GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Class A bracket snubs

Class A-Public

No. 5 Quitman County (21-7) *#9 seed*
No. 8 Wilcox County (19-9) *#11 seed*

The yucky Power Ratings system takes a bite out of Quitman County and Wilcox County. No. 7 Lincoln County could have a beef for drawing the #16 seed, but the Red Devils didn’t see much competition in Region 7 until the region tournament where they squandered a lead against Class A-Private No. 9 Tattnall Square Academy and lost in overtime. Lincoln County does however get their first home playoff game in school history and faces #17 Portal. Quitman County gets the #9 seed after going 14-4 in Region 1. They fell to No. 1 Calhoun County three times, 75-52, 66-61 and in the championship 66-63, proving they can play with the big boys. Instead they see #24 Dooly County in the opening round and No. 10 Macon County who is the #8 seed in the second round.

#6 Montgomery County and #7 Turner County are fortunate. Turner County has more of an argument than Montgomery County, but both teams did not do enough to earn a first round Bye. The Rebels were blown out in the Region 2 semifinals by Wilcox County 88-67. Wilcox went on to lose 65-55 to #3 Clinch County but somehow the Patriots get the #11 seed instead and will have to host a dangerous #22 Twiggs County which boasts aggressive guards. Montgomery County comes out of the weak Region 3. They spent time in the Top 10 early in the season but fell out for the second half of the year. They played #1 Treutlen close once (76-69 OT) but then were drilled twice, losing 90-65 and then 73-47 in the region title game.

Class A-Private

No. 6 Whitefield Academy (19-8) *#11 seed*

Class A-Private doesn’t have too many glaring seeding snubs but Whitefield Academy has a right to complain. #7 Athens Christian should not have a Bye. At 21-6 out of the week Region 8, they have no significant wins other than beating #12 Tallulah Falls in the region semifinals 52-49. The Eagles lost twice to #2 seed No. 7 Lakeview Academy, 58-42 in the regular season and 43-41 in the region championship, a better result but still not enough to warrant a top seed. Lakeview has dominated the region for the past two seasons and if you can’t beat the best in your own region, you shouldn’t be rewarded with a Bye. Whitefield’s wins over Sacred Heart, AL, Velma Jackson, MS, Lincoln, NY, #19 King’s Ridge and #5 No. 5 St. Francis trumps Athens Christian’s resume.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Honors

Boys 2016-17 All-Region Teams

Don’t see your region on here? Please send boys & girls honors to [email protected]

Class AAAAAAA

Region 2

Co-Players of the Year: Collin Sexton (Pebblebrook); Chuma Okeke (Westlake)

First Team
Tyree Crankfield – Campbell
Elias Harden – Pebblebrook
Danny Lewis – Westlake
Darius Perry – Wheeler
EJ Montgomery – Wheeler

Second Team
Elafayette Stone – East Coweta
Drue Drinnon – Pebblebrook
Jared Jones – Pebblebrook
Jordan Tucker – Wheeler
Donovan Grant – Campbell

Region 3

Player of the Year: Isaac Okoro – McEachern

First Team
Demierre Black – Hillgrove
Fionn Brown – Marietta
Babatunde Akingbola – McEachern
Elijah Butts – Kennesaw Mountain
Ethan Reid – North Paulding

Second Team
Sharife Cooper – McEachern
Josh Strong – Kennesaw Mountain
Antoine Jones – Hillgrove
Tre Peoples – McEachern
Kharon Cameron – Marietta

Region 4

Coach of the Year: Ty Phillips – Roswell
Player of the Year: Tyreke Johnson – Woodstock

First Team
Jaxon Etter – Etowah
Miles Herron – Roswell
Phil Cirillo – Cherokee
Jack Carroll – Cherokee
James Anderson – Roswell

Second Team
Blain McDonough – Walton
Adrian Cohen – Etowah
Eli Mayberry – Cherokee
Dylin Hardeman – Woodstock
Noah Frith – Woodstock

Region 5

Coach of the Year: Scott Bracco – Lambert
Player of the Year: Alex O’Connell – Milton

First Team
Alex O’Connell – Milton
Evan Cole – South Forsyth
CJ Smith – Forsyth Central
Andrew Melms – Lambert
Christian Wright – Milton

Second Team
Jordan McIlwain – Lambert
Austin Deckard – Lambert
Connor Stephenson – North Forsyth
Michael Zabetakis – West Forsyth
Matt Ganote – Lambert
Santhosh Saravanan – South Forsyth

Region 6

Coach of the Year: BJ Roy – Mountain View
Co-Players of the Year: Connor Heyward (Peachtree Ridge); Christian Mancillas (Mill Creek)

First Team
Kalu Ezikpe – Discovery
Adam Flagler – Duluth
Spencer Rodgers – Mountain View
Kenny Stanciel – Collins Hill
Devin Vassell – Peachtree Ridge

Second Team
Jalen Hodges – Duluth
Will Huzzie – Duluth
Justin Lee – Collins Hill
JaQuan Morris – Collins Hill
Ethan Smith – North Gwinnett

Region 7

Coach of the Year: Jesse McMillan – Norcross
Player of the Year: Bubba Parham – Brookwood

First Team
Rayshaun Hammonds – Norcross
Al Durham – Berkmar
Lance Thomas – Norcross
Anyeuri Castillo – Meadowcreek
Jay Estime – Berkmar

Second Team
Jordan Goldwire – Norcross
Kyle Sturdivant – Norcross
Tre Higginbotham – Brookwood
Cory Hightower – Meadowcreek
Zach Cooks – Berkmar
Toneari Lane – Parkview
Jaylen Hillery – Central Gwinnett

Region 8

Coach of the Year: Rick Rasmussen – Newton
Player of the Year: JD Notae – Newton

First Team
Ashton Hagans – Newton
Isaiah Miller – Newton
Travis Anderson – Grayson
TJ Massenburg – Shiloh
Greg James – Shiloh

Second Team
Brian Coffey – Shiloh
Brenden Tucker – Archer
D’onte Torrence – South Gwinnett
Sayvon Traylor – Rockdale
Kenyon Jackson – Grayson

Class AAAAAA

Region 4

Coach of the Year: Jay Jones – Forest Park
Player of the Year: MJ Walker – Jonesboro

First Team
MJ Walker – Jonesboro
Bryce Latimer – Stephenson
Trevon Flowers – Tucker
Avery Wilson – Forest Park
William Black – Drew

Second Team
Jamari Smith – Jonesboro
Julian Larkin – Stephenson
Tre’John Taylor – Mt. Zion
Tyre Keith – Mundy’s Mill
Adorian Nicholson – MLK

Region 5

Co-Players of the Year:  Kane Williams (South Paulding); Landers Nolley (Langston Hughes)

