The Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia concludes its sixth season-fourth of public publication- extends a gracious thank you to YOU, the readers, listeners, viewers, players, coaches, athletic directors, principals, basketball fans, scorekeepers, basketball consultants, basketball media and parents for your time, support and readership. The sixth season of the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA-which is under Total Sports Coverage – completed a record-setting year for readership and visitors. THANK YOU!
The 2023-2024 high school basketball season is complete in Georgia. It is now time for the FINAL Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA for the 2023-2024 season.
As a reminder The Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia considers all basketball playing schools in the state from the GHSA, GIAA and 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 ranks using the following criteria; OVERALL performance, Team Chemistry, Coaching, Scheduling (quality In-State, Out-Of-State [OOS], Head-to-Head opponents, 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 2023-2024 season for the Final Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia.
Entering the State Tournament on 2/20/2024 here is what the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA was;
1-Grayson, 2-McEachern, 3-Kell, 4-Alexander, 5-Sandy Creek, 6-Greenforest, 7-Wheeler, 8-Eagle’s Landing, 9- Westside-Augusta, 10-McDonough.
In the state tournament, nine teams advanced to the semifinals, eight teams advanced to the Finals, five won state titles, three lost in the Finals and two teams lost to non-Hillsman Heavy teams. The state tournament produced three All-Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA matchups, one in the semifinals and two in the finals. In the 7A semifinals, No.2 McEachern eliminated No.7 Wheeler. In the 7A Finals, No.1 Grayson eliminated No.2 McEachern and No.3 Kell eliminated No.8 Eagle’s Landing in the 5A Finals.
Here is the FINAL Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA for the 2023-2024 season.
For the second straight season the team that was No.1 in the preseason Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA went wire-to-wire at the No.1 spot. This season it was Grayson, in 2023 it was Wheeler.
1- Grayson (1)- Head Coach: Geoffrey Pierce Final Record: 30-2; Key Notes: Grayson is the Georgia 7A State Champion and Region 4-7A Champion. Grayson won its first basketball boys state title in school history and closed the season on a 15-game winning streak.
The overall depth and versatile nature of Grayson was on display throughout the season and during their state tournament run. The headliners were Gicarri Harris (14.8ppg 6.2rpg 5.3apg 1.7spg 52% FG 41.4% 3PT), CJ Hyland (10.1ppg 4.1rpg 4.5apg 48% FG 44% 3PT), Jacob Wilkins (13.8ppg 8.2rpg 1.8apg 1.7bpg 56% FG ), Amir Taylor (13.1ppg 8.3ppg 2.3apg 60% FG), and Anthony Alston (10.4ppg 3rpg 1.5apg 1.2spg 45% FG 76% FT) in state). Laz Mason (5.4ppg 42% 3PT 75% FT) and Ahmad Clark (5.5ppg 4.8rpg 54% FG) were vital for Grayson this season and in the postseason.
Grayson went 5-2 vs OOS and 1-2 in games, decided by 5 points or less. Grayson did not lose to a Georgia team this season, and their OOS losses were to Ridge View (SC-4A State Champion) and Perry (AZ-AIA Open Division State Champion). Grayson had notable wins over McEachern (2x), Newton (3x), Woodward Academy, Peachtree Ridge (2x), Kell (5A State Champion), Sandy Creek (3A State Champion), Mt. Vernon (1ADI State Champion), Carrollton, Dorman (SC-5A State Quarterfinalist), St. John’s (DC- DCSAA 2A Runner Up), Bishop McNamara (MD- MPSAA MD Private School 2ndRd), North Broward Prep (FL-4A State Semifinalist), Imani Christian Academy (PA- PIAA 2nd Rd-still playing) and Milton.
Grayson averaged 72.1ppg against 53ppga this season. Grayson was the undisputed No.1 team in the preseason, is the undisputed No.1 team at the seasons completion, and remained in the No.1 spot the entire season. They are the second team in as many years to go wire-to-wire at No.1 (Wheeler 2023).
2- McEachern (2)– Head Coach: Tremayne Anchrum Final Record: 26-6; Key Notes: McEachern is the Georgia 7A Runner Up, and Region 3-7A Champion. McEachern’s only loss to a Georgia team was to Grayson (2x) in the season opener and the 7A state finals. McEachern finished the season 6-4 vs OOS and were 3-1 in games decided by 5 points or less.
