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GHSA
MARCH 3-5, 2016
3 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
High School Basketball Fans –
Welcome to the 2016 Basketball Championships! The next three days here in the Centreplex will bring the conclusion to another exciting basketball season. Georgia high school basketball continues to grow; attracting statewide and national attention. The work of the players, coaches and cheerleaders is of the high-est caliber. It is our hope you will enjoy the performances of the young people you see in these postseason tournament competitions.
Your attendance is very important to high school athletics. We do want to remind you good sports-manship is an essential element of all athletics. Be positive as you express support for your team.
Many people give many hours behind the scenes in the events of this nature. We thank all of our vol-unteers and the Centreplex staff for their efforts and their support. We especially want to thank our corporate partners whose signs are displayed in this program and around the arena. We encourage you to support them whenever possible.
Good Luck to all teams –
Gary Phillps
Executive Director
FEATURESLetter from the Executive Director 3Tournament Schedule 4Finals Feature 5GPB Sports Lineup 5Macon Coliseum 5Past State Champions 38
TEAM INFORMATIONAAASP Wheelchair 7Class AAAAAA Girls 10Class AAAAAA Boys 11Class AAAAA Girls 14Class AAAAA Boys 15Class AAAA Girls 22Class AAAA Boys 23Class AAA Girls 26Class AAA Boys 27Class AA Girls 30Class AA Boys 31Class A-Private Girls 34 Class A-Private Boys 35 Class A-Public Girls 36 Class A-Public Boys 37
SPONSOR INDEXAtlanta Hawks 2Carrabba’s 4West Georgia Tech 4Team IP 4Regions 6AAASP 7Wilson 8Max Preps 13Sports Medicine South 13NFHS Network 17Hudl 17Georgia EMC 20Technical College System of Georgia 21Gatorade 22U.S. Army 22Musco Lighting 22Atlanta Dream 27GA Army National Guard 27Sports Authority 27Jostens 31Mizuno 31Georgia Public Broadcasting 39Georgia Farm Bureau Back Page
PUBLISHED BY SCORE ATLANTA
Publisher I.J. Rosenberg
Creative Art Director DJ Galbiati Blalock
Graphic DesignerRhonda Rawls
Managing Editor Craig Sager II
Assistant Editor Lauren Goldstein
GHSA Media Relations Steve Figueroa
GHSA Marketing Alan Sharp
Writers Craig Sager II
Lauren Goldstein Kyle Sandy
Photos courtesy of Ty Freeman (Cover photo, Greenforest, Holy Innocents’, Miller Grove, St. Francis, Tucker, Weslyan), Joshua McJunkins (Pebblebrook), Mark Brock (SW Dekalb), Terrius Ferguson (Cover photo, Jenkins), Nicole Miranda (Veterans), Edward Blackmon (Liberty County), Josiah Con-nelly and Hannah Knight (Cover photo, Morgan County), Fred Assaf (cover photo, PACE Academy), Ben Baker (Turner County), and Charles Collins (Hancock Central).
A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The championship games will be televised live on Georgia Public Broadcasting. The AAASP Wheelchair
Championship will air tape-delayed Saturday at 9:30 AM on GPB TV. All games are available online live and on-
demand at GPB.org/sports and NFHSNetwork.com/ghsa. DVDs can be ordered at NFHSNetwork.com.
Live statistics can be followed at GHSA.net/basketball courtesy of West Georgia Technical College.
STAY CONNECTED
GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
4 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
Turner County vs. Terrell County A-Public Girls 3:00pmWilkinson County vs. Hancock Central A-Public Boys 4:45pmVeterans vs. Americus-Sumter AAAA Girls 7:00pmLiberty County vs. Jonesboro AAAA Boys 8:45pm
AAASP --- NoonWesleyan vs. Holy Innocents’ AA Girls 3:00pmManchester vs. Pace Academy AA Boys 4:45pmWinder-Barrow vs. SW DeKalb AAAAA Girls 7:00pmAllatoona vs. Miller Grove AAAAA Boys 8:45pm
St. Francis vs. Greenforest A-Private Girls 11:00am Greenforest vs. St. Francis A-Private Boys 12:45am Morgan County vs. Jackson, Atl. AAA Girls 3:00pmMorgan County vs. Jenkins AAA Boys 4:45pmTucker vs. McEachern AAAAAA Girls 7:00pm Westlake vs. Pebblebrook AAAAAA Boys 8:45pm
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Come to Carrabba’s tonight for one of our signature dishes, Chicken Bryan. Enjoy delicious wood-grilled chicken topped with goat cheese,
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Macon, GA • 3913 River Place Dr • (478) 474-5115
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TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Teams Class Time
Teams Class Time
Teams Class Time
MARCH 3-5, 2016
5 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
The 9,252-capacity Macon Coliseum is the entertainment center for Macon and Mid-dle Georgia’s 30 surrounding counties. Built in 1968, it was the first facility of its size
and type in the state and has housed full-house crowds for such greats as Elvis, The Jacksons, Billy Joel, Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Elton John, Katy Perry, Led Zeppe-lin, Red Hot Chili Peppers and of course, Georgia high school basketball! In addition to concerts and family shows, the Coliseum is the perfect site for a va-riety of events from conventions and trade shows to ice shows, circuses and just about any other sporting or entertainment event you can imagine. And the location just can’t be beat. Located in the heart of Georgia, just 80 miles south of Atlanta and two miles off of I-75, more than two-thirds of Georgia’s population lives within one hour of the facility. Looking for something to do during our event’s downtime? Not to worry. Welcome to Macon, one of the most historic, hospitable, happening places in the South. It is a place with all the bustle of a big metropolis and all the charm of a small Southern town. Without a doubt, we have it all — from shopping and symphonies to professional sporting events, theaters, museums, golf, historical tours and top-notch eateries! Area highlights include:
• More than 4,000 hotel rooms and 200 restaurants, all close by• One of the largest malls in the southeastern U.S.• More historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places than any other
city in Georgia• Museums galore, including the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, the Museum of
Arts and Sciences, the Harriet Tubman African-American Museum, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Museum.
For more info, call toll free at 877-532-6144 or go to www.maconcentreplex.com.
MACON COLISEUM
All roads lead to Macon, but not every path is the same. Georgia enjoyed
one of its deepest talent pools in recent memory with parity sprinkled throughout the Peach State. Region 3 has reigned supreme this year in Class AAAAAA send-ing three teams to the Elite Eight before No. 2 Westlake and No. 7 Pebblebrook have sepa- rated themselves from the pack. It will be the fourth meeting between the Lions and the Falcons, a series that has been dominated by Westlake sweeping the three games. Pebblebrook has some unfinished business to attend to how-ever after losing to Wheeler 59-58 on two free throws with 0.6 seconds left in last year’s AAAAAA champi-onship.
COACHING GREATNESS... A familiar face returns to the Cen-treplex after a year off in No. 1 Miller Grove. The Wolverines are back to re-claim the crown behind McDonald’s All-American and UConn signee Alterique Gilbert. Additions of Aaron Augustin, Tae Hardy and Colin Young have pro-pelled Coach Sharman White’s team
Georgia Public Broadcasting will once again be broadcasting the state finals live throughout the state this year with its talented cast of personalities. In addition to the broadcasting duos
in each game, GPB will also have courtside reporters and a social media correspondant scouring the internet for the best fan comments. As always, you can bet GPB’s coverage will be compre-hensive and thorough. GPB sports director Mark Harmon and Jackie Brittain will hosts halftime
and postgame shows.
THURSDAY, MARCH 33:00 p.m ......... 1A Public Girls ........................ Matt Stewart/Kiesha Brown | Jackie Brittain sidelines4:45 p.m.......... 1A Public Boys .......................... Jon Nelson/Shaun Golden | Sam Crenshaw sidelines7:00 p.m ......... 4A Girls ....................................... Matt Stewart/Larry Smith | Jackie Brittain sidelines8:45 p.m .......... 4A Boys ...................................... Jon Nelson/Shaun Golden | Sam Crenshaw sidelines
FRIDAY, MARCH 43:00 p.m ....... 2A Girls .......................................Matt Stewart/Kiesha Brown | Jackie Brittain sidelines4:45 p.m........ 2A Boys ........................................ Jon Nelson/Shaun Golden | Sam Crenshaw sidelines7:00 p.m ....... 5A Girls ........................................ Larry Smith/Kiesha Brown | Sam Crenshaw sidelines8:45 p.m ........ 5A Boys ........................................ Jon Nelson/Shaun Golden | Sam Crenshaw sidelines
SATURDAY, MARCH 59:30 a.m .........Wheelchair Adaptive Sports Championships..........Tommy Palmer/Ralph Swearngin11:00 a.m ....... 1A Private Girls ................... Tommy Palmer/Sam Crenshaw | Jackie Brittain sidelines12:45 p.m ...... 1A Private Boys ..........................Tommy Palmer/Sam Crenshaw | Jon Nelson sidelines3:00 p.m ....... 3A Girls .......................................... Larry Smith/Kiesha Brown | Jackie Brittain sidelines4:45 p.m........ 3A Boys ........................................ Jon Nelson/Shaun Golden | Sam Crenshaw sidelines7:00 p.m ....... 6A Girls ......................................... Larry Smith/Kiesha Brown| Sam Crenshaw sidelines8:45 p.m ........ 6A Boys ........................................ Jon Nelson/Shaun Golden | Sam Crenshaw sidelines
back into the limelight as they search for their sev-enth title in eight years.
Standing in their way will be No. 2 Allatoona,
the state’s last un-beaten team.
Coach Markus Hood will
try to put a capper on a per-fect 32-0
season with the school’s first ever state champion-ship. No. 1 Jonesboro attempts to make it three-straight
championships in Class AAAA if they can slow down the powerful scoring duo of Auburn-com-mit Davion Mitchell and UGA football-commit Richard LeCounte of No. 2 Liberty County. Class AAA has been wide open
all year long but in the end it was No. 1 Morgan County and No. 5 Jenkins who have driven crash course to Macon for a rematch of last year’s epic 62-60 War-rior victory. No. 3 Pace Academy has caught fire since its 2-8 start to the year. Wendell Carter Jr. the nation’s top junior leads the Knights into battle with No. 10 Manches-ter in the AA final. Class A-Private No. 1 Greenforest has been the state’s most devastating team and they will try to end defending two-time state champion No. 2 St. Fran-cis and McDonald’s All-American Kobi Simmons’ hold over the classifica-tion while in A-Public seven-time champ No. 1 Wilkinson County gets a rubber match with No. 4 Hancock Central.
LEGENDARY LADIES… The girls’ brackets provide some of the weekend’s most anticipated sto-rylines as an assemblage of decorated champions clashes with rising first-tim-ers. The McEachern girls look to become the first team to complete a three-peat in the state’s highest classification since Collins Hill completed the feat in 2007, a year after former Eagle Maya Moore led them to back-to-back titles and earned consecu-tive Naismith Prep Player of the Year honors. In Class AAAAA, Southwest DeKalb searches for its fifth state title since 2008, while Winder-Barrow makes its first fi- nals appearance in program h i s -tory. Winder-Barrow h a d not even made the postsea-son since 1994 prior to this
TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
BY CRAIG SAGER II | CSAGER@SCOREATL.COMKYLE SANDY | KSANDY@SCOREATL.COM
RIVETING STORYLINES BOLSTER CHAMPIONSHIP LIMELIGHT
GPB LINEUP
season. Class AAAA finalists Veterans and Americus-Sumter set up the only championship matchup this weekend that will guarantee a first-time state cham-pion. In Class AAA, Morgan County looks to snap a title drought that dates back to 1983. The Bulldogs’ opponent Jackson-Atlanta presents an even more inspiring path to the finals. Jackson was 0-8 all-time in the postseason before this year’s run to the final. In Class AA,
Holy Innocents’ has to beat Wesleyan for the sixth time in two years to win its first state title, and prevent the rival
Wolves from a state record 12th crown. In Class A-Private, St. Francis and Greenforest both have a chance to c o m p l e t e the rare boys and girls sweep of titles and
in Class A-Public, Turner
County returns to the finals for
a second straight year, in search for
the programs’ first state title as three-
time state champion Terrell County looks to sojourn its decade-long title drought. Photos courtesy of Ty Freeman
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GA SW151231 GHSA Football Finals Program Ad_Parent.indd 1 10/29/15 3:56 PM
MARCH 3-5, 2016
7 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
OFF THE SIDELINESINTO THE GAME
If you have a qualifying physical or sensory disability and attend grades 1-12 in Georgia...youʼre in the game.Contact AAASP, GHSA, your Athletic Department or a Coach to express interest.
Learn more about the sports that may be available to you at:www.adaptedsports.org
The American Association of Adapt-ed Sports Programs, Inc. (AAASP)
is hosting the 19th Annual Interscho-lastic Wheelchair Basketball State Championship Tournament in Georgia, which began on Feb. 27 and will con-clude on Friday with the finals between the Gwinnett Heat and Houston Sharks at the Macon Centreplex. The Tournament is held in con-junction with the Georgia High School Association’s State Tournament, as Wheelchair Basketball is one of the most widely recognized sports for athletes with disabilities.The junior varsity level competed in its state championship game, which saw the West Georgia Wolverines defeat the Henry Hurricanes by a close score of 20-19. In the semifinals, the Gwinnett Heat played the Atlanta Wolfpack to vie for a place in the state champion-ship game. The Heat beat the Wolf-pack 35-10 to advance to the cham-pionship for the fourth straight year. Kendrell King and Robbie Berry com-
bined for 29 of the Heats’ 35 points. Derrick Claros also scored six and Ste-phen Hobson added two more points to the board for Gwinnett. With redemption on their mind after falling to the Sharks in last year’s contest 44-24, the Heat arrive at the Centreplex with a 6-1 record, losing only to the Sharks 33-14 this season. The Gwinnett-based squad has aver-aged 22 points per game this season, while allowing 16 points. The three-time reigning cham-pion Sharks remain undefeated this season, averaging 55 points per game and allowing only 15 points. The Sharks varsity team has not lost a game in Wheelchair Handball, Wheelchair Bas-ketball or Wheelchair Football, all three core sports, since the 2013-14 school year. Only the Atlanta Wolfpack have collected more wheelchair basketball state titles (five) than the Sharks.The AAASP Wheelchair Basketball State Championship will air tape-de-layed on GPB at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.
AMERICAN ASSOC. OF ADAPTED SPORTS PROGRAMS
WWW.ADAPTEDSPORTS.ORG
AAASP HOSTS 19TH ANNUAL WHEELCHAIR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
AAASP WHEELCHAIR ROSTERS
The AAASP Wheelchair Championship will air tape-delayed Saturday at 9:30 AM on GPB TV.
