2021 GHSA Basketball State Championships

GHSA 2021 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

FEEL. BELIEVE.

2 | WWW.GHSA.NET

THE BEST-SELLING BALL IN THE COUNTRY. THE BEST FEEL IN THE GAME. WILSON EVOLUTION.

MACON CENTREPLEX | MARCH 10-13, 2021

2021 CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

Letter from the Executive Director ..................................................................................4

C L AS S A- P R I VAT E GI R L S 12:00 PM -Hebron Christ. vs. St. Francis C L AS S A- P R I VAT E B OY S 2:30 PM - Holy Innocents’ vs. Mt. Pisgah

CLAS S 4A GIRLS 5:00 PM - Carver Col. vs. Cairo CLAS S 4A BOYS 7:30 PM -Fayette Co. vs. Baldwin

THURSDAY, MARCH 11 CL AS S 2 A GI R L S 12:00 PM - Josey vs. Fannin Co. CL AS S 2 A B OYS 2:30 PM - Columbia vs. Pace Acad.

CLAS S 5A GIRLS 5:00 PM - Woodward Acad. vs. Forest Park CLAS S 5A BOYS 7:30 PM - Tri-Cities vs. Eagle’s Landing

FRIDAY, MARCH 12 CL AS S 3 A GI R L S 12:00 PM - GACS vs. Cross Creek CL AS S 3 A B OYS 2:30 PM - Sandy Creek vs. Cross Creek CL AS S 6 A GI R L S 5:00 PM - Carrollton vs. Westlake

GIRLS 3-POINT FINAL Between 6A Girls and Boys Finals CLAS S 6A BOYS 7:30 PM - Wheeler vs. Kell

CLAS S 7A GIRLS 5:30 PM - Marietta vs. Woodstock B OYS S LAM DU NK FINAL Between 7A Girls and Boys Finals CLAS S 7A BOYS 8:00 PM - Milton vs. Berkmar

SPONSOR INDEX Wilson................................................................................ 2 BSN Sports......................................................................... 5 Print Mascot....................................................................... 5 Gatorade............................................................................ 5 Regions Bank..................................................................... 5 Adapted Sports.................................................................. 6 Maxpreps......................................................................... 12 Hudl................................................................................. 15 Jostens............................................................................ 20 Sports Medicine South..................................................... 20

Past State Champions ............................................................................................. 13-14

TEAM INFORMATION AAASP Preview & Team Information ...............................................................................6 Class A-Public & A-Private Brackets..................................................................................7 Class A-Public & A-Private Team Information............................................................. 8-11 Class AA & AAA Brackets................................................................................................16 Class AA & AAA Team Information............................................................................ 17-21 Class AAAA & AAAAA Brackets........................................................................................23 Class AAAA & AAAAA Team Information................................................................... 24-27 Class AAAAAA & AAAAAAA Brackets...............................................................................30

SATURDAY, MARCH 13 C L AS S A- P U B L I C GI R L S 10:00 AM - Clinch Co.. vs. Calhoun Co. C L AS S A- P UB L I C B OY S 12:30 PM - Towns Co. vs. Hancock Central AAAS P W H EELCH A I R 3:00 PM - Gwinnett vs. Houston Co.

Championship Preview...................................................................................................4

VNN Sports....................................................................... 22 GoArmy.com.................................................................... 22 NFHS - Become An Official............................................... 22 NFHS Network.................................................................. 26 Daktonics......................................................................... 29 Live Stats at Ghsabasketball.Weebly.com......................... 29 Pickle Juice...................................................................... 33 Team IP............................................................................ 33 Musco Lighting................................................................ 33 Georgia Farm Bureau....................................................... 35

Class AAAAAA & AAAAAAA Team Information.......................................................... 31-35

VIEWING INFORMATION All 17 games will stream live NFHSNetwork.com to any device for $10.95 subscription with 30-days unlimited viewing.

GIn partnership with NFHS Network, Georgia Public Broadcasting will also free feed final two games each day on GPB.org. DVD & digital downloads can be ordered at NFHSNetwork.com.

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The 2021 Georgia High School Association Basketball State Championship Guide is published by Score Media, a division of Score Atlanta, in conjunction with the GHSA. The guide was designed by Adam Schindler and edited by Craig Sager II, Seth Ellerbee, Avery Wiggins and Graham David. Information provided by the GHSA. For more information on Score Media, go to Scoreatl.com or call 404-256-1572.

WWW.GHSA.NET | 3

GHSA 2021 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GHSA

W

WELCOME GHSA BASKETBALL FANS

elcome to the 2021 GHSA Ralph Swearngin Basketball State Championships! The games are sure to be exciting as all of the schools represented are looking forward to their team achieving the title of “Champion”. However we all know that all of our teams are outstanding and are definitely winners. This has been an outstanding season and this year’s championship games will include familiar faces as well as teams that have worked hard and peaked at just the right time. Our congratulations are in order for all of the teams, coaches, administrators, cheerleaders and parents who have supported the athletes through this year’s journey to the final games. I know you will enjoy and appreciate the games and all of the work leading up to this exciting event.

I would also like to thank you for your support of high school basketball throughout the season. Your attendance and support is integral to the success of high school athletics and for the team you are here to cheer on. Good sportsmanship is expected from our athletes and I urge you to be positive in your support of all of our teams. Let’s work TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

CHAMPIONSHIP STAGE SET AFTER FOUR UNFORGETTABLE ROUNDS OF TOURNAMENT ACTION

BY CRAIG SAGER II

T

he 2020-21 GHSA State Playoffs have already been one for the ages. Four rounds of thrilling tournament action have been packed with narrow victories and dramatic finishes and this is setting the stage for what is sure to be four unforgettable days of championship action. Four girls programs will have a chance to defend their state crowns and three boys programs will be looking to do the same. Additionally, there will be seven boys programs looking to win their first-ever state titles and three girls programs that are a win away from winning their historic first.

In Class 7A, the Marietta girls are looking to bring home their first championship since 1951 against a Woodstock team hungry for its first-ever state crown. Region 3 Player of the Year Lauren Walker leads Marietta with 18.2 points per game and is a Michigan State signee. Milton and Berkmar will meet for the second time this season in the boys Class 7A state title game. Milton previously defeated the Patriots in November 62-54 and enters tipoff as the No. 10 ranked team in the Maxpreps National poll.

The Wheeler boys won the Class 7A state title last season and are back in the finals to take on Cobb County rival Kell in the Class 6A championship.

Wheeler is 2-1 against the Longhorns this season and all three games have been extremely close. In the girls Class 6A game, three-time defending Class 7A state champion Westlake faces Carrollton looking to win a fourth-straight state crown.

Tri-Cities and Eagle’s Landing enter the Class 5A boys state title game without a single loss within the classification this season for both teams.

On the girls side, Woodward Academy will look for its third victory this

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together to make today’s games a great experience for all involved.

To put on an event of this magnitude takes many volunteers who have worked tirelessly to provide a “first class” event. Many hours of work from this group will enhance the experience of our players, cheerleaders and fans. The GHSA staff has been working for weeks as well to ensure a special event for all involved.

Finally I would like to thank our corporate sponsors who make it possible to put on these championships. Their advertisements can be seen throughout this venue and I encourage you to support them whenever possible. The GHSA wants to thank these exemplary companies for their involvement, we appreciate their support.

Thank you for your attendance and I know you are going to enjoy the best high school basketball anywhere!

James R. Hines, Jr. Executive Director

season over Forest Park—which won the Class 6A title last year before joining Class 5A. In Class 4A, the Fayette County boys have a chance to win their first state title, but the Tigers will face a 16-0 Baldwin team that is one win away from closing out a perfect season. Carver-Columbus and Cairo will face off in the girls Class 4A championship. Carver’s last championship came in 2019 and Cairo’s last championship was in 1982.

Class 3A’s Cross Creek will have its boys and girls both taking the court in Macon. The boys will have to take on Sandy Creek—which returns to the finals after a runner-up finish in Class 4A this past season. The girls will face defending Class 3A state champion Greater Atlanta Christian. The Cross Creek boys and girls will both be looking to win their first ever state titles.

Defending Class 3A state champion Pace Academy will take on five-time state champion Columbia in the boys Class 2A finals. On the girls side, Josey and Fannin County will battle for the crown. Josey’s last state title came in 1998 and Fannin County’s last title came in 1999.

Reigning Class A Public Boys state champion Hancock Central is back in the finals and will take on Towns County—which is looking for its first-ever championship. The Calhoun County girls have an opportunity to win their firstever title and will face Clinch County in the girls A Public championship. Clinch County captured its last championship in 1993.

A major storyline in Class A Private will be whether or not Holy Innocents’ can take home its first boys state title. Holy Innocents’ will face Mt. Pisgah in the boys game. The battle between Holy Innocents’ and Mt. Pisgah on the boys side joins Class 3A’s Sandy Creek vs. Cross Creek game as the only two matchups this weekend that is guaranteed to crown first-ever state champs. As for the girls, St. Francis will look for its fourth all-time state title after successfully winning three championships from 2013-16 against a Hebron Christian team that carries a 22-game winning streak into the championships. Hebron Christian will be playing to win its first-ever state title.

MACON CENTREPLEX | MARCH 10-13, 2021

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GHSA 2021 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS AMERICAN ASSOC. OF ADAPTED SPORTS PROGRAMS

HOUSTON COUNTY AIMS FOR SEVENTH STRAIGHT TITLE

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF INTERSCHOLASTIC ADAPTED ATHLETICS

WWW.ADAPTEDSPORTS.ORG

W

hen the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) Wheelchair basketball state championship takes center stage at 3 p.m.

Saturday, the Houston County Sharks will be trying for the team’s ninth straight wheelchair championship and the Gwinnett County Heat stand in the way.

Last season, for the first time in the 23-year history of the Adaptive Sports, a game was decided in overtime and it happened to be the closely contested state championship game at the Centreplex in Macon.

“It was a thrilling game to watch, and this game showed how much hard work, effort, and perseverance all our athletes put into making this an exciting season,” said Bev Vaughn, Co-Founder and CEO, AAASP. “Our hope is that it will be an encouragement for our schools and school districts across the state to provide this opportunity to more kids.”

The Sharks won last year’s title in dramatic, come-from-behind fashion after trailing 8-2 following the first quarter and 17-6 at the half (wheelchair basketball plays six quarters). A basket by Dylan Thomas, his only of the game, was the deciding point in the 23-22 overtime thriller.

“This means so much to me”, said Thomas. “It’s my first year with the Sharks, and this is just the greatest time I have ever had with any kind of basketball team I have ever been with.”

The Heat advanced to the championship game after a 47-9 victory over last year’s state runner-up Henry County Hurricanes. Senior Will Millikan is a standout for Gwinnett and scored 21 points against Henry County. Seth Earley (12 points) and Samantha Fraser (six points) are sure to factor against the Sharks.

AAASP WHEELCHAIR ROSTERS No. 14 20 44 10 21

Name Sean Butler Seth Earley Samantha Fraser Mary Garcia-Brake Jeremiah Hopson

Gwinnett Heat No.

Name

50

Kathy Luna

23

Will Millikan

35

Randall Montanez-Aquirre

45

Criss Romero

For 25 years, we’ve worked to get Georgia students with physical disabilities off the sidelines and into the game!

Learn more about how your school district or region can participate: Participation is open to all GA students with a physical disability through the AAASP/GHSA alliance in partnership with GADOE. For information, contact AAASP or GHSA.

Coaches: Lynnette Swanson, Dain Weigle No. 25 3 4 31

Houston County Sharks

Name Adonis Brown Dalton Crosby Ger’mir Gordon Joe Hall

No.

Name

55

Miranda Lawhorn

33

Dylan Thompson

8

Langley Yoh

Coaches: Christy Jones, Melissa Ring-Hartman

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Visit adaptedsports.org or email sports@adaptedsports.org for more information!

MACON CENTREPLEX | MARCH 10-13, 2021 4 - Team 3

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34 H

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54

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Holy Innocents'

52 H

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36 68 H

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59

57 H

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58

54 H

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1st Presbyterian

March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

Galloway Brookstone

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March 2-3

Feb 26-27

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54

58 H

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56 H

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2020-2021 GHSA CLASS Class AA-PUBLIC Public Girls State BRACKET Basketball Championship GIRLS

68 Region 2 - Team 1 H

In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school Telfair County 45 In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

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53 H

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71 H

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62 Mt Zion-Carroll

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46 H

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Calhoun Co. 27

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Brooks Co.

H

Greenville

32 Greenville 60

78

61 H

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84

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Clinch Co.

H

Region 7 - TeamH2

Calhoun Co.

32 Region 8 - Team 4

Calhoun Co.

Feb 26-27

March 2-3

March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

Feb 23-24 Feb 26-27

March 2-3

Champion

Providence Ch. 58 H 45

Mt. Pisgah

62 H

57 Central-Tal.

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61

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Chattahoch. Co.

Brooks Co.

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45

73 Hancock Central H

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Chattahoch. Co.

Telfair Co.

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Chattahoch. Co.

59

63 H

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60 H

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61 Region 6 - TeamH2

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Lake Oconee Ac. 53

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58

38

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Dublin

Feb 26-27 Feb 23-24

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Mitchell Co.

Montgomery Co. 38

43

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Warren County

March 2-3

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46 Region 1 - Team 3

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70

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Macon Colliseum March 13 - 12:30 PM

61

67

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In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

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2020-2021 GHSA Class Public BoysBOYS State BRACKET Basketball Championship CLASSA A-PUBLIC

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n 3 - Team 4

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Feb 26-27

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45

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CLASS A-PRIVATE BOYS BRACKET

69

WD Mohammed 15 43 Lakeview Acad.

38 H

68

Stratford Acad.

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45

n 2 - Team 4

2020-2021 GHSA Class A Private Boys State Basketball Championship

29 38Prince Avenue Region 4 - Team 3 Region 8 - Team 3

Holy Innocents'

56

x County

n 1 - Team 2

46

37 Hebron Christ.

Christ. Heritage

85

n 4 - Team 3

60

51

forest

2 - Team 1

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CLASS A-PRIVATE GIRLS BRACKET

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Turner Co

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Region 7 - Te

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WEDNESDAY - MARCH 10, 2021

CLASS A-PRIVATE GIRLS

HEBRON CHRIST.

3.10.21 12 PM ST. FRANCIS DID YOU KNOW? THE KNIGHTS WERE THE RUNNER-UPS IN 2020 AND THE LIONS LOST IN THE FINAL FOUR TO THE EVENTUAL STATE CHAMPIONS

HEBRON CHRIST.

