Category Archives: GHSA Basketball

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Girls Basketball

State Championship Top Performers

Girls

Tatyana Wyatt – Columbus
27 points (7-18 FG; 3-7 3PT; 10-10 FT) 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 5 blocks

De’sha Benjamin – Laney
25 points (10-21 FG; 0-2 3PT; 5-10 FT) 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 5 blocks

Jaiden Hamilton – Laney
22 points (8-16 FG; 0-3 3PT; 6-8 FT) 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Ja’Nya Love-Hill – Carver-Columbus
25 points (8-21 FG; 1-4 3PT; 8-13 FT) 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals

Tory Ozment – Buford
18 points (7-17 FG; 4-7 3PT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals

Kamiyah Street – Mays
26 points (9-21 FG; 0-4 3PT; 8-11 FT) 6 rebounds, 4 assists

Que Morrison – McEachern
24 points (7-16 FG; 2-6 3PT; 8-12 FT) 6 rebounds, 4 assists

Vanessa Blagmon – Norcross
23 points (10-23 FG; 1-5 3PT; 1-5 FT) 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals

Mikayla Coombs – Wesleyan
17 points (6-13 FG; 2-6 3PT; 3-4 FT) 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals

Ogheneruona Uwusiaba – Southwest DeKalb
16 points (8-12 FG; 0-1 FT) 16 rebounds, 1 block

Judasia Hills – Beach
19 points (6-11 FG; 1-1 3PT; 6-7 FT) 12 rebounds

Boys

Phlan Fleming – Cedar Shoals
30 points (11-24 FG; 1-7 3PT; 7-8 FT) 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks

Wendell Carter – Pace Academy
20 points (6-11 FG; 1-2 3PT; 7-13 FT) 17 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block

Marcus Watson – Buford
27 points (8-16 FG; 2-5 3PT; 9-13 FT) 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks

Rashun Williams – Calhoun County
25 points (8-21 FG; 2-8 3PT; 7-11 FT) 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 block

Landers Nolley – Langston Hughes
26 points (7-12 FG; 1-1 3PT; 11-12 FT) 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block

Justin Forrest – Greenforest
36 points (9-15 FG; 5-10 3PT; 13-15 FT) 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

Everett Lane – St. Pius X
29 points (9-20 FG; 7-15 3PT; 4-7 FT) 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals

Tye Fagan – Upson-Lee
20 points (8-18 FG; 1-6 3PT; 3-4 FT) 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks

Tyler Thornton – South Atlanta
11 points (4-8 FG; 3-7 FT) 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 4 blocks

Micah Johnson – Tift County
24 points (4-11 FG; 0-2 3PT; 16-18 FT) 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal

Derrick Cook – Langston Hughes
19 points (8-15 FG; 1-2 3PT; 2-3 FT) 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Honors

2016-17 GHSA All-State Boys Basketball Honors

Sandy’s Spiel Mr. Basketball: Chuma Okeke, Westlake, Sr.

All-Georgia

FIRST TEAM
G – Collin Sexton, Pebblebrook, Sr.
G – Landers Nolley, Langston Hughes, Jr.
F – Isaac Okoro, McEachern, So.
F – Chuma Okeke, Westlake, Sr.
C – Wendell Carter, Pace Academy, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Will Richardson, Liberty County, Jr.
G – MJ Walker, Jonesboro, Sr.
F – Khavon Moore, Westside-Macon, Jr.
G – DeAundrae Ballard, SACA, Sr.
C – Ikey Obiagu, Greenforest, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Ashton Hagans, Newton, So.
F – Demiere Brown, North Cobb Christian, Sr.
F – Rayshaun Hammonds, Norcross, Sr.
G – Alex O’Connell, Milton, Sr.
G – Al Durham, Berkmar, Sr.
G – Davion Mitchell, Liberty County, Sr.
G – Isaiah Hart, Whitefield Academy, Sr.
G – Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Jr.
F – PJ Horne, Tift County, Sr.
F – Marcus Watson, Buford, So.
G – Phlan Fleming, Cedar Shoals, Sr.

