Full semifinal previews

The semifinals at Gwinnett Arena and the Macon Centreplex start Wednesday; here are Score Atlanta’s previews of every upcoming Final Four matchup.

BOYS 5A SEMIFINALISTS

Newnan Cougars vs. Milton Eagles

While it was no surprise to see Wheeler or Westlake in the Final Four, the other semifinal game features two teams that few had expected to get this far early on. The Milton Eagles have been one of the more fascinating stories of the postseason, storming through the state tournament with a very young team. Sophomore Julian Royal collected 32 points and 10 boards in the quarterfinal victory over South Gwinnett, and is considered one of the country’s top sophomores. Dai-Jon Parker is also a 10th grader, and freshman Evan Nolte has been coming on lately.

The Eagles will face another surprise team in Newnan. The Cougars were eliminated in the first round of the state playoffs in 2008; now they’re playing in Gwinnett Arena. Russell Powell runs the Cougars’ offense – the 5-foot-8 point guard is a top playmaker with elite quickness. Alec Ogletree, one of the top football recruits in Georgia, is a constant source of energy. 

Westlake Lions vs. Wheeler Wildcats

After being eliminated the past two years by eventual state champion Norcross, the Wheeler Wildcats finally got over the hump. They finally beat their nemesis in the Elite 8 last week, pulling away in the final quarter en route to a 60-44 win. The Wildcats will face Westlake in the semifinals, and the Lions will most certainly have their hands full. Wheeler features an unparalleled array of talent, with a starting lineup that includes top-tier upperclassmen in Ari Stewart, Phil Taylor and Richard Howell. With Norcross finally out of the way, this might be Wheeler’s year.

But the Westlake Lions are one of the few teams that rival Wheeler in individual talent. Marcus Thornton, a 6-foot-7 Clemson commit, will give Stewart all he can handle in the post, and Javoris Bryant is the heart and soul of the team at the point guard position. The Region 4-AAAAA champions have rattled off 14 straight wins, entering the semis with plenty of confidence. 

 

GIRLS 5A SEMIFINALISTS

Redan Raiders vs. Parkview Panthers

The Parkview Panthers have looked primed for a deep state tournament run since Day 1. They’ve lost just one game all season and don’t make too many miscues on the court. Junior Lauren Coleman is a terror for opposing defenses and is one of the best post players left in the tournament. Sophomore guard Katie Carroll is also a difficult cover and her scoring ability from the perimeter makes the two an effective inside-outside combo. 

Parkview has lost just once all year but the Redan Raiders have them beat, as they have yet to lose a game at 25-0. Power forward Nia Evans poses an athletic challenge for defenses, and point guard Alisha Andrews is one of the quickest players in the game. Andrews thrives in an offense where she can get the ball to legit scorers such as Evans, Aneesah Daniels and Kierra Paige.

Beach Bulldogs vs. Marietta Blue Devils

Although the Beach Bulldogs might be the most off-the-radar team in the semis, fans will learn plenty about this team quickly. The Bulldogs feature a two-headed monster in seniors Monique Willis and Khalilah Watson. Willis notched a double-double in the team’s upset victory over Westlake in the Elite 8, while Watson checked in with 26 points. Paige Johnson is a testament to the heart on Ronald Booker’s team; she fought through a knee injury to score 14 crucial points against Westlake.

Beach will battle the Marietta Blue Devils, champions of Region 5. Senior forward Telia McCall is one of the best players in the state, scoring an incredible 28 points in the Blue Devils’ first-round victory over Lassiter. The Virginia Cavaliers commit can score and rebound, and has been a pillar of consistency all year. Brittney Echols heads up a strong backcourt that includes Brittany White and Courtney Sprague.

  

BOYS 4A SEMIFINALISTS

Bainbridge Bearcats vs. Tucker Tigers

Tucker, the third seed out of Region 6, began the state playoffs with a win over second-seeded Lithia Springs. The Tigers then defeated Region 7 champion Hillgrove, 62-59, and fellow Region 6 rival Marist, 49-47, to reach the Elite 8. The Tigers had lost to Marist twice this season before gaining the upper hand on the War Eagles. Junior center Brandon Dawson led the offense with 17 points. Virginia Tech signee Manny Atkins finished with 16. Tucker last won the Class AAAA state championship in 2007, defeating Columbia in the finals. The Tigers’ other basketball state championship came in 1996.

Bainbridge defeated Statesboro, 50-46, in the quarterfinals as senior guard James Lodman dunked over a Blue Devils defender to give the Bearcats the lead. Lodman finished with 11 points. Senior forward Melzie Johnson led the team with 13 points. Point guard Marquis Williams added 10. The Bearcats are playing in the Final Four for the first time in school history. 

Richmond Academy Musketeers vs. Miller Grove Wolverines

Miller Grove has advanced to the Final Four with stellar offensive play. The Wolverines have averaged 86 points per game in the playoffs. Georgia Tech signee Mfon Udofia scored 35 points and fellow senior Stephen Hill added 27 points in the team’s quarterfinal victory against Fayette County, a team that reached the state championship one year ago.

After losing in the second round of the playoffs in the past two postseasons, Richmond Academy is now in the Final Four. The Region 3 champions defeated Alcovy in the first round, Brunswick in the second round, and then Glynn Academy in the Elite 8 thanks to a 3-point buzzer-beater by sophomore guard Don Quarles. Senior center Ricardo Glenn scored 14 points to lead the Musketeers against Glynn Academy. Richmond Academy has advanced with a smothering defense that has only allowed an average of 37.3 points in the playoffs. This will be the school’s first trip to the state semifinals since a runner-up finish in 1957.

  

GIRLS 4A SEMIFINALISTS

Bainbridge Bearcats vs. Southwest DeKalb Panthers

Southwest DeKalb, the defending Class AAAA state champions, didn’t even win Region 6 this season but once again find themselves in the Final Four. The Panthers’ run began with a 64-61 victory over Douglas County in the first round. After a 67-60 win over Madison County, the Panthers defeated Northwest Whitfield, 57-49, behind 15 points from junior forward Kayla Lewis. Senior forwards Jamesha Blake and Laquisha Lewis scored 14 and 11, respectively.

Bainbridge, a Sweet 16 team for the past two seasons, needed overtime to beat Harlem, 58-57, to advance to the Elite 8. The Bearcats then defeated Hardaway, 69-58, to reach the Final Four. Junior center Alexis Burke, a member of the ESPNU HoopGurlz Super 60 Class of 2010, finished with 31 points for the Bearcats. Bainbridge has a young roster, ensuring success for years to come. For now, sophomore point guard Bria Harris and freshman guard Briana Wade are two key players to watch. 

