GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Peach State Stops of the Week (12/10-12/16)

People always ask me, “What’s the best game in town this week?”

Peach State Stops of the Week will highlight some of the best basketball being played in Georgia for the current week. Whether it’s a tournament/showcase, a region rivalry, a Top 10 showdown, or a seldom heard sleeper, Peach State Stops of the Week will let you know what gym you need to get into

TUESDAY

No. 6 Fellowship Christian at No. 4 Our Lady of Mercy [Girls]

Looking for two elite High Major All-State players that carry their teams? You will want to take a trip down Evander Holyfield Highway to watch reigning Class A-Private Player of the Year Morgan Jones (Florida State) trade buckets with future Colorado Buffalo Cameron Swartz in this heavyweight bout. Jones is the state’s most unstoppable force, pouring in 36.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game as a 6-foot-2 forward. She has led the Lady Bobcats to a 5-1 start including a 59-48 upset of No. 5 Landmark Christian last week to propel Our Lady of Mercy into the Top 10. Jones dumped in 47 points and 20 rebounds and has her Bobcats making noise statewide after finishing 13-13 a year ago. If Jones is the state’s most unstoppable player, Swartz is one of Class A-Private’s most explosive athletes and versatile scorers. The 5-foot-11 guard makes plays all over the floor for Fellowship Christian (2-2), averaging 33.5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3.7 steals. She is a threat to score once she steps over half-court and isn’t afraid to fire away from all angles. Expect fireworks tonight.

No. 5 Grayson at No. 4 Newton

Two juggernauts collide for early season supremacy in Region 8-AAAAAAA. Ashton Hagans has been unstoppable for Newton (7-0), collecting five consecutive triple-doubles. The Rams have not missed a step from last year’s 28-2 team that fell in the Elite Eight, even after graduating JD Notae (Jacksonville) and Isaiah Miller (UNCG). Tyrease Brown has emerged as one of the state’s most lethal shooters while Hagans has toys inside with Dre Butler and Armani Harris to finish around the rim. The Rams have much more inside-outside balance than they had a year ago, giving teams headaches trying to figure out how to slow down the high-flying offense that averages 86.8 points per game – tops in Class AAAAAAA. Something will have to give as Grayson (4-1) enters with defense being their calling card, allowing just 52.6 points per game, their highest point total allowed coming in a 67-64 loss to Class AAAAA No. 1 Warner Robins. The Rams can get a bucket when they need it from their deep backcourt headlined by Charleston Southern-signee Travis Anderson. Fellow senior Nick Edwards is one of the state’s better unsigned guards while DJ Williams, Reco Hallmon and Justin Fleming all provide their own unique dynamic. Luol Solomon, Orvel Graham and Deivon Smith have provided sparks throughout the season while the post is anchored by double-double man 6-foot-6 Kenyon Jackson and 6-foot-7 senior Terrence Porter. You can watch LIVE on SUVtv.

WEDNESDAY

No. 8 Maynard Jackson at No. 9 Lithia Springs

Last week’s snow storm affords us a full week of high school basketball with Region 6-AAAAA front runners locking up for sole possession of first place on a rare Wednesday-nighter. Head Coach Travis Williams has breathed new life into the Maynard Jackson (8-0) program and has the Jaguars off to their best start in over a decade in just Year 2 at the helm. Senior Marquavis Carter has been lights out from deep, averaging 23.8 points while connecting on 20-of-47 three-pointers. The addition of 6-foot-7 senior TJ Boykin has provided a versatile piece that can do a little bit of everything while 6-foot-5 sophomore Timpia Ogoun has developed into a sturdy post presence that averages 9.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Lithia Springs (7-0) just cracked the Top 10 this week behind a balance of youth and veterans. Sophomore guard Anthony Hardy has led a balanced scoring attack with over 14 points per game. 6-foot-5 freshman post Omarion Smith has dominated defensively around the rim, blocking 6.2 shots per game to go with his 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds. Seniors Christian Horton, KeyShawn Phillips and Terrence Ashford have all contributed consistently this season.

