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February 2006
High school final four won’t abide foul fans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The GHSA and its member schools have made a commitment to promote good sportsmanship. … Profanity, degrading remarks, and intimidating actions directed at officials or competitors will not be tolerated, and are grounds for removal.”
— Executive Director Ralph Swearngin
Rude, boorish, obnoxious, profane and anyway otherwise maniacal basketball fans beware: The Georgia High School Association is prepared to back up its pregame announcement with action. So if you want to witness this week’s state championships, put a zipper on your trashy mouths and cut the infantile antics.
I really hate to preach. But after another week of rude, boorish, obnoxious profane and anyway otherwise maniacal basketball fans polluting the ears and eyes of everyone else, I’ve had enough. These clowns ruin what should be an experience suitable for family enjoyment.
It’s just a game, people.
Surely, state tournament time brings charged and overhyped emotions. Especially for those involved — players and students — for whom lifetime memories are made. And for the most part, your children behave within the bounds of decency.
Not so for supposed grown-ups.
“Almost 100 percent of the time, when it’s kids [being enthusiastic] it doesn’t get personal,” Swearngin said Tuesday. “But the most vocal and profane are the adults.”
We’re talking about somebody’s mamas, daddies, grandparents, aunts, uncles and/or assorted other grown friends and relations. You know, role models.
Last week at Mount Zion High in Jonesboro, where AA games were played, each evening the spirited contests were marred by rude, boorish, obnoxious profane and anyway otherwise maniacal basketball fans.
At first, adult fans of the private schools seemed the worst culprits. However, that impression changed when public schools competed. By the end of the day, it became apparent fools come in all manner of socioeconomic standing.
Now, for the good news: All of you of proper manners and bearing don’t have to be imposed upon. The GHSA can, and will, have the bums thrown out.
“If the officials feel like someone is starting to intrude on the game — anytime it gets personal, profane or vulgar,” Swearngin says, “they can stop the game and have event management correct the problem. We are aware of a couple of problems last week.
“A fan was escorted out at one venue, and several tournament directors issued warnings to groups of fans for being out of line.”
Ideally, with the final fours at the Macon Coliseum and Gwinnett Arena, the larger venues will provide some comfort. Otherwise, Swearngin says, “There is recourse if you are being subjected to an experience you are not enjoying.”
Complain to event security — or uniformed police — if someone is using abusive or inappropriate language, or even if they are blocking your view and won’t sit down.
“Hopefully, we’ll have good competition and none of these problems,” Swearngin says.
If not, here’s another option: Camera phones.
These days, almost all kids pack them. So put them to good use. Next time your mamas, daddies, grandparents, aunts, uncles and/or assorted other grown friends and relations show out at a game and act like a horse’s rear-end — snap a picture.
That should spice up the next family reunion.
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Gwinnett vs. DeKalb
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The girls Class AAAAA Final Four brings two Gwinnett vs. DeKalb matchups:
South Gwinnett vs. Stephenson
Collins Hill vs. Redan
The Comets broke Campbell’s press, but can they do the same thing to Stephenson? I think the Comets can, because they are great ballhandlers and passers. They can score on anyone. However, Stephenson probably will hurt them on the boards, and the Jaguars are much deeper. This should be a classic.
Redan gets a rematch of last year’s title game, won by Collins Hill 69-52. It will be interesting to see how the Eagles respond to their first true test of the tournament. The Raiders are big and experienced. They return all their key players from last year. Maya Moore vs. Porsha Phillips will be fun to watch.
In Class AA, the championship game could be the fourth Wesleyan-GAC matchup this season. Wesleyan won the first three, but the last one wasn’t decided until the final seconds.
So who do you think will bring home the state titles?
Permalink | Comments (38) | Categories: Shootin' Hoops: Girls
Norcross, can I still come to the party?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dear Mr. Jodie Meeks:
We come to you with a burning quest: Is there room left on your Norcross High bandwagon? Sure would like to take a ride with you guys.
I know what you’re thinking. The Hoops Doctor’s take on the Blue Devils’ title chances was like a Space Shuttle launch — on again, off again. Hey, hey. Still friends, right?
Hope so, because the way you led Norcross to a return Final Four trip is almost enough to make me a Kentucky Wildcat fan. (Just kidding, because while living in Blue Grass, I had to choose sides and went for Louisville).
Nevertheless, it’s so inspiring for such a gifted young man to meet a challenge. The way you elevated your game is testament to your mettle.
Way to go — all the way, I say.
Sincerely,
Hoops Doctor
P.S.: Just to show it wasn’t at all personal, on my secret bracket I had Norcross reaching the Gwinnett Arena (you can ask my dog, Bailey).
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Remember that Cobb-Gwinnett Challenge which couldn’t draw flies? Knew I was right to call for a DeKalb-Gwinnett Challenge instead. Six of eight Class AAAAA teams hail from DeKalb (Redan boys and girls; Stephenson girls) and Gwinnett (Norcross boys, Collins Hill and South Gwinnett)… . Four Class AAAA squads headed to Gwinnett Arena are also DeKalb’s (St. Pius and Marist girls; Columbia and Tucker boys).
FIT FOR CROWNS:
Gwinnett rules Class AAAAA… . Norcross (27-4) raised its game, and not just Meeks. As I wished, the Blue Devils picked up the pace, averaging just under 80 ppg in the playoffs. In its losses, Norcross scored only 61 ppg… . As for the girls, Maya Moore and Collins Hill are playing for legendary status; everyone else for second place (hey, the runner-up trophy is really nice)… . In Class AAAA, Columbia will ride UGA-bound Jeremy Price to the top, while St. Pius girls and coach Stephanie Dunn add another trophy… . Kendrick completes an unbeaten run to the Class AAA title; Westlake boys take a big trophy… . In the All-Gwinnett Class AA girls final, Wesleyan adds to its championship haul. Buford boys have something special going on, and it won’t stop… . In Class A, Southwest Atlanta Christian boys and girls prevail.
ON THE OTHER HAND:
Never discount coaches who have rings. You shouldn’t with Mike Allison and South Gwinnett or Stephenson’s Dennis Watkins Jr… . Ditto for Wheeler’s Doug Lipscomb, GAC’s Mike Mitchell, Randolph Clay wizard Joe Williams and East Hall’s Joseph Dix… . Plus, Frank D. Williams leads the Beach boys back from a 2005 region playoff disaster, and Redan’s Dalton Greene will have the Raiders playing some mad ‘D.’ “
NAMES WITH GAME:
Girls — Le Le LeSeur (Wesleyan); Drey Mingo (Marist); Mimi Dubose (Jefferson); D’Nay Daniels (GAC) and Porsha Phillips (Redan)… . Boys — J.T. Tiller (Wheeler); Gani Lawal (Norcross); Jahaziel Howard (SACA); Sylvester Egbe (Redan) and Jujuan Jones (Douglas County).
