Sidwell Friends (D.C.) used a dominating defensive effort in the fourth quarter to defeats Wheeler (GA) 57-54 to win the 2023 State Champions Invitational in Washington D.C.
Caleb Williams led all scorers with 24 points while Cam Gillus tallied 12 points for the Quakers.
Wheeler was led by Jelani Hamilton’s 20 points and 6 rebounds while Rickey McKenzie added 15 points.
Sidwell Friends led 28-27 at the half only to see Wheeler outscore them 20-12 in the third quarter to take a 47-40 lead into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter Sidwell Friends’ stifling defense in the fourth quarter turned the game around. The Quakers held Wheeler to seven points and outscored them 17-7 in the final frame for the win.
The No.1 team in the DMV, Sidwell Friends will continue to play on this season and stay right in D.C. The Quakers will be the No.2 seed in the State Champions Invitational. This year the DCSAA will host the event at Georgetown University’s McDonough Arena April 6th-8th.
Sidwell Friends (27-4) are the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference champions and the D.C. 2A State Champs.
Sidwell Friends is highlighted by Lehigh commit Cam Gillus and Chapman University commit Selden Pickens in their 2023 class.
Gillus went over a 1,00 points scored this season and averaged 12.6ppg 5.2rpg 3.5apg and shot 46% from the field this season for a balanced Quaker operation.
Other key clogs for Sidwell Friends are Caleb Williams (12.2ppg 6.2rpg 41% from distance) and Jalen Rougier-Roane (11.7ppg 3.9rpg).
Gillus, Rougier-Roane and Williams landed on the DCSAA first team, head coach Eric Singleton was named DCSAA Coach Of the Year
Sidwell Friends posted a 2-3 recorded against non-DMV (D.C., Maryland and Virginia) schools this season including a loss to Newton (GA). The Quakers had notable victories over WCAC powerhouse Paul IV (who defeated Wheeler-GA this season) when Paul IV was ranked No.1 nationally at the time. Jackson Reed (2x), Landon (MD), St. Stephens & St. Agnes (VA), Maret (3x), St. Andrews Episcopal (MD), Georgetown Prep (MD), Roosevelt (D.C.) and Gonzaga (D.C.) are other notable wins for Sidwell Friends this season.
Sidwell will play the winner of third-seeded Corner Canyon (UT) and sixth-seeded Yazoo City (MS) in the semifinals.
Wheeler (GA) is the No.1 seed on the other side of the bracket which could set up an Atlanta/Georgia vs DMV/DC final in the championship game.
Check back for updates as the State Champions Invitational begins Thursday April 6th in Washington, D.C.
The wire-to-wire No.1 team in the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA Wheeler Wildcats still have more basketball to play. Wheeler is the No.1 seed in the State Champions Invitational at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. April 6-8th.
Wheeler completed a 26-6 season and were the 7A State Champions in Georgia this past season. The Wildcats are led by the Gatorade Player Of The Year, No.1 prospect and Southern Cal commit Isaiah Collier. During the high school season Collier averaged 19.5ppg 5.8rpg 6.6apg 2.3spg.
Despite going undefeated (21-0) against Georgia teams this season, Wheeler was 5-6 against non-Georgia teams. Wheeler’s six non-Georgia loses were to Christopher Columbus (FL- 7A Champion), Imhotep Charter (PA, PIAA 5A Champion), Paul VI (VA-VISAA D1 State Champion), John Marshall (VA- Class 2 State Champion), Sierra Canyon (CA) and Bishop Gorman (NV).
This will be Wheeler’s first appearance in the State Champions Invitational. Head Coach Larry Thompson has won three titles at Wheeler
Check back for more updates as they become available.
The Throne National Championship, being held at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, got underway today and will continue through April 1st. The Throne is an inaugural high school national championship tournament that will feature some of the best state association teams in the United States in a 16-team single elimination format.
Four teams in the FINAL Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA are in the 16-team field. Here is a look at how they faired on the first day of action.
The sixth-seeded Longhorns (GA) advance to the next round with a victory over 11-seed Rams (GA) 70-67. It was the only meeting between teams from the same state in the first round. The Longhorns (GA) were the only team from Georgia to advance. The Longhorns (GA) will face the Explorers (FL) in the second round.
The 10th seeded Wildcats Basketball Club who finished as the No.1 team in the Final Hillsman Heavy played without Isaiah Collier, fell to seventh-seeded Camden Avalanche (NJ) 61-60. They will now get ready for the State Champions Invitational in Washington D.C. (more on that later right here on Total Sports Coverage).
The 16th-seeded Golden Eagles (Eagle’s Landing, GA) led by as many as 12 points and held a 42-33 halftime over the top-seeded Richmond Judges (John Marshall, VA). In the second half Richmond outscored the Golden Eagle’s 27-12 in the third quarter and led 60-64 headed to the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter Richmond extended their lead to as many as 14 points and went on to eliminate the Golden Eagles 84-77.
The high school baseball season is in full swing now and the Perfect Game Top 50 national rankings have five Georgia teams in it as of last week.
Houston County, Parkview, Blessed Trinity, Mt. Paran Christian and Cherokee Bluff are all in the latest national rankings.
Houston County (15-1) is the highest ranked team coming in at No.10. The Bears are currently on a six-game winning streak and have not loss to a Georgia team so far this season. Houston County is 3-1 against non-Georgia teams this season, that loss was to No.1 IMG Academy (FL). Houston County will be playing in the USA Baseball High School Invitational in Cary, NC March 29th-April 1st and will open against JSerra Catholic (CA).
Parkview (9-3) comes in at No.12, down from No.4. All three of Parkview’s losses have came to non-Georgia teams. The Panthers are currently on a five-game winning streak entering this week’s action. Parkview is 3-3 this season against non-Georgia teams and have at least three more non-Georgia teams on the schedule including IMG Academy (FL), who defeated Houston County earlier this season.
Blessed Trinity (18-1) is on an 18-game winning streak and comes in at No. 15, up from No.36 in the previous rankings. Blessed Trinity has yet to face a non-Georgia team but will be playing in the USA Baseball National High School Invitation in Cary, NC also with Houston County March 29th-April 1st. They will open against Bishop Gorman (NV).
Mt. Paran Christian (13-2) comes in two spots down from Blessed Trinity at No.17. Mt. Paran is not scheduled to play any non-Georgia teams this season.
Cherokee Bluff enters the rankings for the first time this season at No. 36 and are undefeated so far at 14-0. Cherokee Bluff is not schedule to play any non-Georgia teams this season.
All of these teams are ranked in the Top 10 in their respective Georgia classifications by ScoreAtlanta and the AJC.
