#2 Pope (24-5) @ #1 Pebblebrook (24-5)

 

The Greyhounds visit the Falcons after dropping Johns Creek 70-57. Pope nearly won the Region 5 title over Wheeler, but a missed shot with five seconds left was rebounded by Wheeler and thrown deep over Pope's head and laid in at the buzzer to stun the Greyhounds. GCSU-signee Chase Hutchins is the leader on the floor for Pope. Garrick DeBowles play inside coupled with 6-foot-9 Drew Romich's three-point shooting makes Pope a tough cover. Coach Pat Abney hangs his hat of defense and will try to control tempo. Pebblebrook features one of the most talented starting fives in the state. Ty Hudson (Clemson), Derek Ogbeide (UGA), Jared Harper, and Trhae Mitchell do the bulk of the scoring. The Falcons drilled Kennesaw Mountain 81-52 in the first round.

 

#2 Lowndes (11-15) @ #1 Norcross (26-3)

 

Possibly the hottest team in AAAAAA, the Blue Devils have ripped off 17-consectutive wins. The front court

Photo by Ty Freeman

of Ricky Madison and Rayshaun Hammonds is a nightmare for opposing teams while the backcourt Devin Huffman and Tim Cameron are just as troubling. Berkmar managed to hang in with Norcross before falling 55-49. In a battle of two teams with losing records, the Vikings defeated Lovejoy 83-72 in round one. Brandon Benjamin and Octavious Fudge must have big games if Lowndes wants to continue dancing.

 

#2 Alpharetta (24-5) @ #1 McEachern (21-7)

 

The Raiders avenged an earlier buzzer beater loss to Milton by thumping them 71-52 in round one. Big men Devontae Cacok and Jaylon Gamble are two focal points on offense. Cacok will be playing his college ball at UNC-Wilmington. McEachern will attack Alpharetta with Brandon Caruthers and A.J. Jones. Caruthers turned in a big performance in round one as the Indians held on in double overtime against Westlake, 67-56.

 

#2 Rockdale County (21-7) @ #1 Shiloh (25-3)

 

Shiloh remains one of the few teams yet to taste defeat in the state of Georgia. The Generals have romped through competition including pounding a balanced Mill Creek team 55-37. The dynamic duo of Kareem Brewton and Josh Okogie both score nearly 20 points per game while big man Cedric Guillaume anchors the paint at 6-foot-6. Rockdale slipped past Valdosta in overtime, 60-56. Three players average double digits led by Connor Ferrell at 16.8. The Bulldogs have some decent height on their roster and are led by Dwayne Brown in rebounding at 7.2 per game while he also contributes 13.1 points offensively.

 

#3 Archer (20-9) @ #1 Tucker (27-2)

 

Two Tigers meet in the second round. Tucker has successfully transitioned to AAAAAA and has not skipped a beat after playing the role of perennial power in AAAAA. They routed Lee County 77-51 in round one. The Tigers are led by Auburn-signee Bryce Brown and Ayinde Russell. Jon Stephens and Josh Parker are two other key components to Head Coach James Hartry's offense. Archer slipped past Duluth 51-46. Kwei Larty led all scorers with 14 points. He and Aleem Ford played big games to upend the Wildcats.

 

#2 Douglas County (22-7) @ #1 Wheeler (26-2)

 

Wheeler, another team yet to lose against a team from Georgia, will face a hard-nosed Douglas County team with strong guards. Wheeler blew past Centennial 64-37 in round one. Jaylen Brown, the No. 2 ranked player in the nation, along with Shembari Phillips (Tennessee) give the Wildcats more than enough fire power. Big man Hakeem Anchrum and guards Cam Jordan and Darius Perry must be x-factors if Wheeler wants to live up to the hype and bring home another state championship. The Tigers downed North Cobb, 60-39. They have played stiff competition all year long including three meetings with Pebblebrook. K'ja Johnson, Kalen Clifton, and Brandon Robinson must control the pace of the game while Corey Tillery needs to get hot from deep to give the Tigers a chance at the upset.