Jonesboro Cardinals vs. Fayette County Tigers

Jonesboro and Fayette County each display high-scoring, balanced offenses that have averaged 63 and 56 points in the playoffs, respectively. Jonesboro features senior guards Joi Holyfield and Drameka Griggs. Holyfield finished with 19 points—which included five 3-pointers—in a 60-40 quarterfinals victory over Hephzibah. Sharmesia Smith, a Mercer signee, roams the post for the Cardinals.

Fayette County features senior point guard Tessah Holt, a Florida signee who finished with 18 points in a 60-44 quarterfinals win over Marist. Sasha Sims added 16 and Anma Onyeuku 14 in the post for the Tigers. Fayette County finished second in Class AAAA a year ago, losing to Southwest DeKalb in the state championship game. The Tigers haven’t lost since, going 30-0 this season. The Cardinals and Tigers share one common opponent, Sandy Creek: Jonesboro defeated the Fighting Patriots 50-42, while Fayette County won 47-45.

 

BOYS 3A SEMIFINALISTS

Gainesville Red Elephants vs. Westover Patriots

Gainesville and Westover were two of four No. 1 seeds in the Final Four of the Class AAA state tournament. Neither team was a convincing No. 1 in its respective region, however. Gainesville started the season 5-7 but the Red Elephants found their way and have won 15 of their past 16 games, including the Region 7 title and three straight double-digit victories in the state playoffs. Will Maddox and George Manomano have been leading the way for Gainesville.

Westover went 10-3 during the Region 1 regular season and avenged a previous loss to Kendrick in the region final. The Patriots have been the least dominant of the four semifinalists en route to the Final Four but have proven they can win the close games. Westover beat Shaw, 71-64, in the first round; survived Liberty County, 62-58, to reach the quarters; and most recently took out Northside, Columbus, 55-45. Westover, led by Greg Green, is arguably the deepest team in the Class AAA tournament.

South Atlanta Hornets vs. Columbia Eagles

South Atlanta has won its three state tournament games by a combined 107 points. The Hornets have not lost an in-state game this season and are showing no signs of losing one at any point next weekend. Georgia Tech signee Derrick Favors, who eased his way to 28 points in a 90-67 quarterfinal win over Washington County, is the guy Columbia must contain in order to have any shot at an upset at the Macon Centreplex.

But don’t count the Eagles out. They are in the midst of a 14-game winning streak and their 16-point blowout of Elbert County in the quarters was the closest they have come to losing since Jan. 27. JerShon Cobb and Darnelius Session provided more than two-thirds of the scoring against Elbert, and the Eagles have had their share of success in the postseason, winning last year’s Class AAAA state title before moving down to AAA.

 

GIRLS 3A SEMIFINALISTS

Rutland Hurricanes vs. Carrollton Trojans

Only two teams that failed to earn a No. 1 seed are still alive in the AAA state playoffs (in both the boys and girls tournaments). Those two teams will meet in the semifinals when Carrollton takes on Rutland. Carrollton is certainly playing like a No. 1 seed, however. The Trojans’ only two losses this season came against the other two semifinalists (Baldwin and Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe). After dominating their way to the quarterfinals, the Trojans survived Columbia, 67-65, in double-overtime. Carrollton’s Karisma Boykins, who averages 28 points per game, scored 10 of her 16 in extra time.

Rutland also knows a thing or two about winning close games. The Hurricanes pulled out a 73-68 thriller over Spalding to get the No. 3 seed in Region 4, and they have won three state tournament games by a combined seven points. Rutland won its first two games on the road to reach the quarterfinals, ousting No. 1 seed Kendrick.

Baldwin Braves vs. Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe

Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe is undefeated in Class AAA play but survived a 47-43 scare against St. Pius X in its tournament opener. After easing past Stephens County into the quarterfinals, the Warriors pulled out another thriller, 52-49, this time over Dunwoody. Jasmain Carey and Kayla Weaver provide the Warriors with a potent inside-outside combination.

Baldwin is 18-1 against AAA competition but almost lost to Dougherty in the second round of the state tournament before prevailing 37-35. Baldwin star Shan Basley nailed a game-winning jumper as time expired. The Braves had an easier time with Peach County, winning 48-35 to book a spot in the last four. Basley and Teshia Griswold must continue to fill up the score sheet if the Braves want to keep up with Carey, Weaver and Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe.

 

BOYS 2A SEMIFINALISTS

Greene County Tigers vs. Blessed Trinity Titans

After a losing season last year, Greene County is the Cinderella story of Class AA’s Final Four. With a decisive 77-54 win over region nemesis Henry County, the Tigers should have an even greater boost of confidence against the Titans. The 23-point victory was surely a nice change for Greene, who won its first- and second-round games by only two points.

Blessed Trinity went on a 13-4 run to start the game against Dade County in the quarterfinals and never looked back, as the Titans coasted to a 90-68 victory. Despite a late run by the Wolverines, the Titans were able to use their size advantage to be the aggressor in the paint all night. Ryan LeGates had a strong offensive game and Arris Brundidge scored 20 points. The Titans’ ability to drive the ball to the basket may force Greene County into foul trouble. 

Dublin Fighting Irish vs. Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans

After losing in the Final Four last year to Wesleyan, Dublin looks to make the jump to the finals this year. Among the schools left, the Fighting Irish are the only team that made it past the second round of the tournament in 2008. The Fighting Irish will likely turn to the experience of seven seniors, including standout Rashard Smith, to help them emerge victorious. Dublin is coming off a 67-49 win over Central Macon that was closer than the score indicates through the first half.

Greater Atlanta Christian punched its ticket to the Final Four by pummeling Coosa, 81-36, in the quarterfinal round. Senior power forward Trent Wiedeman set the tone early for GAC with his emotional play at the low post. Scoring 17 points, Wiedeman, along with teammates Elliott Long and Taylor Metzger, led the way for the Spartans. Now that the Spartans have eliminated Coosa—which eliminated GAC in 2008—they are looking to ride that momentum toward a state title.

  

GIRLS 2A SEMIFINALISTS

Henry County Warhawks vs. Model Blue Devils

Though they entered the tournament as a No. 3 seed, the Warhawks defeated three higher-seeded teams to reach the semifinals. Led by junior shooting guard Briana Williams, the Warhawks will now look to end Model’s title aspirations. After close victories in the first two rounds, the Warhawks beat Greene County, 57-38, in the Elite 8 to advance to the Final Four.

