Tag Archives: Pebblebrook

Game Stories, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

No. 9 Pebblebrook’s 29-point third quarter surges Falcons past Shiloh at TOC Classic

Contributed by Cody Butler  (@CodeMan10x)

Sponsored by:   @sportalspace

 

No. 9 Pebblebrook 65, Shiloh 57

No. 9 Pebblebrook (8-2) rallied off a huge third quarter to capture a 65-57 win over Shiloh (3-6) at the Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic at Wheeler High School in Marietta. The Falcons exploded for 29 points in the third to take flight over the Generals. The balanced scoring attack of Mervin James, Josh Graham and Grant Howard pushed Pebblebrook out in front for good in the second half. Great ball movement with multiple scoring options left their opponent helpless in a tough third. The Falcons more than doubled their offensive output in the third quarter alone. Shiloh continued to struggle in the second half as their six-point halftime lead erased quickly out of the break.

Shiloh started the game off with a high level of intensity. In a game of this magnitude against the No. 9 team in Class AAAAAAA, Shiloh had to bring their best. Swingman Toneari Lane did just that, the game’s high-scorer with 19 points, set the early tone for a clicking General offense in the first half. Lane scored eight points in the first quarter to lead Shiloh to a 15-11 advantage after the first quarter. Lane was 8-of-10 from the field on the night and collected 8 rebounds.

A very competitive second quarter saw back and forth action the remainder of the half. Pebblebrook’s Grant Howard scored on back-to-back possessions to trim the Shiloh lead to 24-21 with two minutes left in the half. A timeout killed Falcon momentum though as Shiloh closed the first half strong capitalizing off Pebblebrook turnovers. Guard Eric Kinloch knocked down a three-pointer in the final minute to give Shiloh the 29-23 lead at halftime. Kinloch finished the first half with eight points.

Pebblebrook’s Mervin James started to take over in the third quarter. A 6-foot-6 senior forward committed to Canisius; James made the opening jumper of the second half. His And-1 three-point play tied the game 31-31 with 5:22 left in the third.  After only scoring 23 as a team in the first half, Pebblebrook exploded for 29 points in the third quarter. Pebblebrook took the lead 33-31 on a short field goal from guard Dwight Murray. The Falcons never looked back from that point as they outscored Shiloh by 18 in the period to enter the fourth quarter up 52-40. James finished the third quarter with 10 points and 17 total on the night.

The Falcons continued to move the ball well on offense and extended their lead out to 15 points at 57-42 with 3:46 in the game. Howard finished with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Josh Graham posted a double-double on the night 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Shiloh’s playmaker Elias King, a four-star recruit by 247sports who committed to UGA before the game, struggled to breakout. Pebblebrook limited him to 5-of-10 shooting from the field for a steady, yet unspectacular 16 points on the night. While King’s modest day is better than most, it wasn’t enough to pull off the upset over Pebblebrook.

Pebblebrook went 8-of-23 (34%) from the field in the first half. They rebounded well in the second half and shot 13-of-26 (50%) from the field in the final two quarters.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Peach State Stops of the Week (12/17-12/23)

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

WEDNESDAY

No. 3 Calhoun County at No. 4 Montgomery County

Coming off an upset loss to No. 6 Manchester 53-49, No. 3 Calhoun County (8-1) has no time to wallow in self-pity. They turn around and face a tough No. 4 Montgomery County (7-1) team with a star scorer of their own. Senior guard Daveaun Coglin piles in buckets at a high rate and will be asked to carry the Eagles past an angry group of Cougars led by South Florida-signee Rashun Williams.