T

LIONS

•

28-2

•

REGION

5

he Lions come in with an overall record of 28-2 and finished first in Region 5 with a league record of 5-0. Hebron Christian is coming in on a 22-game winning streak, providing plenty of momentum into their finals matchup against St. Francis. The Lions have dominated throughout the entire season, being ranked No. 65 nationally, No. 4 in the state of Georgia and No. 1 in Class A Private. The Lions made it here after wins over the George Walton Academy Bulldogs, Christian Heritage Lions, Stratford Academy Eagles and Galloway Scots in the previous four rounds of the state playoffs. The Lions won all four of these games by double digits and had home-court advantage, as all of them took place at the Lions’ home gym. The Lions bested the Bulldogs 83-12 in the Round of 32, before advancing on to defeat the opposing Christian Heritage Lions 85-45 in the Sweet 16. The Lions then took down the Eagles 79-24 in the Elite Eight. Finally, Hebron Christian overcame the Scots 68-54 in the Final Four, their closest contest throughout the postseason. Lions players to watch include Senior Malia Fisher, Senior Carly Heidger, Junior forward Jessie Parish, Senior point guard Carly Fahey and Senior guard Nicole Azar. A big advantage for the Lions will be their sheer amount of talent and depth and they also have plenty of regular-season experience playing in close games if the finals matchup is highly contested.

ST. FRANCIS

T

KNIGHTS

•

22-4

•

REGION

6

he Knights come in with an overall record of 22-4 and finished first in Region 6 with a league record of 8-0, and are coming in on a 10-game winning streak. The Knights have ranked No. 178 nationally and No. 8 in the State of Georgia and are also ranked No. 2 in Class A Private, only ranked behind their upcoming opponent in the state championship, the Hebron Christian Lions. The Knights made it here after wins over the North Cobb Christian Eagles, Wesleyan Wolves, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy Chargers and the Holy Innocents Episcopal Golden Bears in the previous four rounds of the state playoffs. The Knights bested the Eagles 68-41 in the Round of 32, before pulling away against the Wolves 59-48 in the Sweet 16. The Knights extinguished the Chargers 55-42 in the Elite Eight and were able to hold on against the Golden Bears 58-50 in the Final Four. Players to watch for the Knights include Senior point guard Mia Moore, Sophomore Trynce Taylor, Sophomore Erica Moon and point guard Morgan Harper. As a team, the Knights are averaging 65 points a game on 54% shooting. The top three leading scorers for the Knights: Moon, Moore and Taylor averaged a combined 37 points per game. This game is all about offense as the Knights have no trouble finding their groove and firing on all cylinders.

8 | WWW.GHSA.NET

Head Coach: Jan Azar No. Name Pos. 0 Gabriela Lowe G 1 Malia Fisher P 2 Jessie Parish F 3 Nicole Azar G 4 Kennedy Truitt G 5 Carly Heidger W 10 Malia Melton W 11 Carly Fahey PG 12 Sydney Whalen PG 14 Anniston Bainey G 15 Riley Warbington P 20 Ailee Semple P 21 Ella Heard G 22 Amiya Porter G 23 Kayla Lane W 32 Nickyia Daniel W 33 Bella Rodriguez PG

Gr. 9 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 9 9 9 12

Head Coach: Aisha Kennedy No. Name

Pos.

Gr.

1

Morgan Harper

G

12

2

Trynce Taylor

SF

10

3

Erica Moon

PG,SG

10

5

Nya Young

PG

9

10

Sa’Mya Wyatt

SF

9

11

Ryin Tillis

SF

11

12

Marie Harris

G

9

13

Anaja Hall

C

10

14

Isabel Warshaw

G

11

22

Mia Moore

PG

12

24

Nicole Frausto

G

10

WEDNESDAY - MARCH 10, 2021

CLASS A-PRIVATE BOYS

HOLY INNOCENTS’

3.10.21 2:30PM MT. PISGAH DID YOU KNOW?

THE BEARS AND PATRIOTS NEARLY FACED OFF IN LAST YEAR’S SEMIFINALS, BUT ST. FRANCIS DEFEATED THE GOLDEN BEARS IN THE QUARTERFINALS TO PREVENT THE MATCHUP

HOLY INNOCENTS’

T

GOLDEN BEARS • 16-3 • REGION 5

he Golden Bears come in with an overall record of 16-3 and finished third in Region 5 with a league record of 4-2. Holy Innocents’ is coming in on an eight-game winning streak. This game

carries special importance for the Golden Bears, since they won their first region title this season since 1997. The Golden Bears made it here after wins over the Athens Christian Eagles, Darlington Tigers, Savannah Country Day Hornets and St. Francis Knights in the previous four rounds of the state playoffs. The Golden Bears took a major step from last season, where they advanced to the Elite Eight and lost to the St. Francis Knights 62-56. Holy Innocents’ cruises past the Eagles 63-45 in the

Head Coach: Mario Mays No. Name Pos.

Gr.

0

Mehki Stevens

G

11

1

PJ Mace

G

10

2

Garrison Powell

G

12

3

Justin Wilson

G

12

4

Palmer Schultz

G

11

5

Carter Kennedy

G

11

11

Michael Ver Eecke

G

10

12

Harrison Verlander

G

10

Round of 32. The Golden Bears then defeated the Tigers 41-35 in the Sweet 16 before defeating the

21

Landon Kardian

F

12

Hornets 58-48 in the Elite Eight. Finally, the Golden Bears avenged last year’s Elite Eight loss to the

22

Nicholas Verlander

F

12

Knights by besting them in the Final Four 59-46. Players to watch for the Golden Bears include the

25

Joey Holiday

G

10

combo of Senior guard Garrison Powell, Senior point guard Justin Wilson and Senior small forward

30

Whit Close

G

12

Landon Kardian. As a team, the Golden Bears are averaging 56.4 points a game on 45% shooting.

32

Walker Wolf

G

11

MT. PISGAH

T

PATRIOTS

•

26-6

•

REGION

6

he Patriots come in with an overall record of 26-6 and finished first in Region 6 with a league record of 15-1. They are coming in on a 12-game winning streak. Mt. Pisgah made it here after wins

over the North Cobb Christian Eagles, Providence Christian Academy Storm, St. Anne-Pacelli Vikings and Christian Heritage Lions in the previous four rounds of the state playoffs. The Patriots took a major step forward from last season, where they advanced to the Final Four and lost to the St. Francis Knights 63-58. The Patriots bested the Eagles 63-41 in the Round of 32 before withering through the Storm and emerging victorious following a 62-50 outing in the Sweet 16. Then, they survived against the Vikings 62-55 in the Elite Eight before overcoming the Lions 66-57 in the Final Four. This win in particular was thanks to a huge second quarter as well as five Patriots players scoring in double-digit figures. Players to watch for the Patriots include Senior guard Nick Speros, Senior guard Chase Tucker, Senior guard JoJo Peterson, Junior guard Kasheem Grady, Senior guard Garrett Sutherland and Senior forward Nate Gordon. If the Patriots want to win, it will take a total team effort and all of their starters playing well.

Head Coach: Matt Mixenbaugh No. Name Pos. 2 Nick Speros G 3 Chase Tucker G 5 Michael Pace G 10 JoJo Peterson G 11 Harrison Clark G 13 Kasheem Grady G 14 Malachi Winter G 15 Garrett Sutherland G 22 Max Tucker F 23 Tyson Pittman G 24 Nate Gordon F 25 Gabe Carter G 33 Benjy Tucker F 35 Coleman Smith G

Gr. 12 12 9 12 12 11 11 12 9 9 12 12 11 12

WWW.GHSA.NET | 9

SATURDAY - MARCH 13, 2021

CLASS A-PUBLIC GIRLS

CLINCH CO.

3.13.21 10 AM CALHOUN CO. DID YOU KNOW? THE COUGARS AND THE PANTHERS ARE RANKED NO. 55 AND 56 IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND NO. 2 AND 3 IN CLASS A PUBLIC RESPECTIVELY

CLINCH CO.

PANTHERS

•

20-1

•

REGION

2

T

he Panthers come in with an overall record of 20-1 and finished first in Region 2 with a league record of 14-0. Clinch County is currently riding a 20-game winning streak, with no ambitions of breaking its stride. The Panthers are ranked No. 56 in the state of Georgia and No. 3 in Class A Public.

The Panthers made it here after wins over the Jenkins County War Eagles, Montgomery County Eagles, Lake Oconee Academy Titans and Greenville Patriots in the previous four rounds of the state playoffs.

The Panthers won their first two playoff games be a relatively wide margin, but they won their last two playoff games by the grit of their teeth. The Panthers dominated the War Eagles 70-38 in the Round of 32. The Panthers then ran away with their Sweet 16 game against the Eagles 57-38. Clinch County edged out the Titans 57-53 in the Elite Eight before finally defeating the Patriots 58-52 in the Final Four.

Players to watch for the Panthers include Senior small forward Angel McRae, Sophomore Amiyeon Grady, Zyhia Johnson and Freshman Tyana Dorsey. The Panthers’ stout defense, which has only allowed 738 points all season long, will be the key to them winning the state title. The Panthers are also capable of putting up points on any team anywhere, having scored 1,187 points in the entire season.

CALHOUN CO.

T

COUGARS

•

13-1

•

REGION

No. Name 1 Zyhia Johnson 2 Angel McRae 3 Ameyion Grady 4 Jada White 5 Asia Hood 10 Jalaysia Riley 11 Cara Kight 13 Dinica Grady 14 Jamerial Pope 15 Taylor Wells 20 Tynasia Fluker 23 Tyana Dorsey 24 LaRhina Morris 25 Zyontae Harris

1

he Cougars come in with an overall record of 13-1 and finished first in Region 1 with a league record of 6-0. The Cougars come into the finals riding a 10-game winning streak, with all the momentum they need. The Cougars had to miss the entire month of January because of Coronavirus-related issues, a true setback to any program. However, they haven’t lost since they returned. The Cougars are ranked No. 55 in the state of Georgia and No. 2 in Class A Public. Their road to the finals came after wins over the Telfair County Trojans, Brooks County Trojans, Georgia Military College Bulldogs and Commerce Tigers in the previous four rounds of the state playoffs. The Cougars bested their first Trojans opponent 64-32 in the Round of 32. The Cougars then emerged victorious over their second Trojans opponent 46-27 in the Sweet 16. The Cougars ran away with their game against the Bulldogs 61-34 in the Elite Eight before finally winning the battle of the cats against the Tigers 46-38 in the Final Four. Before this Final Four win, every single Cougars win since their return was by 15 points or more. Players to watch for the Cougars include Maya Sims, Ayanni Mansfield and Lauren Massey. Momentum will be the key for the Cougars chances to win over the Panthers as their ability to clamp down on both sides of the court is unmatched.

10 | WWW.GHSA.NET

Head Coach: Chase Daniel Pos. G G, F G G F G G, F G F F F C G, F F

Gr. 12 12 10 9 9 9 12 10 9 12 11 9 9 10

Head Coach: Cornellius Walker No. Name

Pos.

Gr.

5

Jateriah Winbush

G

11

10

Carmen Cannon

G

11

11

Jade Wiley

G

10

20

Tyesha Curry

F

12

21

Ayanni Mansfield

G

12

22

Maya Wims

F

12

25

Jayla Glover

F

9

32

Destiny Hightower

G

12

35

Takia Davis

C

12

42

Keirra Wilson

C

10

SATURDAY - MARCH 13, 2021

CLASS A-PUBLIC BOYS

TOWNS CO.

3.13.2112:30 PM HANCOCK CENTRAL DID YOU KNOW?

THE TOWNS COUNTY INDIANS’ REGION TITLE THIS SEASON IS THEIR FIRST SINCE 1975

TOWNS COUNTY

INDIANS

•

24-3

•

REGION

8

T

he Indians come in with an overall record of 24-3 and finished first in Region 8 with a league record of 11-1. Towns County is coming in on a 12-game winning streak, giving the Indians plenty of finals momentum. The Indians are ranked within the top 100 teams in the state of Georgia at No. 99 overall and are also ranked No. 5 in Class A Public. The Indians made it here after wins over the Manchester Blue Devils, Warren County Screaming Devils, Irwin County Indians and Chattahoochee County Panthers in the previous four rounds of the state playoffs. In all four of these games the Indians had to grind out their victories. They overcame the Blue Devils 78-67 in the Round of 32. The Indians then pulled away against the Screaming Devils 77-67 in the Sweet 16. Towns County survived against the other Indians, Irwin County 61-55 in the Elite Eight. Finally, the Indians bested the Panthers 59-45 in the Final Four. Players to watch for the Indians include Senior Kolby Moss, Junior Jake McTaggart, Senior Kabe Ellis, Junior Collin Crowder, Senior Aidan Berrong, Senior Hayden McClure and Junior Kyle Oakes.

Experience will be a big advantage for the Indians, as 13 of their 16 players are upperclassmen with years of varsity experience under their belts. Defense will also be a big advantage for the Indians going into the finals, as they have held their postseason opponents to an average of 58.5 points per game.

HANCOCK CENTRAL

T

BULLDOGS • 16-1 • REGION 7

he Bulldogs come into the finals with an overall record of 16-1 and finished first in Region 7 with a league record of 11-1. The Bulldogs are currently riding an 11-game winning streak. Hancock Central is ranked No. 55 in the state of Georgia and No. 1 in Class A Public. The Bulldogs made it to the finals after wins over the Fulton Leadership Academy Gryphons, Social Circle Redskins, Terrell County Greenwave and Dublin Fighting Irish in the previous four rounds of the state playoffs.

While the Bulldogs won the first two playoff games by a large margin, the last two playoff wins had to be grinded out in the final minutes. The Bulldogs rolled over the Gryphons 73-52 in the Round of 32. They then pulled away against the Redskins 68-58 in the Sweet 16. In the Elite Eight, the Bulldogs survived against the Greenwave 65-63. Finally, in the Final Four, the Bulldogs edged out the Fighting Irish 73-72, their second one-point victory of the season with the first being won at the season’s start against Warren County. Offense will be a huge advantage for the Bulldogs, as they averaged 69.9 points per game as a team. Players to watch for the Bulldogs include Senior Jamal Taylor (17.6 points per game), Senior Leroy Wilson (17.8 points per game), Senior Marquavious Lawrence (13.7 points per game) and Sophomore Deonte Lowe (8.8 points per game).