But if there is one word that describes the Model Blue Devils, it’s balance. You never really know whether the scoring is going to come from the inside or outside – and that’s what makes this team so dangerous. In its latest 62-52 victory over Greater Atlanta Christian, Model utilized the inside play of Maci Siniard and Shelby Farrer to overpower the GAC defense. Add Janaye Jasper to the mix and the trio brings a vital size advantage into this matchup. The Blue Devils are undefeated this season. 

Laney Wildcats vs. Buford Wolves

Laney is undefeated this year in Class AA competition; the team’s only three defeats on the year were to Class AAAA’s Hephzibah, Class AAAAA’s Marietta and Parkway Academy of Florida. The Wildcats are coming off a 70-45 drubbing of Northeast Macon. Center Taylor Ayers had 25 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in the win. The Wildcats have not lost since Dec. 20 and with more than 20 consecutive victories, the team seems poised for a great performance.

In similar fashion, Buford went undefeated in AA competition this year (the only loss of the season came to Class AAAA’s Marist in double overtime. The Wolves are quick and athletic. Amongst their starting five, led by Auburn commit Blanche Alverson, each member has excellent ball-handling and passing skills. They are a strong defensive and rebounding team. Alverson had 17 in Buford’s quarterfinal victory over Rabun County. Trust us – Ayers vs. Alverson will be worth the price of admission.

 

BOYS A SEMIFINALISTS

Turner County Rebels vs. Athens Christian Eagles

Turner County has made it to the Macon Centreplex on the shoulders of Ternell Davis and his 24 points per game. The Rebels’ record stands at 29-1 (with no losses since Dec. 6), and head coach Eric Holland and his squad would love to see it end at 31-1. TuCo made it this far with wins over Seminole County (87-38), Hancock Central (70-57), and Region 1 champion Terrell County (68-63). Ternell Davis and Tray Pearce are known to attack the rim.

If Turner County is to advance to the finals, however, it will have to knock off another contender in Athens Christian. The Eagles, champions of Region 8, have won 21 straight and are led by the super-athletic Raymond Higgs. Despite foul trouble, Higgs still managed 21 points in the quarterfinal-round victory over Greenforest Christian, and David Mann, a German exchange student, recorded 34 in the win. Mann is also automatic from the free throw line, an important factor if this game is close at the end. 

Wilcox County Patriots vs. Whitefield Academy Wolfpack

Wilcox County is the Cinderella team of Class A, as the third-seeded Patriots are the only non-No. 1 in the semifinals. Head coach George Kennedy’s team has advanced by conquering Clinch County, squeezing Region 3 champ Calvary Day and then besting point guard Brit Duncan and No. 2 Wilkinson County. The Patriots have received points from many different sources this season, including sophomore Nick Marshall, who scored a school-record 42 earlier this year against Telfair County.

The Patriots will face yet another ranked opponent in the semifinals in No. 3 Whitefield Academy (ranking according to the GACA Coaches Poll). The Wolfpack advanced to the semifinals with a 75-53 victory over No. 9 Darlington. Head coach Tyrone Johnson’s team is led by a prolific scorer in Brandon Reed. During the season, Reed averaged 20 points per game and in the win over Darlington, Reed nearly reached that total by halftime. Whitefield Academy reached the state final in 2006 and 2007, losing both times.

 

GIRLS A SEMIFINALISTS

Randolph-Clay Red Devils vs. Wesleyan Wolves

In a true “Clash of the Titans,” the Randolph-Clay Red Devils will battle Wesleyan. Randolph-Clay is led by a host of juniors, most notably Destiny Mitchell. It was Mitchell’s 33 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, that helped Jennifer Acree’s squad knock out defending Class A state champion Calvary Day in the first round. The Red Devils are coming off an impressive 15-point win over Emanuel County Institute in the quarterfinals.

Wesleyan won the 2008 Class AA state championship before moving down to Class A. Anne Marie Armstrong, who was named Miss Georgia Basketball, leads the way. Armstrong had 19 points in the team’s second-round thrashing of Darlington. Her running mate is junior guard Erin Hall, who scored 18 points against Towns County in the quarterfinal round. Wesleyan’s offense is averaging 82 points per game in the playoffs, while the defense is allowing an average of just 29. 

Savannah Country Day Hornets vs. Southwest Atlanta Christian Warriors 

Savannah Country Day is led by senior standout Katherine Dotson, who has stepped up in the playoffs, most recently drilling 31 points in the quarterfinal win over Hancock Central. Dotson receives help from Melissa Burkhamer (17 points and seven assists vs. Hancock Central). The Hornets are 28-3 this season and have not lost since a 55-50 overtime defeat to Savannah Christian on Jan. 27. This will be Savannah Country Day’s second trip to the Final Four in three years. 

Southwest Atlanta Christian won Region 5 but somehow flew under the radar all season long. Head coach Jackie Ransom’s team has the worst record of any team remaining in the draw at 17-12, but the team is hot when it matters the most. The Warriors have reached the semis with a 66-55 victory over Social Circle, preceded by a pair of three-point wins: 52-49 in overtime over Paideia and 56-53 over Trion. Mariah Chandler, who recorded 30 points and 15 rebounds against Social Circle, leads the way for the Warriors.

These reports were compiled by Josh Bagriansky (5A), Derek Wiley (4A), Ricky Dimon (3A), Rajesh Gupta (2A), and Fletcher Proctor (A).

CLASH OF THE TITANS: Wheeler pulls away from Norcross

The following report is from Score Atlanta's Shaun Thomas:

In a game that featured plenty of star power, Wheeler proved to be too much for Norcross by defeating the Blue Devils 60-44 to advance to the boys Class 5A state semifinals. 

These two state powerhouses battled back and forth until Wheeler eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter by outscoring the Blue Devils 26-11. 

Norcross standout guard Taariq Muhammad never seemed to get comfortable against the suffocating defense displayed by the Wildcats. Muhammad’s sidekick Denzail Jones, who averages 15 points per game, only reached a total of eight. 

Wheeler’s dynamic frontcourt of Ari Stewart (Wake Forest commit) and Richard Howell (N.C. State commit) proved to be the difference. Stewart started the game off strong by scoring the bulk of his 12 points in the first half.  Howell did just the opposite by scoring eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a thunderous dunk with 1:42 left in the game to put the Wildcats up by 12 points. 