Gwinnett Heat
Houston County Sharks
No. Name 35 Hilburn, Grady10 Kozloski, JordanN/A Lowery, Bryce 24 Miles, Kierra
No. Name 33 Moore, William11 Robinson, BraxtonN/A Walker, Traveon20 Way, Donovan
No. Name 44 Barbra, Alaycia10 Berry, Robbie22 Claros, Derek55 Hobson, Stephen
No. Name 23 King, Kendrell14 Luna, Kathy21 Millikan, Sam50 Zavala, Giselle
Coaches: Brenda Arnett,Christy Jones
Coaches: Len Boudreaux, Lynnette Swanson, Dain Weigle
GRAB,GRIP & LIGHT IT UP
SUPERIOR GRIP from thousands of micro-pebble touchpoints
ENHANCED CONTROL through moisture-wicking channels
EXCEPTIONAL FEEL by a Cushioned Core
WINNING MOMENTS BEGIN AT WILSON.COM© 2016 Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
@wilsonbasketball
THE OFFICIALBASKETBALL OF
Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
West GA2/25 - 3:00 PM
H
West GA2/26 - 3:00 PM
H
West GA2/25 - 6:30 PM
H
West GA2/26 - 6:30 PM
H
H
West GA2/27 - 3:00 PM
H
West GA2/27 - 6:30 PM
H
Macon Centerplex3/5 - 7:00 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AAAAAA Girls State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
NORTH COBB 41
COLQUITT CO. 45
COLQUITT CO. 41
GRAYSON 34
WOODSTOCK 54
WOODSTOCK 52
WOODSTOCK 60
MOUNTAIN VIEW 46
MOUNTAIN VIEW 54
NORTHVIEW 41
CAMPBELL 63
TUCKER 81
TUCKER 72
TUCKER 74
TUCKER 79
TUCKER
46 DACULA
53 CHEROKEE
70 CHEROKEE
39 CHEROKEE
58 HILLGROVE
52 HILLGROVE
56 TIFT COUNTY
28 LANGSTON H.
35 NEWTON
33 NEWTON
51 MILL CREEK
65 WEST FORSYTH
70 WEST FORSYTH
49 WEST FORSYTH
70 WEST FORSYTH
LOWDES 64
HARRISON 79
HARRISON 43
POPE 33
PARKVIEW 54
PARKVIEW 47
PARKVIEW 52
CHATTAHOOCHEE 39
COLLINS HILL 55
COLLINS HILL 48
ROCKDALE CO. 51
DOUGLAS CO. 72
DOUGLAS CO. 53
DOUGLAS COUNTY 57
DOUGLAS CO. 67
33 ETOWAH
62 ARCHER
49 ARCHER
33 VALDOSTA
90 MCEACHERN
87 MCEACHERN
62 MCEACHERN
81 MCEACHERN
MCEACHERN
61 LOVEJOY
76 WESTLAKE
39 WESTLAKE
45 WESTLAKE
38 CENTENNIAL
56 NORCROSS
37 NORCROSS
Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
West GA2/25 - 4:45 PM
H
West GA2/26 - 4:45 PM
H
West GA2/25 - 8:15 PM
H
West GA2/26 - 8:15 PM
H
H
West GA2/27 - 4:45 PM
H
West GA2/27 - 8:15 PM
H
Macon Centerplex 3/5 - 8:45 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AAAAAA Boys State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
KENNESAW MTN. 68
LEE COUNTY 75
LEE COUNTY 58
GRAYSON 59
GRAYSON 60
GRAYSON 52
WHEELER 58
PEACHTREE RIDGE 66
PEACHTREE RIDGE 61
JOHNS CREEK 58
DOUGLAS COUNTY 65
NEWTON 71
NEWTON 63
NEWTON 71
NEWTON 59
COLQUITT CO. 39
NORTH COBB 42
NORTH COBB 37
WOODSTOCK 35
SHILOH 68
SHILOH 51
SHILOH 43
SOUTH FORSYTH 37
NORCROSS 45
NORCROSS 50
LOVEJOY 60
WESTLAKE 85
WESTLAKE 61
WESTLAKE 44
WESTLAKE 64
WESTLAKE
41 POPE
68 BERKMAR
49 BERKMAR
57 LOWNDES
87 MCEACHERN
70 MCEACHERN
71 MCEACHERN
61 ROCKDALE CO.
78 PEBBLEBROOK
65 PEBBLEBROOK
78 PEBBLEBROOK
77 PEBBLEBROOK
PEBBLEBROOK
52 ALPHARETTA
62 COLLINS HILL
55 COLLINS HILL
79 CENT. GWINNETT
92 MILTON
56 MILTON
94 MILTON
70 MILTON
47 HILLGROVE
71 TIFT COUNTY
54 TIFT COUNTY
71 CAMPBELL
70 CAMPBELL
83 CAMPBELL
68 TUCKER
62 MILL CREEK
70 LAMBERT
65 LAMBERT
GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
1 0 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
Tucker’s first state title came in Class AAAAA during the 2013-14 season with an 83-63 victory over rival Southwest DeKalb and the Tigers made their debut in Class AAAAAA the following year. A
bitter-tasting 50-30 loss to Mountain View ended that 2014-15 season in the second round. This year’s team has completed the March to Macon with a 17-game winning streak and avenged last year’s playoff loss to the Bears to fuel their current run to the finals. The Tigers opened the playoffs with an 81-63 win over Campbell and piled on a 72-54 victory over Mountain View in the second-round.In the quarterfi-nals, eight players finished with at least four points. Bria Bass finished with 15, Najla Shamsid-Deen had 12 and Mariya Trimble finished with eight to lead the team effort. Tucker was playing without first-team all-region player Kierra Johnson-Graham, who sat out with an shoulder injury. Johnson-Graham and Bass each finished with 19 points in the win over Mountain View and complement each other’s production well. Johnson-Graham returned from her shoulder injury in the semifinals and netted 16 points as Tucker cruised past Douglas County 79-66. Bass led Tucker with 19 points, including 15 in the first half as the Tigers sat on a 41-32 lead at halftime. Shamsid-Deen finished with 17 points, Morrow turned in a 12-point performance and Chiqueria Cook chipped in eight points. The key to stopping McEachern will have to be with patient shooting and a pace that will not favor the speedy Indians. Tucker has shot an efficient 61 percent from the field this season. The 6-foot height of Johnson-Graham will be a major factor as she’ll look to control the paint like West Forsyth was able to do with its star in the semifinals. Morrow, Bass, Shamsid-Deen, Johnson-Graham and Mariya Trimble are all capable double-digit scorers that must col-lectively spread out the floor and wear down McEachern’s defense.
The two-time Class AAAAAA defending champs and three-time state champion Indians look to add a fourth state title in the past five seasons Saturday night against the Tucker Tigers. McEachern head
coach Phyllis Arthur has maximized talent over the years in ways that speak for themselves. Whether it was getting star players to share the spotlight, overcoming injuries or finding new stars to step up to fill the roles of all-state talent, Arthur has kept the Indians at the top tier of the state’s largest classification. McEachern has made its challenging four-game playoff slate look par for the course with dominating victories. After opening the postseason with a 90-33 steamrolling over Valdosta, the Indians handled Archer 87-49. In the quarterfinals, McEachern sent upset-minded Westlake home with a 62-45 victory and then exploded for 81 points in its 81-70 win over West Forsyth in the semis. West Forsyth’s 6-foot-5 star Jenna Staiti scored 51 points last Saturday, but it was the collective ball movement and speed of McEachern that was the deciding factor. West Forsyth led 41-36 at the half before McEachern piled on a 45-29 scoring advantage in the sec-ond half. Point guard Jada Lewis finished with 36 points, 12 of which came in the fourth quarter. McEachern exhibited its ability to close out games in the quarterfinals as well. The Indians used a 17-0 run in the fourth quarter to break open its win over Westlake. Lewis scored 13 of her 22 points in the fourth quarter and Que Morrison (19) and Chanel Wilson (15) accounted for the other 34 of McEachern’s other 40 points. The In-dians will once again rely on ball movement and perimeter shooting to account for its shortage of size. In the second-round win over Archer, Lewis dished out 15 assists as Wilson and Morrison added six assists each. Wilson hit five three-pointers for her playoff-high of 27 points.
Head Coach: Robin PotterNo. Name Pos. Gr. 1 Jayla Morrow G 123 Kierra Guthrie G 104 Sierra Wright G 125 Morgan Collins G 1111 Taylor Smith G, P 1012 Chiqueria Cook P 1213 Najla Shamsid-Deen G 1214 Jada Reynolds P 1215 Bria Bass G, P 1121 Kierra Johnson-Graham G, P 1223 Quinian Hughes P 1225 Jermese Davis P 1132 Amariah Stanard SF 945 Mariya Trimble G, P 12
Head Coach: Phyllis Arthur
No. Name Pos. Gr.
3 Jada Lewis PG, SG 12
5 Lyndsey Whilby SF, PF 11
10 Que Morrison SG, SF 12
11 Chanel Wilson PG, SG 10
13 Tierra Lindsey SF, F 12
20 Symone Oliver PF, SF 11
21 Elizabeth Allen SG, G 12
24 Victoria Agyin PG, G 10
33 Alexis Burke PF 11
34 Alyssa Smith PF, SF 10
35 Jasmine Clements SF, PF 11
44 Cierra Brown SG 11
50 Kemia Ward C, PF 10
AAAAAA GIRLS
TUCKERMcEACHERN
DID YOU KNOW?7:00 PM 3.5.16
TUCKER
McEACHERN
TIGERS • 27-4 • REGION 2
INDIANS • 24-7 • REGION 4
THE LAST GIRLS TEAM TO THREE-PEAT IN THE STATE’S LARGEST CLASSIFICATION
WAS COLLINS HILL IN 2007.
Photo credit: Ty Freeman
SATURDAY
MARCH 3-5, 2016
1 1 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
New faces littered Coach Darron Rogers’ roster this season and has helped turn a 13-15 team a year ago into a statewide power contending for its first state title since winning in 1999 and 2002. In 2009-10
the Marcus Thornton-led Lions fell to Milton in the championship 56-46 after Thornton, a recent UGA graduate, injured his ankle in warmups and had to sit out after the pain was too much to bear. This year’s version of No. 2 Westlake is anchored by another forward who has made an impact in his first year as a Lion, Chuma Okeke. The talented junior forward scored 22 points in their win over No. 8 Newton in the Final Four, 64-59. The Lions have been tested all year long coming out of Region 3, the state’s best. They will at-tempt one of the hardest feats in sports, beating a team not three times but four times in a single season. They have beaten No. 7 Pebblebrook 76-70, 82-72 and 79-57 in the Region 3 championship. Outside of the region, the Lions peppered their schedule with some of the nation’s best. Two of their four losses have come to teams out of state, No. 3 in the country Montverde Academy (FL) 76-54 and Memphis East 69-58. The road to Macon has been a treacherous one and the most difficult in Class AAAAAA. Westlake has had to survive No. 3 Norcross (61-50), No. 6 Shiloh (44-43) and No. 8 Newton (64-59) in rounds two through four. Throughout the tournament Westlake’s superior guard play and size has worn on opponents. Jamie Lewis is one of the best sophomore guards in the country while Danny Lewis is no slouch himself. Ronald Bell has brought a toughness inside to pair with 6-foot-9 Michael Durr and 6-foot-6 Raquan Wilkins. Jamie scored 18 points and hit clutch free throws down the stretch to beat Newton. He and Danny will have their hands full trying to slow down the highest scoring backcourt in the state.
Coach George Washington hopes the fourth time is a charm and that they can soothe the fresh wounds from a year ago when a controversial call went in Wheeler’s favor to help the Wildcats win the state title
59-58 after two Jaylen Brown (Cal) free throws with 0.6 seconds left stunned the Falcons. Though they lost standouts Derek Ogbeide (UGA), Ty Hudson (Clemson) and Trhae Mitchell (South Alabama), the dynamic duo of Collin Sexton and Jared Harper (Auburn) have the No. 7 ranked Falcons back on the attack in Macon. The two form the highest scoring backcourt in the state. The diminutive Harper is a fearless flamethrower willing to shoot threes from anywhere on the court which has helped him average close to 28 points and even 10 assists per game. Sexton, a junior, has been a key addition and has seen his recruitment sky rocket as he too averages over 28 points a night. As explosive as Coach Washington’s backcourt is, others have stepped up their play as of late to take some pressure off their shoulders. Junior JJ Smith is a new face to the Georgia circuit and is an Ole Miss-commit. His high-flying aerial maneuvers makes him one of the state’s most entertaining players to watch whether he is catching alley-oops from Harper and Sexton, or grabbing rebounds and blocking shots. In their 77-70 win over Milton in the Final Four it was Smith who scored nine of his 20 points in the fourth quarter. Sexton hung 35 on the Eagles and enters the state championship red-hot. Uncharacteristically, Harper has been slowed down, held to 11 points in each of his last two games. Stepping up has been sophomore Dwight Murray who scored a career-high 23 in a 78-71 Elite Eight victory over No. 5 McEachern. The Falcons took their lumps early in the year going 8-6 with a national schedule, but have found their footing in-state winning 15 of their last 18 games.
Head Coach: George WashingtonNo. Name Pos. Gr.0 Dwight Murray PG 101 Collin Sexton PG 112 Mervin James SF 103 Dante Spann W 115 Jatrious Smith G 1111 Jared Harper PG 1214 Marcus Reid PG 1015 Tyler Morman F 1210 Nick Williams G 1121 Andrew Robinson W 923 Desmund Beasley F 1232 Nic Robinson G 1133 Matthew Jenkins PG 934 Jordan Eaton F 12INJ Joshua McJunkins F 11INJ Calvin White W, F 12
Photo credit: Joshua McJunkins
Head Coach: Darron RogersNo. Name Pos. Gr.00 Dylan McCall G 100 Chase Hunter SG 91 Chuma Okeke F 112 James Lewis PG, SG 103 Daniel Lewis PG, SG 114 Ronald Bell F 1210 Joe Markham PG 1112 Jerrod Thompson SF 1213 Brandon Barron PG 914 Kelvin Simeon C 1115 Christopher Berry PG 1120 Michael Durr C 1122 Raquan Wilkins PG, SG 1223 Jamel Thompson SG 1124 Charvies Hunter PG 925 Alex Williams F 1133 Andre Mitchell F 1034 D’Antaye Page F 9
PEBBLEBROOK
WESTLAKE
FALCONS • 23-9 • REGION 3
LIONS • 26-4 • REGION 3
AAAAAA BOYS
PEBBLEBROOKWESTLAKE
DID YOU KNOW?
SATURDAY8:45 PM 3.5.15
THREE TEAMS FROM REGION 3 ADVANCED TO THE ELITE EIGHT THIS YEAR (WESTLAKE, PEBBLEBROOK,
CAMPBELL).
Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
Columbus State2/25 - 3:00 PM
H
Columbus State2/26 - 3:00 PM
H
Columbus State2/25 - 6:30 PM
H
Columbus State2/26 - 6:30 PM
H
H
Columbus State2/27 - 3:00 PM
H
Columbus State2/27 - 6:30 PM
H
Macon Centerplex 3/4 - 7:00 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AAAAA Girls State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
MORROW 30
CARVER-COL. 59
CARVER-COL. 41
WINDER-BARROW 53
WINDER-BARROW 59
WINDER-BARROW 51
WINDER-BARROW 65
WINDER-BARROW
VILLA RICA 32
KELL 46
MAYS 69
MAYS 84
MAYS 46
CAMDEN COUNTY 25
GROVETOWN 75
GROVETOWN 72
69 GAINESVILLE
42 GAINESVILLE
66 HIRAM
44 MUNDY’S MILL
67 COLUMBUS
48 COLUMBUS
50 COLUMBUS
54 S. EFFINGHAM
86 CROSS CREEK
42 CROSS CREEK
22 ROME
65 S.W. DEKALB
62 S.W. DEKALB
65 S.W. DEKALB
55 S.W. DEKALB
S.W. DEKALB
NORTHSIDE-COL. 53
NORTHSIDE-COL. 41
WOODLAND-BW 51
LITHIA SPRINGS 50
FLOWERY BR. 58
FLOWERY BR. 59
FLOWERY BRANCH 47
STEPHENSON 43
CREEKVIEW 53
CREEKVIEW 41
NORTHSIDE- WR 37
BRUNSWICK 42
BRUNSWICK 54
BRUNSWICK 52
BRUNSWICK 52
45 S. PAULDING
61 LOGANVILLE
42 LOGANVILLE
38 LOGANVILLE
43 HARRIS COUNTY
56 DUTCHTOWN
40 DUTCHTOWN
53 WARNER ROBINS
40 WARNER ROBINS
32 GLYNN ACADEMY
39 MILLER GROVE
77 SEQUOYAH
47 SEQUOYAH
43 SEQUOYAH
47 SEQUOYAH
Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
Columbus State2/25 - 4:45 PM
H
Columbus State2/26 - 4:45 PM
H
Columbus State2/25 - 8:15 PM
H
Columbus State2/26 - 8:15 PM
H
H
Columbus State2/27 - 4:45 PM
H
Columbus State2/27 - 8:15 PM
H
Macon Centerplex 3/4 - 8:45 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AAAAA Boys State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
MORROW 57
MORROW 41
SHAW 55
SALEM 49
ALLATOONA 61
ALLATOONA 52
ALLATOONA 56
ALLATOONA 48
ALLATOONA
KELL 42
S.W. DEKALB 66
S.W. DEKALB 65
S.W. DEKALB 44
WARE COUNTY 61
WARNER ROBINS 89
WARNER ROBINS 60
58 HERITAGE-CON.
62 S. PAULDING
62 SOUTH PAULDING
41 SOUTH PAULDING
60 DREW
81 LAGRANGE
60 LAGRANGE
74 EFFINGHAM CO.
85 RICHMOND ACAD.
57 RICHMOND ACAD.
41 SPRAYBERRY
101 MILLER GROVE
64 MILLER GROVE
66 MILLER GROVE
72 MILLER GROVE
MILLER GROVE
NORTHSIDE-COL. 42
MUNDY’S MILL 58
MUNDY’S MILL 52
HIRAM 48
CEDAR SHOALS 65
CEDAR SHOALS 71
CEDAR SHOALS 66
CEDAR SHOALS 46MAYS 72
MAYS 70
MAYS 45
SEQUOYAH 65
JONES COUNTY 66
JONES COUNTY 68
CAMDEN COUNTY 62
62 VILLA RICA
68 GAINESVILLE
84 GAINESVILLE
69 CARVER-COL.
100 MCINTOSH
87 MCINTOSH
65 MCINTOSH
52 MCINTOSH54 CROSS CREEK
66 STATESBORO
47 STATESBORO
58 TRI-CITIES
75 RIVERWOOD
48 RIVERWOOD
59 RIVERWOOD
MARCH 3-5, 2016
1 3 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
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GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
1 4 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
WINDER-BARROW
SOUTHWEST DEKALB
BULLDOGGS • 26-6 • REGION 8
PANTHERS • 26-6 • REGION 6B
The Winder-Barrow Bulldoggs returned to the playoffs for the first time since 1994 and have made it count. After a 53-32 opening round win over Villa Rica and a 49-43 win over Carver-Columbus, Winder-Barrow
used a 51-46 victory over Mays in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 1993. There, sophomore post Olivia Nelson-Ododa dominated on the inside, and the Bulldoggs survived a furious comeback by Brunswick in a 65-52 win last Saturday at Columbus State University. Nelson-Ododa scored 20 of her game-high 29 points in the first half, including a 3-pointer that put the Bulldoggs up 11-2 early in the first quarter. Brunswick eventually rallied to take the lead with six minutes left, but sophomore forward Latrice Perkins hit a layup and a jumper, and Nelson-Ododa converted off an assists by freshman Chellia Watson that put the Bulldoggs 58-49 with three minutes to play. Guard Tierra Mayweather is the only se-nior listed on the Bulldoggs’ roster and as they punched their ticket to Macon on Saturday, Winder-Barrow clinched the victory with three sophomores, a freshman and a junior on the floor. The young Bulldoggs were resilient in the quarterfinals as Perkins scored 17 points and Watson hit a pair of clinching free throws with 16 seconds to play to hold off Mays 51-46. “To be honest, she’d be the one I’d want at the line in that situ-ation,” Thomas said of Watson in an interview with the AJC following the game. Perkins erupted in the second half for 15 of her 17 points. Mays’ Kamiyah Street, who scored 47 points in a second-round win over Grovetown, scored 28 points in the loss to Winder-Barrow, including just 10 points in the second half. The Bulldoggs, who were the fourth seed out of Region 8, will face the Southwest DeKalb with a chance to make history this Friday night in Macon.
Southwest DeKalb sits one win away from the program’s fifth state title since 2008. The Panthers’ last state title came in 2013 and this will be their third finals appearance in the past four years. Southwest
DeKalb is coming off a 55-47 win over Sequoyah in the semifinals that tested the Panthers down the stretch. The teams were tied 46-46 with three minutes left before Southwest DeKalb closed out the game on a 9-1 run. Sequoyah led 18-12 at the half but the Panthers defense and experience quickly took over. Southwest DeKalb netted the first 12 points of the second half and junior guard Daisa Alexander starred with a 25-point performance. Senior forward Jada Walton added 12 points for the Panthers. Southwest DeKalb also had to rally from behind in its quarterfinals. Columbus took a 10-6 lead into the second quarter where Southwest DeKalb piled on a 23-15 edge to secure a 29-25 lead. Alexander carried the team with 30 points, including three 3-pointers in the third quarter and 24 of her game-high points in the second half. Teammates Chantz Cherry (12), Michaela Bennefield (8), Ogheneruona Uwusiaba (7), Jada Walton (4) and Cori Bostic (4) made offensive contributions but it is the team defense of Southwest DeKalb that may frustrate Winder-Barrow most. The Lady Panthers used their full-court press to expose Columbus and create scoring oppor-tunities on the other end. “They have great guards,” Columbus head coach Joe Cherrone advised in an inter-view with the Ledger Enquirer after the game. “(Southwest Dekalb) had great size at guard, great defense, a lot of senior leadership.” With the formula in place, expect Southwest DeKalb to pressure Winder-Barrow with its stingy defense as Alexander and the Lady Panthers look to take advantage of any extra possessions their defense can create. Bostic at 6-foot-1, Uwusiaba at 6-foot-3, Walton at 5-foot-11 and Bennefield at 5-foot-10 give Southwest DeKalb a deep cast of versatility in the post game.
Head Coach: Brandon Thomas
No. Name Pos. Gr.
3 Tiera Mayweather G 12
10 Tanner Kate Sauls G 11
12 Lexi Maddox G 11
20 Olivia Nelson-Ododa F 10
21 Latrice Perkins F 10
23 Antoria Johnson F 10
24 Jakayala Sullivan F 10
30 Bayley Randall F 10
32 Kayla Hubbard F 11
34 Shonteria Harris PF 10
35 Chellia Watson PF 9
Head Coach: Kathleen Richey-WaltonNo. Name Pos. Gr. 3 Jewell Paden PG 104 Yaria Sanders PG 910 Chantz Cherry G 1112 Jada Walton F 1115 Lanee Edwards G 920 Daisa Alexander G 1222 Caniece Collins G 923 Ogheneruona Uwusiaba C 1124 Raven Thurman SF 932 Cori Bostic F 1233 Ashton Draper C 1234 Desiray Coulter F 940 Kennedy Morman G 945 Michaela Bennefield F 1055 Tiera Williams G 10
AAAAA GIRLS
WINDER-BARROWS.W. DEKALB
DID YOU KNOW?
FRIDAY7:00 PM 3.4.15SINCE THE ADDITION OF CLASS 6A IN
2013, EVERY CLASS 5A GIRLS CHAMPION HAS COME FROM DEKALB COUNTY.
Photo credit: Mark Brock
MARCH 3-5, 2016
1 5 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
MILLER GROVE
ALLATOONA
WOLVERINES • 29-2 • REGION 6A
BUCCANEERS • 31-0 • REGION 5
Be careful what you wish for. Even though their string of six straight titles was snapped last year with an Elite Eight loss at Warner Robins, the No. 1 ranked Wolverines are still the team to beat and have held
onto the No. 1 ranking in Class AAAAA the entire year. Miller Grove hasn’t lost to an in-state opponent all year long and are on a mission to grab their seventh title in eight years. Overseeing the Wolverines is none other than Sharman White who has compiled a 243-41 record over his last nine seasons. The catalyst for the Wolverine offense is McDonald’s All-American and UConn signee Alterique Gilbert. From his point guard position he is averaging over 20 points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals per game. He finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds in their 66-41 Elite Eight win over No. 8 South Paulding and stepped up even more when the light shined the brightest. In the Final Four against No. 3 McIntosh, Gilbert took over with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and four steals. The X-factor however was 6-foot-7 UAB football signee Raylon Richardson who tacked on 17 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Miller Grove’s depth wore down the Chiefs like so many teams before them. Aaron Augustin, Tae Hardy, Colin Young and Joshua Jackmon all played their roles to perfection as Augustin poured in 18 points alongside Gilbert in the backcourt. So far, Richmond Academy in the Sweet 16 has given the Wolverines their toughest test, holding a 47-44 lead heading into the fourth quarter before bowing out 64-57. Gilbert netted a game-high 24 to go with his nine rebounds. Measuring up to No. 2 Allatoona, both teams have played Southwest DeKalb and South Paulding as like opponents. The Wolverines beat Southwest DeKalb three times: 76-69, 53-45 and 86-68 in the Re-gion 6 championship, while Allatoona eliminated them in the Elite Eight 56-44. The Buccaneers beat South Paulding three times: 65-46, 53-44 and 63-49 in the Region 5 title game.
At a perfect 31-0, No. 2 Allatoona is the only undefeated team left in the state looking to put an exclama-tion point on a fairy tale season. The Bucs are back after losing to Brunswick in the state championship
last year 49-32 and are hoping for a better shooting performance this time in Macon. Allatoona’s calling card is defense led by Coach Markus Hood. The Buccaneers won’t have the sex-appeal or flying acts like Miller Grove does. Instead they look to grind teams to a halt and hold them under 50 points, a feat they have accomplished 24 times. Even more impressive, five times they have held opponents to under 40 points, highlighted by holding A-Private No. 3 North Cobb Christian to a season low 30 points in a 20-point vic-tory at the Lake City Classic. Allatoona will play steady defense regardless of its opponent, the question is whether they will be able to score enough. Sophomore Trey Doomes and senior Ephraim Tshimanga make up one of the most underrated backcourts in the state, but even they have never seen the likes of Alterique Gilbert and Aaron Augustin. Doomes is the team’s leading scorer at over 14 points per game and holds a Kennesaw State offer while Tshimanga is good for 12 a night. The two are known more for their defensive prowess, collecting seven steals combined to lead the team’s 13 in their 48-46 Final Four victory over No. 4 Cedar Shoals. In that game Coastal Georgia signee Kevin Perry scored a game-high 15 points while Michael Johnson added 10 off the bench including the game-winning free throws with five seconds left. If the Bucs can keep the game in the 40’s, it will be towards their advantage. Even though they are undefeated, Alla-toona enters their championship game with the most dominant program of the past decade as underdogs, which could play into their favor if Miller Grove isn’t ready for a grueling and methodical defensive war.
Head Coach: Sharman WhiteNo. Name Pos. Gr.1 Aaron Augustin PG 123 Alterique Gilbert PG 124 Raylon Richardson PF 1210 Naquante Hardy SG 1111 George Wilson PG 1112 Aidan Saunders SF 1213 Jamison Collier SF 1014 Colin Young SF 1220 Maurice Harvey SG 922 Kevin Paige C 1024 Joshua Jackmon SG 1125 Tworn Seals PF 930 Frank Smith PF 1033 Brenton Cox PF 10
Head Coach: Markus Hood
No. Name Pos. Gr.
2 Michael Johnson G 11
3 Kevin Perry G 12
5 Vinny Loccisano G 10
10 Rolan Wooden F 10
12 Dylon Ramsey G 12
15 Chima Ogboi G 10
20 TJ Goodrum F 11
23 Trey Doomes G 10
24 Ephraim Tshimanga G 12
25 Randy Legros C 12
30 Tyler Jackson G 11
33 Tobi Adeyeye F 10
AAAAA BOYS
DID YOU KNOW?8:45 PM 3.4.15
MILLER GROVEALLATOONA
MILLER GROVE HASN’T LOST A REGION GAME IN FOUR YEARS, WHILE IT HAS BEEN FIVE YEARS SINCE ALLATOONA
LAST LOST.