Head Coach: Rob Benson No. Name Pos. 1 Colton Day F 2 Jake McTaggart F 3 Luis Quijada F 4 Hayden McClure F 5 Kyle Oakes G 10 Collin Crowder F 11 Aidan Berrong G 12 Zane Floyd G 15 Kolby Moss G 20 Cabe Poston G 22 Kabe Ellis G 23 Reace Hampton F 25 Liam King F 30 Layne Rouse G 32 Jordan Lovelace F

Gr. 12 11 12 12 11 11 12 9 12 11 12 12 12 10 12

Head Coach: Ricky D. Chatman No. Name Pos. 1 Aareon Stephens SG, PG 2 Keveon Robbins SG 3 Jamal Taylor PG, SG 10 Davidno Sherman SG, PF 11 Ty’Rek Ficklin SG 12 Deonte Lowe SG, PG 20 Kenneth Taylor, Jr. SG 21 Jontavious Roberson PF, C 22 Jaylon Hatcher PG, SG 30 Leroy Wilson G, PF 32 Dev’Vin Ivey PF, SG 33 Ty’Kedrick Taylor PF, C 35 Kumasi Washington PF, C 50 Marquavious Lawrence C, PF

Gr. 10 12 12 11 12 10 11 12 12 12 12 10 10 12

WWW.GHSA.NET | 11

GHSA 2021 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

BOYS PAST STATE CHAMPIONS (SINCE 1970) Year AAAAA 1970 - 1971 - 1972 - 1973 - 1974 - 1975 - 1976 - 1977 - 1978 - 1979 - 1980 - 1981 - 1982 - 1983 - 1984 - 1985 - 1986 - 1987 - 1988 - 1989 - 1990 - 1991 - 1992 - 1993 - 1994 - 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 Berkmar 2002 Wheeler 2003 Wheeler 2004 S. Gwinnett 2005 Wheeler 2006 Norcross 2007 Norcross 2008 Norcross 2009 Wheeler 2010 Milton 2011 Norcross 2012 Milton

AAAA - - - - - - - - - SW, Macon Tompkins Baldwin Campbell Marietta Douglass, Atl. SW, Macon Wills Washington Griffin SW, Macon Southside Statesboro Johnson, Sav. Griffin Wheeler Dunwoody Tift Co. Roswell Savannah Marietta Berkmar Dougherty Westlake Griffin Mays Mays Columbia Tucker Columbia Miller Grove Miller Grove Miller Grove Miller Grove

AAA Decatur Carver, Col. Savannah SW, Macon Savannah SW, Macon Savannah LaGrange SW, Macon SW, Atlanta Decatur West Laurens Decatur Gainesville Gainesville Lee Co. Hart Co. (Forfeited) Madison Co. Marist Westover Westover Westover Westover Marist Westside Tucker Dougherty Westover Westlake Marist Westover Cross Keys East Hall West Laurens Dunwoody Dunwoody Jordan Glenn Hills South Atlanta Columbia Columbia Columbia

AA A East Rome Early Co. Berrien Roswell Russell Calhoun Co. SW, Atlanta Bacon Co. SW, Atlanta College Park West Fulton College Park West Fulton College Park Brown Arnold Peach Co. Josey Arnold Dacula Lakeshore Hoganville Crawford Co. Woodbury Crawford Co. Central, Tal. Randolph-Clay Woodbury Terrell Co. Woodbury Central, Car. Woodbury Randolph-Clay Bible Baptist Lakeshore Clinch Co. Claxton Richmond Hill East Rome Clinch Co. Mitch.-Baker Central, Tal. Mitch.-Baker East Rome Wash. Co. Greenville North Clayton Richmond Hill Wash. Co. Richmond Hill Dodge Co. Atkinson Co. Swainsboro Hogansville Cedar Grove Calhoun Co. Mitch.-Baker Seminole Co. Mitch.-Baker Wilkinson Co. Mitch.-Baker Wilkinson Co. East Hall Taylor Co. Wilkinson Co. Taylor Co. Mitch.-Baker Whitefield Acad.

Randolph-Clay SW Atl. Christian East Hall Randolph-Clay Dublin SW Atl. Christian Manchester Wilkinson Co. Wesleyan Hancock Cent.

Dublin Whitefield Academy GAC Wesleyan GAC Wilkinson Co. Laney Whitefield Academy

B Hogansville Hogansville Hogansville West Point Hogansville Monticello Woodbury GAC Clay Co. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

C Arlington GAC GAC -

YEAR 2013 2014 2015 2016

AAAAAA Norcross Tift County Wheeler Westlake

AAAAA Miller Grove Miller Grove Brunswick Miller Grove

AAAA Eagle’s Landing Jonesboro Jonesboro Liberty Co.

AAA Johnson, Savannah Morgan County Jenkins Morgan Co.

A-Public Wilkinson County Wilkinson County Calhoun County Wilkinson County

A-Private Greenforest St. Francis St. Francis Greenforest

YEAR 2017 2018 2019 2020

AAAAAAA AAAAAA Tift County Langston Hughes Meadowcreek Hughes McEachern Tri-Cities Wheeler Chattahoochee

AAAAA Buford Warner Robins Buford Dutchtown

AAAA Upson-Lee Upson-Lee Carver-Columbus Woodward

AA GAC GAC Seminole County Pace Academy

AAA Pace Academy GACS Morgan Co. Pace Academy

AA South Atlanta Thomasville Therrell Swainsboro

A-Public Wilkinson County Wilkinson County St. Francis St. Francis

A-Private Greenforest Aquinas Calhoun Co. Hancock Central

WWW.GHSA.NET | 13

MACON CENTREPLEX | MARCH 10-13, 2021

GIRLS PAST STATE CHAMPIONS (SINCE 1970) Year AAAAA 1970 - 1971 - 1972 - 1973 - 1974 - 1975 - 1976 - 1977 - 1978 - 1979 - 1980 - 1981 - 1982 - 1983 - 1984 - 1985 - 1986 - 1987 - 1988 - 1989 - 1990 - 1991 - 1992 - 1993 - 1994 - 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 Collins Hill 2002 Collins Hill 2003 Parkview 2004 Stephenson 2005 Collins Hill 2006 Collins Hill 2007 Collins Hill 2008 Stephenson 2009 Redan 2010 Norcross 2011 Norcross 2012 McEachern

AAAA - - - - - - - - - Lowndes Lowndes NE, Macon NE, Macon LaGrange LaGrange NE, Macon Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Morrow Morrow Morrow Cedar Shoals Morrow Sequoyah S. Gwinnett Sequoyah Stone Mtn. Wheeler Pope Beach C. Gwinnett Glenn Hills Mays St. Pius X Etowah St. Pius X St. Pius X SW DeKalb SW DeKalb SW DeKalb Fayette Co. Miller Grove

AAA Forest Park Sequoyah Decatur Cherokee Waycross NE, Macon Cherokee Lowndes Lowndes Berrien Co. Coffee Madison Co. Cairo Berrien Rockdale Co. Dodge Co. Rossville Dodge Co. Chattooga Hart Co. Hart Co. Hart Co. Hart Co. Hart Co. Hart Co. Woodward Woodward Richmond Acad.

Josey Woodward North Atlanta Gainesville NE, Macon Gainesville Gainesville Hephzibah Avondale East Hall Kendrick Carrollton Columbia Washington Co. Columbia

AA A Berrien Monroe Area Sprayberry Taylor Co. Berrien Taylor Co. Monroe Area Haralson Co. Cairo Pickens Berrien Haralson Co. Franklin Co. Brooks Co. Brooks Co. Irwin Co. Waycross Bowdon East Hall Miller Co. East Hall Miller Co. White Co. Warren Co. Putnam Co. GAC Morgan Co. GAC Seminole Co. Central, Tal. Terrell Co. Central, Tal. Terrell Co. Central, Tal. Seminole Co. Clinch Co. Upson Taylor Co. Seminole Co. Hawkinsville Berrien Co. Broxton-M. Hayes Wash. Co. Clinch Co. Tri-County Taylor Co. Fannin Co. Clinch Co. Gainesville Taylor Co. Haralson Co. Taylor Co. Randolph-Clay Manchester Thomasville Pelham Thomasville Putnam Co. Fannin Co. Holy Innocents’ Randolph-Clay Sav. Ctry. Day GAC Jefferson GAC Wesleyan Early Co. Taylor Co. Wesleyan Hawkinsville Wesleyan Terrell Co. Wesleyan SW Atl. Christian GAC Hawkinsville Wesleyan Calvary Day Buford Wesleyan Buford Wesleyan Buford Wesleyan Lovett Wesleyan

B Mitchell Co. Montgomery Co. Montgomery Co. Loganville GAC GAC Clinch Co. Miller Co. Temple - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

C Taylor Co. Norman Park GAC -

YEAR 2013 2014 2015 2016

AAAAA SW DeKalb Tucker Stephenson SW DeKalb

AAAA Columbia Redan Buford Americus-Sumter

AAA St. Pius X St. Pius X Laney Morgan Co.

A-Public Gordon Lee Randolph-Clay Taylor County Turner County

A-Private St. Francis SACA St. Francis St. Francis

AAAAAA Norcross McEachern McEachern McEachern

YEAR AAAAAAA AAAAAA 2017 McEachern Mays 2018 Westlake Lovejoy 2019 Westlake Lanier 2020 Westlake Forest Park

14 | WWW.GHSA.NET

AAAAA Buford Buford Buford Buford

AAAA Columbus Spalding Carver-Columbus Americus-Sumter

AA Wesleyan Kendrick Wesleyan Holy Innocents’

AAA Beach Johnson-Sav. Johnson-Sav. GACS

AA Laney Laney Douglass Douglass

A-Public Pelham Greenville Marion Co. Wheeler County

A-Private Wesleyan Wesleyan Holy Innocents’ Holy Innocents’

Make the most out of every game.

GHSA 2021 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

y

n 4 - Team 3

masville

n 1 - Team 2

mbs Co.

n 2 - Team 4

hington Co.

n 3 - Team 1

Academy

n 6 - Team 3

ooga

n 7 - Team 2

n Co.

n 8 - Team 4

way

n 5 - Team 1

Laney

County

h Atlanta

n 6 - Team 2

ple

n 5 - Team 4

t Co.

n 8 - Team 1

erald

n 1 - Team 3

y

n 4 - Team 2

east

n 3 - Team 4

Washington Co. 75

County

n 2 - Team 4

son-Sav.

n 3 - Team 1

gold

n 6 - Team 3

er

n 7 - Team 2

ee Co.

n 8 - Team 4

S

n 5 - Team 1

County

ulla Crk.

n 6 - Team 2

n

n 5 - Team 4

hens Co.

n 8 - Team 1

ley Co.

n 1 - Team 3

an Co.

n 4 - Team 2

n-Lee

n 2 - Team 1

Heard County

Region 8 - Team 3

Westside-Aug.

2020-2021 GHSA Class AA AA Boys StateBRACKET Basketball Championship CLASS BOYS 51

53

54 H

H

43

43 H

H

47 33 Lovett Region 2 - Team 4 Region 6 - Team 4

Washington Co.

Jeff Davis

Washington Co.

Fannin Co.

Washington Co.65 62 Region 3 - Team 1 H

Fannin Co.

Fannin Co.

47 H

70

Rabun Co.

47

Columbia

Swainsboro

50 H

Rabun Co.

40

61

47 H

H

H Region 7 - Team 1

51 74 Swainsboro Region 6 - Team 3 Region 2 - Team 3

53

Columbia

67

44 H

Columbia

661

Model 45 H

Thomasville

57

62 Woodville-Tomp.

Chattooga

48 67 Lamar County Region 7 - Team 2 H H Region 3 - Team 2

62 H

Callaway

32 Callaway 75

46

64 H

H

66

Early County

Josey

H

Feb 26-27

March 2-3

March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

54 42 Putnam Co. Region 8 - Team 4 Region 4 - Team 4

Columbia

49

64 H

Union Co. 67 H

H

Callaway

Early County

Callaway

61 65 Early County Region 5 - Team 1 H H Region 1 - Team 1

Feb 23-24 Feb 26-27

March 2-3

56 H

Feb 26-27 Feb 23-24

36 49 Dodge County Region 7 - Team 3 Region 3 - Team 3

56 82 H

Columbia

March 2-3

March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

March 2-3

South Atlanta

28

47 Woodville-Tomp.

Fannin Co. H

31 H

Elbert Co.

14 Elbert Co. 52

H

Thomasville 71 H

Feb 26-27

Butler

H

49

47

41

Pace Acad.

Lovett

Elbert Co.

Butler

Elbert Co.

47 64 Butler Region 8 - Team 1 H H Region 4 - Team 1

41

38 47 Haralson Co. Region 1 - Team 3 Region 5 - Team 3

Laney

Rabun Co.

44

Toombs Co.

H

Lovett

52

56

H

Butler 63 H

Pace Acad.

40

68

40

Banks Co.

Laney

71 69 Rabun Co. Region 4 - Team 2 H H Region 8 - Team 2

70 H

Josey

46

39

55 H

Champion East Laurens

Columbia

39

Bleckley Co. 50 H

H

Runner-Up

2020-2021 GHSA Class AAA Girls StateBRACKET Basketball Championship CLASS AAA GIRLS

H

38 37 Gordon Cent.

Region 3 - Team 4 Region 7 - Team 4

Swainsboro

Columbia

Swainsboro

51 65 Columbia Region 2 - Team 1 H H Region 6 - Team 1

In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school Hephzibah 45 In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

Region 4 - Team 3

Tattnall Co.

58

40

Westminster

Long Country 59

57 H

Johnson-Sav.

43

64

Lumpkin Co.

46 Johnson-Sav. 79

68

58 H

H

H

GACS

39 Gilmer

48

45 H

H

Crisp County 49

55

Johnson-Sav.

Lumpkin Co.

56

67

Region 6 - Team 3

Jackson

White County 45

H

GACS

36 GACS 40

53

55 H

H

64

Franklin Co. 36 66 H

GACS

H

Region 7 - TeamH2

Pierce Co.

H

Region 8 - Team 4

Pierce Co.

Sandy Creek 64 Region 5 - TeamH1

Feb 26-27

March 2-3

March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

March 2-3

60 Coahulla Crk.

50

Feb 26-27 Feb 23-24

Cherokee Bluff28 Region 7 - Team 3 41 Americus-Sumter

Cross Creek H

64 H

Stephens Co.

Macon Colliseum March 12 - 12:00 PM

58

49 Stephens Co. 67

Carver-Atl.

Upson-Lee

32

35

46

Cross Creek

37

Upson-Lee

66 H

Champion

67 Runner-Up

16 | WWW.GHSA.NET

47 H

Region 1 - Team 3

Sandy Creek

Thomson

41

Region 4 - TeamH2

Sonoraville

SE Bulloch 67 H

H

H

Hart County 64 Pierce County 48

48

Upson-Lee

Cross Creek

Region 8 - TeamH1

36

H

21

Region 5 - Team 4

48

Region 3 - Team 4

Sonoraville

Peach County 69 Region 2 - TeamH1

In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

25 70 H

H

Pace Acad.

95 H

Runner-Up

2020-2021 GHSA Class AAA Boys StateBRACKET Basketball Championship CLASS AAA BOYS Johnson-Sav.

59

67 Lumpkin Co.

35 H

Sandy Creek

Jackson

Region 2 - Team 3

White County

54

76

H

Dawson Co. 56 H

Windsor Forest

52 61

Windsor Forest

Liberty Co.

Sandy Creek

Hephzibah

Region 4 - Team 4

Sandy Creek

78

87

37

Region 3 - Team 2 H

50

56 H

Salem 41 H

Region 7 - Team 1 H

52

57

75

Pierce Co.