Campbell at No. 9 Pebblebrook

At 6-2, Pebblebrook has seen a plethora of high level talent before entering Region 2-AAAAAAA play. They kicked off their region schedule with a come from behind 71-68 win to stun No. 6 Wheeler. The backcourt of Dwight Murray, Grant Howard, Jalen Harper and Khalil Hawkins has powered the Falcons offense, with Canisius-signee Mervin James and Josh Graham doing the dirty work in the front court. As potent as the Falcons are when they are clicking, they will have their hands full with Campbell. Without all the D-1 stars that he usually coaches against night in and night out in Region 2, Coach James Gwyn always gets the most out of his players and seemingly always pushes his high-profile opponents to the limit. Junior point guard Terrell Burden is flourishing this year, the 5-foot-9 playmaker averaging 17.2 points, 6.6 assists and 3.2 steals. 6-foot-5 junior wing Donovan Grant is a knock-down shooter averaging 15 points and 5.6 rebounds while Kiya Randolph (12.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and Brandon Deravine (11.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 2.6 bpg) are also tough covers.

FRIDAY

No. 7 Greenforest at No. 3 ELCA

To reestablish themselves as a true title contender in Class A-Private, the two-time defending state champion Eagles (3-4) will have to play well against ELCA (8-1). The Chargers have hit their stride and have left no doubt against their opponents. Greenforest is the start of a challenging stretch of games. 6-foot-8 Malachi Rhodes will need to stay out of foul trouble to keep ELCA playing to their potential. He is averaging 14.3 points and 10.9 rebounds. Power forward Jamaine Mann is a physical and explosive sophomore posting 9.8 points and 8.7 rebounds. A balanced backcourt consists of Trevon Reddish, KJ Jones, Kamari Smith and Mekhi Cameron. Greenforest will have to handle the Charger press. Turnovers have crippled the Eagles against top competition. With a completely new team full of transfers, chemistry has lacked early in the season and may still take some time to jell. Jaylyn Clark leads the team at 18 points per game while Christian Jackson pitches in 16.1 a night. The Eagles have raw size inside. It will be interesting to see if 6-foot-8, 215-pound Ibrahim Jarjou and 6-foot-10, 260-pound Bright Okongwu can slow down Rhodes around the rim.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Hawks-Naismith Holiday Classic

The first annual Hawks-Naismith Holiday Classic at Norcross has good games galore. There are a couple grudge matches on the docket that provide the best storylines, if not the best games. On Thursday, Allatoona gets a 2015-16 state championship rematch with No. 4 Miller Grove, Coach Sharman White’s final high school game, beating the Bucs 50-48 during the Macon Centreplex debacle. The night cap on Friday features No. 10 Duluth vs. No. 1 St. Francis. Coach Cabral Huff brought a 2014 state championship to St. Francis before leaving for the college ranks and returning last year to take over the reins at Duluth. Saturday night at 6 PM pits Tift County against No. 7 Newton. The Blue Devils ended the Rams’ season last year in the Elite 8, stunning the home crowd at Newton. The defending Class AAAAAAA state champions don’t have the fire power they had last year, but still are a thorn in opponents’ sides. Expect Ashton Hagans’ Rams to come out uber-motivated for revenge.

Game Stories, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Nationally ranked powers ignite capacity crowd at Holiday Hoopsgiving Day 1 nightcap

Contributed by Joe Chapman (@Joe_Chapman3)

The most anticipated night in the 3-year history of the Holiday Hoopsgiving did not disappoint as four of the top-50 high school basketball teams in the country showed out for the standing room only crowd at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. This night had been hyped up since the September 30th schedule release and it clearly lived up to the anticipation, as there was not an empty seat in the arena and 3+ rows of people standing courtside as well as on the upstairs track. The post-Thanksgiving entrée was obviously the dream-matchup between the top two point guards in the country, Collin Sexton and Trevon Duval, but the appetizer of Georgia powers, Norcross and Greenforest, was not one to miss.

No. 5 Norcross 57, No. 1 Greenforest 46

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Friday night provided us with a rematch from last year’s Hoopsgiving, where Greenforest dominated Norcross, 77-48. The Blue Devils were determined to garner revenge as they led from start to finish in a low scoring, grind-it-out 57-46 affair. Neither team shot the ball very well (both at 30.5%) but Norcross gained the edge at the free throw line, going 17-21 from the stripe. Norcross capitalized all night by catching Greenforest off guard with the fast break. Their lightning quick guards, Jordan Goldwire and Kyle Sturdivant, were getting past the giants of Greenforest and attacked the rim all night. Four Blue Devils scored in double figures and were led by Goldwire with 13 points. The 6’2 senior guard shot 5-13 from the field (1-3 3pt, 2-2 FT) and added 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Goldwire not only produced on the offensive end but was also very stingy on defense as he led the team with 4 steals.