FRIDAY

No. 7 Swainsboro at No. 4 Jeff Davis

Hazlehurst, GA might be considered “the middle of nowhere” to us city slickers up north, but that doesn’t mean the area isn’t a hotbed for good basketball. Jeff Davis (6-0) is home to possibly the best 2020 player you haven’t heard of, but you should have by now: Ja’Queze Kirby. The hyper-athletic and high-motor forward is a 6-foot-5 energizer bunny that does everything for the Yellow Jackets. The 2016-17 Class AA Freshman of the Year led Jeff Davis in nearly every category, posting 14.8 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.1 steals, 3.2 blocks and is improving across the board this season. Seniors Kirese Manley and Chandler Davenport are big shot makers while Tae Thomas is the sparkplug at point guard. They will have a chance to prove themselves a worthy state title contender as they host Preseason No. 1 Swainsboro, who looks motivated after taking a 71-36 beating to Statesboro 10 days ago. The core of All-State First Teamer Jaylan McKinney, Jamil Watkins and Eddie Roberts is still to be feared in Class AA. The Yellow Jackets will have to find a way to slow down McKinney, a binge scorer that averaged over 28 points per game last year, if they want to continue climbing up the rankings.

SATURDAY

2017 SEBA Atlanta Hoop Festival

A true favorite, the SEBA Atlanta Hoop Festival held by William LoPresti is back at Pope High School marking its 10th annual edition. A loaded field features a bevy of talent.

2 PM: Blessed Trinity vs. Hillgrove
3:30 PM: Berkmar vs. Mt. Bethel Christian
5 PM: Hoover (AL) vs. Kennesaw Mountain
6:30 PM: No. 8 Duluth vs. No. 1 McEachern
8 PM: No. 2 Dacula vs. Pope

For an excellent preview of each team, visit SEBA’s Preview Page.

Gwinnett Daily Post Metro Atlanta Challenge

Gwinnett County is slam packed with basketball this Saturday as 15 different in-county schools are in action across three different gymnasiums. Matchups are provided courtesy of the Sandy’s Spiel graphics department.

 

GHSA, Girls Basketball, Girls Rankings

Week 4 Girls Rankings

Class AAAAAAA

  1. Westlake (5-0)
  2. Collins Hill (6-1)
  3. Norcross (7-1)
  4. McEachern (5-2)
  5. Colquitt County (6-1)
  6. Newton (7-1)
  7. Cherokee (6-1)
  8. North Forsyth (6-1)
  9. Brookwood (4-1)
  10. South Gwinnett (7-1) 

Class AAAAAA

  1. Lovejoy (7-0)
  2. Harrison (5-1)
  3. Winder-Barrow (6-0)
  4. Alpharetta (6-0)
  5. Northview (5-2)
  6. Sequoyah (5-1)
  7. Forest Park (4-2)
  8. Stephenson (4-3)
  9. Tucker (4-1)
  10. Northside-Warner Robins (5-1) 

Class AAAAA

  1. Buford (6-0)
  2. Flowery Branch (5-1)
  3. Carrollton (3-1)
  4. Dutchtown (6-1)
  5. Eagle’s Landing (6-3)
  6. Harris County (6-0)
  7. Bainbridge (8-2)
  8. Villa Rica (5-0)
  9. Southwest DeKalb (3-3)
  10. Maynard Jackson (5-0) 

Class AAAA

  1. Carver-Columbus (6-0)
  2. Henry County (7-0)
  3. Spalding (7-0)
  4. Luella (7-1)
  5. Jefferson (4-2)
  6. Northwest Whitfield (5-1)
  7. Madison County (2-2)
  8. West Hall (5-2)
  9. Baldwin (6-0)
  10. Marist (6-0) 

Class AAA

  1. Greater Atlanta Christian (6-1)
  2. Beach (8-0)
  3. Central-Macon (2-0)
  4. Franklin County (7-0)
  5. Lovett (7-1)
  6. Johnson-Savannah (5-2)
  7. Dawson County (4-1)
  8. Haralson County (3-0)
  9. Hart County (3-2)
  10. North Murray (8-1) 