The Throne National Championship will be held at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA March 29th-April 1st. The Throne is an inaugural high school national championship tournament that will feature some of the best state association teams in the United States in a 16-team single elimination format.
Teams will be playing under club names in the championship event.
Four teams that finished in the Final Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA which was released on Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 are in the field.
Four Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA teams in The Thorne National Championship
Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA No.1 Wildcats Basketball Club (Wheeler, GA), No.2 Rams (Grayson, GA), No.3 Longhorns (Kell, GA) and No.5 Golden Eagles (Eagle’s Landing, GA) are in the 16-team field.
Wildcats Basketball Club is the No.10 seed, the highest seeded Georgia team in the event, and fresh off of a 7A state championship in Georgia. Wildcats Basketball Club features the No.1 player in the country in Isaiah Collier. Collier (19.5ppg 5.8rpg 6.6apg 2.3spg) and Arrinten Page (15.8ppg 7.2rpg 1.1apg 1.1spg 1.6bpg) are both committed to Southern Cal while Iowa State commit Jelani Hamilton averaged 12.4ppg 4.7rpg 1.9apg 1.6spg are the headline names for Wildcats Basketball Club. Wildcats Basketball Club will open up in the first round against seventh-seeded Camden Avalanche (Camden, NJ) who features highly touted prospect and Kentucky commit D.J. Wagner.
Longhorns (GA) is the No.6 seed and will open in the first round against 11-seed Rams (GA). This is a matchup between the No.2 and No.3 teams in the Final Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA and the only first round game where teams from the same state will play each other. During the Georgia high school regular season the Rams defeated the Longhorns 71-67 in overtime. The Longhorns (GA) are fresh off of 5A state championship in Georgia and feature 7-footer Peyton Marshall. Marshall, an Auburn commit, averaged 15ppg, 7rpg, 2apg and 2bpg this past high school season. CJ Brown is another name to know for the Longhorns. Brown averaged 14ppg, 5rpg ,4.5apg and 2.5spg this past high school season and in the semifinals and finals of the Georgia state tournament he averaged 23ppg and 9.5rpg.
Rams (GA) is the No.11 seed and features highly touted prospect Gicarri Harris. Harris led five Rams that averaged in double-figures with16.8ppg 6.8rpg 3.5apg 1.1spg this past season. Amir Taylor (12.3ppg 6.2rpg 2.2apg 1bpg) and CJ Hyland (11.8ppg 3.6rpg 6.1apg 2.1spg ) will also be players to watch in the event for the Rams. The Rams (GA) lost in the Georgia 7A semifinals to Wildcats Basketball Club (GA).
The Golden Eagles (GA) are the lowest-seeded team from Georgia at No.16. The Golden Eagles lost in the Georgia 5A finals to Longhorns (GA). David Thomas, a Mercer commit, leads the Golden Eagles. Thomas averaged 18.8ppg 4.7rpg 2.8apg this past high school season. Chris Morris II (10.9ppg 4.3rpg), Kenny Brayboy (9.5ppg 5.3rpg), Khylan McKennie (8ppg 3.9rpg) and Clark Mastin (5.6ppg 5.4apg) are other names to watch for on the Golden Eagles. The Golden Eagles open up against the top-seeded Richmond Judges (John Marshall, VA) in the first round. The Judges are coming off of their second straight Class 2 Virginia state championship and defeated both Wildcats Basketball Club (GA) and Rams (GA) during the high school regular season. The Justices’ feature highly touted prospect and NC State commit Dennis Parker Jr.. Parker Jr. averaged 20ppg 4.5rpg 1.8apg 2.4spg this past high school season.
The complete bracket with dates, times and television coverage is below.
The Thorne National Championship Bracket
Stay tuned to Total Sports Coverage for the latest on these four Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA teams during The Throne National Championships.
Another exciting season of high school basketball is complete in Georgia. Here is the FINAL Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA for the 2022-2023 season.
The Final Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA includes five state champions (Wheeler, Kell, Alexander, Pace Academy and Sandy Creek). All 10 Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA teams advance to at least the Quarterfinals/Elite Eight in their respective classifications. Four teams that were eliminated by Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA teams (Grayson, Eagle’s Landing, McEachern and Newton). One team was eliminated by a non-Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA team (Norcross).
Cherokee (7A Runner Up) and Westside-Augusta (2A State Champion) had very good seasons with great playoff runs however both were the last two teams that came the closest to cracking into the Final Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA but did not.
As a reminder The Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia considers all basketball playing schools in the state from the GHSA, GISA/GIAA and GICAA/GAPPS associations. The Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia IS NOT ranked by association or classification within an association, it is one all-inclusive ranking.
The Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia is in its fifth season, third of public publication, and ranks using the following criteria ; OVERALL performance, Team Chemistry, Coaching, Schedule (quality In-State, OOS, Head-to-Head and Common Opponents are all heavily considered) and Scheduling For Roster Talent (meaning is the team very talented but stacking up wins against lesser talented teams but struggling against teams equal or greater in roster talent and vice versa; yes a team with more losses can be better than a team with fewer losses because of scheduling and the other criteria previously mentioned.
While player recruiting status is not a heavy focus and determining factor, it is considered when looking at a team’s overall performance, especially against equal or greater competition.
When we load and unload the bus and plane with these 10 teams these are the teams that we can take anywhere as they are the best 10 in Georgia for the 2022-2023 season for each week of the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia.
1-Wheeler (1)–Head Coach: Larry Thompson; Final Record: 26-6; 7A State Champions State Tournament Route: eliminated Milton 81-64, North Gwinnett 74-49, McEachern 79-71, Grayson 67-55 and Cherokee 78-58 in 7A State Finals. Key Notes: Wheeler goes wire-to-wire, from Preseason to Final, as the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA No.1 team PERIOD.
Wheeler won its 9th state title as a program and third in four years under head coach Larry Thompson in his sixth season.
Wheeler went 21-0 against Georgia teams. 5-6 against non-Georgia teams. Wheeler’s six non-Georgia loses were to Christopher Columbus (FL- 7A Champion), Imhotep Charter (PA, currently in 5A quarterfinals), Paul VI (VA-VISAA D1 State Champion), John Marshall (VA- Class 2 State Champion), Sierra Canyon (CA) and Bishop Gorman (NV). Of those six losses five of them were when those teams were ranked in the Top 15 or higher nationally with the exception of Bishop Gorman.
Non-Georgia wins were to Kimball (TX), Tampa Catholic (FL), Centennial (CA), River Bluff (SC) and Keenan (SC). Quality Georgia wins were; Cherokee (4x), Osborne (3x), McEachern, Grayson, Walton (2x), Grovetown, Newton and Etowah.