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Wheeler answers South Cobb’s provocation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It is not just that Wheeler has superior talent. It’s that it has so much of it.
And it’s not just that coach Doug Lipscomb motivates his players to dive into a garbage can if it means extracting the ball. It’s that he manages his talent and a game with aplomb. Together, it makes for championship-level basketball.
South Cobb, No. 2 in AAAAA, called out Wheeler not so long ago. The Eagles contended they had the goods to end the Wildcats’ reign. They got their chance Saturday at Morehouse, and, try as they might, they could not overcome the champions’ depth, size and poise.
The 77-66 victory to advance to the state semifinals was not easy for Wheeler, but it was not that difficult, either. Ultimately, the weight of the Wildcats’ talent was too much for South Cobb to bear.
It also helped that the Eagles inspired Wheeler just a bit.
“It definitely motivated us,” savvy guard James Florence said of the Eagles’ talk of “wanting” Wheeler. “They’re a good team, one of the best in the state. But we just did what we had to do.”
And so they did, rattling the Eagles with a variety of pressing defenses, especially, “13” — a 1-3-1, three-quarter-court trap. Florence, sophomore Corey Tower and senior J.T. Tiller all are quick and tough and have outstanding anticipation of the passing lanes.
Inside, center J.J. Hickson controlled the lane, either rejecting or altering South Cobb adventures to the basket and dominating the glass. The Eagles did not help themselves by too often taking it to Hickson instead of pulling up for an open midrange shot.
Meanwhile, the range of Lipscomb’s talent is seemingly limitless. All five starters are players. I’m not one of the coach’s favorites because I wrote that Wheeler’s championship of two years ago should bear an asterisk because of the number of transfers on his squad.
Understandably, he took offense. Still, there’s no denying the outstanding job he does with whoever is on his roster. The fast-paced nature of the game hardly fazed Wheeler because Lipscomb alternated his players frequently enough to keep them fresh. Adrian Williams, who has starter talent, played big off the bench. Trey Lang provided good minutes, too. B.J. Corley, at 6-foot-7, used his height against the smaller Eagles. That’s seven solid performances.
South Cobb played with guts, especially seniors Wesley Matthews III, Garrison Johnson and smooth Kenny Russell. The Eagles seemed to be outplayed all game, but they were right in it — and even led 41-40 late in the third quarter. Still, the feeling existed that it was just a matter of time before Wheeler’s talent would prevail. And it did.
A capacity crowd at Forbes Arena — who knew what this place looked like with all the seats filled? — rocked the building as each school brought heaps of loud, committed fans to the game.
In the end, Wheeler, winners of three of the last four state titles, had more to cheer, with ideas of more celebrations before it’s over. “We got by a good team, but every other team we face wants us, too,” Florence said. “So, there’s no time to relax.”
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Twin sisters like a tag team for Wesleyan
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They are the same player, with the same bouncy blonde hair, the same confident gait, the same tenacity, the same … well, everything.
If you did not know of identical twins Carolyn and Elise Whitney of Wesleyan, you’d think you were seeing double. The Wolves are the odds-on favorite to secure a fourth AA girls championship in five years, and while there is much talent and superior coaching on Wesleyan, the pulse of this year’s club is the Whitney sisters.
They are a tag-team of strength. Don’t be fooled by their small frames and cute faces. You get past one and rest assured the sister is waiting — many times with a neatly placed elbow.
In another decisive outing Friday at Mt. Zion High, the Whitneys imposed their determination and talent on the proceedings in charging the Wolves to a 56-43 victory over a very good Holy Innocents’ team.
As alike as they are, there are some detectable differences in their game. Carolyn performs as much as she plays, displaying deft sleight-of-hand with behind-the-back passes on a fast break and sweet spin moves.
Elise is a defensive paragon, with instincts and hustle that create steals, solid double teams and out-and-out chaos.
“It’s a huge advantage to have them together,” coach Jan Azar said. “They know each other so well. The surprise is that Elise fouled out on a play where Carolyn didn’t move out of the way. Usually, they know where to be at all times.”
The sisters are connected. An Elise steal and pass to Carolyn set up a layup early. Not long afterward, Carolyn whipped a beautiful backdoor pass to a cutting Elise for a layup. Those are just two cases of them playing off each other with ease.
Carolyn cut and spliced the Holy Innocents’ defense with a wide array of quick moves and smooth forays to the basket. “She’s a coach on the court,” Azar said. “She could score 20 or 25 points a game on another team, but all she wants is the [championship] trophy in Macon.”
If Carolyn is the heart of the Wolves, Elise is the soul. Forcing turnovers fuels the Wesleyan defense, which is Elise’s forte. “It’s a lot of fun to play with her because she brings a lot of energy to the game,” Carolyn said of her twin. “She’s a very good defensive player.”
Both sisters admit the inevitable one-on-one match-ups in the driveway mostly go the way of the defensive stalwart, Elise. And for one reason: “I always beat her because I’m more physical,” Elise said.
To which Carolyn retorted: “She wins because she fouls. There are no refs in the driveway. So, she just fouls me. I end up with a bloody nose.”
Those pickup games are the only head-to-head meetings the sisters have experienced — and probably ever will. They’re taking their act to Georgia Southern next year.
“We’ve always been together, and I guess we’ll always be together,” Elise said.
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Feelings run deep as Wolves’ run ends
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s hard to imagine whose feelings ran deeper — Howard Thompkins Sr.’s or Bill Bufton’s — in this basketball game turned passion play.
At least for Thompkins, there was relief for his careworn family. As for Bufton, only heaven knows what lies ahead.
With a couple of minutes left in the opening quarter, Howard Thompkins Sr. could only watch in anguish as his heart strolled onto the court.
“As a father, I didn’t want him to play,” he said. “As a competitor, he felt he had to be with his team. He is a team kid. He gave a gallant effort, considering only weeks ago he was in intensive care.
“It’s been an emotional roller coaster.”
Which is why when Howard Thompkins Jr. exited the Wesleyan locker room after Thursday’s game, the 6-8 sophomore walked into his father’s arms and laid his head on Dad’s massive shoulders.
“I gave it my best,” Howard Jr. said.
There would be no storybook ending for Wesleyan, as Lovett took out the Wolves 72-55 in the second round of the Class AA state tournament.