68

60 H

H

95

50 42 H

Sandy Creek

H

58 H

Windsor Forest Appling Co.

78 H

Region 1 - Team 1 H

Feb 23-24 Feb 26-27

57

March 2-3

March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

March 2-3

Feb 26-27

SE Bulloch

Region 3 - Team 3

Cherokee Bluff

Cross Creek Hart County

46 Appling Co.

Region 1 - Team 4

Hart County

60 Cross Creek

H

72

55 60 H

H

Hart County

56

77 H

Cross Creek 92 H

Cross Creek

59

80

54

GACS

78 East Jackson

Region 8 - Team 2 H

43

North Hall

Region 7 - Team 4

Peach County

88

Thomson

Sonoraville

Region 6 - Team 1 H

46 Champion

77

60 H

55 H

LaFayette

40 63 H

H

Northe

Region 3 - Tea

Putnam

Region 4 - Tea

Thomasv

Region 1 - Tea

Toombs

Region 2 - Tea

C

Region 1 - Tea

Bu

Region 4 - Tea

Tem

Region 5 - Tea

Banks

Region 8 - Tea

Dade Cou

Region 7 - Tea

Pace Ac

Region 6 - Tea

Oconee

Region 8 - Te

Sa

Region 5 - Te

N. Mu

Region 6 - Te

Dawson

Region 7 - Te

Upson

Region 2 - Te

Windsor Fo

Region 3 - Te

Ha

Region 4 - Te

Appling

Region 1 - Te

Gro

Region 3 - Te

55 Americus-Su H Region 2 - Te

Cross Creek

70

55 Sandy Creek Thomson

Macon Colliseum March 12 - 2:30 PM

76

Region 4 - Team 1 H Region 5 - Team 3

52 Americus-Sumter

H

Mo

Region 7 - Tea

Feb 23-24 50

41

48 Americus-Sumter 43 2 - Team 2 Region 6 - TeamH2 Region H

54 H

H

Champion

69 H

Pace Acad.

74

Sonoraville

Cross Creek

66

H

Morgan Co.

51

58 H

Rockmart

Region 2 - Team 4 Region 6 - Team 4

Lakeview-FO 47

H

54 Westminster

H Region 5 - Team 2

Johnson-Sav. 58

68

In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school 49 51 Franklin Co. In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

Region 8 - Team 3 74 Long Country 43 Salem

Region 1 - TeamH2

Region 3 - TeamH1

Lumpkin Co.

39

Swainsboro

KIPP

Region 6 - Tea

43 Jasper/Montic Region 3 - Tea

41 76 H

Heard

Region 5 - Tea

Feb 23-24

64 H

Butler

45

Berrien

47

Macon Colliseum March 11 - 2:30 PM

80

Bremen

Butler

37 37 Berrien Region 5 - Team 4 Region 1 - Team 4

25

H

48 64 Woodville-Tomp.

Region 6 - Team 2 H H Region 2 - Team 2

62 H

Josey Josey

56

62

H

74

Lovett

Macon Colliseum March 11 - 12:00 PM

44

Lovett

Rabun

Region 8 - Tea

66 Woodville-Tom Region 2 - Tea 56 H

Thomasville

Coosa

29

n 3 - Team 4

Region 4 - Team 3

49 55 Heard County Region 1 - Team 2 H H Region 5 - Team 2

Fannin Co.

56 Washington Co.

Chattooga

Feb 23-24

n 7 - Team 3

66

29

53

n 1 - Team 2

71

H

e Co.

all Co.

Washington Co.

45

52

n 4 - Team 3

46

Westside-Aug. 42 65 Banks County

Fitzgerald

H

Laurens

n 2 - Team 1

50

46

Feb 23-24

n 7 - Team 3

2020-2021 GHSA Class AAAA Girls StateBRACKET Basketball Championship CLASS GIRLS

53

LaFayette

Runner-Up

In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

71 H

Tattnal

Region 1 - Te

Cross C

Region 4 - Te

G

Region 5 - Te

Monroe A

Region 8 - Te

North

Region 7 - Te

LaFay

Region 6 - Te

THURSDAY - MARCH 11, 2021

CLASS AA GIRLS

JOSEY

3.11.21 12 PM FANNIN CO. DID YOU KNOW?

BOTH THE EAGLES AND REBELS ARE SEARCHING FOR THEIR FIRST STATE TITLE IN OVER 20 YEARS

JOSEY

EAGLES

•

19-6

•

REGION

4

T

he Josey Eagles are not like most of this year’s finals contenders in that they are unranked in the state of Georgia and did not end their region tournament on top. However, this group of girls continues to show why they deserve a shot at the title, which would be the program’s first since 1998 and second in school history. Since 2014, Josey has qualified for the postseason every year, with a runner-up finish in 2018 after falling 63-40 to Laney in the finals, and a quarterfinals finish in 2019. This year’s team has without question exceeded expectations, in large part to a group of reliable playmakers. The Eagles have a pair of first-team all-region players in Sophomore Arieonna Booker and Senior Deajah Houck.

Alongside them is the duo of Juniors Kyshonna Brown and Aqoyas Cody, who were both second-team all-region selections. In the Eagles’ quarterfinals matchup against top-seeded Elbert County, Josey was able to escape with a narrow one-point victory behind stellar performances from Booker and Brown, who each led the team in scoring with 10 points apiece. Josey was once again tested in the semifinals when the Eagles took on top-seeded Washington County. Their four-point victory was fueled by Cody, who scored 17 points and Booker who scored nine. With three wins over top-seeded teams in the postseason (East Laurens, Elbert County and Washington County), the Eagles are primed to take on just about any opponent, and have shown they have what it takes to close out the season on top.

FANNIN CO.

T

REBELS

•

23-4

•

REGION

7

he Rebels’ road to the finals gives the program a shot at its first state title since 1999, and third in school history. During the postseason, Fannin County has scored an average of 57 points per game, while allowing just over 49 points against on average. The Rebels’ first pair of tournament wins came against Lovett (65-47) in the first round and Heard County (54-46) in the second round. After that, the contests became much closer. In their quarterfinals matchup against Early County, the Rebels were down 35-24 heading into halftime, but managed to put together a 42-point second half to jump ahead and win 66-64. Leading the team with 15 points was Senior Natalie Thomas and right behind her was Abby Ledford, a first-team all-region selection who scored 13. Freshman Courtney Davis, a fellow first-team all-region selection, also chipped in 12 points. The Rebels’ playoff dreams were once again tested in the semifinals against top-seeded Butler. Tied at 41-41 with only a few seconds left in the game, Davis stole a Bulldogs’ inbound pass and dished the ball to Junior Becca Ledford, the region 7 player of the year, who went down the court and sank the game-winning layup as the clock expired to send Fannin County into the finals. The Rebels also have a duo of second-team all-region selections in Junior Reagan York and Senior Mackenzie Johnson, who round out this impressive group of playmakers.

Head Coach: Jawan Bailey No. Name

Pos.

1

Tymiria Mack

W

9

2

JaCayla Shorty

SG

10

3

Arieonna Booker

W, SF, SG

10

4

Bra’nasia Henderson

PG, SG

10

5

Deajah Houck

PG, SG

12

10

Jamirah Mitchell

PG, W

12

11

Kayla McCord

W

9

13

Laura Jarrett

W

11

15

Ky’Shonna Brown

PG, SG

11

21

Aqoyas Cody

PF

11

22

Mercedes Dames

F, PF

11

24

Clarrissa Winfrey

C, PF

9

Head Coach: Ryan Chastain No. Name Pos. 1 Courtney Davis PG 2 Riley Reeves SG 5 Reigan O’neal PG, SG 11 Ava Queen PF 13 Becca Ledford PG 20 Prisila Bautista PG, SG 21 Jenna Young PG, SG 22 Paige Foresman PF 24 Abby Ledford SG 30 Natalie Thomas SG, SF 32 Mackenzie Johnson PG, SG 33 Reagan York SG, SF 44 Olivia Sisson PF, SF

Gr.

Gr. 9 10 10 10 11 12 11 12 12 12 12 11 12

WWW.GHSA.NET | 17

THURSDAY - MARCH 11, 2021

CLASS AA BOYS

3.11.21 2:30 PM

COLUMBIA

PACE ACAD.

DID YOU KNOW?

PACE ACADEMY’S MATTHEW CLEVELAND HIT THE 2,000-POINT MARK IN HIS HIGH SCHOOL CAREER IN THE SECOND ROUND

COLUMBIA

EAGLES

•

21-6

•

REGION

6

T

he Eagles advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2014, after a seven-year span of dominance that saw Columbia claim five state titles (2006 and 2008 in Class 4A, 2010-2012 in Class 3A). With a 21-6 regular season record, the Eagles had accumulated a convincing resume that nearly ensured postseason success. However, their road to the finals was not all smooth sailing. After defeating Union County 65-42 in the first round, Columbia was paired against Callaway in the second round.

There, the Eagles narrowly survived with a one-point victory as Callaway forced three lead changes in the final minute of the game. The next round was more of the same as the Eagles were matched up against Washington County, who had lost just one game all season heading into the quarterfinals. With the game tied at 47-47 in the final seconds of the game, Senior guard Kawasiki Ricks cut to the basket and scored the game-winning layup with just 3.9 second left on the clock. After defeating Lovett 67-52 in the semifinals, Columbia is now facing off against a familiar foe in the finals. The Eagles battled against Pace Academy earlier this season, losing 67-56. This time around, Columbia will have to look to its playmakers for a chance at denying Pace Academy a consecutive state title. Along with Ricks, the Eagles can rely on Junior Mason Lockhart and Senior Julius Lymon, who are a duo of established offensive threats.

PACE ACAD.

T

KNIGHTS

•

27-1

•

REGION

6

he Knights head into the finals with just one loss on their season resume, which came during their first game of the season against Sandy Creek (63-59) and have won 27 consecutive games since. During their run through the postseason, Pace Academy has averaged just under 70 points per game while allowing just over 38 points scored against per game, setting the Knights up for a chance to claim a second-consecutive title and their fourth in six years. After soundly defeating Dade County 95-25 in the first round, the Knights were matched up against Banks County in the second round. There, Senior Matthew Cleveland, a 5-star prospect and Florida State Commit, helped propel Pace Academy to victory with a 29-point outing. This performance pushed Cleveland past the 2,000-point mark for his high school career. Then in the quarterfinals, the Knights claimed their first victory that was decided by fewer than 15 points with a 58-44 win over Butler.

For a brief moment in the third quarter, the Bulldogs managed to climb ahead of Pace Academy 32-31, but a 10-0 run from the Knights kept their playoff hopes alive. Cleveland was again electric on the court, scoring 22 points with 11 rebounds. Cleveland isn’t the only factor in play for Pace though. He is joined by fellow playmakers Junior Josh Reed and Seniors Cole Middleton and Josh Mininberg. Each member of this trio have put up double-digit performances throughout the postseason, and will be a crucial factor for the defending champs.

18 | WWW.GHSA.NET

Head Coach: Phil McCrary No. Name Pos. Gr. 10 Julius Lymon SF, PF 12 11 Kawasiki Ricks PG 12 12 Julius Coleman SG 12 13 Daquavious Harrison SF, SG 11 15 Kenneth Hardaway SG 12 20 Myles Lockhart PF, W 10 23 Rashad Headges W, SG, PG 10 24 Mason Lockhart PF, C 11 25 Trevian Callaway PG 9 30 Jadan Baugh PG, SG 9 32 Mekhi Turner W, SF 9 35 Kevin Bruce PG 10 45 Jamarcus Hatcher PF 9 50 Jequavas Wallace SG 9

Head Coach: Sharman White No. Name Pos. 0 1 2 3 4 10 11 12 14 20 21 22 24 25 30

Matthew Cleveland Josh Mininberg Buck Hall Madison Durr Matthew Aronson Logan Baker Will Aronson Frank Caldwell Davis Rice Kendall Evans Lamar Moore Justin Johnson Cole Middleton Ben Leach Josh Reed

W, SG PG, SG PG PG, SG SG, W SG, W, PG SG, W W SG SF, W SF, PF PG, SG PF, SF C, PF SF, PF, W

Gr. 12 12 11 12 11 12 11 10 10 10 9 12 12 10 11

FRIDAY - MARCH 12, 2021

GACS 3.12.21 12 PM CROSS CREEK CLASS AAA GIRLS

DID YOU KNOW?

FORMER GACS PLAYER CINDY BROGDON COMPETED IN THE 1976 OLYMPIC GAMES

GACS

SPARTANS

•

15-7

•

REGION

5

T

he Spartans have won nine state championships including last year’s 3A title and – after a round-about season – GAC is back to try for its 10th state title. GAC defeated Beach 54-44 in the championship game last season and – entering the year – it looked as if a return trip to Macon was not in the cards. The Spartans lost its first three games – Forest Park (59-36), Mount Paran (58-42) and Marist (56-45) before beating Sandy Creek 53-49 for its first victory. Once in region 5-3A play, the Spartans lost to Westminster twice and Cedar Grove once before hitting its stride with a 67-52 victory over Douglass on Feb. 12. Since then, GAC has not lost. Its path through the bracket went through Oconee County (40-36), Gilmer (64-39), JohnsonSavannah (53-43) and top-ranked Upson-Lee (48-35) in the semifinals. GAC’s semifinal victory handed Upson-Lee its only loss of the season. The Spartans are led by two juniors – Kaleigh Addie and Jaci Bolden.

Addie, a 5-foot-7 guard, leads with 21 points, four rebounds, four steals and four assists per game. On Jan. 8 when GAC beat Carver-Atlanta 84-37, Addie scored a season-high 40 points. Bolden is a 5-6 guard and averages 15 points, three rebounds, three assist and two rebounds per game. Against Sandy Creek on Jan. 26 and Carver on Jan. 8, Bolden scored a season-high 23 points. Against Salem and East Coweta, she scored 22 points. Senior Laurren Randolph is scoring nine points with eight rebounds and two blocks per game.

CROSS CREEK

C

RAZORBACKS • 22-2 • REGION 4

ross Creek lost to Troup by one point – 46-45 – in the second round last season and the Razorbacks were left with a sour taste in their collective mouths. Now, after reclassifying from 4A to 3A, Cross Creek has a chance to win the program’s first state title and a one-point victory over Lumpkin County in the semifinals punched the ticket. Junior Erin Martin’s last-second lay up sealed the victory in the semifinals after the Razorbacks faced an inbounds play with 5.8 seconds and were forced to move the ball down the entire court for a shot at victory. Cross Creek trailed Lumpkin throughout the game but opened the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run to take the lead. Two players – Jordyn Dorsey and Micheala Bogans – lead the way on the offensive side. Dorsey, a 5-foot-9 senior guard, averages 22 points with six rebounds, three steals and two assists per game. She has scored at least 30 points four times this season in victories over Appling County, Harlem, Butler and Richmond Academy. Bogans, a 5-5 freshman guard, averages 11 points with three rebounds, three steals and two assists per game. She scored a season-high 23 points against Harlem on Jan. 26. Martin averages nine points with four rebounds and two steals per game. She has scored 20 points – a season-high – twice this year against Morgan County and Thomson. Cross Creek’s path through the bracket with through Appling County (64-21), Americus-Sumter (54-41), Sonoraville (51-47) and Lumpkin County (46-45).

