Category Archives: GHSA Basketball

Analysis

Sandy’s Spiel Spring Showcase Boys Evaluations

40 players from across Georgia met at Chestatee High School for the Sandy’s Spiel Spring Showcase. With a handful of college coaches and media outlets in the gym, opportunity was ripe to get better and gain some exposure. Broken down into six teams, here are our player evaluations.

TEAM 1

Ty Jones2025 5-7 PG Ty Jones – Greenbrier – Team Power
Plays at a great pace. Lightning quick playmaker that is really good in transition. Sees the floor well. Has a sharp pull-up jumper. Implements bounce passes at the right time. Exciting future.

David Culbreath2025 5-11 PG David Culbreath-Martin – Duluth – TRIBE ATL
Pass-first playmaker that loves to break his man down off the dribble. Tight handle with combo moves. Changes speeds exceptionally well and gets downhill when he wants to. Has the offensive ability to score 20 a night if he so chooses. Talented finisher. Textbook compact outside shot with three-point range. Second Team All-Region 7-7A selection as a freshman.

Kairion Morrison2022 6-0 G Kairion Morrison – Stephens County – Youthlink
Energy supplier. Plays hard on both ends of the floor. Athletic and active defender that moves his feet well. Rebounds hard for his size and can finish at the basket. Gets to his left hand on drives.

Jarvis Weaver2023 6-3 W Jarvis Weaver – Chestatee
Does his best work playing within 15-feet. Likes to slash and use his energy and athleticism to get on the offensive glass. Solid post defender and has switchability. Has improved as a ball handler. Decision making is getting better. Range is extending to the three-point line.

David Batts2023 6-1 W David Batts – Oconee County
Wiry swingman. Has upside as a perimeter defender that can guard 1-3. Good athlete. Long. Knocks down corner threes and can also put his head down and get to the rim. Will see a much-increased role in the offense his senior season.

Zakhar Valasiuk2024 6-3 W Zakhar Valasiuk – Tallulah Falls
Belarus native. Strong body. Can play either inside or out. Has a mature game, using pump fakes, jab steps and pivots. Able to go on the block to score and defend. Has a nice jump shot and handles the ball well. Good motor.

https://twitter.com/KyleSandy355/status/1505638717398171655

Connor Scott2024 6-1 SG Connor Scott – Cambridge – Georgia State Warriors
Strong build on the perimeter. Dangerous three-point shooter that gets hot quickly. Has a repeatable release. Adding creativity off the dribble will help him get to the basket more often. Serves as a physical defender.

Landon Norton2022 6-4 F Landon Norton – Fannin County
Glue guy that helps out in a variety of ways. Good size. Active defender that helped guard 3-5. Stretch-forward that will bury the open three. Gets on the glass and competes hard.

TEAM 2

Tyrece Mackie2022 5-10 G Tyrece Mackie – Stephens County – Currahee Defenders
Bouncy high energy unsigned senior. Cat-like quickness. Gets into the lane and elevates to finish above the defense. Cashes in transition opportunities. Has a mid-range jumper in his arsenal. Hounds opposing guards with his aggressive on-ball defense.

Cade Williams2022 5-7 PG Cade Williams – Chestatee
Speedy and shifty playmaker that isn’t afraid to roll the dice. Gets into the lane and spoon feeds tough passes. Great court vision. Will thread the needle through the defense. Finishes in traffic with difficult layups and can hit the open three. Sparkplug.

https://twitter.com/KyleSandy355/status/1505640078860853256

 

Kobe Brown2022 5-9 PG Kobe Brown – Burke County
Lefty received rave reviews for his tenacious defense and lead guard skills. Athletic speed merchant that can score at all three levels. Uses his crossover to get downhill. Great motor.

Devin Hutcherson2026 6-3 W Devin Hutcherson – Johns Creek – Aim High
High upside rising freshman. Great size on the wing. Long and has some mass to him. Smooth eurostep helps him get to the rim. Solid athlete that finishes with both hands. Has respectable three-point range. Has the tools to become a high-level college prospect.

Noah Hutchinson2023 6-6 F Noah Hutchinson – Oconee County – Classic City Ballers
Enjoyed a coming out party in front of college coaches and media in attendance. Lights out shooter from all over the floor. Soft touch. Shined in the one-on-one station by hitting tough leaners over smaller defenders. Stretch-four was automatic from the three-point line in gameplay. Knocked down turnaround jumpers out of the post. Impressed with his outlet passing. Huge performance and easily a top performer at camp.

TEAM 3

Jaheim Crayton2023 5-11 PG Jaheim Crayton – Georgia Cyber Academy
Splits defenders with a tight handle. Has been in the weight room with cut arms and overall above average strength. Gets into the teeth of the defense consistently and makes plays for others. Perimeter scorer with a good jumper. Plays tough defense and has a desire to get better.

MJ Marable2024 5-11 G MJ Marable – George Walton Academy – Flame 2024
Has a soft touch and is deceptively good at getting to his spots. Pretty three-point stroke. Changes speeds well with a quick first step. High sense of awareness and understands the game both offensively and defensively.

Mason Smith2023 5-11 G Mason Smith – Duluth – IBA
Quick burst to the basket. Can stop on a dime with mid-range pull-up. Quick release. Mentally tough. Handles well against pressure. Sits down and defends.

Keyni Crawford2023 6-3 SG Keyni Crawford – Putnam County – JC Ducks
One of the best all-around scorers in camp. Smooth approach. Slithers his way to the rim and covers ground with a long eurostep. Peppers defenses with his pull-up jumper. Wiry build. Handles the ball well and creates his own offense. Can develop into an impactful perimeter defender.

Eli Parlier2023 6-1 F Eli Parlier – Chestatee
Rugged defender that does the dirty work. Sets good screens and rolls hard to the basket. Willing to post up inside and can kick out to open shooters. Plays hard and understands his role. Confident.

Cooper Welch2024 6-2 SG Cooper Welch – Rabun County
Sturdy off-guard with a streaky three-point shot. Will pull-up from deep off the dribble or set up in the corners for catch-and-shoot chances. Showed glimpses of using his strength to get to the rim. Capable rebounder. Coachable.

Dantavian Allen2022 6-5 F Dantavian Allen – Burke County – BC Pride
Long and athletic defensive anchor. Protects the rim and rebounds. Mobile enough to defend multiple positions. Can hold his own when switched onto guards. Good defensive instincts. Likes to attack off the dribble from the high post. Can play above the rim.