Ace Bailey (31.7ppg 15.1rpg 3.4apg 2.2bpg 51% FG), THE best player in the United States of America for the class of 2024, led the charge for McEachern while Nnadozie Onyirimba (10.7ppg 9.7rpg 68% FG)and Jaye Nash (10.1ppg 6.7apg) played key roles. McEachern’s OOS losses were to Christopher Columbus (FL-7A State Champion), Don Bosco Prep (NJ- NJSIAA North Jersey Non-Public A State Champion), Paul VI (VA-WCAC Champion; VISAA D1 State Champion) and Harvard-Westlake (CA- CA Open Division State Champion).
McEachern had notable wins against Kell, Dutchtown, Holy Innocents, Pebblebrook, Westminster Academy (FL- 3A State Regional Finalist), Cannon (NC-NCSIAA 4A Semifinalist), North Mecklenburg (NC- 4A Semifinalist-still playing), Camden (NJ- NJSIAA Group 2 State Champion), Alexander, Vashon (MO-MSHSAA 4A Semifinalist-still playing), Edmond North (OK-OSSAA 6A Runner Up), Milton, Newton, Norcross and Wheeler. McEachern averaged 72.5ppg against 59.3ppga this season.
3- Kell (3) Head Coach: Jermaine Sellers Final Record: 28-3; Key Notes: Kell is the Georgia 5A State Champion, Region 6-5A Champion and ended the season on a 27-game win streak. Kell wins its second straight state title.
Kell finished 7-0 vs OOS and 1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less. Kell’s three losses this season were to McEachern, Newton and Grayson (7A State Champion).
Kell had quality wins over Greenforest (1ADI State Champion) , Wheeler, Jackson-Reed (DC- DCSAA 2A Semifinalist), North Broward Prep (FL-4A State Semifinalist), Greeneville (TN), Carter (TX-UIL 4A Regional Finalist), Hudson Catholic (NJ-NJSIAA North Jersey Non-Public A Semifinalist), Chapel Hill, Dutchtown, Winder-Barrow and Harlan County (KY- Advanced to KHSAA Sweet Sixteen-still playing).
CJ Brown (20.5ppg 4.4rpg 3.4apg 2.5spg), Jaylen Colon (13.4ppg 3.9rpg 7.2apg 1.9spg; 40% 3PT) and Cannon Richards (10ppg 8.9rpg) carried the weight with solid contributions coming from Connor Staphylaris, Chris McLavish (11.5ppg 3.6ppg 2.1spg; 40% 3PT) and Zach Graves. Kell had 14 games where the scored 80 or points and averaged 77.6ppg against 54.1ppga.
4-Sandy Creek (5) Head Coach: Jon Nickerson Final Record: 27-3; Key Notes: Sandy Creek is the Georgia 3A State Champion and Region 5-3A Champion. Sandy Creek won back-to-back 3A state titles under head coach Jon Nickerson.
Sandy Creek had notable wins over Mt. Vernon (1ADI State Champion), Milton, Cedar Grove, Fayette County (2x), Osborne, Buford, Pinson Valley (AL- 6A Sub-Regionalist), St. Anne-Pacelli (GIAA 4A State Champion), St. Pius X, Grovetown, Johnson-Savannah (3A Runner Up), and Flint Hill (VA-VISAA DI 1st Rd). Sandy Creek’s two losses to Georgia teams are to Grayson and Etowah, and their OOS loss was to St. Frances Academy (MD- MIAA 1A 1st Rd).
Sandy Creek finished 3-1 vs OOS and 2-3 in games decided by 5 points or less. Sandy Creek averaged 69.8ppg against 45.3ppga (fewest allowed by any Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA team) this season and was powered by a smothering defense.
Sandy Creek had an array of tools in the tool box in Amari Brown (17ppg 5rpg 3apg 51% FG), Micah Smith (16ppg 8rpg 5apg 3bpg 55% FG), PJ Green (6ppg 5rpg 3apg), Jacobi Robinson (10ppg 3rpg 3apg 45% FG) and Jared White (10ppg 4rpg 3apg 44%-3PT).