Wheeler will face Westlake in the semifinals in Gwinnett Arena on Thursday.

Link, Higgs and Mann help Athens Christian to record season

Ron Link was all set to retire. It was 2007 and he had just finished his seventh season at Cedar Shoals, where he won four region championships and went all the way to the final four in 2003.

Link had done nearly all there is to do in coaching. On Jan. 10, 2006, he recorded his 500th career victory when his Cedar Shoals boys team defeated Habersham Central. In 1989, Link coached Lakeside-DeKalb to the Class AAA state championship game, losing to Marist. He’s coached 17 NBA players as coach of the Atlanta team in the “Boston Shootout”, a prestigious national tournament. He’s been named coach of the year by numerous organizations and has been to the state playoffs 19 times.

He had coached for 38 years after taking his first job at Southwest Atlanta (now Mays) and leading the girls to an 18-6 record after they went 1-22 the year before. He’d had enough.

He could get to work on his third book, titled Behind Bars, a collection of stories by officials and coaches all over the country. He could give more motivational speeches. He could continue his summer basketball camp called Missing Link.

In what could have been his last game, Link’s Clarke Central team absorbed a 78-64 loss to Stone Mountain in the Class AAAA state playoffs.

However, two days later, the phone rang. It was Dr. Buhl Cummings of Athens Christian.

“Coach, we want the first shot at you,” said Cummings.

“I’m through answering bells and I’m through grading papers,” replied Link.

“Just to coach,” said Cummings.

That, and the chance turn around a losing program, intrigued Link, who promptly took the job.

“Everywhere I’ve gone, [the basketball program was] on the bottom and I wanted to bring them back,” said Link.

  

HISTORY OF SUCCESS

When Link was hired at South Gwinnett, he was told by the principal that it was a football school, so he shouldn’t expect to win. In response, Link bought key chains for all the kids and the principal that said “Expect to win.”

“And we won immediately."

In his first season at Athens Christian, the Eagles finished 11-11 after only winning a combined five games the two seasons before.

Link attributes his success in building winning programs to more than just drawing up the right plays.

“Everybody wants to talk about X’s and O’s, but you’ve got to get kids to first believe in you, believe in your system," Link said. "Then they start to believe in themselves, and it’s like a snowball going down a hill.”

Senior forward Tyson Beacham was part of the team that won only five games in two seasons and has had three different coaches in his time at Athens Christian.

“Coach Link built confidence,” said Beacham. “He put the confidence in us that we didn’t have in ourselves. We had to believe in ourselves through his system.”

For the 2007-08 season, the Eagles had two more reasons to feel confident, one from the Bahamas and the other from Germany.

Raymond Higgs moved from the Bahamas to Florida for his junior year to attend Sagemont High School.

“It was a better opportunity for me,” Higgs said.

Higgs played basketball for Sagemont and averaged 14 points off the bench for his team, which lost by one point in the Class AA state championship game. He decided to leave Sagemont after only one season because the school didn’t have a track team.

Last summer, Higgs took first place at the Olympic trials in the Bahamas in the high jump, narrowly missing a chance to represent his country in the event at the Beijing Olympics. His personal best is 7 feet, 3 inches, and he’s been offered track scholarships from schools all over the country. Right now he says he’s leaning towards signing with Arkansas.

Higgs found Athens Christian through a fellow Bahamian, Neil Carroll, who ran track at Athens Christian from 1994-98 for Tim Cummings, who is still at the school. A recommendation from Higgs’ principal at his school in the Bahamas further encouraged him to make the move. Higgs now lives with Cummings as part of an exchange program.

 

FROM EUROPE TO ATHENS, GA

David Mann’s journey to Athens Christian wasn’t as straight and narrow.

Born in Ethiopia, Mann moved to Germany at four months old when he was adopted out of a children’s home.

He began playing basketball on a club team at age 11. Before coming to Athens Christian, Mann played on the same club team that Dirk Nowitzki once played for.

“Sometimes we’d see him in the gym during the summer,” said Mann.

Mann got the idea to come to America from Paul Hallgrimson, a director for a student exchange program with the U.S. Hallgrimson is also the father of one of Mann’s former German club teammates, Markus Hallgrimson. Mann was easily convinced.

“I always wanted to come over here to get familiar with the culture and learn the language better,” he said.

Mann signed up for the exchange program having no idea where he would end up.

“I didn’t pick the school. It was all random.”

Mann, a junior, is enrolled at Athens Christian for one year as part of the program. Next year he will go back to Germany where he will graduate from high school and continue to play on his club team.  

  

MOVING UP

With Higgs, Mann and a talented group with another year under Link, the Eagles finished the 2008-09 regular season 22-2. They defeated Athens Academy for the first time in school history on Jan. 16 and again on Feb. 7. They finished a perfect 19-0 in Region 8-A and defeated Athens Academy for a third time to win the region tournament.

On Wednesday, the Eagles defeated North Cobb Christian, 77-68, to reach the quarterfinals. Higgs contributed with 19 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Mann led the Eagles with 32 points, going 11-for-12 from the free throw line.

Mann was extremely grateful after the game.

“I really enjoy being here,” he said after the big win. “I’ve got to thank the Lord for sending me to this school with this team and this great coach.”

Link is enjoying himself as well.

“I’m extremely proud. If anybody ever deserves [success], we do. They are super young guys. I’ve been there and done that. I’d like to see them experience it and now they are.”

The Eagles will try and prolong the experience against Greenforest Christian (26-4) today at Marietta High School in the sectionals.

Wiley can be reached at dwiley@scoreatl.com.

Class-by-class sectional previews

Here are Score Atlanta's complete previews for the sectional rounds:

CLASS A BOYS

No. 1 seed Turner County took care of Hancock Central in the second round and senior Ternell Davis will bring his 24 points per game when the Rebels take on Terrell County, recent victors over Aquinas. The Greenwaves, coached by John Davis, have two players who stand at least 6-foot-5 (Arle’k Brown and Robert Ellis) to play in the post against Ternell Davis. … Athens Christian is coming off its 20th straight victory, knocking off the North Cobb Christian Wolfpack, and will now face Region 7 champion Greenforest Christian. Three-sport star Raymond Higgs can jump out of the arena and his athleticism might take the Eagles straight to the title game. … Head coach Tyrone Johnson’s Whitefield Academy squad knocked off Paideia and now guard Brandon Reed will have the Wolfpack ready for Darlington. Reed averaged 20 points per game during the regular season and was especially strong down the stretch. The Tigers feature a 1-2 punch of senior Tyshawn Good and sophomore Tev’n Hamilton, who helped the Tigers claim the Region 6 title. … Finally, senior Brit Duncan and the Wilkinson County Warriors knocked off Greenville and will now face Wilcox County and 6-foot-7 Lonnie Outlaw. The Patriots knocked off George Turner and Cody Padgett of Calvary Day. Wilkinson enters the game with one of the hottest streaks in Class A, having now won nine straight and 16 of its last 17 games.

