2025 CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
CLASS A-3A PRIVATE – GIRLS
1:00 PM – Holy Innocents’ vs. Hebron Christian
CLASS A-3A PRIVATE – BOYS
3:00 PM – Holy Innocents’ vs. N. Cobb Christian
CLASS 3A GIRLS
5:00 PM – Baldwin vs. Cherokee Bluff
CLASS 3A BOYS
7:00 PM – Cedar Grove vs. Sandy Creek
THURSDAY, MARCH 6
CLASS 2A GIRLS
1:00 PM – Hardaway vs. Murray County
CLASS 2A BOYS
3:00 PM – Union County vs. Butler
CLASS 4A GIRLS
5:30 PM – Jackson-Atlanta vs. Creekside
CLASS 4A BOYS
7:30 PM – North Oconee vs. Pace Academy
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
CLASS A DIV. 2 – GIRLS
1:00 PM – Washington-Wilkes vs. Wilcox County
CLASS A DIV. 2 – BOYS
3:00 PM – McIntosh Co. Academy vs. Savannah
CLASS 5A GIRLS
5:30 PM – River Ridge vs. Langston Hughes
CLASS 5A BOYS
7:30 PM – Tri-Cities vs. Woodward Academy
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
CLASS A - DIV. 1 GIRLS
11:00 AM – Banks County vs. Fannin County
CLASS A - DIV. 1 BOYS
1:00 PM – Southwest vs. B.E.S.T. Academy AAASP
3:00 PM – Houston County vs. Clayton County
CLASS 6A GIRLS 5:30 PM – Newton vs. Grayson
CLASS 6A BOYS 7:30 PM – Newton vs. Wheeler
WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GHSA
WELCOME GHSA BASKETBALL FANS
Welcome to the 2025 Ralph Swearngin Basketball State Championships! The games are sure to be exciting as all of the schools represented are looking forward to their team achieving the title of “Champion”. However, we all know that all of our teams are outstanding and are defi nitely winners. This has been an outstanding season and this year’s championship games will include familiar faces as well as teams that have worked hard and peaked at just the right time.
Our congratulations are in order for all of the teams, coaches, administrators, cheerleaders and parents who have supported the athletes through this year’s journey to the fi nal game. I know you will enjoy and appreciate the games and all of the work leading up to this exciting event.
I would also like to thank you for your support of high school basketball throughout the season. Your attendance and support is integral to the success of high school athletics and for the teams you are here to cheer on. Good sports-
TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
TITLE CONTENDERS, CINDERELLA RUNNERS AND RETURNING CHAMPIONS HIGHLIGHT GHSA BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
BY SETH ELLERBEE
The games begin Wednesday through Saturday with the CO-ED 3-point contest Thursday, the girls 3-point contest Friday and the slam dunk contest Saturday following the AAASP Wheelchair state championship game.
WE JUST WANT ONE
Entering the championship games are programs looking for their fi rst-ever state titles and on the boys side, those teams are North Cobb Christian (Private), Holy Innocents’ (Private), McIntosh County Academy (A-Division II) and B.E.S.T. Academy (A-Division I).
The girls teams trying for their fi rst championship are Cherokee Bluff (3A), Hardaway (2A), Creekside (4A), Wilcox County (A-Division II), Washington-Wilkes (A-Division II), Langston Hughes (5A), Banks County (A-Division I) and Newton (6A).
SOUTHWEST-MACON, MAKING MACON PROUD
Teams returning to Macon wanting to add another trophy to their cases are in abundance, and on the boys side, Southwest-Macon enters the championship looking for the team’s fi rst title since 1989.
But throughout the 1970’s, Southwest was one of the best teams in the nation.
The Patriots won state championships in 1973, 1975, 1978 and 1979. But it was the 1979 season where the Patriots fi nished 28-0, earning the national championship that’s most-memorable. In 2019, the GHSA honored the 40th anniversary of the Patriots No. 1, nationally ranked program.
For the boys, Savannah (A-Division II) has 11 championships to lead the pack. The Bluejackets won in 1930-32, 1937, 1941, 1946-47, 1972, 1974, 1976 and 1998. Sandy Creek (3A) has two titles (2023-2024), Cedar Grove (3A) has one title (1997), Butler (2A) has one title (1966), Union (2A) has one title (1967), Pace Academy (4A)
manship is expected from our athletes and I urge you to be positive in your support of all of our teams. Let’s work together to make this week’s games a great experience for all involved.
To put on an event of this magnitude takes many volunteers who have worked tirelessly to provide a “fi rst class” event. Many hours of work from this group will enhance the experience for our players, cheerleaders, and fans. The GHSA staff has been working for weeks as well to ensure a special event for all involved. Finally, I would like to thank our corporate sponsors who make it possible to put on these championships. Their advertisements can be seen throughout this program, and I encourage you to support them whenever possible. The GHSA wants to thank these exemplary companies for their involvement, we appreciate their support.
Thank you for your attendance and I know you are going to enjoy the best high school basketball anywhere!
Thanks,
Dr. Tim Scott
has fi ve titles (2016, 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2023), and North Oconee (4A) has one, last season in 4A. Woodward (5A) has one title (2020) while Tri-Cities has two (2019, 2022). Wheeler (6A) has nine titles – 1994, 2002-03, 2005, 2009, 2015, 2020, 2021 and 2023. Newton (when it was Newton County) has one title in 1964.
On the girls side, Hebron Christian (Private) has three titles – 2021, 2023 and last season – while Holy Innocents’ has four championships – 1999, 2016, 2019-20. Baldwin (3A) has four championships – 1986-88 and last season. Murray County (2A) is trying for its second title and fi rst since 1965. Jackson-Atlanta (5A) won its fi rst-ever title last season and is back for second helpings. River Ridge won its fi rst title in 2023 and wants another. Grayson (6A) won its fi rst title last season and wants to repeat.
CLOSE CALLS AND NARROW MARGINS
Some teams are just happy to still be playing basketball in March after surviving one, or more, close calls throughout the playoffs.