Finishing sub-.500 in non-Georgia games with that national schedule is nothing to scoff at. Wheeler could have used another or “bigger” win nationally but who else in Georgia played a tougher national schedule and nobody in Georgia beat them. They had 5 wins over teams that were in the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA at some point this season and 3 wins over teams that are in the Final Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA.
Assistant Coach Darnell “Shep” Shepherd was the acting head coach for Wheeler while head coach Larry Thompson served a two-game suspension in the Elite Eight and Final Four games and won both. This shows the overall strength of the program.
Isaiah Collier (19.5ppg 5.8rpg 6.6apg 2.3spg) and Arrinten Page (15.8ppg 7.2rpg 1.1apg 1.1spg 1.6bpg) powered Wheeler this season. Jelani Hamilton averaged 12.4ppg 4.7rpg 1.9apg 1.6spg while Ricky McKenzie and Damion Mitchell played vital roles throughout the season for Wheeler. Wheeler shot 66% from the field in the state championship game, the highest shooting percentage of any team in any classification in the state finals.
2-Grayson (4)– Head Coach: Geoffrey Pierce; Final Record: 24-6; State Tournament Route: eliminated Marietta 99-56, Valdosta 76-53, Walton 49-27 and were eliminated by Wheeler 67-55 in 7A semifinals Key Notes: Grayson went 3-4 against teams that won state championships this season, 3-1 against Georgia teams that won state championships and went 2-3 against non-Georgia teams.
The three non-Georgia losses were to Riviera Prep (FL-3A State Champion), Sagemont (FL-2A State Champion) and John Marshall (VA-who also defeated Wheeler-Class 2 State Champion). Their two non-Georgia wins were to Grissom (AL) and Bishop Walsh (MD). Overall not as good a showing nationally as in years past but respectable losses to quality teams. Grayson has quality Georgia wins over Newton (2x), Kell (5A Champion), King’s Ridge (1A- DI Champion), Alexander (6A State Champion), Berkmar and Osborne. Notable Georgia losses were to Wheeler (7A state Champion), Newton (1x) and Pebblebrook
Grayson went 5-1 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Gicarri Harris led Grayson with 16.8ppg 6.8rpg 3.5apg 1.1spg. Chad Moodie averaged 10.1ppg 9.6rpg, 2.7bpg and 1.5spg. Amir Taylor averaged 12.3ppg 6.2rpg 2.2apg 1bpg. CJ Hyland added 11.8ppg 3.6rpg 6.1apg 2.1spg while Anthony Alston averaged 10.8ppg 4.5rpg 1.3apg and 1spg. All return next season with the exception of Chad Moodie.
3-Kell (5)-Head Coach: Jermaine Sellers; Current Record: 28-2; 5A State Champs State Tournament Route: eliminated Maynard-Jackson 97-68 in 1st Rd, eliminated Eastside 79-48 in 2nd Rd of 5A State Tournament, eliminated Dutchtown 73-60 in Elite Eight, eliminated Chapel Hill 54-33 in Final Four, eliminated Eagle’s Landing in 5A Finals Key Notes: Kell won its first state title in school history. Kell went 3-1 against non-Georgia teams with the loss coming to West Ranch (CA) while beating Liberty (NV), Calvary Christian Academy (FL) and St. Augustine (CA). Kell’s only loss to a Georgia team was to Grayson in overtime. Kell’s quaility wins against Georgia teams include Greenforest (2x), McEachern, Pebblebrook, Dutchtown (2x), Mt. Vernon, Chapel Hill and Eagle’s Landing.
Kell averaged 77.5ppg this season and scored 80 or more points nine times including three times scoring 100 or more points in a game. Kell ended the season on a 15 game winning streak and were 6-1 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Peyton Marshall led Kell in Scoring with 15ppg 7rpg 2apg and 2bpg. CJ Brown tallied 14ppg 5rpg 4.5apg and 2.5spg, Brown averaged 23ppg and 9.5rpg in the semifinals and finals for Kell. Jaylen Colon averaged 12ppg 3rpg 4apg and 3spg while Cannon Richards averaged 10ppg 8 rpg 2apg 2bpg this season. Aaron White and Connor Staphylaris played valuable roles as well this season from Kell.
4-McEachern (2)–Head Coach: Tremayne Anchrum; Current Record: 23-7; State Tournament Route: defeated South Gwinnett 66-55 South Gwinnett in 1st Rd, eliminated Westlake 88-88-51 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Wheeler 79-71 in Elite Eight in 7A State Tournament. Key Notes: McEachern went 4-4 against non-Georgia teams this season. The four wins were to Memphis East (TN; currently a 4A DI quarterfinal team), The Villages Charter (FL), Oak Ridge (FL) and Calvary Christian Academy (FL). The losses were to Duncanville (TX), Wasatch Academy (UT), Pine Bluff (AR- 5A State Champion) and Jonesboro (AR-6A State Champion).
McEachern had quality Georgia wins over Greenforest, Grovetown, Westlake (2x), Newton, Jonesboro, King’s Ridge (1A DI State Champion), Hillgrove (2x) and South Gwinnett. The Georgia losses were to Kell, Pebblebrook and Wheeler (7A State Champion). McEachern was 2-3 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Ace Bailey led McEachern in scoring this season with 23.5ppg to go with 12.5rpg, 3.1apg and 3.3bpg. Moses Hipps averaged 17.7ppg 3.2rpg 2.7apg and shot 49% from downtown this season. JaMichael Davis averaged 15.9ppg 6.7rpg 8.7apg and 2.8spg.
5-Eagle’s Landing (3)–Head Coach: Elliott Montgomery; Final Record: 29-2; State Tournament Route: eliminated Greenbrier 80-32 in 1st Rd, eliminated Lithonia 64-36 2ndRd, eliminated Mays 81-71 in Elite Eight, eliminated Jones County 66-54 in semifinals, eliminated by Kell 61-53 in 5A State Finals. Key Notes: Eagle’s Landing had quality Georgia wins over Westside-Augusta (2A State Champion), Southwest Dekalb, North Gwinnett, St. Pius X, Union Grove (3x), Jones County (4x), Warner Robins (2x), Dutchtown, Hillgrove, Marist, Buford, Langston Hughes, Greenforest, Mays, Greenbrier and Lithonia. Eagle’s Landing was 3-0 against non-Georgia teams with wins over Pembroke Pines Charter (FL), Miami (FL) and Rivieria Prep (FL- 3A State Champion). Eagle’s Landing was 3-1 in games decided by 5 points or less.
David Thomas led the team in scoring. Kenny Brayboy, Chris Morris II, Clark Mastin and Kylan McKennie were all important for Eagle’s Landing this past season.
