The Georgia GHSA State finals are upon us and the action begins in Macon, GA on Wednesday March 6th and concludes on Saturday March 9th.
Lets take a look at the matchup beginning in dated order of play.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 6TH 3PM;
1ADII: Manchester (21-8) vs Greenforest (26-4)
Greenforest enters the Finals riding a 20-game winning streak behind an overall balanced effort up and down the roster from Elijah Lewis, Caleb Kawela and Daniel Daramola most notably. Greenforest is going for their second title in three seasons and their only losses to Georgia opponents were to Kell, Milton and Berkmar. Greenforest is No.6 in the latest Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA entering the state tournament.
Manchester enters the Finals on a 5-game winning streak. Manchester is led by Daryus Bryant (13.2ppg 9.2rpg), Jaedyn Terry (9ppg 7rpg) and Dre McGhee (9ppg 4rpg). The Blue Devils are in the finals for the first time since 2012 under first-year head coach Demonta Prather. Manchester is 3-0 in games decided by five points or less including their Final Four win over Warren County 62-60 with a defensive stand to seal the game.
Expect a hard nosed effort from both teams especially on the defensive ends.
RESULT: Greenforest wins it’s fifth state title in school history, second in the last three years in a XX-XX win over Manchester. Greenforest used an 11-2 run over the end of the first quarter and into the second quarter and a 22-7 third quarter to blow it open for the 68-39 win. Elijah Lewis finished with 18p while Caleb Kawela posted an 11-point 11-rebound double-double for Greenforest.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 6TH 7PM;
4A: North Oconee (29-3) vs Holy Innocents (26-6)
North Oconee is in the Finals for the first time in history and first under head coach Rick Rasmussen in his fifth season. North Oconee enters on an 18-game winning streak and is powered by Khamari Brooks (16.3ppg in state), Justin Payne (14.3ppg in state) and Justin Wise (15ppg in state). Evan Montgomery and Byrd Carter (14.5ppg in state) play key roles for a balanced Titans team. Brooks and Montgomery have commanded the glass during the postseason for the Titans while Payne has engineered the offense while leading the team in assists. North Oconee’s only loss to a Georgia team this season was to region foe Seckinger and they are 3-2 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Holy Innocents is in the Finals for the second time in three seasons under head coach Mario Mays. Holy Innocents enters on a 15-game winning streak and is headlined by Caleb Wilson. Wilson is a box score stuffer and is averaging 18.5ppg 16rpg 4.7apg 5.7bpg in the state tournament. Devin Hutcherson (17.7ppg 8.3rpg in state) and Will Hopkins (12.7ppg in state) have also been key for Holy Innocents, who also gets timely outside shooting from Jordan Mays while Rhys Williams is the x-factor. Holy Innocents is 4-0 in games decided by 5 points or less and for of their six losses are to Georgia teams Wheeler, McEachern, Woodward Academy and region foe Westminster.
There are some very nice matchups across the board in this contest however the Brooks vs Wilson matchup will stand out the most between these two gifted players.
RESULT: North Oconee used a huge effort from Justin Wise and Byrd Carter to win their first state title in school basketball history over Holy Innocents 65-60 Wise finished with 19p while Carter finished with 20p 6r for North Oconee.
THURSDAY MARCH 7TH 3PM:
2A: Toombs County (29-2) vs Westside-Augusta (27-4)
Toombs County enters the Finals riding a 20-game winning streak. Toombs was thought of around the basketball community as a sleeper and they have proven that to be correct and we missed it. Toombs County’s only loss to a Georgia team was to Veterans in the second game of the season and they are 3-2 in games decided by 5 points or less. Senior Dominic Eason (20ppg 6.3rpg 2.3apg) leads the charge for Toombs County. Eason has help from seniors Jesus Quintero (13.9ppg 3.4rpg 2.5spg), Demetrius Cutler (7.7ppg 7.7rpg) and sophomore Parker Stanley (7.1ppg 5.6rpg).