On the boys side, Class 6A fi nalist Newton narrowly advanced past the semifi nals with its 56-53 victory against Pebblebrook. Woodward Academy (5A) outlasted Milton 58-56 in the second round, Winder-Barrow 64-57 in the quarterfi nals and Hughes 63-58 in the semifi nals. North Oconee (4A) advanced past Mays 64-59 in the quarterfi nals. Sandy Creek (3A) survived a 53-52 scare against Cross Creek in the quarterfi nals. Cedar Grove (3A) beat Luella 56-50 in the second round and Baldwin 56-49 in the quarterfi nals. Butler (2A) narrowly beat Carver-Columbus 78-73 to earn its title berth. B.E.S.T. Academy (A-Division I) had its scare in the 58-51 fi rstround victory against Bleckley County. McIntosh County Academy outlasted Greene County 49-41 in the semifi nals. North Cobb Christian (Private) narrowly escaped the semifi nals with a 57-51 victory against Greenforest.
On the girls side, Grayson (6A) beat Lowndes 57-54 in the quarterfi nals and Cherokee 53-48 in the semis while Newton narrowly beat North Forsyth 55-47 in the semis. Jackson-Atlanta (4A) had narrow playoff victories against Kell 53-48 in the second round, Northview 45-39 in the quarterfi nals and North Oconee 80-79 in the semis. Cherokee Bluff relied on a buzzer-beater to beat Jenkins 56-55 in the semis while Baldwin narrowly beat Adairsville 60-52 in the fi rst round, HeritageCatoosa 50-49 in the quarterfi nals and Fayette County 62-55 in the semis. Murray County (2A) outlasted Morgan County 71-66 in the semis. Banks County (A-Division I) narrowly advanced through the semis against Model 51-44. Washington-Wilkes (A-Division II) outlasted Telfair County 54-51 in the quarterfi nals. Hebron Christian (Private) moved past Mount Paran 53-46 in the quarterfi nals while Holy Innocents’ edged St. Francis 63-61 in the semis to earn a title berth.
PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER,
who passed away on December 29, 2024 at age 100, was an avid basketball fan growing up. He played on the Plains High School basketball team. Plains High, a tiny school, did not have a football program, making basketball the No. 1 sport around. Carter, alongside teammate Billy Wise, would practice on an outdoor dirt court, and then run 2.5 miles home. One of Carter’s best games came during his last season with Plains, as he scored nine points in a 23-18 victory over Leesburg.
*President Jimmy Carter as a junior in high school, wearing No. 10
LET ‘EM PLAY
The iconic Evolution Basketball with an unmatched feel. Made for players who know that hard work leads to evolution.
TheHouston County Sharks are in familiar territory as they prepare for a chance at their fourth-consecutive AAASP title and twelfth in program history. Looking to deny the Sharks this glory will be the Clayton Eagles, who last season met Houston County in the finals, losing 35-16. This season, the title is up for grabs as both teams will face off in Macon at 3 p.m. on Saturday during the final day of the state championships.
It’s a tall task to upend the Houston County Sharks, as the program has won a state title every year since 2013 with exception to 2021, which went to the Gwinnett Heat. Returning
to the court for the Sharks will be Anthony Cuti, who last year scored a team-high 16 points to pace Houston County. Alongside Cuti will be Caden Nelson, who scored seven points during last year’s championship game. On the other side of the court, the Clayton Eagles return with a chance to do what they couldn’t last year, beat the Sharks in the final game of the season and claim a first-ever AAASP title. If the Eagles are able to do just that, they will become just the sixth program to claim an AAASP title since wheelchair basketball became a GHSA sanctioned sport back in 2004, with the first-ever title going to the Macon Bears.
HOLY INNOCENTS’
HGOLDEN BEARS • 24-5 • REGION 5
oly Innocents’ has made its first state championship appearance since the 2020 season, and the Golden Bears are looking for the program’s fifth championship. The team has been one of the best programs for years, even though they have not won a championship since 2020. Before that 2020 championship, they had won two more titles in the second half of the 2010s, in 2016 and 2019. Holy Innocents’ entered the 2024-2025 season as one of the favorites to win the new A-3A Private classification. They are led by the top senior recruit in the state, 5-star point guard and Stanford-commit Hailee Swain. The team enters the state championship on an 11-game winning streak. Against in-state teams, the Golden Bears have been dominant, losing only three games. Those three losses came against some of the best teams in the state, River Ridge, Langston Hughes, and North Paulding, who combined for a 65-6 record this season and two of which have made the state finals themselves. The first three rounds of the playoffs showed how dominant Holy Innocents’ could be. In those rounds, the Golden Bears outscored their opponents 244-76, with an average margin of victory of 56 points per game. Most impressively, they secured a 9618 victory over Mt. Pisgah. Holy Innocents’ semifinal matchup against two-time defending champions St. Francis was a four-quarter battle, with the Golden Bears escaping with a 63-61 win.
HEBRON CHRISTIAN
Hebron Christian is looking to win its third straight championship and fourth in the last five years, aiming to give legendary coach Jan Azar her 17th state championship, all of which have come since the 2002 season. The Lions have been one of the championship favorites since winning last year’s 3A title. With two 4-star players, Hebron Christian is one of the most talented teams in the country. The team is led by senior 4-star point guard Aubrey Beckham, who is committed to the University of Georgia, and senior 4-star power forward Danielle Osho, who is committed to the University of Miami (FL). The Lions have only lost one game this season, a 5552 loss to 5A finalist Langston Hughes, a team which the Lions had already defeated six days earlier. Since that loss, they have won 19-straight games. The Lions’ 29-1 record secured the top overall seed and the only first-round bye in the playoffs. Hebron’s first playoff game was a dominant 93-25 victory over region foe Prince Avenue Christian. Their quarterfinal matchup was much tougher, as they faced three-time defending champion Mt. Paran. The back-and-forth battle ended with Hebron pulling out a 53-46 victory. The team’s semifinal matchup against Gal
loway was expected to be another close contest. However, Hebron dominated from the open tip off, coming away with a 74-32 victory, winning by 42 points in a game that was never in doubt.
N. COBB CHRISTIAN VS.
Holy Innocents’ has made its way back to the state title game for the second year in a row, aiming to win the program’s first-ever state championship. The team is currently on an 11game winning streak and looks to continue its momentum in the upcoming state title game against top-seeded North Cobb Christian. The Golden Bears are led by 5-star power forward Caleb Wilson, a North Carolina-commit who is averaging 21.2 points, 11 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game. Alongside him, junior guards Devin Hutcherson and Kingston Whitty have been key contributors, both averaging double-digit points while shooting over 50% from the field. Hutcherson is averaging more than 14 points per game, while Whitty is contributing more than 10 points per game. Holy Innocents’ has been dominant throughout the postseason. In their first playoff game, they defeated Aquinas by 55 points. Their second-round matchup was their closest contest so far, but they still secured a 16-point victory over Landmark Christian in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score suggested. The last two rounds of the playoffs were just as dominant as the first. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Hebron Christian 94-38, leading by 38 points at halftime. In the semifinals, they took down a tough Mt. Paran Christian team 84-42, securing their spot in the state championship game for the second consecutive year.