TEAM 4

Jackson Morris2023 5-10 PG Jackson Morris – Commerce
Potent scorer that uses a quick crossover to get to the basket and utilizes the pull-up three off the bounce. Solid skill level and used to having to carry the load on offense. Has quick hands defensively. Was named Class A-Public Most Improved Player after upping his averages to 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.3 steals.

Sean Stoddard2023 5-8 PG Sean Stoddard – Calvary Day – Coastal Bulls
True point guard that sees the floor and looks to distribute first. Makes touch passes to find open man. Good finisher inside that uses the rim to shield his layups from shot blockers on reverses. Has the quickness to frustrate opposing ball handlers.

Avian Allen2022 5-10 G Avian Allen – Burke County – BC Pride
Defensive-minded on-ball stopper. Not afraid to play up tight and make other guards uncomfortable. Sees the floor well in transition. Will become more dangerous on offense as his left hand improves.

Payton Ellison2023 6-3 W Payton Ellison – Putnam County
Wiry scoring guard that can get to his step-back jumper. Was tough to stop in our one-on-one station. Has a high IQ and understands how to attack defenses. Uses his quickness and length to slash to the hoop. Gets to his spots in the mid-range.

Miles Hawkins2024 5-10 G Miles Hawkins – Union Grove
Physical young guard that uses his size to bang inside. Gets on the glass as a rebounder. Can start his own fastbreaks. Absorbs contact on drives. Soft touch from the short-range.

Jason Isaac2024 6-4 W Jason Isaac – Georgia Jayhawks
Great upside and a potential breakout candidate next season. Long and strong wing. Athletic with good foot speed and leaping ability to convert at the rim. Smart player that doesn’t force the issue. Plays under control and can score at all three levels. Strong rebounder and a sneaky good playmaker.

Jalen Carr2022 6-4 F Jalen Carr – Rockdale County – GAA
Unsigned senior that brings toughness to the interior. Physical rebounder and tough-nosed rim protector. Cleans up misses inside and finishes very well. Knows where his strengths are and plays to them. Good motor.

TEAM 5

Louie Koulouvaris2025 5-9 G Louie Koulouvaris – East Forsyth – Tier 2 Elite
Confident ball handler that loves to create enough separation to launch threes. Has deep range and will fill it up if not guarded. Looks to facilitate when he attacks downhill. Adding strength will allow him to score more effectively on drives.

Davon Drane2024 6-0 PG Davon Drane – Camp Jewell House
Cuts well without the ball. Plays very hard. Served primarily as point guard but can also play off the ball. Aggressive minded. Attacks in transition and uses his speed to get all the way to the rim. Plays with some flair. Has a reliable pull-up jumper. Brings energy as an on-ball defender.

Alexander Barnes2024 6-1 W Alexander Barnes – Union Grove
Good length. Showed an ability to get on the offensive glass and convert with his left hand. Needs to keep his motor running and impact games on defense. Has the physical tools to develop into a solid player.

Drew Cail2025 6-1 SG Drew Cail – Calvary Day
Played hard. Was able to display his offensive game in one-on-one station, getting to a step-back jumper. Will quicken his moves with more experience. Could find a niche as a 3&D guy that provides consistent effort.

Drew Snyder2025 6-2 W Drew Snyder – Dalton
Strong body that can bang with bigger players. Has a soft floater in the lane and can finish through contact. Versatile with a high motor. Effective rebounder. Will be a key role in Dalton rebuild.

https://twitter.com/KyleSandy355/status/1505678807184941063

Austin Bater2022 6-4 F Austin Bater – Chestatee
Enforcer in the paint that rebounds and scores on dump offs. Gets a head of steam on drives from the high post and can barrel his way to the rim. Sound post defender that bodies up and plays physical. Garbage guy mentality.

TEAM 6

AJ Russell2023 5-8 PG AJ Russell – Stephens County – Currahee Defenders
Small guard that finishes well around the rim. Dangerous three-point shooter from the corners. Vocal leader that has a high IQ from the lead guard position.

Isidro Hernandez2022 5-9 G Isidro Hernandez – Cross Keys
Plays hard and uses a crossover dribble to beat pressure. Likes to get to the hoop and finish with scoop layups. Has a soft touch from within 15-feet. Adding consistent range will help him long term. Willing on-ball defender.

Jeremy Sams2022 6-2 W Jeremy Sams – Veterans – Georgia Rebels
Impressive athlete that looks the part. Versatile swingman that contributes across the board. Hits the glass hard, is a good slasher and can laser in tough passes to open teammates. Pushes the ball in transition and finishes with both hands. Capable three-point shooter. Can guard nearly any position on the floor.

Matthew Simpson2023 5-11 G Matthew Simpson – Commerce – Classic City Ballers
Gritty tough-nosed player. One you love to play with but hate to play against. Makes winning plays. Took 42 charges on the season and drew some at camp. Talks constantly. Does the dirty work but can also knock down open jumpers. Makes smart cuts without the ball and uses his physicality to get on the glass.

Anthony Chirombo2023 5-10 G Anthony Chirombo – Riverside Military
Smaller guard does a great job of playing off two feet inside, using pump fakes and pivots to score. Plays bigger than his size. Challenges opponents with his on-ball defense. Developing range on his jump shot will open up more avenues to score. Has good vision and a savvy feel.

Dalen Gales2022 6-2 CG Dalen Gales – Jefferson – GA Trendsetters
Explosive guard that scores from all three levels. All-State selection has deep three-point range and can finish with either hand. Smooth slasher impressed with more than just his scoring prowess. Created for others in transition and made impact plays defensively including racking up chase down blocks. All-around possibly the best guard in camp and a very serviceable piece at the next level.

Honors

2021-22 GHSA Boys Basketball All-State Honors

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

All-Georgia

Sandy’s Spiel Mr. Basketball: Anthony Arrington, Galloway, Sr.

FIRST TEAM
G – Bruce Thornton, Milton, Sr.
G – Simeon Cottle, Tri-Cities, Sr.
G – Anthony Arrington, Galloway, Sr.
G – London Johnson, Norcross, Jr.
F – Aidan Hadaway, LaFayette, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Kanaan Carlyle, Milton, Jr.
G – Isaiah Collier, Wheeler, Jr.
G – Stephon Castle, Newton, Jr.
W – Frankquon Sherman, Grovetown, Jr.
C – Malique Ewin, Berkmar, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Da’Avion Thomas, McDonough, Jr.
G – Jay King, First Presbyterian Day, Sr.
G – Jameel Rideout, Berkmar, Sr.
G – Kami Young, Pebblebrook, Sr.
G – David Thomas, Eagle’s Landing, Jr.
G – Gaddis Heath, Westlake Sr.
W – Kaleb Banks, Fayette County, Sr.
W – Connor McKay, Rabun County, Sr.
W – Josh Reed, Pace Academy, Sr.
F – D’ante Bass, Windsor Forest, Sr.
F – RJ Godfrey, North Gwinnett, Sr.