Westside-Augusta enters the Finals seeking their third straight state championship and are riding an 8-game winning streak. Balance and depth is what makes this team very dangerous led by seniors DeMarco Middleton (13.9ppg 3.6rpg 4apg 2.5spg) and Lavonta Ivery (11.3ppg 5.2rpg 3.5apg). Jarious Adkinson, Javan Webb, Dontrell Jackson, Bobby Blackwell, Aldrion Jones and Xavier Goss are key players as well. Put it this way, of the 15 players on Westside-Augusta roster, 13 have played in 29 or more games and role identification is understood. Two of their four losses this season were to Butler-who Toombs County defeated in the semifinals. Westside-Augusta is 1-2 in games decided by 5 points or less, has scored 80 or more points 15 times this season and are winning by an average of 37.2 points in the state tournament. Westside-Augusta is No.9 in the latest Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA entering the state tournament.
This should be a very fun basketball game. How Westside-Augusta is able to contain Eason and how Toombs County will be able to handle Westside-Augusta’s depth could be the deciding factors.
RESULT: Westside-Augusta raced out a 10-0 lead in the first five minutes of the game and never looked back in a 64-29 win over Toombs County to win the 2A State title and their third straight title. 11 players scored for Westside-Augusta led by Lavonta Ivery (14p 4r 3a) and Jarious Adkinson (11p).
THURDAY MARCH 7TH 7PM:
5A:
Eagle’s Landing (23-7) vs Kell (27-3)
This will be one of two All-Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA Finals matchups and a rematch of the 5A title game from a season ago, won by Kell.
Eagle’s Landing is in the Finals for the four straight season and enters on an 11-game winning streak. Eagle’s Landing has gotten stronger as the season has gone and are playing some of their best basketball now. Eagle’s Landing features balance and depth with Dwight Brown (13.3ppg in state), Chris Morris II (13.7ppg 5.3r in state) Bobby Buggs (10.5ppg in state), Clark Mastin (8.5ppg 4.7rpg 4.7apg 3.5spg in state) and John McQueen (9ppg 3.7rpg in state). Maddox Melancon, Hannibal Smith and Tyson Moore are also playing key roles. Eagle’s Landing is 4-4 in games decided by 5 points or less. Three of Eagle’s Landing losses were to OOS teams and their four losses to Georgia teams were to region foes Warner Robins, Dutchtown, Jones County and non-region foe Greenforest. Eagle’s Landing is No. 8 in the latest Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA entering the state tournament.
Kell is in the Finals for the second straight season, are the defending champions and enter on a 26-game winning streak. Kell has multiple weapons led by CJ Brown (20.7ppg in state), Jaylen Colon (14.5ppg in state) and Cannon Richards (10.7ppg in state). Chris McLavish, Conner Staphylaris and Brayden Rouse have been solid throughout the season and during the state tournament run. Kell’s three losses are to McEachern, Newton and Grayson. They are 1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less, have scored 80 or more points 14 times this season. Kell is No.3 in the latest Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA entering the state tournament.
This should be another fun ballgame between these two teams. We may see them get up and down the floor or we could see it be a slow grind it out half-court game. Either way the team that scores the most points off of live ball turnovers will have the advantage.
RESULT: Kell led wire-to-wire in a 62-51 win over Eagle’s Landing to secure their second straight state title. CJ Brown (21p 9r 3a), Jaylen Colon (14p 6r 2a) lead the way for Kell who also got timely shooting from Connor Staphylaris (9p- 3-3PTM). Eagle’s Landing used a 9-2 run to tie the game at 35-35 with 2:30 left in the third quarter. From that point Kell responded with a 10-2 run and never looked back. Kell ends the season on a 27-game winning streak.
FRIDAY MARCH 8TH 3PM:
3A: Sandy Creek (26-3) vs Johnson-Savannah (20-11)
Sandy Creek is in the Finals for the second straight season and are the defending champions. Sandy Creek enters on a 6-game winning streak and is led by Amari Brown (18.2ppg in state), Micah Smith (17.7ppg in state), and Jacobi Robinson (15.2ppg in state). Jared White, Kani Rashied-Henry and PJ Green are also key for Sandy Creek. Two of Sandy Creek’s three losses are to Georgia teams Grayson and Etowah and both loses were by one point. Sandy Creek can score in multiple ways and defend in multiple ways and usually if one thing is taken away they always have a counter for it. Sandy Creek is No.5 in the latest Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA entering the state tournament.