6-Norcross (6)–Head Coach: Jesse McMillian; Final Record: 26-5; State Tournament Route:eliminated Collins Hill 90-61 in 1st Rd, eliminated Osborne 72-60 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Newton 54-52 in OT in Elite Eight, eliminated by Cherokee 63-60 in Final Four in 7A State Tournament KeyNotes: Norcross was 3-2 against non-Georgia teams with wins over Tennessee (TN), Thompson (AL) and Madison Ridgeland Academy (MS). The non-Georgia losses were to Myers Park (NC-4A State Champion) and North Mecklenburg (NC).
Norcross had quality wins over Georgia teams Newton (2x), Sandy Creek (3A State Champion), Marist, Berkmar (2x), Peachtree Ridge (2x) and Osborne. Norcross’s quality Georgia losses included Pebblebrook, Cherokee and Peachtree Ridge.
Norcross was 4-3 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Lamariyon Jordan led Norcross is scoring this season and had two game-winning shots this season both against Newton. Samarion Bond, Meir Panoam and Bilal Abdul-Rahman were the core for Norcross this season.
7- Alexander (8)- Head Coach: Jason Slate; Final Record: 26-5 State Tournament Route: eliminated Rome 65-57 in 1st Rd, eliminated Shiloh 66-57 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Jonesboro 54-53 in Elite Eight, eliminated Etowah 56-53 in Final Four, eliminated Lee County 64-42 in 6A finals Key Notes: Alexander won its first state title in school history. Alexander went 3-3 against non-Georgia teams this season. The losses came to Louisville Western (KY), North Florida Educational Institute (FL) and Hoover (AL-7A State Champion). The wins came against Eufaula (AL), Austin (AL) and Sagemont (FL-2A State Champion).
Alexander had quality wins over Georgia teams Langston Hughes (2x), Etowah (2x), Walton, Butler, Paulding County (3x), Jonesboro and Shiloh. Grayson and Langston Hughes were there only losses to Georgia teams.
Alexander was 8-3 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Braedan Lue led Alexander in scoring and rebounding this season averaging 16.6ppg and 7.7rpg including 26 points and 12 rebounds in the finals win over Lee County. Jay’Quan Nelson averaged 13.8ppg to go with 3.6apg, Marvin McGhee IV averaged 11ppg 7rpg and Noah Melson averaged 9.3ppg 2.8rpg and 2.6apg this season.
Gregory Dunson game-winning FG w/9.6 left to eliminate Jonesboro in the quarterfinals on the road. Braedan Lue had the go-ahead basket with 17.1 seconds left, Marvin McGhee IV dunk to seal it with 2.8 left in the win over Etowah in the semifinals.
8- Pace Academy (NR)Head Coach: Sharman White; Final Record: 25-7 State Tournament Route: eliminated Miller Grove 67-28, eliminated Walnut Grove 58-41, eliminated Baldwin 62-31, eliminated Westover 57-49 in the semifinals, eliminated Fayette County 66-54 in the 4A state final. Key Notes: Pace Academy went 3-4 in games against non-Georgia teams. The losses came to Mater Dei (CA), Christ The King (NY), Christ School (NC-4A State Champion) and West Catholic (PA). Pace Academy’s non-Georgia wins were over Twin Springs (VA), St. Francis Prep (NY) and Chiminade-Julienne (OH).
Pace Academy had quality Georgia wins over Chapel Hill, Decatur, McDonough, Lovett (2x), Langston Hughes, Woodland-Stockbridge (3x), Westover, Baldwin, Miller Grove, Walnut Grove and Fayette County. Pace Academy’s losses to Georgia teams were to Milton, McDonough and Lovett.
Pace Academy was 1-3 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Eric Chatfield led Pace Academy in scoring this season with 12.2ppg and 4.7apg this season. KJ Greene averaged 11.6ppg and 6.5apg (19pts 5reb 2ast in state final game). LJ Moore averaged 9.9ppg and 6rpg (23pts 7reb in the state final game). Chatfield, Greene and Moore all return next season. Kendall Evans averaged 9.7ppg and 6.5 rpg this season.
9-Newton (10)–Head Coach: Charlemagne Gibbons (now head coach at Gainesville); Final Record: 19-11; State Tournament Route: eliminated Harrison 68-59, eliminated Pebblebrook 73-51 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Norcross 54-42 in OT in Elite Eight Key Notes: Newton was 5-4 against non-Georgia teams. The four losses were to Duncanville (TX), Lake Highlands (TX), Jonesboro (AR-6A State Champion) and IMG Academy (FL). Newton’s non-Georgia wins were against Charlotte (FL), Tampa Catholic (FL), Vashon (MO-currently in 4A semifinals), Bishop O’Connell (VA) and Sidwell Friends (DC-2A State Champion)
Newton’s quality Georgia wins were against Mays, Grovetown, Grayson, Dougherty, South Gwinnett (2x), Parkview and Pebblebrook. Their quality Georgia losses were to Norcross (2x), McEachern, Wheeler (7A State Champion), Grayson (2x) and Parkview.
Newton was 4-5 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Stephon Castle led Newton in scoring this season. Ja’Kai Newton-who was out during the first portion of the season, MJ Whitlock, Ashton Pennamon, Tim Prather and Jabez Jenkins were all important for Newton this season.
10-Sandy Creek (NR)–Head Coach: Jon Michael Nickerson Final Record: 26-6; State Tournament Route: 3A State Champions Key Notes: Quality Georgia wins over Fayette County (2x), Cedar Grove (4x), Spencer, McIntosh, Trinity Christian (2x), Douglass-Atlanta (2x), Westlake, Langston Hughes, Johnson-Savannah and Cross Creek.
Sandy Creek had losses to Georgia teams Etowah, Norcross and McDonough.
Sandy Creek went 2-3 against non-Georgia teams with losses to Gray Collegiate (SC-2A State Champion), Mountain Brook (AL) and Pinson Valley (AL). The wins were against Huntsville (AL) and Chelsea (AL). Sandy Creek was 0-2 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Micah Smith (17pts 7reb 3ast in state finals), Vic Newsome (14pts 5reb 2ast in state finals), Amare Brown (10pts 8reb 3ast in state finals) and PJ Green (16pts 4reb 2ast in state finals) were the core of Sandy Creek’s team this season.
Sandy Creek is in the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA for the first time this season, at the end.
OUT-Grovetown (7)- Head Coach: Darren Douglass; Current Record: 20-9; State Tournament Route: eliminated Houston County 75-47 in 1st Rd, eliminated Marist 58-51 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Lanier 62-58 in Elite Eight 6A state tournament Key Notes: Grovetown’s 16 game winning streak is snapped in the loss to Lanier, it was their first loss in the calendar year of 2023. Grovetown has quality Georgia losses to McEachern, Newton, Buford, Wheeler, Tri-Cities and Jones County. Their quality Georgia wins were over Brunswick (3x), Woodland-Stockbridge, Marist, Westside-Augusta (2A State Champion) and Cross Creek.