First Team
Ja’Cori Wilson – South Paulding
Derrick Cook – Langston Hughes
Khalil Cuffee – Langston Hughes
Tyson Jackson – Creekside
Grant Howard – Alexander

Second Team
Clint Bentley – New Manchester
Damion Howell – Alexander
Jahorie Copeland – Douglas County
Horace Wyatt – Mays
Reo Wright – Mays

Region 6

Coach of the Year: Gregory Moultrie – South Cobb
Player of the Year: Trevin Wade – South Cobb

All-Region
Trey Doomes – Allatoona
LaTrell Tate – Osborne
Nasir Love-Porter – Dalton
KJ Jenkins – Creekview
Eddie Figueroa – Sprayberry
Tate Coston – Harrison
Ralueke Orizu – South Cobb
Dustin Exinor – River Ridge
Mike Johnson – Allatoona
Nick Hurt – Dalton

Region 7

Coach of the Year: Jason Dasinger – Alpharetta
Player of the Year: Alex Watson – Pope

First Team
Justin Brown – Northview
Brandon Barron – Alpharetta
Kamar Robertson – Cambridge
Will Bracknell – Chattahoochee
Alex Watson – Pope

Second Team
Jackson Baylark – Pope
Carlos Carriere – Alpharetta
Neil Ilenrey – Johns Creek
Ja’Von Douglas – Chattahoochee
Ellis Merriweather – Alpharetta

Region 8

Coach of the Year: Benjie Wood – Gainesville
Player of the Year: Bailey Minor – Gainesville

All-Region
Ethan Morris – Apalachee
Omer Ahmed – Apalachee
Derek Miller – Apalachee
Arusha Hunter – Dacula
Mekhail Bethea – Dacula
Justin Goodson – Dacula
Jarred Rosser – Gainesville
Xavier Bledson – Gainesville
KJ Buffen – Gainesville
Adrian Martin – Lanier
Terence Butler – Winder-Barrow

Class AAAAA

Region 1

Player of the Year: Nelson Phillips – Warner Robins

First Team
Jacolbey Owens – Warner Robins
Josh Linder – Veterans
Talique Williams – Harris County
Milton Gayle – Bainbridge
Quintavius Cooksey – Thomas County Central

Second Team
Jaydon Norman – Warner Robins
Aquavious Fanning – Harris County
Dathan Boyd – Veterans
Maleke Lurry – Bainbridge
BJ Jones – Thomas County Central

Region 3

Player of the Year: Noah Gurley – Fayette County

First Team
Josh Graham – Whitewater
Dijon Brown – Morrow
Austin Nesmith – Fayette County
Drew Hudson – Starr’s Mill
Cole Guenther – McIntosh

Second Team
Nate Allison – Starr’s Mill
Tyshaun Crawford – Griffin
Johnathan Foster – Riverdale
Phillip Young – Fayette County
Chaz Hardin – McIntosh

Region 4

Coach of the Year: Jarvis Tarplin – Union Grove
Player of the Year: Kavonte Ivery – Stockbridge

First Team
Austin Atkins – Union Grove
Wesley Simpson – Union Grove
Jaylen Love – Hampton
Brandon Thomas – Eagle’s Landing
Mohammed Abubakar – Eagle’s Landing
Dennis Woolfolk – Jones County

Second Team
Christopher Hood – Eagle’s Landing
Garrian Wade – Jones County
Nick Singleton – Jones County
Terrynce Jackson – Ola
Jaylyn Clark – Woodland-Stockbridge

Region 5

Player of the Year: Tae Hardy – Miller Grove

First Team
Darius Giles – Arabia Mountain
Glen Robinson – Chamblee
Mandarius Dickerson – Southwest DeKalb
Jalen Cobb – Columbia
TJ Boykin – Columbia

Second Team
Darius Hogan –Southwest DeKalb
Kenton Eskridge – Columbia
Jashun McNeil – Clarkston
Jermon Clark – Miller Grove
Rodney Hatchett – Lithonia
Jordan Sterling – Arabia Mountain
Lorenzo McGhee – Columbia

Region 6

Player of the Year: JaQuavius Hayes – Maynard Jackson

First Team
JaQuavius Hayes – Maynard Jackson
Marquavius Carter – Maynard Jackson
Elijah Jenkins – Riverwood
Ceaunte Zachery – Lithia Springs
Vinicius Viana – North Springs

Second Team
DJ Brittian – Grady
Grant Showell – North Springs
Terrill Hall – Decatur
Patrick Hudson – Carver-Atlanta
Josh Brown – Riverwood

Region 7

Player of the Year: Caelon Ball – Kell

First Team
Carson Culverhouse – Carrollton
Nigel Taylor – Villa Rica
Rodney Thomas – Villa Rica
CJ Bennett – Cass
Ashton Burley – Cass

Second Team
Nehemiah Reddish – Rome
Marcellious Lockett – Carrollton
Tyron Summerour – Paulding County
Nick Cook – Hiram
Wayne Bryant – Kell

Region 8

Coach of the Year: David Sokol – Flowery Branch
Player of the Year: Phlan Fleming – Cedar Shoals

All-Region
Julius Chamble – Loganville
Brannon Clark – Flowery Branch
John Mills – Flowery Branch
Alex Jones – Buford
David Viti – Buford
Marcus Watson – Buford
Dwayne Wilson – Johnson-Gainesville
Jailen Robinson – Walnut Grove
D’won Smith – Clarke Central
Jack Mangel – Clarke Central
Stavion Stevenson – Cedar Shoals
Snipe Hall – Cedar Shoals

Class AAAA

Region 1

Player of the Year: Daniel Melvin – Carver-Columbus

First Team
Kris Gardner – Westover
Devan Porter-Wilson – Shaw
Kiante Sims – Americus-Sumter
Lincoln Smith – Shaw
Jaquez Anderson – Northside-Columbus

Second Team
Noah Lott – Columbus
Eric Hall – Americus-Sumter
AJ Watts – Carver-Columbus
Jordan Brown – Westover
Jurell Jones – Americus-Sumter

Region 2

Coach of the Year: Darryl Lockhart – Upson-Lee
Co-Players of the Year: Tye Fagan (Upson-Lee); Cameron Holden (Mary Persons)

All-Region
Keyonta Tyler – West Laurens
Damion Bagley – Perry
Jake Smith – Perry
Zyrice Scott – Upson-Lee
Travon Walker – Upson-Lee
Michael Smith – Upson-Lee
Tre Edge – Mary Persons
Rasheed Marshall – Spalding
Tyeem Mason – Howard

Region 3

Coach of the Year: Buck Harris – Baldwin
Player of the Year: Moses Williams – Richmond Academy