Top-seeded North Cobb Christian has advanced to its first state finals since joining the GHSA in the 2008-2009 school year. The Eagles have won their last 19 games and went undefeated in region play this season. While they don’t have the high-end recruits that some other teams may have, they feature a balanced offense, with an astonishing four players averaging 12 or more points per game. Leading the team in scoring is sophomore forward Brock Bonner, who averages 18.7 points per game. Alongside him, sophomore center Xavier Butler contributes 15.6 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. The offense is run through sophomore guard Grant Robich, who averages 14 points and 6.7 assists per game. North Cobb Christian started the playoffs with a statement, putting up 106 points against The Weber School, with nine different players scoring at least eight points in the 106-49 victory. The next two rounds weren’t as dominant but still saw the Eagles win comfortably with back-to-back 76-64 victories over Mt. Bethel and St. Francis. The semifinals proved to be the Eagles’ biggest test, as they faced defending champion Greenforest Christian. Greenforest came out strong with a 20-point first quarter, but North Cobb Chris
tian made key defensive adjustments, allowing only 31 points the rest of the game. The Eagles pulled out a hard-fought 57-51 victory to secure their first-ever
BOTH HOLY INNOCENTS’ AND NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR FIRST STATE TITLES.
It has already been a breakthrough season for the Washington-Wilkes program and now the Tigers are a win away from achieving a historic championship. The Tigers opened their postseason with a 66-48 victory over Brooks County. Freshman Myasia Lewis (18), senior Crew Lanaysia (14), sophomore Kaidyn Porter (12) and freshman Zion Bankston (10) all reached double-figures in the victory. Samaria Young stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three assists in the team’s 64-39 win over Seminole County in the Sweet Sixteen. The freshman was joined by Bankston—who netted a team-high 15 points off an efficient 7-of-11 shooting from the field. In the quarterfinals, Washington-Wilkes outscored Telfair County 38-22 in the second half to rally to a 54-51 victory. The team produced 20 steals—including five from Lanaysia Crew—who finished with 16 points. Young contributed 18 points and seven rebounds. The victory sent Washington-Wilkes to the semifinals for the first time in program history where they faced a 22-3 Macon County team. In the semifinals, Washington-Wilkes burst to a 23-16 lead after the opening quarter but led by just two (34-32) at the half. The Tigers regained control in the third quarter, building a 52-42 lead and holding on for a 66-55 victory. Crew, Young and Lewis are each averaging in double-figures this season and Young—a freshman—has also led the way with a team-high eight rebounds per game.
The Wilcox County girls were the first team to earn a trip to the Macon Coliseum on Friday after scoring a 75-47 victory over Screven County—opening the slate with a 28-point victory to stamp their 26th-straight victory. Wilcox County opened the playoffs ranked No. 1 in Class A Div. II and had won 23-straight games since their lone loss (56-50) to Class 5A’s Lee County back on Dec. 7. Wilcox County has not lost within the classification this season and is now one victory away from capturing its first-ever state title. Last season, Wilcox County finished 27-3 and fell 57-42 to eventual state champion Greenforest Christian—which is now in the Class A-3A Private field. In Friday’s 75-47 victory, Wilcox County dominated from start to finish and built a 51-28 lead at the half. Zariah Martin closed out the third quarter with back-to-back field goals to help grow the lead to 60-37 at the end of the third quarter before the Patriots outscored the Gamecocks 15-10 in the final frame. Sophomore Shamauri Martin led with a game-high 30 points. In Wilcox County’s 75-45 win over Randolph-Clay in the quarterfinals, Zariah Martin (26), Shamauri Martin (16), Lezlee Roberts (10) and sophomore Tyliyah Benjamin (11) all reached doublefigures. Shamauri scored a team-high 27 points in the team’s 58-40 win over Taylor County and Benjamin went off for a game-high 26 points in the 61-44 opening-round victory over Portal.
WITH A FINALS VICTORY, SAVANNAH CAN WIN ITS 12TH ALL-TIME STATE TITLE AND MCINTOSH COUNTY ACADEMY CAN BECOME A FIRST-EVER STATE CHAMPION.
BUCCANEERS • 26-5 • REGION 3
McIntosh County Academy can make history on Friday and secure the program’s first-ever state title after successfully advancing to the finals. In the semifinals, McIntosh County Academy was tied with Greene County 23-23 at the half. The Buccaneers were outscored in the third quarter and trailed by five points heading into the fourth quarter, but answered with superb defense and closed out the 49-41 victory. McIntosh County Academy’s defense was so effective in the fourth quarter that the team was able to outscore Greene County 16-3 in the final frame and cruise to an eight-point victory. Senior Jayden Ellis led the way with a game-high 21 points and MJ Quarterman finished with 14 points to go with his team-high 11 rebounds. Craig Battle also came up big with seven assists, eight rebounds and six points. Defense has been a staple to MCA’s success throughout the season and during their playoff run. In the quarterfinals, McIntosh County Academy defeated Mitchell County 60-32. The Bucs held the Eagles to just four points in the first quarter and led 25-11 at the half before closing out the victory. Junior Jalen Drake knocked down two of the team’s five made three-pointers and eight different players provided points in the victory. McIntosh County Academy opened the playoffs with a 72-58 win over Wheeler County and then eliminated Taylor County with a 48-35 victory in the Sweet Sixteen.
Savannah survived a 64-55 win over Warren County in the semifinals to advance to Macon and move one victory away from capturing its first state title since the 1998 season. Savannah has been ranked No. 1 in Class A Div. II for most of the season and its only loss within the classification came to McIntosh County Academy (48-47) on Jan. 7. The Bluejackets avenged that loss just weeks later with a 56-46 victory over the Bucs and then took this season’s third-meeting 48-45 on Feb. 14 to earn the top seed out of Region 3. In the playoffs, Savannah opened with a 75-39 victory against Wilcox County. The Bluejackets advanced to take on Manchester in the second round and ran away with a 65-49 win. Savannah led 15-10 after the first quarter and 22-13 at the half before outscoring the Blue Devils 43-36 in an up-tempo second half of play. In the quarterfinals, Savannah started strong and held off Early County 69-42—limiting the Bobcats to just 1-of-14 shooting from beyond the arc. In the semifinals, Savannah held off Warren County’s second-half surge with a late 10-5 run to earn its spot in the finals. Senior Maki Joyner led the way with 19 points, while Chance Hendricks and Jermontae Brown each finished with 17 points. Zyaire Smart also contributed on both sides for the floor and finished with nine points.