Johnson-Savannah is in the Finals for the first time under fourth-year head coach Derrick Campbell. Johnson-Savannah is led by Favion Kirkwood (20.5ppg 5rpg 2apg in state), Joshua Quarterman (15ppg 4.3rpg 3.3apg in state) and Comari Jones (13.5ppg 6.8apg in state). Kadin Davis, Jahdon Polite and Quintin James are also keys for the Atomsmashers. Johsnon-Savanah is 6-5 in games decided by 5 points or less and 2-0 in the state tournament in such games. Johnson-Savannah’s defense has taken it to a different notch as the state tournament has progressed and the offense continues to thrive with Kirkwood leading the way.
This will be an interesting game from the aspect of defensive adjustments and offensive counters. It could become a grind-it-out game which Johnson-Savannah is familiar with and Sandy Creek is known to be able to score in multiple ways regardless of pace. The pace will be important from both sides.
RESULT: Sandy Creek closed the first quarter on a 9-0 run and led 20-11, they never looked back as they won their second straight state title 74-49 over Johnson-Savannah. Jacobi Robinson finished with 18p 3r 2a, Micah Smith tallied 15p 13 4a while Jared White had 14p 4r for Sandy Creek.
FRIDAY MARCH 8TH 7:30PM:
6A: Alexander (29-2) vs Riverwood (24-7)
Alexander is in the Finals for the second straight season, are the defending champions and enter on a 16-game winning streak. Alexander is led by Braeden Lue (18.5ppg 9rpg 2.3apg in state), Jermaine Freeman (12ppg 2.3rpg in state), Gregory Dunston (13ppg 4rpg in state) and have overcame the void left by Alex Stoddard’s injury. Chris Hutchinson (14.6ppg 6rpg last 3 state games), Torian Greene and Malyke Mays have key as well. Alexander’s two losses are to McEachern and Holy Innocents-two teams in the Finals. Dunston is the engineer of the Alexander offense while Lue does the other heavy lifting. The overall balance for Alexander must be noted because it could be a different group that carries them each night overall. Alexander is 4-1 in games decided by 5 points or less and is averaging 73.5 points and has only allowed one opponent to score more than 55 points in a game during the state tournament. Alexander is No.4 in the latest Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA entering the state tournament.
Riverwood is in the Finals for the first time ever and under head coach Buck Jenkins. Riverwood is the only 4-seed in the Finals in all classifications and enter on a 4-game winning streak. Riverwood is powered by Karris Bilal (25.6ppg 5.4rpg 2.3spg) and JR Reynolds (24.4ppg 5.6rpg 2apg). Jesse Graves, Jackson Davis, Calvin Lindsey and Kaleb Bilal are also key for Riverwood. Riverwood is 4-4 in games decided by 5 points or less and are averaging 82.3ppg in the state tournament.
This will be an interesting matchup across the board. Can Bilal and Reynolds score enough and defend enough to slow Lue and Dunston. Defensive adjustments will be fun to watch especially later in the game if it is a high-paced and high-scoring contest.
RESULT: Riverwood upset Alexander 67-63 in overtime to win their first boys basketball state title in school history. JR Leonard finished with 31p (19/23 FT) 5r, Karris Bilal tallied 17p 12r 4a while Calvin Lindsay scrapped his was to 6p 9r 3s 3b for Riverwood. Braedan Lue led Alexander with 26p 12r 3b while Chris Hutchinson tallied 15p 9r.
SATURDAY MARCH 9TH 1PM;
1ADI:
Paideia (17-12) vs Mt. Vernon (22-9)
This will be the only Finals game featuring teams from the same region as both teams play out of region 6-1ADI. This will be the third matchup this season between these two teams. Paideia won in the regular season 61-58 while Mt. Vernon won in the region championship game 66-48.
