State title contenders don’t always have to be ranked heading into the region and state playoffs. Here are a few dangerous teams heading into the home stretch as The Best of the Rest.
Class AAAAAA
Lambert (22-2, 17-0) – Region 6
Sixes are wild with the Longhorns. Lambert peaked at No. 6 in the poll in Week 6, but following a 1-2 showing at the Lake City Classic including a 73-37 drubbing from the hands of current No. 6 McEachern, the Horns dropped out and haven’t returned since. Those two losses have been Lambert’s only of the season. Playing in Region 6 hasn’t challenged Coach Scott Bracco’s team too much as they are still the favorite to go undefeated if they can slip past Johns Creek, who is having their best year ever. The Longhorns have the size and depth to make a run in the state tournament. 6-foot-7 forwards Connor Mannion (Navy) and Ross Morkem (North Georgia) pose problems inside and out for opponents while Andrew Melms, Tanner Hall and Austin Deckard are all experienced guards
Johns Creek (22-2, 16-1) – Region 6
Coach Pete Goggin has guided the Gladiators to their best season in school history. Johns Creek doesn’t have the size inside like Lambert, but they can match them with their perimeter play. Mark Lancaster (15.2 ppg), Mason Henkel (12.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Ian Joseph (10 ppg, 5.1 rpg) form a steady trio on offense. They will have a chance to earn a signature win over rival Lambert this Friday. In their first meeting the Gladiators fell 64-53. Johns Creek’s only other loss came to No. 8 Brookwood 65-62 in overtime.
Collins Hill (21-3, 10-3) – Region 7
The Eagles peaked at No. 5 in Week 2 and have strung together an impressive record while battling adversity. Injuries and sickness has riddled the team but Coach Ty Baumgardner has kept them in position to grab a top seed out of Region 7, which has suffered a bit of a down year compared to how Region 8 has shaped up. No. 1 Norcross beat the Eagles 93-72 in December but escaped by just two, 50-48 on Jan. 19. A 63-57 loss to Duluth is Collins Hill’s only other loss. The Eagles will likely find themselves in the top ten entering region tournament play barring a loss to Peachtree Ridge. New Orleans-commit AJ Cheeseman is a handful inside while TeShaun Hightower has come aboard and established himself as one of Gwinnett’s most explosive scorers. Coach Baumgardner has been able to build a lot of depth in part to all the injuries they have faced.
Grayson (18-6, 9-6) – Region 8
Grayson climbed to No. 9 in Week 8 before the gauntlet known as Region 8 hit them. Coach Geoffrey Pierce has playmaking senior guards in Alphonso Willis and Austin Dukes, both averaging over 17 points per game. Tre Sconiers is a strong force inside, hustling on the glass averaging over eight points and eight rebounds a night. Freshman Kenyon Jackson has provided a sometimes dominant presence in the paint, posting close to 10 rebounds and four blocks per game.
Berkmar (17-7, 12-3) – Region 8
Don’t look now, but the Patriots have quietly snuck their way to the top of one the state’s most competitive regions. Five-straight wins have put Berkmar in a position to steal the No. 1 seed heading into the region tournament. Friday night’s showdown at No. 10 Shiloh will determine the regular season champion. After a pedestrian 3-3 start, Coach Greg Phillips’ team has figured things out and has passed almost every stiff test presented. Wins over Grayson, 3ANo. 5 Jenkins, Dacula 2x and Brookwood are all resume boosters. Indiana-commit Al Durham is flanked by Jay Estime and Zach Cooks. Estime battled a nagging injury early in the year while Cooks was waiting to become eligible. The two guards along with a slew of other good ones such as Lane Foster, Josh Faulkner and Leroy Jones IV have the Patriots peaking at the right time.