 

CLASS A GIRLS

After a second round that featured multiple upsets, the Class A state tournament is now up for grabs. In perhaps the biggest marquee matchup of the third round, 2008 semifinalist Towns County will square off against the Wesleyan Wolves, new to Class A but winners of four of the past five Class AA titles. The Wolves are led by Ms. Georgia Basketball Anne Marie Armstrong, as well as junior Erin Hall. In the team’s second-round tilt with Darlington, Armstrong netted 19 points while Hall tallied 21 in an 80-32 win. Jim Melton’s Towns County squad is led by senior scoring machine Nikki Winn and sophomore sensation Jordan Moss. Look out for Missy Conrad as well. … Randolph-Clay, fresh off an impressive victory over Calvary Day, returns to the quarterfinals. Destiny Mitchell scored 33 of her team’s 72 points, so look for Emanuel County Institute to try and slow her down with high pressure. Donna Jones and Asha Alexander are also threats for Randolph-Clay. … When Savannah Country Day faces Region 4 champion Hancock Central in the quarterfinals, expect another big day from SCD senior Katherine Dotson. She averaged 14.7 points per game this season and tossed in 18 in a 55-40 win over Turner County last Tuesday. … Finally, Social Circle will face Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy in the final quarterfinal contest. Martiza Heard contributed 20 points, as Social Circle ended Gordon Lee’s season. Expect Heard to receive help from Reyanna Williams and Jessica Hester when facing the 2006 state champions.

Fletcher Proctor can be reached at fproctor@scoreatl.com.

CLASS AA BOYS

Henry Co. won two of the three games played against the Greene County Tigers this year. Laricus Thomas is an offensive threat for the Warhawks, but fresh off an upset over Region 1-AA champ and top-seeded Thomasville, Greene County is set for a Region 4-AA rematch with Henry. The Warhawks beat the Tigers, 67-65, in the region semifinal. …  After stopping one No. 1 seed, Riverside Military Academy, Blessed Trinity looks to do the same against top-seeded Dade County. Led by senior guard Ryan LeGates, the Titans can turn up the defensive intensity. As for Dade County, the Wolverines proved they can grind out a win after their double-overtime victory against Callaway in Round 2. Dade’s guard duo of Travis Core and Andrew Houts scored 23 points apiece in the win. … Following a narrow three-point win in the first round, Dublin was back in form for an 18-point win over Long County in the second round. Senior shooting guard Chris Smith is a strong player for the Irish. Meanwhile, after rolling through Appling County in the second round by 26 points, Central Macon is poised to make a deep run in the tournament behind point guard Matthew Brabham, who scored 30 points in the Chargers’ latest win. … It’s been business as usual for Greater Atlanta Christian, coming off a three-point win over Chattooga in the second round. The Spartans have great scoring threats in Paul Dawson and Trent Wiedeman. Their opponent, Coosa, is coming off two double-digit victories in as many rounds. After beating GAC in the second round of the tournament last year, the Eagles hope to better the Spartans again this year.

 

CLASS AA GIRLS 

Greene County and Henry County split their two regular-season matchups. Henry County features one of the best scorers in all of Class AA in Briana Williams. With a 27-point performance, Williams was pivotal in the team’s second-round win over Albany. Greene’s Whitney Jones will try to neutralize Williams’s scoring. … Strong defense and balanced scoring have helped Model to a 29-0 record on the year. Senior point guard Alexa Evans is an excellent scorer with good range. But after a surprising second-round loss last year, Greater Atlanta Christian has bounced back and is on to the quarterfinals. Led by a balanced scoring attack, the Spartans have an excellent guard combo in Chaney Means and Clarke Boards. … Laney and Northeast, Macon—two top-seeded teams—should provide one of the better matchups in the sectionals. Laney is well coached and can maintain a fast-paced style of play throughout the game, especially with sharpshooter Jermeka Gibson. NE Macon, meanwhile, will look to Keyerra Rozier for leadership and scoring. … For much of the year, Buford was regarded as arguably the best team in AA. The Lady Wolves are a defensive-minded team who look to run a full-court set. Blanche Alverson is the team’s most dominant player. Rabun County is one of two 3-seeds to make it to the sectionals, however. If another upset looms, it will most likely be behind the excellent scoring of Marina DeFoor.

Rajesh Gupta can be reached at rgupta@scoreatl.com.

CLASS AAA BOYS

Washington County has won 15 of its past 16 games and the Golden Hawks have cruised through each of their past five outings by at least 14 points. Top-rated recruit Derrick Favors and South Atlanta, however, will present Washington County with an unprecedented test. The Hornets have not lost an in-state game this season and their two state tournament victories combined for a margin of 84 points. … Columbia, last year’s Class AAAA state champion, is riding a 13-game winning streak into the state quarterfinals and the Eagles have won 10 straight games by 20-plus. But they will have to watch out for an Elbert County team that has won 18 of 19 and boasts big man Rod Rucker, who is no stranger to double-doubles of 20-plus points and 20-plus rebounds. … After starting the season 5-7, Gainesville has now won 14 of their past 15 games, including the Region 7 title and two straight double-digit victories in the state tournament. Cedartown ended its regular season dropping five of nine but the Bulldogs will have “upset” on their minds after two impressive wins in the state tournament. … This is one of two quarterfinal clashes in AAA between fellow No. 1 seeds (along with South Atlanta vs. Washington County). Westover went 10-3 over the Region 1 regular season and avenged a previous loss to Kendrick in the region final. Northside, Columbus finished tied for second in Region 2 at 9-3, but came up big in the tournament. The Patriots are peaking at the right time, having won 11 of 12.