5-Greenforest (6)- Head Coach: Rory Griffin Final Record: 27-4 Key Notes: Greenforest is the Georgia 1ADII State Champion and Region 7-1ADII Champion. Greenforest won their second championship in three seasons under head coach Rory Griffin and finished the season on a 21-game win streak.
Greenforest’s quality wins include Langston Hughes, Eagle’s Landing, Newton, Baldwin, Mt. Vernon (1ADI State Champion), Manchester and Christian Heritage (2x). Greenforest’s losses this season were to Kell (5A State Champion), Berkmar, Milton, and Williston (FL- 1A State Champion). The Kell loss was the only loss of more than six points. Greenforest is 2-1 vs OOS, 2-1 in games decided by 5 points or less.
The staple of the Greenforest program is it’s hard work and despite the lack of “highly-recruited names”, Greenforest was carried by hard work players with multiple years of big game and state tournament experience. Elijah Lewis (19.5ppg 3.6apg), Mike Robinson (15.8ppg 7apg 4.3spg), Caleb Kawela (13.4ppg 12rpg) and Daniel Daramola (11ppg 9rpg). Russ White (9.2ppg 6rpg 6apg) and Orion Wilson (6.4ppg 6rpg) played key roles as well. Greenforest averaged 71.1ppg against 46.5ppga this season.
6-Westside-Augusta (9)– Head Coach: Jerry Hunter Final Record: 28-4 Key Notes: Westside-Augusta is the 2A State Champion, Region 4-2A Champion and have won three straight state titles.
Three of Westside-Augusta’s four losses this season were to region rivals Butler (2x), who they also defeated twice this season, and to Thomson – who they defeated twice also this season. The fourth loss was to Gray Collegiate (SC- 2A State Champion).
Westside-Augusta had notable wins over McDonough, Butler (2x), Cross Creek, Greenbrier, Thomson (2x), North Augusta (SC), Columbia and Toombs County. Westside-Augusta went 1-2 in games decided by 5 points or less, and were 4-1 vs OOS this season. Westside-Augusta averaged 76.2ppg, allowed 47.7ppga, scored 80 or more points 14 times, including 5 games with 100 or more points this season.
Westside-Augusta was a very deep team that was led by Jarious Adkinson (10ppg 3rpg 2apg) , Lavonta Ivery (11.2ppg 4.3rpg 3.3apg), and Demarco Middleton (13.6ppg 3.6rpg 4aps 2spg). Javan Webb, Dontrell Jackson, Bobby Blackwell and Xavier Goss where all in on the act as well.
7- Wheeler (7)- Head Coach: Larry Thompson; Final Record: 25-6; Key Notes: Wheeler was a Georgia 7A semifinalist and the Region 5-7A Champions. Josh Hill (18ppg 8.5rpg 54.7%eFG) and Ricky McKenzie (13.7ppg 4.2rpg 48.7%eFG) carried the load for Wheeler while Kevin Savage (7ppg 2.5apg), Amare James (7ppg 3.5rpg) Kota Suttle (9ppg 7rpg 4apg), Lamarrion Lewis and Jacob Taylor played key roles.
Wheeler was 3-0 in games decided by 5 points or less and were 2-0 vs OOS, defeating Canyon Corner (UT- UHSAA 6A Quarterfinalist) and Rock Creek Christian (MD-MPSAA MD Private School Quarterfinalist).
Wheeler had quality wins over Dutchtown, Newton, Holy Innocents, Chapel Hill, Tri-Cities, Berkmar, Langston Hughes, region foes Osborne (2x), and Walton (2x). Wheeler quality losses were to McEachern, Alexander, Kell (5A State Champion), Walton and Berkmar. Wheeler averaged 67.3ppg while allowing 56.1ppga against this season.
8- Eagle’s Landing (8)- Head Coach: Elliott Montgomery Final Record: 23-8 Key Notes: Eagle’s Landing is the Georgia 5A Runner Up and Region 2-5A champion. Eagle’s Landing went 4-3 vs OOS this season. Those three OOS losses were to Rivera Prep (FL-3A State Champion), Millbrook (NC- 4A Sweet Sixteen/3rd Round) and Mater Lakes Academy (FL- 4A State Regional Finalist).