Class AAAAAAA

Coach of the Year: Jesse McMillan, Norcross (26-6; State Champs; Beat three ranked teams in state; Avenged 0-3 regular season vs. Berkmar; Lost five players to transfer)
Player of the Year: London Johnson, Norcross, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Amir Taylor, Grayson
Best Scorer: Asher Woods, Parkview, Sr.
Best Shooter: Thomas Allard, North Gwinnett, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Delrecco Gillespie, East Coweta, Sr.
Best Passer: Bruce Thornton, Milton, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Eli Chol, Forsyth Central, Sr.
Most Underrated: Dylan Gary, North Gwinnett, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Lowndes 23-3 (Improved from 6-9; Sweet 16; Outright Region 1 Champs)
Most Improved: Eli Chol, Forsyth Central, Sr. (Improved from 8.2 ppg/6.2 rpg/1.3 apg/4.4 bpg to 19.3 ppg/7.4 rpg/1.5 apg/5.4 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Bruce Thornton, Milton, Sr.
G – Kanaan Carlyle, Milton, Jr.
G – London Johnson, Norcross, Jr.
G – Stephon Castle, Newton, Jr.
C – Malique Ewin, Berkmar, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Kami Young, Pebblebrook, Sr.
G – Jameel Rideout, Berkmar, Sr.
F – Jaiun Simon, Pebblebrook, Jr.
F – RJ Godfrey, North Gwinnett, Sr.
F – Chauncey Wiggins, Grayson, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Asher Woods, Parkview, Sr.
G – Brandon Rechsteiner, Etowah, Jr.
G – Jakai Newton, Newton, Jr.
G – Michael Jacobs, McEachern, Sr.
G – Tyrese Elliott, Grayson, Sr.
G – Christian Drummer, Archer, Sr.
W – Damoni Harrison, Archer, Sr.
W – Ace Bailey, McEachern, So.
W – Jerry Deng, Norcross, Sr.
F – Delrecco Gillespie, East Coweta, Sr.
F – Jake Mooney, West Forsyth, Sr.

Class AAAAAA

Coach of the Year: Darren Douglas, Grovetown (29-3; State Champs; Outright Region 3 Champs)
Player of the Year: Frankquon Sherman, Grovetown, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Akai Fleming, Osborne
Best Scorer: Karris Bilal, Riverwood, So.
Best Shooter: Fisher Mitchell, Sequoyah, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Sebastian Tidor, East Paulding, Sr.
Best Passer: Raylan Barrion, Tucker, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Arrinten Page, Wheeler, Jr.
Most Underrated: Josiah Lawson, Tucker, So.
Most Improved Team: Grovetown 29-3 (Improved from 14-9; State Champs; Outright Region 3 Champs)
Most Improved: Sebastian Tidor, East Paulding, Sr. (Improved from 17.8 ppg/7.4 rpg/3 apg/1.8 spg/0.7 bpg to 25.7 ppg/10.2 rpg/4.1 apg/3.8 spg/2.1 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Isaiah Collier, Wheeler, Jr.
G – Alahn Sumler, Buford, Sr.
G – Cayden Charles, Allatoona, Sr.
G – Gaddis Heath, Westlake, Sr.
W – Frankquon Sherman, Grovetown, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Kyle Keener, Sequoyah, Sr.
G – Zocko Littleton, Osborne, Sr.
W – Sebastian Tidor, East Paulding, Sr.
F – Osmar Garcia, Habersham Central, Jr.
C – Jared Russo, River Ridge, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Karris Bilal, Riverwood, So.
G – Malachi Dooley, Habersham Central, Sr.
G – Raylan Barrion, Tucker, Sr.
G – Trevon Payton, Shiloh, Sr.
G – Zion Fruster, Alexander, Sr.
G – Dylan Wolle, Sequoyah, Sr.
W – Lamariyon Jordan, Dacula, Jr.
W – Jalal McKie, Westlake, Sr.
F – Cristian Carroll, Osborne, Sr.
C – Arrinten Page, Wheeler, Jr.
C – Peyton Marshall, Kell, So.

Class AAAAA

Coach of the Year: Omari Forts, Tri-Cities (23-5; State Champs; Outright Region 3 Champs; Beat four ranked teams in state)
Player of the Year: Simeon Cottle, Tri-Cities, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Emaree Winston, Calhoun
Best Scorer: Simeon Cottle, Tri-Cities, Sr.
Best Shooter: Douglas Liggion, Chamblee, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Dylan Faulkner, Calhoun, Jr.
Best Passer: Simeon Cottle, Tri-Cities, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Spencer Elliott, St. Pius X, Jr.
Most Underrated: Camryn Perkins, Warner Robins, So.
Most Improved Team: Northside-Columbus 18-8 (Improved from 4-15; Region 2 Champs)
Most Improved: Brigham Rogers, Blessed Trinity, Jr. (Improved from 5.4 ppg/5.6 rpg/1.1 apg/1.1 bpg to 18.4 ppg/10.7 rpg/2.5 apg/3.4 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Simeon Cottle, Tri-Cities, Sr.
G – David Thomas, Eagle’s Landing, Jr.
W – AJ Barnes, Eagle’s Landing, Sr.
W – Peyton Law, Calhoun, Sr.
F – Dylan Faulkner, Calhoun, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Kory Mincy, Tri-Cities, Jr.
G – Devon Rainey, Jonesboro, Jr.
W – Chi Shannon, Chapel Hill, Sr.
F – Brigham Rogers, Blessed Trinity, Jr.
C – Spencer Elliott, St. Pius X, Jr.

Honorable Mention
G – Jaylen Sanford, Jones County, Jr.
G – Tajh Williams, Veterans, Sr.
G – Melquan Jackson, Creekside, Jr.
G – Chase Champion, Lithonia, Sr.
W – Kenric Lanier, Decatur, Jr.
W – Caleb Odom, Villa Rica, So.
W – Kaymen Brown, Jonesboro, Sr.
W – Eamonn Kenah, St. Pius X, Sr.
W – Bryson Ogletree, Mundy’s Mill, Sr.
F – Shawn Walker, Walnut Grove, Sr.
F – Chris Dorbor, Loganville, Sr.