Dacula (18-6, 11-4) – Region 8
The Falcons have bounced between the No. 8 and No. 9 spot in the top ten all year and have proven they can score with anyone in the state between the dynamic duo of Derek St. Hilaire and Kevon Tucker (Wofford), but they have also proven that if their shots aren’t falling they can get run out of the gym. After scoring a huge 66-57 win at home against No. 10 Shiloh on Jan.16, ten days later the Generals throttled the Falcons at home, 74-44. On Tuesday they dropped to Berkmar 66-46, but rebounded on Wednesday with a 54-39 win at No. 8 Brookwood, stopping the red-hot Broncos. If Demari Edwards, Juwan White and Shayne Buckingham can provide consistent sparks, the Falcons can make a nice run in the tournament.
Milton (16-7, 13-2) – Region 5
Milton opened the year ranked No. 5 in the state after a shuffling of the roster brought three transfers into the starting lineup, giving Coach Matt Kramer on paper potentially one of the best in the state, but things haven’t worked out. The size is there with 6-foot-8 Chris Lewis (Harvard) and move-in Kyrin Galloway. Lewis missed a couple games due to a leg injury early in the year and missed the Lake City Classic, some of Milton’s worst showings which plummeted them out of the rankings. After a 74-68 loss to 5A No. 3 McIntosh, the Eagles laid an egg getting embarrassed by Lambert 93-67 and lost to 1A No. 2 North Cobb Christian 70-59, who was reeling without their starting point guard, losing three in a row before beating Milton. The talent is there for the Eagles to get hot and they have proven they can hang with No. 2 Wheeler, losing by 11 and four points, they just need to get over the hump and ride Alex O’Connell’s sweet stroke.
Class AAAAA
LaGrange (19-5, 8-3) – Region 1
In Week 5 the Grangers were ranked No. 8, but by Week 7 they fell out. LaGrange is extremely dangerous if both Rico Smith and Laperion Perry get going. Smith was an All-State performer a year ago and is first-year head coach Mark Veal’s go-to guy. Mike Hardy, Qua Epps and Alex Dantzler also contribute from the perimeter while Bryan Fanning and Kenan Gray can do damage on the low block at 6-foot-6. Region 1 has been very competitive this year. With Northside-Columbus remaining on the schedule, a win could either propel them to the No. 1 seed or potentially drop them down to the third or fourth.
Richmond Academy (18-5, 9-1) – Region 2
The addition of Madison Williams (Illinois State) has helped the Musketeers become a contender in AAAAA. Six players score over seven points per game led by Williams’ 11.5 per. Sophomore guard Dantavian Stephens will be a player to keep an eye on over the next two seasons. Two heartbreaking losses to 3A No. 4 Laney by single digits are a strong indicator that the Musketeers can be a force in the state playoffs. Their balanced attack will be important as they will likely run into No. 8 Warner Robins come Region 2 tournament time.
Heritage-Conyers (17-6, 9-4) – Region 8
Region 8 has transformed into the deepest region in the state with at least one good team going to see their season end short in the region tournament. Heritage-Conyers was ranked No. 5 in Week 5, but a four game swoon saw the Patriots tumble out of the top ten. Coach Vernon Denmark’s team remains scary if they regain their form. Wins over 1A No. 3 Southwest Atlanta Christian, Berkmar, 2A No. 10 Macon County and Duluth were no fluke. Junior Jordan Thomas can stroke from deep and leads the team in scoring at 14.2 points. Isaiah Banks and Byron Abrams are both versatile players while Charles Moore is the leader at point guard averaging 11.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
Apalachee (17-5, 9-4) – Region 8
Oh Kamar Baldwin. The Butler signee has averaged just a shade under 29 points, close to 12 rebounds, five assists and four steals per game, making him one of the most elite players in the state and a legitimate Mr. Basketball candidate. The Wildcats haven’t cracked the rankings this year, but they are prime to upset someone in the region tournament and grab better than a No. 4 seed. Derek Miller, a 6-foot-6 sophomore, has emerged as an important post presence. Jabari Hill has played well alongside Baldwin as well and has proven to be a reliable scorer.