Three of their fives losses to Georgia teams were to region opponents (Jones County, Warner Robins and Dutchtown-all advanced to at least the second round of the state tournament) and Eagle’s Landing avenged all three losses including finishing 2-1 against Dutchtown in games that were decided by 6,4 and 4 points respectively. Their other Georgia losses were to Greenforest (1ADII State Champion) by one point and against Kell in the 5A finals.
Eagle’s Landing went 4-4 in games decided by less than 5 points. Eagle’s Landing has notable wins over Sagemont (FL-2A State Champion), Wilson Academy (GA), Walton, Dutchtown (2x), Warner Robins (2x), Jones County, Christ School (NC-NCSIAA 4A State Champion), Tampa Catholic (FL- 3A State Regional Semifinalist), Tri-Cities, Maynard Jackson and Jonesboro.
Chris Morris II (14.4ppg 5.4rpg in state), Clark Mastin (8ppg 4rpg 4.6apg 3.2spg in state), Bobby Buggs (9.4ppg 2rpg in state), and Dwight Brown (12.2ppg 6rpg in state) led Eagle’s Landing. Maddox Melancon had soli production on both ends and the addition of John McQueen were key pieces for Eagle’s Landing throughout the season and into the state tournament. Eagle’s Landing averaged 64.3ppg against 49.9ppga this season.
9- Alexander (4) Head Coach: Jason Slate Final Record: 29-3; Key Notes: Alexander is the Georgia 6A State Runner Up and Region 5-6A Champion. Alexander had their 16-game winning streak snapped in the 6A finals, losing to Riverwood 67-63. Alexander’s other two losses are to state runner-ups Holy Innocents and McEachern.
Alexander went 3-0 vs OOS and were 4-2 in games decided by 5 points. Alexander had notable wins over Tri-Cities, Mt. Vernon (2x), Wheeler, Vashon (MO-MSHSAA 4A Semifinalist-still playing), Heritage Christian (CA- CIF Open Division II Regional Finalist/Final Four), Maumelle (AR- AHSAA 5A 2ndRd), Norcross, Douglass County (2x), Langston Hughes (2x), and South Paulding (2x).
Braedan Lue (18.9ppg 9.1rpg 2apg 2spg 2bpg), Greg Dunston (14.1ppg 5apg), Allen Stoddard (10.7ppg 6.1rpg) and Jermaine Freeman (11ppg 3.1rpg 2apg 2.2spg) carried the load for Alexander this season. Alexander averaged 69ppg against 52.7ppga this season. Alexander’s overall body of work stood up enough despite losing in the Finals to a non-Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA team to remain in.
10-Mount Vernon (NR) Head Coach: Tarrick Mabon Final Record: 23-9; Key Notes: Mt. Vernon is the 1ADI State Champion and Region 6-1ADI Champion. Mt. Vernon won their first state championship in school history. Six of their nine losses were to Georgia teams that played in the Finals in Grayson (7 A State Champions), Sandy Creek (3A State Champions), Alexander (6A Runner Up) twice, Greenforest (1ADII State Champions) and Paideia (1ADI Runner Up).
Mt Vernon was 3-3 vs OOS opponents with losses to Oak Ridge (FL 7A Runner Up), Mainland (FL 5A State Semifinalist) and Calvary Christian (FL 4A State Regional Semifinalist). Mt Vernon had notable wins over Pebblebrook, Paideia (2x), Wilson Academy, Mt. Pisgah (2x), St. Francis, North Gwinnett, Flint Hill (VA-VISAA DI 1st Rd) and The First Academy (FL 3A State Regional Quarterfinalist).
KJ Garris (18.5ppg 5.4rpg 2.3apg), Xavier Shegog (13.1ppg 8.8rpg 2apg 1.2bpg), Sha’Yah Goba (14.7ppg 6.1rpg) and Dennis Scott II (10.3ppg 6rpg 1.4apg) powered Mt Vernon. Pace Bottoms and Gabe Alterman played key roles throughout the regular and postseason as well. Mt. Vernon was 5-7 in games decided by 5 points or less, ended the season on a 10-game win streak an averaged 69ppg against 52.5ppga this season. Mount Vernon head coach Tarrik Mabon, in his seventh season as head coach, surpassed 100 wins and Mt. Vernon was not in the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA at any point this season until now.