 

#4 Newton County (21-8) @ #2 Dacula (20-8)

 

The Rams came away with the biggest upset of the night as they traveled down to South Georgia and handed defending champ Tift County just its second loss of the season and ended its hopes of a repeat, 52-49. Newton crashes the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011 behind Head Coach Rick Rasmussen. JaNaud Notae played a big role in the upset, scoring 22 points. Jaquan Simms and D.J. Hill are two other experienced guards that lead the Rams' offense. The Falcons have flown under the radar all season, but feature one of the best scoring trios in the classification. Kevon Tucker, Keshawn Gibbs, and Derek St. Hilaire can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the state. The trio helped cool off the surging North Gwinnett Bulldogs who had won eight of their last 10, 73-62.

#2 South Paulding (21-7) @ #1 Brunswick (25-2)

 

After dropping a heart breaking multi-overtime game to Allatoona in the Region 5 championship, the Spartans put together one of their best games of the season spanking Stephenson, 66-37. Brothers Kane and Joe Williams give Coach Gil Davis reliable options on offense. Big man Kinsey Burgess is an experienced senior relied upon to battle inside. Brunswick will be a stiff task as the Pirates hammered Stockbridge, 91-71. Roger Davis and Jabrill Heck had monster games combining for 60 points and 24 rebounds. Brunswick hopes to bring the state title down south for time in years.

 

#2 ML King (23-5) @ #1 McIntosh (29-0)

 

The Chiefs are the only remaining undefeated team in the state and have held that title for months. Jordan Lyons is an explosive scorer and Will Washington is one of the best passer in the state, averaging close to a double-double.

Photo by Ty Freeman

Dishon Lowery gets his double-double on the glass averaging 10.5 points and 11.4 rebounds while wiping away 3.4 shots a game. Chase Walter is another polished banger inside that pitches in 10.5 points and 8.9 rebounds a night. MLK has survived in Region 6 after three battles with Miller Grove. Kevon Harris averages a double-double and should provide a great matchup with Lowery. Though it is Harris who leads the Lions in points and rebounding, Jordan Martin stole the show in round one in a 64-58 win over Alexander. The senior scored 24 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out six assists.

 

#2 Northside WR (16-10) @ #1 Cedar Shoals (21-8)

 

The Jaguars routed Kell 73-50 in round one. D'andre Mahaffey and Phlandrous Fleming play big roles for Cedar Shoals. The Jags knocked off Gainesville and Heritage-Conyers en route to claiming the number one seed out of Region 8. Northside took care of Northside Columbus, 69-53 in its first game.

 

#3 Statesboro (17-10) @ #1 Miller Grove (26-3)

 

Six-time defending state champ Miller Grove had the scare of a lifetime in round one as Chapel Hill played them as good as anyone has all season long. The Wolverines survived with a 49-46 win proving that nobody can be overlooked in the state tournament. Alterique Gilbert and Lamont West give Miller Grove one of the strongest inside-out tandems in the state. The Blue Devils upset Drew, 77-68. Jaylan Patrick and Michael Salomon will be relied upon to handle Miller Grove's defense and find open buckets.

 

#3 Apalachee (20-8) @ #1 Warner Robins (22-4)

 

The explosive Kamar Baldwin leads the Wildcats into a showdown with the Demons. The electrifying junior went for a ho-hum 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in a 72-58 win over Rome in round one. The scary part is that that stat line is nearly identical to his season averages. As great as Baldwin is, Kent Knowles and Alantae Billings are two others defenses must key in on. Warner Robins is led by Marquez Callaway who is also a star on the football team. The Demons handled Carver-Columbus, 68-47 in round one.

 

#2 Coffee County (20-10) @ #1 Allatoona (26-2)

 

The Bucs drilled Mays 65-49 in round one and are riding a 15-game winning streak. Rodney Brown, Trey Doomes, and Ephraim Tshimanga starred in Allatoona's opening round victory. Chris Ifill and Bradley Brevet are two other scorers that can break out for double digits any given night. Coffee nearly upset Brunswick in the Region 3 championship, but after being outscored by 18 in the final frame, they dropped 73-50. The Trojans took care of Mundy's Mill 70-60 in round one. Tyree Paulk leads the charge averaging 16.4 points per game.