Class AA

  1. Laney (4-0)
  2. Rabun County (6-0)
  3. Fitzgerald (2-0)
  4. Swainsboro (5-0)
  5. Model (6-2)
  6. Putnam County (5-0)
  7. Banks County (3-1)
  8. Dodge County (6-1)
  9. Dublin (6-1)
  10. Berrien (7-2) 

Class A-Private

  1. Holy Innocents’ (6-1)
  2. Wesleyan (5-1)
  3. St. Francis (5-1)
  4. Our Lady of Mercy (5-1)
  5. Landmark Christian (5-3)
  6. Fellowship Christian (2-2)
  7. Stratford Academy (4-2)
  8. Christian Heritage (5-1)
  9. Athens Academy (5-1)
  10. Pinecrest Academy (2-3) 

Class A-Public

  1. Pelham (6-0)
  2. Telfair County (7-1)
  3. Wheeler County (5-1)
  4. Greenville (5-0)
  5. Marion County (5-0)
  6. Macon County (1-1)
  7. Wilcox County (5-2)
  8. Terrell County (4-1)
  9. Woodville-Tompkins (4-3)
  10. Mitchell County (2-1)

 

Due to the lack of games because of the snow storm, there are no changes in Class AAAAAAA. No. 3 Norcross picked up a 70-46 win over Marietta and No. 8 North Forsyth beat Archer 50-46 to highlight last week’s notable results.

No. 2 Harrison knocked Creekview (3-4) back out of the Class AAAAAA Top 10 with a 66-51 win in Region 6. Also exiting the poll is Bradwell Institute (6-2); the Lady Tigers were beat at Brunswick 65-64. Replacing the Grizzlies and Tigers are debutants No. 9 Tucker and No. 10 Northside-Warner Robins. The Tigers are no stranger to the state rankings but make their first appearance in Week 4. They have won four straight games following a season opening loss to Class 7A No. 3 Norcross, 63-52. The Lady Eagles enter the rankings following a 47-33 win at Bleckley County, dropping the Royals from the Top 10 in Class AA. Northside-Warner Robins also holds a 60-49 victory over Brunswick coming at the Jag Challenge at Spalding. 6-foot senior post Tamia Sapp anchors the Eagles inside averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

Arabia Mountain (5-1) gets squeezed out of the Class AAAAA rankings to make way for No. 6 Harris County. The Lady Tigers bust into the Top 10 thanks to a dominant 75-57 win over No. 7 Bainbridge, who slides three spots. The Tigers have the best inside duo in the state between Mississippi State-signee Jessika Carter (23.5 ppg, 15.8 rpg, 5.5 bpg) and junior Taziha Fanning (15.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg). Carter’s younger sisters are beginning to blossom, giving Coach Steffanie Ramsey an embarrassment of size and length. 5-foot-11 junior Ny’Azjha Carter-Ransom is averaging 10 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3 assists while 6-foot-4 sophomore ZiKeyah Carter-Ransom is fourth on the team in both scoring and rebounding. Outside shooting and guard play will determine how deep the Tigers will go this season.

The only movement in Class AAAA comes at the bottom of the poll with No. 8 West Hall jumping two spots following their 52-46 win over Class 2A No. 7 Banks County. Anna McKendree dropped 31 points to pace the Lady Spartans followed by Aashyah White’s 10.

Class AAA sees no shuffling. No. 2 Beach defeated Brunswick 38-32 and now travels to rival No. 6 Johnson-Savannah for a state championship rematch. The Atomsmashers have won five-straight including avenging a season-opening 46-41 loss to Camden County by edging the Wildcats 50-49 on the road. No. 7 Dawson County held on for a 56-52 win at Blessed Trinity without star Kaylee Sticker who sprained her ankle in the third quarter. Sticker finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists before subbing out; it is likely she will miss some time.

To no surprise, No. 1 Laney is rolling in Class AA. Alabama-signee De’Sha Benjamin is averaging 28 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2.3 steals and 2.3 blocks to power the aggressive Wildcats. Jhessyka Williams is posting 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists per game as an athletic wing while junior Jaiden Hamilton is collecting 18 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists on average. No. 7 Banks County is down two spots following their loss to Class 4A No. 8 West Hall. The Lady Leopards see No. 5 Model and Region 8 opposition No. 6 Putnam County climb ahead of them for now. The Squaws of No. 8 Dodge County were inline for a major jump after wins against Class A-Public No. 7 Wilcox County 59-42 and Bleckley County 63-60, helping knock the Royals from the rankings at 2-3, but Dodge County was upset on a buzzer beater at East Laurens 52-51, keeping them locked at No. 8. Replacing Bleckley County is No. 9 Dublin. The Irish thrashed Treutlen 53-35 in Soperton.