BOYS PAST STATE CHAMPIONS (SINCE
1970 - - Decatur East Rome Early Co. Hogansville Arlington
- - Carver, Col. Berrien Roswell Hogansville GAC 1972 - - Savannah Russell Calhoun Co. Hogansville GAC 1973 - - SW, Macon SW, Atlanta Bacon Co. West Point -
Savannah SW, Atlanta College Park Hogansville
SW, Macon West Fulton College Park Monticello
- Savannah West Fulton College Park Woodbury
LaGrange Brown Arnold GAC
-
SW, Macon Peach Co. Josey Clay Co.
- 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.
- Marietta Gainesville Randolph-Clay Woodbury
- Douglass, Atl. Gainesville Terrell Co. Woodbury
- SW, Macon Lee Co. Central, Car. Woodbury
- Wills Hart Co. Randolph-Clay Bible Baptist
1987 - Washington (Forfeited) Lakeshore Clinch Co.
1988 - Griffin Madison Co. Claxton Richmond Hill -
- SW, Macon Marist East Rome Clinch Co.
1990 - Southside Westover Mitch.-Baker Central, Tal.
GIRLS PAST STATE CHAMPIONS (SINCE 1970)
LaGrange Berrien Morgan Co. GAC
Elevating the student-athlete experience with customized uniforms, apparel, footwear and more!
PROUD PARTNER OF
After scoring the final 12 points in their state championship semifinal-matchup against Model, defeating the Blue Devils 51-44 in overtime, the Banks County Lady Leopards are in the state championship where they will look to continue the run. This will be the Lady Leopards second state championship game in three seasons as they will look to bring home their first-ever girls basketball state championship. After trailing Model by five points with 40 seconds left in the semifinals, the Lady Leopards held Model scoreless in overtime, outscoring the Blue Devils 7-0 in the extra frame to earn a berth in the Class A-DI state championship game. The defensive pressure from the Lady Leopards was the story of the game and of the season, helping them ultimately reach the state championship. The No. 2-seeded Lady Leopards will have a lot on their plate going up against top-seeded Fannin County and will have to regroup following their semifinal overtime victory. Ryleigh and Reese Murphy (the Region 8-ADI Player of the Year) will look to come up big as they did in the previous round with their stout defensive pressure, forcing turnovers leading to easy baskets on the other end for the Lady Leopards. In their most previous trip to the state championship game in 2022, Banks County was defeated by Mount Paran Christian by 23 as the Lady Leopards look to write the ship in 2025, putting the past behind them.
Seeking their first state championship since the 1990s, the Fannin County Rebels are back on the loose and are seeking their third state championship in program history, their first since 1999. The Rebels, led by head coach Ryan Chastain, have won 19 consecutive games and have continued to showcase their talents throughout the rest of the postseason. The Rebels are led by junior center Reese Lewis as she was named Region 7-ADI Player of the Year along with a couple all-region selections to round out the roster. Maggie Ledford and Izzie Jabaley are names to note that were awarded First Team All-Region honors followed by second teamer Emma Buchanan and honorable mention selection Avi Ethington. The Rebels have depth that can really make a difference on any game. The Rebels will look to rely on that depth against a very good Banks County team that has won 22 games in a row. Having only lost two games all season, the Rebels are more than capable of taking over a game and have compiled a 4-0 record when playing on a neutral site court this season. The Rebels finished first with an undefeated 16-0 record in Region 7-ADI, winning the region tourna
ment by defeating teams such as Christian Heritage, Gordon Lee and Armuchee in the region championship. This is the Rebels’ first appearance in the state
game since 2021.
AND
Southwest is a basketball program that has continued to prove time and time again why they have been considered as one of the most dangerous basketball teams all season long. The Patriots are led by a handful of upperclassmen such as junior Chase Dupree, C.J. Howard and Brandon Ashley as they continue to perform on a high level leading Southwest to victory. In the semifinals against Toombs County, the Patriots defeated the Bulldogs 65-54 after being down by six at halftime. After out-scoring Toombs by nine in the final frame, Southwest was able to punch its ticket to the title game. Howard led the Patriots with 23 points followed by Dupree’s 21 points and Ashley’s 17 points to carry them into the state championship. The Patriots have caught lightning in a bottle throughout the postseason and want to continue their impressive run. The program is currently on a 13-game win-streak dating back to the regular season including a three-overtime victory over Dublin in the region championship. As the Patriots have reached the state title once again, the program will be looking for its first state championship victory since 1989 and the teams seventh state championship overall in program history. The Patriots will need to continue playing the same basketball they have been playing in hopes of being crowned champions. Southwest is led by head coach Monquencio Hardnett as he looks to bring the Patriots back to glory for the first time in over three decades.
The B.E.S.T. Academy boys basketball team is seeking the programs first-ever basketball state championship as the Eagles roll into Macon on a five-game winning streak with something to prove. The Eagles have lost just seven contests on the season and have been playing good basketball as of late, winning 10 of their last 11 matchups. The Eagles finished second in their region in the regular season compiling a 13-2 record, finishing second behind Walker. In the postseason, the Eagles beat Bleckley County, Rabun County, Fannin County and a tough East Laurens team to earn their spot in the state championship game. In their semifinal matchup against East Laurens, the Eagles outscored the Falcons 48-22 in the second half, running away with the victory. The roster for this season’s Eagles team has been led by mostly upperclassmen with the likes of the Mickell brothers, Jacob and Joshua, as well as Xion Evans and Nicholas Dozier who have all been excellent contributors for the Eagles this season. The Mickell’s are the top scorers on the team as they each average close to 18 points per game followed by Evans’ 12 points and Dozier’s 11 points to help round out the scoring for the Eagles and give them options at the offensive end of the floor. The Eagles will have their hands full with a stout Southwest team seeking its first title since 1989.
BOTH HARDAWAY AND MURRAY COUNTY ARE CURRENTLY ON 15-GAME WINNING STREAKS.