FRIDAY
Photo credit: Ty Freeman
Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
Ft. Valley2/25 - 3:00 PM
H
Ft. Valley2/26 - 3:00 PM
H
Ft. Valley2/25 - 6:30 PM
H
Ft. Valley2/26 - 6:30 PM
H
H
Ft. Valley2/27 - 3:00 PM
H
Ft. Valley2/27 - 6:30 PM
H
Macon Centerplex 3/3 - 7:00 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AAAA Girls State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
GRIFFIN 59
GRIFFIN 55
WESTOVER 51
60 MADISON COUNTY
CARROLLTON 77
CARROLLTON 62
CARROLLTON 48
SE. WHITFIELD 54
REDAN 61
REDAN 40
LIBERTY COUNTY 37
VETERANS 67
VETERANS 47
VETERANSVETERANS 54
VETERANS 28
VETERANS
65 WOODWARD ACAD.
28 WOODWARD ACAD.
44 SPALDING
53 AMERICUS-SUM.
62 AMERICUS-SUM.
63 AMERICUS-SUMTER
51 AMERICUS-SUMTER
AMERICUS-SUMTER
59 THOMSON
63 BALDWIN
40 BALDWIN
34 GILMER
41 MARIST
49 MARIST
56 MARIST
BAINBRIDGE 50
BAINBRIDGE 50
JONESBORO 49
TROUP 50
NORTH OCONEE 64
NORTH OCONEE 45
BAINBRIDGE 38
ST. PIUS X 48
NW. WHITFIELD 61
NW. WHITFIELD 38
WEST LAURENS 35
WAYNE COUNTY 38
WAYNE COUNTY 42
WAYNE COUNTY 47
WAYNE COUNTY 24
38 WHITEWATER
63 BUFORD
59 BUFORD
53 BUFORD
44 BUFORD
51 MONROE
67 MT. ZION- JB.
48 MT. ZION- JB.
42 HOWARD
44 BURKE COUNTY
36 BURKE COUNTY
46 ARABIA MTN.
58 ARABIA MTN.
25 ARABIA MTN.
44 HERTAGE-CAT.
NORTH HALL 70
Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
Ft. Valley2/25 - 4:45 PM
H
Ft. Valley2/26 - 4:45 PM
H
Ft. Valley2/25 - 8:15 PM
H
Ft. Valley2/26 - 8:15 PM
H
H
Ft. Valley2/27 - 4:45 PM
H
Ft. Valley2/27 - 8:15 PM
H
Macon Centerplex 3/3 - 8:45 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AAAA Boys State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
EAGLE’S LANDING 46
BAINBRIDGE 80
BAINBRIDGE 71
NORHT OCONEE 34
SANDY CREEK 84
SANDY CREEK 85
SANDY CREEK 53
NW WHITFIELD 36
LITHONIA 88
LITHONIA 82
LITHONIA 55
LITHONIA 68
NEW HAMPSTEAD 82
NEW HAMPSTEAD 61
UPSON-LEE 67
52 MONROE AREA
53 WOODWARD A.
66 WOODWARD ACAD.
68 EASTSIDE
70 WESTOVER
75 WESTOVER
52 WESTOVER
67 BURKE COUNTY
73 MARY PERSONS
41 MARY PERSON
44 PICKENS
78 GRADY
75 GRADY
54 GRADY
49 GRADY
MONROE 71
MONROE 72
MONROE 61
WALNUT GROVE 45
FAYETTE COUNTY 69
FAYETTE CO. 67
BUFORD 62
COLUMBIA 70
COLUMBIA 60
HERITAGE-CATO. 38
HOWARD 61
LIBERTY COUNTY 87
LIBERTY CO. 78
LIBERTY CO. 71
LIBERTY CO. 81
LIBERTY COUNTY
59 CARROLLTON
50 CARROLLTON
56 NORTH HALL
47 WORTH COUNTY
81 JONESBORO
51 JONESBORO
57 JONESBORO
77 JONESBORO
JONESBORO
55 PERRY
62 THOMSON
55 THOMSON
63 ST. PIUS X
56 ST. PIUS X
37 ST. PIUS X
46 CARTERSVILLE
MARCH 3-5, 2016
1 7 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
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GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
2 0 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
MARCH 3-5, 2016
2 1 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
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GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
2 2 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
With a championship berth on the line in last Saturday’s semifinal clash with Wayne County, Veter-ans held off the Yellow Jackets in a longwinded 28-24 defensive battle. After suffering through a
nightmarish first half, in which Wayne County scored only three points, the Yellow Jackets mounted a 19-7 run in the first 10 minutes of the second half to pull within two points, 26-24, with less than a minute remaining. Wayne County was forced to foul Veterans to win it with free throws, and the Lady Warhawks came through. Junior guard Carrington Kee, who finished the game with seven points, hit two clutch free-throws with 48 seconds left to put the game out of reach.“I have to give Wayne County a lot of credit. We frustrated them in the first half and they frustrated us in the second half,” said Veterans head coach Nicki Miranda. “We never really got into a groove, but I’m really proud of my girls for fighting through ad-versity and doing what it takes to get the win.”Kya Cochran and Racquel James both added six points for Veterans. Holding Wayne County to just three points in a half speaks to the defensive emphasis that has carried Veterans to Macon. In the quarterfinals, Veterans avenged its heartbreaking 43-42 loss from a year ago, which Carrollton won on a last second shot, its only lead of the game. This time, Carrollton only led for 25 seconds in the opening quarter and timely shooting helped the Warhawks hold on for a 54-48 victory. Kya Cochran had 12 points and five assists in the win, while Kee and Janna Aultman each finished with 10. Cochran is the only Warhawk averaging double-figure scoring with 10 points per game but a total of seven players are contributing with more than four points per game, while holding opponents to a 35.8 points per game scoring average this year.
Americus-Sumter has gone 28-0 against Georgia opponents this season and included a 51-44 win over defending champion Buford in the semifinals to keep its dream season alive. The Panthers A’tyanna
Gaulden (FSU signee) picked apart the Lady Wolves defense with a team-high 20 points and was helped by Jy’Kierra Long and T’imia Swanson, who both finished with 11 points. In the quarterfinals, Gaulden led with 29 points as the Panthers held off Marist 63-56. Swanson added 12 points. Gaulden has scored 20 or more points in each of the four playoff games with a 23 points per game average. On the season, Gaulden has eclipsed the 20-point mark 17 times, the 30-point mark four occasions and has reached double-figures in every game. Gaulden is scoring at a high rate, but she has also shot the ball at a blazing pace. Gaulden is averaging 22.5 field goal attempts per game this postseason and is shooting the ball just 36 percent from the field, down from her season average of 51 percent, which should concern Veterans if the offense gets go-ing. Americus-Sumter relies on an aggressive defense that produces 20.3 steals per game and a team that would rather attack the basket than settle for outside shooting. As a team, the Panthers shoot just 21 per-cent from outside, but they have reached the foul line nearly 700 times in 31 games. With a stingy defense like Veterans, this matchup will come down to protecting the ball and Gaulden, who is also the assist leader for Americus-Sumter at 7.7 per game, and will be asked to set the pace. “I’ve known (Gaulden) since she was in 8th grade,” said Buford head coach Gene Durden after falling in the semifinals. “She’s a hard worker, she listens, she’s coachable and she basically destroyed our defense tonight. She not only scored for herself, but she put other players in position to score”
Head Coach: Nicole Miranda
No. Name Pos. Gr.
2 Chandler Shepherd SF, SG 10
3 Kya Cochran PG, SG 12
5 Carrington Kee PG, SG 11
10 Racquel James SG, PG 12
11 Kaelah Laurent SG, SF 12
13 Morgan Riley PF, SF 12
15 Audrey Nicholson SF, PF 10
20 Anna Nicholson SG, SF 12
21 Ebony Allen PF, C 12
23 Janna Aultman PF, C 12
32 Alleyah Ingraham SF, SG 11
33 Jalla Aultman C, PF 12
44 Alasha Heard C, PF 9
Head Coach: Sherri HarrisNo. Name Pos. Gr.1 A’Tyanna Gaulden PG 122 Jakala Stevenson G 123 Jykiera Long SG 104 Tykiera Long G 105 Timi’a Swanson SF 1110 Ariel West G 1211 Amber Hicks G 1212 Kayla Howard PF 1214 Myia Crawford PF 1220 Dekeyvia Blackshear PF 1121 Lashonda Mccrary SF 1222 Zari Mays PF 1132 Shidajah Johnson PG 1030 Mytesha Carson SG 940 A’Bralor Mercer C 12
VETERANS
AMERICUS-SUMTER
WARHAWKS • 27-4 • REGION 2
PANTHERS • 30-1 • REGION 1
AAAA GIRLS
DID YOU KNOW?
THURSDAY7:00 PM 3.3.15
VETERANSAMERICUS-SUMTER
CLASS AAAA IS THE ONLY CLASSIFICATION GUARANTEED TO
CROWN A FIRST-TIME STATE CHAMPION.
Photo credit: Nicole Miranda
MARCH 3-5, 2016
2 3 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
Potential pitfalls checkered No. 1 Jonesboro’s path to Macon but it hasn’t stopped the Cardinals from soar-ing to a potential three-peat. Jonesboro opened the year with a bumpy start, dropping its first two games
of the season to AAAAAA No. 3 Norcross and Wesleyan Christian Academy (NC). With Austin Donaldson (GSU) and Tracy Hector (KSU) both graduated it looked as if the Cardinals’ reign of dominance was finally coming to an end. MJ Walker Jr. had different ideas. The star junior brought his game to the next level and has averaged 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists while leading Jonesboro to a perfect mark in Region 4. Talented teams such as No. 6 Walnut Grove, No. 7 Eagle’s Landing and Henry County all had chances to knock the Cardinals from their perch but were unable to as Jonesboro turned them all back. Playing the best of the best has helped mold Coach Daniel Maehlman’s tough-nosed team into a machine. Jonesboro took third-place in the MaxPreps Holiday Classic, their only loss coming to the nation’s No. 1 ranked team, unde-feated Chino Hills (CA) 124-93. In the state tournament, potential matchup problems proved to be no wor-ries. They blasted Worth County 81-47, who was led by 6-foot-8 Auburn signee Anfernee McLemore and Brandon Moore. In round two, an emotional state championship rematch presented itself. The Cardinals dispatched of Carrollton last year 55-50 in the title game and this year broke the Trojans’ heart again with a 51-50 win. Looking like Carrollton finally exposed a vulnerability in the Cardinals, instead Jonesboro drilled No. 8 St. Pius in the Sweet 16 winning 57-37. No. 3 Grady was the next Region 6 team to test the Cardinals in the Final Four powered by Bucknell-commit Avi Toomer averaging 23.6 points per game but again it was Jonesboro beating Grady at their own game by outscoring them 77-49, holding Toomer to 17. Walker and Tariq Jenkins both pumped in 22 points while Eric Lovett added 10.
The Panthers were one of the many teams that fell at the hands of Jonesboro last season, losing 71-43 in the Final Four. This time, it’s No. 2 Liberty County trying to turn the tables and break No. 1 Jonesboro’s
spell over the rest of Class AAAA. Coach Julian Stokes sees Coach Daniel Maehlman’s MJ Walker Jr. and he raises him with a star junior of his own, Davion Mitchell. Mitchell, an Auburn-commit, is an electrifying guard netting over 24 points per game and more than seven assists. He and junior Richard LeCounte, a five-star UGA football-commit, power a devastating Panther offense that jumped out on No. 4 Lithonia 16-0 in their 81-68 Final Four victory. Mitchell dropped game-high 33 points while LeCounte tacked on 19. A key to their evolution from being a good team to a great team has been the development of Will Richardson as a reliable third option. He scores 13 points per game as a sophomore, leaving the future looking extremely bright for Liberty County. They have won 25-straight games including playoff wins over Columbia (78-60) and Monroe (71-61) in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. Their only loss came back on Dec. 5, the third game of the season losing to Statesboro 75-74 in double overtime. Last year in their semifinal loss to Jonesboro, the Panthers held a 19-18 lead after one but were outscored 53-24 the rest of the way. Mitchell was kept in check by the stifling Cardinal defense. He finished with 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting while committing four turnovers. LeCounte didn’t fare much better, tacking on 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting. On the other side, Walker torched the Panthers for 30 points and five assists. Coach Stokes is in his first year as the head man after Coach Willie Graham resigned following last season. He will need to devise a game plan to get Mitchell open looks while slowing down Walker on the other end.
Head Coach: Daniel MaehlmanNo. Name Pos. Gr.0 Tariq Jenkins PG 121 Jamari Smith SF 102 Eric Lovett SG 123 Zerrick Cooper SF 124 Eric Woodard G 1210 Jamari Mosley C 1011 Kenneth Qualls G 1212 Latavius Jenkins G 1213 Timon Creighton PG 1114 Alex Glass PG 1015 Myles Black G 1021 Ellis Wester G 1122 Josh James PF 1223 James Walker, jr. G 1132 Calder Marria PF 1144 Brandon Walker SG 9
Head Coach: Julian Stokes
No. Name Pos. Gr.
3 Tyriq Reece PG 12
5 Davion Mitchell PG, SG 11
11 Jaalon Frazier SF, SG 11
13 Martial Washington SF, PF 12
15 Tyreon Freeman SG, PG 11
21 Will Richardson SG, PG 10
23 Richard LeCounte SG, SF 11
25 Jishaun Harris F, SF 12
31 Comer Kite SF, SG 12
33 Tracy White G, F 11
35 Tyler Thomas F 11
41 Cherell Roberts F 11
45 Antonio Golden F 11
JONESBORO
LIBERTY COUNTY
CARDINALS • 28-4 • REGION 4
PANTHERS • 27-1 • REGION 3
AAAA BOYS
DID YOU KNOW?
THURSDAY8:45 PM 3.3.15
JONESBOROLIBERTY CO.
MJ WALKER JR. WAS A FOOTBALL STANDOUT AT JONESBORO BEFORE
DECIDING TO FOCUS ON BASKETBALL HIS JUNIOR AND UPCOMING SENIOR SEASON.
Photo credit: Edward Blackmon
GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
2 4 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
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Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
Augusta Univ.2/25 - 3:00 PM
H
Augusta Univ.2/26 - 3:00 PM
H
Augusta Univ.2/25 - 6:30 PM
H
Augusta Univ.2/26 - 6:30 PM
H
H
Augusta Univ.2/27 - 3:00 PM
H
Augusta Univ.2/27 - 7:00 PMH
Macon Centerplex 3/5 - 3:00 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AAA Girls State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
DOUGLASS 33
JOHNSON-SAV. 50
JOHNSON-SAV. 42
JOHNSON-SAV. 46
JOHNSON-SAV. 49
JACKSON CO. 50
HARALSON CO. 67
HARALSON CO. 34
EAST HALL 50
RINGGOLD 69
RINGGOLD 48
JOSEY 48
PEACH COUNTY 83
PEACH COUNTY 61
PEACH COUNTY 43
48 JEFFERSON
41 PEPPERELL
60 PEPPERELL
36 SOUTH ATLANTA
53 BEACH
53 BEACH
58 BEACH
63 BEACH
57 HEPHZIBAH
81 KENDRICK
66 KENDRICK
51 KENDRICK
46 BANKS COUNTY
66 SONORAVILLE
59 SONORAVILLE
DODGE COUNTY 44
WESTMINSTER 54
WESTMINSTER 42
ROCKMART 36
MORGAN COUNTY 61
MORGAN CO. 63
MORGAN COUNTY 62
MORGAN CO. 65
MORGAN COUNTY
CALHOUN 54
DAWSON COUNTY 71
DAWSON CO. 45
CENTRAL- MACON 36
LANEY 76
LANEY 64
LANEY 53
55 CALLAWAY
69 HART COUNTY
71 HART COUNTY
23 TATTNALL CO.
61 JACKSON-ATL.
79 JACKSON-ATL
65 JACKSON-ATLANTA
72 JACKSON-ATL.
JACKSON-ATLANTA
46 JACKSON
65 WASHINGTON CO.
48 WASHINGTON CO.
48 ADAIRSVILLE
73 WEST HALL
60 WEST HALL
53 WEST HALL
Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
Augusta Univ.2/25 - 4:45 PM
H
Augusta Univ.2/26 - 4:45 PM
H
Augusta Univ.2/25 - 8:15 PM
H
Augusta Univ.2/26 - 8:15 PM
H
H
Augusta Univ.2/27 - 4:45 PM
H
Augusta Univ.2/27 - 8:15 PM
H
Macon Centerplex 3/5 - 4:45 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AAA Boys State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
