GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Girls Recaps, Recaps

Statewide Recap 12-8 (Snow Day Edition)

BOYS

Class AAAAAA

No. 3 Gainesville 66, Cordova (TN) 57:  The Red Elephants picked up their first win of the season at the Memphis vs. Atlanta Roundball Classic. Gainesville featured five players in double-digits: Bailey Minor with 13 points, Jarrel Rosser with 12 points, Raffy Robles with 12 points and Jarred Rosser with 10 points. Brent Kelly tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

Glynn Academy 74, McIntosh County Academy 50: Syron Noyes led Glynn Academy with 24 points, Carieon Robbins added 21 points and Santana Young scored 15 points for the Terrors.

Class AAAAA

Harris County 52, Bainbridge 48: Tevin Price led Bainbridge with 16 points and Jeremiah Davis had 14 points in the loss.

Class AAAA

No. 2 St. Pius 53, Christian Brothers (TN) 50: The Golden Lions remained unbeaten and handed the Purple Waves their first loss of the year at the Memphis vs. Atlanta Roundball Classic. Everett Lane was named MVP following his team-high 12 points. Kennedy Willis added 11 points and Zach Ranson had 10. Niko Broadway chipped in 8 points while Matt Gonzalo dealt out 6 assists.

No. 4 Mary Persons 88, Howard 66: Dee Morton led Mary Persons with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Tre Edge scored 17 points and added 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Reika Weaver also scored 17 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out 5 assists. Desmond Williams and Tre Slaten each scored 13 points and added 4 assists.

No. 5 Carver-Columbus 72, No. 9 Northside-Columbus 52: Carver featured a balanced scoring effort with four players in double digits: Devin Flowers (15 points), Jalen King (14 points and 8 rebounds), AJ Watts (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Xaiyhir Jacobs (10 points and 7 rebounds). Northside was led by Jhaquez Anderson’s 14 points.

Class AAA

No. 3 Johnson-Savannah 67, No. 4 Jenkins 54: The Bowles led the way for Johnson-Savannah with Eleik’s 20 points, E’Maury’s 14 points and Emondre’s 11 points. Ty Scott (14 points) and Tre Mays (11 points) led the scoring for Jenkins.

Class AA

No. 1 Glenn Hills 66, Butler 53: Timmy Sellers and Tim Williamson scored 17 apiece to carry the Spartans over the Bulldogs.

No. 5 Jeff Davis 74, Metter 73: Kirese Manley scored 19 points including the game-winning buzzer beater to beat Metter. Tae Thomas netted 21 points while Ja’Queze Kirby finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 steals and 3 blocks. Chandler Davenport added 11 points.

No. 6 Dublin 100, Twiggs County 76: Clarence Jackson turned in a dominant performance with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Kameron Pauldo contributed a double-double of his own the hard way with 23 points and 13 assists.

No. 9 Washington County 75, A-PublicNo. 6 Hancock Central 71: Jarden Maze paved a path to victory for the Golden Hawks with 23 points and 4 assists. He was assisted by Jawan Dukes’s 17 points and 13 rebounds. A strong junior class in Keith Foster (4 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks) and Ivory Williams (6 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) rounded out the stat sheet to keep Washington County undefeated early.

Bleckley County 63, Dodge County 49: Nick Cummings led Dodge County with 21 points. RJ Carr’s 10 and Noah Wilcox’s 9 points weren’t enough to overcome Bleckley County.

Lamar County 69, Mt. de Sales 65: Quay Parks led Lamar with 18 points, followed by Dallas Ogletree’s 17 points and Keilyn Tyus’ 10 points. Matthew Daniel led all scorers for Mt. de Sales with 20 points.

Class A-Private

No. 3 ELCA 75, Tattnall Square 52: KJ Jones stroked six threes and finished with 19 points, 3 rebounds and 5 steals. Malachi Rhodes collected 12 points and 10 rebounds while Trevon Reddish added 11 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Jamaine Mann tallied 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals.

Class A-Public

No. 2 Central-Talbotton 86, Marion County 74: JaQuavius Smith led Central High with 28 points. Javares Copeland contributed 22 points and 8 rebounds, while ZyTavian Hill added 21 points and 14 rebounds.

No. 5 Woodville-Tompkins 63, Savannah Christian 46: Preston Crisp led all scorers with 24 points, while Bernard Pelote added 18 points and Deante Green scored 13 points.

 

GIRLS

Class AAA

No. 6 Johnson-Savannah 69, Jenkins 26: Bubbles Williams led the charge for Johnson-Savannah with 18 points, followed by J’mya Cutter’s 17 and Giana Copeland’s 13 points.