Class AAAAAAA

Coach of the Year: Eric Holland, Tift County (29-2 State Champs; Defeated three nationally ranked teams en route to championship including No. 1, 2, 4 & 7 in the state)
Player of the Year: Chuma Okeke, Westlake, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Toneari Lane, Parkview
Best Scorer: Collin Sexton, Pebblebrook, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Chuma Okeke, Westlake, Sr.
Best Passer: Ashton Hagans, Newton, So.
Best Shot Blocker: TJ Massenburg, Shiloh, Sr.
Most Underrated: Adam Flagler, Duluth, Jr.
Most Improved Team: Roswell 21-6 (Region 4 regular season champs; Improved from 10-16)
Most Improved: CJ Smith, Forsyth Central, Sr. (Improved from 7.6 ppg/1.3 rpg/0.9 apg/0.4 spg to 19.1 ppg/3.5 rpg/2.7 apg/1.8 spg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Collin Sexton, Pebblebrook, Sr.
G – Ashton Hagans, Newton, So.
F – Chuma Okeke, Westlake, Sr.
F – Isaac Okoro, McEachern, So.
F – Rayshaun Hammonds, Norcross, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Alex O’Connell, Milton, Sr.
G – JD Notae, Newton, Sr.
G – Al Durham, Berkmar, Sr.
F – PJ Horne, Tift County, Sr.
F – EJ Montgomery, Wheeler, Jr.

Honorable Mention
G – Isaiah Miller, Newton, Sr.
G – Darius Perry, Wheeler, Sr.
G – Elias Harden, Pebblebrook, Sr.
F – Evan Cole, South Forsyth, Sr.
G – Travis Anderson, Grayson, Jr.
G – Bubba Parham, Brookwood, Sr.
G – DeMierre Black, Hillgrove, Sr.
F – Lance Thomas, Norcross, Sr.
F – TJ Massenburg, Shiloh, Sr
G – Jay Estime, Berkmar, Sr.
G – Danny Lewis, Westlake, Sr.

Class AAAAAA

Coach of the Year: Rory Welsh, Langston Hughes (25-8 State Champs; Won championship as three-seed with no home games; Played without D-I signee for final weeks of season)
Player of the Year: Landers Nolley, Langston Hughes, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Donovan Shipp, Sequoyah
Best Scorer: MJ Walker, Jonesboro, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Deon Berrien, Lakeside-Evans, Sr.
Best Passer: Xavier Bledson, Gainesville, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Kyler Ingram, Cambridge, Jr.
Most Underrated: Bailey Minor, Gainesville, Jr.
Most Improved Team: Alpharetta 25-4 (Region 7 regular season champs; Improved from 10-18)
Most Improved: Arusha Hunter, Dacula, Jr. (Improved from 4.2 ppg/2.3 rpg to 17.3 ppg/4.9 rpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – MJ Walker, Jonesboro, Sr.
G – Landers Nolley, Langston Hughes, Jr.
G – Kane Williams, South Paulding, Sr.
G – Trey Doomes, Allatoona, Jr.
F – Ja’Cori Wilson, South Paulding, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Avery Wilson, Forest Park, Sr.
G – Jordan Thomas, Heritage-Conyers, Sr.
G – Trevin Wade, South Cobb, Jr.
G – Derrick Cook, Langston Hughes, Sr.
G – Isaiah Banks, Heritage-Conyers, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Arusha Hunter, Dacula, Jr.
G – Kalen Williams, Lakeside-Evans, So.
F – Deon Berrien, Lakeside-Evans, Sr.
G – Justin Brown, Northview, Jr.
G – LaTrell Tate, Osborne, Sr.
G – Brandon Barron, Alpharetta, So.
G – Grant Howard, Alexander, Jr.
F – Tyson Jackson, Creekside, Jr.
G – Alex Watson, Pope, Sr.
G – Dereck Lampkin, Brunswick, Sr.
G – Bryce Latimer, Stephenson, Jr.