 

CLASS AAA GIRLS

Dunwoody avenged two regular-season losses to Region 5 rival Columbia with an upset in the region tournament championship and the Wildcats have not looked back. Led by Madeline Teissler, Dunwoody overcame a 20-6 deficit to scrape past East Hall, 46-43, in Round 2. Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Dunwoody’s opponent, is undefeated in AAA play, but survived a 47-43 scare against St. Pius X in its tournament opener. … Peach County lost in the Region 1 semifinals but has since responded with three straight double-digit victories (two in the state tournament). Baldwin is 16-1 against AAA competition, but almost lost to Dougherty in the second round of the state tournament before prevailing 37-35. Shan Basley nailed the game-winning jumper as time expired. … Rutland knows a thing or two about winning close games: the Hurricanes pulled out a 73-68 thriller over Spalding to get the No. 3 seed in Region 4, and they have won two state tournament games (both on the road) by a combined four points. Kendrick, the Region 2 champion, is riding an eight-game winning streak into the quarterfinals. … This is the only quarterfinal matchup in AAA without a No. 1 seed, but both teams are playing like No. 1s. Carrollton’s only two losses have been to teams still alive in the state tournament (Baldwin and Lakeview-FO), while Columbia has won 14 of its past 15 games. The Eagles must contain Carrollton’s Karisma Boykins, who averages more than 28 points per game.

Ricky Dimon can be reached at rdimon@scoreatl.com.

 

CLASS AAAA BOYS

Bainbridge, led by senior point guard Marquis Williams, averaged 64.3 points per game this season. Williams is dangerous behind the 3-point line. Statesboro last lost on Jan. 31 (to Glynn Academy), however, and the Blue Devils then won seven straight games, including a 62-38 decision over Glynn Academy in the Region 2 championship. …. Marist and Tucker, two Region 6 foes, have already battled twice this season with Marist winning both contests. The War Eagles won 49-46 in overtime on Jan. 9 and 48-46 in the region tournament. Seniors J.J. Mann, Dee Goens and Kash Manzelli lead a War Eagles offense that averages 61.7 points per game. Tucker, which beat Lithia Springs and Region 7 champion Hillgrove in the postseason, is led by Virginia Tech signee Manny Atkins. … Senior center Ricardo Glenn has been a dominant force for Richmond Academy. In the Musketeers’ 57-44 second-round win over Brunswick, Glenn finished with 21 points and 18 rebounds. He has plenty of help with Ivan Rushen, Christian Nobles and Raston Brown. Glynn Academy was 1-2 against Brunswick this season but beat the Pirates 52-42 in the Region 2 tournament, so anything can happen in this matchup. … Fayette County is led by seniors Noel Johnson (a USC commitment) and Addison Flynn. During the regular season, Fayette County traveled to Illinois, California, Florida, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. The Tigers have been dominant in the playoffs, winning by an average margin of 24 points. Miller Grove has also won several out-of-state matchups. After a first-round thrashing of Sandy Creek, Georgia Tech signee Mfon Udofia and the Wolverines defeated Rockdale County, 73-59.

 

CLASS AAAA GIRLS 

The jump from Class AAA to AAAA hasn’t slowed down Hephzibah as the Lady Rebels find themselves back in the Elite 8 after winning Region 3. The Rebels lean on the 1-2 punch of junior guard Aarika Judge and senior forward Kenya Drayton. Jonesboro posted a dominating 19-0 record in Region 1, as Joi Holyfield, Drameka Griggs and Jasmine Manning make the Cardinals nearly impossible to defend. … Northwest Whitfield was one of Southwest DeKalb’s victims on their road to the championship one year ago, losing 68-53 in the second round. Seniors Callie Thomas and Jasmine Thornton are out for revenge but they must slow down the Panthers who average 67 points per game. SW DeKalb is led by juniors Jada Williams, Alondra Rivers and Kayla Lewis. … Fayette County and Marist each have strong resumes that include tough schedules and big wins. Fayette County’s undefeated season includes out-of-state wins in Florida, New Jersey, Virginia and South Carolina. Tessah Holt, who has signed with Florida, is one of the best point guards in the state and has a knack for hitting buzzer beaters. Marist, led by senior Whitney Hagan, has already defeated the defending champs (Southwest DeKalb) twice this season. … Breanna Harris, Kandyce Bush and Kelsie Weynand have already led fourth-seeded Hardaway to upsets over Effingham County and Dutchtown. Their next opponent, Bainbridge, is a familiar foe as the No. 1 seed in Region 1. Bainbridge defeated Hardaway, 65-56, in the region tournament. The Bearcats average 60.4 points per game.

Derek Wiley can be reached at dwiley@scoreatl.com.

CLASS AAAAA BOYS 

The Newnan Cougars stormed to a 25-3 overall record. Point guard Russell Powell leads the team with the ability to get in the lane. Alec Ogletree is also a solid scorer. Valdosta is known for its football, but the basketball team is making noise right now. Jay Rome, and Thoullit Hunter provide much of the offense. … Westlake’s Marcus Thornton is one of Class AAAAA’s top players and teammate Javoris Bryant is a talented swingman who can also score at an impressive clip. But while Savannah squeaked past Coffee, 67-65, in Round 2, the Blue Jackets are one of the hottest teams, winning 13 straight games. Senior Dwayne Sutton provides invaluable leadership at point guard, and Khiry Waldburg provides a solid low-post force. … Milton’s trio of sophomores (Shannon Scott, Dai-Jon Parker and Julian Royal) forms the nucleus of the Eagles; all are top-notch talents. They will face South Gwinnett, who beat a star-studded Centennial squad in double overtime in the second round. Look out for Adonis Harrison, who can score in bunches. Xavier Chargois is a fine distributor out of the backcourt. … In a rematch of last year’s state championship, powerhouses Norcross and Wheeler collide. Taariq Muhammad is the catalyst for three-time defending state champion Norcross, and is one of the state’s top playmakers. The Wildcats’ Richard Howell and Ari Stewart give opponents major matchup problems, while Phil Taylor runs the offense.

 

CLASS AAAAA GIRLS

Redan has won all 24 games in its quest for an undefeated season. Alisha Andrews, one of the state’s most dangerous playmakers, leads the 2008 state runners-up, who may be even more talented this year. Bradwell Institute enters the game as underdogs, but the inside-outside combo of point guard Mariah Maternik and post players Seande Lee and Bryttnii Speight could create matchup problems. … South Carolina commit Monique Willis stars for Beach and is coming off a 25-point performance in Round 2. Khalilah Watson is also a scoring threat for the Lady Bulldogs. They will face Westlake, who has not lost since Dec. 11 (23 consecutive victories). They assured that there will be a new state champion this season, as Westlake defeated Stephenson in the second round. … Parkview advanced to its second straight Elite 8 after beating Milton in the second round. Lauren Coleman stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, five assists, three boards and two blocks. Next up is Campbell: Sophomore Chakecia Miller has a bright future at point guard, often leading the team in scoring. Brittany Hodges is another sophomore doing big things at power forward. … Marietta’s Telia McCall, a Virginia commit, is one of the more dominant low-post forces. Brittany Johnson has done a nice job of finding McCall for open buckets. Duluth also has star talent in Wake Forest commit Mykala Walker, Alex Shaw and Ravven Brown.

