Rebounder: Ja’Queze Kirby, Jeff Davis, So.
Best Passer: Darius Bonds, Banks County, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Dylan Orr, Banks County, Sr.
Most Underrated: Nicholas Clifton, Screven County, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Spencer 22-8 (Elite 8; Best record since 2005-06; Improved from 10-17)
Most Improved: D’Mario Reid, Putnam County, Sr. (Improved from 13.3 ppg/5.4 rpg to 21.6 ppg/9.4 rpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Kameron Pauldo, Dublin, Sr.
G – Jaylan McKinney, Swainsboro, Sr.
F – Ja’Queze Kirby, Jeff Davis, So.
F – Reggie Perry, Thomasville, Sr.
F – Timmy Sellers, Glenn Hills, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Tim Williamson, Glenn Hills, Sr.
G – Ashton Bonner, Monticello, Sr.
G – Dondre Barnes, South Atlanta, Sr.
G – Deandre Brown, Therrell, So.
F – Clarence Jackson, Dublin, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Mardrez McBride, Butler, Sr.
G – Tahj Jones, Vidalia, Sr.
G – Nick Cummings, Dodge County, Sr.
G – Jalen Stegall, South Atlanta, Sr.
G – Donald Henley, Laney, Sr.
G – Darius Dunn, Northeast-Macon, Jr.
G – Vonterius Woolbright, Thomasville, Jr.
F – Torenio Davis, Bleckley County, Sr.
F – Carl Cleveland, Banks County, So.
F – Dylan Orr, Banks County, Sr.
F – AJ James, Elbert County, Jr.

Class A-Private

Coach of the Year: Tyler Watkins, Christian Heritage (27-3; Region 6 tournament champs; Elite 8; Best season in school history; Most Improved Team)
Player of the Year: Dwon Odom, St. Francis, So.
Freshman of the Year: Garrison Powell, Holy Innocents’
Best Scorer: Lamar Oden, SACA, So.
Best Shooter: Micah McAllister, Landmark Christian, Jr.
Best Rebounder: Tre Gomillion, Aquinas, Sr.
Best Passer: Dwon Odom, St. Francis, So.
Best Shot Blocker: Christian Koneman, Christian Heritage, Sr.
Most Underrated: Dalton Meeler, Prince Avenue, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Christian Heritage 27-3 (Region 6 tournament champs; Elite 8; Best season in school history)
Most Improved: Tahj Moss, Tallulah Falls, Sr. (Improved from JV to 17.1 ppg/8.6 rpg/2.6 apg/1.7 spg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Dwon Odom, St. Francis, So.
G – Tre Gomillion, Aquinas, Sr.
F – Lamar Oden, SACA, So.
F – Christian Koneman, Christian Heritage, Sr.
F – Malachi Rhodes, ELCA, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Quinn Richey, Mt. Pisgah, Jr.
G – Devin Butts, Stratford Academy, Jr.
G – Christian Jackson, Greenforest, Sr.
G – Daniel Parrish, Aquinas, Sr.
F – Eric Coleman, King’s Ridge, Jr.

Honorable Mention
G – Garrison Powell, Holy Innocents’, Fr.
G – Micah McAllister, Landmark Christian, Jr.
G – Drew Cottrell, Lakeview Academy, Sr.
G – Ahmad Abdur-Rahman, WD Mohammed, So.
G – Hunter Norman, North Cobb Christian, Sr.
G – Jaylyn Clark, Greenforest, Sr.
F – Jamaine Mann, ELCA, So.
F – JD Hull, Darlington, Jr.
F – Sutton Eggena, Brookstone, Sr.
F – Chase Ellis, St. Francis, So.
F – Tahj Keeton, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian, Sr.