5’10 junior guard, Dalvin White, followed up with an 11 point performance of his own on 3-8 shooting (2-5 3pt, 3-3 FT) while also adding an assist and 2 steals. Rayshaun Hammonds and Lance Thomas each tallied 10 points and were crucial as always for the Blue Devils. The UGA commit Hammonds, also added a huge 9 rebounds in the win. Hammonds and Thomas were integral on the defensive end for Norcross as they made it difficult for the Greenforest guards to feed their big men inside. They didn’t put up huge numbers offensively, but were the X-factors in the win on the defensive end. Look for Norcross to make some noise this season in the new AAAAAAA classification and don’t be surprised if you see the Blue Devils crash the Final Four as they certainly have the talent to do so.

Greenforest was shorthanded in this game as senior point guard Justin Forrest was out due to a foot injury. Leading the way offensively for the Eagles in his place was senior combo guard, David Quimby. Quimby put up 15 in the loss, shooting 6-18 from the field (3-12 3pt). The power trio of Ikey Obiagu, Victor Enoh and Abayomi Iyiola only combined for 11 points on 10 shots. None of the three got enough touches, but credit Hammonds and Thomas of Norcross for helping prevent any easy entry passes to the post. Clearly Greenforest is not the same team without Forrest as they are with him. When he returns, expect this team to return to its dominant ways in Class A-Private as he provides a significant spark that’s just lacking right now. 

IMG Academy 99, No. 2 Pebblebrook 94

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Friday night closed with a bang as the top two point guards in the country, Trevon Duval and Collin Sexton, put on a show for the max-capacity crowd in the main gym at Holy Innocents’. This high scoring affair saw highlight plays on almost every possession as there were explosive dunks, deep 3’s and powerful blocks all night. The crowd “Ooohed and Awed” all night as some of the nation’s top talent proved why this was one of the most anticipated games of the high school season. Both teams shot extremely well (IMG – 61.5%, Pebblebrook – 51.6%) which led to such a high scoring affair.

Duval finished with 24 points on 10-20 shooting (1-4 3pt, 3-7 FT) while adding 6 assists and 5 steals in the win. On the other end, Sexton, deemed by many as “the best scorer in the country”, lived up to this title as he exploded for 39 points (23 in the first half) on 11-18 shooting (5-9 3pt, 12-13 FT). Duval didn’t put up the numbers that Sexton did, but that’s in large part due to his uber-talented supporting cast. Duval controlled the offense all night and kept everything under control. He didn’t make the highlight plays that people are used to seeing but he’s such a smooth basketball player and really makes everyone around him better. He’ll go up and challenge anyone he faces at the rim, while also having the ability to step out and knock down the three. It is no wonder that he is arguably the top high school player in the country and whoever lands his services will be getting a bona fide baller.

The man that brought everyone to their feet the entire night was mega-bouncy, 6’8 junior forward, Emmitt Williams. Williams can fly and he was arguably the most athletic player that stepped in the gym all day. It was dunk after dunk that made everyone shake their heads in amazement as he threw down some of the most powerful rim-rockers that I have ever seen. He finished the night with 21 points on a ridiculously efficient 8-9 shooting (5-5 FT) while also totaling 9 rebounds. While Williams was outstanding on the offensive end, he was just as dominant on the defensive end. He altered shots all night while also totaling 5 blocks. His athleticism made Pebblebrook change their shots all night while also thinking twice about attacking the rim. Williams definitely showed out on one of the country’s biggest stages.

The combination of Williams with 6’9 junior Silvio de Sousa and 6’8, 285-pound Isaiah Stokes pummeled Pebblebrook inside all night. They just bullied their way in the post, getting layups, and snagging rebounds, all while causing the Falcons to foul them multiple times down low. As good as the guard play was for IMG, the difference maker in this game that put them over the top was the size and skill down low. de Sousa added 14 points and 7 rebounds while Stokes tallied another 12 points and 4 rebounds. The 30-14 rebounding advantage for IMG showed that Pebblebrook just doesn’t have the size down low right now to challenge IMG in the paint.