Class AAAAA

Coach of the Year: Eddie Martin, Buford (29-2 State Champs; Undefeated in Georgia; Defeated Cedar Shoals four times)
Player of the Year: Marcus Watson, Buford, So.
Freshman of the Year: Tailique Williams, Harris County
Best Scorer: Marcus Watson, Buford, So.
Best Rebounder: JaQuavius Hayes, Maynard Jackson, Sr.
Best Passer: Alex Jones, Buford, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Aquavious Fanning, Harris County, Sr.
Most Underrated: Jashun McNeil, Clarkston, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Buford 29-2 (State Champions; Improved from 16-12)
Most Improved: Kavonte Ivery, Stockbridge, Jr. (Improved from 11.1 ppg to 18.9 ppg/11.6 rpg/3 spg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Phlan Fleming, Cedar Shoals, Sr.
G – Alex Jones, Buford, Jr.
G – Nelson Phillips, Warner Robins, Jr.
F – Noah Gurley, Fayette County, Sr.
F – Marcus Watson, Buford, So.

SECOND TEAM
G – Tae Hardy, Miller Grove, Sr.
G – Oronte’ Anderson, New Hampstead, Sr.
F – Kavonte Ivery, Stockbridge, Jr.
F – JaQuavius Hayes, Maynard Jackson, Sr.
F – Josh Linder, Veterans, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Elijah Jenkins, Riverwood, Sr.
G – Jalen Cobb, Columbia, Sr.
F – Terrance Boykin, Columbia, Jr.
G – Darius Giles, Arabia Mountain, Sr.
G – Austin Nesmith, Fayette County, Sr.
F – Mohammed Abubukar, Eagle’s Landing, Sr.
G – Wesley Simpson, Union Grove, Jr.
F – Glenn Robinson, Chamblee, Sr.
G – Ceaunte Zachery, Lithia Springs, Sr.
G – Jacolbey Owens, Warner Robins, Jr.
F – Cameron Harvey, Statesboro, Sr.

Class AAAA

Coach of the Year: Aaron Parr, St. Pius (24-8 State Runner-Up; First championship appearance since 1992; No current D-I players; Started season 6-5)
Player of the Year: Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Jacorrei Turner, Woodward Academy
Best Scorer: Javon Greene, Henry County, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Travon Walker, Upson-Lee, So.
Best Passer: Kris Gardner, Westover, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Cordale Scott, Northside-Columbus, Sr.
Most Underrated: Julian Cameron, Woodward Academy, Sr.
Most Improved Team: LaFayette 23-5 (First home playoff win in school history; First Sweet 16 appearance in five years; Improved from 12-13)
Most Improved: Desmeontay Dyer, Eastside, Sr. (Improved from JV to 17.7 ppg/10.8 rpg/2.8 spg on Varsity)

FIRST TEAM
G – Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, Jr.
G – Javon Greene, Henry County, Sr.
G – Keiodre Perry, Eastside, Sr.
G – Damion Rosser, Henry County, Sr.
G – Daniel Melvin, Carver-Columbus, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Cameron Holden, Mary Persons, Jr.
G – Jaylon Pugh, Cartersville, Jr.
G – Laperion Perry, LaGrange, Sr.
G – Kris Gardner, Westover, Jr.
F – Evan Jester, Sandy Creek, Sr.

Honorable Mention
C – Ahsan Asadullah, North Clayton, Sr.
G – Zyrice Scott, Upson-Lee, So.
F – Jordan Foote, Druid Hills, Sr.
F – Moses Williams, Richmond Academy, Sr.
G – DT Stephens, Richmond Academy, Jr.
G – Radaren Johnson, Thomson, Sr.
G – Alex Kelehear, LaFayette, So.
G – Everett Lane, St. Pius, Jr.
F – John Ward, White County, Sr.
F – De’Undra Singleton, Stephens County, Jr.
G – Desmeontay Dyer, Eastside, Sr.