Class A-Public

Coach of the Year: Dr. Aaron Geter, Wilkinson County (26-6 Repeat State Champs; Region 7 tournament champs; 10th state title)
Player of the Year: Rashun Williams, Calhoun County, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Darreonte Gainer, Randolph-Clay
Best Scorer: Daveaun Coglin, Montgomery County, Sr.
Best Shooter: Clayton Jenkins, Macon County, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Tylan Grable, Wilkinson County, Sr.
Best Passer: Jamaal Rice II, Macon County, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Amari McGriff, Lanier County, So.
Most Underrated: TJ Cagle, Mt. Zion-Carrollton, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Georgia Military 24-4 (Sweet 16; Best record in 13+ years; Improved from 12-10)
Most Improved: Jahiem Lucas, Taylor County, Jr. (Improved from 1.1 ppg/0.5 rpg/0.4 spg to 21 ppg/8.3 rpg/3.9 spg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Jah’Nile Hill, Manchester, Sr.
G – Jaylen Lamar, Wilkinson County, Jr.
G – Daveaun Coglin, Montgomery County, Sr.
F – ZyTavian Hill, Central-Talbotton, Sr.
F – Rashun Williams, Calhoun County, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Preston Crisp, Woodville-Tompkins, Jr.
G – Clayton Jenkins, Macon County, Sr.
G – Malik Foston, Georgia Military, Jr.
F – Jahleel Wilson, Montgomery County, Sr.
C – Tylan Grable, Wilkinson County, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – JaQuavius Smith, Central-Talbotton, Sr.
G – Shahee Billings, Quitman County, Sr.
G – Arkavias Lovett, Treutlen, Jr.
G – Charleston Willingham, Woodville-Tompkins, Jr.
G – Kamron Jordan, Treutlen, So.
G – Jarquavius Brown, Dooly County, Sr.
G – Yizar Rainwater II, Fulton Leadership Academy, Sr.
G – Keundre Campbell, Webster County, So.
G – Shaw Robinson, Montgomery County, Sr.
G – Josh Rodgers, Marion County, Jr.
F – Kerry Richardson, Elite Scholars Academy, Sr.

Spielin’ & Dealin’ Ep. 49: 2017-18 GHSA State Championship Recap

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The 2017-18 GHSA Basketball season is in the books!

Class AA [3:43]
Class A-Public [6:53]
Class AAA [10:48]
Class AAAAA [15:15]
Class A-Private [19:18]
Class AAAAAA [22:21]
Class AAAA [27:38]
Class AAAAAAA [33:58]

Sponsored by:  @sportalspace

Final 2017-18 Girls Rankings

Class AAAAAAA

  1. Westlake (30-1)
  2. Newton (27-4)
  3. McEachern (21-6)
  4. North Forsyth (28-3)
  5. Norcross (26-4)
  6. Collins Hill (26-3)
  7. Cherokee (26-3)
  8. Hillgrove (19-8)
  9. South Gwinnett (23-4)
  10. Lambert (18-10) 

Class AAAAAA

  1. Lovejoy (32-1)
  2. Harrison (26-5)
  3. Winder-Barrow (22-5)
  4. Douglas County (24-7)
  5. Northview (24-7)
  6. Tucker (19-11)
  7. Valdosta (22-8)
  8. Coffee (18-10)
  9. Creekview (19-9)
  10. Lanier (22-7) 

Class AAAAA

  1. Buford (29-3)
  2. Flowery Branch (26-7)
  3. Villa Rica (26-2)
  4. Harris County (28-3)
  5. Eagle’s Landing (23-7)
  6. Carrollton (24-7)
  7. Arabia Mountain (21-3)
  8. Dutchtown (23-6)
  9. Fayette County (22-7)
  10. Ware County (26-3)

Class AAAA

  1. Spalding (28-2)
  2. Henry County (29-2)
  3. Carver-Columbus (29-2)
  4. Americus-Sumter (24-8)
  5. Madison County (22-7)
  6. Jefferson (23-7)
  7. Marist (23-3)
  8. Luella (22-6)
  9. Northwest Whitfield (25-4)
  10. Baldwin (25-4) 

Class AAA

  1. Johnson-Savannah (23-6)
  2. Greater Atlanta Christian (25-5)
  3. Franklin County (30-1)
  4. Tattnall County (25-6)
  5. Beach (27-3)
  6. Lovett (25-5)
  7. Haralson County (27-3)
  8. Peach County (22-8)
  9. Central-Macon (23-5)
  10. Pierce County (21-8) 

Class AA

  1. Laney (32-0)
  2. Josey (28-5)
  3. Model (25-4)
  4. Fitzgerald (17-6)
  5. Banks County (25-6)
  6. Dodge County (24-5)
  7. Rabun County (24-7)
  8. Swainsboro (23-5)
  9. Douglass (18-7)
  10. Washington County (20-8) 