First Team
DT Stephens – Richmond Academy
Donte Justice – Baldwin
Quan Wilson – Burke County
Jamal Hinkle – Burke County
Radarean Johnson – Thomson
Darius Turman – Thomson
Artis Chapman – Cross Creek
Tim Williamson – Hephzibah
Jason Weaver – Richmond Academy
Zayveon Williams – Burke County

Second Team
Rodney Walker – Baldwin
Brenden Robertson – Baldwin
Jucorus Thomas – Thomson
Ali Gilbert – Burke County
Jesse Marshall – Cross Creek
Chauncey Baker – Hephzibah
Torez Hicks – Baldwin
KJ Brown – Cross Creek
Cobi Wood – Richmond Academy
D’Zarious Holmes – Burke County

Region 4

Player of the Year: Keiodre Perry – Eastside

First Team
Damion Rosser – Henry County
Javon Greene – Henry County
Brandon Smith – Salem
Julian Cameron – Woodward Academy
Ahsan Asadullah – North Clayton

Second Team
Jordan Foote – Druid Hills
Desmeontay Dyer – Eastside
Kelvin Jones – Luella
Michael Lee – North Clayton
Jordan Simons – Salem

Region 5

Co-Players of the Year: Jaylon Pugh (Cartersville); Evan Jester (Sandy Creek)

First Team
Laperion Perry – LaGrange
KJ Wilkins – Sandy Creek
TJ Horton – Cartersville
Josh McClendon – Central-Carroll
Jay Jefferson – Troup

Second Team
Bo Russell – LaGrange
Kenan Gray – LaGrange
Bryan Fanning – LaGrange
Jarred Godfrey – Sandy Creek
TJ Bickerstaff – Sandy Creek

Region 6

Player of the Year: Luke Shiflett – Northwest Whitfield

All-Region
Alex Kelehear – LaFayette
Tyrese Hunter – LaFayette
Cole Wilcox – Heritage-Catoosa
Tylon Gaines – Heritage-Catoosa
Christian Antillon – Southeast Whitfield
Luke Johns – Southeast Whitfield
Markeion Jones – Ridgeland
Grant Terrell – Northwest Whitfield
Hunter Johnson – Gilmer
Joseph Gossett – Pickens

Region 7

Coach of the Year: Patrick Hughes – Blessed Trinity
Player of the Year: Kyle Swade – Blessed Trinity

First Team
CJ Abrams – Blessed Trinity
Whid Childs – Marist
Donovan Hernandez – Chestatee
Xzavier Reid – West Hall
John Ward – White County

Second Team
Noah Edmondson – West Hall
Cameron Gwyn – Chestatee
Austin Harris – White County
David Sever – Marist
Ben Shappard – Blessed Trinity

Region 8

Co-Players of the Year: Matthew Quint (North Oconee); Trevon Daniel (Madison County)

First Team
Matthew Gonzalo – St. Pius
Carson Seramur – St. Pius
De’Undra Singleton – Stephens County
Nunu Walker – Stephens County
Jack Chambers – North Oconee

Second Team
Everett Lane – St. Pius
Jackson Bailey – Madison County
Jasper Gibson – Jefferson
Roquez Dowdy – Oconee County
Jack Taylor – North Oconee

Class AAA

Region 3

Coach of the Year: Bakari Bryant – Jenkins
Player of the Year: Trevion Lamar – Jenkins

First Team
Trevion Lamar – Jenkins
Zion Williams – Jenkins
Tre Mays – Jenkins
Justin Cave – Islands
Trae Broadnax – Islands
Eleik Bowles – Johnson-Savannah
Marshall Barber – Savannah
Matt Sams – Savannah
Timmond Brown – Beach
Pierles Brown – Southeast Bulloch
Zim Fields – Windsor Forest

Second Team
Kawan Williams – Beach
Krumain Grady – Beach
Chamel Chaney – Groves
Tyrone Scott – Jenkins
Hugh Durham – Islands
Shamar Jones – Johnson-Savannah
Daqwan Outing – Savannah
De’sean Taylor – Southeast Bulloch
Caleb Carter – Southeast Bulloch
Donovan Lewis – Windsor Forest
Benny Mitchell – Windsor Forest

Region 4

Player of the Year: Khavon Moore – Westside-Macon

All-Region
Antarius McCoy – Central-Macon
Acton Shirley – Pike County
Deonte Barlow – Jackson
Jared Johnson – Peach County
Kevin Morgan – Kendrick
Trey Foster – Westside-Macon
Tyrice Paul – Central-Macon
Brice Paster – Peach County
Deshon James – Rutland
Samone Reed – Westside-Macon

Region 5

Player of the Year: Wendell Carter – Pace Academy

All-Region
Ryan Greer – Lovett
Isaiah Kelly – Pace Academy
Mikael Sampson – Westminster
Jamari Dean – Cedar Grove
Devon Barnes – Cedar Grove
Tyonn Stuckey – Redan
Azarius Cole – Stone Mountain
Jakeem Faulkner – Towers
Vamir Baker – Stone Mountain
Jibril Wyckoff – Redan
Zay Malcome – Westminster
Paris Howland – Westminster
Malik Smith – Towers
David Manigo – Towers
Barrett Baker – Pace Academy

Region 6

Player of the Year: Chapin Rierson – Calhoun

All-Region
Tyler Phillips – Coahulla Creek
Wil Walraven – Sonoraville
Malik Lawrence – Calhoun
JT Langford – North Murray
Brad Wilson – Sonoraville
Bryce Waters – Sonoraville
Cade Nayadley – Ringgold
Zach Thompson – Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
Jason Houston – Bremen
Adrian Winters – Murray County
Hunter Hice – Adairsville
Maddox Adams – Coahulla Creek

Region 7

Player of the Year: Zach Pulley – Lumpkin County

All-Region
Crawford Colwell – Union County
Alden Lewallen – North Hall
Charlie O’Briant – Greater Atlanta Christian
Jacob Zarate – Lumpkin County
Logan Holt – Fannin County
Evan Easton – North Hall
Chris Hinton – Greater Atlanta Christian
Cullen Reed – Dawson County
Jeremiah Crumley – Dawson County
Sedrion Morse – East Hall
Luke Cooper – East Hall
Mahki Brown – East Hall
Hunter McIntosh – Greater Atlanta Christian

Region 8

Player of the Year: Alec Woodard – Morgan County

All-Region
Chandler Gibson – Monroe Area
Will South – Franklin County
Jalen Brown – Hart County
Devin Sheats – Monroe Area
Christian Smith – Jackson County
Anthony Cooper – Morgan County
Elijah Goodman – Monroe Area
Isaiah Glasper – Monroe Area
Kobe Haley – East Jackson
Zach Gay – Franklin County

Class AA

Region 1

Player of the Year: Reggie Perry – Thomasville
Offensive Player of the Year: Qubilah Hall – Early County