Grovetown was 0-2 against non-Georgia teams this season losing to Christopher Columbus (FL-7A State Champion) and Pinson Valley (AL).
Derrion Reid, Vashon Ferguson, Markell Freeman, Frankquon Sherman and DJ Douglass were the core of the Grovetown team.
OUT-Greenforest (9)- Head Coach: Rory Griffin; Current Record: 21-8 State Tournament Route: eliminated Towns County 80-37 in 1st Rd, eliminated Manchester 60-56 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Calhoun County 67-60 in Elite Eight, eliminated by Charlton County 50-49 in Final Four in 1A DII. Key Notes: Greenforest went 3-3 against non-Georgia teams. The losses were to Wasatch Academy (UT), Windermere (FL) and Grissom (AL). The wins were against Memphis Houston (TN), White Hall (AR) and Gaston Christian (NC).
Greenforest quality Georgia wins were against McDonough, Parkview, Etowah, Dougherty, Northside-Columbus, Calhoun County and Christian Heritage (2x). Greenforest’s quality Georgia losses were to McEachern, Kell (2x-5A State Champion), Eagle’s Landing and Charlton County,
Gai Chol, D.K. Manyiel Dut, Elijah Lewis, Isaiah Lloyd and Mike Robinson were key for Greenforest this season.
WHAT HAPPEN WITH OTHERS THAT WERE IN HILLSMAN HEAVY TOP 10 GA AT SOME POINT THIS SEASON:
Etowah: 22-10, advanced to 6A Semifinals. Key Wins: Cherokee, Butler, River Ridge, Cedar Grove, Sandy Creek (3A State Champion), St. Pius X, Paulding County, Sequoyah (2x) Key Losses: Alexander (2x-6A State Champion), Louisville Western (KY), Wheeler (7A State Champion), Greenforest, Gonzaga (DC), Marist Other Notes: 3-3 in games decided by 5 points or less. 0-2 against non-Georgia teams, losses to Gonzaga (DC) and Louisville Western (KY)
McDonough: 26-5, advanced to 4A Quarterfinals. Key Wins: Johnson-Savannah, Pace Academy (4A State Champion), Langston Hughes, Woodland-Stockbridge (3x), Lovett (2x), Tucker, Sandy Creek (3A State Champion) Key Losses: Pace Academy, Lovett, Buford, Greenforest, Westover Other Notes: 2-0 vs non-Georgia teams, defeated Cordova (TN) and Pine Forest (FL). 2-3 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Keeping Tabs On
WHO THE HILLSMAN HEAVY TOP 10 GA MISSED ON IN KEEPING TABS ON: We missed on “Keeping Tabs On” these teams throughout the season and they were there in the end in alphabetical order.
Charlton County: 29-3, 1A DII State Runner Up
Lanier: 26-5, 6A Semifinalist
Lee County: 28-4, 6A State Runner Up
Providence Christian: 27-5, 2A State Runner Up;
Wilkinson County: 25-6,1A DII State Champion
KEEPING TABS ON: Here are the season results for those teams that we Kept Tabs On this season in alphabetical order.
Archer (7A) (16-9; did not make state tournament, season complete).
Bainbridge (4A) (25-3; region runner, No.2 state seed; eliminated Westside-Macon 46-43, eliminated 61-59 to Fayette County in 2nd Rd, season complete), Beach (3A) (22-6; No.3 state seed; eliminated by Harlem 57-56 in 1st Rd, season complete), Butler (2A) (18-10; No.3 state seed; eliminated Tattnal County 59-44 in 1st Rd, eliminated by Spencer 56-54 in 2nd Rd, season complete) , Buford (7A) (20-7; Region Champs, No.1 state seed; eliminated by Berkmar 58-53 in 1stRd, season complete), Brunswick (6A) (22-7; region runner-up, No.2 state seed; eliminated Tift 60-57 in OT, eliminated by Jonesboro 65-46 in 2nd Rd, season complete),
Campbell (7A) (17-11, No.3 state seed; eliminated be Valdosta 62-60 in 1stRd, season complete), Carrollton (7A) (21-7; Region Champs, No.1 state seed; eliminated Colquitt County 77-56, eliminated Parkview 58-56 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Cherokee 70-66 in Elite Eight, season complete), Cedar Grove (3A) (20-10; region runner-up, No.2 state seed; eliminated LaFayette 73-53 in 1st Rd, eliminated Monroe Area 62-55 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Long County 94-91 in 2OT in Elite Eight, eliminated Douglass-Atlanta 61-45 in Final Four, eliminated by Sandy Creek in 3A State Finals, season complete), Cherokee (7A) (25-7; region runner-up, No.2 state seed; eliminated West Forsyth 59-45, eliminated Berkmar in 2nd Rd, eliminated Carrollton in Elite Eight, eliminated Norcross 63-60 in Final Four, eliminated by Wheeler 78-58 in 7A State Finals, season complete),Columbia (2A) (30-2; Region Champ; No.1 state seed; eliminated Drew Charter 63-50, eliminated Union County 83-41 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Windsor Forest 74-60, eliminated by Westside-Augusta 55-52 in Final Four, season complete), Cross Creek (3A) (19-11; Region Champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated Groves 86-63 in 1st Rd, eliminated Monroe-Albany 65-54 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Hart County 72-65 in Elite Eight, eliminated by Sandy Creek 61-44 in Final Four-season complete)
Doughtery (3A) (17-12; Region Champ; No.1 seed state; eliminated 90-37 in 1st Rd, eliminated Harlem 76-59 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Douglass-Atlanta 78-73 in Elite Eight, season complete, Drew Charter (2A) (20-7; No.4 state seed; eliminated by Columbia 63-50 in 1st Rd, season complete), Dublin (1A Div I) (19-7; No.3 state seed; eliminated Brooks County 60-43, eliminated by Temple 70-61 in 2nd Rd, vs 1A DI State Tournament, season complete), Dutchtown (5A) (21-8; No.3 state seed; eliminated Coffee 50-39, eliminated Decatur 55-46 2nd Rd, eliminated by Kell in Elite Eight-season complete)
Etowah (6A) (21-9; Region Champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated Paulding County 79-51 in 1stRd, eliminated Pope 59-42 in 2nd Rd, eliminated St. Pius X 54-53 in Elite Eight, eliminated by Alexander 56-53 in Final Four, season complete Fayette County (4A) (26-6; Region Champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated New Hampstead 98-73- Fayette County hit 12 three-pointers in the 1st Rd win, eliminated Bainbridge 61-59 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Woodland-Stockbridge 83-71 in Elite Eight, eliminated Benedictine 73-67 in Final Four, eliminated by Pace Academy 66-54 in 4A State Finals, season complete.