Class A-Private

  1. Wesleyan (27-4)
  2. Holy Innocents’ (29-2)
  3. St. Francis (26-5)
  4. Stratford Academy (26-3)
  5. Paideia (21-10)
  6. Prince Avenue Christian (26-3)
  7. Calvary Day (27-3)
  8. Christian Heritage (22-7)
  9. Our Lady of Mercy (21-4)
  10. Galloway (17-8)

Class A-Public

  1. Greenville (28-2)
  2. Marion County (25-6)
  3. Telfair County (27-3)
  4. Terrell County (25-5)
  5. Pelham (27-3)
  6. Wheeler County (20-5)
  7. Wilcox County (23-6)
  8. Bowdon (23-6)
  9. Macon County (21-6)
  10. Calhoun County (18-11)

Final 2017-18 Boys Rankings

Class AAAAAAA

  1. Meadowcreek (26-6)
  2. Norcross (28-4)
  3. Newton (27-4)
  4. Grayson (22-7)
  5. McEachern (26-3)
  6. Pebblebrook (26-3)
  7. Mountain View (22-6)
  8. Peachtree Ridge (24-5)
  9. Wheeler (18-11)
  10. Etowah (24-3) 

Class AAAAAA

  1. Langston Hughes (27-5)
  2. Gainesville (24-7)
  3. Jonesboro (23-9)
  4. Coffee (20-8)
  5. Tri-Cities (21-10)
  6. Heritage-Conyers (17-9)
  7. Brunswick (25-4)
  8. Douglas County (22-7)
  9. North Atlanta (21-10)
  10. Bradwell Institute (20-8) 

Class AAAAA

  1. Warner Robins (28-3)
  2. Miller Grove (23-8)
  3. Buford (24-5)
  4. Clarke Central (25-7)
  5. Lithonia (23-7)
  6. Hiram (23-10)
  7. Stockbridge (24-7)
  8. Eagle’s Landing (22-7)
  9. Starr’s Mill (21-8)
  10. Maynard Jackson (25-3)

Class AAAA

  1. Upson-Lee (31-0)
  2. St. Pius X (28-4)
  3. Sandy Creek (25-6)
  4. Baldwin (24-7)
  5. Carver-Columbus (22-9)
  6. Americus-Sumter (25-4)
  7. Salem (21-7)
  8. Cartersville (21-7)
  9. Burke County (15-9)
  10. Westover (22-7) 

Class AAA

  1. Greater Atlanta Christian (28-3)
  2. Jenkins (25-6)
  3. Morgan County (29-2)
  4. Westside-Macon (21-11)
  5. Johnson-Savannah (26-3)
  6. Cedar Grove (23-7)
  7. Central-Macon (23-6)
  8. Hart County (17-13)
  9. Cook (19-10)
  10. Pace Academy (17-12)

Class AA

  1. Thomasville (28-3)
  2. Vidalia (23-9)
  3. Glenn Hills (27-3)
  4. Laney (28-4)
  5. Therrell (20-8)
  6. Swainsboro (20-7)
  7. Dublin (23-4)
  8. South Atlanta (25-5)
  9. Jeff Davis (22-8)
  10. Elbert County (23-5)

Class A-Private

  1. Aquinas (27-5)
  2. St. Francis (27-4)
  3. Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (27-4)
  4. Holy Innocents’ (17-10)
  5. Christian Heritage (27-3)
  6. North Cobb Christian (23-6)
  7. Greenforest (16-12)
  8. Stratford Academy (19-8)
  9. Mt. Vernon Presbyterian (18-11)
  10. Lakeview Academy (21-8)

Class A-Public

  1. Wilkinson County (26-6)
  2. Montgomery County (27-3)
  3. Calhoun County (28-3)
  4. Central-Talbotton (23-4)
  5. Manchester (21-7)
  6. Woodville-Tompkins (25-4)
  7. Lanier County (25-4)
  8. Macon County (20-6)
  9. Georgia Military College (24-4)
  10. Terrell County (20-10)