Class AAA

Coach of the Year: Jamond Sims, Morgan County (25-6 State Runner-Up; Returned to title game after losing three D-I signees; Only three seniors; Three sophomores play prominent role – two start)
Player of the Year: Wendell Carter, Pace Academy, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Courtney Greene, Rutland
Best Scorer: Will Richardson, Liberty County, Jr.
Best Rebounder: Wendell Carter, Pace Academy, Sr.
Best Passer: Porter Law, Calhoun, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Wendell Carter, Pace Academy, Sr.
Most Underrated: Tyonn Stuckey, Redan, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Sonoraville 22-8 (Best record in school history; Improved from 11-13)
Most Improved: Ulysses Williams, Monroe, Sr. (Improved from 6.7 ppg/3 rpg/1.1 spg to 21.2 ppg/7.2rpg/2.9 spg/1.7 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Will Richardson, Liberty County, Jr.
G – Davion Mitchell, Liberty County, Sr.
F – Khavon Moore, Westside-Macon, Jr.
F – Trevion Lamar, Jenkins, Sr.
C – Wendell Carter, Pace Academy, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Ryan Greer, Lovett, So.
G – Antarious McCoy, Central-Macon, Sr.
G – Trae Broadnax, Islands, So.
F – Isaiah Kelly, Pace Academy, Jr.
F – Jaylin Williams, Brantley County, So.

Honorable Mention
G – Quentavious Dean, Crisp County, Sr.
G – Alec Woodard, Morgan County, So.
G – Tyonn Stuckey, Redan, Sr.
G – Justin Cave, Islands, Sr.
G – Zach Pulley, Lumpkin County, Sr.
F – Chapin Rierson, Calhoun, Sr.
G – Zion Williams, Jenkins, Sr.
G – Luke Cooper, East Hall, Jr.
F – Tyler Phillips, Coahulla Creek, Sr.
F – Charlie O’Briant, Greater Atlanta Christian, Sr.
F – Jamari Dean, Cedar Grove, Jr.

Class AA

Coach of the Year: Michael Reddick, South Atlanta (29-1 State Champs; Undefeated in Georgia; Won state championship by 35; Won Peach State Classic)
Player of the Year: Kameron Pauldo, Dublin, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Ja’Queze Kirby, Jeff Davis
Best Scorer: Kameron Pauldo, Dublin, Jr.
Best Rebounder: Reggie Perry, Thomasville, Jr.
Best Passer: Darius Bonds, Banks County, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Dylan Orr, Banks County, Jr.
Most Underrated: Darius Dunn, Northeast-Macon, So.
Most Improved Team: Glenn Hills 16-10 (Improved from 3-19)
Most Improved: Laberton Sims, Toombs County, Sr. (Improved from 1.8 ppg/1.8 rpg at Tift County to 14.1 ppg/11.1 rpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Kameron Pauldo, Dublin, Jr.
G – Jaylan McKinney, Swainsboro, Jr.
G – Carl Johnson, Putnam County, Sr.
F – Reggie Perry, Thomasville, Jr.
F – Tyler Thornton, South Atlanta, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Devonta Pullins, South Atlanta, Sr.
G – Aaron Ridley, Southwest-Macon, Sr.
G – Deandre Barton, Butler, Sr.
G – Jay Shropshire, Chattooga, Sr.
F – Kahmal Wiley, Banks County, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Ashton Bonner, Monticello, Jr.
G – Isaiah Foster, Chattooga, Sr.
F – Corey Moore, Therrell, Sr.
G – Justin Phillips, Westside-Augusta, Sr.
G – Tahj Jones, Vidalia, Jr.
C – Timmy Sellers, Glenn Hills, Jr.
F – Dylan Orr, Banks County, Jr.
G – Stavon Griggs, KIPP Atlanta, Sr.
F – Ja’Queze Kirby, Jeff Davis, Fr.
G – Donald Henley, Laney, Jr.
G – Braylon Sanders, Callaway, Sr.