Josh Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.

 

 

 

 

LOOKING BACK: The eight best boys hoops teams in state history

The following piece comes from Score Atlanta reporter James Butler and will appear in the official GHSA state sectional programs that will be given out at all quarterfinal round sites. The special edition program can also be downloaded from Scoreatl.com at this link.

High school basketball has taken off in Georgia in recent years, but the sport has a proud history in the state as well. In places like Macon, Albany and Savannah, the excitement and fervor for high school basketball has rivaled or even exceeded the passion for football in many years. On the boys side, the history is especially deep, but with several classifications crowning champions each year, it can be difficult to differentiate the best teams ever. That is why when compiling a list of the greatest Georgia high school boys basketball teams it is important to look at a) the success the team had during its season and b) the talent the team had. The following list takes both of those criteria in consideration as it names the Great Eight, the eight greatest boys basketball teams in state history.

No. 8 – Westlake, 1998-99. Bruising wing player A.J. Moye helped Westlake bully its way to a perfect 33-0 record and the Class AAA state championship. While head coach Darron Rogers’s Lions probably did not have best collection of high school basketball talent ever assembled, they had arguably the greatest group of athletes ever put together. Behind Moye, future NFL players Sean Jones, Keyaron Fox and Adam “Pacman” Jones also contributed to the team. Westlake punctuated its dominating season with a 52-36 win over Tucker in the state finals.

No. 7 – Westover, 1992-93. As head coach of the Patriots for 22 seasons, Willie Boston won six state titles, but at no time was Westover as feared as when Dontonio Wingfield suited up for Boston’s club. Wingfield won a state title in each of his four high school seasons and it was the Patriots’ 1992-93 team that proved to the best. The team featured 10 seniors that eventually played college ball. Westover beat Albany, 54-36, in the state finals without Wingfield, after he was ejected and suspended in the semifinals. Wingfield would average a near double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds per game as a freshman at Cincinnati before off-the-court issues derailed his career.

No. 6 – Columbia, 2005-06. Longtime head coach Dr. Phil McCrary has coached many formidable Eagles teams, but the 2005-06 squad stands alone. Columbia soared over the competition, compiling a 32-1 record. The Eagles captured the Kingdom of the Sun Tournament Championship in Florida and all of their in-state wins came by double digits. The impressive Columbia team featured such players as Travis Leslie, Lance Storrs, Darrius Morrow and Jeremy Price, all of whom are currently playing major college basketball.

No. 5 – Southwest Atlanta Christian, 2003-04. Even in the state’s smallest classification, the Warriors had Georgia’s biggest player. Dwight Howard, the future No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, controlled the paint for Southwest Atlanta Christian, leading the school to a 31-2 record. In the Class A title game against Whitefield Academy, Howard scored 26 points, pulled down 23 rebounds and blocked 11 shots, as the Warriors picked up the 63-45 win. Because of his play, the 6-11 big man won the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award weeks later. Helping Howard was sophomore and future NBA point guard Javaris Crittenton.

No. 4 – South Gwinnett, 2003-04. The backcourt of Louis Williams and Mike Mercer made South Gwinnett basketball a household name, as they helped head coach Roger Fleetwood’s Comets run their way to a 31-2 record and the Class AAAAA state championship. For his part, Williams was named Mr. Basketball for the state as a junior in addition to being selected All-State for the third consecutive year. The Comets trounced an overmatched Tift County squad, 75-49, in the finals, with Williams scoring 39 points.

No. 3 – Wheeler, 2004-05. The season was supposed to belong to defending Class AAAAA champion South Gwinnett and its dynamic duo of Williams and Mercer, but Doug Lipscomb’s Wildcats had other plans. Wheeler (31-1) stormed through the regular season, losing only once to out-of-state Lake Howell (Fla.). Then in the state tournament’s quarterfinals, Wheeler stunned South Gwinnett, 84-80, before dispatching Newton and an undefeated Norcross team by double digits to take home the title. Wheeler’s list of future Division I players included Sharaud Curry, James Florence, David Gonzalvez, BeJay Corley and J.T. Tiller.

No. 2 – Norcross, 2006-07. The Blue Devils went 30-3 in 2006-07, capturing the Class AAAAA state championship. This was head coach Eddie Martin’s most loaded team at the Gwinnett County school: included among his club’s future Division I players were Gani Lawal, Al-Farouq Aminu, Jordan DeMercy and Tony Neysmith. Norcross only lost one game in state, 49-46, to a very good Peachtree Ridge team, along with two out-of-state losses to national powerhouses. The Blue Devils punctuated their championship season by nipping a strong J.J. Hickson-led Wheeler team to start the state tournament and by holding off an up-and-coming Centennial program in the finals. The win gave Norcross its second consecutive state title.

No. 1 – Southwest Macon, 1978-79. The Patriots were a powerhouse of yesteryear in Georgia, winning two state titles in the 1980s and four in the 70s. Their best team—and the best team the state has ever seen—took the court in 1978-79. Future NBA player Jeff Malone and future college standouts Terry Fair, Michael Hunt and Bobby Jones helped Southwest Macon steamroll their competition on their way to a 28-0 record to win the first-ever Class AAAA state championship awarded in Georgia and a mythical national championship. Head coach Don Richardson’s team beat the best in- and out-of-state teams, including Virginia’s Oak Hill Academy, which was a power back then as well. Malone, a sweet-shooting wingman, is perhaps the most underrated pro player the state has produced, while Fair dominated the paint with his athleticism.

Butler can be reached at jbutler@scoreatl.com.

Athens Christian rolls on to Elite 8

Both Athens Christian and North Cobb Christian reached unknown territory by advancing to the second round of the GHSA playoffs. Now, Athens Christian has gone a step further, advancing to the Elite 8 with a 77-68 win over North Cobb Christian.

“If anybody ever deserves it, these kids do. They are super young guys and I’m extremely proud,” said Athens Christian head coach Ron Link.

Both teams are led by transfer students from across the globe.

Milos Kleut came to North Cobb Christian from Georgia and led the team with 18 points.