GHSA State Championship Recaps

March 7 – Macon Centreplex

Class AA

Laney Wildcats basketball

(G) R4 #1 Laney 63, R4 #2 Josey 40 The Wildcats ripped off a 12-0 run after trailing 16-15 to find the cushion they needed to blow past Josey for a fifth time this season and win their second-straight state title and 62nd game in-a-row. Alabama-signee De’sha Benjamin was unstoppable with 19 of her game-high 26 points in the first half when it mattered most. She finished with 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Laney led 29-20 at the half, holding the Eagles to 22.7% shooting. Jhessyka Williams tacked on 19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Jaiden Hamilton tallied 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists as the third head of the Wildcat attack. Josey finished just 29.5% from the field and 3-of-14 from deep. Tykedra Rolland (10) and Rhykeria Rolland (7) were held to 17 points total. Ebony Clark led the Eagles with 12 points and 7 rebounds.

Thomasville Bulldogs basketball

(B) R1 #1 Thomasville 66, R2 #3 Vidalia 31 It was a blood bath from the opening tip as the bigger and more athletic Bulldogs ran wild with a 13-0 start. Sloppy Indian ball-handling led to turnovers while lazy transition defense accounted for six Bulldog first half dunks. The Indians shot 4-of-24 from the field (16.7%) and 1-of-14 from deep in the opening half as the Bulldogs led 41-10 at the break. McDonald’s All-American and Mississippi State-bound forward Reggie Perry finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks. Vonterius Woolbright added 17 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds. Titus Wright had 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. Vidalia was led by Tahj Jones’ 10 points. The Indians finished 2-of-25 from three. Thomasville outscored Vidalia 40-20 in the paint and had 22 points off turnovers.

Class A-Public

Greenville Lady Patriots basketball

(G#4 Greenville 73, #3 Marion County 52:  While Marion County came out double-teaming reigning Class A-Public Player of the Year and Mississippi State-signee Brittany Davis, the rest of the Lady Patriots picked up the slack, helping Greenville grab a 21-10 first quarter lead and building it to 43-26 at the break. Davis finished with 30 points (5-20 FG; 19-20 FT) 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block in her final game. Freshmen Shabrica Leslie and Jabrika Leslie came up big, Shabrica posting 14 points and 5 rebounds while Jabrika had 12 points. Nuriyah Slaton finished with 8 points, 16 rebounds and 5 steals. The Lady Patriots grabbed 24 offensive rebounds and put up 26 second-chance points. Greenville out-rebounded the bigger Eagles 54-46. Marion County was led by Torriunna Myers’ 15 points. Jameisha Williams chipped in 8 points. Ansley Whitley battled for 7 points, 18 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks.

Wilkinson County Warriors basketball

(B) #3 Wilkinson County 71, #5 Montgomery County 68: The Blue Storm took over the Macon Centreplex again, as the Warriors completed the three-peat, captured their 10th state title in school history and their sixth in the last eight years. Wilkinson County survived a gutsy performance from senior wing Jahleel Wilson who nearly willed the Eagles past the Warriors who are now 10-0 in state title games. Wilson had 27 points, 6 rebounds and 6 blocks as he carried the Eagles. Daveaun Coglin finished with 19 points but shot 7-of-24 from the field while Shaw Robinson, who scored 22 in the Final 4, finished 2-of-11 from the field with 5 points. Wilkinson County showed they could play a fast pace game, running up and down with the Eagles in the first quarter, taking a 21-18 lead after one. The two teams entered the half tied at 38. 6-foot-6 senior center Tylan Grable came off the bench to give Wilkinson County 11 points and 14 rebounds. Montgomery County fell behind 62-54 at the 2:44 mark of the fourth quarter but Wilson powered the team back into it, getting help from Daquan Jackson who netted two late hoops. Robinson came away with a steal and a layup to cut the lead to 67-66 with 29.2 seconds left. Having to foul, the Eagles sent Raequan Smith and Brandon Mayes to the line, who went 4-for-4. With 10.7 seconds left, Coach Christopher Owens drew up a three-point look for Robinson, who struggled all night. The guard that averaged 19 points per game on the season, shot an air-ball, sealing the Eagles’ fate. Wilkinson County was paced by Jaylen Lamar’s efficient night, shooting 9-of-14 from the field for 22 points. Devin Jones chipped in 12 points and 4 assists in the win. Montgomery County out-shot the Warriors 72-to-50, but Wilkinson County sank 50% of their shots while Montgomery connected at a 36.1% clip and just 3-of-18 from three.