Paideia is in the Finals for the first time since 1998 and first time under fourth-year head coach Eddie Johnson. Paideia enters on a 4-game winning streak and their 12 losses are the most by any team in the Finals. The sophomore-laden team is led by CJ Harper (11.5ppg in state), Frank Jackson (18.3ppg in state), David Oglesby-Smith to go with senior Shariff Kemp and freshman Tristian Mitchell (12.5ppg in state). Niko Carpenter, Jayden Clay, and Reggie Moorman will also be key for Paideia. Paideia is 5-3 in games decided by 5 points or less including the win over Mt. Vernon. Mitchell has shown his poise at the point guard spot while Jackson and Harper can explode scoring-wise at any time. Overall team defense and protecting the basketball will be key for Paideia against a team they know very well.
Mt. Vernon is in the Finals for the first-ever and under head coach Tarik Mabon. Mt. Vernon enters the Finals on a 9-game winning streak. Their Georgia losses are to Alexander (2x), Grayson, Greenforest, Paideia and Sandy Creek-all teams in the Finals. Mt. Vernon is led by KJ Garris (16.3ppg 6.3rpg 2.7apg in state), Sha’Yah Goba (21.7ppg 7.3rpg in state), Xavier Shegog (12.5ppg 12.5rpg in state) and Dennis Scott III (11.5ppg in state). Pace Bottoms and Gabe Alderman will be key for Mt. Vernon as well. Mt. Vernon is 5-7 in games decided by 5 points or less. In the state tournament Mt. Vernon is averaging 85.7ppg while allowing only 51ppg and has not allowed a state opponent to score more than 61 points in a game.
This will be an interesting game because of the two coaches and how they will in-game adjust. As mentioned previously these teams know each other very well. The pace will also be vital especially for Mt. Vernon who will want to get out and run and Paideia who can run at times but not for long stretches. Second chance points could be a big deciding factor.
RESULT: Mt. Vernon used a 17-4 third quarter to take the lead and hold on for a 48-40 win over Paideia. Mt Vernon wins its first state title in school history. Xavier Shegog led Mt. Vernon with 18p (17 in the second half) while KJ Garris and Sha’Yay Goba each finished with 10p. Tristian Mitchell led Paidiea with 16 points.
SATURDAY MARCH 9TH 7:30PM;
7A: McEachern vs Grayson
This will be one of two All-Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA matchups and will feature No.1 vs No.2. This will be the second meeting of the season for these two teams as they will bookend the season. Grayson won in the season opener at McEachern 79-62.
McEachern is in the Finals for the first time since 2019 and first time under third-year head coach Tremayne Anchrum. McEacehrn enters the Finals on a 13-game winning streak and their only loss this season to a Georgia team is to Grayson. Ace Bailey (32.5ppg 15.5rpg 3.7apg 2.5bpg in state) leads the charge for the Indians. Jaye Nash and Nnadozie Onyirimba are vital for McEachern. Jayden Bynes and Isaiah Dulaney also are keys for McEachern. McEachern is 4-1 in games decided 5 points or less.
Grayson is in the Finals for the second time under 12th-year head coach Geoffrey Pierce and first time since 2020. Grayson is well balanced and loaded team up and down the roster. Gicarri Harris (16ppg 6.5rpg 5.8apg in state), CJ Hyland (10.6ppg 3apg last 3 games in state), Amir Taylor (10.5ppg 7rpg 4a in state), Anthony Alston (10.7ppg2.8rpg in state) and Jacob Wilkins (11.7ppg 5rpg1bpg in state) lead the charge. Ahmad Clark and Laz Mason are key also. Grayson has not lost to a Georgia team this season and are riding a 14-game winning streak. Grayson is 1-2 in game decided by 5 points or less. In theo state tournament the Rams are averaging 72.3ppg and have only allowed one opponent to score more than 44 points in a game.
Ace Bailey is going to be Ace Bailey. Grayson and their versality and balance is going to be their versality and balance. Grayson defensively must not allow others to hurt them. McEachern must get more help from other places. Ace cannot get in foul trouble and Grayson has enough to matchup differently defensively throughout the game. Buckle Up it will be good.
RESULT: Grayson used a 6-0 run to close the second quarter to take a 28-22 lead at the half and never trailed again in their 51-41 win over McEachern. It is the first state title in boys’ basketball school history. Grayson was led by Jacob Wilkins 14p 12r, Gicarri Harris 9p 5r, and CJ Hyland 8p 9r 3a. Ace Bailey led McEachern with 18p 6r.
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