First Team
Willie Ross – Fitzgerald
Antonio Perry – Fitzgerald
Qderius Reed – Early County
Malik Thornton – Early County
Devontae George – Early County
Darrell Bryant – Albany
John Flood – Albany
Michael Edmonds – Brooks County
Darius Tisby – Berrien
Vonterius Woolbright – Thomasville
Jordan Powell – Thomsville

Second Team
Marlon Jackson – Fitzgerald
Cam Daniels – Fitzgerald
Javieon Byrd – Early County
Tamarion Harris – Early County
Jomma Linsdey – Early County
Tony Thomas – Brooks County
Kamron Peterson – Albany
Jamarquis Johnson – Berrien
Quindarius Thomas – Thomasville
Titus Wright – Thomasville
Luke Wallace – Thomasville

Region 2

Player of the Year: Jaylan McKinney – Swainsboro

First Team
Justin Harris – Swainsboro
Tahj Jones – Vidalia
Laberton Sims – Toombs County
Ja’Queze Kirby – Jeff Davis
Shawn Percy – Jeff Davis
Markeevious Byrd – Metter
Trae Stewart – Bacon County

Second Team
Jamil Watkins – Swainsboro
Shamel Johnson – Metter
D.R. Meadows – Toombs County
Caleb Gilchriest – Vidalia
Peyton Nobles – Bacon County
Isaiah Tillman – Bryan County

Region 3

Coach of the Year: Carlos Hope – Washington County
Player of the Year: Aaron Ridley – Southwest-Macon
Offensive Player of the Year: Kameron Pauldo – Dublin
Defensive Player of the Year: Caleb Johnson – Washington County

First Team
Darius Dunn – Northeast-Macon
Nick Cummings – Dodge County
Chris Parker – Washington County
Torenio Davis – Bleckley County
Ty’Ree Gilbert – Northeast-Macon

Second Team
Willie Taylor – Bleckley County
Holden Baisden – Dublin
Devin Durham – Dublin
Cameron Cherry – Northeast-Macon
Kenterrious Goolsby – Southwest-Macon

Region 4

Coach of the Year: Shawn Parks – Laney
Player of the Year: Deandre Barton – Butler

First Team
Timmy Sellers – Glenn Hills
Don Henley – Laney
Mardrez McBride – Butler
Justin Phillips – Westside-Augusta
Tahkwon King – Jefferson County

Second Team
Natahj Tanksley – Laney
Will Lambert – Butler
Deonte Simmons – Screven County
Elijah Brown – Westside-Augusta
Javen Whitehead – Josey
Domonique Hurst – Josey

Region 6

Player of the Year: Tyler Thornton – South Atlanta

All-Region
Stavon Griggs – KIPP Atlanta
Devonta Pullins – South Atlanta
Jemaure Ezzard – Hapeville Charter
Rome Emenalo – Hapeville Charter
Corey Moore – Therrell
Jalen Stegall – South Atlanta
Jonathan Ford – Douglass
Dondre Barnes – South Atlanta
Antre Perry – Washington
Deandre Brown – Therrell

Region 7

Player of the Year: Jay Shropshire – Chattooga

First Team
Jesse Holt – Dade County
Bronson Garner – Rockmart
Isaiah Foster – Chattooga
Isaac Foster – Chattooga
Jackson Lively – Model
Kenon Dixon – Coosa
Drew Cummings – Armuchee
John Weaver – Model
Morgan Sims – Rockmart
Gage Henry – Dade County

Second Team
Thumper Blake – Dade County
MJ Chubb – Coosa
Jon Wood – Dade County
Jamal Ware – Pepperell
Eli Brock – Armuchee

Region 8

Player of the Year: Carl Johnson – Putnam County

First Team
Ashton Bonner – Monticello
Bailey Fisher – Rabun County
Kahmal Wiley – Banks County
AJ James – Elbert County
Isaac Hullin – Oglethorpe County
Deion Head – Social Circle
D’Mario Reid – Putnam County
Carl Cleveland – Banks County
Dylan Orr – Banks County
Malik Crawford – Monticello

Class A

Region 1

Player of the Year: Rashun Williams – Calhoun County
Offensive Player of the Year: Laqueveus Nelson – Quitman County
Co-Defensive Players of the Year: Trajan Evans (Randolph-Clay); Willie Kemp (Pelham)

First Team
Rashun Williams – Calhoun County
Laqueveus Nelson – Quitman County
Shahee Billings -Quitman County
Roney Moore – Calhoun County
Trajan Evans – Randolph-Clay
Willie Kemp – Pelham
De’Andre Nash – Miller County
Marquavious Watson – Randolph-Clay
Tyreke Daniels – Seminole County
Keundre Campbell – Webster County
Cassius Allen – Pelham
Sanquan Sheppard – Stewart County
Andre De’Shong – Chattahoochee County
Re’Kyris Ross – Terrell County

Second Team
Jeremiah Williams – Webster County
Jamarcus Williams – Mitchell County
Kentrevious Williams -Mitchell County
Juawaun Wiley – Calhoun County
JaMarcus Irving – Terrell County
Jadarian Gibbs – Quitman County
Kemonterrius Byrd – Pelham
Javoris Butler – Miller County
De’Andre Masten – Chattahoochee County
Kevin Brown – Randolph-Clay
Curtis Johnson – Stewart County
Tyjuan Daniels – Seminole County
Rodney Gardner – Terrell County

Region 5-South

Player of the Year: Ikey Obiagu – Greenforest

First Team
Ikey Obiagu – Greenforest
Victor Enoh – Greenforest
Justin Forrest – Greenforest
BeBe Iyiola – Greenforest
Collier Schultz – Landmark Christian

Second Team
Kenneth McCullough – ELCA
Micah McAllister – Landmark Christian
Asher McGee – Drew Charter
Walker Kessler – Landmark Christian
David Quimby – Greenforest

Region 5-North

Player of the Year: DeAundrae Ballard – SACA

First Team
DeAundrae Ballard – SACA
Christian McLean – Wesleyan
Cole Smith – Holy Innocents’
Jules Erving – Holy Innocents’
Johnathan King – SACA

Second Team
Ronald Elloie – SACA
Jalen Essick – Paideia
Taj Keeton – Mt. Vernon Presbyterian
Wyeth Coombs – Galloway
Ahmad Abdur-Rahman – WD Mohammed

Region 6-B

Player of the Year: Isaiah Hart – Whitefield Academy

First Team
Dwon Odom – St. Francis
Quinn Richey – Mt. Pisgah
Wallace Tucker – St. Francis
Chase Ellis – St. Francis
Eric Coleman – King’s Ridge

Second Team
Cody Frazer – Fellowship Christian
Sam Bush – Walker
Jimmy McCarthy – Whitefield Academy
Holt Shannon – Mt. Paran
Kam Dozier – King’s Ridge