Raymond Higgs, who transferred from the Bahamas, has led Athens Christian all season with 25.8 points per game, making him second in the state. Higgs finished with 19 points, eight assists, and four rebounds against North Cobb Christian. But it was another transfer student, David Mann from Germany, that led Athens Christian in scoring with 32 points and five assists.

Tied 21-21 with 4:40 remaining in the first half, Athens Christian went on a 13-5 run to end the half ahead 34-26.

North Cobb Christian quickly got within two, 36-34, before Higgs hit a three pointer. Athens Christian led 49-45 after three quarters. North Cobb Christian tied the game at 49 in the first 30 seconds before Athens Christian went on a final run to take a 58-51 lead with 4:47 remaining in the game.

North Cobb then began fouling Athens Christian, which finished 29 for 37 at the free throw line. Mann was 11 for 12 from the foul line including 9 for 10 in the fourth quarter.

“We got the right person at the free throw line,” said Link.

Mann, who once made 59 straight free throws in practice, wasn’t nervous about knocking down free throw after free throw or playing in the playoffs.

“It’s one of my biggest strengths and I know coach trusts me on the free throw line. We were confident. We practice here. It’s our gym. We don’t get nervous here,” said Mann.

Athens Christian will leave their gym to travel to Marietta to play Greenforest in the Elite 8 on Saturday at 5:30.

Wiley can be reached at dwiley@scoreatl.com.

Tucker still dancing

Justin Young of Georgia Hoops was at Tucker's win over Hillgrove. Here's his recap of the game:

Tucker senior Manny Atkins knows when it is time to dance, you save your best moves when the spotlight is on you. 

The 6-5 senior helped Tucker keep their dancing shoes for a couple more days after he sank a three-pointer with 1:49 left to play in the fourth quarter. The bucket proved to be the difference maker in Tucker’s come from behind 62-59 win over Hillgrove on Wednesday night in Powder Springs. 

The decisive three-pointer was the fifth Atkins made on the night and the bucket was the first lead Tucker held all night up to that point at 57-54. Atkins, the MVP of the state tournament just two years ago when Tucker won the crown, has been trained to shine in those moments, he said. 

“Being in these types of games before, you just sort of get used to it,” Atkins said. “I knew that when I got the ball (with two minutes left to play), that I was going to knock it down. We wanted to put the pressure back on them.” 

The Virginia Tech bound senior finished with a game high 28 points and 10 rebounds. 

After being down for 30 minutes of the game, Atkins said he was happy with the way he and his teammates stayed with their game plan and pressed forward when they were up against the ropes. 

“We have a lot of confidence right now. We beat a very good 27-2 team on their home court,” Atkins said. “We realize we can beat some good teams. Tonight, we were the best team.”

Hillgrove came out of the gates strong, going on a 14-5 run to start the game. Senior guard Darius Baugh scored 10 of the 14 points and set the tone early by hitting all four of his shot attempts. 

Baugh finished with 21 points. Junior forward Heath Houston added eight points. 

Tucker will play Marist on Friday, March 6 at 5:30 at West Georgia in Carrollton. Marist beat Cass 64-42 on Wednesday night.

Coverage tonight ...

We will be hitting the Norcross-Walton, Marist-Cass and North Cobb Christian-Athens Christian boys games tonight, with full recaps and analysis after the game. Also, check out Scoreatl.com for all tonight's scores as they come in.

War Eagles recover from slow start to defeat McIntosh

Score Atlanta reporter Brett Lange offers a recap from Marist's win over McIntosh on Saturday night:

Marist opened its pursuit of a fourth state championship with a 55-37 victory over McIntosh High School. Led by senior Kash Manzelli’s 15 points, the second-seeded War Eagles overcame a slow start to advance convincingly into the second round. 

Three converted 3-pointers saw Mcintosh take a 12-9 lead to end the first quarter, but Marist responded with a 17-6 run of its own to take an eight-point lead into the locker room.     

“We told the kids to be patient offensively against (McIntosh's) 2-3 zone, something we had rarely seen all season, but there was a lot of miscommunication to start out the game,” said Marist assistant coach Ryan Hodges, who is in his second year under head coach Greg McClaire. “We thought that if we could get on the same page offensively, we could control the tempo of the game, and that’s what we did after the first quarter.”

Mcintosh was led by senior Isaac Woodley, who added 10 points to the contest, but was unable to cut the lead to single digits in the second half. The third-seeded Chiefs will end their season with a 20-8 record.

“Doing the little things and basic fundamentals are what separates the teams who advance and those who don’t advance. Regardless of who we play next, this will be our main focus this week during practice,” Hodges concluded after the game. 

Marist moves to 23-4 on the year and will meet Cass in the second round on Wednesday night.

Hood goes out with a loss, but legendary career will be remembered

The following blog comes from Score Atlanta writer Ricky Dimon, who was present for Marietta coach Charlie Hood's final career game. Look for a more in-depth piece on Hood's storied career, complete with interviews, on Scoreatl.com tomorrow.

Charlie Hood didn’t quite make it to his 1000th game.

The long-time Marietta coach finished at 999 games—and 716 wins—after his underdog Blue Devils fell to visiting Milton 83-50 in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs on Saturday night.

Overmatched in both size and talent, Marietta (which qualified for the state tournament with a below-.500 record thanks to a surprising run to the Region 5-AAAAA tournament final) managed to stay within striking distance for most of the first half.

A frantic pace of play led to a 23-17 Milton advantage at the end of the first quarter; not bad for the Blue Devils considering they trailed 12-2 in the early going.

In the second quarter, Hood put in big man Chad Lang—by far the biggest player on an otherwise small team and son of former Atlanta Hawk Andrew Lang—and that helped Marietta’s defensive effort.

With Marietta down by a respectable 12 points in the waning seconds of the first half, Milton’s Erik Schuelke converted a four-point play with less than a second to go, extending the lead from 38-26 to 42-26 at the intermission.

Marietta could not recover in the second half. The Blue Devils never came closer than 15 points, at 55-40 and 57-42. Milton even extended the lead to 30 points during the fourth quarter at 74-44.

Because the outcome was decided long before the buzzer sounded, the announcer—during a dead ball with 59 seconds left—gave fans the opportunity to thank Hood for his illustrious 37 years as head coach at Marietta.

Hood didn’t leave with a win, but he did exit with the game ball and plenty of memories … the last of which was made by this season’s improbable run to the state tournament.

Dimon can be reached at rdimon@scoreatl.com.