Class A-Private

Coach of the Year: Drew Catlett, St. Francis (Finished 25-6; Final Four appearance playing only one senior, three freshmen and two sophomores)
Player of the Year: DeAundrae Ballard, SACA, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Dwon Odom, St. Francis
Best Scorer: Demiere Brown, North Cobb Christian, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Victor Enoh, Greenforest, Sr.
Best Passer: Collier Schultz, Landmark Christian, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Ikey Obiagu, Greenforest, Sr.
Most Underrated: Christian Koneman, Christian Heritage, Jr.
Most Improved Team: Aquinas 26-2 (Region 7 champions; Elite Eight; Improved from 11-8 in Coach Darren Douglas’ first year)
Most Improved: John Stewart, Hebron Christian, Sr. (Improved from 7 ppg/5 rpg to 15.1 ppg/6.9 rpg/3.1 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Isaiah Hart, Whitefield Academy, Sr.
G – Justin Forrest, Greenforest, Sr.
F – DeAundrae Ballard, SACA, Sr.
F – Demiere Brown, North Cobb Christian, Sr.
C – Ikey Obiagu, Greenforest, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Dwon Odom, St. Francis, Fr.
G – Cole Smith, Holy Innocents’, Sr.
G – Tre Gomillion, Aquinas, Jr.
G – Christian McLean, Wesleyan, Jr.
G – Tre Gober, Lakeview Academy, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Drew Cottrell, Lakeview Academy, Jr.
G – Calvin Slaughter, Tattnall Square Academy, Sr.
G – Quinn Richey, Mt. Pisgah, So.
F – Abayomi Iyiola, Greenforest, Sr.
F – Victor Enoh, Greenforest, Sr.
F – Jules Erving, Holy Innocents’, Sr.
G – Jelani Shakir, Aquinas, Jr.
G – CJ Ackles, Mt. Zion-Carroll, Jr.
C – Walker Kessler, Landmark Christian, Fr.
F – Chase Ellis, St. Francis, Fr.
F – Eric Coleman, King’s Ridge, So.

Class A-Public

Coach of the Year: Dr. Aaron Geter Jr., Wilkinson County (25-7 State Champs; Repeat as champions; Ninth title)
Player of the Year: Rashun Williams, Calhoun County, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Keundre Campbell, Webster County
Best Scorer: Clarence Jackson, Wilkinson County, Jr.
Best Rebounder: Tamarrion Terry, Turner County, Sr.
Best Passer: Tyrese Brown, Marion County, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Ahmad Rand, Lincoln County, Sr.
Most Underrated: Josh Rodgers, Marion County, So.
Most Improved Team: Calhoun County 28-2 (Improved from 18-10; State Runner-Up)
Most Improved: Deondre Lester, Washington-Wilkes, So. (Improved from 5.5 ppg/1.8 rpg/1.4 apg to 15 ppg/4.1 rpg/3.5 apg/2.9 spg

FIRST TEAM
G – Clarence Jackson, Wilkinson County, Jr.
G – Clayton Jenkins, Macon County, Jr.
F – Rashun Williams, Calhoun County, Jr.
F – Tamarrion Terry, Turner County, Sr.
F – Ahmad Rand, Lincoln County, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Laqueveus Nelson, Quitman County, So.
G – Jah’Nile Hill, Manchester, Jr.
G – JaQuavius Smith, Central-Talbotton, Jr.
F – T.K. McClendon, Treutlen, Sr.
F – Octavius Meadows, Bowdon, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Jerrod Jones, Clinch County, Sr.
F – Trey Brown, Macon County, Jr.
G – Tyreke Williams, Taliaferro County, Jr.
G – Shahee Billings, Quitman County, Jr.
G – Maciah Gunby, Lincoln County, Jr.
G – Malik Foston, Georgia Military, So.
G – Lyn-J Dixon, Taylor County, Jr.
F – John Corbin, Taylor County, Sr.
G – Zuri Brown, Twiggs County, Sr.
G – Arkavious Lovett, Treutlen, So.
F – ZyTavian Hill, Central-Talbotton, Jr.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Rankings

Final 2016-17 Boys Rankings

Class AAAAAAA

  1. Tift County (29-2)
  2. Norcross (26-6)
  3. McEachern (29-1)
  4. Newton (28-2)
  5. Pebblebrook (20-8)
  6. Grayson (21-10)
  7. Westlake (18-11)
  8. Wheeler (21-9)
  9. Berkmar (21-8)
  10. Brookwood (16-14)