Region 7-South

Player of the Year: Tre Gomillion – Aquinas

First Team
Tre Gomillion – Aquinas
Ahmad Rand – Lincoln County
Jelani Shakir – Aquinas
Tyreke Williams – Taliaferro County
Anton Kilpatrick – Greene County

Second Team
Malik Foston – GMC
Maciah Gunby – Lincoln County
Jarrius Burnett – Warren County
Dajuan Hill – Aquinas
Reginald Terrell – Taliaferro County

Region 7-North

Player of the Year: Clarence Jackson – Wilkinson County

First Team
Clarence Jackson – Wilkinson County
Calvin Slaughter – Tattnall Square Academy
Zuri Brown – Twiggs County
Arman Smith –  First Presbyterian Day
Adam Leverett – Mt. de Sales
Nathan Hunt – Stratford Academy

Second Team
Aaron Geter III – Wilkinson County
Henry Middlebrooks – First Presbyterian Day
Juwan Brown – Twiggs County
Jimmy Marshall – Tattnall Square Academy
JaDaveon Jones – Wilkinson County

Region 8

Coach of the Year: Todd Cottrell – Lakeview Academy
Player of the Year: Drew Cottrell – Lakeview Academy

First Team
Drew Cottrell – Lakeview Academy
Michael Van Hooser – Tallulah Falls
Josh Randolph – Lakeview Academy
Josey Keene – Tallulah Falls
Dalton Meeler – Prince Avenue

Second Team
Will DeVries – Towns County
Quincy Canty – Athens Christian
Torey Zanders – George Walton Academy
Tre Gober – Lakeview Academy
Darrell White – Riverside Military

GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Groups of Death

Class AAAAAAA

Boys

Upper Right

No. 2 Newton (26-1)
No. 5 Westlake (17-10)
No. 6 Tift County (24-2)
No. 7 Berkmar (20-7)

Oh man. If you want to make the Final Four, it will be EARNED. Such a sour draw for Newton, who has been undefeated for nearly the entire season. A likely matchup with the defending state champions who are finally getting healthy will be a lofty task. The Rams led the Lions for almost the entire game before running out of gas in the Final Four last year and losing 64-59. Revenge will definitely be on their mind. Is Tift County for real? Well they will be put through the wringer right away. Berkmar’s guards will come at them in full force (if there are no upsets of course). Milton broke the Blue Devils’ hearts last year on a buzzer beater in the Sweet 16. Tift will have to pound away with recent Virginia Tech-commit PJ Horne, a Sandy’s Spiel Under the Radar Senior, if they want to get a crack at the big boys.

Girls

Upper Right

No. 3 Archer (22-4)
No. 7 Colquitt County (21-4)
No. 8 Brookwood (20-6)

Luckily, unlike last year, the state’s largest classification is pretty balanced. A year ago we had eight ranked teams located on the bottom of the bracket. This year everything is fairly equal with the amount of parity but the upper right looks treacherous. Archer will be the favorite to make it to the Elite Eight on their top side, but Brookwood and Colquitt County can play, so can three-seed South Forsyth and four-seed North Cobb who shouldn’t be pushovers. The Lady Packers have a chance to establish themselves if they can make it to the Elite Eight and get a crack at Archer. N’dea Jones of Brookwood could be the best player in the quadrant. The 6-foot-3 forward is heading to Texas A&M and controls the paint and will effect what opposing teams try to do. Archer however can counter with 6-foot-4 Linsey Marchese (Indiana) and 6-foot-3 Autumn Newby (Vanderbilt).

 

Class AAAAAA

Boys

Bottom Right

No. 3 Jonesboro (22-5)
No. 4 Lakeside-Evans (21-4)
No. 7 Allatoona (18-8)
No. 10 Richmond Hill (20-6)
Alpharetta (25-3)

Prepare to get grinded. Jonesboro does not have a cakewalk to the Final Four. They just aren’t clicking on all cylinders like they have in the past, even though they have MJ Walker, Jamari Smith and Jaylon Terrell. Their upset loss to Stephenson in the Region 4 championship has them facing a battle-tested Richmond Hill team that will look to prove once and for all that Region 2 can play with anybody. Allatoona has laid in the weeds all year long but the Bucs have a shot at playing spoiler and making it to the state finals for a third consecutive season while Jonesboro tries to make it four. If Jonesboro has to travel to Allatoona in the second round, prepare for the Bucs to throw the kitchen sink at the Cardinals and make MJ Walker look far from an All-American, just like what they did to Alterique Gilbert in last year’s finals. Alpharetta has the sexiest record of anyone in the field but Region 7 has been put into question all year long. They face their opposite in Tri-Cities (16-13). Coach Omari Forts runs a plethora of offensive sets that will test the Raiders’ patience in the half court. Lakeside-Evans has passed all three of their major 6A tests, sweeping Heritage-Conyers, but the problem is that’s really the only competition they have faced from high classifications (split with 2A Josey; beat 2A No. 2 Laney; lost to 2A No. 4 Butler; lost to 4A No. 8 Richmond Academy) and they haven’t played anyone of note outside of the Augusta area except for Effingham County who they beat 66-61. The Panthers will either boom or bust in state.

Girls

Upper Left

No. 1 Douglas County (24-3)
No. 4 Harrison (22-5)
No. 6 Tucker (21-6)

Harrison claimed the No. 1 ranking in Class 6A since Week 2, but their unceremonious loss to Creekview in the Region 6 championship game has dampened their playoff future or at least has made it more difficult. Douglas County has been clicking on all cylinders and will run most teams out of the gym. Harrison and Tucker should meet in Round 2 with both teams no strangers to taking deep tournament runs. If Sydne Wiggins (Rice) can return healthy for the Hoyas, everything changes. If not, Douglas County might race to the Final Four. The Hoyas did however beat the Tigers 64-48 earlier in the year, but that was at full strength.

 

Class AAAAA

Boys

Upper Right

No. 1 Buford (24-2)
No. 2 Warner Robins (24-3)
Union Grove (21-7)
New Hampstead (17-8)
Southwest DeKalb (16-12)

The depth of this quadrant stands out. Buford and Warner Robins are the cat’s meow, but Union Grove vs. New Hampstead in the first round should be fun. Whoever wins will test Buford in the Sweet 16. The Phoenix have played spoiler before, upsetting Upson-Lee in the first round of the tournament last year as a four-seed. Oronte Anderson might be able to work his magic again if they can get past Union Grove.  Southwest DeKalb has seen as much elite talent in the state as anyone has in Class 5A. Kell and Warner Robins won’t scare them. Their inability to close out games has been a problem this year as the young Panthers continue to grow.