Class AAAA

Coach of the Year: John Bauersfeld, Marist (21-10; Final 4; Region 6 Regular Season Champs; Beat two ranked teams in state; First Year; Improved from 7-13)
Player of the Year: Da’Avion Thomas, McDonough, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Grant Smith, Madison County
Best Scorer: Kaleb Banks, Fayette County, Sr.
Best Shooter: Harry Gewirtz, Druid Hills, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Judd Anderson, Ridgeland, So.
Best Passer: Da’Avion Thomas, McDonough, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Tycen McDaniels, Spencer, Jr.
Most Underrated: Colton Wilbanks, Chestatee, So.
Most Improved Team: Druid Hills 25-5 (Improved from 2-3; Elite 8; Region 6 Champs)
Most Improved: Daveon Henderson, Westside-Macon, Jr. (Improved from 9.7 ppg/5.2 rpg/2.2 apg/1.6 spg to 21.4 ppg/7.9 rpg/3 apg/1.7 spg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Da’Avion Thomas, McDonough, Jr.
G – Domonik Henderson, Monroe, Sr.
W – Kaleb Banks, Fayette County, Sr.
W – Tycen McDaniels, Spencer, Jr.
F – Keshawn Evans, Druid Hills, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Daveon Henderson, Westside-Macon, Jr.
G – Amon McDowell, McDonough, Jr.
G – JoJo Bell, Central-Carrollton, Sr.
G – JT Fulkrod, Jefferson, Sr.
F – Effrin Smith, Westover, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Rudolph Satcher, Baldwin, Jr.
G – Christian Burnett, Baldwin, Jr.
G – Keshay Walton, Westover, Sr.
G – Shannon Fountain, Westside-Macon, Jr.
G – Kashik Brown, Cedar Shoals, Sr.
G – Dalen Gales, Jefferson, Sr.
G – Quinn Damm, Marist, Sr.
G – Saulamon Evans, Mays, Jr.
W – Kennard Norris, Dougherty, Sr.
W – Daequan Wright, Perry, Sr.
F – Brodie Scott, North Oconee, Sr.

Class AAA

Coach of the Year: Lawrence M. Kelly, Cross Creek (26-6; Repeat State Champs; Beat four ranked teams in state)
Player of the Year: Aidan Hadaway, LaFayette, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Aamere Tolbert, Hephzibah
Best Scorer: Aidan Hadaway, LaFayette, Sr.
Best Shooter: Hayden Poarch, Adairsville, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Aidan Hadaway, LaFayette, Sr.
Best Passer: Demond Hendrix, Johnson-Savannah, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Jerald Colonel, Groves, Sr.
Most Underrated: Junior Barber, LaFayette, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Gilmer 19-11 (Improved from 3-14; State Playoffs)
Most Improved: Temarius Mathis, Peach County, Sr. (Improved from 14.8 ppg/5 rpg to 28.7 ppg/6.5 rpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Jamichael Davis, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe Jr.
G – Temarius Mathis, Peach County, Sr.
W – Josh Fulton, GAC, Sr.
F – D’ante Bass, Windsor Forest, Sr.
F – Aidan Hadaway, LaFayette, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Lavonta Ivery, Thomson, So.
G – JC Curry, Hart County, Sr.
W – Micah Smith, Sandy Creek, So.
F – Antoine Lorick, Cross Creek, Jr.
C – Jerald Colonel, Groves, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Jadon Yeh, White County, Jr.
G – Antonio Baker, Johnson-Savannah, Jr.
G – Brent Bowman, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Jr.
G – Larry Johnson, Beach, So.
G – Vic Newsom, Sandy Creek, Jr.
G – Zach Oechsle, Oconee County, Sr.
W – TJ Printup, Adairsville, Sr.
W – Ted Hurst, Johnson-Savannah, Sr.
W – Shamarrie Hugie, Beach, Jr.
F – Kyric Davis, Sumter County, Sr.
F – Brandon Kincaid, Salem, Sr.

Class AA

Coach of the Year: Jerry Hunter, Westside-Augusta (28-3; First State Championship; Region 4 Tournament Champs; Improved from 17-7; No senior starters)
Player of the Year: Josh Reed, Pace Academy, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Bryson Tiller, Pace Academy
Best Scorer: Christian Anderson, Lovett, So.
Best Shooter: Christian Anderson, Lovett, So.
Best Rebounder: Mason Lockhart, Columbia, Sr.
Best Passer: Kyle Greene, Pace Academy, So.
Best Shot Blocker: Chance Finklin, Butler, Sr.
Most Underrated: Gus Hood, Rabun County, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Vidalia 27-2 (Improved from 13-8; Elite 8; Outright Region 2 Champs)
Most Improved: Willie Henderson, Washington County, Sr. (Improved from 2.0 ppg/1.6 rpg/0.2 apg/0.2 spg/0.3 bpg to 12.5 ppg/8.3 rpg/0.8 apg/1.2 spg/0.8 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Christian Anderson, Lovett, So.
W – Connor McKay, Rabun County, Sr.
W – Josh Reed, Pace Academy, Sr.
F – Khalon Hudson, Westside-Augusta, Jr.
F – Mason Lockhart, Columbia, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Travion Solomon, Northeast-Macon, Sr.
G – Eren Banks, Putnam County, Jr.
W – Kedar Bodie, Butler, Sr.
W – Jalexs Ewing, Westside-Augusta, Jr.
W – Ty Dalley, Vidalia, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Jaylon Johnson, Chattooga, Sr.
G – AuMauri Tillman, Westside-Augusta, Jr.
G – Dane Fisher, Model, Sr.
G – Lukas Platauna, Woodville-Tompkins, Sr.
G – Malik Thornton, Putnam County, Sr.
G – Javecckio Thomas, Washington County, Sr.
W – Zion Powers, Woodville-Tompkins, Sr.
W – Kendrell Glanton, Butler, Sr.
W – Daquavious Harrison, Columbia, Sr.
W – Harris Jackson, Thomasville, Jr.
F – Bryson Tiller, Pace Academy, Fr.