The top colleges in the land covet Howard Jr. It’s easy to see why. Fundamentally sound, he can drain a trey or run the offense. Thompkins is also powerful and agile enough to terrorize down low.
Alas, he was not his usual dominating self. That’s to be understood after returning from his absence caused by a ruptured appendix.
“My stamina wasn’t back, but I contributed as much as I could,” Thompkins (13 points, 9 rebounds) said. “Every time I tried to make a move, my handle would be a little loose because I hadn’t touched a ball in so long.”
His father placed Howard Jr.’s effectiveness at 60 percent. His coach would not deem it nearly as high. Then again, Bill Bufton faced his own travails. Fired in January, for still unannounced reasons but with an offer to stay on as dean of students, Bufton fought back tears.
“I’m just sad I don’t get to coach them anymore,” he said. “Those are great kids. They’ve been through a lot of junk this year. … And they just come and play hard every single day.”
Even on the season’s final day.
Although Thompkins struggled to finish moves and was often short with his jumper, the Eagles (22-8) were within 59-53 midway through the fourth period. But the Lions and speedy point guard Alex Elam (22 points) surged as Wesleyan sputtered.
“They have nothing to be ashamed of,” Bufton said. “No tears from them or me. That’s what I wanted, for them to walk out with their heads held up.” Howard Sr., who played at Wagner and overseas, has plans for his son. “Solid month of rest — and food — to get his weight back up.”
Bufton, though, is less certain.
“I want to coach,” he said adamantly, “so I’m going to keep looking. God will open the right door, and I’m going to go wherever He wants me to go.”
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Lots of hard work made Crittenton
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rome — You can think a lot of things when you watch Javaris Crittenton of Southwest Atlanta Christian, but what first should come to mind is his work ethic. He did not come to be the state’s best player through sheer talent, although he does possess admirable skill.
More than that, Crittenton made himself special. Through a diligent workout regimen every summer, he sculpted his body, sharpened his mind and, significantly, improved his jump shot.
“The summer is bigger than the high school season,” Crittenton said after scoring 30 points in leading SACA to a pedestrian 73-37 victory over Aquinas in the second round of the state playoffs Thursday night. “I put a whole lot of work in, a whole lot of individual instruction. It’s the time to really elevate your game.”
Watching Crittenton rise for a jump shot as a freshman was painful.
He would take the ball behind his head with two hands, as if he was going to heave it into a wall, then let up and essentially throw the ball toward the basket with no rotation. Often he missed.
Now, Crittenton’s jump shot is one to be admired, its form more traditional and solid — and not by accident. In the summer, he said he took 500 jumpers a day when he was not playing high-level AAU ball. He drained three of four from beyond the arc in the second half, one from NBA range.
“All hard work,” he said.
Also as a freshman, he played on absolute hustle and abandon, careening about the court as if a spinning top gone wild. “Just youth,” he explained.
Now, he has little wasted energy, while still impacting the game in a number of ways. His ball-handling skills are sharp and he has displayed a keen court awareness that has made him the top-rated point guard in America.
“When I was a freshman, it was more about being young and not knowing yet what decisions to make on the court,” he said. “The more you play, the wiser you get about decisions. For some players it takes a while. Right now, I feel very comfortable with my game.”
As well he should. On several occasions in SACA’s victory, Georgia Tech assistant coach Willie Reese had to smile to himself watching Crittenton and envisioning him in a Yellow Jackets uniform next season. Like, when, on a fast break, Crittenton crossed over a defender to the right and then, without looking, flicked a left-handed behind-the-back pass to Jahaziel Howard for a layup.
A little later, he beat on-ball pressure with quickness, drew the defense in the lane and nonchalantly tossed over his shoulder an assist to Danny Friend Jr.
It was like that all night. Jodie Meeks at Norcross is a big talent headed for Kentucky. Wesley Matthews III at South Cobb also has Division I ability. Crittenton brings more. Like Meeks and Matthews, he is tough and ultra-competitive. But Crittenton also can run a team at point or carry a team as a two-guard. He can defend at least three positions.
His career has been brilliant. He’s the only metro Atlanta boys player selected to play in the prestigious McDonald’s All-America game this spring. Still, he remains driven.
“All I think about is the state championship,” Crittenton said. “It’s no good having the accolades I’ve received and not the championship. I watch a lot of M.J. (Michael Jordan) film, and his mind-set always was to go out on top. That’s what I want for myself.”
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Eagles don’t need anyone’s help to get motivated
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’re told coaches seeking that time-worn competitive edge peruse this newspaper in search of words to inspire their teams.
Whatever.
Then there’s the Collins Hill approach. The Eagles gain their motivation the old-fashioned way. They look in the mirror. And what do they see? The best girls basketball team in America!
(USA Today ranks two New York City teams ahead of Collins Hill, although their No. 1 nipped the Eagles in OT on a bogus call and their No. 2 lost to their No. 1 by a wider margin. So there.)
But none of that sways Collins Hill.
Says coach Tracey Tipton: “Our theme is: ‘If what you did yesterday still looks good, you haven’t done anything.’ They take that to heart.
“That’s every bit part of our success. We push ourselves.”
Wednesday, the Marietta Blue Devils, one of Georgia’s premier programs, found themselves in the wrong place — on the same court as Collins Hill.
In their second-round state tournament match, the Eagles treated Marietta to another nightmare on Maya Moore’s street. The 81-34 win was in doubt about as long as a rigged NBA slam dunk contest.
When the Marietta fans brave enough to journey I-285 in the traffic and rain got settled, their vocal attempts at spurring the Blue Devils were as useless as, well, coaches perusing the newspaper for bulletin-board material.
“Stop the ball!” one Marietta fan exhorted. “Stop the bleeding,” would have been more encouraging.
How bad (or good) was it?
When Moore did a fake pick-and-roll with herself, the All-American’s left-handed scoop off the glass put Collins Hill ahead 49-9 — in the second quarter. And the Eagles are no one-player team.
You know of Shantell Black, the pushy point guard, who can pull up and drop a jumper as smoothly as a no-look dish. And more are becoming aware of Jordan Jones, she of the deadly long stroke.
Pay more attention, however, to the other starters. Forward Chauntel Ferdinand’s burst to the basket is nearly unstoppable. And when the Eagles need to bump-and-grind it out, center Brittany Cade does so with gusto.
“They’ve been huge factors,” Tipton says. “We used to have to beg B.J. [Cade] to shoot the ball. Now she’s such a threat on the boards and around the basket. Chauntel’s a silent MVP. Gets every loose ball and scores when needed to. “She makes us whole.”