Girls

Upper Left

No. 2 Southwest DeKalb (23-4)
No. 8 Eagle’s Landing (24-3)
Harris County (19-6)
McIntosh (19-8)
Loganville (16-12)

Southwest DeKalb is the clear cut favorite to advance to the Final Four, but a few teams pose matchup problems with each other. Eagle’s Landing has handled their business all year long in Region 4, but a second round date with Loganville if the Red Devils get there, could be interesting. Loganville has played elite teams such as No. 1 Buford and No. 4 Flowery Branch and has held their own for the most part. They rely on their defense to muck games up and win low scoring ball games. McIntosh and Harris County meet in the opening round. The Chiefs are well-coached and have experience in the form of seniors DeLayne Rotolo and Savannah Soles and sophomores Rylee Calhoun and Kennedi Miller. Harris County’s guard play is a glaring weakness, but their posts compose of one of the best 1-2 punches in the state. 6-foot-5 junior Jessika Carter has spent time over the summer with Team USA and is averaging 18.4 points, 14.5 rebounds and 6.7 blocks. Second twin-tower Taziha Fanning is a 6-foot sophomore that is posting 17.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks. Guards win championships in high school, but boy is Harris County an intriguing darkhorse.

Class AAAA

Boys

Upper Left

No. 2 Henry County (21-5)
No. 3 LaGrange (24-3)
No. 8 Richmond Academy (22-5)

Ouch. Henry County and LaGrange win their respective regions, regarded as possibly the two toughest in the state with Region 1 right there too and all they get out of it is to be grouped in the same quadrant. At least both teams are tested and are no stranger to stiff competition. Henry County should cruise to the Elite Eight, while the bottom part of the group is no easy task. Shaw (15-13) is playing good basketball and will give Richmond Academy all they can handle. LaGrange must play well to have a crack at seeing Henry County in the Elite Eight.

Girls 

Bottom Right

No. 1 Cross Creek (23-4)
No. 6 Northwest Whitfield (21-5)
No. 10 Americus-Sumter (23-5)
Henry County (19-7)

Stop right there. Are you kidding! Defending state champion Americus-Sumter fell apart in the Region 1 tournament and slipped from No. 2 in the entire state to No. 4 in their own region. I’m not sure who that is worse for: Cross Creek or Americus-Sumter? Absolutely brutal draw for Cross Creek. The winner of this game will likely take a trip to the Final Four. Northwest Whitfield is a powerhouse in North Georgia but they will have their hands full in the second round chasing around prolific scorer Brooke Moore. The junior is committed to Auburn and is averaging 24.4 points per game. She may be the trump card in this potential matchup.

Class AAA

Boys

Upper Left

No. 1 Westside-Macon (23-3)
No. 3 Pace Academy (21-8)
No. 10 Johnson-Savanah (18-9)

Well dang. Any dreams of a Westside-Macon vs. Pace Academy state championship are shattered. The Seminoles have an easy road to the Elite Eight while Pace Academy must not lose focus and will see either Johnson-Savannah or Monroe, both upset-minded teams. The Atomsmashers are a tougher matchup for the Knights considering the level of competition they have seen this year and the fact that they have 6-foot-7 junior Amanze Ngumezi anchoring the paint to try and slow down Wendell Carter and Isaiah Kelly. Four players average in double figures for Johnson-Savannah and out of their eight top scorers, only one (Jamonte Williams) is a senior. Keep an eye on Johnson-Savannah next year.

Girls

Upper Left

No. 3 Beach (24-2)
No. 6 Redan (19-6)
No. 7 Calhoun (21-5)
No. 8 Central-Macon (19-5)
Hart County (22-5)
East Hall (16-10)

Out of the eight teams in the quadrant, SIX have spent time in the Top 10. All areas of the state are covered here with each geographic region battling for supremacy. All roads still lead through Savannah as Beach is the team to beat, but everyone else has experience playing high level teams as well. East Hall draws Redan in Round 1 with the right to play Beach in the Sweet 16. Carly Winters will need to be on with her three-point stroke and Kylah Mize must control the tempo and pace if the Vikings are to upset Redan. Hart County and Calhoun should be a fun matchup as South Carolina softball-signee Jana Johns will look to go out with a bang with the Yellow Jackets. 6-foot-1 junior center Jada Clowers will cause problems inside as she powers the Central-Macon Chargers frontline.

Class AA

Boys

Bottom Left

No. 6 Chattooga (24-1)
No. 7 Thomasville (18-8)
No. 8 Monticello (19-8)
Swainsboro (17-10)
Westside-Augusta (15-10)

There is a lot of guard play in this quadrant and that is exactly what Thomasville’s weakness is. 6-foot-8 Reggie Perry (Arkansas) and 6-foot-9 Titus Wright are monsters inside, but their suspect backcourt has held the Bulldogs back from breaking through this season. They might meet Chattooga in Round 2, a team from an extremely weak region, but a group that has a veteran backcourt. Twins Isaiah and Isaac Foster are lightning in a bottle while versatile Jay Shropshire was named Region 7 Player of the Year. Monticello draws Therrell in Round 1 but the Panthers haven’t been the same since Anthony Edwards transferred mid-season to Holy Spirit Prep. Westside-Augusta and Swainsboro could be a nip and tuck game. Just like last year, Monticello could be the sleeper to come out of this group.

Girls

Top Left

No. 1 Laney (26-1)
No. 3 Dodge County (24-3)
No. 10 Heard County (20-6)
Swainsboro (17-9)

Laney is the heavyyyyy favorite to win the state title this year in AA, but the one team I’ve been mentioning as having a shot to take them down is Dodge County. I wouldn’t have projected it to be in the Elite Eight however. The Indians’ upset loss to Bleckley County in the Region 3 title game is crippling as they will have to beat the best to be the best. Laney has won by an average of 42.3 points per game, crushing everyone in their path, especially since De’Sha Benjamin’s early season move back to Laney. Their only loss came in game two against undefeated 23-0 North Augusta, SC 62-56 without Benjamin. Just to prove their power, they humbled Class 6A’s No. 9 Mays 85-66 in December. Swainsboro is the best four-seed in the state, but even they will be up against it when they travel to Augusta. Dodge County can’t quite answer the bell to that level margin of victory-wise, but they have beaten strong programs from higher and lower classifications, sweeping Wayne County, splitting with Class A-Public No. 3 Telfair County and playing Class 5A No. 7 Maynard Jackson to a 54-50 defeat.