Class AAAAAA

  1. Langston Hughes (25-8)
  2. Brunswick (23-9)
  3. South Cobb (23-8)
  4. South Paulding (28-2)
  5. Allatoona (21-9)
  6. Gainesville (28-2)
  7. Tri-Cities (18-14)
  8. Jonesboro (23-6)
  9. Dacula (20-9)
  10. Northside-Warner Robins (15-15)

Class AAAAA

  1. Buford (29-2)
  2. Cedar Shoals (27-5)
  3. Fayette County (23-8)
  4. Miller Grove (21-9)
  5. Warner Robins (26-4)
  6. Riverwood (23-6)
  7. New Hampstead (18-9)
  8. Carver-Atlanta (17-14)
  9. Eagle’s Landing (21-7)
  10. Columbia (21-8)

Class AAAA

  1. Upson-Lee (32-0)
  2. St. Pius X (24-8)
  3. Henry County (24-6)
  4. Sandy Creek (23-8)
  5. LaGrange (26-4)
  6. Carver-Columbus (21-7)
  7. Perry (22-9)
  8. Thomson (16-12)
  9. Richmond Academy (23-6)
  10. Westover (18-11)

Class AAA

  1. Pace Academy (26-8)
  2. Morgan County (25-6)
  3. Liberty County (22-6)
  4. Westside-Macon (25-4)
  5. Calhoun (23-5)
  6. Jenkins (22-8)
  7. Islands (19-10)
  8. Lovett (20-11)
  9. Johnson-Savannah (19-10) 
  10. Central-Macon (20-8)

Class AA

  1. South Atlanta (29-1)
  2. Swainsboro (21-11)
  3. Dublin (26-6) 
  4. Josey (23-9)
  5. Chattooga (26-2)
  6. Laney (25-6)
  7. Washington County (15-10)
  8. Early County (23-8)
  9. Banks County (23-5)
  10. Butler (19-9)

Class A-Private

  1. Greenforest (27-5)
  2. Southwest Atlanta Christian (23-9)
  3. Lakeview Academy (25-6)
  4. St. Francis (25-6)
  5. North Cobb Christian (26-4)
  6. Aquinas (26-2)
  7. Whitefield Academy (20-9)
  8. Holy Innocents’ (19-9)
  9. Wesleyan (17-12)
  10. Tattnall Square Academy (17-9)

Class A-Public

  1. Wilkinson County (25-7)
  2. Calhoun County (28-2)
  3. Clinch County (26-4)
  4. Macon County (20-9)
  5. Treutlen (27-1)
  6. Taylor County (19-6)
  7. Turner County (19-9)
  8. Montgomery County (20-10)
  9. Central-Talbotton (17-8)
  10. Lincoln County (18-7)
Game Stories, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Tift County puts capper on unpredictable GHSA season, closing out Norcross for Class AAAAAAA state championship

No. 6 Tift County 55, No. 4 Norcross 52

In a year where “super teams” were en vogue, little old No. 6 Tift County (29-2) decided to spoil the party and not only shock the landscape of Georgia high school basketball, but the entire nation as the Blue Devils emerged out of the “Group of Death” to escape a frantic rally from No. 4 Norcross, 55-52.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. Tift County was not supposed to be a factor in the state of Georgia this year. They were not supposed to defeat three nationally ranked teams and they were not supposed to beat No. 1 McEachern, No. 2 Newton, No. 4 Norcross (26-6) or No. 7 Berkmar on their quest to a third state title.

Tift County bucked the odds and quietly loomed in South Georgia as the 2014 state champions patiently waited for their shot at the big boys while smashing its way through Region 1. When they arrived at McCamish Pavilion, it was only fitting that the 3-hour trip would end in the Blue Devils completing the state’s greatest and most improbable state championship run in GHSA history.