Then there’s an expanding bench, led by Renee Jackson, Nikki Urbizo, Shakeda Richie and Tamara Perkins. “They, and the other reserves, are every bit part of our success,” Tipton says.
“They push us every day in practice.”
Add it all up, and it would be miraculous if the Lady Eagles do not repeat as state champs.
Just in case, they take no chances.
“Our kids just love this game,” Tipton says. “They have a passion for it that shows up in practice, and in the games it’s better.”
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Mustangs won’t back down from anybody
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The “Best Basketball Show Around,” exposed another side: intensity to match the flashiness.
Please take notice.
Their community certainly has.
“This has been so great for us,” Meadowcreek athletics director Darlene Werhnyak said Tuesday. “Used to be, the kids wouldn’t wear Meadowcreek gear, because we didn’t win a lot. Now, they’re proud of Mustangs Spirit Wear. “It’s a good time for Meadowcreek.”
As well it should be.
Meadowcreek is no longer just a good little story. No sir. Now with the focused look of winners, the Region 8-AAAAA champs are that, and more.
In a 69-55 second-round state-tournament win over Milton, the Mustangs (23-6) came out and seized control. The poor Eagles never stood a chance. By the time Teondre Williams followed a thunderous Chris Allen (30 points) slam dunk with a pair of behind-the-head throw downs of his own, the Eagles stared at them in awe. Their fans simply dropped chins in hands.
All this from a Milton team, and its followers, that competes in the same region as the defending Class AAAAA state champions. You may know them as the Wheeler Wildcats, favorites to rule Georgia again.
Unless, of course, resurgent Norcross takes over.
That would mean a Blue Devils win over Meadowcreek in Saturday’s quarterfinal. And now that Norcross is playing up-tempo and unleashing its wonderful talent, the Blue Devils are Gwinnett’s best title hope.
Rest assured, though, Meadowcreek will not back down.
Coach Billy Davis won’t let them.
“We are going to show up, that’s for sure,” Davis said. “My boys are not afraid of anybody.”
Yes, but Norcross — runner-up last season — seems to have the edge. Although the teams are even in coaching and star power, the Devils have more size and experience than the Mustangs.
But not, they say, more heart.
“It’s time we get our respect in Gwinnett County,” said Meadowcreek guard Antione Bolden (15 points). “Norcross has Gani [Lawal] inside, and Jodie Meeks can do more than score. But they don’t want to run with us.
“That’s our game.”
And Meadowcreek is back in sync.
Many wondered whether sudden prosperity had filled the Mustangs’ heads. A close first-round win over under-manned Chattahoochee fueled concern.
Tuesday’s focused win proved otherwise. Thanks to Davis: As in U.S. Army 2nd Lt.-retired Billy Davis, Vietnam vet and former Green Beret.
Discipline is this man’s lifeblood.
“I’m real strict, but I’m flexible,” the coach said.
Traits his team has come to embrace.
“That is exactly what most kids need,” Werhnyak said. “Coach Davis knows how to discipline them with love. He makes them feel good about themselves. That’s why they play together as a team.”
Which is also how come the Mustangs will play another day — at least.
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How sweet it is
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s Gwinnett vs. Cobb in the Sweet 16.
Collins Hill vs. Marietta
South Gwinnett vs. McEachern
Brookwood vs. Campbell
Mill Creek vs. Pebblebrook
You have to be impressed with Region 5 sending all four of its teams to the Sweet 16. Now we get to see how they stack up against Gwinnett’s best.
The only game I can pick without hesitation is Collins Hill over Marietta.
South Gwinnett vs. McEachern might be the best game on the board. There are lots of talented guards in this matchup. Give the Comets a slight edge because they’re at home.
Brookwood has its hands full trying to withstand Campbell’s pressure. If the Broncos can minimize turnovers, they have a chance.
Mill Creek, coming off a rousing upset of Shiloh, faces a tough task going to Region 5 runner-up Pebblebrook. But the Hawks have benefitted from playing Collins Hill three times this season. Everyone else looks beatable compared to that.
How do you see these games unfolding?
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A good start for the hoops doc
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Hoops Doctor is feeling good. But not spry enough to brag. Such is the lot of basketball prognosticator. Picked 12 of 16 girls first-round state tournament winners in Class AAAAA. Slipped to 10-6 with boys. Oh well, on with the show.
Gwinnett teams remain poised to make more noise in the state tournament. Particularly in Class AAAAA and Class AA, where most county schools compete. Several could run on to the Final Four — or beyond.
Here’s how they stack up:
CLASS AAAAA
WOW FACTOR: (girls) Only reason Collins Hill wonder (young) woman Maya Moore (19 points) didn’t outscore Grayson in 73-20 win is because she hardly played after the half. … (boys) Eddie Martin turned the Blue Devils loose (87-57 win over Brookwood), and Norcross scored its most points since November.
FAB FIVE: (girls) Miss Basketball, I mean, Miss Moore; Christy Marshall, Beach (24 points); Antionette Howard, South Gwinnett (24); Brittany Howes, Mill Creek (25); Ashley Mency, McEachern (24). … (boys) Lorenzo Brown, Centennial (29 points, 10 rebounds); Jodie Meeks, Norcross (25 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists); Gani Lawal, Norcross (25 points, 13 rebounds); Teondre Williams, Meadowcreek (20 points).
UPSET SPECIALS: (girls) Mill Creek over Pebblebrook. … (boys) Milton over Meadowcreek.
LOCKS: (girls) Collins Hill; Campbell. … (boys) Wheeler; Norcross. MUST SEE: (girls) McEachern-South Gwinnett; Beach-Redan. … (boys) South Cobb-Centennial; Tri-Cities-Beach.
CLASS AA
WOW FACTOR: (girls) Coaches like to preach balanced scoring, but with D’Nay Daniels healthy, GAC rises from good to, perhaps, great. … (boys) On the other hand, Wesleyan is not just Howard Thompkins & Boys after all, as 78-73 win over Westside-Macon confirmed.
FAB FIVE: (girls) Sarah Delk, Wesleyan (22 points); Ashley Houts, Dade County (26 points); Daniels, GAC (17 points); Alexis Rogers, Holy Innocents’ (20 points); Lauren Falohun, Pace (19 points). … (boys) Tanner Smith, Wesleyan (40 points); Cam Sherman, Buford (20 points); Frank Davis, East Hall (35 points); Mikyle McGee, Lamar County (31 points); Xavier Collins, Laney (27 points).
UPSET SPECIALS: (girls) East Hall over Model. … (boys) Grady over Buford.
MUST SEE: (girls) Pace-GAC; Laney-Dade. … (boys) Dublin-Mitchell-Baker; Lovett-Wesleyan.