Class AAAA
Walnut Grove (22-3, 8-2) – Region 4
After reaching No. 6 in Week 7, the Warriors finished the regular season out with a bang, beating No. 5 Eagle’s Landing 64-59 before drilling Hampton 67-41. Since losing back-to-back games to Eagle’s Landing and Henry County in mid-January, the Warriors have won five-straight. Seniors have come up big for Walnut Grove and Coach Ryan Terry. AJ Jones and Faizon Jackson both average over 13 points per game while Deandre Durham and Jatahj Malcom both can provide a spark when needed.
Sandy Creek (17-6, 7-2) – Region 5
The Patriots opened the year ranked fifth and played up to their ranking for the beginning of the season, but have since dropped out. Their only two region losses came to Carrollton and Whitewater by two points apiece. Other losses have come to 5A No. 3 McIntosh 69-51 and No. 6 Grady, 67-66. Sandy Creek also has two out-of-state loses. Looking at the level of competition they have played, the Patriots should be ready to hone in and take care of the Region 5 tournament. The pieces are in place. Gardner-Webb signee Christian Turner playing point guard averaging 14.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3.6 steals. Elias Harden averages 21.3 points as a 6-foot-6 wing and Keith Heard II and Evan Jester are shot blocking and rebounding machines.
Bainbridge (17-7, 11-3) – Region 1
The Bearcats opened at No. 4 in the poll before losses hindered their progress and knocked them out. Looking back, Bainbridge’s losses have come to quality opponents. 2A’s No. 1 Thomasville 2x and No. 2 Seminole County have handed Bainbridge three losses, but the Bearcats were able to defeat the defending 2A state champs in the rematch, 82-69. Other losses have come to No. 8 Monroe, Westover, Americus-Sumter and Chipley (FL). UGA signee Tyree Crump is pouring in 21.8 points per game to power the ‘Cats. Both Trevon Shaw and DeVonte Jones have seen their scoring dip in their senior seasons, but are still viable and dangerous options.
Class AAA
Westside-Macon (19-5, 13-2) – Region 2
Khavon Moore leads the Seminoles. The 6-foot-8 sophomore averages 21.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.8 blocks. The key for Coach Josh Grube will be to find consistent threats around him. Junior Samone Reed averages 11.3 points with guards Ben Elder (9.9) and Gerimie Mitchell (7.5) rounding out Westside’s top options. Moore’s ability to take over games makes the Seminoles and intriguing team come playoff time. The supporting cast will need to play well if they want to make a run in state.
Islands (18-6, 10-3) – Region 1
It has been a sensational turnaround season for the Sharks. They will play in their first ever state tournament game unless disaster strikes. Defending state champ No. 5 Jenkins humbled the Sharks 91-65 on Jan. 5, but this Tuesday Islands scored its biggest win in school history, edging the Warriors 61-59. Three juniors combined for 48 points led by Justin Cave’s 22. The 1,000-point scorer is averaging 21.5 points per game. Hugh Durham and freshman Trae Broadnax both score over 12 points a night. Size could be an issue in the state tournament with Justin Cutter, their best interior player, standing 6-foot-3.
Coahulla Creek (19-5, 12-3) – Region 6
The only team to challenge undefeated No. 3 Calhoun? The Coahulla Creek Colts. After 60-52 loss earlier in the year, the Colts pushed the Yellow Jackets to the brink before bowing out 65-58 in overtime. Alex Fisher went off for 26 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge. They aren’t the tallest, fastest, or strongest team, but Coach Matthew Queener gets every ounce of production out of every single player. Patience on offense leads to open looks and solid defense leads to eliminating second chance points. The Colts can also get hot from deep, as Fisher hit four three-pointers in the overtime loss. JR Laird finished with 15 points and showed he can drive the lane and knock down open threes. If teams overlook the Colts in the playoffs, they will be in deep trouble. Coahulla Creek can control tempo and take away the fastbreak for teams who like to run.