March 8 – Macon Centreplex

Class AAA

Johnson Atomsmashers girls basketball

(GR3 #2 Johnson-Savannah 62, R7 #1 GAC 50: The Atomsmashers atoned for last year’s state title game flop by locking down the paint and shutting down a potent GAC offense with three D-I commits. 6-foot-5 senior Giana Copeland swatted 7 shots in the first 6-plus minutes of the game and finished with 3 points, 12 rebounds and 12 blocks total.  GAC shot 1-of-15 in the first quarter and just 22.1% for the entire game.  Down 52-39 in the fourth quarter with 2:27 left, the Spartans finally made their move, sparking a 9-1 run to close to within 53-48 with 1:27 left. But from that point on, Bubbles Williams, J’Mya Cutter and Jasmine Thompson combined to go 9-of-10 from the line to ice it. Cutter finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds while Thompson added 13 points and 8 rebounds. Williams finished her career with 12 points and 4 assists. Caria Reynolds (Hofstra) led GAC with 13 points and 11 rebounds on 3-of-15 shooting. Taylor Sutton (MTSU) scored 12 points on 5-of-15 shooting and Wofford-bound forward Mary Martha Turner had 6 points and 18 rebounds. Kennedi Williams gave the Spartans a spark at guard with 10 points and 7 assists.

Greater Atlanta Christian basketball

(B) R7 #1 GAC 67, R3 #2 Jenkins 53: The Spartans turned a 25-20 halftime deficit into a state title under alumnus David Eaton. Ben Sheppard keyed a 24-point third quarter by sinking two of the Spartans’ four trifectas in the frame. Sheppard scored 8 of his 15 points in the quarter as the Spartans edged ahead with a 44-38 lead and would never trail again, bouncing back from a 15-1 run that gave Jenkins the lead at the half. Hunter McIntosh iced the game from the line in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 of his game-high 19 points in the final eight minutes including finishing 14-of-19 from the stripe. Michigan football-commit Chris Hinton piled in 12 of his 16 points in the second half and collected 4 rebounds and 4 assists in the process. Roy Dixon scored 13 points to help the cause. Jenkins was led by Sai Fisher’s 12 points and Mye’on Williams’ 11 points and 6 rebounds. Matthew Sams netted 10.

Class AAAAA

Buford Lady Wolves basketball

(G) R8 #1 Buford 60, R8 #2 Flowery Branch 49: Buford defeated Flowery Branch for the fourth time this season and seventh in the past two years as the Lady Wolves repeated as state champs and won their sixth title in school-history. Buford held Flowery Branch under the magic number of 50 — all three of the Wolves’ losses this season coming when they allowed over the half century mark. Michigan State-signee Tory Ozment poured in 15 of her game-high 28 points in the first half to go along with her 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Ebony Grant added 12 points. Flowery Branch was paced Alabama-signee Taniyah Worth who finished her career with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists before fouling out with 1:11 remaining down 60-48.  Caroline Wysocki struggled from the field going 1-of-7 to finish with 10 points.