LOCKS: (girls) Wesleyan; Laney. … (boys) East Hall; Greenville.
BLUE PLATE SPECIAL: Hebron Christian (Class A girls), gets repeat win in replay of last year’s second-round bout against Southwest Atlanta Christian.
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Comets see their fortunes change
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
South Gwinnett High celebrated the zenith of one era Friday night and witnessed the nadir of another.
Louis Williams returned to the Snellville school to have his jersey retired. But by the time the Philadelphia 76ers rookie was honored at intermission, the Comets were halfway to a first-round state tournament exit.
Times have certainly changed.
About 11 months have passed since Williams, the Naismith national player of the year, last laced up his Nikes for South. Gone also is his backcourt gunnin’ mate — Mike Mercer — now playing at Georgia.
Roger Fleetwood, the coach who helped make South Gwinnett basketball a national factor, is next to leave. He’s going back to his Midwestern roots to be closer to his grandkids.
“This was my last game at South Gwinnett; I’m going back to Indiana,” Fleetwood said after an 81-56 lost to Centennial. “I owe South Gwinnett a lot… . I hated leaving on this game, but … it was going to end sometime.
“I loved my seven years here. Obviously, it changed my life in a lot of ways. I never thought I’d coach a kid like Louis [or] coach a team like we coached. The good Lord put me in position to have this opportunity.”
And he made the most of it, despite a tumultuous ending. Including forfeits, South finished 10-16. The Comets have as many defeats on the books this season than for all the years with Williams, when they went 104-16.
“It’s a different atmosphere,” Williams said, “That was my first impression. [But] hopefully, these guys can build it back to where we once had it.”
With Williams and Mercer no longer part of the show, teams South trampled over the past four years itched for revenge. And although the Comets returned a couple of NCAA Division I-bound players in power forward Avery Jukes (Alabama) and point guard Delano Howard (Georgia State), this unit never meshed.
“They had a tough act to follow,” Fleetwood said. “To have that kind of pressure on them, and to still make it to the state tournament, I’m very proud of them. This team busts their guts.
“That’s what high school basketball is all about.”
However, to his legions of critics, Fleetwood will be forever recalled a coach who won big with big talent and struggled without.
Yes, but there are Hall of Fame coaches of whom the very same thing can be said.
Where Fleetwood stands tall in my book is recognizing Williams’ awesome skills and letting him shine.
So all of us who relished what Williams, Mercer and South brought to the court — skill, showmanship and guts — owe Roger Fleetwood thanks.
“He allowed me to grow as a basketball player, and as a man,” said Williams, who presented his coach with an autographed Sixers jersey. “We had a special relationship.
“Whatever he’s doing next year, he’ll have something to remember me by.”
Permalink | Comments (9) | Categories: J.C. Clemons
3 guesses who’ll win in AAAAA. OK, one.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Want to know what it takes for a team to rule the road to Gwinnett Arena? Me, too.
So the Hoops Doctor turned to someone familiar with winning state basketball championships, Shantell Black. The Collins Hill point guard is the engine that sparks the best team in the state.
“Basically, it’s going to take defense and hard work,” she says of the Lady Eagles’ drive for a fourth crown. “You have to want it more than the other team.”
Is there a team Collins Hill is afraid of?
“We don’t fear anybody,” Black says.
Now, on with the fearless picks:
CLASS AAAAA Girls
Quick bye-bye: Douglass, Union Grove, Tift County, Newnan, Wheeler, North Gwinnett, Cherokee, Dacula, Glynn Academy, Colquitt County, Starr’s Mill, Lowndes, Mill Creek, Pebblebrook, Grayson, Marietta.
Ride to Elite Eight: Houston County (Tenia Williams), Stephenson (Jylisa Williams), Campbell (Tori Collins), South Gwinnett (Gia Lockett), Morrow (Shaquana Bleach), Beach (Christy Marshall), Shiloh (Courtney Strauthers), Collins Hill (Maya Moore).
Road bumps: Uh-oh! Jordan Greenleaf’s absence spells eventual doom for Morrow. … Still tripping on region title run, Shiloh gets scare from upstart Mill Creek. … Never know which Stephenson team — or players — will show up and/or show out.
Everything’s roses: Collins Hill could win state without “Marvelous” Maya Moore. With the junior sensation, and continued strong post play from Brittany Cade, only push Lady Eagles receive will come from within. … Redan, best No. 4 seed in history, not at full strength, even with Porsha Phillips.
Dancing at the arena: Stephenson vs. Campbell, Beach vs. Collins Hill.
Engrave on trophy: Duh!
CLASS AAAA Girls
Quick bye-bye: Effingham County, Haralson County, Lee County, Sandy Creek, Tucker, Rockdale County, Stone Mountain, Salem, Hardaway, Bainbridge, Alexander, Baldwin, East Paulding, North Clayton, Madison County, Southwest DeKalb. Ride to Elite Eight: Northside-Warner Robins (LaKeshia Levi), Jones County (Shimere Jordan), Mays (Nikitta Gartrell), St. Pius (Kelley Cain), Greenbrier (Michelle Swiec), Westside-Macon (Jelisa Caldwell), Etowah (Tagan Hatchett), Marist (Drey Mingo).
Road bumps: Haralson County and star guard Amy Horton (UCLA) get tough first-round draw against Northside-Warner Robins. … Ditto for Stone Mountain and Angel Gray (Indiana), having to open at St. Pius without Leann Watson (knee).
Everything’s roses: Despite a region tournament loss, Dalton can play near home (Northwest Georgia Trade Center) with win at Rockdale County. … No ranked teams stand between Westside-Macon and a trip to the final four. Dancing at the arena: Jones County vs. Mays; Westside-Macon vs. Marist. Engrave on Trophy: Jones County
Macon winners: Class AAA (Kendrick), Class AA (Wesleyan), Class A (Wilkinson County)
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The doctor is in: Here are your winners
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Want to know who will be bringing their raucous fans to Gwinnett Arena for the Class AAAAA and AAAA state championships next month?
Have no fear, the Hoops Doctor is here.
So grab your brackets and take this to heart. If so moved, go ahead and jump into a friendly pool. Here’s how the boys’ chips will fall:
CLASS AAAAA boys
Quick bye-bye: Houston County, Fayette County, Lowndes, Starr’s Mill, Pope, Centennial, North Cobb, Peachtree Ridge, Groves, Colquitt County, Mundy’s Mill, Douglass, Chattahoochee, Kennesaw Mountain, Brookwood, Harrison.