 

JOIN THE FEBRUARY FRENZY BRACKET CHALLENGE

GHSA, Girls Basketball, Girls Rankings

Final Regular Season Girls Rankings

2 Comments

Class AAAAAAA

  1. Norcross (25-2)
  2. McEachern (21-6)
  3. Archer (22-4)
  4. Collins Hill (22-4)
  5. Mill Creek (23-4)
  6. Lambert (24-2)
  7. Colquitt County (21-4)
  8. Brookwood (20-6)
  9. Westlake (20-7)
  10. Newton (20-6) 

Class AAAAAA

  1. Douglas County (24-3)
  2. Winder-Barrow (22-5)
  3. Northview (25-3)
  4. Harrison (22-5)
  5. Grovetown (20-7)
  6. Tucker (21-6)
  7. Creekview (20-7)
  8. Lovejoy (23-4)
  9. Mays (17-9)
  10. Gainesville (17-9) 

Class AAAAA

  1. Buford (24-2)
  2. Southwest DeKalb (23-4)
  3. Carrollton (27-1)
  4. Flowery Branch (21-6)
  5. Warner Robins (25-1)
  6. Griffin (25-1)
  7. Maynard Jackson (22-2)
  8. Eagle’s Landing (24-3)
  9. Villa Rica (25-3)
  10. Statesboro (18-8) 

Class AAAA

  1. Cross Creek (23-4)
  2. West Hall (22-5)
  3. Jefferson (22-5)
  4. Carver-Columbus (22-4)
  5. Columbus (20-5)
  6. Northwest Whitfield (21-5)
  7. North Clayton (18-9)
  8. North Oconee (21-5)
  9. Spalding (20-6)
  10. Americus-Sumter (23-5) 

Class AAA

  1. Johnson-Savannah (23-2)
  2. Greater Atlanta Christian (20-7)
  3. Beach (24-2)
  4. Haralson County (25-4)
  5. Monroe (21-4)
  6. Redan (19-6)
  7. Calhoun (21-5)
  8. Central-Macon (19-5)
  9. Franklin County (20-6)
  10. Ringgold (21-6)

Class AA

  1. Laney (26-1)
  2. Model (22-5)
  3. Dodge County (24-3)
  4. Fitzgerald (20-2)
  5. Rabun County (25-2)
  6. Bryan County (22-4)
  7. Hapeville Charter (19-6)
  8. Vidalia (22-5)
  9. Banks County (19-8)
  10. Heard County (20-6) 

Class A-Private

  1. St. Francis (24-4)
  2. Wesleyan (24-4)
  3. Holy Innocents’ (26-2)
  4. Lakeview Academy (24-4)
  5. Landmark Christian (22-4)
  6. Pinecrest Academy (19-6)
  7. Calvary Day (22-4)
  8. Stratford Academy (19-5)
  9. Darlington (21-6)
  10. First Presbyterian Day (18-6) 

Class A-Public

  1. Pelham (26-1)
  2. Wheeler County (23-3)
  3. Telfair County (24-2)
  4. Woodville-Tompkins (22-5)
  5. Marion County (22-5)
  6. Taylor County (18-7)
  7. Greenville (22-4)
  8. Macon County (17-7)
  9. Terrell County (20-6)
  10. Hancock Central (20-5)

 

The final regular season Class AAAAAAA poll of the year sees No. 5 Mill Creek and No. 8 Brookwood swap places. The Hawks upset No. 4 Collins Hill in overtime 57-56, but the Eagles still hold onto the No.4 spot. Collins Hill defeated Mill Creek 64-42 and 60-48 in the regular season before the Region 6 championship loss. Brookwood fell in the Region 7 title game to No. 1 Norcross 61-32. No. 3 Archer survived No. 10 Newton in a Region 8 championship double overtime thriller 73-70.

Harrison’s reign of dominance has momentarily ended in Class AAAAAA. The Lady Hoyas held the No. 1 spot since Week 2 but their upset loss in the Region 6 championship to No. 7 Creekview 54-38 drops Harrison to No. 4. Sydne Wiggins, a Rice-signee, is back on crutches. Douglas County takes over the No. 1 ranking, leapfrogging No. 2 Winder-Barrow. Northview is up to No. 3 after winning the school’s first-ever region title. No. 6 Tucker took down No. 8 Lovejoy is the Region 4 championship 53-48, dropping the Wildcats three spots. Stephenson (18-10) drops out and is replaced by No. 10 Gainesville.

No. 1 Buford handled No. 4 Flowery Branch for a third time this season, beating the Falcons in the Region 8-AAAAA championship 53-38. Wayne County (17-6) departs from the Top 10 and is replaced by No. 10 Statesboro, a debutant to the poll who beat the Yellow Jackets 48-39 and then knocked off Ware County in the Region 2 championship 33-27.

No. 3 Jefferson beat No. 8 North Oconee for the third time in Region 8-AAAA as they won the title 42-29. Carver-Columbus made waves in Region 1, rising four spots after beating No. 5 Columbus 54-53 in the title game. No. 10 Americus-Sumter has fallen eight spots after being blown out by Columbus 63-44 and sinking to the fourth seed in the region with a stunning 60-54 loss to Shaw in the consolation game.  Heritage-Catoosa (25-3) tumbles out of the Top 10 after taking a 72-49 beating in the Region 6 championship at the hands of rival No. 6 Northwest Whitfield. Replacing the Generals is scorching hot No. 7 North Clayton. Following a 2-7 start to the season, the Eagles are now 18-9 and riding a 15-game winning streak. They crushed Henry County in the Region 4 championship 66-43.

Johnson-Savannah regains ahold of No. 1 in Class AAA after beating bitter rival No. 3 Beach 61-57 in the Region 3 championship, now making it two wins apiece for each side in the 4-game regular season series. Haralson County navigated its way to a Region 6 title and moves up four spots to No. 4 in the process. They defeated previously ranked Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 50-42, No. 10 Ringgold 46-36 and No. 7 Calhoun in the championship, 53-45. Redan and Central-Macon reappear in the poll. No. 6 Redan won Region 5 from the third seed while the Chargers extracted revenge in dramatic fashion, snapping Peach County’s 18-game win streak to capture the Region 4 title, 47-46. Along with Peach County, Hart County (22-5) also slips out. Morgan County is starting to peak as Tatyana Davis has helped the defending state champs win eight in a row including beating Hart County 50-43 in the semifinals and steamrolling No. 9 Franklin County in the Region 8 finals 57-37. The Bulldogs are only 15-12 but are extremely dangerous after a tough non-region schedule has prepared Morgan County for a title defense.

No. 3 Dodge County was stunned in Region 3-AA, losing to Bleckley County 61-54 in the championship after throttling the Royals by 20 and 26 points in the regular season. Swainsboro (17-9) departs from the poll after not being able to survive Region 2, losing to eventual champion No. 6 Bryan County 50-44 and to Jeff Davis 38-36, falling to the four-seed. Heard County cracks back into the Top 10 after a Region 5 championship.

In Class A-Private, the third time was a charm for No. 2 Wesleyan who finally solved No. 3 Holy Innocents’ in the Region 5 championship 59-50.