Islands 49, Windsor Forest 32: Elizabeth Sierzant and Hannah Burner led with 12 points apiece. Diamond Garvin and Morgan Klotz were monsters on the board with 14 and 15 rebounds, respectively.

Dougherty 77, Brooks County 71: Jah’ne Brown poured in 45 points for the Lady Trojans in the win.

Class AA

Bryan County 59, Toombs County 34: Olonna Rawls led Bryan County with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Jay Black was a point short of a double-double (9 points, 10 rebounds) and Brooklyn Hewitt scored 10 in the victory.

No. 8 Dodge County 63, Bleckley County 60: Zanessia Mitchell led Dodge County with 23 points. Destanee Wright and Europe Brown scored in double digits with 18 and 10 points, respectively.

Josey 74, Harlem 28: Tykedra Rolland led Josey with 20 points, while Rhykeria Rolland, Ebony Chisolm, and Rondaijah Wynn each scored 9 points to keep the Lady Eagles undefeated.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Spielin' & Dealin' Podcast

Spielin’ & Dealin’ Ep. 36: Week 3 GHSA Storylines

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Week 3 GHSA storylines include:

  • R6-AAAAAAA’s depth (1:07)
  • Langston Hughes claims the top spot in Class AAAAAA, while Gainesville’s season is in early jeopardy (3:09)
  • South/Coastal Georgia teams in Class AAAAAA for real? (7:56)
  • Statesboro and Lithia Springs on the verge of debuting in Class AAAAA? (10:20)
  • [G] How big of a threat is No. 2 Henry County in Class AAAA? (15:33)
  • [G] Class A-Private girls update. FSU-signee Morgan Jones coming in hot (17:27)
  • Tuesday night recap (19:33)
  • Thoughts on witnessing LaFayette beat Heritage (24:11)
GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Peach State Stops of the Week (12/3-12/9)

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

FRIDAY

No. 5 Bradwell Institute at No. 4 Brunswick

If you want to take a trip to go see the Savannah River this Friday, you might as well stop by to catch two of the coast’s best basketball teams they have to offer at 8:30. The Tigers (6-1) are somewhat of an upstart, going 11-12 last year, but were a Preseason Top 10 team and haven’t disappointed yet thanks to the arrival of Preseason All-State First Teamer Khalyn Weekley and Isaiah Scott. Weekley is averaging over 20 points per game as a physical and explosive 6-foot-3 point guard while Scott provides a wiry 6-foot-4 frame on the wing that possesses a soft touch. Add Ronald Canty Jr. and Javonte LeCounte and you have a potent offense. The Tigers face a major test in defending Class AAAAAA state runner-up, Brunswick (5-0). The Pirates have handled their business behind a quick, yet undersized backcourt. 5-foot-8 senior Marcus Scott leads the team in scoring while 5-foot-10 Daquan Humphreys and 6-foot Jaylen Jackson are also experienced seniors. Tarique Gray and Shaky Baggs are two versatile pieces at Coach Chris Turner’s disposal.

No. 5 Southwest DeKalb at No. 3 Miller Grove

Region 5-AAAAA is always a dogfight with DeKalb County powers going toe-to-toe nightly. The young Panthers (5-2) will try to pick up a statement win over the Wolverines (4-2), who have seen their dominance and their talent gap shrink over the past two years, but still remain the team to beat. Sophomore point guard KD Johnson has proven to be the real deal and merits his Preseason All-State honors. The fearless competitor is averaging 18.9 points, 4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.6 steals per game. James Glisson III continues to round into a strong post presence, the 6-foot-6 junior averaging 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks while lanky 6-foot-4 wing Eugene Brown III is chipping in 11.1 points and 7 rebounds. The trio will have to compete with TJ Stargell, Maurice Harvey and Lorenzo Anderson who pace the Wolverine offense from the backcourt. Stargell plays floor general while getting Anderson and Harvey in scoring position. Jermon Clark and Kevin Paige are two space eaters that rebound and block shots inside.