There’s more madness in the middle of the rankings in Class A-Private. No. 4 Our Lady of Mercy has won five in a row and now is ranked for the first time following their 59-48 win over No. 5 Landmark Christian. Reigning Class A-Private Player of the Year Morgan Jones has been unstoppable again this season, averaging 36.2 points and 11.7 rebounds. The Florida State-signee torched Landmark Christian for 47 points and 20 rebounds. There will be more fireworks this week as Jones leads her Lady Bobcats against No. 6 Fellowship Christian. The Lady Paladins beat No. 10 Pinecrest Academy for the second time this season, 53-50, behind Cameron Swartz’ 36 points. The Colorado-signee is averaging 33.5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3.7 steals per game. Dropping out to make way for Our Lady of Mercy is Greenforest (1-3)

No. 2 Telfair County defeated No. 7 Wilcox County 53-49 in Class A-Public. No. 9 Woodville-Tompkins is teetering on falling out of the Top 10 along with Region 3 rival Treutlen (1-4). The Wolverines lost in overtime to Savannah Country Day 46-41, but rebounded with a 40-37 overtime win against Savannah Christian. Treutlen was blown out 53-22 by No. 3 Wheeler County and by Class 2A No. 9 Dublin 53-35.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Rankings

Week 4 Boys Rankings

Class AAAAAAA

  1. McEachern (4-0)
  2. Norcross (6-1)
  3. Wheeler (5-2)
  4. Newton (7-0)
  5. Grayson (4-1)
  6. Meadowcreek (6-1)
  7. Mountain View (5-1)
  8. Duluth (6-1)
  9. Peachtree Ridge (7-0)
  10. Collins Hill (6-1) 

Class AAAAAA

  1. Langston Hughes (4-2)
  2. Dacula (3-3)
  3. Gainesville (2-4)
  4. Brunswick (7-0)
  5. Bradwell Institute (6-2)
  6. Jonesboro (3-1)
  7. Tri-Cities (5-2)
  8. Coffee (1-2)
  9. Tucker (5-2)
  10. Douglas County (2-2) 

Class AAAAA

  1. Warner Robins (6-0)
  2. Buford (4-2)
  3. Miller Grove (4-2)
  4. Columbia (4-1)
  5. Southwest DeKalb (5-2)
  6. McIntosh (5-0)
  7. Statesboro (6-1)
  8. Maynard Jackson (8-0)
  9. Lithia Springs (7-0)
  10. Lithonia (6-2) 

Class AAAA

  1. Upson-Lee (8-0)
  2. St. Pius X (7-1)
  3. Sandy Creek (4-1)
  4. Carver-Columbus (6-0)
  5. Americus-Sumter (7-0)
  6. Mary Persons (6-1)
  7. Stephens County (4-0)
  8. Cartersville (0-0)
  9. Baldwin (4-3)
  10. Westover (4-4)

Class AAA

  1. Morgan County (7-0)
  2. Greater Atlanta Christian (5-1)
  3. Johnson-Savannah (5-1)
  4. Cedar Grove (2-2)
  5. Jenkins (4-2)
  6. Calhoun (0-0)
  7. Westside-Macon (1-3)
  8. Dougherty (6-2)
  9. Windsor Forest (6-1)
  10. Pace Academy (2-2) 

Class AA

  1. Glenn Hills (4-0)
  2. Banks County (4-0)
  3. South Atlanta (5-1)
  4. Jeff Davis (6-0)
  5. Dublin (5-1)
  6. Thomasville (7-1)
  7. Swainsboro (3-2)
  8. Berrien (6-2)
  9. Monticello (4-1)
  10. Washington County (2-1)