SOUTH ATLANTA 63
SOUTH ATLANTA 79
SOUTH ATLANTA 92
SOUTH ATLANTA 61
JOHNSON-SAV. 57
JEFFERSON 58
CALLAWAY 73
CALLAWAY 73
BANKS COUNTY 80
BANKS COUNTY 67
COAHULLA CREEK 61
JOSEY 45
CENTRAL-MACON 77
CENTRAL-MACON 69
CENTRAL-MACON 79
75 JACKSON CO.
50 JACKSON COUNTY
52 ROCKMART
69 JACKSON
79 JENKINS
71 JENKINS
84 JENKINS
68 JENKINS
JENKINS
67 BULTER
79 WESTSIDE-MAC.
43 WESTSIDE-MACON
39 WEST HALL
68 CALHOUN
71 CALHOUN
78 CALHOUN
TATTNALL CO. 68
NORTH CLAYTON 73
NORTH CLAYTON 54
PEPPERELL 30
MORGAN COUNTY 71
MORGAN COUNTY 68
MORGAN COUNTY 55
MORGAN COUNTY 64
MORGAN COUNTY
NORTH MURRAY 54
LUMPKIN COUNTY 55
LUMPKIN COUNTY 45
S.W. - MACON 62
LANEY 77
LANEY 91
LANEY 50
62 CENTRAL-CARR.
73 EAST JACKSON
54 EAST JACKSON
48 DODGE COUNTY
66 CEDAR GROVE
68 CEDAR GROVE
58 CEDAR GROVE
59 CEDAR GROVE65 RUTLAND
82 WESTSIDE-AUG.
79 WESTSIDE-AUG.
40 WESTSIDE-AUG.
59 RINGGOLD
86 EAST HALL
59 EAST HALL
GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
2 6 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
The Morgan County Bulldogs sit one win from bringing home the program’s first state title since its first and only crown in 1983. This year’s Bulldogs sit one win away from bringing home the program’s first
state title since its first and only crown in 1983. This year’s Bulldogs team opened the year with three im-pressive wins before dropping three-straight lopsided losses to Wesleyan (67-43) and Ohio’s Mount Notre Dame (75-53) and Wadsworth (65-37). Following that stretch of losses, however, Morgan County has not lost since its Nov. 28 trip to the Buckeye State and returned to Georgia to start a 24-game winning streak that has carried them back to Macon. The Bulldogs are coming off a 65-49 win over Johnson-Savannah in the semifinals. Timely shots from Alexis “Pumpkin” Brown and Tatyana Davis helped the Lady Bulldogs stave off the Atomsmashers. Morgan County took an early 15-8 lead after one and took a 33-25 lead into the half after Davis hit a fade away three at the buzzer, her 11th-point of the game. The Atomsmashers closed the gap to 40-37 late in the third, but Pumpkin proceeded to score eight straight points, including a layup at the horn to gain a 48-42 lead heading into the fourth. From there, Johnson-Savannah ran out of steam and could not keep pace with the Bulldogs. Sydney Nash added a pair of free throws with 4:36 to lengthen the lead to 58-47 and fuel part of the 21-7 run that Morgan County used to close the game. Brown finished with 24, Davis 19 and Nash 9 in the win. In the Elite Eight, Morgan County toppled defending champion Laney 62-53 and saw more buzzer beaters and big shots from Brown and Davis. A Brown three at the buzzer gave Morgan County a 32-31 lead and finished with 13 points, while Davis poured in a team-high 23 points. Mor-gan County trailed 47-46 in the fourth but took a 55-51 lead with two minutes left and sealed the win with a 7-2 run.
Jackson had never won a playoff game prior to this season. The Jaguars carried an 0-8 all-time postseason record into this year’s dance, that included the school’s history as Southside High. In the first round, Jack-
son clinched its first playoff victory with a 61-23 win over Tattnall County. In the second round, Jackson out-scored Hart County 15-7 in overtime to clinch a 79-71 victory. In the quarterfinals, Jackson raced to a 23-8 lead over West Hall in the first quarter. Keimeshia Walker came out on fire, draining four three-pointers. West Hall woke up in the second quarter, however and outscored the Jags 19-13 to enter the half down 36-27. Macy Passmore and Anna McKendree started the comeback and had the Spartans down 45-41 heading into the fourth but Jackson used a 7-0 run to put the game away after a valiant West Hall effort paced by McKendree’s 32 points and Passmore’s 13 points and 11 rebounds. Walker was too much to handle scoring 25 points. Erica Gibbons scored 17 and Kayla Mayfield 10 in the win. In the semifinals, Jackson faced its big-gest challenge with Beach, but prevailed 72-63. Mayfield led with a team-high 15 points and Gibbons turned in a 14-point performance. Walker, Mayfield and Gibbons are all seniors and have been the driving force that rewrote the script and plotted Jackson on Georgia High School Basketball’s biggest stage against the top-ranked Bulldogs. Mayfield is a rebounding machine at 5-foot-9 and her versatility and athleticism has led to a 12 rebound per game average. Mayfield hauled in a season-high 28 rebounds in Jackson’s 59-49 win over Wheeler this season. Gibbons compliments Mayfield with her scoring and 6-foot frame and Walker can do it all as the Jaguars primary scoring threat and a 50-percent shooter from the field, 47-percent shooter from beyond the arc and 70-percent foul shooter.
Head Coach: Joshua ReevesNo. Name Pos. Gr.1 Sydney Nash G 123 Tatyana Davis PG, SG 114 Alexis Brown PG, SG 1210 Sarah Couch PG 1112 Brittany Belser PG, G 1214 Santaji Reid G 920 Myishia Williams F 12 21 Alisha Ellis F 11 22 Ta’Leah Adams F 1224 Autumn Woodard G 11 25 Salina Fortune C, PF 11 32 Aris Hubbard PF 10 33 Tyra Smith PF 1234 Morgan Walker G 10 40 Jatariea Bryant C 1244 Cailee Anderson PF 11
Head Coach: Michelle Powell
No. Name Pos. Gr.
1 Erica Gibbons F 12
2 Shantavius Arnold SG 12
3 Tamara White PG 10
10 Keimeshia Walker G 12
11 India Hill G 11
12 Wahdria Freeland G 9
15 Kanisses Mayfield PF 12
20 Krishini Ihrag G 9
22 Kaziah Turner G 10
23 Kayla Thomas F 12
24 Tierrenee Smith PG 11
33 Foster Mann F 9
MORGAN COUNTY
JACKSON-ATLANTA
BULLDOGS • 27-3 • REGION 8
JAGUARS • 30-1 • REGION 4A
AAA GIRLS
DID YOU KNOW?
SATURDAY3:00 PM 3.5.15
MORGAN CO.JACKSON-ATL.
ALEXIS “PUMPKIN” BROWN’S OLDER BROTHER TOOKIE WAS NAMED AJC CLASS AAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR IN 2013, 2014 AND 2015 AS MORGAN
COUNTY’S ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER.
Photo credit: Josiah Connelly
MARCH 3-5, 2016
2 7 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
The defending state champions had a questionable start to their season, needing overtime to beat Creekview 74-67 at the Dai’Jon Parker Classic. No. 5 Jenkins has righted the ship since their sluggish
start and are back to playing a fast brand of basketball centered around one of the state’s best juniors and a guard who transferred in from nearby Savannah High School. 6-foot-5 junior forward Trevion Lamar does it all for Coach Bakari Bryant. He averages 16.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. The versatile big man can score both inside and out causing matchup problems for defenders. Zion Williams brings over stability at the point guard position and is the team’s second leading scorer as a junior. Williams and Lamar have replaced the output left by Eric Johnson and Malik Benlevi (GSU). Johnson hit a layup with 3.6 seconds left to capture the Warriors’ first-ever state title. On their march to Macon the Warriors have ended some of the state’s best Cinderella stories. They eliminated Jackson-Atlanta in round one 79-69. The Jaguars snuck into the tournament after stunning 22-3 Westminster in the region tournament. In the Sweet 16 it was Jackson County falling to Jenkins 70-51. The Panthers going from 4-22 to 18-12 while winning their first state play-off game in 51 years before running into the Jenkins buzzsaw. Next it was No. 2 Calhoun seeing their 27-0 season come to an end without a state title, falling 84-78 in the Elite Eight. Lamar scored six points late in the fourth to stave off the comeback while Williams added a game-high 21 with three three-pointers in a row coming in the third quarter to extend their lead. The Warriors jumped out to a 35-20 halftime lead over No. 8 Cedar Grove in the Final Four. The Saints battled back to cut the gap to 62-59 with 3:20 to play, but Jenkins answered back with a 6-0 run of its own to close the game taking a 68-59 decision. Lamar scored a game-high 21 along with senior Dimetri Chambers.
MORGAN COUNTY
WARRIORS • 28-4 • REGION 1
They meet again. Macon has become a March mainstay for the No. 1 ranked Bulldogs as they take their third straight trip to the Centreplex. In 2013-14 Charlemagne Gibbons oversaw Tookie Brown’s destruc-
tion of Buford for the program’s first and only title. In his first year as head coach Jamond Sims took the Bulldogs back to the title game last year but they fell to Jenkins on a last second layup from senior Eric John-son 62-60. With 3,000-point scorer Tookie Brown now leading Georgia Southern in scoring as a freshman, Morgan County got its season off to an inauspicious start losing to Cherokee 57-52 at Rockdale County’s Battle at the Rock tournament. Things quickly got better as they defeated Class AAAA’s No. 4 Lithonia 44-41. After winning the Region 8 title and blowing out Pepperell in round one 71-30 and knocking off North Clayton 67-54 in the Sweet 16, the Bulldogs ran into Laney for the third time this year and sixth time in two seasons. Morgan County won the rubber match in the Elite Eight this year, beating Laney 55-50 while hold-ing Charleston Southern signee Christian Keeling to five points after he entered averaging a team-high 24. Florida Atlantic signees Jailyn Ingram and DeVorious Brown were the difference makers as Ingram poured in 24 points and Brown netted 12. After the emotional victory the Bulldogs entered their Final Four meeting with No. 6 South Atlanta hungover, falling behind by as many as 16 points and taking a 40-25 deficit into the half. Freshman Alec Woodard and senior Jordan Ford helped key the comeback. Woodard sank all 10 of his free throw attempts in the fourth quarter en route to 18 points while Ford scored a team-high 22. Brown hit the game-winning three with one second left right after Frank Bailey of the Hornets tied the game with a three with 7 seconds left, stinging South Atlanta for a stunning 64-61 win.
Head Coach: Bakari BryantNo. Name Pos. Gr.0 Aaron Mike PF 101 Trevion Lamar SF, SG, G 112 Darnell Sams SG, G 123 Jamar Finklea PG, G 124 Zion Williams PG, G, SG 115 Brian Brannen PG, G 1210 Michael Coffee W, SF, G 1211 Tyrone Scott SF, W, PF 1012 Tre’ Mays SG 1014 My’eon Williams W 1015 Brandon Padgett F, PF 1120 Ahmad O’Neal G 1021 Dimetri Chambers SG, G, PG 1223 Hasaan Solomon PG, G 924 Robert Bradham PG 925 Rico Allen PG 9
Head Coach: Jamond SimsNo. Name Pos. Gr.1 Quin Williams F 103 Josiah Mitchell G 115 Stevin Green G 910 DeVorious Brown G 1212 Tre’Mon Moore G 1014 Emmanuel Little G 1215 Jailyn Ingram F 1220 Jordan Ford F 1222 Alec Woodard G 924 Anthony Cooper G 1025 Tradarious Briscoe G 1230 Damarian Thomas F 1132 Jermaine Alexander F 1134 Yusuf Baig G 10
JENKINS
BULLDOGS • 25-4 • REGION 8
AAA BOYS
DID YOU KNOW?
SATURDAY4:45 PM 3.5.15
JENKINSMORGAN CO.
MORGAN COUNTY FRESHMAN ALEC WOODARD SET A SCHOOL-RECORD WITH
10 THREES IN A GAME THIS SEASON.
Photo credit: Terrius Ferguson
Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
Georgia College 2/25 - 3:00 PM
H
Georgia College2/26 - 3:00 PM
H
Georgia College2/25 - 6:30 PM
H
Georgia College2/26 - 6:30 PM
H
H
Georgia College 2/27 - 3:00 PM
H
Georgia College2/27 - 6:30 PMH
Macon Centerplex3/4 - 3:00 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AA Girls State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
BLECKLEY CO. 33
BLECKLEY CO. 31
THOMASVILLE 23
WSHGTN-WILKES 25
HEARD COUNTY 27
HEARD COUNTY 42
HEARD COUNTY 22
DARLINGTON 36
WESLEYAN 86
WESLEYAN 77
WESLEYAN 79
WESLEYAN 78
WESLEYAN
EAST LAURENS 56
VIDALIA 78
VIDALIA 30
52 SOCIAL CIRCLE
59 MANCHESTER
16 MANCHESTER
60 PELHAM
33 LAMAR COUNTY
70 PELHAM
56 PELHAM
29 JEFFERSON CO.
54 JEFF DAVIS
16 JEFF DAVIS
36 DADE COUNTY
82 HOLY INNOCENTS’
70 HOLY INNOCENTS’
71 HOLY INNOCENTS’
80 HOLY INNOCENTS’
HOLY INNOCENTS’
FITZGERALD 59
MONTICELLO 60
MONTICELLO 50
BREMEN 41
RABUN COUNTY 81
RABUN COUNTY 75
RABUN COUNTY 53
GR. ATL. CHR. 74
GREATER ATL. CHR. 56
GR. ATLANT CHR. 67
GR. ATLANTA CHR. 48
ARMUCHEE 60
LONG COUNTY 46
SWAINSBORO 58
SWAINSBORO 44
40 BOWDON
46 UNION COUNTY
36 UNION COUNTY
31 BERRIEN
59 PUTNAM COUNTY
46 PUTNAM COUNTY
51 PUTNAM COUNTY
49 PUTNAM COUNTY41 ST. VINCENT’S
72 DUBLIN
27 DUBLIN
51 LOVETT
56 MODEL
59 MODEL
42 MODEL
Region 4 - Team 3
Region 1 - Team 2
Region 8 - Team 4
Region 5 - Team 1
Region 7 - Team 3
Region 6 - Team 2
Region 3 - Team 4
Region 2 - Team 1
Region 8 - Team 3
Region 5 - Team 2
Region 4 - Team 4
Region 1 - Team 1
Region 3 - Team 3
Region 2 - Team 2
Region 7 - Team 4
Region 6 - Team 1
Region 1 - Team 3
Region 4 - Team 2
Region 5 - Team 4
Region 8 - Team 1
Region 6 - Team 3
Region 7 - Team 2
Region 2 - Team 4
Region 3 - Team 1
Region 5 - Team 3
Region 8 - Team 2
Region 1 - Team 4
Region 4 - Team 1
Region 2 - Team 3
Region 3 - Team 2
Region 6 - Team 4
Region 7 - Team 1
Georgia College 2/25 - 4:45 PM
H
Georgia College2/26 - 8:15 PM
H
Georgia College2/25 - 8:15 PM
H
Georgia College2/26 - 4:45 PM
H
H
Georgia College 2/27 - 4:45 PM
H
Georgia College2/27 - 8:15 PM
H
Macon Centerplex3/4 - 4:45 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class AA Boys State Basketball Tournament
FIRST & SECOND ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. If both teams are the same seed, a coin flip will determine the host school. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless adoubleheader is scheduled. Minimum seating capacity: AAAAAA - 1,200; AAAAA - 1,200; AAAA - 1,000; AAA - 700; AA - 700, A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
FINALS: The (H) printed in the bracket indicates the designated host school
Feb 16,17 Feb 16,17Feb 19, 20 Feb 19, 20Feb 25, 26 Feb 25, 26Feb 27 Feb 27Mar 3-5