OUT- McDonough (10) 26-4
KEEPING TABS ON (alphabetical order): Here are the end results for those teams that were mentioned in the Keeping Tabs On entering the state tournament.
Archer (eliminated in 7A 2ndRd), Baldwin (eliminated in 4A Final Four), Berkmar (eliminated in 7A 2ndRd), Buford (eliminated in 7A 2ndRd), Butler (eliminated in 2A Final Four),
Calhoun County (eliminated in 1ADII Elite Eight), Camden County (eliminated in 7A 1stRd), Chapel Hill (eliminated in 5A 2ndRd), Christian Heritage (eliminated in 1ADII 2ndRd), Columbia (eliminated in 2A Final Four), Cross Creek (eliminated in 3A 2ndRd), Dougherty (eliminated in 3A Final Four),Douglass-Atlanta (eliminated in 3A Elite Eight), Dutchtown (eliminated in 5A Elite Eight),
Etowah (eliminated in 6A 1stRd), Fayette County (eliminated in 4A 1stRd), Glynn Academy (eliminated in 5A 1stRd), Grovetown (eliminated in 6A Elite Eight), Hebron Christian (eliminated in 3A Elite Eight), Holy Innocents (4A Runner Up),
Jones County (eliminated in 5A 2ndRd), Jonesboro (eliminated in 6A Final Four), Langston Hughes (eliminated in 6A Elite Eight), Lee County (eliminated in 6A 1st Rd), Madison County (did not make state), Maynard Jackson (eliminated in 5A Final Four), Mays (eliminated in 5A 1stRd), Mitchell County (eliminated in 1ADII 2nd Rd), Monroe-Albany (eliminated in 3A Elite Eight), Mt. Vernon (1ADI State Champions),
Newton (eliminated in 7A 2ndRd), Norcross (eliminated in 7A Elite Eight), North Oconee (4A State Champion),
Paideia (1ADI Runner Up), Peachtree Ridge (eliminated in 7A Elite Eight), Portal (eliminated in 1ADII Elite Eight), Riverwood (6A State Champs),
Salem (eliminated in 1st Rd), Savannah (eliminated in 1ADI Final Four), Shiloh (eliminated in 6A 1st Rd), Spencer (eliminated in 2A 2ndRd), St. Pius X (eliminated 6A 2ndRd), South Atlanta (eliminated in 2A Elite Eight),
Thomson (eliminated in 2A 2ndRd), Tri-Cities (eliminated in 5A Elite Eight), Tucker (eliminated in 5A Elite Eight), Valdosta (eliminated in 7A 2ndRd), Walker School (eliminated in 2A 2ndRd), Ware County (eliminated in 5A 1st Rd), Warner Robins (eliminated in 5A Elite Eight), Winder Barrow (eliminated in 5A Final Four), Woodward Academy (eliminated in 6A Final Four)
2024 GEORGIA STATE CHAMPIONS:
GHSA STATE CHAMPIONS
7A: Grayson (1st in school history) 6A: Riverwood (1st in school history) 5A: Kell (2nd straight) 4A: North Oconee (1st in school history) 3A: Sandy Creek (2nd straight) 2A: Westside-Augusta (3rd straight) 1ADII: Greenforest (5th in school history) 1ADI: Mt. Vernon (1st in school history)
Four of the eight GHSA champions were first time champions and four were repeat winners.
GIAA STATE CHAMPIONS
4A: St. Anne-Pacelli (1st in school history) 3A: Lakeview Academy (1st in school history) 2A: Furtah Prep (5th in school history) 1A: Monsignor Donovan (1st in school history).
GAPPS STATE CHAMPIONS
D1-2A: Creekside Christian (2nd straight) D1-1A: Unity Christian
That’s it for the 2023-2024 season. The high school offseason will yield plenty of player development, player improvement, roster movement, coaching movement and scheduling for next season. The June Live Period will be here before you know it and we will get an early glimpse into the 2024-2025 season. What you do in the spring and summer shows up in the winter.
#TheRealSeeYouInTheGym
Total Sports Coverage 