Hiram (5A) (24-3; Region Champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated Heritage-Conyers 68-45, eliminated Tri-Cities in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Jones County 56-53 in Elite Eight-season complete).
Johnson-Savannah (3A) (25-4; Region Champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated Hephzibah 107-45 in 1st Rd, eliminated Crisp County 78-54 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Sandy Creek 56-50 in Elite Eight, season complete), Jonesboro (6A) (24-3; Region Champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated South Cobb 48-34, eliminated Brunswick 65-46 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Alexander 54-53 in Elite Eight-season complete), Jones County (5A) (19-12; No.4 state seed; eliminated Bradwell Institute 65-44 in 1st Rd, eliminated Tucker 64-50 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Hiram 56-53 in Elite Eight, vs Eagle’s Landing in 5A Final Four).
King’s Ridge (1A Div I) (23-10; No.4 state seed; eliminated Social Circle 69-60 in 1st Rd, eliminated Rabun County 65-30 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Woodville-Tompkins 62-54 in Elite Eight, eliminated Mt. Vernon 53-48 in Final Four, eliminated Mt. Pisgah 68-58 in State Finals, 1A DI State Champions, season complete, Lithonia (5A) (19-10; No.3 state seed; eliminated Northside-Columbus 58-57 in 1st Rd, eliminated by Eagle’s Landing in 2nd Rd, season complete), Lovett (4A) (20-10; Region Champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated Druid Hills 55-46, eliminated 49-48 by Madison County in 2nd Rd of 4A State Tournament, season complete).
Madison County (4A) (27-3; region runner-up, No.2 state seed), Marist (6A) (19-8; No.3 state seed; eliminated Northwest Whitfield 79-44 in 1st Rd, eliminated Lovett 49-48 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Benedictine 58-35 in Elite Eight-season complete), Miller Grove (4A) (15-13; No.3 state seed eliminated by Pace Academy 67-28 in 1st Rd, season complete), Milton (7A) (19-10; No.4 state seed; eliminated by Wheeler 81-64 in 1st Rd, season complete), Mountain View (7A) (13-14; No.3 state seed; eliminated by Peachtree Ridge 70-45 in 1stRd- season complete), Mt. Bethel (1A Div I) (21-7; No.3 state seed; eliminated Oglethorpe County 61-56 in 1st Rd, eliminated Athens Christian in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Swainsboro 70-55 in Elite Eight, season complete)
North Cobb (7A) (17-8; did not make state tournament, season complete).
Oglethorpe County (1A DI) (14-14; region runner-up, No.2 state seed; eliminated by Mt. Bethel 61-56 in 1st Rd, season complete), Oconee County (3A),(16-10, did not make state tournament, season complete), Osborne (7A) (17-12; No.3 state seed; defeated Denmark 54-50, eliminated by Norcross 72-60 in 2nd Rd, season complete).
Pace Academy (4A) (25-7; region runner-up; No.2 state seed; eliminated Miller Grove 67-28 in 1st Rd, eliminated Walnut Grove 58-41 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Baldwin 62-31 in Elite Eight, eliminated Westover in Final Four, eliminated Fayette County 66-54 in 5A State Finals- 4A State Champion-season complete), Parkview (7A) (14-14; No.3 state seed; eliminated Hillgrove 64-61 in 1st Rd, eliminated by Carrollton 58-56 in 2nd Rd, season complete), Putnam County (2A) (23-6; region runner-up, No.2 state seed; eliminated Toombs County 71-49, eliminated by Dodge County 85-82 in 2nd Rd, season complete).
Sandy Creek (3A) (26-6 Region Champ; No.1 state seed; eliminated Ringgold 100-57 in 1st Rd, eliminated Wesleyan 68-22 in 2nd Rd, eliminated Johnson-Savannah 56-50 in Elite Eight, eliminated Cross Creek 61-44 in Final Four, eliminated Cedar Grove 66-38 in 3A state finals- 3A State Champions-season complete), Sequoyah (6A) (17-12; No.3 state seed; eliminated by South Paulding 56-54 in 1st Rd, season complete), South Gwinnett (7A) (18-9; No.4 state seed; eliminated by McEachern 66-55 in 1st Rd, season complete), Spencer (2A) (25-5; Region Champ; No.1 state seed; eliminated Cook 83-46 in 1st Rd, eliminated Butler 56-54 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Providence Christian 84-70 in Elite Eight, season complete), St. Pius X (6A) (23-5; Region Champ; No.1 state seed; eliminated Rockdale County 56-50 in 1st Rd, eliminated Lakeside-Evans 62-57 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Etowah 54-53 in Elite Eight, Sumter County (2A)(19-9; region runner-up, No.2 state seed; eliminated Northeast-Macon 62-47 in 1st Rd, eliminated by Westside-Augusta in 2nd Rd, season complete).
Thomasville (3A) (11-15; did not make state tournament, season complete), Thomson (2A) (16-9; No.4 state seed; eliminated by Windsor Forest 72-68 in 1st Rd, season complete ), Tri-Cities (5A) (18-10; No.3 state seed; eliminated Cambridge 69-57 in 1st Rd, eliminated by Hiram 93-73 in 2nd Rd, season complete), Union Grove (5A) (19-12; region runner-up, No.2 state seed; eliminated Statesboro 62-48, eliminated McIntosh 61-60 in 2nd Rd, eliminated by Chapel Hill 71-57 in Elite Eight-season complete)
Walnut Grove (4A) (17-13; region champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated Southeast Whitfield 73-45 in 1st Rd, eliminated 58-41 by Pace Academy in 2nd Rd, season complete), Westlake (7A) (17-12; region runner-up, No.2 state seed; eliminated Camden County 52-43, eliminated by McEachern 88-51 in 2nd Rd, season complete), Westover (4A) (20-7; Region Champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated Spalding 69-66 in 1st Rd, eliminated Southeast Bulloch 67-55 in 2nd Rd, eliminated McDonough 66-57 in Elite Eight, eliminated by Pace Academy in Final Four-season complete), Westside-Augusta (2A) (22-7; Region Champ, No.1 state seed eliminated Vidalia 77-32 in 1st Rd, eliminated Sumter County 82-49 in 2nd Rd, eliminated South Atlanta 81-50 in Elite Eight, eliminated Columbia in Final Four, eliminated Providence Christian 89-81 in overtime in state finals-2A State Chamilpiona, season complete), Woodville-Tompkins (1A DI) (21-9; Region Champ, No.1 state seed; eliminated Lamar County 60-33 in 1st Rd, eliminated Pelham 81-62, eliminated by King’s Ridge 62-54 in Elite Eight-season complete)
Other Georgia Associations We Kept Tabs On
OTHER ASSOCIATION TEAMS THAT WERE IN KEEPING TABS ON:
Please note that there were three non-GHSA teams that we kept tabs on this season; Augusta Christian (SCISA), St. Andrew’s (GIAA) and Creekside Christian (GAPPS) seasons are now complete. Below is how each of them finished.