Class A-Private

  1. St. Francis (5-1)
  2. Aquinas (3-1)
  3. Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (6-1)
  4. North Cobb Christian (5-1)
  5. Landmark Christian (6-1)
  6. Wesleyan (2-1)
  7. WD Mohammed (5-0)
  8. King’s Ridge Christian (3-1)
  9. Stratford Academy (2-1)
  10. Mt. Vernon Presbyterian (3-1)

Class A-Public

  1. Calhoun County (7-0)
  2. Central-Talbotton (8-0)
  3. Macon County (2-0)
  4. Woodville-Tompkins (6-1)
  5. Montgomery County (5-1)
  6. Wilkinson County (3-2)
  7. Lanier County (4-1)
  8. Hancock Central (3-3)
  9. Wilcox County (6-2)
  10. Manchester (2-0)

 

Snow crippled most of the week’s slate of GHSA basketball with areas surrounding Metro Atlanta accumulating up to seven inches of snow. The state’s higher classifications up north mostly squeezed in one game at best, meaning there weren’t many changes in Class AAAAAAA except for No. 7 Mountain View knocking No. 8 Duluth down three spots with a 54-46 win on Tuesday behind Naheim Alleyne’s game-high 24 points.

In Class AAAAAA, No. 3 Gainesville picked up their first two wins of the season at the Memphis vs. Atlanta Roundball Classic, beating Tennessee’s Cordova 66-57 and Mitchell 61-50. Brent Kelly paced the offense averaging 10 points and 5.5 assists per game. Jarred Rosser scored 19 points and was named MVP in the Red Elephants’ win over Mitchell. No. 4 Brunswick continues to gain momentum down on the coast in Region 2. The Pirates edged No. 5 Bradwell Institute in overtime, 71-69. Brunswick’s next test will be a rematch with No. 8 Coffee, who still won’t have their football players due to the football state championships getting pushed back another week. Region 2’s Effingham County (5-2) exits the poll after their second loss to red-hot Statesboro, 53-50 in double overtime. They are replaced by No. 10 Douglas County who reenters.

No. 7 Statesboro crashes into the Class AAAAA Top 10 following yet another impressive win over Effingham County, sweeping the season series. The Blue Devils claim wins over Class 2A No. 7 Swainsboro 71-36 and Class 6A No. 5 Bradwell Institute 52-44, giving them four wins over ranked opponents already. Their next test comes at the U-Save-It Basketball Classic against Class 4A No. 10 Westover. Also into the poll is No. 9 Lithia Springs. Sophomore guard Anthony Hardy is leading the Lions with over 14 points per game. Lithia Springs doesn’t have a standout victory on its resume yet, but they will have a chance to grab one on Wednesday as they host Region 6 foe No. 8 Maynard Jackson in a battle of unbeatens. Dropping out of the rankings to make way for Statesboro and Lithia Springs is Cedar Shoals (2-4) and Eagle’s Landing (3-1). The Jaguars suffered a 74-48 loss to No. 2 Buford while the Eagles fell in overtime to Stockbridge 70-69, the Tigers climbing up the ranks as a potential Top 10 team. No. 10 Lithonia holds onto the final spot after a 42-41 loss against No. 5 Southwest DeKalb. The Bulldogs’ two losses have come by a combined two points. Elsewhere, No. 6 McIntosh won its Battle of the Bubble over rival Starr’s Mill 64-54.

The Class AAAA showdown between No. 1 Upson-Lee and No. 6 Mary Persons never materialized as Cam Holden was forced to miss the game. The Knights ran all over the Bulldogs, 76-46. No. 2 St. Pius rallied to beat their fourth defending state champion, the GICAA’s Mt. Bethel in overtime 71-70 before splitting at the Memphis vs. Atlanta Roundball Classic, holding off Christian Brothers 53-50 and falling to Lausanne Collegiate, 66-60. Everett Lane dropped 27 against Mt. Bethel and was named MVP in the Golden Lions’ win over Christian Brothers. Region 1 continues to creep up in the poll with No. 4 Carver-Columbus and No. 5 Americus-Sumter while No. 10 Westover crawls back in after Northside-Columbus (5-4) faltered against Hardaway 80-71 and Carver 64-53.