The final big performer for the Ascenders was DeAndre Osuigwe. The senior guard tallied 16 points on 5-10 shooting (4-6 3pt, 2-2 FT) while also adding 4 steals and 2 assists. Osuigwe quieted the crowd all night as he knocked down huge 3-pointers every time Pebblebrook started to make a run. He was a great defender as he battled with Sexton and Drue Drinnon all night while also helping facilitate the offense smoothly. He was very key in the Ascenders victory.

For Pebblebrook, aforementioned Collin Sexton obviously led the way with 39 points and 5 rebounds. He continued to do what he does best by attacking the rim and getting to the line a whopping 13 times. He started off the game ridiculously hot, knocking down three after three to give Pebblebrook the early lead. From the games that I’ve watched during the high school season and travel ball circuits throughout this past year, Sexton is without a doubt the most entertaining player to watch. There’s so much that has already been said about him but his high-energy and high-enthusiasm style of play is just so fun to watch. Avery Johnson and Alabama are getting a downright stud that can easily help turn around a program next year.

Following Sexton in the scoring category was Elias Harden with 16 points on 6-14 shooting (4-10 3pt). Harden can stroke it from just about anywhere on the court and every time he pulls up, you expect it to go in. He hit big shots all night, including a 3-pointer to tie the game at 89 late in the fourth quarter. This kid can definitely make a big impact at Xavier next year as his shooting ability fits in perfectly with their system.

Drue Drinnon also made a solid impact for the Falcons with 13 points on 4-11 shooting (5-6 FT). The 6’0 junior made some big shots all night and fearlessly attacked the rim. He added 5 assists and 2 rebounds in a losing effort but definitely had flashes of brilliance that showed why he is such a highly sought-after recruit.

All in all, this night was just a special evening for all who attended. The enthusiasm the crowd showed all night made the atmosphere that much more entertaining. Even teams like Wheeler and Milton, who had games at different locations earlier in the day, showed up at Holy Innocents’ for the night session to witness some of the best basketball that the state had to offer. Now, Saturday night’s slate features some of the top teams in the state and country in Wheeler and Westlake. If it is anything like the Friday night session, then we are all in for a treat.

Game Stories, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Westlake closes out GHSA season by breaking Pebblebrook’s heart in overtime

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No. 2 Westlake 68, No. 7 Pebblebrook 58 OT

Pure madness. That is the phrase that could wrap up the 2015-16 GHSA basketball season. From the terrible conditions at the Macon Centreplex that made you feel like winning the Powerball was more possible than catching a signal, to the taped rims, cracked floors and of course, the baskets not even being regulation length, the Class AAAAAA final will be one that people will gather around the water cooler to talk about and scratch their heads concerning all the strange decisions made.

The game started off ho-hum, as a photographer walked onto the floor in the middle of the action, in a daze as if he didn’t know the most important game of the season was being played – or any game for that matter. The bizarre scene was just the start for a whacky final game that summed up the GHSA season as, ponderous.

No. 2 Westlake (27-4) raced out to a 15-6 lead and looked like they were going to demolish No. 7 Pebblebrook (23-10) and hand them their second-straight blowout loss to the Lions, and fourth loss overall during the season against their Region 3 foe.

Collin Sexton had other ideas. The potent guard came away with a layup in transition to end the quarter after Westlake was attempting to hold for one shot, cutting into the lead 15-12.

It was just the beginning of a monstrous second quarter run for the Falcons. Coach George Washington’s electrifying group stunned the bigger Lions by using Sexton and JJ Smith’s athleticism to counter Westlake’s length. A 26-7 run ended the half with the Falcons on top 32-22, but like in their Region 3 championship meeting, Pebblebrook held an eight point lead before falling 79-57.

Sexton netted 14 of his team-high 18 points in the first half while living at the foul line, sinking all eight attempts. In the second half the Falcons continued to soar. Smith threw down a dunk and helped Pebblebrook to its largest lead of the game, 42-31.