The Hardaway Hawks are back in the state title game for the second year in a row. The team is still looking for its first state championship in program history after a heartbreaking loss to Baldwin in last year’s finals, where they were unable to hold onto a fourth-quarter lead. The Hawks have been dominant down the stretch, winning 15 straight games and 21 consecutive games against GHSA opponents dating back to their December 14 loss to Holy Innocents’. Hardaway has used its size to dominate all season, with its three leading scorers all being frontcourt players standing at 5-foot-10 or taller. Sophomore Rhianna Boynton is the team’s leading scorer. Standing at 6-foot-1, she is the team’s starting center and has averaged 17.4 points per game this season. Additionally, she has dominated the glass, averaging 11.9 rebounds per game, an astonishing 6.9 of which are offensive rebounds. Their other two top scorers are senior Mikayla Johnson, who is averaging 17.3 PPG, and senior Akilah Shelton, who is averaging 11.4 PPG. The playoffs have seen the Hawks hit their stride, beating their first three opponents by 49 or more points. In their semifinal battle with Josey, Hardaway may not have been as dominant as in the first three rounds, but they still controlled the game, defeating the Eagles 65-45 and earning another shot at the program’s first-ever state title.
The Murray County Indians have been one of the most dominant teams in the state since the start of the season. The Indians have gone 30-1 this season, with their lone loss being a 50-48 upset to Sonoraville, a team Murray County defeated three other times this season, including a 57-41 quarterfinal victory. The team’s only close game in the playoffs was a 71-66 semifinal victory over Morgan County. Their playoff path has been one of the most interesting of any team this season, as they had to beat two region opponents, something that would have been impossible before the finals until this year’s reclassification. The reclassification introduced the new playoff ranking system for Class A-Division I, 2A, 3A and private schools within those classes. The Indians took advantage of these rankings, earning the top overall seed in Class 2A. In the playoffs, the Indians’ offense has come to life. While they averaged just 62.7 points per game during the regular season, they scored more than 70 points in three of their four playoff games, something they only accomplished four times in regulation during the regular season. Additionally, the 81 points they scored in their second-round matchup against Union County tied for the most points they have scored in any game this season. In the finals, the In
dians will look to break a 60-year championship
and claim their first title since 1965.
BUTLER VS.
A RICHMOND COUNTY SCHOOL HAS WON A CHAMPIONSHIP FOR FOUR STRAIGHT YEARS, BUTLER LOOKS TO EXTEND IT TO FIVE STRAIGHT.
The Union County Panthers have defied the odds to reach the 2A boys state championship game. The team has experienced a dramatic rise over the past five years. During the 2020-2021 season, the Panthers didn’t win a game, going 0-14, with only two of those games finishing within single digits. Since then, they have steadily improved, winning more games each season until finally reaching the finals this year, the team’s first state finals appearance since 1971. Their 26-5 record is even more impressive considering that three of those losses came against A-3A Private state finalist North Cobb Christian. Union County entered the playoffs as the sixth overall seed but immediately outplayed that ranking, defeating Pierce County 87-61. The second round followed a similar pattern, with the Panthers routing Westside-Macon, winning by 42 points. The quarterfinals provided their biggest challenge up to that point, as they faced severely underrated 19th seeded KIPP Atlanta Collegiate. However, the Panthers prevailed, winning 66-59. For the first time in the playoffs, Union County entered the semifinals as an underdog, facing No. 2 seed Tattnall County. The Warriors leaned on their elite defense having held 23 of their 29 opponents under 50 points this season. However, Union County became just the seventh team to surpass the 50-point mark, scoring 54 points while holding Tattnall to just 34 points, a total 16 points below their season average.
The fourth-seeded Butler Bulldogs have turned a dominant end to their regular season and playoffs into the school’s first state finals appearance since the 2021-2022 season, giving them a chance at their second state championship and first since 1966. Entering the final week of the regular season, Butler was in a heated battle with Laney and Burke County for the top seed in the Region 4-2A tournament. Up to that point, Butler was 5-2 in region play but was 0-2 against the other top two teams in the region. However, they finished the regular season strong, defeating both top teams in their final three games and then beating Laney once again in the region title game. The Bulldogs began their playoff run with a dominant 29-point win over Miller Grove. The next two rounds, against 13 seed Columbia and 12 seed Franklin County, were not as dominant but still resulted in comfortable victories by 13 and 16 points, respectively. Their biggest test came against top-seeded Carver-Columbus. The Tigers had entered the semifinals after a dominant first three rounds of the playoffs, winning by a margin of 29.7 points per game, the highest in the 2A playoffs. Their offense didn’t disappoint, scor
ing 73 points in an overtime thriller. However, Butler used a massive 27-point second quarter and a 12-point overtime period to put up 78 points, defeating the heavily favored Tigers.
The Class 4A defending-champion Baldwin Braves are back and trying for the team’s fifth state championship after outlasting Fayette County 62-55 in the semifinals at Fort Valley State. Baldwin won three-straight championships from 1986-1988 under head coach Janet Allman. In the past three years, Baldwin has advanced to the semifinals in 2022, the championship game in 2023 and a championship victory last season. Now that Baldwin reclassed to 3A, the Braves have not let off the gas. The team is outscoring opponents 1,943-1,121 and has only lost six games this season, including three-straight losses from Jan. 20 to Jan. 25. Since that streak of losses, Baldwin has won 12 games including playoff victories against Adairsville 60-52, White County 62-47, Heritage-Catoosa 50-49 and Fayette County. Baldwin features three players scoring in double-figures and a pair of seniors carry the weight. Kassidy Neal leads the team in scoring with 17 points per game along with seven rebounds, four assists and three steals per game. Senior Janaye Walker is scoring 16 points with a teamleading 15 rebounds per game along with three assists and two steals. Sophomore Suri Clark is scoring 11 points per game with eight rebounds and two steals per game, adding to the stacked group of players Baldwin will be relying on to bring home that second-consecutive title.
Bristol Kersh’s running bank shot lifted Cherokee Bluff past Jenkins 56-55 in the semifinals and into the program’s first-ever state championship game. To upend the defending champion Baldwin Braves at the Macon Centreplex, the Bears will have to retain that momentum gained at Fort Valley State. Kersh, a 5-foot-7 sophomore, finished with 17 points in the semifinals and highlights a talented roster headed to the championship game. Team captain Claire Carlson scored 23 points for the Bears against Jenkins and can score from beyond the arc with relative ease. Carlson and Kersh each scored 21 points in the quarterfinals victory against Monroe. A young team, power forward Brooklyn Phillips is the only senior on the roster alongside four juniors – Carlson, shooting forward Audrey Graham, shooting forward Mackinley Warren and 6-1 center Halle Wilson. Cherokee Bluff was created in 2018 and the girls team has only advanced to the playoffs once – a first-round loss to Sonoraville 63-40 in 2019 – prior to this season. This season, Cherokee Bluff moved through the playoffs beating North Clayton 71-45, Dougherty 56-40, Monroe 63-54 and Jenkins in the semifinals at Fort Valley. The Bears are 24-8 on the season and are outscoring opponents 1,832-1,423 having not lost since Feb. 7 when the Bears fell to Jefferson 63-54 in overtime.