 

SATURDAY

No. 7 Cedar Shoals at Clarke Central

The shoe is on the other foot for the first time in a long time for these two Athens rivals. Though they are currently ranked in the Top 10, No. 7 Cedar Shoals (2-4) is reeling after three straight losses against elite competition including a 74-48 defeat against Region 8 foe No. 2 Buford this Tuesday. Clarke Central (5-0) hasn’t played nearly as difficult of a schedule but have the momentum heading into Saturday’s showdown. The Gladiators have often been the underdog but even so, they’ve always found a way to play the Jaguars tight, losing 73-70 and 67-57 last season. The core of Dwon Smith, Quamontae Monfort, Mijah Campbell and Jaiquez Smith have helped the Gladiators to their best start since 2013-14’s 26-2 team. Trey Johnson and Martavius Darden give Andre McIntyre a bevy of scoring options. Cedar Shoals will turn to sophomores Quincy Canty and Tyler Johnson to provide an inside-outside punch. Jai’Vanni McDavid and Keivaziay Ball are scrappy senior guards that have been through countless wars under Coach L’Dreco Thomas. Keep an eye on sophomore Demetrius Glenn, a sharpshooter that transferred from Clarke Central to Cedar Shoals this offseason.

Game Stories, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

No. 6 McIntosh bursts Starr’s Mill’s bubble 64-54

Contributed by Rob Grubbs   (@RCGJr226070)

No. 6 McIntosh 64, Starr’s Mill 54

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga – In Peachtree City, the “Battle of the Bubble” represents any competition between the two rival schools, McIntosh and Starr’s Mill.  All sports are included, but basketball is one of the fiercest, and it’s heightened this season for a couple of reasons. One, both teams are very talented and well coached, they both started the season ranked with the McIntosh Chiefs currently No. 6 and the other, Starr’s Mill Panther three-year starting point guard Zach Pina switched jerseys over the summer when he transferred to McIntosh for his final year. The first installment this season was held at McIntosh which has a unique set up, both student sections are behind the baskets and make for a raucous evening of chants, taunts and fervor. When the night ended, McIntosh remained undefeated (5-0) and got their first home region win of the season.

Pina’s replacement at point for the Panthers (4-2) is Jake Bishop who has plugged in nicely, but an early season injury to their big man, 6-foot-7 Nate Allison has Head Coach Brandon Hutchins adjusting his rotations. For the Chiefs, Pina joins a line-up that features 6-foot-7 sharp-shooting wing player Cole Guenther and explosive guard Chaz Hardin who has emerged as a scoring threat.

After the first quarter of back and forth that saw the Panthers lead by one, the game took on the personality of fast, slashing plays and quickness on defense.

Hardin had a block in the second quarter to keep the game tied at 20-20 and the Chiefs would score off a steal by Bruce Carpenter followed by a steal of the inbound by Pina. Pina’s quickness was causing trouble for the Panthers and in the closing seconds of the half, he collected a steal at half court and drove to the basket for the layup just before the horn sounded for a 23-20 halftime lead. The fans were even getting into the action as the officials had to move the Starr’s Mill student section back one row for touching a player in action.

Hudson started the second half with a three to tie things up and after trading baskets, Guenther got his first points of the game on a three-pointer only to see Panther forward Julian Lynch answer quickly on his end. After a Hudson basket put the Panthers up four with two minutes remaining, the Chiefs took control with a 12-0 run to end the third quarter up 44-36. Chief Head Coach Jason Eisele, who recently just got his 200th career win, showed confidence in his roster by giving his starters extended rest to end the quarter.

McIntosh guard Mills Berry hit a three to start the final quarter for their largest lead of the night. The Panthers would cut the deficit to seven on two occasions, but struggled to get inside against the Chiefs zone defense and never mounted a serious challenge down the stretch as the Chiefs closed out for a 64-54 win.

Hardin led the Chiefs with 23 points while Guenther and Pina both added 10.  Lynch paced the Panthers with 22 points and Hudson had 16. Afterwards, Coach Eisele commented on his team, “We were able to rest our guys in the third because of the depth we have, we are 13 deep and with our flexibility, we can play a lot of different groups.”

Pina played well against his former mates, and Eisele was proud of him. “We knew what to expect, we knew their students were going to be loud, but he remained composed and played his game. He has played in this game seven times, I was proud of how he handled himself.”

The Bubble rematch will move to Starr’s Mill on January 19, 2018 where Pina and the rest of the Chiefs will need that same composure and explosiveness against the Panthers with Allison back in the lineup in a game that will have key region implications.

Top Performers

McIntosh
Chaz Hardin – 23 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals
Cole Guenther – 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 7 blocks
Zach Pina – 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal,

Starr’s Mill
Julian Lynch – 22 points
Drew Hudson – 16 points

Game Stories, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

LaFayette rambles past Generals behind third quarter dominance

LaFayette 69, Heritage-Catoosa 56

Region 6 bragging rights and first-place were on the line Tuesday night up in Ringgold where Heritage-Catoosa (3-3) hosted LaFayette (4-0).

Knowing that the offense revolves around 6-foot-4 senior forward Jon Morgan and 5-foot-11 junior point guard Alex Kelehear, the Generals opened up the game face guarding Morgan.