Class A-Private

Coach of the Year: Bob Martin, King’s Ridge (28-5; State Runner-Up; Region 6 Tournament Champs; Improved from 20-6)
Player of the Year: Anthony Arrington, Galloway, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Micah Tucker, Mt. Pisgah
Best Scorer: Jay King, First Presbyterian Day, Sr.
Best Shooter: Isaac Martin, King’s Ridge, Jr.
Best Rebounder: Udochi Osuji, Mt. Pisgah, Sr.
Best Passer: Bilal Abdur-Rahman, WD Mohammed, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: DK Manyiel, Greenforest, Jr.
Most Underrated: Dayyan O’Neal, Calvary Day, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Heritage School 23-8 (Improved from 5-15; Final 4; Region 4 Champs)
Most Improved: Udochi Osuji, Mt. Pisgah, Sr. (DNP Varsity to 11.3 ppg/10.7 rpg/1.5 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Jalen Forrest, Greenforest, Sr.
G – Jay King, First Presbyterian Day, Sr.
G – Anthony Arrington, Galloway, Sr.
F – Albert Wilson, North Cobb Christian, Jr.
F – Tony Carpio, Providence Christian, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Bilal Abdur-Rahman, WD Mohammed, Jr.
G – Micah Tucker, Mt. Pisgah, Fr.
G – Josh Dixon, North Cobb Christian, Fr.
G – Patrick Shelley, Darlington, Sr.
G – Jax Abernathy, Christian Heritage, So.

Honorable Mention
G – CJ Brown, Walker, So.
G – Ricky McKenzie, Walker, So.
G – MJ Winter, Mt. Pisgah, Sr.
G – Isaac Martin, King’s Ridge, Jr.
G – Kymel Williams, Athens Academy, So.
G – Shaun Nichols, Heritage School, Sr.
G – Cam Ellis, St. Anne-Pacelli, Jr.
G – Noah Hicks, George Walton Academy, Sr.
G – Florian Tenebay, Greenforest, Sr.
F – Micah Hoover, King’s Ridge, Jr.
F – Caleb Wilson, Holy Innocents’, Fr.

Class A-Public

Coach of the Year: Samir St. Clair, Drew Charter (31-1; First State Championship; Beat three ranked teams; Won state without reigning A-Public Player of the Year)
Player of the Year: KJ Reid, Social Circle, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Jarvis Wright, Charlton County
Best Scorer: Authur Johnson, Bowdon, Jr.
Best Shooter: Jarvis Wright, Charlton County, Fr.
Best Rebounder: Amir Jackson, Portal, So.
Best Passer: Qua Ashley, Dublin, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Cedric Taylor, Drew Charter, Jr.
Most Underrated: Elijah Mincey, Bryan County, Fr.
Most Improved Team: Calhoun County 26-1 (Improved from 3-6; Elite 8; Outright Region 1 Champs)
Most Improved: Jackson Morris, Commerce, Jr. (Improved from 8.9 ppg/3.4 rpg/3.1 apg/1.4 spg to 17.8 ppg/4.2 rpg/3.9 apg/2.3 spg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Authur Johnson, Bowdon, Jr.
G – KJ Reid, Social Circle, Sr.
G – Lorenzo Johnson, Warren County, Sr.
W – Zion Davis, Dublin, Sr.
W – Cedric Taylor, Drew Charter, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Elijah Coleman, Portal, So.
G – Tyrhell Branch, Social Circle, Sr.
G – Jalen Hall, Dooly County, Jr.
G – Tellies Wiley, Calhoun County, Sr.
W – Collin Crowder, Towns County, Sr.

Honorable Mention
G – Dejuan Enocher, Calhoun County, Sr.
G – Qua Ashley, Dublin, Sr.
G – Trae Jackson, Manchester, Sr.
G – Cameron Johnson, Drew Charter, Sr.
G – Ja’Kobe Strozier, Drew Charter, Sr.
G – Jarvis Wright, Charlton County, Fr.
W – Nick Woodard, Taylor County, Sr.
W – Dexter Holloman, Chattahoochee County, Jr.
W – EJ Brown, Lanier County, Sr.
W – Xzavier Wilcher, Mitchell County, Sr.
F – Amir Jackson, Portal, So.

Rankings

2021-22 Final GHSA Boys Basketball State Rankings


Class AAAAAAA

1. Norcross (26-6)
2. Berkmar (26-5)
3. Pebblebrook (28-3)
4. Newton (25-6)
5. North Gwinnett (26-4)
6. Milton (22-8)
7. Grayson (20-9)
8. Archer (21-10)
9. East Coweta (18-11)
10. McEachern (16-10)

Class AAAAAA

1. Grovetown (29-3)
2. Buford (25-7)
3. Sequoyah (25-7)
4. Wheeler (25-5)
5. Langston Hughes (19-13)
6. Kell (19-11)
7. Westlake (20-6)
8. Tucker (22-5)
9. Alexander (24-5)
10. River Ridge (24-6)

Class AAAAA

1. Tri-Cities (23-5)
2. Eagle’s Landing (27-4)
3. Jonesboro (21-9)
4. Calhoun (22-7)
5. Chapel Hill (25-5)
6. St. Pius X (26-4)
7. Woodland-Stockbridge (24-6)
8. Lithonia (21-9)
9. Hiram (19-10)
10. Walnut Grove (23-6)

Class AAAA

1. Spencer (30-2)
2. Westover (25-4)
3. McDonough (26-3)
4. Marist (21-10)
5. Druid Hills (25-5)
6. Monroe (24-4)
7. Jefferson (25-4)
8. Baldwin (22-4)
9. Dougherty (15-12)
10. Fayette County (21-9)

Class AAA

1. Cross Creek (26-6)
2. Windsor Forest (23-7)
3. Thomson (23-3)
4. Sumter County (27-3)
5. Sandy Creek (26-4)
6. Groves (18-6)
7. Beach (16-9)
8. GAC (23-7)
9. Johnson-Savannah (17-11)
10. LaFayette (25-1)

Class AA

1. Westside-Augusta (28-3)
2. Butler (22-7)
3. Pace Academy (25-5)
4. Columbia (25-5)
5. Northeast-Macon (21-10)
6. Vidalia (27-2)
7. Woodville-Tompkins (18-11)
8. Washington County (23-5)
9. Model (22-7)
10. Rabun County (23-6)

Class A-Private

1. Greenforest (28-4)
2. King’s Ridge (28-5)
3. Galloway (20-8)
4. Heritage School (23-8)
5. First Presbyterian Day (23-4)
6. North Cobb Christian (19-8)
7. Calvary Day (17-7)
8. Providence Christian (19-9)
9. Mt. Vernon Presbyterian (16-11)
10. Christian Heritage (19-7)

Class A-Public

T-1. Drew Charter (31-1)
T-1. Social Circle (30-1)
3. Warren County (25-4)
4. Manchester (28-3)
5. Calhoun County (26-1)
6. Dublin (28-2)
7. Wilkinson County (15-12)
8. Towns County (20-8)
9. Dooly County (18-7)
10. Portal (17-8)