Warner Robins Demons basketball

(B) R1 #1 Warner Robins 67, R5 #3 Miller Grove 64: In a tug-of-war game to finish a less than competitive week back at the Macon Centreplex, Jacolbey Owens drilled a three with 1.3 seconds left to give Warner Robins their first-ever state championship. Miller Grove got off to a hot start, up 15-6 in the first quarter behind eight quick Lorenzo Anderson points. At the end of one, the Wolverines held a 15-10 lead and kept Georgia State-commit Nelson Phillips scoreless. Phillips scored his first basket at the 5:31 mark with the Demons down 19-14 in the second quarter. At the half, Miller Grove maintained a slim 31-29 lead. While Phillips was 3-of-8 from the field, Jacolbey Owens led the charge with nine points but shot just 3-of-7 from the line. In the third quarter, Phillips flew in from the left baseline corner to throw down a one-handed put-back jam to push the Demon lead to 39-35. A Jaydon Norman layup capped a 12-2 run for Warner Robins, giving them a 43-35 lead at the 2:44 mark. The Demons carried a 51-44 advantage into the final frame, but Miller Grove would not go away. After a quiet third quarter, Anderson scored 8 of his team-high 19 points in the fourth. With 2:33 left on the clock, the Wolverines caught up to the Demons at 60-60. Owens was sent to the line where he was 3-of-10 at the time and as a team, Warner Robins was 18-of-32 at that point. Owens sank both free throws and did the same at the 1:54 mark to make it 64-60. The Demons finished 22-of-36 from the line (61.1%) while the Wolverines didn’t fare much better at 66.7% (16-of-24). Down four, Anderson got to the line and converted both attempts. Less than a minute late, Maurice Harvey, who finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, did the same, knotting the game up at 64 with 51 seconds remaining. The Demons held for one shot. Instead of getting the ball in the hands of star Nelson Phillips, who finished 6-of-15 for 16 points and 10 rebounds, Coach Jamaal Garman saw Owens control their destiny. Owens went to his left, pump faked, and sailed a three over the outstretched arm of TJ Stargell, drilling it — Warner Robins’ only made three of the game (1-for-11) — sending the crowd into a frenzy. Warner Robins went out to celebrate, but the Wolverines got a second chance at life, as the referees added 1.3 seconds back on the clock. Miller Grove’s final inbound heave was fumbled away, giving the Demons a state championship just 21 miles away from home. Owens finished with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Jaydon Norman added 13 points and 5 rebounds. The Demons collected 18 points off turnovers and out-rebounded the larger Wolverines 43-to-36, grabbing 22 offensive rebounds. Miller Grove received 11 points from Terrence Edwards and 7 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists from TJ Stargell.

March 9 – McCamish Pavilion

Class A-Private

Wesleyan Lady Wolves basketball

(G#6 Wesleyan 61, #1 Holy Innocents’ 44  After beating the Wolves three times in the regular season, Holy Innocents’ kryptonite rared its ugly head again on the biggest stage. After blowing a 17-point lead last year in the title game, this time the Golden Bears trailed through out and lost to Wesleyan for the third time in the past four state championships. The Wolves’ repeat was led by Furman-signee Sutton West’s 17 points and 8 rebounds. AC Carter had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Old Dominion-signee Amaya Register scored 12 points and freshman Paige Lyons added 10 points and 6 rebounds. UGA-signee Kaila Hubbard finished her Holy Innocents’ career with 18 points and 4 rebounds.  Jada Farrell  had 13 points and 9 rebounds while freshman Jillian Hollingshead tallied 5 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks. Kennedy Suttle, a Penn-signee that had 16 points and 13 rebounds in last year’s final, was held to 4 points and 7 rebounds. As a team, the Golden Bears shot a woeful 27.1% from the field.

(B) #6 Aquinas 65, #4 St. Francis 60: St. Francis missed three three-pointers in the final 33 seconds as Aquinas won their first-ever state title. The Knights led 33-26 at the half, weathering a 12-to-4 foul count and a 13-of-15 free throw shooting effort, but in the third quarter, the game came to a screeching halt. The Irish outscored St. Francis 25-to-9 in the third as both Tre Gomillion and Trent Bowdre scored 8 apiece in the quarter. As a team, the Irish connected on 10-of-12 field goals in the third after shooting 6-of-19 in the first half. Aquinas controlled a 51-42 lead heading into the fourth. Dwon Odom scored nine of his game-high 22 points in the quarter. At the 6:47 mark of the fourth quarter, the Irish held a 55-48 lead. The Knights fought back and cut the deficit to 61-60 after Odom collected a steal and drained a three-pointer in transition with 48.7 remaining. The Knights had Daniel Parrish trapped in the corner on the press, but were called for a foul that sent the South Carolina move-in to the line. Parrish missed the front-end of the one-and-one, giving the Knights one last look with 8.9 seconds showing on the clock. Coach Drew Catlett designed a misdirection play that found CJ Riley open in the corner for a good look, but his three-pointer was off and Parrish secured the rebound, knocked down both free throws and clinched the title. As a team, the Irish went 24-of-27 from the line. St. Francis opened up 15-7 in the first quarter going 4-of-9 from deep, but finished just 6-of-26 for the game. Gomillion led Aquinas with 16 points and 14 rebounds after having just four points at the half. Dajuan Hill added 15 points and 5 rebounds while Parrish (14) and Bowdre (10) each hit double figures. Riley finished with 18 points and 4 assists for the Knights. Chase Ellis was quiet with 10 points.