 

#2 Heritage-Conyers (21-9) @ #1 LaGrange (21-7)

 

Head Coach Mike Pauley and the Grangers are no stranger to success in the tournament. This year's team features high-scorers Rico Smith and Laperion Perry. The two guards pace the LaGrange offense and can be difficult to stop. They helped the Grangers race past Houston County, 60-41. The main feather in Heritage's cap is a three point win over Tucker. The only of school to beat Tucker this season? Miller Grove. The Patriots have proven they can hang with the big boys behind a trio of players averaging over 10 points per game. Sophomores Isaiah Banks and Jordan Thomas average 12.4 and 11 points respectively while junior Makyle Wilkerson scores 10 points and grabs 7.8 rebounds. They defeated Riverwood, 53-45.

#2 Woodward Academy (14-14) @ #1 Liberty County (22-4)

 

The Panthers needed overtime to escape Henry County, 74-72 in round one. Richard LeCounte exploded for 30 points to help find off the Warhawks. LeCounte averages 18.2 points and 9.9 rebounds while point guard Devion Mitchell goes for 18.9 and 7.2 assists. Woodward used a late fourth quarter push to get past Grady, 58-48. The War Eagles look to control the tempo and spread the ball on offense. Seven players average over five points per game and keep defenses honest. Bobby Kannady III is the team's leading scorer are rebounder at 9.6 points and 7.2 rebounds.

 

#2 Americus-Sumter (25-5) @ #1 Cartersville (19-9)

 

After graduating the five top scorers from last year's team which reached the Elite Eight, the Canes are back in the hunt searching for a Final Four appearance. Zack Hacker, Miller Forristall, and Bryce Gober, three seniors, all played big roles in their 56-33 win over North Hall. Dwight Harris leads a strong Panthers team in scoring with 16 points per game. Juwan High is Americus-Sumter's second leading scorer. The Panthers blitzed Mary Persons, 81-49 in round one.

 

#2 St. Pius (25-4) @ #1 Jonesboro (28-1)

 

The Cardinals have run roughshod through the competition this year and have their sights set on repeating as state champs. MJ Walker Jr. is heralded as one of the best sophomores in the

Photo by Ty Freeman

nation and leads his team in scoring at 17.3 per game. Tracy Hector Jr. and Deantre Mack both average over 11 points per game and harass opposing ball handlers. Jonesboro is riding a 27-game winning streak and has crushed teams in its path including first round victim Thomson, 81-54. St. Pius uses a great system and an overall high IQ team to pick apart opponents. Aaron Parr leans on Christian Merrill, Hamilton Crane, and Kerney Lane to overwhelm opponents. Wins over Lithonia and Colombia prove that the Golden Lions have some bite. Sandy Creek was the latest opponent to submit to St. Pius, 63-46.

 

#2 Mt. Zion-Jonesboro (24-6) @ #1 Lithonia (26-2)

 

The Bulldogs claimed the Region 6 crown after another classic over St. Pius. Rodney Chatman, Kesean Warren, Tyheem Freeman all pace the Lithonia attack which took care of Fayette County, 66-46. Mt. Zion relies on big scorers Paul Miller and Ari Zorns who combine for over 38 points per game. The Bulldogs hounded New Hampstead 72-55 in round one.

 

#4 Cairo (18-11) @ #3 Monroe Area (18-12)

 

Two underdogs meet in the second round after upsetting their opposing teams in the opening round. The Syrupmakers used a sticky defense to slow down No. 1 Perry, 56-50. Stacy Masten (19.8) and Trey Sparrow (18.9) give Cairo two big scoring options. Monroe Area slipped by Heritage-Catoosa, 60-59. Unlike Cairo, nobody sticks out offensively for the Hurricanes. A balanced offense sees six players average over six points per game led by senior Marquez Williams'11.8 per game.