State Championship Recaps

Girls Recaps, Recaps

2021-22 GHSA Basketball State Championship Recaps


 

MARCH 9

CLASS A-PUBLIC

Lake Oconee AcademyR8 #1 No. 3 Lake Oconee Academy 45, R7 #1 Hancock Central 29
After leading 7-4 following the first quarter, Hancock Central (18-4) was held scoreless for over five minutes as No. 3 Lake Oconee Academy (26-1) made their move and surged ahead for good to capture their first ever state title under first-year Head Coach Ed Wilson. Georgia Bosart, a sophomore, broke the game open with 10 of her 17 points in the second quarter and finished with 20 rebounds and 6 assists for the game as the Titans took a 22-14 lead into the half. The smaller Titans outrebounded the Bulldogs 48-35. 5-foot-5 junior Jada Williams contributed 4 points, 13 rebounds (6 offensive), 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Jane Monachello and Hannah Heinen scored 9 points each. Hancock was held to 8-48 (16.7%) from the field. Jameria Lawrence and Sonovia Reynolds paced the Bulldogs with 8 points apiece.

Drew Charter
R6 #1 No. 2 Drew Charter 51, R7 #1 No. 6 Warren County 50: Drew Charter’s wild run to their first ever state title finished with fireworks as the Eagles (31-1) scored the final five points of the game to stun Warren County (25-4). Cam Johnson led Drew Charter with 17 points while Cedric Taylor dominated the paint with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 5 crucial blocks, including a late swat with 1:02 left, blocking a shot that could have pushed the Screamin’ Devils up to 50-45. Warren County led 39-36 after three quarters and led by three with 28 seconds left until Jakobe Strozier split a pair of free throws. Justyn Burnett pushed the Warren County lead to 50-46 with 23 ticks left but Kenyatta Bennett immediately nailed a corner three to trim into the lead with 16.8 seconds remaining.  Just moments later, Warren County turned the ball over on the press as a player fell down and Taylor picked up the steal and was fouled, converting both free throws to take a 51-50 lead with 8.6 seconds on the clock. Strozier had a chance to ice the game from the foul line but missed the front end of the one-and-one. The Devils raced down for a layup at the buzzer but was swallowed up by Strozier and Taylor at the rim. Warren County was led by Ken’vonte Brinkley’s 15 points and 9 rebounds and led by as many as nine points at the 5:27 mark of the third quarter, 33-24. Lorenzo Johnson finished his career with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocks.

CLASS 4A

Marist War EaglesR6 #1 No. 5 Marist 56, R5 #1 No. 1 Luella 54 2OT
The late game heroics of Michigan softball-signee Avery Fantucci lifted No. 5 Marist (28-3) to their first ever state title, taking their first lead of the game since 15-14 at the 2:30 mark of the second quarter on Fantucci’s game-winning layup. No. 1 Luella (27-4) led 46-43 at the end of regulation and thought they had the game won, but Fantucci drilled a three from halfcourt to send the game to overtime. From there, Milani Smith did the heavy lifting for the Lions, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds, but Luella, who led 30-19 in the third quarter, could never put away the resilient War Eagles. Marist outscored Luella 10-4 in fast break points and pounded the Lions on the glass, outrebounding Luella 48-29, grabbing 24 offensive rebounds and scoring 15 second chance points. Lexy Faklaris posted 19 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while going 7-8 from the line. Marist as a team would shoot 17-21 from the stripe to Luella’s 6-8. The hero, Fantucci, piled in 18 of her 19 points in the second half and added 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. Luella received 10 points apiece from Trinity Layton and Jacksonville State-signee Evelina Davlakou, who fouled out at the 2:14 mark of double overtime with the Lions up 52-50.


Spencer GreenwaveR2 #1 No. 5 Spencer 62, R1 #1 No. 3 Westover 42
A 25-6 run spanning the third quarter into the fourth put No. 5 Spencer (30-2) ahead for good, clinching the Greenwave their first state title and avenging last season’s disappointing 50-49 buzzer beating loss to Westover (25-4) in the Sweet 16. Spencer led 20-16 at the half but fell behind 26-23 to open the third quarter as Westover opened on a 10-3 run. Defense ignited Spencer as their depth, speed and length overwhelmed the Patriots. Nine Spencer players scored as the entire roster saw significant minutes throughout. Tycen McDaniels led the charge on both ends of the floor, keying the press and finishing with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 5 blocks. Spencer held Westover to 28.6% shooting and shot 44.6% themselves. Randall Dixon scored 12 points followed by Tony Montgomery’s 11. Westover was led by Effrin Smith’s 11 points and 5 rebounds. Anthony Milton netted 12 points and Cam Ball scored 9.


MARCH 10

CLASS 2A

Elbert County Blue DevilsR8 #2 No. 2 Elbert County 52, R8 #1 No. 1 Rabun County 44
In a game heavily influenced by the officiating, whistling 56 total fouls, No. 2 Elbert County (28-4) claimed their first ever state title in a war of attrition against region foe No. 1 Rabun County (24-6).  The defense of the Blue Devils was suffocating all throughout, holding Rabun County to 23.9% shooting. Elbert County led 25-19 at the half and built a 39-27 lead before 19 fouls were called in the third quarter including a technical on Coach Josh Jones which breathed life into the LadyCats as Rabun County closed on an 8-0 run to head into the fourth quarter down just 39-35. In the wildness, Terrace Hester was fouled out with 12 points. The LadyCats trimmed the lead to 41-37 with 3:56 remaining but at the 3:01 mark Lucy Hood fouled out with 6 points and Rabun down 41-37. Leading scorer Carley Haban would eventually foul out as well with a game-high 18 points. The Blue Devils saw rim protector Brenasia Faust also foul out with 3 points, 9 rebounds and 1 block. Aaniyah Allen paced Elbert County with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks, scoring 10 points in the second half. Niya Moon scored 7 of her 14 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the deal.

Westside-Augusta PatriotsR4 #1 No. 4 Westside-Augusta 64,  R4 #2 No. 3 Butler 55
Trailing 22-11 after one quarter and 38-32 at the half, No. 4 Westside-Augusta (26-4) clamped down No. 2 Butler (22-7) to just 17 second half points to race past the Bulldogs for a state title. Jalexs Ewing powered Westside-Augusta with 16 points and 8 rebounds including a poster dunk in transition. AuMauri Tillman netted 14 points — 10 in the second half — to go with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.  Khalon Hudson kept the Patriots afloat in the first half scoring all of his 10 points and grabbing 5 rebounds.  The Butler offense slowed down in the third quarter, outscored 19-7. The Bulldogs trailed 51-45 after three. Butler was led by Gemaureon Belton’s 12 points off four threes, all in the first half. Elijah Martinez added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists while Chance Finklin picked up 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks.