Jamie Lewis wouldn’t let Westlake fade into oblivion however.

The super sophomore poured in 12 of his game-high 21 points in the third quarter and added nine assists on the night to draw the Lions within three, 46-43. The interesting coaching tactics of Darron Rogers came into play. He called three timeouts within the first three minutes of the fourth quarter including one after a Lewis to Ronald Bell alley-oop tied the game at 48 with 5:13 to play.

Chuma Okeke shot just 1-of-3 in the first half for three points but slowly began to wake up when the game was on the line. His seventh point of the contest gave the Lions the lead with 4:43 left. Westlake’s 9-2 run pushed the lead to 52-48. Sophomore Dwight Murray knocked down a three to keep the Falcons in striking distance at 53-51.

Lewis extended the lead to 58-53 when he found Okeke inside with under a minute to go.

After a Pebblebrook bucket, Okeke was sent to the line for a one-and-one. He missed both and Auburn signee Jared Harper, who had a modest finish to his elusive high school career scoring 11 points in each of his last two games after averaging 28 on the season, drilled a three with 19 seconds left to tie the game and send it to overtime at 58. Little did he know, his 15th point of the game coming on 6-of-19 shooting, was the final basket of his career.

In overtime Coach Rogers elected to hold the ball and melt the first three minutes off the clock as the crowd erupted in boos.

When the Lions finally attacked it was Okeke spinning through the lane for a hoop to go up 60-58 with a minute left. Danny Lewis came up with a runout and connected on a layup but was intentionally fouled too. He hit both free throws turning it into a 4-point play which resulted in a 6-point possession as on the ensuing inbound, Okeke slashed to the hoop for an open layup, 66-58 with now just 27 seconds left, stunning the Falcons a year after falling to Wheeler 59-58 on two last second free throws from Jaylen Brown.

Okeke scored 10 of his 13 points in the second half and added seven rebounds. Danny Lewis finished with 14 points and Raquan Wilkins chipped in nine points and six boards. Smith was Pebblebrook’s third leading scorer with 13 points and five rebounds.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball

12-8 Top Games Preview

Norcross-CHillNo. 4 Norcross (4-1) at No. 6 Collins Hill (4-0)
The power struggle atop Region 7-AAAAAA officially begins as two early favorites to win the crown do battle. The Eagles nipped Norcross in their first meeting early last year 70-68 before the Blue Devils went on a rampage and finished 13-1 in the region. Size has always been a crucial advantage for Norcross with 6-foot-8 towers Rayshaun Hammonds and Lance Thomas, who can score inside and out. But this year, the Eagles have added some imposing size of their own down low. AJ Cheeseman is a 6-foot-6 power forward that has signed to play at New Orleans. Chris Parks is only a sophomore, but he is a big active body at 6-foot-5 and can mix it up with the longer Blue Devils. Kai Lambert, JD Ozoh and TeShaun Hightower must be X-factors and hit open shots for Collins Hill if they want to slow down Norcross, who features strong guard play of their own in Kyle Sturdivant, Jordan Goldwire and Chris Curlett.

Gaines-CedarNo. 2 Gainesville (3-0) at No. 5 Cedar Shoals (7-0)
Region 8-AAAAA has quietly blossomed into one of the best regions in the entire state behind Gainesville, Cedar Shoals and No. 6 Heritage, not to mention the always ready to take over a game, Butler signee Kamar Baldwin of Apalachee. This matchup will be the Jaguars first major test of the season. Gainesville has defeated 2A No. 2 St. Francis (without Kobi Simmons) 70-58 at the Jared Cook Classic and rallied from down 11 at the half to knock off Heritage, 85-79 last week. Georgia State signee D’Marcus Simonds poured in 26 points in the comeback while Bailey Minor added 20. The Red Elephants have plenty of pieces and can beat teams in a variety of ways. KJ Buffen is a blossoming star forward, Tae Turner is a Lakeview Academy transfer and Messiah Dorsey and Xavier Bledson have both hit big shots over their career. Phlan Fleming is usually the focal point of the offense for Cedar Shoals from his wing position, but Snipe Hall, Jerrick Mitchell and big man Stavion Stevenson have brought the Jags to the next level with their balanced play.