MACON COUNTY 74
EARLY COUNTY 87
EARLY COUNTY 62
GREENE COUNTY 54
MANCHESTER 83
MANCHESTER 75
MANCHESTER 70
MANCHESTER 63
MANCHESTER
COOSA 49
LOVETT 64
LOVETT 76
LOVETT 56
METTER 54
LONG COUNTY 73
LONG COUNTY 61
56 UNION COUNTY
30 UNION COUNTY
51 BOWDON
41 LAMAR COUNTY
67 THOMASVILLE
65 THOMASVILLE
48 THOMASVILLE
62 JEFFERSON CO.
58 JEFFERSON CO.
59 BENEDICTINE
48 DARLINGTON
70 PACE ACADEMY
69 PACE ACADEMY
75 PACE ACADEMY
61 PACE ACADEMY
PACE ACADEMY
FITZGERALD 58
MONTICELLO 63
MONTICELLO 81
MONTICELLO 79
MONTICELLO 53
CHATTAHOOCHEE CO. 48
RABUN COUNTY 74
RABUN COUNTY 73
GREATER ATL. CHR. 67
GR. ATLANTA CHR. 88
CHATTOOGA 61
BRYAN COUNTY 51
DUBLIN 96
DUBLIN 101
DUBLIN 67
50 TEMPLE
55 TEMPLE
40 RIVERSIDE MIL.
64 SEMINOLE CO.
95 CRAWFORD CO.
69 CRAWFORD CO.
61 CRAWFORD CO.
51 CRAWFORD CO.47 VIDALIA
54 SWAINSBORO
58 SWAINSBORO
54 HOLY INNOCENTS’
61 HOLY INNOCENTS’
51 HOLY INNOCENTS’
51 MODEL
MARCH 3-5, 2016
2 9 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
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GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
3 0 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
Four rounds of playoff opponents could not prevent rivals Wesleyan and Holy Innocents’ from meeting in the finals for the second straight year and setting up for what will be the programs’ eighth head-to-head
in the past two seasons. Wesleyan took last year’s state title after going 0-3 against the Golden Bears in the regular season, which marked the programs’ 11th basketball state crown. Wesleyan defeated Holy In-nocents’ 58-52 in their first meeting this season (Jan. 9), but lost 57-54 on Feb. 2 and then 59-55 in the Region 6 championship on Feb. 12. But as we know from last year’s 45-31 state championship victory over Holy Innocents’, Wesleyan remains the team to beat when it comes to Georgia High School basketball’s biggest stage. This postseason, Wesleyan has destroyed its four opponents. After an 86-36 win over Darlington in the first round, the Wolves punched a ticket to the quarterfinals to take on Heard County with a 77-30 win over Vi-dalia. Wesleyan’s 79-22 win over Heard County turned out to be the most lopsided quarterfinal score since 1956, when Jeff Davis beat Murray County by 64 (78-14). Wesleyan followed the record-breaking win with a 78-48 win over Region 6 rival Greater Atlanta Christian in the semifinals. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, who was in attendance to watch junior Mikayla Coombs, witnessed the 57-point quarterfinals victory. Wesleyan forced Heard County into 25 turnovers in the first half and outscored the Braves 24-3 in the second quarter. It was evident that game that the frustrating loss to Holy Innocents’ in the region championship had lit a fire under the decorated Wolves. “We’re just trying hard to overcome a poor showing in the region championship,” Coombs told the Atlanta Journal Constitution following the quarterfinals. “So we’re just trying to put it all on the court so we can get back to state – hopefully against Holy Innocents’.” Here we go again.
Holy Innocents’ looks to bring home its first state title since 1999 but it will be no easy task. The Golden Bears have become one of the state’s most dominant teams over the past several seasons, but the state
title has been just out of reach of otherwise historic individual seasons. Now, Holy Innocents’ is tasked with defeating 11-time state champion Wesleyan for the sixth time in two seasons if the Golden Bears are to claim the Class AA title. Holy Innocents’ has dominated the playoff field as well, with the exception of a 71-60 victory over Pelham in the quarterfinals. The Golden Bears opened up the playoffs with an 82-36 win over Dade County and followed it with an even bigger blowout. In the second round they would score a 70-16 win over Jeff Davis, three-points short of the record-breaking 57-point victory Wesleyan put up in the quarterfinals. Pelham challenged Holy Innocents’ in their Elite 8 showdown, which should serve the team well as they prepare for Wesleyan. Holy Innocents’ struggled at the foul line with 14-of-26 shooting in the fourth quarter and could have easily opened up another blowout with better shooting. Khayla Pointer led the way with 17 points, while teammates Kennedy Suttle (16), Kaila Hubbard (12) and Shai Blanding (12) contributed double figures. In the semifinals, Putnam County was sent home with an 80-49 Holy Innocents’ victory. Hubbard netted 12 points in the opening quarter as they built a 28-6 lead. Hubbard finished with a team-high 26 points. Erica Cassell chipped in 17 points for Holy Innocents’, followed by Aaliyah Milord’s 14 points and Suttle’s 13. “I’ve got nothing but respect for the Wesleyan Lady Wolves and we’re just honored to be on the same court with them next week and have a chance to battle it out,” Golden Bears head coach Tony Watkins told the AJC following the victory.
Head Coach: Jan AzarNo. Name Pos. Gr.2 Sarah Adams F 113 Mikayla Coombs G, F 115 Caroline Burke G 910 Sydney Millikan G 1112 Cairo Booker PG, G 1214 Amaya Register PG 1015 Sutton West G, F 1020 Katie Stipe G 1121 Jameson Kavel SG 1123 Maya Timberlake G 932 Callie Weaver G 933 Capri Fraizer F 1134 Bailey Edwards G, F 1144 Natalie Armstrong C 11
Head Coach: Tony Watkins
No. Name Pos. Gr.
1 Kennedy Suttle SF, SG 10
4 Jade Dodd-Mungin SF 10
5 Grace Asbury SG 11
10 Katie Brown SG 10
11 Erika Cassell C, PF 12
12 Kaila Hubbard SF, PG 10
13 Sydney Long SG 12
14 Patterson Williams SG 11
23 Aaliyah Milord SG, PG 12
24 Khayla Pointer PG 11
25 Shay Sweat SF 10
32 Shai Blanding PG 11
WESLEYAN
HOLY INNOCENTS’
WOLVES • 27-4 • REGION 6
GOLDEN BEARS • 26-5 • REGION 6
AA GIRLS
DID YOU KNOW?
FRIDAY3:00 PM 3.4.15
WESLEYANHOLY INNOCENTS’
WESLEYAN HEAD COACH JAN AZAR WAS INDUCTED INTO THE GWINNETT COUNTY
SPORTS HALL OF FAME IN 2012
Photo credit: Ty Freeman
MARCH 3-5, 2016
3 1 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
No. 10 Manchester doesn’t have the consistent size or the Division-I talent that No. 3 Pace has, but they do a strong belief that they can play with anyone and have two dynamic guards that can help Coach
Curtis Noble try and hoist their first trophy since 2007. Coming out of Region 5, the Blue Devils hadn’t been tested much during the regular season. Their main competition was Temple, who they beat 65-62 and 69-37. In non-region play, the Blue Devils scored an impressive 63-61 win over No. 2 Crawford County at the Merriweather County Holiday Tournament. On their road to Macon the Blue Devils have knocked off No. 5 Early County in the Sweet 16, 75-62 and dropped No. 6 Lovett 70-56 in the Elite Eight. Against Lovett, Man-chester trailed 18-13 at the end of the first quarter but quickly took control behind a 21-6 second quarter. Se-nior Demarcus Addie exploded for 30 points while Jah’Nile Hill, a sophomore, added 13. In the Final Four the recipe was the same. Manchester eliminated Monticello 63-53 after Addie netted 22 points and Hill tacked on 14 more. Cadarian Brown emerged as a third threat scoring 11 points. Jerquavion Mahone is a 6-foot-4, 255-pounder that throws his weight around inside. Bobby Stevenson and Garrett Brown provide size at 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-7 and will likely see some time guarding Wendell Carter Jr. if needed. Manchester hurt Monticello on the glass. They will have to replicate that same type of intensity on the boards while battling Pace’s larger frontcourt. The Blue Devils ride a 19-game winning streak into the state championship and should have the house packed at the Centreplex as Manchester is just an hour and thirty minutes away from Macon. Manchester last advanced to the state championship in 2011-12 when they lost to Laney 67-53.
No. 3 Pace Academy has 10 losses, starting the year 2-8 after taking its lumps on the national circuit. After losses to Class AAAAAA No. 2 Westlake and A-Private No. 1 Greenforest to kick off the year,
Pace’s only other two in-state losses came to GAC 55-49 in the third game of the season dropping them to 0-3 and at No. 6 Lovett in overtime 66-63 on Jan. 30. All eyes will be on five-star junior center Wendell Carter Jr. and versatile 6-foot-7 sophomore forward Isaiah Kelly. Carter went for 35 points in Pace’s 69-58 win over Jefferson County in the Sweet 16 while Kelly added 14. Penn-commit Zack Kaminsky stands 6-foot-6 at small forward and netted 14 in their win over Jefferson County. The Knights met one-loss No. 1 Thomasville in the Elite Eight and embarrassed the Bulldogs 75-48 in a jaw dropping performance. Carter thoroughly dominated the 6-foot-8 front line of Reggie Perry and Titus Wright posting 26 points, 14 rebounds, 12 blocks, four assists and two steals. The Knights only led by nine at the half but after Bar-rett Baker splashed in a pair of threes in the third quarter, the rout was on. Baker scored 17 on the night as Coach Demetrius Smith’s fourth option. Pace faced another challenge on paper against No. 2 Crawford County. The Eagles’ quickness however was no match for the Knights’ size. Kelly finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, picking up the slack for Carter who hurt his toe but still managed 12 points and 10 rebounds. Crawford County’s explosive tandem of William Jarrell and Marcal Knolton was held to just 23 points in Pace’s 61-51 physical win. For the Knights to win their first state title in basketball, expect a heavy dosage of Carter in the low post to exploit their size advantage over No. 10 Manchester.
Head Coach: Curtis Nobles
No. Name Pos. Gr.
1 Jah’Nile Hill P, PG 10
2 Jalen Leonard G 11
3 Cardarian Brown PG, SG 12
4 Demarcus Addie P, SG 12
5 Travion Sullivan F 12
10 Marquavious Jackson F 12
11 Deenizeo Gamble G 9
13 Kalil Brawner G 10
15 Jontavious Ferguson SF 10
21 Raeshawn Walton F 10
35 Jerquavion Mahone C 10
40 Bobby Stevenson C 12
42 Garrett Brown F,C 10
Head Coach: Demetrius SmithNo. Name Pos. Gr.0 Gunnor Faulk SG 102 Barrett Baker PG, SG 113 Mark Sommerville PG 114 Deon Jackson SG 1112 Michael Simon PG, SG 1015 Zach Kaminsky SG 1220 Harrison Lewis SG 1021 Mick Assaf SG 1222 Wendell Carter Jr. PF, C 1123 Parker Payne SG 1124 Jonathan Rushton PF, C 1025 Jordan Harris PF, C 1232 Kyle Orr SG 1233 Isaiah Kelly PF 1035 Sebastian Bradley C 10
MANCHESTER
PACE ACADEMY
BLUE DEVILS • 25-5 • REGION 5
KNIGHTS • 19-10 • REGION 6
AA BOYS
DID YOU KNOW?
FRIDAY4:45 PM 3.4.15
MANCHESTERPACE ACADEMY
PACE ACADEMY IS 3-8 IN NEUTRAL SITE GAMES THIS YEAR.
Photo credit: Fred Assaf
Team 1
Team 16
Team 8
Team 9
Team 5
Team 12
Team 13
Team 4
Team 3
Team 14
Team 6
Team 11
Team 7
Team 10
Team 15
Team 2
Valdosta St.2/25 - 3:00 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/25 - 6:30 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/26 - 6:30 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/26 - 3:00 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/27 - 3:00 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/27 - 6:30 PM
H
H
Macon Centerplex3/3 - 3:00 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class A Public Girls State Basketball Tournament
FIRST ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless a doubleheader isscheduled. Minimum seating capacity: A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
Feb 19, 20 Feb. 25, 26 Feb 27 Mar 3-5
TURNER COUNTY 65
TURNER COUNTY 56
TURNER COUNTY 57
TURNER COUNTY
GEORGIA MILITARY 44
TELFAIR COUNTY 59
TELFAIR COUNTY 42
WOODVILLE-TOMPKINS 55
TREUTLEN 59
TREUTLEN 50
CLAXTON 28
MARION COUNTY 52
WHEELER COUNTY 65
WHEELER COUNTY 53
WHEELER COUNTY 44
TAYLOR COUNTY 46
TAYLOR COUNTY 45
WILCOX COUNTY 28
GREENVILLE 67
GREENVILLE 48
GREENVILLE 56
COMMERCE 43
CALHOUN COUNTY 42
CALHOUN COUNTY 29
MITCHELL COUNTY 39
TERRELL COUNTY 45
TERRELL COUNTY 42
TERRELL COUNTY 63
TERRELL COUNTY
HANCOCK CENTRAL 40
Team 1
Team 16
Team 8
Team 9
Team 5
Team 12
Team 13
Team 4
Team 3
Team 14
Team 6
Team 11
Team 7
Team 10
Team 15
Team 2
Valdosta St.2/25 - 4:45 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/25 - 8:15 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/26 - 4:45 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/26 - 8:15 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/27 - 4:45 PM
H
Valdosta St.2/27 - 8:15 PM
H
H
Macon Centerplex 3/3 - 4:45 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class A Public Boys State Basketball Tournament
FIRST ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless a doubleheader isscheduled. Minimum seating capacity: A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
Feb 19, 20 Feb. 25, 26 Feb 27 Mar 3-5
TREUTLEN 91
TREUTLEN 62
TREUTLEN 56
STEWART COUNTY 53
HAWKINSVILLE 59
HAWKINSVILLE 55
CENTRAL-TALBOTTON 57
WILKINSON COUNTY 79
WILKINSON COUNTY 76
WILKINSON COUNTY 69
WILKINSON COUNTY
ATKINSON COUNTY 31
LINCOLN COUNTY 87
LINCOLN COUNTY 39
RANDOLPH-CLAY 69
TURNER COUNTY 69
TURNER COUNTY 69
TURNER COUNTY 66
QUITMAN COUNTY 59
CALHOUN COUNTY 57
CALHOUN COUNTY 47
CLINCH COUNTY 47
HANCOCK CENTRAL 86
HANCOCK CENTRAL 75
HANCOCK CENTRAL 68
HANCOCK CENTRAL
MARION COUNTY 75
TAYLOR COUNTY 61
TAYLOR COUNTY 66
WILCOX COUNTY 46
Team 1
Team 16
Team 8
Team 9
Team 5
Team 12
Team 13
Team 4
Team 3
Team 14
Team 6
Team 11
Team 7
Team 10
Team 15
Team 2
Kennesaw St.2/25 - 3:00 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/25 - 6:30 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/26 - 3:00 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/26 - 6:30 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/27 - 3:00 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/27 - 6:30 PM
H
H
Macon Centerplex3/5 - 11:00 AM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class A Private Girls State Basketball Tournament
FIRST ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless a doubleheader isscheduled. Minimum seating capacity: A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
Feb 19, 20 Feb. 25, 26 Feb 27 Mar 3-5
ST. FRANCIS 80
ST. FRANCIS 79
ST. FRANCIS 62
ST. FRANCIS
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 23
MT. PARAN 39
MT. PARAN 31
SAVH COUNTRY DAY 36
STRATFORD ACADEMY 39
SW ATLANTA CHR. 42
SOUTHWEST ATL. CHR. 56
SOUTHWEST ATL. CHR. 38
GEORGE WALTON ACAD. 33
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY 60
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY 47
GREENFOREST CHR. 46
GREENFOREST CHRISTIAN 35
GREENFOREST CHR. 46
GREENFOREST CHRISTIAN
PAIDEIA 23
TATTNALL SQUARE 49
TATTNALL SQUARE 28
ATHENS CHRISTIAN 44
OUR LADY OF MERCY 39
EAGLE’S LANDING CHR. 52
EAGLE’S LANDING CHR. 55
EAGLE’S LANDING CHR. 39
CALVARY DAY 56
CALVARY DAY 44
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN 36
Team 1
Team 16
Team 8
Team 9
Team 5
Team 12
Team 13
Team 4
Team 3
Team 14
Team 6
Team 11
Team 7
Team 10
Team 15
Team 2
Kennesaw St.2/25 - 4:45 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/25 - 8:15 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/26 - 4:45 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/26 - 8:15 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/27 - 4:45 PM
H
Kennesaw St.2/27 - 8:15 PM
H
H
Macon Centerplex 3/5 - 12:45 PM
Champion
Runner-Up
2015-2016 GHSA Class A Private Boys State Basketball Tournament
FIRST ROUND INFORMATION: Higher-seeded team will host. Girls play on first playing date and Boys play on second playing date unless a doubleheader isscheduled. Minimum seating capacity: A - 500 (with bleachers on both sides).