Head Coach: Jessica Guarneri No. Name

Pos.

0

Molly Pritchard

PF

11

1

Myla Benton

SG

9

4

Jaci Bolden

G

11

5

Ale Rodriguez

G

12

10

Laurren Randolph

C

12

11

Sydney Lucas

SG

9

12

Anna Hardy

F

9

20

Kaleigh Addie

PG

11

25

Annie Ahmen

G

9

Head Coach: Kim Schlein No. Name Pos. 3 Breanna Williams PG 4 Tahjae Hawes G 5 Lori Lofton PF 10 Sha’mya Braddy G 12 Kenyari Searles G 15 Alaya Henry SG 20 Micheala Bogans G 21 Jordyn Dorsey G 22 Jasiiyah Holmes C, PF 23 Erin Martin SG, PG 24 Tierra Turner G 25 Destinee Anderson PG 33 Caycee Scott C 50 Jenna Wilbon SF

Gr.

Gr. 12 9 9 12 10 9 9 12 10 11 9 10 11 11

WWW.GHSA.NET | 19

GHSA 2021 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

CHAMPIONS CHOOSE JOSTENS TO CRAFT THEIR RING AND SHOWCASE THEIR STORY

Champ Rings • Class Rings • Regalia • Announcements • Yearbooks • Diplomas

CONTACT YOUR JOSTENS REPRESENTATIVE TODAY Scott Jernigan South Georgia 229.435.1809

SPORTS

MEDICINE

Mark Peay Greater Atlanta 706.691.9359

Jason Wiley Augusta 706.868.0515

SOUTH

Gary A. Levengood, MD | Clay Guynn, DO

Harris Patel, PA, ATC | Diana Dean, PA | Chris Polascik, PA, ATC Mike Polascik, PT, ATC www.sportsmedsouth.com 770- 237-3475

20 | WWW.GHSA.NET

BEYONDBETTER

Pete Wilson & Matt Hughes North Georgia 706.226.4446

FRIDAY - MARCH 12, 2021

CLASS AAA BOYS

3.12.21 2:30 PM

SANDY CREEK

CROSS CREEK

DID YOU KNOW?

BOTH PROGRAMS WERE IN CLASS 4A LAST SEASON BEFORE RECLASSIFYING TO 3A THIS YEAR

SANDY CREEK

PATRIOTS

•

28-4

•

REGION

5

T

he Patriots have two of the best players in the nation with a supporting cast of fabulous players that combine to produce one of the best teams in the state, regardless of class. The team hopes that formula will add up to the program’s first state championship after it reclassified to Class 3A this season. In Class 4A last year, the Patriots lost to eventual-champion Woodward 58-56 in the quarterfinals. Jabari Smith leads the Sandy Creek program and is a formidable player. Rated as a five-star recruit and headed to Auburn next season, Smith is a 6-foot-10 power forward listed as the No. 1 player in the state by 247Sports. He is the No. 2 power forward in the nation and fifth overall player, nationally. He averages 23.4 points with 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks per game. In Sandy Creek’s 76-73 victory over Class 7A No. 1 Milton, a nationally ranked powerhouse playing for the 7A title, Smith scored a season-high 37 points and has scored at least 30 points five times this season. Myles Rice, a three-star point guard heading to Washington State, averages 19 points with five rebounds, six assists and two steals per game. Against Carver on Feb. 12, Rice scored a season-high 32 points.

Senior Deshon Proctor and sophomore Vic Newsom both average eight points per game and freshman Micah Smith is scoring six points per game. Sandy Creek’s path through the bracket went through Franklin County (78-50), White County (95-37), Johnson-Savannah (68-59) and Hart County (87-56).

CROSS CREEK

A

RAZORBACKS • 24-4 • REGION 4

fter a loss to Woodward Academy in the Class 4A state championship game last season 75-56, the Razorbacks reclassed to 3A and return to the title game with a vengeance. And after a last-second gamewinning basket by Corey Trotter in the semifinal victory over Windsor Forest, the Razorbacks are riding momentum. A group of four seniors lead the way for Cross Creek with a supporting cast that could prove a challenge for Sandy Creek. Three players – Devin Pope, Corey Trotter and Richard Viscitacion – top the pack, each averaging in double figures. Pope is scoring 19 points with four assists per game. Against Burke County on Jan. 16, Pope, a 6-foot-1 guard, scored a season-high 30 points. Trotter, a 6-6 power forward, averages 17 points with 13 rebounds, two steals, two blocks and two assists per game. Against North Augusta on Dec. 4, Trotter scored a season-high 31 points on 14-of-24 shooting. However, the last-second game-winning basket by Trotter in Cross Creek’s 77-76 victory over Windsor Forest in the semifinals were his most important points of the season. Viscitation, a 5-10 guard, is scoring 12 points with three rebounds and six assists per game. He scored a season-high 24 points in a 71-55 victory over Thomson on Jan. 29. Senior Joshua Dorsey, a 6-5 shooting guard, is scoring seven points with three rebounds and two assists per game. He scored a season-high 15 points against Hephzibah on Feb. 2 and North Augusta on Dec. 4. Cross Creek beat Tattnall County (92-55), Americus-Sumter (60-52), LaFayette (72-60) and Windsor Forest to earn the title berth.

Head Coach: Jon-Michael Nickerson No. Name Pos. 0 Shane Erkins G 1 Vic Newsom G 2 Myles Rice G 3 Andy Williams G 4 Ryan Cooley F 5 Jeff Hood G 10 Jabari Smith F 11 Micah Smith F 12 Deshon Proctor F 13 Jordan Garner G 15 Jaren Alexander G 21 Mason Sutton G 23 Eltramon Smith F 24 Bryce Davis W 30 Corey Gibbs G

Gr. 12 10 12 11 9 12 12 9 12 12 10 12 10 11 11

Head Coach: Lawrence M Kelly No. Name

Pos.

Gr.

0

Devin Pope

SG, PG

12

1

Antonio Buffington

SG, SF

9

3

Joshua Dorsey

PG, SG, SF 12

4

Richard Visitacion

PG, SG

12

5

Jaquez Ellison

PG, SG

11

10

Ricardo Daggett

SF, PF

12

12

Judah Bowman

SF, PF, C

12

15

Corey Trotter

SF, PF, C

12

21

Dacarion Dunbar

G

11

23

Antoine Lorick

PF, C

10

24

Dayshawn Adams

PG, SG

11

32

Bryant Simpson

SG

10

34

Dontrel Smith

PG, SG

10

WWW.GHSA.NET | 21

MACON CENTREPLEX | MARCH 10-13, 2021

Text ARM4 to GOARMY (462769)

22 | WWW.GHSA.NET

MACON CENTREPLEX | MARCH 10-13, 2021

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51 Cedar Shoals

42

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March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

March 2-3

36 58

48 H

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71 H

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Macon Colliseum March 10 - 5:00 PM

60

20 Jefferson

49

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41

H

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Carver-Col.

43

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74

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57

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57 38 Hardaway Region 6 - Team 3 Region 2 - Team 3

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Fayette Co.

Hardaway

Cedartown

Region 8 - Team 4

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Region 4 - Team 4

Fayette Co.

55 73 Cairo 1 - Team 1 Region 5 - Team H 1 Region H

Fayette Co.

42

H

43 H

McDonough

57

46

Carver-Col.

49

Fayette Co.

56

25 H

H

84

March 2-3

March 5-6

51 H

Monroe

30

Monroe

71 H

Fayette Co.

H

Feb 23-24 Feb 26-27

38 58 New Hampstead Region 7 - Team 3 Region 3 - Team 3

59

March 10-13

Troup

Stephenson

March 5-6

March 2-3

68 H

Feb 26-27

H

Troup Stephenson 80 68 2 - Team 2 Region 6 - Team H 2 Region H Region 5 - Team 4

Bainbridge

Cedar Shoals

Bainbridge

Region 1 - Team 4

Cedar Shoals

34 66 McDonough Region 1 - Team 3 Region 5 - Team 3

Flowery Branch

Westover

24 41 Cedartown Region 3 - Team 4 Region 7 - Team 4

Marist

Spencer

Hardaway

44

Baldwin Macon Colliseum March 10 - 7:30 PM

50 H

58

49 H

Baldwin

50

75

Baldwin

46 H

H

Westover

50

46 H

64 H

Baldwin

74

50

Luella

64

Westover

70

52 H

Champion

40

49 H

57 H

Miller Grove 77 H

Region 4 - Team 3 In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school 40 white jerseys.

Coffee 44 Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear St. Pius X In the Semifinal and

Miller Grove

Warner Robins 52 57 Woodward Acad. 70

H

H

Woodward Acad. 75

61

H

57 Cass

Forest Park

Region 2 - Team 4

51

Region 6 - Team 4

Tri-Cities

Hiram

Tri-Cities

64 98 Hiram Region 3 - Team 1H H Region 7 - Team 1

Lithia Springs

46

Tri-Cities

73

79

Chapel Hill

Northside-Col. 32 77 Lithia Springs 43 H

H

St. Pius X

Region 1 - Team 2H H Region 5 - Team 2

Hiram

CLASS AAAAA BOYS BRACKET

RegionIn8 the - Team first 3 three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school 53 Locust Grove 53 Lithonia In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

H

Region 6 - Team 3

Forest Park

37 55 Northside-Col. Region 2 - Team 3

Blessed Trin.

60

H

Tri-Cities

70

49

H

36 H 50

52

63

Woodward

Blessed Trin.

81 78 Forest Park Region 7 - Team 2H H Region 3 - Team 2

83 H

SW DeKalb

3 SW DeKalb 77

59

42

H

Forest Park

Walnut Grove

72

25 H

Woodward Acad.

H

H

Feb 26-27

March 2-3

March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

March 2-3

Region 8 - Team 4

Warner Robins

49 81 Warner Robins Region 5 - Team 1H H Region 1 - Team 1

St. Pius X

34

25 67 Mundy's Mill Region 3 - Team 3

Forest Park H

66 H

Loganville

Macon Colliseum March 11 - 5:00 PM

42

23 Loganville 47

Villa Rica

43 72

M.L. King 42 H

H

Griffin

23

52

50 H

Dutchtown

37 39 Griffin

44 H

Champion

59 H

Runner-Up

Dutchtown

H

March 2-3

March 5-6

Clarke Central

Dutchtown

47 New Manchester H

Region 1 - Team 3

Greenbrier

Dutchtown

81

63

Greenbrier

Jonesboro

Harris County

Region 2 - Team 1 In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

31

48

64 H

Feb 26-27

43

Macon Colliseum March 11 - 7:30 PM

64 H

70

64 H

Eagles Landing

36

71

84 H

H

Dutchtown

57

91 H

52

H

72 Champion

51

58 H 55

57 Dutchtown

Eagles Landing

Eagles Landing Decatur

48 H

44 New Manchester H

47 59 New Manchester H

Runner-Up

In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

M

Region 6 - Tea

Heritage-

Region 7 - Tea

Carver-

Region 2 - Tea

Benedic

Region 3 - Tea

West Laur

Region 4 - Tea

Mon

Region 1 - Tea

Jen

Region 3 - Tea

Harda

Region 2 - Tea

Bainbr

Region 1 - Tea

Bald

Region 4 - Tea

Lu

Region 5 - Tea

North Oco

Region 8 - Tea

Central-Ca

Region 7 - Tea

Lith

Region 5 - Te

Chape

Region 6 - Te

Calh

Region 7 - Te

G

Region 2 - Te

Wood

Region 3 - Te

Union G

Region 4 - Te

Vete

Region 1 - Te

Feb 23-24

Forest Park

H

Cartersville

63 New Manchester 43 H Region 6 - Team 1 H

March 2-3

Eagles Landing Clarke Central

Region 7 - Team 4

Jonesboro

March 5-6

Veterans

66

Region 4 - Team 2H H Region 8 - Team 2

Region 3 - Team 4 55 New Manchester H

54 81 H

March 10-13

57

41 46 M.L. King Region 5 - Team 3

Dutchtown

55 H

Veterans

Tri-Cities

McIntosh

43 45 Ware County Region 1 - Team 4

Clarke Central 70 73 Coffee

49

Griffin

Region 5 - Team 4

63 H

H

Region 8 - Team 1H H Region 4 - Team 1

49

H

Villa Rica

71

70

Region 6 - Team 2H H Region 2 - Team 2

Dutchtown

51

H

Eagles Landing

51

McIntosh

St. Pius X

Feb 23-24 Feb 26-27

Region 7 - Team 3

Cass 29

St. Pius X

Feb 26-27 Feb 23-24

48 Jackson-Atl.

34 58 Jones County Region 4 - Team 4

62 H

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill

McDono

Region 5 - Tea

54 Miller Gr H53 RegionGreen 6 - Tea Region 8 - Te

56

101

Jeffer

Region 8 - Tea

Feb 23-24 47

66

Islands 35 H

Woodward Acad. 71

H

62 81 Pickens New Hampstead 7 - Team 1 Region 3 - Team H 1 Region H

57 62 Flowery Branch Westside-Macon 8 - Team 2 Region 4 - Team H 2 Region H

Flowery Branch

CLASS AAAAA GIRLS BRACKET

30

59

60

Mays

57 87 Marist Spencer Runner-Up 2020-2021 GHSA Class AAAAA Runner-Up Girls State Basketball ChampionshipLocust Region 6 - Team 12020-2021 GHSA Class AAAAA Boys State Basketball Championship RegionGrove 2 - Team H 124 59 H Clarke Central

H

Feb 23-24

un

61

86

ward Acad. 75 3 - Team 1

54 H

McDonough 49

Westover 45

Carver-Col. Carver-Col.

e

4 - Team 3

29

New Hampstead 56

Baldwin Cedar Shoals 34 68 4 - Team 1 Region 8 - Team H 1 Region H

Westside-Macon 43

H 53

Pickens

Mt Zion-Jones.40 43

88

82

nGrove 2 - Team 1

42

53

McDonough

Pickens

Arabia Mtn.

n 3 - Team 4

Dougherty

59 43 Stephenson Region 2 - Team 4 Region 6 - Team 4

Feb 26-27 Feb 23-24

side-Macon 46

n 4 - Team 2

52 H

Madison Co. 43 46 West Laurens 58 H

Carver-Col.