CLASS 5A

Woodward Academy War EaglesR3 #1 No. 1 Woodward Academy 72,  R3 #2 No. 2 Forest Park 44
Turnovers and early foul trouble quickly eliminated any hope of a No. 2 Forest Park (22-7) victory as No. 1 Woodward Academy (29-2) beat the Panthers for the seventh-straight time to repeat as state champs. Forest Park hung tough and trailed just 23-17 at the 3:58 mark, but at that moment Jayda Brown picked up her fourth foul and had to head to the bench. From there, Woodward Academy grew a 38-17 halftime lead, closing on a 15-0 run. UGA-signee and Gatorade Player of the Year Sydney Bowles finished her illustrious career with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. Sara Lewis added 17 points, 3 rebounds and 6 steals. As a team, Woodward Academy forced 39 turnovers.  Yasmine Allen led Forest Park with 19 points. Jayda Brown scored 8 before fouling out early in the third quarter.


Tri-Cities BulldogsR3 #1 No. 3 Tri-Cities 67, R4 #1 No. 1 Eagle’s Landing 59
No. 3 Tri-Cities (23-5) packed it in with their 1-3-1 zone and held No. 1 Eagle’s Landing (27-4) to 2-18 shooting from the perimeter to hoist their second state title in four years, holding off a furious comeback bid. The Bulldogs used a 14-2 run to grab an early 22-15 lead and would never look back. Noricco Danner scored seven of his 13 points in the third quarter to build a 46-35 lead heading into the final stanza. From there, Eagle’s Landing could never get over the hump. The Eagles cut the lead to 58-56 with 35.3 seconds left on a tough Elijah Robinson And-1. Robinson missed the free throw and Kenny Brayboy collected the carom but his putback rolled off the rim and Ryan Mathieu cleared it. Mathieu, 0-4 from the line up until that point, banked in a pair of free throws to push the lead back out to 60-56.  Kory Mincy paced Tri-Cities with 19 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Kennesaw State-signee Simeon Cottle chipped in 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, scoring 12 points in the second half. AJ Barnes posted 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Eagles while Jordan Fordyce finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Brayboy tallied 9 points and 8 rebounds. David Thomas was held in check with 5 points on 2-7 shooting, attempting just two shots in the second half as Tri-Cities hounded the star guard by running double teams at him.


MARCH 11

CLASS 3A

Lumpkin County IndiansR7 #1 No. 1 Lumpkin County 51, R5 #2 No. 3 GAC 47
No. 1 Lumpkin County (30-1) trailed the entire game until an Averie Jones floater at the 3:47 mark keyed a 12-0 run that gave the Indians a 46-40 lead that they would narrowly hold onto for their first ever state title. No. 3 GAC (25-7) came out of the gates hot, hitting three first quarter threes and forcing 10 first half turnovers. GAC led 22-19 at the half but Kate Jackson was able to keep the Indians afloat, scoring nine first half points as Coach David Dowse fed her inside consistently. Jackson would finish with 15 points and 13 rebounds after missing her sophomore season due to a torn ACL. After three quarters, GAC held a 40-32 lead as Xavier-signee Kaleigh Addie and Jaci Bolden did damage with their quickness. Addie finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals while Bolden added 13 points. Looking for a spark in the fourth quarter, Jones, Lumpkin County’s leading scorer on the season, got hot piling in 10 of her 17 points in the final frame. Known for their three-point shooting, the Indians never got on track shooting 3-11 but were able to find their offense in other areas. Lexi Pierce scored 12 points and added 5 assists. Lumpkin County had all the momentum at 46-40 but turnovers quickly reared their ugly head again as Kaleigh Addie converted two layups off a pair of steals to knot the game at 47 with 50 seconds left. On a set inbound play, Ciera Brooks threaded the needle to Jackson inside to regain the lead with 36 seconds to play. Bolden tried to drive inside but Jackson stuck her hand in to knock the ball and the referees called a travel on the Spartans. Region 7 Player of the Year Mary Mullinax iced the game with a pair of free throws with under four seconds left, finishing with 5 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.


Cross Creek RazorbacksR4 #2 No. 7 Cross Creek 60, R3 #2 No. 3 Windsor Forest 53
No. 7 Cross Creek (26-6) went back-to-back defeated a senior-laden No. 3 Windsor Forest (23-7) that could never get over the hump in the second half. Hot shooting gave Windsor Forest an 18-16 lead after one quarter, but a three-point second quarter let Cross Creek grow a 30-21 advantage heading into the break as Ahmad Hunt scored 11 of his team-high 14 points off the bench in the opening 16 minutes. The Razorbacks drained 6-13 from beyond the arc and would shoot 7-20 in total. Windsor Forest surged in the third quarter and cut the lead to 32-31 but the Razorbacks answered with a 9-2 run to close, taking a 41-35 lead into the fourth quarter. The Knights would threaten multiple times in the final period. Michael Cabellero sank a pair of free throws to tie it at 45 with 4:06 remining but the Razorbacks would answer with six quick points. Four Razorbacks reached double figures. Jayden Pack had 11 points and 6 rebounds followed by Jaquez Ellison’s 10 points and 5 rebounds. Antoine Lorick, who fouled out with 1:29 to play on a D’ante Bass And-1, finished with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks. Terrenice Streetman, another foul out casualty, collected 8 points. Bass, the Georgetown-signee, led Windsor Forest with 22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

CLASS 6A


Lovejoy WildcatsR4 #1 No. 2 Lovejoy 54, R7 #2 No. 8 Sequoyah 38
No. 2 Lovejoy (28-3) led wire-to-wire to clinch their second state title and first since 2018. The Wildcats shutdown the Chiefs, holding No. 8 Sequoyah (24-8) to 26.9%  shooting.  Lovejoy led 15-7 after one quarter and 23-16 at the half as Sequoyah held the Wildcats to 3-20 shooting in the quarter but the Chiefs could only muster 3-15 shooting themselves. Lovejoy dominated the glass, grabbing 27 offensive rebounds and outrebounding the Chiefs in total 53-35. Lovejoy broke the game open in the third quarter with a 17-9 frame. Mercer-signee Layla Hood totaled 14 points and 16 rebounds.  Region 4 Player of the Year Bryanna Preston notched 13 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Bryana Hardy collected 11 points and 11 rebounds while  Sequoyah was paced by Lee-signee Susanna Rodgers’ 10 points and 12 rebounds.  Elle Blatchford had 8 points and 5 rebounds.