Ride to Elite Eight: Casey Mitchell (Savannah), Jonathon Inman (Tri-Cities), Wesley Matthews (South Cobb), J.J. Hickson (Wheeler), Sylvester Egbe (Redan), Justin Brownlee (Tift County), Chris Allen (Meadowcreek), Jodi Meeks (Norcross). Road bumps: Norcross’ slow pace keeping foes in game, plus Allen playing better than anyone in the state equals Mustangs knocking out the 2005 state runner-up. … Redan’s tough “D” too much for Newnan to overcome.
Everything’s roses: Wheeler lost state’s best PG (Sharaud Curry) but now features more balance with Hickson, J.T. Tiller, James Florence and Adrian Williams. … Another Cobb team (South) eliminates S. Gwinnett. … Tift’s Justin Brownlee has a name, and game, to remember… . Low on radar, but Tri-Cities finished on a high in state’s toughest top-to-bottom region.
Dancing at the arena: Tri-Cities vs. Wheeler, Tift vs. Meadowcreek. Engrave on trophy: Wheeler.
CLASS AAAA BOYS Quick bye-bye: Statesboro, Warner Robins, Americus-Sumpter, Carver, North Forsyth, Paulding County, South Atlanta, Heritage, Upson-Lee, Lee County, Sandy Creek, Ware County, Ridgeland, Etowah, Eastside, Tucker.
Ride to Elite Eight: Matt Heramb (Chapel Hill), Daniel Clements (Wayne County), Jeremy Price (Columbia), Aaron Parr (St. Pius), JuJuan Jones (Douglass County), Martavius Adams (Baldwin), Dante Harvey (Miller Grove) Brandon Hazzard (SW DeKalb).
Road bumps: Baldwin’s Adams (6-foot-9) proves too hard for Griffin to handle… . Miller Grove makes it two in a row over Southwest DeKalb, cementing power shift.
Everything’s roses: Columbia’s Price — the “X Factor” — puts “power” in power forward at 6-8, 250 pounds… . Wayne County’s a sleeper with Clements, Rory Miller.
Dancing at the arena: Wayne County vs. Columbia, Baldwin vs. Miller Grove.
Engrave on trophy: Columbia
Macon winners: Westlake (AAA), Greenville (AA), Randolph-Clay (A).
Coming Thursday: Girls predictions.
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Can anyone beat Wheeler?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Class AAAAA state playoffs will begin this weekend, and once again top-ranked and defending state champion Wheeler is the prohibitive favorite. Several teams, however, are also blessed with great talent and poised to possibly make a title run themselves if things fall into place.
Two Gwinnett County teams, third-ranked Norcross and Meadocreek, appear on a collision course in the Sweet 16, with the winner of that game having an excellent chance to reach the finals.
Norcross features a Kentucky signee in guard Jodie Meeks and junio power forward Gani Lawal, a 6-foot-8 Georgia Tech commitment. The Mustangs are led by prolific shooting guard Chris Allen, a junior who has already committed to Michigan State, and promising sophomore Teondre Williams.
How do you think the tournament is going to shake out?
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Will girls basketball upsets continue?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The seedings didn’t hold during the region tournaments. Shiloh surprised South Gwinnett, Grayson ousted Parkview, Dacula made it all the way to the finals and Hebron won a region crown. Collins Hill and Wesleyan restored some order, playing like top seeds. Now we’ve got eight first-round state tournament games to look forward to, and to break down:
I like Collins Hill, Wesleyan, GAC and Hebron to advance with relative ease. Buford, on the other hand, faces a monumental task going to Augusta to play Laney. A local coach who scouted Laney said the run-n-gun Wildcats deserve the No. 1 ranking they share with Wesleyan.
South Gwinnett is more talented than Dacula, but the Falcons are at home and they are not the two-girl team (Abbie Daniel, Brittany Jarrard) some people think. All five starters can score. That said, I expect the Comets to come out with more urgency than they showed in the region tournament.
Shiloh is on a seven-game roll but again, Mill Creek is dangerous, thanks to shooter Shelbie Pool. Watching the point-guard duel between Jessica Baker and Porsha Porter should be fun.
In Brookwood-North Gwinnett, points will be at a premium. This one could come down to whether North’s Jolie Efezokhae or Brookwood’s Chioma Okoli asserts herself as the best player on the floor.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours?
Permalink | Comments (29) | Categories: Shootin' Hoops: Girls
Only one name is fitting: champs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You can call them Meadowcreek. Or, if you prefer to reflect poorly on your upbringing, you can call the Mustangs boys basketball team by less laudatory names.
But whatever you do, be sure to speak of their new label: champions. “This feels great — for the school,” Meadowcreek guard Chris Allen said Saturday while clutching the Region 8-AAAAA championship trophy close to his heart. “This helps us rise above all the names we get called.”
Yes, it certainly does.
So, while you’re at it, throw a bouquet in the Shiloh Lady Generals’ way. “Maybe now people will believe in us,” Courtney Strauthers said after Shiloh reigned as region queens. “Nobody believed in us but ourselves, our parents and a few fans. This means so much for Shiloh.”
For me, too.
Because that’s an allure of high school sports. Kids can redefine others’ perceptions by becoming winners. In effort, if not in deed.
It’s tournament time, again. And all NCAA March Madness has over high school’s February Fever is a snazzier nickname, and a few more digits on the game checks. But for sheer ecstasy, and yes, dismay, you can’t beat a state tournament. It doesn’t get more personal than this.
You see, the high school game is not about million-dollar free throws and billion-dollar TV contracts. You can’t price tag the state tournament experience. Not on your life.
That’s because it’s about the kid you’ve watched for years as she shot free throws well into the night in the driveway next door. Or even the too-short dude who would not give up, even after being cut in middle school.
Yes, it’s about being able to say you saw a one-in-a-million — a Louis Williams, a Dwight Howard or a Josh Smith — playing for kicks on the way to toiling for NBA bucks. But it’s more about the none-in-a-millions.
We’re talking about the ones whose playing days end when the wins do. Meadowcreek coach Billy Davis knows what I’m talking about.
“I told the kids: ‘Some of you will never play this game again. Make the most of it now.’”
Davis, in his first year with the Mustangs, has a couple of state titles to show for three decades of work. He wants his kids to know that sensation. “It’s a beautiful feeling,” Davis says.
Of course, when 320 teams begin play in the GHSA state tournament this weekend, only 10 will be standing as champions after duty is done.
Yet, each and every one can gain insight on its better self by giving a championship effort, in a sporting way. With that, each will establish wondrous memories which will last a lifetime — and beyond.
“This has been a year of firsts for Meadowcreek,” Davis says. “I tell them, ‘Every time you win, you’re making history. Your name will always be on the wall, and you’ll be able to tell your grandkids about that.’