March 2-3

61

50 42 Islands Cedartown 3 - Team 2 Region 7 - Team H 2 Region H

Cairo

50 Feb 26-27

Dougherty

Marist

29

45

North Oconee

2020-2021 GHSA Class AAAA Boys StateBRACKET Basketball Championship CLASS AAAA BOYS

LaGrange

43

H

63 31 North Oconee Region 4 - Team 3 Region 8 - Team 3

Perry

31 70 Mt. Zion, JB Dougherty 5 - Team 2 Region 1 - Team H 2 Region H

Pickens

34

Feb 23-24

n 7 - Team 3

2020-2021 GHSA Class AAAA Girls StateBRACKET Basketball Championship CLASS AAAA GIRLS

42

Forest

Region 3 - Te

Whitew

Region 2 - Te

Wayne Co

Region 1 - Te

Eagles Lan

Region 4 - Te

Dec

Region 5 - Te

Eas

Region 8 - Te

H

Region 7 - Te

49 New Manche H Region 6 - Te

WWW.GHSA.NET | 23

WEDNESDAY - MARCH 10, 2021

CLASS AAAA BOYS

3.10.21 7:30 PM

FAYETTE CO.

BALDWIN

DID YOU KNOW?

FAYETTE COUNTY WAS ELIMINATED IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE STATE PLAYOFFS LAST YEAR WHILE COMPETING IN CLASS 5A

FAYETTE CO.

TIGERS

•

18-11

•

REGION

5

F

ayette County opened the season with a gauntlet of games against the state’s toughest programs and has continued to progress as the year played out. Fayette County has won nine-straight games heading into the finals and the Tigers have outscored their four playoff opponents by an average of 22 points per game. Despite this wide margin, Fayette County had to rally past Westover to score its 59-50 semifinal victory. Fayette County opened up a 10-6 lead in the first quarter, but Westover responded with a 7-1 run to take a 16-11 lead at the end of the frame. Fayette County sparked an 11-6 run to open the second quarter to tie the game at 22-22 and Westover eventually went into the half with a 27-24 lead. Fayette County’s top scorer is 6-foot-7 junior Kaleb Banks. In the first round, Banks hit 16-of-23 shots and led the way with a game-high 36 point. Banks went 12-of-13 from the field in the second round to finish with 32 points and he has finished with 17 points and 16 points in the past two victories. Banks will receive most of the defensive attention, but Fayette County seniors Terry Brown and Cardell Bailey are capable scorers. Additionally, sophomore RJ Kennedy has come up big throughout this season. Kennedy scored a playoff-high 13 points in the semifinals and Bailey hit two three-pointers and netted 15 points in the semifinals. As a team, Fayette County was able to make 8-of-15 three-point attempts in the semifinals.

BALDWIN

B

BRAVES

•

16-0

•

REGION

4

aldwin is one victory away from closing out a perfect season and capturing its first state title since 1981. The Braves have had a difficult path in this year’s playoffs that has included games against Bainbridge, Hardaway, Miller Grove and McDonough. Baldwin’s success stems from the team’s depth, balanced scoring and highly-productive underclassmen. In the Braves’ 46-42 semifinal win over McDonough, Baldwin outscored the visiting Warhawks 31-15 in the second half. McDonough built a 10-7 lead in the first quarter and went into the half with a 27-15 lead. Baldwin was able to chip the deficit to 33-30 by the end of the third frame and then closed out McDonough in the final frame. Rudolph Satcher paced the Braves with a game-high 16 points and teammate Shatavious Hogan chipped in with 10 points. The Braves also got contributions from William Freeman (9) and Jacobi Nixon (7).

Nixon is a 6-foot-5 playmaker that is shooting an efficient 56 percent from the field this season. Hogan is a sophomore that is the team’s top rebounder and is averaging roughly eight points per game this season. Baldwin scored a huge 58-52 win over Miller Grove in the quarterfinals. Baldwin entered the matchup ranked No. 1 and Miller Grove came in as the No. 3 team in the classification. The Braves made five free-throws in the final 19 seconds to clinch the victory. Freeman scored 16 points, Satcher once again led with his team-high 19 points and Lataveon Roach finished with 10 points.

24 | WWW.GHSA.NET

Head Coach: Andre Flynn No. Name

Pos.

1

Terry Brown

PG

12

3

Kaleb Banks

SG

11

4

Duane Burks

SG

11

5

RJ Kennedy

SG

10

10

Tariq Mumphery

SG

11

11

Cardell Bailey

SG

12

12

Isaiah Franklin

PG

10

22

Jayden Gillette

PG

9

23

Ryan Hannah-Brown

SG

11

24

Donavon Hand

SF

11

25

Bricen Smith

SF

10

33

Givanni Peterson

SF

12

45

Anthony Suttles

SF

11

Head Coach: Anthony Webb No. Name Pos. 1 Miles Bolston G 2 Jordan Webb G 3 Kenneth Kelsey G 4 Lataeveon Roach G 5 Jermyus Simmons G 10 Jahzi Norman F 11 Rudolph Satcher F 12 Christian Burnett F 13 William Freeman F 14 Tremarius Lawrence G 15 Jaylen Watson G 20 Jacobi Nixon F 21 Shatavious Hogan F 22 Quamond Dennis F 24 Larry Turner F

Gr.

Gr. 12 10 10 11 12 11 10 10 12 9 11 10 10 9 10

WEDNESDAY - MARCH 10, 2021

CARVER-COL. 3.10.21 5 PM CAIRO CLASS AAAA GIRLS

DID YOU KNOW? CAIRO HAS WON TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (1974 AND 1982) AND CARVER WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2019

CARVER-COL.

TIGERS

•

14-2

•

REGION

2

C

arver-Columbus is looking to win its second state title in the past three seasons after claiming the program’s historic first in 2019. The Tigers earned their fifth-straight region title prior to the playoffs and are coming off a dramatic 74-70 semifinal victory over Cedar Shoals. The Tigers jumped out to a 42-31 lead at the half, but Cedar Shoals sparked a 14-5 run to open the third quarter and closed out the frame with a 24-12 edge to take a 55-54 lead into the fourth quarter. Carver reclaimed the lead (69-68) with 1:47 left before holding off the Jaguars. Carver-Columbus extended its winning streak to 14 games with the victory. The quarterfinals was another thriller and Carver-Columbus defeated Jefferson 61-60. No. 7 ranked Carver-Columbus built a 42-38 halftime lead and held off the No. 1 ranked Dragons. Carver-Columbus is led by senior and Clemson signee Kionna Gaines. The four-star prospect is rated by ESPN as the No. 19 overall guard in the country. She has averaged 20.3 points per game this season, while also contributing seven rebounds per game. Gaines has played a crucial role in Carver-Columbus’ recent success and was contributing as a sophomore back when the Tigers earned the state crown two seasons ago—giving her plenty of experience in playing on the big stage. Carver-Columbus’ only two losses this season came outside of the classification (66-65 Hughes, 57-54 Lovejoy) and they are a perfect 12-0 inside the classification this season.

CAIRO

C

SYRUPMAKERS

•

18-1

•

REGION

1

airo’s only loss this season came on the road to Bainbridge and the Syrupmakers split their regular season series with the Bearcats by previously scoring the victory. In the playoffs, Cairo has played four highly-competitive rounds of close contests. The semifinals game was extremely close until Cairo emerged with a 55-52 win over Troup. Foul trouble plagued Troup early and ultimately gave Cairo a pathway to rally back for a dramatic semifinal victory. The Tigers committed six fouls within the first four minutes of the game and this forced star players Aniya Palmer and Alexia Murphy to go to the bench. Cairo was able to take a 16-8 lead heading into the second quarter. Troup surmounted a massive 21-2 run with their stars back on the court and went into the half with a 33-23 lead. Palmer led Troup with 14 points in the first half.

The second half comeback was facilitated by Troup’s costly fouls and Cairo roared back to take a 43-41 lead into the final frame. No. 9 ranked Cairo is now just one victory away from taking home its first state title since 1982. The quarterfinals were another down-to-the-wire thriller and Cairo held off Pickens 5149 after going into the half with a narrow 29-27 lead. Ambria Vicks is Cairo’s top scoring threat and she is averaging 19.3 ppg. Chambria Vicks (10.6) and Leah Perry (11.1) are also averaging double-digit scoring. Vicks is an aggressive scorer that took 12 trips to the foul line in the quarterfinals win over Pickens.

Head Coach: Anson Hundley No. Name Pos. 1 Adary Smith G 2 Caylee Simpson G, PF 4 Jasmine Chaney SG, PG 5 Celeste Scott G 10 Aubree Wilkins PG 11 D’Miya Beacham PG, SG 12 London McDonald G 15 Kionna Gaines SG, PG 20 Makiyah Webb G 21 Takiya Ligon G, PF 22 Akirya Robinson PG, SG 24 Kailyn Floyd F, C 25 Enyshuan Jones C 33 Ashlyn Mesidor F, C 35 Khamya Edmonds C, F

Gr. 11 10 10 10 9 12 10 12 10 9 10 10 12 11 12

Head Coach: Daphne McClendon No. Name

Pos.

Gr.

10

Jy’nijah Cooper

G

12

11

Chambria Vicks

F

12

12

Leah Perry

C

12

15

Christy James

G

11

20

Anija Reid

F

12

21

Chassitti Butler

G

12

22

Kendra Speed

G

10

23

Ta’Kyah Bradshaw

G

12

24

Alasia Franklin

F

12

25

Ambria Vicks

G

12

33

Erica Mallard

C

12

55

Kelia Miller

C

11

WWW.GHSA.NET | 25

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THURSDAY - MARCH 11, 2021

CLASS AAAAA GIRLS

WOODWARD ACAD.

3.11.21 5 PM FOREST PARK DID YOU KNOW? THIS WILL BE THE THIRD MEETING BETWEEN THE REGION 3 POWERS THIS SEASON

WOODWARD ACAD.

WAR EAGLES • 21-1 • REGION 3

W

oodward has won three state championships – 1995, 1996 and 1999 – and after its dominant run through the 5A bracket, the War Eagles are focused on a fourth state championship after reclassifying from 4A. Last season, Woodward lost to Carver-Columbus 70-63 in the quarterfinals. This season, Woodward has bested its title opponent twice – 55-51 on Jan. 22 and 71-46 on Feb. 12. Two underclassmen lead the pack for Woodward. Junior Sydney Bowles averages 23 points per game to go with four assists, nine rebounds and four steals. Against Forest Park on Feb. 12, Bowles scored 38 points on 12-of24 shooting – her highest point total this season. Sophomore Sara Lewis is scoring 18 points per game with four rebounds, three steals, two assists and one block. She scored a season-high 31 points against Tri-Cities on Jan. 23. Against Forest Park on Feb. 12, Lewis scored 21 points. Senior Kai Lanier averages 8.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, four steals and two assists per game. Against Griffin in the semifinals, Lanier scored a season-high 19 points and is peaking at the right time. Junior MacKenzie Moring is scoring seven points with four rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists per game. Junior Kennedie Mosley averages seven points per game with four rebounds and two steals, however she has scoring potential and against Drew on Dec. 3, she scored a season-high 25 points. Woodward’s path through the bracket went through Harris County (75-30), Coffee (71-44), Southwest DeKalb (70-59) and Griffin (75-52).

FOREST PARK

F

PANTHERS

•

24-5

•

REGION

3

orest Park defeated Glynn Academy 46-30 in the Class 6A state championship game and since has reclassified down to 5A and is trying for its third state championship. The Panthers won a Class 3A state championship in 1970 before capturing last year’s title. Forest Park is entering the game knowing that they have lost twice to Woodward this season and that experience could prove valuable in the championship game. Senior Sania Feagin, a 6-foot-4 power forward, leads the Panthers with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, three steals and three assists per game. Feagin has scored 30 or more points twice this season against Tri-Cities (37 points) and Drew (35). Against Woodward Academy, however, Feagin has been stifled scoring just eight points (Jan. 22) and three points (Feb. 12).

Senior shooting guard Olympia Chaney is 5-9 and averages 11 points, with three assists, rebounds and steals per game. Senior Jasmine Stephens, a 6-1 power forward, is scoring nine points with six rebounds, two steals and 1.4 assists per game. Freshman Yasmine Allen is a 5-10 shooting guard averaging eight points with three rebounds, two assists and a steal per game. Forest Park’s path through the bracket this season went through Northside-Columbus (81-37), Warner Robins (51-25), Hiram (42-27) and Dutchtown (61-50) in the semifinals. The Panthers average 57.4 points per game and shoot 46 percent from the field while averaging 13 assists and 13 steals with seven blocks per game.

Head Coach: Kim Lawrence No. Name

Pos.

Gr.

1

Anna Wylder

SG, PG

11

2

Sara Lewis

SG, SF, PF 10

5

Savannah Simms

SF

12

10

Miranda Merchant

PG

11

12

Kai Lanier

G

12

20

Zoe Scott

PF

11

22

Angie Jackson

G

10

23

Mackenzie Moring

SF

11

30

Kennedie Mosley

PG, SG

11

31

Sydney Bowles

PG, SG

11

33

Ty Martin

G

10

Head Coach: Steven Cole No. Name

Pos.

Gr.

2

Ghylissa Knowles

SG, PG

12

3

Jasmine Stevens

PF, SF

12

10

Jayda Brown

PG, SG, W 10

15

Michayla Davis

SG, SF

11

20

Sania Feagin

PF, SF

12

22

Janiya Simmons

SF

11

23

Olympia Chaney

SG, PG, W 12

24

Hannah Stanley

SG, PG

9

32

Hannah Willis

C, PF

9

35

Yasmine Allen

SG, PG, W 9

WWW.GHSA.NET | 27

THURSDAY - MARCH 11, 2021

CLASS AAAAA BOYS

TRI-CITIES

3.11.21 7:30 PM EAGLE’S LANDING DID YOU KNOW?

IN 2019, DE’MARCUS JOHNSON LIFTED TRI-CITIES TO THE PROGRAM’S FIRST-EVER TITLE WITH A GAME-WINNING 3-POINTER

TRI-CITIES

BULLDOGS

•

23-4

•

REGION

3

T

ri-Cities is two years removed from the program’s first state championship when it defeated Tucker 46-43 to win the Class 6A state championship and with returning experience, Tri-Cities is back for a chance at the program’s second title. The Bulldogs core group of eight seniors were heavy contributors as sophomores during the title run and this season, they have carried the weight. Last year, the Bulldogs lost to Chattahoochee in the final four and since reclassification, another state title is the goal.

Vanderbilt-signee Peyton Daniels, a 6-foot-2 guard, leads the way and averaged around 23 points with 5.5 rebounds, four assists and two steals as a junior and has posted similar numbers throughout his senior campaign. Junior Simeon Cottle, who averages 17 points per game, is a 6-2 guard and helps Daniels spread the floor. The Bulldogs’ size comes from Mario McIntosh, a 6-5 senior and Davorian Rudolph, a 6-9 wing. Jackson Watson, a 6-1 multi-position player has been a starter since 10th grade. The Tri-Cities bench is deep and features 6-6 wing Eli’Sha King, 6-2 Dwayne Cottle and Chancellor Johnson. Tri-Cities opened the 2021 tournament with a 98-77 victory over Northside-Columbus. The Bulldogs beat Locust Grove 101-53 in the second round and outlasted St. Pius X 73-71 in the quarterfinals. In the semis, the Bulldogs beat Dutchtown, the Class 5A defending state champions, 70-57 to earn the title berth.