No. 3 Johnson-Savannah and No. 4 Cedar Grove flexed their muscles in their respective wins over Class AAA region rivals. Even with UGA-signee Amanze Ngumezi getting ejected in the first quarter, the Atomsmashers still raced past No. 5 Jenkins 67-54 behind the Bowles boys. The Saints hammered away at No. 10 Pace Academy 48-33, the Knights struggling to score this season. No. 7 Westside-Macon got blown out again by Class 5A No. 1 Warner Robins 86-62, but rebounded with a win over Northeast-Macon 78-68, knocking the Raiders from the Top 10 in Class AA. Dawson County (3-2) departs from the poll after blowing a 17-point halftime lead against Blessed Trinity and losing 68-63. Debuting is Savannah/Region 3’s third team, No. 9 Windsor Forest, who is coming off a 61-59 win at Richmond Hill. The Knights are powered by the backcourt of Benjamin Mitchell, Lamon Page and Zimbabwe Fields.

No. 6 Thomasville suffers their first setback of the season in Class AA, getting knocked off by Top 10 debutant No. 8 Berrien, 65-64 on a Chris Jennings buzzer-beating three, the 5-foot-8 sophomore netting all 18 of his points from beyond the arc. The Rebels are off to a 6-2 start behind Jennings (19.3 ppg), 6-foot-4 senior Darius Tisby (15.1 ppg, 8 rpg) and 6-foot-4 sophomore Jamarquis Johnson (12.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg).  Tisby collected 27 points and 5 steals in the win while draining five of the Rebels’ 14 three-pointers. Berrien replaces Northeast-Macon (4-4) who has now lost three straight. No. 1 Glenn Hills has their biggest test yet in Region 4 as they host Laney on Tuesday. The Wildcats have owned Augusta and will provide a measuring stick for the Spartans’ legitimacy.

Class A-Private No. 1 St. Francis blitzed a quality Walker team 83-44. The biggest upset was No. 6 Wesleyan, who falls two spots, losing to No. 7 WD Mohammed 55-47. The Caliphs enter the poll unbeaten behind guards Taqueer Tyler (16.8 ppg, 4 apg) and Ahmad Abdurrahman (16 ppg, 3.4 apg) along with 6-foot-6 senior Siraj Harris inside, who averages 10.6 points, 11 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. Mt. Pisgah (4-3) exits following a 73-66 loss to No. 8 King’s Ridge, the Tigers taking the Patriots’ place.

No. 4 Woodville-Tompkins is officially the team to beat in Region 3 in Class A-Public after taking down No. 5 Montgomery County 67-63. Preston Crisp piled in 25 points in the win. No. 6 Wilkinson County scored a 75-71 win against Class 2A Washington County while No. 8 Hancock Central lost at WaCo 75-71 and fell at Class 4A No. 9 Baldwin 53-40. Treutlen (2-3) departs from the Top 10 after a 109-91 loss to Class 2A No. 5 Dublin. The Vikings are replaced by No. 10 Manchester.

Game Stories, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Cam Holden’s return powers No. 4 Mary Persons’ 104-point outburst

Contributed by Rob Grubbs   (@RCGJr226070)

No. 4 Mary Persons 104, Lamar County 81

FORYSTH, Ga. – The Mary Persons Bulldogs (6-1) began the week ranked No. 4 in Class AAAA but have the misfortune of being in the same region as the No. 1 ranked Upson-Lee Knights and lost to them on Tuesday with Cam Holden sidelined.  The Bulldogs rebounded with a win on Friday against Howard and then faced off with Lamar County on Saturday at home. The Trojans, from Class AA, came into the game with a record of 3-2, each of those loses were against the same Upson-Lee team. So, both teams were undefeated except for playing the Knights.  Mary Persons would make up for some sloppy early play by going on a second quarter run to put the game away by halftime and cruise to a 104-81 win.

Lamar County jumped out to a 12-6 lead behind three-point shots from Josiah Stewart and Rondez Fletcher. Holden who did not start, entered the game with 4 minutes remaining in the first and immediately hit a three, which sparked a 32-7 Bulldog run. It didn’t help that Trojan leading scorer Dallas Ogletree picked up two quick fouls and had to sit down about the same time Holden started his scoring spree. The Bulldogs outscored the Trojans 44-15 after Holden’s initial three and took a 53-27 lead into halftime.  Holden said, “When I hit that first shot, I knew I was going to be alright.”