Pace-GACNo. 5 GAC (4-3) at No. 2 Pace Academy (0-2)
Don’t let the record fool you. Pace may be winless but they have held on tight to their No. 2 ranking for good reason. A 7-point loss to 6A No. 1 Westlake and a 56-44 loss this past weekend at Adidas Xplosion to 1A No. 1 Greenforest are as good of losses as you can get. Class of 2017 No. 1 overall player according to many pundits, Wendell Carter Jr., is a beast inside at 6-foot-10. He can handle the ball, shoot from the outside, protect the paint and may be the state’s best rebounder. Shooters Zack Kaminsky and Caleb Holifield are lethal from the outside while Isaiah Kelly brings an active 6-foot-8 body inside to pair with Carter. GAC is working its way back to full strength. Leading scorer Brian Coffey Jr. will try to give it a go at point guard after injuring his knee last week. Garrett Covington can do everything with the basketball and causes matchup problems from his off-guard position. Jacob Hoffman came down with an ankle injury in a 75-67 overtime win over rival No. 6 Holy Innocents, but when healthy, he is one of the best shooters in the state. Freshman guard Hunter McIntosh is tough to rattle as shown when he poured in 27 points in Coffey’s absence. Charlie O’Briant stands 6-foot-8 and will be a game-time decision after a severe laceration to his lip. He and big man Chris Hinton, 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, will need to put a body on Carter the entire game and try to push him outside like Greenforest did successfully.

Grayson-BerkmarGrayson (5-0) at Berkmar (3-3)
There is a long line of talented teams waiting to crack the top ten in Class AAAAAA. Berkmar opened there, but quickly dropped out. Grayson now might be the next in line to seize the opportunity. Some of the best guards in the state will be going head-to-head in this Gwinnett County Region 8 slugfest. Austin Dukes and Alphonso Willis is a pair of lethal senior guards for Coach Geoffrey Pierce’s team. Dukes scored 23 points and handed out five assists in a 58-52 win over Centennial. There also is some balance behind these two guards. Trey Sconiers, Kenyon Jackson and Hafeez Anifowoshe are all important contributors scoring and rebounding the ball. Berkmar relies of Indiana-commit Al Durham to cook up offense. The lanky yet smooth southpaw can drive the lane and burry deep threes. Running mates Jay Estime, Darius Harrison, Josh Faulkner, Leroy Jones IV and Lane Foster make the Patriots extremely deep on the perimeter.

Hughes-PebblePebblebrook (3-4) at Langston Hughes (6-1)
Make no bones about it, Region 3-AAAAAA is the most athletic and exciting region in the state bar none. Expect the points to drop at a neck breaking pace and get your popcorn ready because there will be highlights galore night in and night out, especially when Pebblebrook rolls into town. At 3-4, the Falcons are much better than their record shows and are loaded with D-1 talent in Auburn signee Jared Harper, Collin Sexton and JJ Smith. Those three are the straws that stir the drink. They like to run-and-gun and pull up for deep threes, but they can be susceptible to breakdowns on defense. Harper averages over 30 points per game and Sexton went for 40 points in a 96-94 heartbreaking loss to 2A No. 2 St. Francis at Adidas Xplosion, in which the guards forgot to rotate back on Harper’s shot with 8 seconds left, allowing St. Francis to pitch the ball ahead for an uncontested Kobi Simmons dunk with 1.1 seconds remaining. Coach Rory Welsh likes to run his inverted flex offense which can pick teams apart if they aren’t fundamentally sound on defense. Junior guard Khalil Cuffee has D-1 written all over him. He may not be as flashy as his counterparts, but his steady game and his pure three-point stroke make him hard to stop. He is averaging 18.4 points per game and gets help from Derrick Cook (16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists) and Justin Jones (10.6 points). Isaiah Green can be an X-factor with his toughness inside and his knack for doing the dirty work.