“[But] we can’t keep celebrating and stop now. We have to get ready for state.” Me, too.
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Westlake, Dunwoody rely on stars in state tourney
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It seems An’Juan Wilderness has been here longer than four years. Since his freshman season at Dunwoody, the 6-foot-5 Wilderness has blossomed from a revelation to a rising star, to a full-blown star, to now, a superstar.
On the other side was Westlake’s Antoine Johnson, who has been recognized as a superior talent, but probably not on a level that matches his skills. The 5-foot-11 has been all-state, but hardly is there anyone at his position with more diverse ability.
So there they were Saturday night at Southside High — the two leaders with disparate reputations and games indirectly going head-to-head to decide the Region 5 AAA championship.
It was not the classic confrontation in the sense that they literally battled each other. But it was quite interesting to see how big-time players could impact a significant game from different positions.
No. 1 Westlake, like it did a few weeks ago, handled the No. 2 and defending-champion Dunwoody, this time 54-50. And while the key players had key moments, neither was exactly dominant.
Wilderness, who is headed to Charlotte, has shown drastic development in his skill set. Once just a big guy who took advantage of smaller foes, he now can put it on the floor and create for himself, as evidence from his first swooping basket of the game.
Also, he stretched his game from outside the three-second lane to the three-point line, which is critical for him in college.
Johnson makes a lot happen. Smart at drawing fouls, the powerfully built guard showed the whole package Saturday night.
On three-pointers, pull-up jumpers, strong drives to the basket, Johnson essentially carried his team. The ebb and flow of the game swayed from one side to the other, the teams so evenly matched.
Poetically, the game was tied at 41 entering the fourth quarter, setting the stage for one of the stars to take over. Didn’t happen. Neither Johnson nor Wilderness got much done. As is the case so many times, the supporting talent of a big-time team is invaluable. Like the first meeting a few weeks ago, Johnson’s teammates came through in a big way to help preserve their No. 1 position over No. 2.
So, the lesson became clear: If Dunwoody is to again wear the crown in the end, it has to get more from Wilderness — and much more from his teammates.
Wilderness was quite in term of his numbers - seven points, one in the second half. But with 5:31 left in the first quarter, he turned up the volume in the gym when he raced ahead of the pack and threw down a vicious dunk with the right hand as he was fouled by an embarrassed Westlake defender.
As the top team in the state, Westlake will have to ride Johnson, with lots of help from his very capable crew.
That Westlake defeated Dunwoody with Johnson not registering a field goal in the second half speaks to the legitimacy of the Lions. There is a poise about them that is tangible and a quality of depth that makes them the team to beat, especially with Johnson in the fold. But Wilderness and Co. just might have something to say about that before it’s all over.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Norcross regaining strut just in time
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Somewhere along a cross-country road show, Norcross’ boys basketball team lost some of its swagger. For the Blue Devils, regaining their strut is a must. Thursday night, Norcross dispatched outmanned Chattahoochee 72-58 to advance to the region tournament final.
Of course, after starting the season ranked No. 14 in the nation, the Blue Devils were expected to rule their backyard. After all, last season Norcross went 31-0 before falling to Wheeler in the state title match.
So, in search of tougher competition to prep for the postseason, coach Eddie Martin signed on to an ambitious schedule. During tournaments in Charlotte and Columbia, the Devils took on some of America’s best.
Last weekend, they culminated their tour with a quick jaunt to California, but left the West Coast with a 72-56 loss to Fairfax High of Los Angeles. The final out-of-state tally: Four wins, three losses.
Plus, a key question: Did the rough schedule boost confidence or did it raise doubts?
“It was definitely good to build our confidence,” guard Jodie Meeks said. “If we had gone undefeated, and be up on a high plateau, we couldn’t learn anything. We learned we’re not unbeatable, and that’s a big help.”
Unfortunately, beating Chattahoochee (14-13) offered few clues. For sure, Norcross still plays smothering defense.
Of the Blue Devils’ first five baskets, four came on breakaways fueled by steals. Chattahoochee had five turnovers in the game’s first five minutes.
As usual, Norcross’ awesome athleticism was on full display. Speedy guard Tony Neysmith (18 points) started the scoring with a steal and layup. Center Gani Lawal (15) then raised the roof with a sick, two-handed follow-up dunk, and point guard Brenton Butler (15) dropped in a long 3-pointer.
For a while, though, the Blue Devils appeared to forget about Meeks (17 points), who didn’t get an offensive touch for half the first quarter. However, the future Kentucky Wildcat solved that oversight.
After swiping the ball, Meeks roared downcourt for a tomahawk jam.
And by the time Meeks offered a little support of his own — lobbing the ball back to Lawal for a thunder dunk and 29-14 lead — it appeared all over.
But the Devils opened the third quarter in a funk, and the scrappy Cougars climbed within 43-36, before Norcross’ superior talent took its toll.
Norcross is no longer rated among the nation’s elite.
That, however, is not foremost with the Blue Devils. Gaining the spot it covets most — tops in Georgia — is all that’s on their minds.
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Shot at title shows how far Dacula has come
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Travis Young is a quick study. Which is a very good thing.
The Dacula High girls basketball coach has a short time to prep his surprising team for its biggest test: Facing Collins Hill for a region title.
So far this season, beating the Eagles has been an impossible task for every team in Georgia.
Collins Hill, the defending Class AAAAA champ, is ranked No. 1 in the state (and No. 2 in the United States by SI.com). The Eagles moved to Saturday’s Region 7-AAAAA championship game with an 89-43 win over Mill Creek. Now it’s Dacula’s turn to face the music.
Again.
“They beat us twice this season,” Young says. “Beat us pretty bad one time, and not-so bad one time.”
Everything, of course is relative.
Collins Hill clipped the Falcons 94-39 in their first meeting. As for that “not-so bad” loss to the Eagles, well, it ended with Collins Hill ahead 78-51. However, Dacula did hold an eight-point lead at intermission.
If moral victories indeed exist, that certainly would qualify as one. Of course, a 38-35 semifinal win over North Gwinnett was a certifiable triumph. What a difference a year can make.
After finishing 7-22 in Young’s first season as a head coach, Dacula now stands proudly at 21-6. Young attributes the turnaround to maturity, camaraderie and a commitment to playing strong defense.
It also helps that Young, 28, is smart enough to keep learning.
Instead of pouting all summer and doubting whether he was cut out for this post, Young spent precious time perusing coaching manuals and watching film.