The Bulldogs kept the full court pressure dialed in and when they forced Lamar County into a 10 second violation with 6 minutes left in the third, Mary Persons had its biggest lead of the night at 60-29. Ogletree showed his mettle by leading a Trojan run, with no further fouls, he was able to play his game. He would finish with 30 points, 21 of those, including three threes, in the fourth quarter to keep the game respectable.  Bulldog Maurice Shannon hit the jumper that would put them over the 100-point mark.

Afterwards, Coach Nix commented on his pressure defense, “The 2-2-1 zone press is our bread and butter, we love to play swarming, team defense. We were able to force them into some mistakes and make a quick run.” And on his star player Holden, he said, “When it is time to play, he wants to win more than anyone. He makes the other players on the court better.”

Rob’s Takeaways 

  1. Mary Persons Head Coach Greg Nix is in his sixth season at Mary Persons. He has served previous stints at Houston County and Veterans High School. The Bulldogs’ record has improved each season he has been there, and the current team seems prepared to continue that trend (they finished 18-10 last season).
  2. Mary Persons implemented a relentless 2-2-1 zone press off
    made shots. Lamar County guard Dallas Ogletree had the primary responsibility to break the press, but it took him somewhat out of his scoring role.
  3. Mary Persons senior forward Cam Holden plays a smooth, almost effortless game. He can score with ease, but he also distributes and makes his teammates better. He had two college recruiters waiting for him after the game.
  4. While Holden has a talented supporting cast, Lamar County’s Dallas Ogletree must carry more of the offensive load. Had he not gotten into early foul trouble, Mary Persons might not have gone on such a big run to end the first quarter.
  5. While beating Upson-Lee for the region championship is a tall order, Mary Persons should still be a Class AAAA playoff team to reckon with.
  6. Lamar County is 3-3, and those three losses were to the No. 1 and No. 4 ranked teams in AAAA. In their own region (5-AA), they should be able to compete and qualify for the state tournament.

Top Performers

Mary Persons
Cam Holden – 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks
Dee Morton – 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks
Rekia Weaver – 14 points, 3 rebounds
Tre Edge – 13 points, 2 assists, 1 steal
Desmon Williams – 6 points, 8 rebounds

Lamar County
Dallas Ogletree – 30 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
Rondez Fletcher – 14 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists
Kellyn Tyus – 2 points, 9 rebounds

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Recaps

Statewide Recap 12-9 (Snow Day Edition II)

BOYS

Class AAAAAA

No. 3 Gainesville 61, Mitchell (TN) 50: The Red Elephants scored another win at the Memphis vs. Atlanta Roundball Classic. Jarred Rosser tallied 19 points and 4 rebounds. Jarrel Rosser added 10 points and 4 rebounds while Brent Kelly picked up 10 points and 6 assists. Raffy Robles totaled 10 points and 7 steals.

Apalachee 75, Jefferson 60: Branden Bannis (21) and Derek Miller (18) combined for 39 points in the win. Miller double-doubled with 11 rebounds. Deron Collier added 10 points and 6 rebounds while Jamonte Wallace chipped in 8 points. Jasper Gibson paced the Dragons with a game-high 24 points.

Lakeside-Evans 69, Midland Valley (SC) 65: Brad Hilley netted 21 points and grabbed 6 rebounds while Kalen Williams finished with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the win. Tucker Gilbert double-doubled with 12 points and 11 rebounds while TyShun Briscoe added 8 points and 5 assists.

Class AAAAA

No. 1 Warner Robins 84, Houston County 53: Nelson Phillips and Jacolbey Owens scored 17 apiece to lead the Demons. Champ Dawson added 11 points in the win.

Woodland-Stockbridge 70, Locust Grove 60: Jalen Mason scored 20 points to lead the Wolfpack. Sincere Whitehead and Curtis Perdue scored 9 apiece.