Tift opened the game like they did against so many other victims, jumping out to a quick 4-0 lead but Norcross quickly eased ahead and gained a 13-9 lead after one. Norcross grabbed its largest lead of the game at the 7:21 mark up 18-9 after Dalvin White netted his second three of the game. The Blue Devils looked to be in control as Tift County’s 6-foot-6 Virginia Tech-signee PJ Horne found it difficult to bully his way around the basket like he did against Newton (25 points) and McEachern (17 points) in the Elite Eight and Final Four. After a first possession offensive rebound and putback, Horne saw his halftime line read: 1-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, 3 rebounds, 3 turnover and 2 points.

With Tift County’s workhorse neutralized by 6-foot-9 Louisville-signee Lance Thomas and 6-foot-8 Georgia-signee Rayshaun Hammonds, the Blue Devil guards lifted Coach Eric Holland’s team. Football standout junior Rashod Bateman scored 10 points in the first half, hitting two threes to bring Tift County to within 21-19 at the half, Tift mucking the game up exactly how they needed to to beat a high-octane team like Norcross. Tift wore their workman blue collar warm-ups and stripped them off to shirts with the phrase “no buckets” across their backs pregame, and were able to back up their tough-nosed defense once the ball tipped.

Both teams shot 33% at the half, not what the casual fan was expecting. But nobody expected Tift to be here in the first place. In the third quarter, Horne slammed home a dunk – the final points of his high school career as he finished 2-of-12 from the field with only 4 points and 5 rebounds. At the 1:37 mark Norcross’ Hammonds picked up his fourth foul on a charge and was sent to the bench. With Hammonds out, Bateman quickly drained another three, finishing with four on the night, taking a 32-24 lead in the process.  Norcross closed however and entered the fourth quarter trailing 32-29.

While Hammonds sat on the bench, Thomas started to come to life. He knocked down a turnaround jumper off a post catch and then added a baseline shot to give Norcross a short-lived 33-32 lead with 5:47 to play.  The Blue Devils quickly ran off eight straight points to go ahead 40-33 and then fouled Hammonds out of the game with the score the same with 3:22 remaining; Hammonds finishing his career with 8 points on 2-of-11 shooting and 8 rebounds.

Possessions got shorter and shorter as Tift continued to grind away at Norcross to go ahead 42-33 before Thomas hit a three. Micah Johnson, going to Alabama State, would not let his Tift County Blue Devils squander a lead, even though it got hectic.

Norcross slowly inched closer and closer as Tift tried to pile on the dirt on the Blue Devils’ grave, but White and Jordan Goldwire along with Thomas gave Norcross a pulse. From down 49-40 with 1:18 left to play, the Blue Devils trimmed the lead to 49-44 with 51.9 left, then to 51-47 with 42.7 remaining and down to 53-52 with just 10 seconds remaining as JoJo Toppin completed an And-1 dunk to send the crowd into a frenzy.

Just when it looked like Cinderella’s glass slipper cracked or the carriage was on the verge of turning into a pumpkin, Johnson continued to supply the dagger as Norcross would foul. Tift County shot 24-of-26 from the foul line – 21-of-22 in the fourth quarter – with Johnson scoring a game-high 24 points going 16-of-18 at the stripe and scoring 17 points in the frame. At just 6-foot, Johnson also collected 9 rebounds and 4 assists, with just one turnover. Bateman ended his night with 18 points as Tift’s guards got the better of Norcross’.

Dalvin White led Norcross with 15 points while Lance Thomas had 13 points but only 4 rebounds as the smaller Tift County Blue Devils outrebounded Norcross 31-28 and held the bigger Devils to 16 points in the paint.