It took the Ramblers a moment to figure out the defense and get Morgan the ball, so instead he decided to get it himself off a rebound and score a tough leaner in the lane to open up his scoring and give LaFayette an early 9-6 lead.

Andrew Pendergrass and Morgan combined for 14 first quarter points while the Generals looked to play through 6-foot-5, 225-pound post Cole Wilcox. The UGA baseball-signee went to work early, showing his physicality and passing ability. He and Adam Thacker attacked from the post while Will Allen put in five of his 10 points in the opening quarter.

Kelehear dished out four of his game-high six assists in the first quarter including hitting Morgan for a three to take a 17-14 lead into the second quarter.

The Ramblers started to gain some separation in the second quarter once Kelehear started to hunt his own shot. A transition layup and a pull-up three sparked a 7-2 run to put the LaFayette lead at 24-16 with 6:31 remaining.

With the game slowly inching away, Coach Kevin Terry pounded the ball back inside to Wilcox who worked the high post and found Thacker for an and-1 to stem the tide.

The Generals cut the lead to 31-30 and were about to carry their momentum into the second half but instead it was Kelehear isoing and finding a three off a beautiful reverse pivot to give the Ramblers a 34-30 halftime lead.

Opening up the third quarter, Heritage decided to go Triangle-and-Two on Kelehear and Morgan who scored eight apiece in the first half. Instead, the defensive strategy backfired with LaFayette breaking off a 9-0 run to push ahead 43-30 at the 5:41 mark. With all the focus on Kelehear and Morgan, Pendergrass feasted. After knocking down a handful of foul line jumpers in the opening 16 minutes, Pendergrass opened up to the three-point line where he sniped three long balls and finished with 10 of his team-high 18 points in the quarter.

LaFayette had landed the knockout punch with a 21-8 third quarter, capped by yet another Kelehear iso just before the buzzer, giving the Ramblers an insurmountable 55-38 advantage.

Heritage, who struggled to score from beyond the arc, finally loosened up the defense a little with two late threes, but had to force the ball inside to Wilcox as their only consistent scorer and playmaker. Wilcox scored eight of his game-high 20 points in the final quarter and finished with 11 rebounds and 4 blocks.

My Take

I fully expect LaFayette to win out and run the table in Region 6. There could be a slip up here or there but they are the best team with the most momentum rolling over from last year’s Sweet 16 trip. Alex Kelehear was the real deal at point guard. At 5-foot-11, he’s probably best suited for D-III, NAIA, or the right fit at the D-II level. What he lacks in size and explosiveness, he makes up for with his actual skill and savvy. He could have easily scored 20+ but instead he chose to run the offense and play within himself. He handled the ball well and had a good zip on his passes, the type you see from the state’s best pocket passers. He picked apart Heritage anytime he had an isolation 1-on-1 opportunity. He was so good, hitting two buzzer beaters and assisting on one. He’s exactly who you want to have the ball in their hands at the end of a game. Jon Morgan has some bounce and is another player that could help out a small school. The lefty can knock down the deep ball (two threes), is an active rebounder with nice hands (9 rebounds) and can handle the ball when needed. Andrew Pendergrass is a pure jump shooter, meaning he hardly ever puts the ball on the ground and will catch-and-shoot. LaFayette is very good when he is on. His mid-range jumper was clicking from the first quarter and he expanded it to the three-point line in the second half. Do I think LaFayette can compete with the Upson-Lee’s and St. Pius’ of the world in Class AAAA? No I do not; but with the right draw, LaFayette could scare some teams and advance to the Sweet 16 again. Whoever they will play in Region 5 will likely have more athleticism then they will have seen all year. If Jon Morgan gets in foul trouble, I worry about their interior play. Dee Southern starts at “center”, but is only 5-foot-11. For a Cinderella run, Kelehear will have to hunt his offense more often, Morgan will need to play huge and Andrew Pendergrass must be lights out from deep.

Heritage-Catoosa just didn’t have enough outside shooting. I appreciate them force feeding Cole Wilcox and Adam Thacker inside. They are a good duo at that level. Wilcox got off to a nice start but left a ton of shots short at the rim. The Generals only played six players and really ran out of gas in the third quarter once the Ramblers hit them in the mouth to open.

Top Performers

LaFayette
Andrew Pendergrass – 18 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
Jon Morgan – 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
Alex Kelehear – 15 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
Dee Southern – 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Vyshonn Daniel – 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Heritage
Cole Wilcox – 20 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 4 blocks
Adam Thacker – 16 points, 9 rebounds
Will Allen – 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
Luke Grant – 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block

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