Bainbridge 82, Cairo 52: The Bearcats thumped their rivals behind Deunta Gardner’s 22 points. Jeremiah Davis (12) and JaKorian Lockhart (10) both cracked double figures.

Statesboro 53,  6ANo. 10 Effingham County 50 2OT: Tray Burns scored 19 points and dished out 5 assists while Daniel Cooper had 12 points and 5 rebounds as the Blue Devils beat Effingham County for the second time this season.

Class AAAA

No. 4 Mary Persons 104, Lamar County 81: Cam Holden entered off the bench and posted 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in the win. Dee Morton collected 18 points and 5 rebounds while Desmond Williams grabbed 9 rebounds. Dallas Ogletree pumped in 30 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the Trojans. Rondel Fletcher chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

No. 10 Baldwin 53, A-PublicNo. 6 Hancock Central 40: Donte Justice netted 18 points to pace the Braves. Torez Hicks scored 11 points while Rodney Walker posted 9 points and 12 rebounds.

Westover 62, Monroe 50: Jordan Brown dumped in 17 points and 4 steals in the win. Camryn Weston added 11 points and 3 steals while Kris Gardner chipped in 11 points and 4 steals.

Class AAA

No. 7 Westside-Macon 78, 2ANo. 8 Northeast-Macon 68: Greg Holloway went for 25 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Khavon Moore tagged on 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Desmon Foston contributed 13 points and 5 steals.

Class AA

No. 6 Dublin 109, A-PublicNo. 10 Treutlen 91: The Irish’s high-powered offense was paced by Steven Linton’s 33 points and 16 rebounds. Kameron Pauldo had 26 points and 14 assists while Clarence Jackson tacked on 23 points and 10 rebounds. Bruce Guyton tossed in 15 points.

Class A-Public

No. 5 Woodville-Tompkins 67, No. 4 Montgomery County 63: The Wolverines passed another Top 10 test by knocking off Montgomery County to gain control of Region 3. Preston Crisp poured in a game-high 25 points while Charleston Willingham added 14 points and Deante Green netted 10.

No. 7 Wilkinson County 75, 2ANo. 9 Washington County 71: Jarden Maze had 16 points, 3 assists and 3 steals while Jawan Dukes posted 15 points and 6 rebounds, but the Golden Hawks couldn’t get by Wilco. Jamarius Dixon produced 13 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals. Conner Frazier had 12 points and 8 rebounds. Zeri Taylor tacked on 11 points and 3 assists in the loss.

 

GIRLS

Class AAAAAA

No. 3 Winder-Barrow 67, Burke County 51: Quin’Deja Hamilton scored 20 points and Kianni Westbrook added 16 in the loss.

Class AAAAA

No. 6 Eagle’s Landing 64, Stockbridge 20: Jaleah Storr scored 15 points and Jasmine Atkins netted 12 in the win. Reyonna Hopkins, Briana Madison and Michaela Fletchers all scored 8 points.

Class AAAA

No. 5 Jefferson 50, Apalachee 34: Jazmin Allen, McKenzie Ulmer and Mariah Starks all scored 9 points in the win. Nakia Hooks netted 13 in the win for the Wildcats. 

LaGrange 64, Callaway 52: Chnaireia Strozier scored 24 points and Aryan Dozier netted 20 in the win. Qua Robinson had 10 points.

Class AAA

No. 6 Johnson-Savannah 50, Camden County 49: The Atomsmashers stole a win against the Wildcats after trailing the entire game. Johnson-Savannah took their first lead with 31 seconds remaining to revenge a 46-41 loss from two weeks ago. Bubbles Williams went off for 30 points to lead the way. Jasmine Thompson scored 9 points and J’mya Cutter added 6. Giana Copeland posted 5 points and 15 blocks.

Class AA

Bryan County 48, Screven County 6: Olonna Rawls posted 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals in the rout. Jay Black hung 10 points and 13 rebounds. Alicia Fabin and Alation Eason scored 5 points apiece.

Lamar County 49, Mary Persons 20: Tomiyah Alford scored 11 points and Victoria Boland added 10 in the win. Makalyn McGuire and Taschanda Castlin chipped in 9 points apiece. Mary Persons was led by Taylor Buffington and Ateria McDowell’s 7 points.

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