TASHA BUTTS GRADUATED FROM BALDWIN AND PLAYED FOR THE MINNESOTA LYNX IN THE WNBA BEFORE COACHING AS AN ASSISTANT FOR DUQUESNE, UCLA, LSU AND GEORGIA TECH.
THIS IS A REMATCH OF THE 2022-23 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, WON BY SANDY CREEK 66-38.
Cedar Grove enters the state championship game riding a 20-game winning streak and have given up just three losses this season – to Class 6A finalist Wheeler 75-54, Class 6A semifinalist Grayson 71-49 and the Villages Charter (FL) 68-58 in overtime on Dec. 14. Cedar Grove is trying for the team’s second overall title and first state championship since 1997. The Saints are outscoring opponents 2,130-1,449 and four players are scoring in double-figures, leading the team into the title game for just the second time since 1997. Junior forward Emanual Green leads the team with 19 points per game. Senior guard Keith Gillespie adds 14 points per game while senior Yusef Bowyer adds 13 points per game and junior Javonte Floyd adds 11 points per game. Through the playoffs, the Saints have beaten Harlem 61-48, Luella 56-50, Baldwin 56-49 and Monroe 53-45 in the semifinals at Fort Valley State. In the semifinals victory against Monroe, Green led with 18 points and nine rebounds while Bowyer scored 13 points with nine assists. Gillespie and Javonte Floyd scored eight points each. Cedar Grove will need to break a trend to secure the title. The Saints lost to former Region 5 rival Sandy Creek twice last season – 65-49 on Jan. 23 and 84-45 on Feb. 9 – and four times in 2022-23.
Two-time
defending champion Sandy Creek had never won a state championship before beating Cedar Grove 66-38 in the 2022-23 state championship game. Since that victory, the Patriots have lost just six games – three of them last season before a 74-49 state championship victory against Johnson-Savannah, and three this season. In the Patriots’ 71-42 victory against Windsor Forest in the semifinals this year, Sandy Creek was led by senior guard Kingston Hawkins, who scored 18 points, senior guard Jared White, who tallied 15 points, junior forward Avohn Florence, who added 14 points and junior guard Amari Latimer, who finished with 10 points. Through the playoffs, Sandy Creek has beaten Monroe Area 84-32, Westover 60-47, Cross Creek 5352 and Windsor Forest. Head coach Jon-Michael Nickerson – who played college basketball at Kennesaw State -- led the Patriots to the semifinals in his first season at the helm in 2017 and coached the team to the championship game in 2021 before losing to Cross Creek 57-49. A second-round loss in 2022 was unacceptable, according to Nickerson, and the team responded with two-straight championship victories and an opportunity to win a third-in-a-row. Nickerson has helped build Sandy Creek into a playoff power by scheduling extremely difficult pre-region games of higher-classed in-state teams and uber-talented out-of-state schools, which has proved beneficial.
2023
JACKSON-ATL AND CREEKSIDE HAVE PREVIOUSLY MET TWICE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON. CREEKSIDE WON BOTH GAMES WITH THE FIRST BEING ON DEC. 3 (65-53) AND THE SECOND ON JAN. 17 (58-38).
JAGUARS • 20-7• REGION 4
Jackson is looking to become the first back-to-back state champions in Class 4A since Southwest-DeKalb won three state championships in a row from 2008 to 2010. The Jaguars escaped a close semifinal matchup with the North Oconee girls, downing the Lady Titans 80-79 for their second-consecutive trip back to the state championship. The Jaguars had three players score in double figures in their semifinal win including senior Aaliyah Weaver’s 29 points on 63% shooting followed by junior Cayden Cornish’s 23 points and senior Journey Conley’s 16 points as Jackson-ATL needed every point they could in the previous round to defeat the Titans. This season, the upperclassmen production has been crucial to the Jaguars success with Cornish averaging just over 17 points per game, Weaver averaging 11 points per game and senior Journey Conley averaging 10 of her own as well. The Jaguars defense has been a big storyline for the team as they have four players who average more than two steals a game in Cornish, Weaver, Janiyah Weaver and Janiya McCoy. The Jaguars draw a tough matchup in the state championship game as the Creekside Seminoles have remained perfect on the season, winning over 30 games heading into the state championship.
SEMINOLES • 31-0
Creekside has been nothing short of sensational this season as the program has remained undefeated all season long with a 31-0 record. Following their 20-9 season from a year ago where the Seminoles were eliminated in the second round by Dalton, the program has turned the page on last season and has continued to show it on the court this year. This year’s Seminoles are averaging close to 70 points per game and have dominated their opponents in the postseason, defeating teams such as Griffin, Cass, Ware County and Marist by an average of just over 30 points during their playoff run. This year, the Seminoles are led by sophomore C’India Dennis as she has truly taken her game to the next level. Dennis averages close to 21 points per game to go along with six rebounds and six assists per game as well as stealing the ball from her opponent four times per game as well. Dennis has been all over the stat sheet in any way she can doing whatever it takes to help her team win. Along with the standout sophomore in Dennis, Skye Cleveland and Jacy Mitchell have each helped contribute to the Seminoles success, with Cleve
land averaging just over 11 points per game and five rebounds along with Mitchell’s nine points per game. The Seminoles are searching for their first-ever girls basketball state title.
PACE
ACADEMY VS.
THE CLASS 4A BOYS BASKETBALL MATCHUP IS BETWEEN THE PAST TWO STATE CHAMPIONS IN THE CLASSIFICATION.