All roads to the state title in Class A-Public still lead through No. 1 Pelham as the Hornets dominated No. 9 Terrell County 54-20 in the Region 1 championship. Wheeler County jumps Telfair County for the No. 2 ranking after the Bulldogs defeated No. 4 Woodville-Tompkins 47-41 and Class A-Private No. 7 Calvary Day 50-46 to win the Region 3 crown. Over in Region 4, Marion County leaps back into the Top 10 at No. 5 after beating No. 8 Macon County 52-47 and winning the championship over No. 6 Taylor County 43-40, who is back in the poll replacing Wilcox County (20-6) and Mitchell County (19-6).

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Rankings

Final Regular Season Boys Rankings

Class AAAAAAA

  1. McEachern (26-0)
  2. Newton (26-1)
  3. Pebblebrook (18-7)
  4. Norcross (22-5)
  5. Westlake (17-10)
  6. Tift County (24-2)
  7. Berkmar (20-7)
  8. Wheeler (19-8)
  9. Mountain View (20-8)
  10. Collins Hill (19-8) 

Class AAAAAA

  1. South Paulding (26-1)
  2. Gainesville (26-1)
  3. Jonesboro (22-5)
  4. Lakeside-Evans (21-4)
  5. Stephenson (18-9)
  6. Brunswick (19-8)
  7. Allatoona (18-8)
  8. Dacula (19-8)
  9. Langston Hughes (20-8)
  10. Richmond Hill (20-6) 

Class AAAAA

  1. Buford (24-2)
  2. Warner Robins (24-3)
  3. Miller Grove (18-8)
  4. Cedar Shoals (23-4)
  5. Fayette County (20-7)
  6. Columbia (20-7)
  7. Eagle’s Landing (20-6)
  8. Statesboro (18-9)
  9. Dutchtown (19-8)
  10. Villa Rica (21-6) 

Class AAAA

  1. Upson-Lee (27-0)
  2. Henry County (21-5)
  3. LaGrange (24-3)
  4. Carver-Columbus (19-6)
  5. Sandy Creek (20-7)
  6. St. Pius X (20-7)
  7. Baldwin (18-8)
  8. Richmond Academy (22-5)
  9. Americus-Sumter (21-6)
  10. Eastside (18-9) 

Class AAA

  1. Westside-Macon (23-3)
  2. Liberty County (19-5)
  3. Pace Academy (21-8)
  4. Jenkins (20-7)
  5. Morgan County (21-5)
  6. Cedar Grove (17-6)
  7. East Hall (20-7)
  8. Greater Atlanta Christian (20-6)
  9. Calhoun (20-4)
  10. Johnson-Savannah (18-9) 

Class AA

  1. South Atlanta (24-1)
  2. Laney (23-5)
  3. Banks County (22-4)
  4. Butler (18-8)
  5. Early County (21-7)
  6. Chattooga (24-1)
  7. Thomasville (18-8)
  8. Monticello (19-8)
  9. Heard County (22-4)
  10. Dublin (22-5) 

Class A-Private

  1. Greenforest (23-5)
  2. North Cobb Christian (25-3)
  3. Aquinas (25-1)
  4. Southwest Atlanta Christian (20-8)
  5. St. Francis (23-5)
  6. Whitefield Academy (19-8)
  7. Lakeview Academy (23-5)
  8. Wesleyan (16-11)
  9. Tattnall Square Academy (17-8)
  10. Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (19-6)

Class A-Public

  1. Calhoun County (25-1)
  2. Treutlen (26-0)
  3. Clinch County (24-3)
  4. Wilkinson County (21-7)
  5. Quitman County (21-7)
  6. Taylor County (17-5)
  7. Lincoln County (17-6)
  8. Wilcox County (19-9)
  9. Randolph-Clay (17-6)
  10. Macon County (18-8)

 

The State Playoffs are finally here!

No need for much explanation as every result from across the state can be found HERE, but I will touch on some interesting news and notes.

In Class AAAAAAA, No. 9 Mountain View not only punched their first ticket to state in school history, but they also won their first region title by winning three straight games by one point in the Region 6 tournament, capped by a 59-58 title game victory over No. 10 Collins Hill who reenters the poll. This week’s casualties are Lambert (23-4) and Grayson (18-9). Mountain View along with Class AAAAAA’s No. 4 Lakeside-Evans were both featured as Sandy’s Spiel Sleeper Teams way back in May. The other sleeper team? Alexander who finished with 17 wins but was shutout of a state playoff bid in Class AAAAAA.

Class AAAAAA was stunned to see Jonesboro upset in the Region 4 championship by first time entry to the poll No. 5 Stephenson, 61-58. Even with the loss, the Cardinals narrowly cling onto the No. 3 spot. No. 6 Brunswick shoots up into the poll after capturing the Region 2 title. Alpharetta (25-3) and Heritage-Conyers (18-7) both exit after failing to win their respective regions. No. 9 Langston Hughes falls five spots and will hope that a little addition by subtraction will help them play to their full potential come tournament time.

No. 9 Dutchtown and No. 10 Villa Rica debut in the final regular season Class AAAAA poll. Riverwood (21-5) and Union Grove (21-7) both slip out. Villa Rica has won seven straight games and is playing their best ball of the season while Dutchtown has enjoyed an 8-win increase in Jamal Basit’s first year as head coach.

Class AAAA has been a jungle all season long outside of No. 1 Upson-Lee. The Knights join Class AAAAAAA No. 1 McEachern and Class A-Public No. 2 Treutlen as the only teams left chasing perfection. No. 4 Carver-Columbus climbs after being unranked and winning the Region 1 title in another wild week. Cartersville (20-6) exits the Top 10 after a slew of close games in the Region 5 tournament.

The Top 5 in Class AAA all took care of business but Greater Atlanta Christian couldn’t, dropping to No. 8 after No. 7 East Hall stunned them for a second time to win the Region 7 title. Central-Macon (19-7) barely drops out to make room for the Vikings.

Dublin was ranked No. 2 last week in Class AA and now sits at No. 10 after being upset by Washington County in the Region 3 championship 49-47, but the biggest reason for the Irish’s drop is the suspension of star point guard Kameron Pauldo. The high octane scorer that averages over 25 points per game was ejected last night and must miss two playoff games, all but ruining Dublin’s chance at a state title run.

Holy Innocents’ (17-8) and Darlington (18-5) depart from the Class A-Private poll. No. 9 Tattnall Square Academy is back in the picture while No. 10 Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy debuts for the first time. First year head coach Derrick Mason has gone 19-6 a year after the Chargers finished 4-19.

Class A-Public will be an all-out war in the state playoffs once the brackets are set. No. 2 Treutlen’s high tempo offense and defense will look to finally get over the hump. Their weak region has hurt them in the past but this year’s field feels as open as it’s ever been.

JOIN THE FEBRUARY FRENZY BRACKET CHALLENGE

The Leader In GHSA Basketball Coverage