EAGLE’S LANDING

E

EAGLES • 26-1 • REGION 4

agles Landing has consistently been one of the state’s top-quality programs in the 10 seasons that coach Elliott Montgomery has been in control and this season’s run through the bracket is proof of that statement. Since winning the 2013 4A state championship, the program’s only title, Eagles Landing has produced seven 21-plus win seasons in that eight-year span. Last season, the Eagles lost to Clarke Central in the second round. Two underclassmen, 6-foot-5 junior A.J. Barnes and 6-2 sophomore David Thomas lead the way.

Barnes provides the ability to shoot from outside but displays an immense athleticism when driving to the basket while displaying top-notch defense and quality rebounding abilities. Thomas can shoot and prefers to do it from range; however, his talents go beyond that ability. He can defend and score in multiple ways while supporting teammates and fighting for rebounds. Senior experience from Jaylon Hand is crucial. His calming nature keeps things organized on the floor and his ability to shoot from range is beneficial. Senior Jay’Dan Jackson might be undersized – at 5-8 – however he is tough and can cause trouble on the defensive side with speed and quickness of motion. Other contributors are Junior Fabian Desilva, a 5-10 guard who can finish at the rim, Jordan Fordyce, who returned from injury in time for the playoffs, and Junior Amari Jackson who can ‘guard everybody’ according to coach Montgomery. Eagles Landing moved through Wayne County (58-36), Forest Park (84-43), New Manchester (70-44) and Chapel Hill (91-46) in the semifinals.

28 | WWW.GHSA.NET

Head Coach: Omari Forts No. Name Pos. Gr. 0 Dwayne W Cottle SG, SF, W 12 1 Peyton Daniels PG, SG 12 3 Mario Mcintosh F, PF, W 12 4 Jackson Watson SG, W, PG 12 5 Simeon Cottle PG, SG 11 11 Chancelor Johnson SG, W, SF 12 11 Chancelor Johnson PG, SG, SF 12 12 Kyndon Wilburg SG, SF, PG 10 15 William Norwood C, PF 11 21 Eli’sha King W, SF, SG 12 23 Antonio Anderson SG, SF, W 10 30 Davorian Rudolph W, F, PF 12 32 Tramarius Jones PG 9 34 Aeneas Thompson W 12 42 Quentin Taylor SG, W 10

Head Coach: Elliott Montgomery No. Name Pos. 0 Jordan Fordyce G, F 1 Wayne Wilkerson G, F 2 Jayden Jackson G, F 3 Kenneth Breyboy G, F 4 Amari Jackson G, F 5 AJ Barnes G 10 Mack Lakes C, F 11 Jaylon Hand G 12 David Thomas G 13 Nick Mason G 14 Khylan McKenny G 21 Fabian DeSilva G, F 23 Tye Redmond G 24 Josh Martin F, C 25 Jabrail Martin F, C

Gr. 11 12 12 10 11 11 11 12 10 10 10 11 9 12 11

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WWW.GHSA.NET | 29

MACON CENTREPLEX | MARCH 10-13, 2021

es

n 4 - Team 3

on Co.

n 1 - Team 2

Academy

n 2 - Team 4

dale Co.

n 3 - Team 1

n 6 - Team 3

oyah

n 7 - Team 2

r

n 8 - Team 4

lton

n 5 - Team 1

Hughes

ridge

berry

n 6 - Team 2

nder

n 5 - Team 4

d

n 8 - Team 1

sta

n 1 - Team 3

oy

n 4 - Team 2

ge-Con.

n 3 - Team 4

Rockdale Co. 72

ebrook

n 2 - Team 4

tta

n 3 - Team 1

Forsyth

n 6 - Team 3

oss

n 7 - Team 2

reek

n 8 - Team 4

okee

n 5 - Team 1

very

Forsyth

n 6 - Team 2

ah

n 5 - Team 4

s Hill

n 8 - Team 1

des

n 1 - Team 3

on

n 4 - Team 2

ove

n 3 - Team 4

chern

n 2 - Team 1

Effingham Co.39 53 H

H

73

30 H

H

River Ridge 60

Carrollton

33 Carrollton

49

57

H

52 H

Carrollton

H

68 H

March 2-3

March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

March 2-3

36 Region 6 - Team 3

Grovetown

63

36

Westlake H

76 H

Buford

45 Buford

H

55

S. Paulding 84 H

H

H

Lovejoy

25 Lovejoy

68 Region 6 - TeamH2

Westlake

90

81

48

Brunswick

Wheeler

Macon Colliseum March 12 - 5:00 PM

42

68

Westlake

30 Region 5 - Team 4

Westlake

Lanier

85 Region 8 - TeamH1

Houston Co. 45 Region 1 - Team 3 32 Habersham Cent.

48

Centennial

H

Grovetown

60 76 H

H

Centennial

63

55 H

H

52

H

81

67 H

58

68 H 77

66 Centennial

Chattahoochee

Lee County

64Lakeside-DeK.

Winder-Barrow

64 H

Chattahoochee

63

Region H 3 - Team 2

56 Lee County

39 Region 7 - Team 3

64

58Richmond Hill

Region 2 - Team 3

Douglas Co. 40

Sequoyah Sprayberry

67 River Ridge

68

Region H 7 - Team 1

Region 4 - Team 4

Lee County

Evans

64 Kennesaw Mtn.

72

66

Buford

72

Rome

Region 8 - Team 4

Feb 26-27 Feb 23-24

63

Brunswick 70 H

Lee County

52 55 H

Wheeler

Lee County 67 H

Region H 1 - Team 1

Feb 23-24 Feb 26-27 59

March 5-6

March 10-13

Wheeler

March 2-3

Feb 26-27

Wheeler

Macon Colliseum March 12 - 7:30 PM

61

43Northside-WR Lanier

Westlake

57 H

Westlake

50

Westlake

71 H

H

Wheeler

44 Douglas Co.

North Atlanta

68

64

Region H 4 - Team 1 Region 5 - Team 3

Heritage-Con.

H

Brunswick

Region 1 - Team 4

69

Kell

73

66 H

Kell

60

47

39

Shiloh

55

H

Lovejoy

49

34

Champion Statesboro

Region 4 - TeamH2

Kell

46 H

Rockdale Co. 37

31

50 H

H

Runner-Up

Region 3 - Team 4

Kell

Richmond Hill 51

2020-2021 GHSA Class AAAAAAA Girls StateBRACKET Basketball Championship CLASS AAAAAAA GIRLS

Region 2 - TeamH1 Parkview 48 In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school Region 4 - Team 3 In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

52

Parkview

54

Camden Co. 65 Region 1 - TeamH2

57 H

Marietta

54

64 H

49 Marietta 52

H

Marietta

40

62

75

H

Woodstock 46 H

50 H

Cherokee

19 Cherokee 55

53

39

H

Newton 55

Marietta

H

H

Feb 26-27

March 2-3

March 5-6

March 10-13

March 5-6

March 2-3

Walton 53 Region 3 - TeamH1

48

Woodstock H

53 H

Collins Hill

Macon Colliseum March 13 - 5:30 PM

61

42 Collins Hill 71

McEachern

45

61

58 H

Brookwood

McEachern

32 McEachern

70 H

Champion

78

41 H

30 | WWW.GHSA.NET

45

Woodstock

Newnan

34

51

Berkmar

48

Archer

61

47

89

Tift County

48 Region 6 - TeamH2

Region 2 - Team 2 H

37

North Gwinnett61 50

Region 1 - Team 3

Roswell

Newton

North Cobb

28

Region 3 - Team 4

56

57

Norcross

44

H

North Paulding

March 2-3

March 5-6

North Gwinnett

49 45 H

March 10-13

March 5-6

March 2-3

Tift County 54 H

Feb 26-27

Brookwood

Berkmar

Newton

North Gwinnett

Pebblebrook

84North Forsyth

Region 6 - Team 1 H

Macon Colliseum March 13 - 8:00 PM

58

84

74 H

McEachern

28

38

56 H

H

Pebblebrook

67

58

75 H

Champion

87

63 H

Collins Hill 75 H

Collins Hill

56 65

H

58 H 67

73 H

Pebblebrook

Grayson

McEachern

59

Duluth

Region 7 - Team 4

McEachern

H

Roswell

Region 5 - Team 3

57

P

Region 6 - Te

Chattahooc

Region 7 - Te

Bruns

Region 2 - Te

Grovet

Region 3 - Te

Hug

Region 4 - Te

Lee Co

Region 1 - Te

Discovery

Runner-Up

In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

Heritage-C

Region 3 - Te

States

Region 2 - Te

Northside

Region 1 - Te

West

Region 4 - Te

Da

Region 5 - Te

Sh

Region 8 - Te

River R

Region 7 - Te

Che

Region 5 - T

Lam

Region 6 - T

Ber

Region 7 - T

East Co

Region 2 - T

North Pau

Region 3 - T

South Gw

Region 4 - T

Tift C

Region 1 - T

Feb 23-24 48

37

Region 4 - Team 1 H

44

69 H

Tift County

Milton

H

50 Camden Co.

32

35 H

Campbell

Region 1 - Team 4

55

70

63

47 Peachtree Ridge 82 Region 8 - Team 2 H

North Forsyth

H

81 H

Berkmar

Harrison

Region 3 - Team 3

Brookwood

59 H

43

Milton

Feb 23-24 Feb 26-27

44 Region 7 - Team 3

Region 5 - Team 4

74

42

Newton

Milton

68 H

Berkmar

63 N. Paulding

Region 1 - Team 1 H

Campbell

Milton

E. Coweta

Archer

38 Milton Region 5 - TeamH1

Newton

69 H

Alexa

Region 5 - Te

58 H Region 6 - Te 51 Peachtree R Region 8 - T

55

83

H Region 7 - Team 1

Region 4 - Team 4

Pebblebrook 52 Region 2 - TeamH1 In the first three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school In the Semifinal and Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys.

Runner-Up

Runner-Up

CLASS AAAAAAA BOYS BRACKET

Region 4 - TeamH2

North Forsyth 62 H

H

H

H Region 5 - Team 2

50 Region 8 - Team 4

Colquitt Co. 41

65 H

56

Kell

63 H

first3 three rounds, the higher seeded team will host. In the Quarterfinals, if both teams are the same seed, a "universal" GHSA coin flip will determine the host school Region 8In- the Team In the Semifinal and 49 white jerseys.

Parkview 76 Final rounds, when playing at a neutral site, the team on the BOTTOM of the bracket will be designated as the home team and will wear Cherokee H

H Region 3 - Team 2

Region 8 - TeamH1

63

Champion

42

79

62 Archer Region 7 - TeamH2

Roswell 56 H

H

H

67 H

Kell

78 H

2020-2021 GHSA Class AAAAAAA Boys State Basketball Championship N. Gwinnett

Region 2 - Team 3

N. Paulding

Denmark

Brookwood

78

H

Grayson

44

Kell

43 Region 6 - Team 3

Norcross 48

76

47

Region H 6 - Team 1

Newnan

Feb 26-27 Feb 23-24

50 South Forsyth

Richmond Hill

Archer

Mill Creek

57

Creekview

Region 7 - Team 4

39 50 Denmark Region 2 - Team 4 Region 6 - Team 4

Gainesville

45

58

Richmond Hill

Newnan 49 H

H

Norcross

Woodstock

58

Woodstock

Region H 8 - Team 2

Bu

Region 8 - Te

Feb 23-24 81

77

Region H 2 - Team 2

71

March 5-6

Evans

Region 3 - Team 3

75

March 2-3

North Atlanta 52 Habersham 53 Cent.

60

H

72 Region 3 - TeamH1

Region 5 - TeamH1

Feb 26-27

84

Evans

Winder-Barrow31

64

56

50

Region H 5 - Team 2

Evans

54 Region 7 - TeamH2

Grovetown

2020-2021 GHSA Class AAAAAA Boys StateBRACKET Basketball Championship CLASS AAAAAA BOYS

Dacula

Tucker

River Ridge

Centennial

H

60

Region 8 - Team 3

Region 2 - Team 4 Region 6 - Team 4

South Cobb

43

68

H

Rome

68 Region 1 - TeamH2

River Ridge

55 Carrollton

Sequoyah

Feb 23-24

n 7 - Team 3

74 H

61

58

itt Co.

40

H

iew

n 1 - Team 2

Hughes

31

59

n 4 - Team 3

42

42 Region 4 - Team 3

Valdosta

H

sboro

n 2 - Team 1

61

30

Feb 23-24

n 7 - Team 3

2020-2021 GHSA Class AAAAAA Girls StateBRACKET Basketball ChampionshipTucker CLASS AAAAAA GIRLS

45

52 H

Ma

Region 3 - T

McEa

Region 2 - T

Low

Region 1 - T

Gra

Region 4 - T

Et

Region 5 - T

Collin

Region 8 - T

Disc

Region 7 - T

South Fo

Region 6 - T

FRIDAY - MARCH 12, 2021

CLASS AAAAAA GIRLS

3.12.21 5 PM

CARROLLTON

WESTLAKE

DID YOU KNOW? WESTLAKE HAS NOT LOST A GAME PLAYED IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA IN FOUR YEARS

CARROLLTON

TROJANS

•

30-1

•

REGION

5

S

ince losing a close game to McEachern (53-49) on Dec. 22 Carrollton has been lights out, winning 22 consecutive games en route to the program’s chance at its first state title since 2009 and second in school history. The Trojans have had runner-up finishes in 2008 and 2015, and have reached the quarterfinals in three of the last four seasons in Class 5A. Carrollton’s path to the finals features victories over Lanier (68-33), Sequoyah (64-43), Hughes (49-40) and Lovejoy (73-48). The nine-point win over Hughes in the quarterfinals is just the third game during their win streak that was decided by fewer than 20 points. Throughout the season, the Trojans defense has held 11 opponents to 30 points or less, while averaging nearly 68 points per game.

Senior De’Mauri Flournoy, a Vanderbilt signee, has been a huge contributor for the Trojans. She is the Region 5 player of the year, and was pivotal in the Trojans’ second-round win over Sequoyah, scoring 25 points with seven rebounds and three steals and assists. However, Carrollton’s senior leadership doesn’t end with Flournoy. Power forward and center JeNee Edwards gives the Trojans another option down low. She contributed 11 points against Sequoayh in the second round, and 12 points against Hughes in the quarterfinals. Other notable playmakers for Carrollton are Junior point guard Kehinde Obasuyi, and the sophomore duo of guard Kanija Daniel and Eghosa Obasuyi. Together, these girls give Carrollton everything it needs to walk away victorious in Macon.