Class AAAAAA

Lovejoy Lady Wildcats basketball

(G) R4 #1 Lovejoy 57, R6 #1 Harrison 41: Lovejoy used a 12-0 run to start the fourth quarter, outscoring the Lady Hoyas 23-to-5 to gain control and win their first-ever state title. After being held to 1-point in the first half, Genesis Bryant scored nine in the third quarter to spark the Wildcats, but Lovejoy still trailed 36-34. In the fourth quarter, it was fellow sophomore Anaya Boyd’s turn to carry the load. Boyd finished with 20 points and 5 rebounds, scoring nine in the fourth quarter. Bryant finished with 14 points. Avanna Preston scored 8 points while Kayla Brown collected 8 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks. The Wildcats cut down on their turnovers after committing 12 in the first half and finished with 16 on the night. Harrison turned it over 17 times, seven times in the second half. The Lady Hoyas were led by GCSU-signee Harper Vick’s 10 points and 4 assists. Sarah Woghiren had 8 points and 7 rebounds. Eastyn King and Amara Newsom each had 6 points. UAB-signee Audrey Jordan fouled out and was held to just three shot attempts, finishing with 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Langston Hughes Panthers Basketball

(B) R5 #1 Langston Hughes 85, R8 #1 Gainesville 78: In front of alumnus Deshaun Watson, Gainesville led by as many as 14 points at 42-28 at the 2:05 mark of the second quarter and carried a 45-38 lead into the half, but the Panthers of Langston Hughes would not be denied, as Coach Rory Welsh and company repeated as state champs. Saddled with foul trouble the entire game, the Red Elephants were able to control the tempo and slice up the Panthers defense in the first half. Kajuan Hale scored 13 of his 15 points in the half while Gainesville made Virginia Tech-signee Landers Nolley work for everything he got, scoring 16 points but also facilitating with five assists. Down seven points, Langston Hughes needed players other than Nolley to step up. Tyrel Morgan scored eight of his 14 points in the first half to provide support, but Tyler Smith was quiet with just three points and two rebounds.  Following a dormant opening 16 minutes, Smith brought a spark, scoring eight points in the third as the Panthers surged past Gainesville to take a 65-59 lead into the fourth. Gainesville’s final lead of the game came at the 2:16 mark of the third quarter up 57-56.  Middle Tennessee State-signee KJ Buffen scored all 13 of his points in the first half but sat in the second with foul trouble, only managing to take two shots in the second half. Not tested since their 83-81 comeback win at Buford on January 20, the Red Elephants faced adversity for the first time in a long time.  At the 1:47 mark of the fourth, Langston Hughes captured their largest lead of the game at 78-67 after a Tyler Smith And-1 and a technical foul on Brent Kelly that gave Nolley a pair of freebies. Instead of rolling over, the Red Elephants fought back in Coach Benjie Wood’s final game on the Gainesville sidelines. Bailey Minor completed a 4-point play, Hale split a pair of free throws and Rafael Rubel finished a layup to make it 78-74 with 1:13 remaining in the blink of an eye. Rubel would then add a three to make it 80-77 with 48 seconds to play, but that would be as close as the Red Elephants would get as Langston Hughes went 8-of-9 from the foul line in the fourth quarter. Nolley finished his illustrious career with three state titles — two in Georgia and three in a row including a sophomore championship campaign at Curie, IL. The future Hokie poured in 34 points (17-of-20 FT), 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Smith added 17 points. Gainesville was led by Minor’s 17 points. Rubel chipped in 12 points.

March 10 – McCamish Pavilion

Class AAAA

Spalding Lady Jaguars basketball

(GR2 #1 Spalding 58, R4 #1 Henry County 46: Sophomore forward Corriana Evans exploded for 19 points and 17 rebounds as the Jaguars raced past Henry County. Kirah Milner scored 9 points and Kiana Banks added 8 points and 9 rebounds. In the loss, Auburn-signee Brooke Moore had 21 points. Amaiya Jackson tallied 10 points and 8 rebounds. As a team, the War Hawks shot 6-of-29 from deep and 26.8% overall.