Grovetown WarriorsR3 #1 Grovetown 66, R8 #2 No. 5 Buford 59
A 20-7 second quarter gave Grovetown (29-3) all the separation needed to claim the school’s first title.  The Warriors pulled ahead 12-6, but a 6-0 No. 5 Buford (25-7) spurt tied the game at 12 after eight minutes. In the second quarter EJ Kency came off the bench and drained three threes to extend the lead back out to 21-12. The Warriors would shoot 7-16 from deep including sinking six threes in the first half to hold a commanding 32-19 halftime advantage. In the third quarter Buford knotted the game up at 43-43 with 1:04 to play on an Alahn Sumler And-1 jumper, part of a 9-1 run, seven points via Sumler. After winning the quarter 24-15, the Wolves entered the fourth down 47-43. From there, Buford could never take the lead, their last coming at 6-3 in the first quarter. The Warriors ripped off a 7-0 run to put the lead at 54-45 and would never look back. The Wolves had possession down 61-59 with 17 seconds left but would turn the ball over. Grovetown was led by Frankquon Sherman’s 23 points and 13 rebounds. Buford received 17 points and 5 rebounds from Sumler.

 

MARCH 12

CLASS A-PRIVATE

Mt. Paran EaglesR7 #1 No. 2 Mt. Paran 54, R5 #2 No. 4 Hebron Christian 49
Senior-laden No. 2 Mt. Paran (25-4) finally climbed the mountain top to capture their first-ever state title, riding Georgia Tech-signee Kara Dunn to 30 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks to put away the defending state champs. Tied at 7 after one period as both teams were slow to figure each other out on defense, the pace quickened in the second quarter as No. 4 Hebron Christian (26-6) took a slim 24-22 lead into the half.  In the third quarter Dunn broke out with 12 of Mt. Paran’s 17 points, but Hebron held tough behind Wofford-signee Jessie Parish and freshman Aubrey Beckham. Parish finished her career with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists while Beckham tallied 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. At the 3:01 mark with the Eagles up 44-42, Dunn picked up her fourth foul but the Lions couldn’t capitalize. Mt. Paran would go on a mini 5-1 run keyed by a Dunn And-1 at the 2-minute mark to make it 49-43. West Georgia-signee Katelyn Dunning would help ice the game from the line going 6-10 from the stripe in the frame to finish with 9 points and 3 steals. Dunn shot 10-15 from the foul line, going 9-13 in the second half.

Greenforest EaglesR2 #1 No. 1 Greenforest 61, R6 #1 No. 3 King’s Ridge 52
No. 3 King’s Ridge (28-5) buried 10 threes, but it wasn’t quite enough for David to slay Goliath as No. 1 Greenforest (28-4) saw Jalen Forrest pile in 26 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals to secure the Eagles’ first state title since 2017. The towering Eagles trailed 13-12 after the first quarter and led 26-24 at the half as King’s Ridge let it fly from deep. Greenforest countered inside scoring 18 points in the paint in the first half and 38 for the game. The Eagles grabbed 14 offensive rebounds in the first half and 19 in total. King’s Ridge shot 10-23 from deep and 52.6% overall from the field, outpacing Greenforest’s 43.1% but the Eagles attempted 58 shots to the Tigers’ 38 and went 11-16 from the line. Florian Tenebay collected 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Isaac Martin led King’s Ridge with 18 points, draining six threes. Micah Hoover contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. The Tigers tied the game at the 4:53 mark at 50 when Liam Thomas drained a three, but Greenforest would close with an 11-2 run from that point on.

CLASS 7A

Norcross Lady BlueR7 #1 No. 4 Norcross 41, R3 #1 No. 5 Harrison 37
In a sluggish defensive battle, No. 4 Norcross (26-5) woke up with their man press in the fourth quarter and outscored No. 5 Harrison 22-14 in the final frame to hoist their state title since 2013 and fourth in program history. Trailing 17-12 at the half after shooting just 5-22 from the field and committing nine turnovers, Norcross managed to stay in the game by limiting Harrison’s three-point looks holding the prolific outside shooting team to 4-15 from deep. The Lady Blue found themselves down 23-19 after three quarters before sophomore Jania Akins exploded, sparking an 8-0 run to open the fourth. Akins drained a corner three at the 6:28 mark to give Norcross their first lead since a 9-8 advantage early in the second quarter. Eight seconds later Akins drilled another three from the right corner to push the lead to 27-23. Akins finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds, 11 points in the fourth after shooting just 1-11 through the first three quarters.  Norcross led 37-29 before Harrison made one last surge behind Alisha Foster who finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds. The Hoyas trimmed the lead to 37-35 with 58.6 to play. DePaul-signee Zaria Hurston split a pair of free throws and then got a breakaway layup to extend the lead to 40-35 giving Norcross the space needed to clinch the championship.

Norcross Blue DevilsR7 #2 No. 8 Norcross 58, R7 #1 No. 3 Berkmar 45
It took nine long years and heartbreak along the way, but No. 8 Norcross (26-6) was able to exercise their regular season demons against No. 3 Berkmar (26-5) to earn their sixth state title and first since 2013. After losing three times to the Patriots by a combined nine points, the Blue Devils were able to cooperate together and slowly pull away from Berkmar after leading 24-22 at the half and 40-34 after three. London Johnson scored 18 of his game-high 27 points in the second half to distance the Blue Devils from the Patriots. Johnson would also collect 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. Jerry Deng double-doubled with 14 points and 12 rebounds while Samarion Bond supplied 13 points and 5 rebounds. Foul trouble hampered Berkmar in the second half as Jameel Rideout was saddled with his fourth foul at the 3:05 mark of the third quarter with the Patriots trailing 34-31. Berkmar trimmed the lead to 40-37 with 5:32 remaining but a personal 5-0 run from Johnson would extend the lead and eventually Ole Miss-signee Malique Ewin would foul out with 3:13 to play as Norcross led 47-40. Ewin finished his career with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Rideout scored 13 points and Brycen Blaine had 12. Berkmar was held to 31% shooting and made just 4-22 from beyond the arc. Norcross was outshot 58-37, but went 18-27 from the foul line.