WESTLAKE

A

LIONS

•

19-0

•

REGION

4

fter winning their first state title in school history in 2018, the Westlake Lions asserted themselves as one of the strongest programs in Class 7A, achieving a three-peat and winning repeat titles the following two seasons before being classed down to 6A this year. Their three-peat from 2018-2020 is just the eighth time in GHSA history that a team has won three consecutive titles in the state’s highest classification. This year, it was more of the same from Westlake, as the Lions went undefeated and have yet to lose a game played in Georgia in four years. En route to the finals, Westlake has averaged 73 points per game, while holding opponents to just under 38 points per game. The Lions’ hopes of claiming a fourth-straight state title are in the hands of a more than capable group of talented playmakers. Senior Raven Johnson, a South Carolina signee, was named Georgia’s all-classification player of the year in 2020. This year, she once again has proved pivotal to Westlake’s postseason success. In the Lions’ secondround matchup against Brunswick, she scored 17 points with seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Alongside her is fellow Senior Brianna Turnage, who has also been a spark on offense. She scored 13 points against Brunswick in the second round, and scored 16 points against Kell in the quarterfinals. Playing besides this duo of Seniors is Junior Taniya Latson, who has been the go-to option for offense throughout the Lions’ run to the finals. Latson scored a combined 56 points through the second and third rounds, and will be involved heavily in Macon.

Head Coach: Shon Thomaston No. Name

Pos.

2

Kehinde Obasuyi

PG

11

3

De’mauri Flournoy

PG, G

12

4

Shamari Vaughn

SG

11

5

Eghosa Obasuyi

SG, G

10

10

Marneja Daniel

F

11

11

Kate Slappey

G

10

21

Kanija Daniel

SF, G

10

24

Zyon Dobbs

G

10

32

Jenee Edwards

PF, C

12

35

Dru Green

C

10

Head Coach: Hilda Hankerson No. Name Pos. 4 Brianna Turnage F, SG 5 Aniya Robinson G 10 Shawna Chesnut G 15 Cynthia Walton G 20 Taniya Latson G 21 Kennedy Jackson G 25 Raven Johnson P, G 30 Destiny Givens G 31 Camerah Langston F, G 32 Faith Bryant G 33 Misia Mckinney SF 41 Rhyann Wilson F 42 Savannah Smith G 43 Shawna Jackson G 44 Kelsey Willingham C

Gr.

Gr. 12 9 10 12 11 12 12 9 11 9 12 11 10 10 10

WWW.GHSA.NET | 31

FRIDAY - MARCH 12, 2021

WHEELER 3.12.21 7:30 PM KELL

CLASS AAAAAA BOYS

DID YOU KNOW? THIS IS THE FOURTH MEETING BETWEEN WHEELER AND KELL WITH THE WILDCATS LEADING THE SERIES 2-1

WHEELER

WILDCATS

•

26-5

•

REGION

6

T

he Wheeler Wildcats are back in the state championship after claiming a title in Class 7A last season before being reclassified into Class 6A, where they quickly asserted themselves as one of the top programs to beat. As the Wildcats aim for their eighth state title in school history, they’ll be matched up against Cobb County rival Kell, a familiar opponent they have faced three times already this season.

Though Wheeler came out ahead twice to Kell’s single victory over the Wildcats, each contest was close and in the most recent case a double-overtime was forced leading to the Longhorns first win over Wheeler and the Region 6 title. The Wildcats’ path to the state championship features sound wins over Sequoyah (75-59), Lanier (77-64), Richmond Hill (61-47) and Centennial (73-63). During this run, Wheeler has averaged just over 71 points per game, while allowing an average of just over 58 points scored. The Wildcats’ matchup against Centennial in the semifinals proved to be their biggest challenge yet, as the Knights held onto a 35-34 lead at halftime before Wheeler would go on to mount a comeback. Wheeler enters the finals with a trio of players selected to the all-region team in Senior forward Jahiem Hudson, Senior wing Kaleb Washington and Sophomore guard Isaiah Collier. In the Wildcats semifinals victory over Centennial, Washington proved to be the focal point of the Wheeler offense, scoring a team-high 25 points while snagging seven rebounds. Hudson also added fuel to the fire with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

KELL T

LONGHORNS

•

22-6

•

REGION

6

he Longhorns advanced to the Class 5A semifinals last season, but fell 62-56 to future champs Dutchtown, ending their miraculous run in search for the program’s first ever state title. Now after being classed up to Class 6A, Kell is one win away from making school history. The Longhorns earned a top seed in this year’s playoffs following a thrilling double-overtime victory over finals opponent Wheeler, who they had previously lost to twice earlier this season. Kell’s shot at a title was nearly taken away in the first round as River Ridge forced the closest contest for the Longhorns throughout the postseason, resulting in a narrow 58-56 victory. After defeating Shiloh 63-55 in the second round, Kell was once again challenged as they faced Westlake in the quarterfinals. The Lions were able to stay within range of Kell, who had just a 35-32 lead at the half. However, the Longhorns were able to find their groove and go up by double digits in the third to secure the victory. The matchups didn’t get any easier as Kell faced off against Lee County in the semifinals. The Longhorns held onto a 41-38 lead heading into the fourth quarter, and eked out another narrow victory to keep their hopes of that first state title alive. Wheeler’s postseason average of just over 71 points per game is a mark that the Longhorns have surpassed just once during their run to the finals. To ensure a close contest, Kell will need to look to its slew of standouts including Senior guard Jaylen Harris, Junior forward Dylan Cambridge and guard Scoot Henderson who is the No. 14-rated junior nationally and was the Region 6 Player of the Year.

32 | WWW.GHSA.NET

Head Coach: Larry Thompson No. Name Pos. 0 Amir Green-Jones G 1 AJ Burke G 2 Damien Mitchell Jr. G 3 Jahiem Hudson F 4 Isaiah Collier G 5 Khedric Oliver F 10 Donnary Fontenot F 11 Kyle Burns G 12 Juvon Gamory G 13 Cam Johnson G 14 Kaleb Wilson W 15 Evan Brewer F 22 Arrinten Page C, F 23 Jamill Giles F, C 55 Maxwell Harris G

Gr. 10 12 10 12 10 12 11 11 11 11 12 12 10 12 12

Head Coach: Jermaine Sellers No. Name Pos. 0 Scoot Hendrson G 2 Jamal Hill G 3 Najhae Colon G 4 Jaylon Brown W 5 Tre Allen G 10 Garrison Francis G 12 Jaylen Colon G 14 Julius Strahorn G 15 Aaron Smith W 20 Ramir Chester G 21 Jaylen Harris G 22 Elliott Hearst F 24 PJ Johnson G 30 Dylan Cambridge F

Gr. 11 12 12 12 12 12 9 10 10 12 12 12 10 11

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WWW.GHSA.NET | 33

SATURDAY - MARCH 13, 2021

CLASS AAAAAAA GIRLS

MARIETTA

3.13.21 5:30 PM WOODSTOCK DID YOU KNOW? WOODSTOCK HAS NOT FACED A TOP 10 TEAM THIS POSTSEASON PRIOR TO THEIR MATCHUP WITH NO. 6 MARIETTA

MARIETTA

BLUE DEVILS • 20-5 • REGION 3

M

arietta has reached the championship after four thrilling rounds of narrow victories. The Blue Devils have won their four playoff games by a combined nine points and are coming off back-to-back onepoint victories. The Blue Devils beat Pebblebrook 52-49 in the first round, Parkview 58-54 in the second, and No. 3 Cherokee 54-53 in overtime in the quarterfinals before their 62-61 victory over McEachern in the semifinals. Marietta junior Chloe Sterling scored more than half of her team’s points, finishing with a career-high 33. She had 10 in the first quarter as the Blue Devils jumped out to a 15-10 lead, then 11 more in the third quarter as McEachern worked back to pull even. Marietta led by as many as eight points in the second quarter and 33-28 at halftime, but McEachern outscored the Blue Devils 22-17 in the third quarter, pulling even at 50-50 on a layup by Sianny Sanchez-Oliver. “I came here to build a program,” secondyear Marietta head coach Derrick DeWitt told the AJC following the semifinals. “That’s what I was hired to do, and we’re doing it now. It helps when you have some amazing talent on your team, and a group of young women who believe that they can do something and work hard for it and don’t take no for an answer.” Marietta’s last state title came in 1951 and this is the Blue Devils’ first finals appearance since 2009.

WOODSTOCK

N

WOLVERINES • 22-8 • REGION 5

o. 10 ranked Woodstock was able to run away with a 75-58 victory over Brookwood in the semifinals and is now just one victory away from winning the program’s first-ever state title. Woodstock took a 19-10 lead at the end of the first quarter and led by as many as 15 points in the second quarter until Brookwood closed the gap to 34-28 at the half. Brookwood sophomore Diana Collins was held scoreless in the opening quarter, but netted 12 points in the second frame to get the Broncos back in the game. Collins ultimately ended the game with a team-high 25 points, but Woodstock was able to seize control in the second half. The Wolverines grew the lead to 52-40 at the end of the third quarter before outscoring the Broncos 23-18 in the final frame. Woodstock was led by Bridget Utberg’s 29 points and also got 17 points from Karson Martin and 11 points from Savannah Casey. That also happened to be Woodstock’s first-ever semifinal appearance. Utberg was named Region 5 Co-Player of the Year this season and has been phenomenial this postseason. Prior to her 29-point performance in the semifinals, she led the way with 32 points in the quarterfinals against Newton. Martin is a 5-foot-7 sophomore and is shooting 34 percent from beyond the arc this season, while averaging nearly 15 points per game. Sophomore Casey Miller is one of the team’s top rebounders and is an efficient scorer as well.

34 | WWW.GHSA.NET

Head Coach: Derrick DeWitt No. Name Pos.

Gr.

0 2 3 5 10 11 12 13 20 24 30 33 34

G PG, G G G F F F F F F F P C

10 11 9 10 12 9 11 12 11 9 10 12 11

Head Coach: Regina Tate-Leslie No. Name Pos. 1 Bridget Utberg PG 3 Savannah Casey F 4 Sar Grace Bertolini G 5 Katherine Blackwell G 11 Nathalie Montour F 12 Ranya Oussoul G 15 Karson Martin G 20 Dakota Beasley G 21 Casey Miller C 22 Brooke Henderson F 30 Samantha Burmeister G 32 Emma Hicks F 33 Annika Gay F 55 Megan Mann C

Gr. 11 12 10 10 11 9 10 9 10 10 10 12 10 11

Loren Nelson Chloe Sterling Frances Storey Makayah Harris Lauren Walker Kayla Day Gabby Barnwell Ajia Smith Shakayla Smith JaMya Gambrell Nautica Ruffin Tresha Gorman A’marie Senior

SATURDAY - MARCH 13, 2021

CLASS AAAAAAA BOYS

MILTON

3.13.21 8 PM BERKMAR DID YOU KNOW?

MILTON OUTSCORED BERKMAR 16-7 IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF ITS 62-54 VICTORY OVER THE PATRIOTS ON NOV. 28 PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON GETZ/AJC

MILTON

EAGLES

•

27-2

•

REGION

5

Head Coach: Allen Whitehart

T

he Milton Eagles have won 25 straight games and are the highest-rated Georgia program in the state this season. Maxpreps has the Eagles currently ranked as the No. 10 team in the National polling. Milton started off the year 2-2 following close losses to McEachern (56-55) and Sandy Creek (76-73) and victories over Greenforest (69-53) and Berkmar (62-54). The Eagles have not lost since, despite taking on a packed schedule of formidable opponents. Milton rallied back from a 15-9 deficit to Pebblebrook in the semifinals before closing out a 74-67 victory. Milton runs a sixman rotation with Bruce Thornton, Kanaan Carlyle, Broc Bidwell, LT Overton, and Kendall Campbell each capable of leading the scoring department. Carlyle is a reliable shooter that scored 19 of his 24 points in the first half and came through clutch at the foul line late to help ice the victory.

Additionally, Bidwell finished with 20 points to go with his five rebounds and Overton provided 13 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. Overton is a physical 6-foot-5 sophomore that is a defensive lineman on the football field and he will likely be the No. 1 football prospect in the nation for the Class of 2023 when the rankings are officially released later this year. Thornton, who is currently committed to Ohio State, turned in a seven-point, eight assist performance in the semifinals.

Milton won its first basketball state title in 2010 and then added another state title in 2012.

BERKMAR

B

PATRIOTS

•

25-5

•

REGION

7

erkmar entered the playoffs as the No. 5 ranked program in Class 7A and earned the No. 1 seed out of Region 7. The Patriots have been stout defensively throughout their impressive playoff run—especially in the quarterfinals where they edged Tift County 51-35. In the semifinals, Berkmar held off McEachern in a 59-58 thriller that had 11 different lead changes in order to advance to the state title game for the first time since 2001, when, under David Boyd, they won 5A a year after winning 4A. The Patriots had been 0-6 in quarterfinals since the 2001 season, but ended the drought in the 16-point victory over Tift County. Berkmar was tied with McEcachern 58-58 before Destin Logan split a pair of field goals to give the Patriots the gamewinning margin in the final seconds. When McEachern was able to pull ahead in the semifinals, Jermahri Hill was able to come up big with timely three-pointers. Hill tied the game at 49-49 with a three-pointer and then connected on another attempt shortly after to put Berkmar up 52-49. Hill finished with 14 points in the semifinal victory. Teammate Dara Olanade also turned in 14 points and Jameel Rideout finished with 12 points. Berkmar’s other top player to watch for is Malique Ewin, a 6-9 junior center and top-100 national prospect. Ewin also reached doublefigures in the semifinals with his 11 points. These four players routinely balance out the scoring and also each reached double-figures in the 69-49 victory over Cherokee in the Sweet Sixteen.

No. Name

Pos.

Gr.

0

Seth Fitzgerald

PF, SF

10

1

Devin Farrell

PG, SG

11

2

Bruce Thornton

PG

11

3

Cameron Ellis

SG

12

4

Fisher Finley

C, PF, SF

12

5

Cam Walker

PF, SF

11

10

Nehamiah Stowers

PG, SF

9

11

Broc Bidwell

PG, SG

12

14

Shane Nealis

SG, SF

12

15

Kanaan Carlyle

PG, SG

10

22

Michael Feinberg

PF, C

11

23

Kendall Campbell

SF, PF

11

24

Lebbeus Overton

PF

10

Head Coach: Greg Phillips No. Name

Pos.

Gr.

0

Ja’Ron Ford

G

12

1

Tyriq Giddens

G

11

2

Jermahri Hill

G

11

4

Destin Logan

G

11

10

Ahmed Soumahoro

G

11

11

Jameel Rideout

PG

11

12

Dara Olonade

PF

12

15

Jalen Harris

G

12

21

Malique Ewin

F

11

23

Isaiah Thomas

PF

11

24

Trey Lock

G

12

40

Ethan Spires

C

12

WWW.GHSA.NET | 35

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