Upson-Lee basketball

B) R2 #1 Upson-Lee 70, R8 #1 St. Pius X 54: 63-straight. The Knights repeated as state champions, racing past the Golden Lions in the second half after trailing 33-32 at the break. With JaCorey Smith suspended, junior guard Jarrett Adderton stepped up. In his first showdown with the Golden Lions after transferring in from Florida in the off-season, the 6-foot-2 sparkplug provided the Knights with 16 points (7-11 FG) — 10 in the first half — 5 rebounds and 5 assists. St. Pius held their largest lead of the night at 33-25 after back-to-back Everett Lane threes with 1:04 left in the second quarter, but the Knights closed on a 7-0 run, capped by an Adderton block which led to a Tye Fagan layup with two seconds left. The Golden Lions drilled 5-of-14 threes in the first half and got eight points from Troy Stephens. But in the second half, the Knights slammed the door shut, St. Pius going 1-of-9. With the deep ball not dropping, the Golden Lions still harassed the Knights and trailed 44-40 with 1:19 left in the third before a Fagan layup and an Adderton jumper pushed the lead to 48-42 heading into the final quarter. In the fourth, the Knights ran wild as the Golden Lions’ tank was on E. A 14-2 run saw contributions from everyone, growing the lead to 64-47 with 2:49 showing on the clock. Fagan, a MTSU-commit, finished his high school career with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. Travon Walker helped the Knights dominate the paint for a second-consecutive time against the Lions, collecting 11 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks as the Knights out-rebounded St. Pius 43-to-28, blocked 11 shots and outscored St. Pius 40-28 in the paint. Zyrice Scott netted 14 points to go with his 4 rebounds and 5 assists. The X-factor in last year’s game, Everett Lane, finished with 11 points to pace the Golden Lions. Cameron Traylor drew the defensive duties and helped keep Lane in check as he took his first shot attempt at the 6:46 mark of the second quarter. Matt Gonzalo had 8 points and 4 assists while Zach Ranson added 9 points. The Golden Lions scored 19 points off 18 Upson-Lee turnovers. The Knights now await a call from the GEICO Nationals.

Class AAAAAAA

Westlake Lady Lions basketball

(GR2 #1 Westlake 60, R8 #1 Newton 45: Westlake led 39-32 at the end of three and pulled away late to claim their first state title. Anastasia Warren poured in 22 points while freshman Raven Johnson had 15 points and 11 rebounds including grabbing her own missed free throw and finishing a bucket inside to put the game out of reach at 50-41 with 1:13 remaining. Taylor Hosendove added 10 points and 6 rebounds. Newton was powered by Jurnee Smith’s 25 points and 6 rebounds. Lexii Chatman added 13 points and 7 rebounds.

Meadowcreek Mustangs basketball

(B) R7 #2 Meadowcreek 56, R7 #1 Norcross 43: For a second straight season, Norcross entered the state title game with momentum and labeled a slight favorite, but again it wasn’t in the cards. After beating Meadowcreek  three times this season, twice on buzzer-beaters, the Blue Devil magic ran out as the Mustangs used a 13-1 run to open the fourth quarter and squeeze Norcross into submission, capturing their first-ever state championship. Dequarius Nicholas scored 10 of his game-high 16 points in the fourth quarter, going 5-of-6 from the foul line. Brandon Boston fouled out at the 6:10 mark with Meadowcreek up 38-37. With Boston’s 13 points on the bench, the Mustangs outscored Norcross 18-6 the rest of the way. Kyle Sturdivant finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds, but his late-game heroics never came into play. Meadowcreek pounded the interior all night, outscoring the Blue Devils in the paint 30-to-16. Duquesne-signee Amari Kelly posted 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks while Detroit-signee Cory Hightower put up 6 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Meadowcreek closed out the game with a bang at the 1:55 mark as freshman Kedrick Green delivered a behind-the-back pass to Jamir Chaplin for a big slam to make it 46-37.

Chaplin finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds while Green added 5 points. Meadowcreek tallied 12 assists on the night compared to just two for the Blue Devils. As a team, Norcross was held to 31% shooting. UGA-signee JoJo Toppin had 8 points and 7 rebounds while Issa Muhammad managed 4 points and 4 rebounds. Norcross shot 1-of-14 from three.