Augusta Christian (26-5) won the SCISA 4A State Championship defeating Cardinal Newman (SC) 47-44. Augusta Christian is based in Martinez, GA however played association ball in the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). Augusta Christian Academy posted a 4-1 record against GHSA schools this season with the most notable win coming over Westside-Augusta (2A State Champion).
St. Andrew’s (28-1) won the GIAA State Championship defeating The Heritage School 44-42 in the finals. St. Andrew’s has won the GIAA state title two years in a row and ended the season on a 16-game winning streak. St. Andrew’s went 5-0 against GHSA teams this season with the most notable win coming over Hiram.
Creekside Christian Academy (24-6) won the GAPPS Division 1-AAA State Championship defeating Valor Christian 64-57. It was the fourth state championship is the schools history. Creekside Christian posted a 4-3 record against GHSA schools this season with the most notable win coming over North Cobb Christian.
On behalf of Total Sports Coverage and the crew behind the scenes that help and consult on the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA we would like to say THANK YOU to you the readers and viewers! THANK YOU!
We hope everyone had a fun season. Have a safe, productive spring and summer and we will see you in the gym next season.
The 2023-2024 Preseason Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA will be released Tuesday, October 31st, 2023.
The GHSA State Basketball Championships are underway in Macon, GA at the Macon Coliseum. Here are the updates from the games as they go final.
2023 GHSA State Basketball Championships Macon Coliseum in Macon, Georgia
1A DII: 1Wilkinson County (24-6)/1 Charlton County (29-2)
Wilkinson County (25-6) won their 11th state championship with a 40-36 come-from-behind victory over Charlton County (29-3). Wilkinson County used a 20-point fourth quarter to earn the victory. Kwaveon Hill gave Wilkinson County its first lead 33-32 of the game with a jumper with 1:55 remaining in the fourth quarter and they held on for the victory. Hill finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds while Justin Stanley tallied 11 points to lead Wilkinson County in scoring. Jordan Jackson had 6 points and 10 rebounds while Treveon Evans finished with 5 points and 11 rebounds to lead Wilkinson County in rebounding which allowed them to outrebound Charlton County 43-33 in the game.
Wilkinson County entered the state finals averaging 71.8ppg but were held to their lowest scoring output of the season and shot 27% from the field. Wilkinson County improves to 11-0 in state championship games and finished the season 4-3 in games decided by 5 points or less and won their final 15 games.
Charlton County entered the finals averaging 69.5ppg and were held to their lowest scoring output of the season and shot only 30% from the field. Elyiss Williams posted a 10-point 20-rebound double-double before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Jarvis Wright finished with 10 points and Jaylen King tallied 8 points and 5 rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
4A: 1Fayette County (26-5)/2Pace Academy (24-7)
Pace Academy (25-7) wins their fifth state title in school history and third under head coach Sharman White after defeating Fayette County (26-6) 66-54 in the state finals. Sharman White wins his tenth state title as a head coach in Georgia.
The game was tied 24-24 with 5:42 left in the second quarter and Pace closed the half on a 15-7 run to lead 39-32 at the half and never looked back. Despite playing through foul trouble, Pace Academy dominated the game in the paint, on the glass and took away Fayette County’s leading scorer RJ Kennedy (8 points 2/10 FGs).
LJ Moore set the tone for Pace Academy by scoring 17 of his 23 points in the first half and added seven rebounds. KJ Greene finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists while playing one of the best games of his career. Kendall Evans led Pace Academy in rebounds with 11. Pace Academy outrebounded Fayette County 41-19 which included 18 offensive rebounds for 20 second chance points.
Robert Hurst led Fayette County with 12 points and Toby Ijiwoye had 10 points. Fayette County shot 41% from the field but were 3-of-14 from three-point land and were held in check by Pace Academy’s defense.
2A: 1Providence Christian/1Westside-Augusta
Westside-Augusta (27-5) won its second straight state title and third in school history with a come-from-behind 89-81 overtime win over Providence Christian (27-5) . Providence led by 11, 52-41, with 3:08 left in the third quarter. Westside-Augusta closed the quarter outscoring 13-6 and trailed 58-54 headed to the fourth. The fourth quarter was a back and forth affair that featured five ties in the quarter, the final one came after a Khalon Hudson bucket with 14 seconds left to for overtime. In overtime a Jalexs Ewing put-back gave Westside the lead for good, 77-76, with 1:39 remaining and held on for the win
Amauri Tillman led Westside-Augusta with 36 points (15-of-30 FG), 7 rebounds 3 assists, 1 turnover. Khalon Hudson tallied a double-double 21 points (8-of-15 FG), 13 rebounds, 3 assists and Jalexs Ewing finished with 18 points (7-of-10 FG) and 4 rebounds. Westside-Augusta shot 50% from the field and scored 23 points off of 16 Providence Christian turnovers.
Providence Christian shot it at a 50% clip as well led by Samuel Thacker who finished with 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting from three-point land. Devin McClain tallied 21 points (7-of-15 FG) and 8 rebounds while Kam Carryl finished with 16 points, 4rebounds and 5 assists before fouling out.
5A: 1Eagle’s Landing/1Kell Thursday
Kell (28-2) wins its first state in school history defeating Eagle’s Landing (29-2) 61-53 in the state finals. Kell closed the game on an 11-2 run after trailing 51-50 with 5:14 remaining and held Eagle’s Landing to six points in the fourth quarter.
CJ Brown led Kell with 22 points (7-of-14), 6 rebounds and 5 assists to led Kell in scoring. Cannon Richards tallied 11 points and 6 rebound while Peyton Marshall played around foul trouble to finish with 9 points (all in the second half) and 4 rebounds for Kell. Kell shot 49% from the field and won the battle on the glass and in the paint.
David Thomas led Eagle’s Landing with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists and Kenny Brayboy finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Eagle’s Landing shot 41% from the field and finish as the state runner up for the second year in a row.
3A: 2Cedar Grove/1Sandy Creek
Sandy Creek (26-6) won its first state title in school history with a 66-38 win over Cedar Grove (20-10) in the state finals. Sandy Creek trailed 14-10 with 27 seconds left in the first quarter. Sandy Creek would finish the first half outscoring Cedar Grove 21-0 the remainder of the half and led 31-14 at the half and never looked back.