NORTH OCONEE
One of the only harder things to do in sports than winning a championship is becoming a back-to-back champion. This is the opportunity that the North Oconee boys basketball team finds themselves in this week as the Class 4A defending champions will take the court in efforts to become champions once again. The Titans will face off against a well-coached Pace Academy team as they are looking to become the first Class 4A boys basketball back-to-back state champions since the Upson Lee Knights in 2017 and 2018. While they have a tall task ahead of them, this year’s North Oconee roster has been sensational all season long, including only two losses all season while going an undefeated 12-0 in Region 8-4A. The Titans are led by a handful of playmakers who hold big game experience from playing on the team a season ago. Sophomore guard Justin Wise took home the state championship game MVP honors a year ago as a freshman, totaling 19 points. Along with Wise, Khamari Brooks, Banks Pourcier and Thrasher Wilkins are other names to watch as they will look to slow down a hot-handed Pace Academy team. North Oconee has handled their opponents in the postseason thus far, with wins over Hampton, Marist, Mays and McDonough before facing the Knights in the state championship.
PACE ACADEMY
Pace Academy finds themselves in a familiar position in this year’s state championship as the program is seeking its sixth state championship in program history. Led by legendary coach Sharman White, this year’s Knights hold all the tools to be the final team standing. The Knights have coasted through the Class 4A postseason, winning by an average of just around 38 points per game in four games in the playoffs against teams such as Central-Carrollton, Kell, Union Grove and Tucker ahead of their highly anticipated matchup with North Oconee. The Knights are led by a dynamic scoring duo in seniors Chandler Bing and Georgia Techcommit Eric Chatfield. The two each average just about 18 points per game and have been sensational throughout the entire season, helping Pace Academy remain undefeated in Region 4-4A with a 14-0 record. The two continued their hot streak in their semifinal matchup against Tucker that saw the Knights win by over 30 points for the fourth-straight game. In their 36-point victory, Bing led the Knights with 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists followed by Chatfield’s 20 points and five rebounds to lift Pace Academy to the state title game. The Knights will be seeking their fourth state championship since 2020 as White will be attempt
ing to win his 11th state championship as a
MILK’S PROTEIN HELPS BUILD STRONGER MUSCLES
Every 8 oz glass of milk provides 8 grams of complete, high-quality protein to help build stronger muscles and recover after exercise.
LANGSTON HUGHES VS.
RIVER RIDGE AND HUGHES LAST PLAYED EACH OTHER IN THE 2023 SEMIFINALS, WITH RIVER RIDGE WINNING 60-46 BEFORE CLAIMING ITS FIRST-EVER STATE TITLE.
After securing the program’s first-ever girls basketball state title back in 2023, River Ridge fell short during last year’s postseason run, losing 72-69 in overtime to eventual state champion Marist. Now the Knights are back in familiar territory as they sit one win away from their second state title. River Ridge’s path to the finals includes a sound 81-35 victory over Gainesville in the first round, a 74-61 second round victory over Morrow, an 80-44 win over New Manchester in the quarterfinals, and lastly a strong 91-64 semifinals win over Milton. The semifinals scoring spree against Milton is the only 90-plus point outing across the entire 5A girls postseason this year, showing the Knights are heating up when it matters most. Leading the offensive efforts for River Ridge is Kayla Cleaveland. The senior power forward/guard is scoring 15.1 points per game this season while shooting a team-high 53 percent from the field. Additionally, she is averaging 7.5 rebounds per game and is committed to play basketball at Georgia Southern. Aiding Cleaveland in scoring is sophomore Finley Parker. The 6-3 guard/forward is averaging 14.9 points per game while shooting 48 percent from the field, and has offers from programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Michigan. Alongside the offensive production of junior Makayla Roberson, who is averaging 12.5 points per game, the Knights will need the passing abilities of senior point guard Sophia Pearl who is averaging a team-high 6.5 assists per game.
After falling in last year’s quarterfinals 60-56 to Veterans, Hughes is now just one win away from the program’s first-ever girls basketball state title. The Panthers’ path to the finals this season features a 60-28 first round victory over Lakeside-DeKalb, a 72-40 second round victory over Lassiter, and a 66-34 quarterfinals victory over Veterans before a 66-46 semifinals win over Bradwell Institute sent Hughes through to the final game of the season. This season, the Panthers are led in scoring by senior guard Cornelia Ellington, who is averaging 13.2 points per game while shooting 46 percent from the field. The Region 3-5A Player of the Year also leads the team in assists per game (4.4) and steals per game (3.3). Alongside Ellington are senior Joceyln Faison and junior Kylar-Rae Johnson. This season, Faison is averaging 12.7 points, seven rebounds, and three steals per game and is committed to play at the next level at the University of Georgia. Johnson is averaging 12.1 points per game while shooting a team-high 63 percent from the field. In addition, she is averaging a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game. While the River Ridge offense has outscored Hughes 326264 during the postseason, the Panthers have been playing stout defense and have allowed over 50-fewer points on defense. They’ll need to keep that level of intensity as they try to best the Knights in the two teams’ first meeting since the 2023 semifinals that saw River Ridge emerge victorious.
WOODWARD ACADEMY AND TR-CITIES HAVE MET THREE PREVIOUS TIMES THIS YEAR, WITH THE BULLDOGS WINNING THE FIRST GAME AND THE WAR EAGLES CLAIMING THE NEXT TWO.
BULLDOGS
Tri-Cities is just one win away from its third-overall state title in program history (2019, 2022).
The Bulldogs’ path to the finals features a 103-87 first round victory over Morrow, the only 100-point outing in Class 5A during this year’s postseason. An 89-71 second round victory over Sprayberry followed before the Bulldogs defeated Habersham Central 92-74 in the quarterfinals. A 75-63 semifinals victory over Lee County placed Tri-Cities into the finals. The Bulldogs are led in scoring by sophomore point guard Tre Keith. Keith is averaging 17.9 points per game this season, shooting 52 percent from the field. Right behind him is senior guard/wing Sean Vandorn, who is averaging 17.7 points per game while shooting a team-high 53 percent from the field. On defense, junior Jalan Wingfield accounts for 8.9 rebounds per game, followed by Vandorn with 6.2. Wingfield adds to his physical defensive presence with a team-high 2.1 blocks per game along with 1.4 steals per game. Together, Keith and Vandorn create a powerful scoring duo for the Bulldogs as the only two players on the team with over 500 points on the season. As a whole, the Tri-Cities offense has been firing on all cylinders as the team has scored at least 55 points in each of its last 21 games. The Bulldogs will look to keep up the momentum as they face off against Woodward Academy, which has yet to score less than 58 points during the postseason.