Feb 19, 20 Feb. 25, 26 Feb 27 Mar 3-5
GREENFOREST CHR. 78
GREENFOREST CHR. 78
GREENFOREST CHR. 78
GREENFOREST CHR.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 40
SOUTHWEST ATL. CHR 51
TATTNALL SQUARE 55
TATTNALL SQUARE 48
NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN 71
NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN 57
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE 50
WALKER 58
STRATFORD ACADEMY 87
STRATFORD ACADEMY 67
STRATFORD ACADEMY 62
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY 82
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY 39
HEBRON CHRISTIAN 76
WHITEFIELD ACADEMY 56
WHITEFIELD ACADEMY 59
WHITEFIELD ACADEMY 58
KING’S RIDGE 55
OUR LADY OF MERCY 79
ST. ANNE-PACELLI 85
ST. ANNE-PACELLI 79
ST. FRANCIS 95
ST. FRANCIS 105
ST. FRANCIS 81
ST. FRANCIS
SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN 43
MARCH 3-5, 2016
3 3 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
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Jason Wiley • Martinez • 706-868-0515
Mark Peay • Conyers • 706-691-9359
ChampAd_4.9864x9.425.indd 1 2/19/2016 2:04:15 PM
GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
3 4 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
Defending Class A-Private state champion St. Francis finds itself in the state finals for the third time in four seasons. After St. Francis clinched its first state title in 2013, Southwest Atlanta Christian took the
title in 2014 before the Lady Knights reclaimed the crown last year. The only two former A-Private cham-pions met in this year’s semifinals, where St. Francis waxed Southwest Atlanta Christian with a 62-38 win this past Saturday. Blowouts have been a standard in this year’s 30-1 campaign and the only loss St. Francis has seen this season was to Maryland’s nationally-ranked Forestville (67-51) back on Dec. 29. St. Francis outscored First Presbyterian Day 80-23 to open the postseason and added a 79-31 win over Mount Paran in the quarterfinals before the 24-point win over the Warriors. St. Francis has outscored its opponents by an average of 43 points per game this postseason and has topped all Georgia opponents with a combined 35.4 average margin of victory this season. Taja Cummings led the way in the semifinals with 25 points but the Knights also got 14 points from forward Jala Jordan and 10 points from guard Maya Dodson. Jordan was the leading scorer in the quarterfinals with her 17 points and Dodson came through with a 14-point effort, 13 of which came in the second half. Nichel Tampa added to the scoring with 11 points and Kori McDaniels chipped in with 10 points. St. Francis was led in scoring by sophomore Jala Jordon with 17 points and Maya Dodson with 14 points, 13 in the second half. The Knights also got 11 points from Nichel Tampa and 10 points from Kori McDaniels. There are nine different St. Francis players that have reached double-figure scoring in a game this season but depth only compliments the size that has made St. Francis so dominant this season.
After missing the postseason in 2015, the now undefeated 27-0 Eagles are a win away from achieving perfection and bringing home their first state title. Greenforest faces an incredible challenge with top-ranked St. Francis
and a seven-player roster. The key to Greenforest’s success and overcoming such a short-handed roster has been a suffocating team defense that has held opponents to just 30 points per game this postseason and forced teams to fight for every basket. “Defense has been our thing all year long,” Greenforest coach Allison Prather told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “Defense turns to offense. If you’re nervous, when you play defense, the butterflies are going to fly away. The defense will feed the offense and that’s what happened tonight.”Greenforest led Paideia 37-10 at the half of its 46-23 opening round victory. In the quarterfinals, Greenforest outscored Tattnall Square 13-4 in the second quarter en route to a 35-28 victory. Greenforest senior Arielle Holloway made four critical free throws in the final minute of the win over Tattnall to earn the Eagles a semifinal showdown with Eagle’s Land-ing Christian. Greenforest (26-0) also got 10 points from Taylor Riggins and eight points from Uloma Enyogasi. Tobulayefa Owelyegha is a 6-foot-3 sophomore post player that was tested with the size St. Francis presents as she guarded Tattnall’s 6-foot-5 center Abby Rouse and held her to 10 points. Holloway is a swift and aggressive point guard at 5-foot-5 and Enyogasi is a versatile small forward with a 5-foot-11 frame. Greenforest beat Eagle’s Landing Christian for the third time this season with a 46-39 victory in last Saturday’s Class A Private semifinals at Kennesaw State. ELCA made just four shots in the first half and fell behind 23-9 at the half before surging with a comeback threat in the second half. Greenforest was led by Holloway’s 10 points, while Enyogasi finished with nine and Theodora Odia chipped in eight.
Head Coach: Aisha KennedyNo. Name Pos. Gr.0 Jasmine Feraro F, G 121 Nichel Tampa G, SG 112 Kennedy Powell PG, G 93 Taja Cummings PG 114 Sarah Recht G 910 Emma Motter G 911 Kasiyahna Kushkituah C 1112 Kori McDaniels SG, PF 1014 Jala Jordan G, F 1015 Maya Dodson G 1124 Olivia Swanston G 1032 Gabby Burrell SF 1142 Yasmeen Ratliff C 1243 Alexis Ratliff C 10
Head Coach: Allison Prather
No. Name Pos. Gr.
1 Uloma Enyogasi SF 11
3 Taylor Riggins G 10
10 Arielle Holloway PG 12
11 Carmen Holmes G 10
12 Theodora Odia G, F 12
14 Chioma Nnamani G, F 10
21 Tobulayefa Oweiyegha C 10
ST. FRANCIS
GREENFOREST CHRISTIAN
KNIGHTS • 30-1 • REGION 6B
EAGLES • 27-0 • REGION 5
A-PRIVATE GIRLS
DID YOU KNOW?
SATURDAY11:00 AM 3.5.15
THEO RATLIFF, THE FATHER OF ST. FRANCIS’ YASMEEN AND ALEXIS RALIFF,
LED THE NBA IN BLOCKS PER GAME THREE TIMES (2001, 2003, 2004).
ST. FRANCISGREENFOREST
Photo credit: Ty Freeman
MARCH 3-5, 2016
3 5 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
Region 5 has been home to the Green Machine also known as No. 1 Greenforest. The Eagles have held the top ranking the entire season and have been the most dominant team in the state. Widely regarded as
the best team in the Peach state regardless of classification, Greenforest has also been ranked nationally. The Eagles’ only in-state loss came to Class AAA No. 6 South Atlanta at the Blue Collar Basketball MLK Classic 62-57. Greenforest kicked off the season with a bang at Holiday Hoopsgiving, announcing their pres-ence as an elite program. They destroyed two of Class AAAAAA’s finest: No. 7 Pebblebrook 87-59 and No. 3 Norcross 77-48. Opponents get lost in Coach Larry Thompson’s Greenforest trees. Five-star junior center caps the giant sequoias at 7-foot and is recognized as the nation’s top shot blocker. He swatted away 20 No. 4 Our Lady of Mercy attempts in their 76-61 Region 5 championship. Abayomi Iyiola has improved his game by leaps and bounds and is a 6-foot-10 stretch forward. Mohammed Abdulsalem enters off the bench as a bull in a china shop at 6-foot-9, 250 pounds gobbling up rebounds at an alarming rate, nearly impos-sible to move out of the paint. Junior Victor Enoh is 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-7 forward Precious Ayah is a Miami (OH) signee. As good as Greenforest is at protecting the rim, guards Justin Forrest and John Ogwuche are who make the Eagles a national powerhouse. Forrest averages a team-high 20 points per game as a junior while Ogwuche, a New Hampshire signee, pitches in 14 a night. In their 78-62 Final Four victory over No. 5 Stratford Academy, Ogwuche poured in 27 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Forrest posted 24 points and six assists. They will get a crack at No. 2 St. Francis who beat them in the state championship last year 96-81.
Gone are Malik Beasley (FSU) and Kaiser Gates (Xavier) from last year’s powerful state championship team, but back is five-star Arizona-commit Kobi Simmons who ranks out as the state’s best player. The McDonalds
All-American has paced Coach Drew Catlett’s offense scoring 26.5 points per game. He erupted for 44 in a 105-79 win over St. Anne-Pacelli in the Elite Eight. Simmons will likely need a heroic effort to best No. 1 Greenforest, but he has the firepower to do so. He dropped in a team-high 27 in the title game last year while John Ogwuche led all scorers with 28 for Greenforest. Simmons is the focal point of the offense but Anthony Showell and Chance Anderson are dangerous as well. Showell moved in from Duluth over the offseason and brought with him a 13.8 point per game average and 5.3 rebounds from his point guard position. Anderson has been the unsung hero for the No. 2 ranked Knights this year. The 6-foot-7 senior posts 12.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game as a skilled forward that can also block shots and find the open man. He will be tested inside by Greenforest’s superior size and needs to hold his own. Since their loss to St. Johns (DC) at the Peachtree Corners Invitational back on Jan. 23, St. Francis has played their best basketball of the season. They have won 10-straight by an average margin of victory of 28.7 points. During that span the Knights crushed No. 10 Walker 81-64, No. 3 North Cobb Christian 88-64 in the Region 6 championship and No. 8 Whitefield Academy, who they split the regular season series with, 81-58 in the Final Four. St. Francis is searching for its third consecutive championship, the last team to win one other than the Knights? Greenforest in 2012-13 when they beat the Knights 55-41.
Head Coach: Andrew CatlettNo. Name Pos. Gr.00 Wallace Tucker PG 111 Jacob Davis G 122 Kobi Simmons PG, SG 123 Anthony Showell SG, PG 125 Avery Showell W 1111 Will Richter G 1012 Dylin Hardeman G 1014 CJ Riley PG 915 Sean Paradise SF 920 Carson White PF 1221 Thomas Owen W 1022 Graham Owenby PF 1023 Chance Anderson PF, SF 1224 Chandler White PF, C 1225 Jordan Ferguson PF, SF 1132 Noah Christy PF, C 1133 Drew Smith PF, SF 11
Head Coach: Larry ThompsonNo. Name Pos. Gr.0 Khalil Hardison SG, P 91 Michael Evans PG, SG 112 Jandan Duggan PG, SG 113 Jared Bowens G 124 Justin Forrest PG, SG 115 Precious Ayah F, SF, PF 1210 John Ogwuche SG, G 1212 Victor Enoh F, SF 1113 Mitchell Evans PG 915 Malachi Parks G 1121 Ikey Obiagu C, C 1123 Abayomi Iyiola PF, F 1124 Mohammed Abdulsalem C, PF 1025 Ryan Hill G 932 Darion Moye F 10
GREENFOREST CHRISTIAN
ST. FRANCIS
EAGLES • 29-2 • REGION 5
KNIGHTS • 23-7 • REGION 6B
A-PRIVATE BOYSGREENFOREST
DID YOU KNOW?
SATURDAY12:45 PM 3.5.15
ST. FRANCIS
KOBI SIMMONS SCORED 20 POINTS AS A FRESH-MAN IN ST. FRANCIS’ 55-41 STATE CHAMPION-
SHIP LOSS TO GREENFOREST, THE LAST TEAM TO WIN A STATE TITLE OUTSIDE OF THE KNIGHTS.
Photo credit:Ty Freeman
GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
3 6 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
The undefeated Turner County Rebels opened the postseason with a 65-44 win over Georgia Military Col-lege. In the quarterfinals, the Rebels defeated Telfair County for the fourth time this season with a 56-42
final. In the semifinals against Wheeler County, Turner County rallied and ran away with a 57-44 victory, while improving to 30-0 and punching its second consecutive ticket to the Class A-Public state championship in Macon, where they fell to Taylor County a year ago. The key to the Rebels’ success this postseason has been the efficient play and fearless leadership of senior Mylashia Yancey. The 5-foot-8 guard is averaging 28 points per game this postseason, while shooting 27-of-52 from the floor. Yancey has taken over games with her ability to get to the foul line and has netted 30 of 38 attempts in the past three games, including 11-14 in the semifinals. On the boards, she is averaging 10.3 rebounds per game since the playoffs started and she has also added a pair of steals and assists per game. With a 25.8 scoring average per game this season, Yancey has accounted for 41.5 percent of the Rebels’ points. Senior Bailey Barnes has also stepped up her play this post-season. Barnes has reached double-figures in each of the past three games, while averaging 10 rebounds per game. Turner County is aggressive on the defensive end and as a produces nearly 17 steals per game. On the boards, Yancey and Barnes are proven rebounders and down the stretch of the game, the Rebels are a highly-effective free throw shooting team. Turner County has connected on 47-of-65 trips to the charity stripe this postseason, a stat that has helped fuel a 49-39 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter of three competitive playoff victories and could steer Terrell County away from being overly aggressive.