 

#2 Burke County (24-3) @ #1 Carrollton (26-2)

 

Big man Montae Glenn and Jarel Rowe helped lift the Trojans over a dangerous Columbia team, 54-43. Glenn has signed to play at Georgia Southern while Rowe is also a standout on the gridiron. Tristan Hunter, D'Zarious Holmes, and Malik Maloyd are all viable options on offense for Burke County Head Coach Purvis Dukes. The Bears are coming off a 76-60 win over Griffin in round one.

 

#4 Upson-Lee (18-9) @ #2 Buford (16-12)

 

The Knights disposed of No. 1 Albany, 66-54. O'Qualon Harris and Malik Crafter can light up the score board for Upson-Lee. They will face a tough task with Buford, who is better than its record indicates. The Wolves spanked Northwest Whitfield 87-54. Tre Hansborough is a high scoring guard who poured in 48 in a game this year. Running mate Taylor Mills gives Coach Allen Whitehart a tough backcourt to handle.

 

The Laney Wildcats

Photo by Ty Freeman

continued to roll as they trounced North Clayton, 85-61. As they have done all season, the Wildcats locked down their opponent and shared the ball offensively. Seven different players scored at least seven points in the win and once again it was JaShawn Brooks heading the attack with 14. Rockmart slipped by Ringgold, 53-45.

 

Since losing to Gainesville, East Hall has been clicking on all cylinders. 6-foot-7 big man Kyvon Davenport anchors the paint and scored 24 points in a round one win over Jefferson, 53-34. The big man is adept at cleaning the glass and remains a large presence for the Vikings moving forward. Triston Cooper is a sharp shooter and a nice compliment to Davenport's work on the interior. A showdown with Peach County's Avery Mitchell will be interesting to watch. The 6-foot-4 senior is a monster on the glass and averages 17.3 points and 14 rebounds per game. Darrell White pitches in 13.7 per game while sophomores Jared Johnson and Dartavious Thompson love to bomb from deep. Peach defeated Tattnall County 57-45 in round one.

 

#3 Central-Carrollton (13-16) @ #1 South Atlanta (26-4)

 

Orlando Bebee and Marteveous Favors are key cogs in the Hornet offense. South Atlanta enters the second round riding a 16-game win streak after beating Butler 78-67. Wins over Blessed Trinity, Cedar Grove, and North Clayton are all impressive. Central-Carrollton nipped North Murray, 59-55. Isaiah Boyd averages 16.4 points to lead the Lions. Central will enter as a heavy underdog after playing in one of the smallest regions in the state.

 

#2 Cedar Grove (19-4) @ #1 Calhoun (22-3)

 

In one of round two's more interesting games, the Yellowjackets will look to fend off the Saints. Cedar Grove is anchored by Jacara Cross and Christopher Fredrick. Cross is a 6-foot-6 junior that scores 15.5 points and grabs 6.2 rebounds while blocking three shots a game. Fredrick averages 13 points while Kenneth Lewis is the third player in double figures at 11.8.  A lack of three-point shooting (51 made, 24%) may be an Achilles heel moving forward. Kaelan Riley leads Calhoun with 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds. Jireh Wilson and Chapin Rierson spark the Yellowjacket offense.

 

#3 Blessed Trinity (24-5) @ #1 Callaway (19-4)

 

The Titans survived on the road at Washington County, 32-30. Cameron Johnson and Jackson Svete control the backcourt along with Adam Fenlon. They will attempt to slow down the Cavaliers who blitzed Sonoraville, 96-70. Braylon Sanders, Quadrius Patillo, and Dre Martin all pace the fast pace Callaway offense and will attempt to make another deep run in state after a trip to the Final Four a season ago.

 

#2 Hart County (16-13) @ #1 Jenkins (25-3)

 

The Hart County Bulldogs will have their hands full with the defensive minded Jenkins Warriors. With Georgia State-signee Malik Benlevi back healthy, Jenkins is more dangerous than ever. The senior poured in a career-high 32 points in a 75-55 win over Westside-Macon in round one. The Bulldogs beat Franklin County 54-33 in their first round game. Wrafi Rucker is a free scoring guard that has dropped 35 in a game. He and fellow senior Antavious Moon will try to upset Jenkins.

 

Photo by Ty Freeman

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