Micah Smith led Sandy Creek with 17 points (6-of-12 FG), 7 rebounds, 3 assists while PJ Green tallied 16 points (6-of-12 FG), 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Vic Newsom exploded in the third quarter by scoring 10 of his 14 points to go with 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Sandy Creek shot 44% from the field, outrebound Cedar Grove 40-29, dominated points in the paint 32-14 and scored 17 points off of 20 Cedar Grove turnovers.
Sandy Creek won all four games this season against Cedar Grove by an average of 27.5ppg and never allowed more than 56 points in a game to Cedar Grove this season.
Cedar Grove was led by freshman Manny Green who finished with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Darius Reynolds added 10 points and 8 rebounds. Cedar Grove shot 30% from the field.
6A: 1Lee County/1Alexander
Alexander (28-5) won its first state title in school history with a 64-42 win over Lee County (28-4). In a season where head coach Jason Slate picked up his 500th win, he adds his first state title as a head coach to his ledger.
Alexander and Lee County were tied 33-33 with 4:19 left in the third quarter. Alexander proceeded to outscore Lee County 31-9 over the remaining 12:19 of the contest.
Braedan Lue finished with a 26-point 12-rebound double-double to lead Alexander. Noah Melson tallied 15 points (6-of-8 FG), 6 rebounds and 3 assists while Jay’Quan Nelson finished with 11 points. Alexander shot 43% for the game however in the second half when they pulled away they shot 56% and held Lee County to 26% in the second half. Alexander shared the ball at a high clip as they had 15 assist on 24 made field goals in the contest.
Lee County fell short of its first state title since 1985. Lee County had eight different people score led by Ousmane Kromah’s 14 points and 9 rebounds. Kromah was the only double-figure scorer for Lee County. Caden King added 8 points and a team-high 10 rebounds for Lee County.
GHSA 2023 State Basketball Championships Macon Coliseum in Macon, GA
1A DI: 1Mt. Pisgah/4King’s Ridge
Kkng’s Ridge (23-10) jumped out to a 22-point first half lead and held off a fourth quarter push to win its first state title in school history 68-58 over Mt. Pigah (23-9).
Mt. Pisgah pulled to within six points, 57-51, on a Tyson Pittman three-pointer from Micah Tucker with 4:20 remaining in the game. Less than two minutes later Tucker fouled out and Mt. Pisgah never got closer than eight points.
Micah Hoover finished with 25 points (7-of-12 FG) 8 rebounds while Zack Thomas finished with 24 points (8-of-14 FG), 5 rebounds and 2 assists to lead King’s Ridge. King’s Ridge shot 54% from the field with 13 assists on 22 made field goals.
Micah Tucker led Mt. Pisgah with 19 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Cedric Haynes had 11 points and 4 rebounds while Tyson Pittman finished with 10 points. Max Tucker led Mt. Pisgah in rebounding with 12 to go with his 7 points.
7A: 1Wheeler/2Cherokee
Wheeler wins its 9th state title in school history by getting its fourth win of the season over Cherokee 78-58 in the state finals. Cherokee was in the finals for the first time since 1982.
Wheeler has won three state titles under current head coach Larry Thompson, who missed the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds due to suspension. Thompson now has five state titles as a head coach at two schools (Greenforest-2 and Wheeler-3).
Isaiah Collier finished with 22 points (9-of-13 FG) amd 7 assists. Arrinten Page tallied 15 points (7-of-9 FG), 8 rebounds and 4 blocks for Wheeler. Wheeler was undefeated against Georgia teams this season. Wheeler shared the ball to a rate of 19 assists on 31 made FG and shot 66% from the field, the highest of any team in the state finals this week. Jelani Hamilton, Ricky Mckenzie and DJ Mitchell each added 11 points.
Cherokee was led by Byalin Giddens who finished with 17 points (5-of-8 FG) and 6 rebounds. Cameron Pope tallied 12 points and Tayden Owens finished with 11. Dastin Hart had 10 points and led Cherokee in rebounding with 8 glass swipes. Cherokee shot 29% from the field despite only having 9 turnovers and winnn the battle on the offensive glass with a plus-11.
The Georgia Independent Athletic Association state basketball championships were held last weekend at Mercer University in Macon, GA.
St. Andrew’s (28-1) won their second straight GIAA 3A State Championship by defeating The Heritage School (19-9) 44-42 in the finals. Zyere Edwards, who leads St. Andrews in scoring and assists this season, made two free throws late to seal the championship.
St. Andrew’s ended the season on a 16-game winning streak and went 5-0 against GHSA teams this season. Their most notable win over a GHSA team was over Hiram. St. Andrew’s has five state titles in school history.
The South Carolina Independent Schools Association state championships were held last weekend at the Sumter Civic Center in Sumter South Carolina. When the dust cleared it was Georgia team taking home the hardware for a second straight season. If the SCISA sounds familiar to you, it’s the same league/association Zion Williamson of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans dominated during his high school tenure.
D.J. Shine and Augusta Christian cut down the nets for second straight season as SCISA 4A state champions
Augusta Christian (25-6) is a Georgia school and based out of Martinez, GA but plays in the SCISA defeated Cardinal Newman (SC) (19-16) 47-44 to claim its second straight state title. DJ Shine led Augusta Christian with 13 points while Braylen Smith finished with 11. Khaleel Pratt and Troy Booker each tallied nine points for Augusta Christian. It was the second victory this season for Augusta Christian over their Region I rival Cardinal Newman (SC) in their third meeting this season.
Augusta Christian has won five state titles all time and all have been in the SCISA. Head Coach Brandon Dotson has won two of those titles in his four years as the head coach and was an assistant coach on the 2013 state title team under head coach John Harris. Augusta Christian chooses to play in the SCISA for economic and geographical reasons and enjoys the level of play in the SCISA with the players and teams that have came through the association over the years from Seventh Woods to Zion Williamson just to name a few.
Augusta Christian spent time in the “Keeping Tabs On” team section of the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA this season
Augusta Christian, who was the SCISA 4A Region I champion as well, posted a 4-1 record over Georgia GHSA teams this season with the most notable win coming against Westside-Augusta . The Lion’s other wins were over Butler, New Hampstead and King’s Ridge who all made the GHSA state tournament in Georgia and Westside-Augusta and King’s Ridge advanced to the Elite Eight/Quarterfinals in their respective classifications. Augusta Christian’s lone GHSA loss was to Cross Creek- who is in the a two-time defending state champion and has advanced to the Elite Eight in their GHSA classification. The Lions capped the season on an eight-game winning streak.
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