After claiming the program’s first-ever basketball state title back in 2020, Woodward Academy is back in the finals and just one win away from its second. The War Eagles’ path to the finals features an 85-50 victory over McIntosh in the first round, followed by a tight 58-56 win over Milton in the second round. After defeating Winder-Barrow 64-57 in the quarterfinals, Woodward then bested 2024 Class 6A quarterfinalist Hughes 63-58 in the semifinals to earn the finals berth. Across the court, Tri-Cities has a 359-295-point differentiation between its postseason opponents, and Woodward Academy sits at 270-221. While the Bulldogs’ offense may have 89 more points scored during their playoff run, the War Eagles have yet to allow a postseason opponent to score 60-or-more points in a game. On offense, Clemson-signee Zac Foster will be a huge factor. The senior point guard is averaging 17.2 points per game this season, while shooting 49 percent from the field. Foster is also averaging 4.4 assists per game, and will be looking for offensive weapons such as Deke Cooper and Jarvis Hayes to help fuel the scoring. Hayes’ most notable contribution this postseason came as a buzzer-beating game-winner against Milton in the second round. Cooper is averaging 16.5 points per game this season along with 8.1 rebounds per game, while Hayes is averaging 13.6 points per game while shooting a team-high 54 percent from the field.
MaxPreps is a proud partner of the Georgia High School Association.
GRAYSON
THIS WILL BE THE FOURTH MEETING BETWEEN THE REGION 4 RIVALS THIS SEASON WITH GRAYSON HOLDING A 3-0 EDGE.
Newton served North Forsyth (30-1) its first loss of the season in the semifinals and denied a Raiders team that has gone 61-2 over the past two seasons an opportunity to reach consecutive finals. The Rams achieved this milestone by outscoring the talented Raiders 37-21 in the second half and were led by a lights out scoring performance by London Smith. The sophomore heated up in the second half of play and scored 24 of her gamehigh 28 points after the break. 15 of Smith’s points came in the third quarter and she gave her team a 37-36 lead, heading into the fourth after facing a 23-18 halftime deficit. Mya Perry also reached double-figures with 10 points and teammate Zoey Jackson added seven points in the victory. Newton’s playoff run opened with a 59-45 win over Paulding County in the first round. In the second round, the Rams held off visiting Norcross 59-49 and were led by Smith (13), Desiree Davis (12) and Perry (10). Smith went 10-of-12 at the foul line in the win over Norcross and as a team Newton went 27-of-30 at the charity stripe. Newton matched up with Buford in the quarterfinals and advanced with a 54-45 victory. The Rams’ defense stifled the Wolves, limiting them to just 15 points in the first half action. Now, Newton sits one win away from achieving the program’s first-ever state title.
Grayson extended its win-streak to 30-straight games on Saturday and avenged its only loss of the year with its 53-48 victory over Cherokee. The Rams—who dropped a 68-62 loss to Cherokee in their season opener—rallied from an 11-point deficit in the third quarter to avoid getting swept by the Warriors. Jacksonville-signee Tatum Brown led the way with 21 points, while Zoie Lofton added 11 points and Jayla Bennett finished with eight points to pace the Rams. Grayson’s second-half surge came on the heels of the team’s gritty 5754 road win over top-seeded Lowndes in the quarterfinals. In that victory, Brown also led the way with 21 points, guard Coco Rudolph came up with 12 points and Lofton netted 12. Rudolph was held to five points in the semifinals as she was dealing with foul trouble. Grayson trailed by seven at the half and that deficit grew to 11 points on a Madison Moody mid-range jumper. From there, Brown heated up and willed the team to victory. The star senior scored 13-straight points for Grayson, including back-to-back three-pointers that tied the game 36-36. Lofton added a layup that put the Rams up 38-36 and that bookended a gamechanging 15-2 run. Bri Williams then hit a three-pointer for her only points of the game to put Grayson up 41-39 and the teams were knotted at 41-41 heading into the fourth quarter.
WHEELER VS.
WHEELER PREVIOUSLY DEFEATED NEWTON 77-64 WHEN THE TEAMS MET ON JAN. 17
RAMS • 21-9 • REGION 4
Newton’s thrilling 56-53 win over Pebblebrook in the semifinals came down to the final seconds after the Rams appeared to have a comfortable lead. The Rams took a 14-10 lead after the first quarter on a late basket by Davin Neal and quick scoring from junior Jordan Green and clutch play from Zach Harden. Appalachian State-commit Ted Neal also got involved early and often on both sides of the floor but was limited later in the game after picking up a fourth foul. Pebblebrook kept the game close to make it 27-25 at the half and eventually tied it up 27-27 early in the third. With Neal dealing with foul trouble, Pebblebrook grabbed its first lead of the game at 41-40 and the teams went into the fourth tied 41-41. Early in the fourth, Harden went to the bench with his fourth foul and would later foul out just before the 2:00 mark. Despite the foul trouble, Newton sparked a 12-2 run that gave the Rams a 53-43 lead with a minute left. Pebblebrook rallied with an 8-0 run to set up a desperation attempt at the buzzer before the Rams could celebrate the victory. Green led Newton with 15 points, Neal finished with 10 and Marcus Smith II finished with 10. The Rams opened the playoffs with a 75-60 win over Hillgrove and defeated Peachtree Ridge (73-51) and Etowah (68-53) before the semifinal win over Pebblebrook.
Wheeler
defeated defending Class 7A state champion Grayson 68-53 at the Georgia State Convocation Center to return to the state finals. The victory served the nationally ranked Rams their first in-state loss since Wheeler’s 67-55 victory over the Rams in the 2023 semifinals that came before their championship-clinching victory over Cherokee. Additionally, Wheeler’s semifinal win over Grayson avenged its only in-state loss this season, which was a 77-68 loss to Grayson back on Dec. 7. Wheeler’s other two losses came to out-of-state opponents—a natural consequence to the seven different states that head coach Larry Thompson included on the Wildcats’ national circuit to prepare his team for this run to the finals. Now, the Wildcats sit just one victory away from achieving the program’s 10th all-time state championship. In the semifinals, Wheeler was able to outscore Grayson 39-21 in the second half, including 19-10 in the fourth quarter. Defensively, the Wildcats made the necessary stops to limit the Rams— holding them to just four points over the final 5:35. Four Wheeler players scored in double figures—including an 18-point effort by Mansur McClain. Kevin Savage and Tylis Jordan each netted 14 points and Lamarrion Lewis contributed 13 points off the bench. Outstanding team defense has supplemented a well-rounded offensive attack that has produced wins over Colquitt County (90-38), Chapel Hill (7656) and Norcross (80-50) in the postseason. Wheeler carries a 20-game win-streak into the finals.