Class AA
Temple (18-3, 7-1) – Region 5
The Tigers need to beat Manchester on Friday to gain a share of first place in the region and potentially steal the No. 1 seed away from the Blue Devils on the final weekend. Peyton Applegate is a legit 6-foot-7, 245-pound center that can shoot it from outside and bang inside for baskets. He will be the key to solving the Blue Devil puzzle. They lost to Manchester 65-62 on Jan. 19.
Pace Academy (13-10, 11-2) – Region 6
The Knights started the season at a woeful 2-8 thanks to playing a national schedule. Things have gotten better for the Knights, the preseason No. 2, but a loss to No. 4 Lovett in overtime 66-63, dropped Pace out. Expectations have been high for Pace after a 27-3 season and a 15-0 region record. With 6-foot-8 Isaiah Kelly moving in to play inside with 6-foot-10 Wendell Carter Jr., the No. 1 ranked junior in the nation, the Knights’ struggles this year have been unforeseen. Penn-commit Zack Kaminsky is still in the mix standing 6-foot-6 as a three-man, but for some reason Coach Demetrius Smith’s group hasn’t dominated like they did last year. If they are able to finally piece things together, it should come as no surprise if the Knights are tipping off in Macon for the state championship.
Holy Innocents’ (15-7, 6-6) – Region 6
Injuries have derailed the Golden Bears, but don’t count them out just yet. When everything was clicking and everyone was healthy in Week 7 the Bears peaked at No. 4 in the state. Jules Erving has improved into a versatile forward for Coach Terry Kelly. Size inside has been a strength, but that is where the injury bug has bitten Holy Innocents’ the most. Two 6-foot-7 centers have traded missing action. Brent Duncan has been sidelined for nearly half the season and is continuing to work his way back into game form. Richard Surdykowski stepped up in his absence, but a late stress fracture in his foot was too much to overcome and has recently cut his junior season short. If Duncan can get healthy and the Golden Bears can hit their stride, they will be an interesting team to watch in the state tournament, if they are able to grab a top four seed out of the muddled Region 6 featuring Pace Academy, GAC, No. 4 Lovett and Wesleyan.
Class A
Paideia (12-12, 7-3) – Region 5
Three-straight losses have sunk the Pythons, all three coming to ranked teams. Big men Addison Owen and Robbie Holley stand 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-7. Owen along with junior guard Solomon Burt-Murray are among the team’s top scoring options. Paideia’s biggest win came early in the season against No. 10 Tattnall Square Academy, 54-35. The Pythons are still looking for a signature win and are inching closer towards getting one. According to the GHSA Power Ratings, they might need a couple to sneak into the state playoffs, ranking No. 19 at last check.
King’s Ridge (13-9, 7-5) – Region 6
The Tigers trump Paideia with four-straight losses after a solid start to the year. 7-foot behemoth Tolu Jacobs is finally eligible, but hasn’t provided the impact expected from a player of his size. Instead King’s Ridge has taken it on the chin from some of the Class A-Private’s best, losing to No. 5 Whitefield Academy 60-47, No. 4 St. Francis 82-55, No. 1 Greenforest 74-45 and Walker 48-41. If Coach Scepter Brownlee can get the Tigers back on track with Ellis Merriweather leading the charge, they could upset a team or two in the state playoffs, but right now they have to worry about getting there as they rank 13th in the Power Ratings, before their slide.
Hawkinsville (14-8, 9-6)– Region 4
Junior CJ Smith leads Hawkinsville in scoring at over 17 points and five rebounds per game. The Red Devils peaked at No. 4 in Class A-Public in Week 7, but suffered a three game losing streak that knocked them out. Wins at No. 9 St. Anne-Pacelli and Perry are Hawkinsville’s biggest wins. Region 4 has proven to be tough with Pacelli, No. 7 Central-Talbotton and No. 8 Taylor County all on the schedule.