 

PJ Horne spoke with me after the game:

 

Game Stories, GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Girls Recaps, Recaps

State Championships Day 4 Recap

Class AA

(G) Laney 85, Rabun County 76

In a war of Wildcats, No.1 Laney (31-1) hung on against a persistent No. 5 Rabun County (29-2) behind a defensive onslaught in a fast paced game, 85-76. Both teams known for their press, Laney donning “32 minutes of doom” t-shirts to warm up in, opened the game with a frantic pace trapping each other and using pressure defense the entire 94-feet of the floor. Rabun County trailed 24-18 after the first period but De’sha Benjamin and company quickly wore down the LadyCats to take a commanding lead. Benjamin, Aubriana Bonner and Jaiden Hamilton all poured in double figures in the first half, as the Wildcats built a 46-30 halftime lead. Getting out in transition, Laney did its damage on fastbreaks. In the third quarter, Rabun County turned the tables on Laney as their outside shots finally started to fall after going 0-of-8 from three in the first half. The LadyCats sparked a 17-5 run and cut the Laney lead to 51-47 after Savanna Scott, Hallie Reeves and Brooke Henricks got hot. Rabun buried their first threes of the game as Henricks and Reeves went back-to-back-to-back, Henricks nailing two threes in the span. After going 0-of-6 in the first half, Scott scored seven points in the frame and helped the LadyCats enter the fourth down 60-54, now in striking distance after going 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Laney quickly extended the lead to 67-58 with 5:52 remaining but the LadyCats trimmed the lead to 68-63. Once again, Benjamin helped Laney grow its lead, this time to 76-63 with 2:44 remaining, but again, Rabun County wouldn’t go away going on a 7-0 run to make it 76-70 as Reeves continued to bomb from deep. Laney was able to put the game away from the line going 11-of-19 in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats outscored Rabun 58-32 in the paint and outrebounded the LadyCats 53-33 led by Benjamin’s monstrous 25 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 5 blocks. Bonner added 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists while Hamilton was the third Wildcat to double-double going for 22 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Rabun County used a balanced attack of their own to challenge Laney. Sophomores Brooke Henricks and Georgia Stockton scored 17 and 11 points apiece. Senior Hallie Reeves scored a team-high 20 points followed by Scott’s 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Freshman Laken Stiles netted 10.

(B) South Atlanta 68, Swainsboro 33

The No. 1 Hornets (29-1) used a dominant third quarter to crush an overmatched Swainsboro team that took a magical run to the state championship. South Atlanta outscored the Tigers (21-11) to the tune of 22-2 in the third to turn a 36-22 halftime lead into an insurmountable 58-24 advantage which resulted in a shortened 6-minute final quarter.  South Atlanta held Swainsboro, a group which uses only a six-man rotation, to just 12-of-65 (18.5%) shooting and outrebounded the smaller Tigers 64 to 44. Devonta Pullins, one of seven seniors which the majority of had been playing together since age 4, paced the Hornets with 20 points. Junior Jalen Stegall had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Senior Tyler Thornton, 6-foot-7, posted 11 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks while Demontay Roberts, another senior, added 6 points, 14 rebounds and 2 rejections. Swainsboro’s leading scorer, 5-foot-7 junior Jaylan McKinney, was 6-of-21 from the field for 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. His supporting cast struggled as well with senior Justin Harris going 0-of-12 with zero points and sophomore Jamil Watkins shooting 2-of-15 for 6 points. Big man Eddie Roberts, 6-foot-5, battled valiantly on the glass totaling 14 rebounds to go with his 5 points.

Class AAAAAAA

(G) McEachern 75, Norcross 68

Victoria Agyin scored all 13 of her points in the fourth quarter to help No. 2 McEachern (26-6) four-peat as state champions, avenging a 57-53 season opening loss to No. 1 Norcross (29-3), 75-68. Georgia-signee Que Morrison poured in 22 of her game-high 24 points in the first half but Norcross still maintained a 38-37 lead. In the second half, Norcross honed in on Morrison as stingy defense and foul trouble hampered the standout. South Florida-signee Vanessa Blagmon scored 12 of her team-high 23 points in the second half, carrying the scoring burden for Norcross. Miami-signee added 17 points and 8 rebounds for Norcross on the night but McEachern captured a 58-55 lead at the end of three and was able to hang on late. Agyin scored 13 of McEachern’s 17 fourth quarter points. Lyndsey Whilby, heading to Texas Tech, had 13 points and 6 rebounds. Jewel Smalls had 13 points and 6 rebounds.  The Indians shot 62.5% in the fourth while holding Norcross to 28.6%.