Terrell County sits one win away from its first state title since 2005 and fourth in school history (1985-86). This year’s playoff run opened with a challenging Hancock Central team that had the game locked
29-29 entering the fourth quarter before Terrell County escaped with a 45-40 victory. This set up a quarter-final matchup with Calhoun County, a team that Terrell County had already defeated twice this season. The Lady Greenwave jumped to a 23-17 halftime and punched consecutive tickets to the Class A-Public semifi-nals with a 42-29 victory. Terrell County led 36-28 at the end of the third quarter and outscored the Cougars 6-1 in the final frame. In the semifinals, Terrell County held off a 30-point performance by Greenville’s star sophomore Brittany Davis as Timarus Whiting and Brittany Williams helped position the victorious Green-wave. Terrell County led 33-22 in the second quarter but Davis added a field goal and a free-throw in the closing seconds to cut it to 33-25 at the half. The Terrell County lead grew to 43-29 midway threw the third quarter, but back-to-back 3-pointers by Destani Parks, who finished with five made deep balls in the game brought it back to a single-digit game (43-35) with 1:04 left in the period. Whiting was later fouled at the buzzer and made a free throw to give Terrell County a 46-37 lead entering the fourth. Greenville chipped away at the lead with more sharp-shooting from Parks and Davis’ aggressive drives to the basket. The Patri-ots eventually made it a 60-56 game with 58 seconds left but nine seconds later Davis fouled out with her 30-points and a Whiting free throw and a pair of makes by Jamya McDaniel ended the game with a 3-0 run. Terrell County is a balanced and well-coached team that can dominate the boards and create scoring runs with collective rebounding and their ambitious transition offense.
Head Coach: Tasha Kimble
No. Name Pos. Gr.
2 Xariah Office PG 12
4 Kaneisha Gilbert SG, SF 12
5 Ebony Hicks G 11
10 Ka’nijah Martin F 10
11 Shalonda Burwell G 12
12 Triana Pickett F 12
14 Quaneisha Ezell G, F 10
15 Mylashia Yancey G 12
20 Brishuana Barnes F 12
22 Zakiyah Office F 10
24 Mia Carithers G 10
33 Tynesia Whitehead C 12
50 Aerial Hamilton C 10
Head Coach: Tammye Jenkins-Ware
No. Name Pos. Gr.
4 Tymia Harvey G 10
15 Jamya McDaniel G 10
20 Tatyana Perry F 11
21 Ticobia Whiting G 10
23 Timarius Whiting G 12
24 Brittany Williams C 12
25 Jameil McDaniel F 10
31 Sequoya Powell F 11
32 Takandris Jordan F 11
34 Trelliany Johnson G 9
40 Chandrea Bell F 11
42 La’Mya Asberry G 9
54 Jada Spencer C 12
TURNER COUNTY
TERRELL COUNTY
REBELS • 30-0 • REGION 2
GREENWAVE • 24-3 • REGION 1
A-PUBLIC GIRLSTURNER CO.
DID YOU KNOW?
THURSDAY3:00 PM 3.3.15
TERRELL CO.
TASHA KIMBLE WON 53 OUT OF 60 GAMES THIS SEASON AS THE TURNER
COUNTY GIRLS AND BOYS HEAD COACH.
Photo credit: Ben Baker/The Wiregrass Farmer
MARCH 3-5, 2016
3 7 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
The seven-time state champs are ranked No. 1 in the state but drew the fifth-seed in the power ratings. The Warriors continue to draw talent to Irwinton. The biggest frontcourt in Class A-Public consists of
6-foot-9 Jonathan Baehre, 6-foot-7 Greg Couson, 6-foot-6 Tylan Grable and 6-foot-5 wing Clarence Jack-son. Jackson is a sophomore that initiates the offense averaging over 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game. In their Elite Eight win over No. 10 Lincoln County 76-39, Dr. Aaron Geter saw his team use a tenacious defense and balanced approach offensively to shut down Ahmad Rand and Zach Crite. The Warriors blocked 20 shots and Crite was denied the ball, disrupting Coach Wesley Wuchte’s offense. The Red Devils jumped out to a 9-4 lead but after that it was all Wilkinson. Aaron Geter III scored a game-high 12 points while Jackson (10), Baehre (9) and Grable (8) all chipped in. A stingy defense keyed by pressure up top and length inside has been a recipe for success. Wilkinson County played a tough schedule coming out of Region 7 and will see No. 4 Hancock Central for the third time this year after winning 68-55 to open the season and losing 70-62 in January. Aside from competition within their region, the Warriors have played AA No. 9 Swainsboro three times and AAAAA No. 7 Warner Robins during the regular season. In the postseason they thumped No. 9 Atkinson County in round one 71-39 and cruised by 1-seed and No. 3 ranked Treutlen 69-56 in the Final Four. Wilkinson County took a 35-27 lead into the half and outscored Treutlen 12-10 in the third quarter to increase the lead to double-digits before breezing to the finish line. The Warriors won back-to-back titles before Hancock Central stunned them last year in the Elite Eight 72-71 in double overtime.
The Bulldogs take a seven-seed into the state championship but are ranked No. 4 in the state. Coach Anthony Webb’s team has taken a tough route to Macon but has passed every test it has faced. In the
opening round of the state playoffs Hancock Central used a 22-10 third quarter advantage to gain separation and pull away from 10-seed Marion County 86-75, ending elusive scorer Lorenzo Smothers’ career after a 26-point game on 10-of-26 shooting. In the Elite Eight it was No. 5 Taylor County’s turn to get bit by the Bull-dogs, 75-66. Hancock Central broke open a 41-41 tie and outscored No. 5 Taylor County 34-25 in the fourth quarter to advance to the Final Four. Alex Brooks was one of four Hancock players that finished in double-figures as he paced the Bulldogs with a team-high 22 points. Teammates Devojia Tucker netted 14 points, Martravious Smith finished with 13 and Phillipe Scott chipped in 12. It was a wild finish in the semifinals as the Bulldogs knocked off No. 2 Turner County 68-66. Hancock Central led 49-46 entering the final quarter. Scott was the hero for the Bulldogs hitting the game-winner with eight seconds left. Scott made 8-of-13 at-tempts from the foul line and netted 10 of Hancock Central’s 19 points. Hancock Central took a 66-60 lead after a pair of Scott foul shots as just 44 seconds remained on the clock. Turner County’s Deandre Pierce drilled a three-pointer to cut it to 66-63 and then Scott was fouled and missed both attempts to keep Turner County within a possession. Pierce hit a corner three on the next possession, tying it up 66-66 with 14 sec-onds left. Neither team had a timeout left so Scott took the inbounds and dribbled straight to the rim where he drew the foul and hit the game-winning basket. Scott missed the free-throw but Turner County could not convert with eight seconds left as a desperation shot came up short.
Head Coach: Dr. Aaron Geter, Jr.No. Name Pos. Gr.0 Aaron Geter III G 111 Ontario Coats G 122 Jonathan Baehre F 123 Larry Jones G 114 Greg Cousin C 115 Clarence Jackson G 1010 Landrick Horne G 1111 Devin Jones PG 1012 DeMarcus Mims PF 923 Jadaveon Jones PG 1124 Brandon Mays G 1033 Derrick Wilcher F 1140 Deandre Fordham PG 1142 Tylan Grable C 1044 Joquavious Gotell C 12
Head Coach: Anthony WebbNo. Name Pos. Gr.2 Brandon Sibert G, F 123 Alex Brooks G 1210 Devojia Tucker G 1111 Martravious Smith F 1212 Jamil Watkins G 920 Shondez Williams G 1121 Reginald Reynolds F 922 Kaben Hunt F, C 930 Dearieus Fluellen G 1132 Jacobe Barnes G, F 1233 Phillipe Scott F, C 1234 LaDarius Lundy F 1235 Jamal Watkins F 940 Jamiyah Fountain C 950 Dallis Meminger C 11
WILKINSON COUNTY
HANCOCK CENTRAL
WARRIORS • 25-6 • REGION 7A
BULLDOGS • 24-6 • REGION 7B
A-PUBLIC BOYSWILKINSON CO.
DID YOU KNOW?
THURSDAY4:45 PM 3.3.15
HANCOCK CENT.
HANCOCK CENTRAL IS 4-2 IN THEIR LAST SIX MEETINGS WITH WILKINSON COUNTY
DATING BACK TO LAST SEASON.
Photo credit: Charles Collins, Lasting Impressions
GHSA 2016 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
3 8 | W W W. G H S A . N E T
Year AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A B C 1970 - - Decatur East Rome Early Co. Hogansville Arlington1971 - - Carver, Col. Berrien Roswell Hogansville GAC1972 - - Savannah Russell Calhoun Co. Hogansville GAC1973 - - SW, Macon SW, Atlanta Bacon Co. West Point -1974 - - Savannah SW, Atlanta College Park Hogansville -1975 - - SW, Macon West Fulton College Park Monticello -1976 - - Savannah West Fulton College Park Woodbury -1977 - - LaGrange Brown Arnold GAC -1978 - - SW, Macon Peach Co. Josey Clay Co. -1979 - SW, Macon SW, Atlanta Arnold Dacula - -1980 - Tompkins Decatur Lakeshore Hoganville - -1981 - Baldwin West Laurens Crawford Co. Woodbury - -1982 - Campbell Decatur Crawford Co. Central, Tal. - -1983 - Marietta Gainesville Randolph-Clay Woodbury - -1984 - Douglas, Atl. Gainesville Terrell Co. Woodbury - -1985 - SW, Macon Lee Co. Central, Car. Woodbury - -1986 - Wills Hart Co. Randolph-Clay Bible Baptist - -1987 - Washington (Forfeited) Lakeshore Clinch Co. - -1988 - Griffin Madison Co. Claxton Richmond Hill - -1989 - SW, Macon Marist East Rome Clinch Co. - -1990 - Southside Westover Mitch.-Baker Central, Tal. - -1991 - Statesboro Westover Mitch.-Baker East Rome - -1992 - Johnson, Sav. Westover Wash. Co. Greenville - -1993 - Griffin Westover North Clayton Richmond Hill - -1994 - Wheeler Marist Wash. Co. Richmond Hill - -1995 - Dunwoody Westside Dodge Co. Atkinson Co. - -1996 - Tift Co. Tucker Swainsboro Hogansville - -1997 - Roswell Dougherty Cedar Grove Calhoun Co. - -1998 - Savannah Westover Mitch.-Baker Seminole Co. - -1999 - Marietta Westlake Mitch.-Baker Wilkinson Co. - -2000 - Berkmar Marist Mitch.-Baker Wilkinson Co. - -2001 Berkmar Dougherty Westover East Hall Taylor Co. - -2002 Wheeler Westlake Cross Keys Wilkinson Co. Taylor Co. - -2003 Wheeler Griffin East Hall Mitch.-Baker Whitefield Acad. - -2004 S. Gwinnett Mays West Laurens Randolph-Clay SW Atl. Christian - -2005 Wheeler Mays Dunwoody East Hall Randolph-Clay - -2006 Norcross Columbia Dunwoody Dublin SW Atl. Christian - -2007 Norcross Tucker Jordan Manchester Wilkinson Co. - -2008 Norcross Columbia Glenn Hills Wesleyan Hancock Cent. - -2009 Wheeler Miller Grove South Atlanta Dublin Whitefield Academy - -2010 Milton Miller Grove Columbia GAC Wesleyan - -2011 Norcross Miller Grove Columbia GAC Wilkinson Co. - -2012 Milton Miller Grove Columbia Laney Whitefield Academy - -
Year AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A B C 1970 - - Forest Park Berrien Monroe Area Mitchell Co. Taylor Co.1971 - - Sequoyah Sprayberry Taylor Co. Montgomery Norman Park1972 - - Decatur Berrien Taylor Co. Montgomery GAC1973 - - Cherokee Monroe Area Haralson Co. Loganville -1974 - - Waycross Cairo Pickens GAC -1975 - - NE, Macon Berrien Haralson Co. GAC -1976 - - Cherokee Franklin Co. Brooks Co. Clinch Co. -1977 - - Lowndes Brooks Co. Irwin Co. Miller Co. -1978 - - Lowndes Waycross Bowdon Co. Temple -1979 - Lowndes Berrien Co. East Hall Miller Co. - -1980 - Lowndes Coffee East Hall Miller Co. - -1981 - NE, Macon Madison Co. White Co. Warren Co. - -1982 - NE, Macon Cairo Putnam Co. GAC - -1983 - LaGrange Berrien Morgan Co. GAC - -1984 - LaGrange Rockdale Co. Seminole Co. Central, Tal. - -1985 - NE, Macon Dodge Co. Terrell Co. Central, Tal. - -1986 - Baldwin Rossville Terrell Co. Central, Tal. - -1987 - Baldwin Dodge Co. Seminole Co. Clinch Co. - -1988 - Baldwin Chattooga Upson Taylor Co. - -1989 - Morrow Hart Co. Seminole Co. Hawkinsville - -1990 - Morrow Hart Co. Berrien Co. Broxton-M. Hayes - -1991 - Morrow Hart Co. Wash. Co. Clinch Co. - -1992 - Cedar Shoals Hart Co. Tri-County Taylor Co. - -1993 - Morrow Hart Co. Fannin Co. Clinch Co. - -1994 - Sequoyah Hart Co. Gainesville Taylor Co. - -1995 - S. Gwinnett Woodward Haralson Co. Taylor Co. - -1996 - Sequoyah Woodward Randolph-Clay Manchester - -1997 - Stone Mtn. Richmond Acad. Thomasville Pelham - -1998 - Wheeler Josey Thomasville Putnam Co. - -1999 - Pope Woodward Fannin Co. Holy Innocents’ - -2000 - Beach North Atlanta Randolph-Clay Sav. Ctry. Day - -2001 Collins Hill C. Gwinnett Gainesville GAC Jefferson - -2002 Collins Hill Glenn Hills NE, Macon GAC Wesleyan - -2003 Parkview Mays Gainesville Early Co. Taylor Co. - -2004 Stephenson St. Pius X Gainesville Wesleyan Hawkinsville - -2005 Collins Hill Etowah Hephzibah Wesleyan Terrell Co. - -2006 Collins Hill St. Pius X Avondale Wesleyan SW Atl. Christian - -2007 Collins Hill St. Pius X East Hall GAC Hawkinsville - -2008 Stephenson SW DeKalb Kendrick Wesleyan Calvary Day - -2009 Redan SW DeKalb Carrollton Buford Wesleyan - -2010 Norcross SW DeKalb Columbia Buford Wesleyan - -2011 Norcross Fayette Co. Washington Co. Buford Wesleyan - -2012 McEachern Miller Grove Columbia Lovett Wesleyan - -
PAST STATE CHAMPIONSBOYS PAST STATE CHAMPIONS (SINCE 1970)
GIRLS PAST STATE CHAMPIONS (SINCE 1970)
YEAR AAAAAA AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A-Public A-Private 2013 Norcross Miller Grove Eagles Landing Johnson, Savannah GAC Wilkinson Co. Greenforest 2014 Tift County Miller Grove Jonesboro Morgan County GAC Wilkinson Co. St. Francis2015 Wheeler Brunswick Jonesboro Jenkins Seminole County Calhoun County St. Francis
YEAR AAAAAA AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A-Public A-Private 2013 Norcross SW DeKalb Columbia St. Pius X Wesleyan Gordon Lee St. Francis 2014 McEachern Tucker Redan St. Pius X Kendrick Randolph-Clay SACA2015 McEachern Stephenson Buford Laney Wesleyan Taylor County St. Francis
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