“I did look at a few things,” he said. “Actually, I picked up a couple of videos on some man-to-man offenses. Anything I can get my hands on, I try to read or look at. I’m young enough to know I have to constantly learn.
“I’m a little more prepared for what we encounter from night to night. But I don’t think anybody can really prepare you fully for your first year as a head coach.”
Getting ready for the Eagles is no light duty, either.
Against Mill Creek, Collins Hill improved to 25-1, led by 18 acrobatic points from All-America forward Maya Moore. Their only defeat was a two-overtime loss to New York’s Christ the King, America’s top-ranked girls team.
“When we play somebody pretty dominant, like Collins Hill, we try to concentrate on things we do well,” Young said. “That will be our biggest challenge.” Speaking of self-motivation, the Eagles have that trick down pat.
“We didn’t play well in our last regular-season game,” Collins Hill coach Tracey Tipton said. “We had some things to prove to ourselves tonight. I felt like we had a total team effort.”
As usual, Shantell Black, the Eagles’ dashing point guard, sparked that endeavor. She finished with 13 points, 7 assists, four steals and four rebounds. Black said the Eagles, despite seldom being pushed, are self-starters.
“We never get bored playing basketball,” she said. “It all starts in practice, and we just carry that intensity into the games.”
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: J.C. Clemons
End comes on time, too quickly for Cassell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How do you truly measure the worth of an esteemed high school coach?
Wins and losses provide muchH too narrow a plane. Certainly, dollars and cents is a useless gauge. When computed by the actual hours spent, salaries may barely rise beyond minimum wage.
Do years at the helm paint the truest picture, or championship hardware in the trophy cases?
A resounding “no” to all of the above. What truly makes a coach’s career worthy is the direction his players’ lives take away from the court or playing fields.
Tuesday night, Cass Cassell endorsed my view.
After 31 years, 741 games, 529 victories and a state title, the Central Gwinnett girls basketball coach closed the final curtain on a splendid career. He’s drawn up his last official play, slammed a final clipboard, put finishing touches on the last pats on the back.
Something tells me, though, the final tear has yet to be shed.
When the horn sounded on Brookwood’s 47-42 win over Central in the Region 8-AAAAA tournament, Cassell shook hands with the victors, then shrugged his shoulders and let out a loud sigh.
“It hit me when the game ended; it’s really over,” Cassell said.
He was greeted with a hug and kiss from the scorekeeper, who led him away, hand in hand. And she did so with a smile. What else would a dutiful coach’s wife do?
“She’s sacrificed a lot,” Cassell said of his loving mate, Sheila. “She’s been a real trouper — right there with me. Now, I want to be there for her.” First, there will be one last team meeting today. One more chance to say thanks.
Oh, there won’t be a state crown like the one from 2001. No, the Lady Knights — hampered by injuries — finished 12-14 as a late-game charge fell short.
Does not matter.
These young ladies — Jasmine Stovall, Klair Wells, Sydney Oliver, Alexandria David, Jessica Skeels, Ashley Rutledge, Kim Pettway, Jaynae Kearney, Tori Bowker, Janey Bankston, Jasmine Scott, Katie Bender, Amber Kirkpatrick and Ashley Taylor — are special.
In their coach’s heart.
“The effort was always there,” Cassell said. “You’d like to go out like the year we had in 2001. That would have been ideal. … But some of our finest moments have been with teams that haven’t done well recordwise. They were just courageous, and you’ll always appreciate that.”
Cassell, who has had 56 players sign college scholarships, is not finished working in that regard. He is hopeful that two players from this year’s team also will play in college.
From here, Cassell hopes to stay involved in the game, in some other, less time-consuming capacity.
Still, he will always be referred to as “Coach,” by his grandkids.
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Gutsy Clarkston savors huge victory
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday night, the Clarkston girls basketball team was supposed to be at home, absorbing still another loss, handling homework, watching “American Idol” — anything other than playing Westlake in the Region 5 Tournament at Southside High.
The Angoras had not experienced victory in 25 games. That’s a long time, time enough for a team’s collective spirit to dissolve into nothing. When Monday’s play-in meeting came up against Riverwood, there hardly was much expectation that the wretched past would be altered.
But something happened that had not happened before. The missed layups dropped. The free throws bounced in. And the hardly detectable spirit began to surface.
“You could see it,” coach Royce Toombs said.
Their minuscule confidence grew as the game progressed, and they pulled out a victory that meant far more than stopping an extended slide.
The locker-room scene afterward was not one of shock or even surprise.
Rather, it was plain old “happiness,” Toombs said. Then the team went to CiCi’s Pizza for a rare victory dinner.
The triumph earned Clarkston a spot in the region tournament, which is no small accomplishment considering what took place before Monday night. That Westlake, which is talented and determined, had its way, 58-18, against the Angoras on Tuesday night is almost beside the point.
Clarkston got to play another day, which says a lot about Toombs and his players. They all could have acquiesced to the pain of losing and the prospects of more defeats. Instead, they held together, which was not easy, and knocked off Riverwood, which had trounced the Angoras by 30 points earlier in the season.
Before the year started, three key players transferred, leaving the Angoras depleted before they got going. “We were behind the eight-ball early,” Toombs said.
As the losses mounted, the coach refused to discuss them with his team. “We talked about fundamentals and using the game as life lessons,” Toombs said. “We talked about the classroom and excelling there.
“We have three seniors who are going to college, which is not easy. We’ve had to deal with a lot of adversity, and they have gotten through it. This will help them in college. So we’re taking all the positives we can from this season.”
Clearly, he has a group of players who possess extensive heart. Behind by more than 30 late in the fourth quarter, junior Bobbie Abrams took a charge on a bigger player and dove for a loose ball under the basket. Those efforts epitomized Clarkston’s gumption.
“Relief” was how Abrams described winning Monday. “It meant a lot. To beat a team that beat us by 30, it showed how much we care.”
Toombs understands his challenge is significant, but he has won before — he led Clarkston to the state tournament his first two years with the Angoras in 1998 and ‘99 — and his players seem committed to improving.
“That one win is going to mean a lot to us,” Toombs said. “We know what we have to do this summer. The parents and administration have been great and patient. We had a rough year, but we won a game. Now, I expect good things ahead.”
Permalink | | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Who will win next week?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s Gwinnett vs. Gwinnett in the first round of state next week.
Here’s what we’ve learned so far in the region tourneys.
The North was far superior to the South in Region 7, as all four state qualifiers — Collins Hill, North Gwinnett, Mill Creek and Dacula — hail from the North.
Now what will happen when those four clash with Region 8 in the first round of state?
There’s been a lot of talk about Region 8 teams not wanting to finish fourth, so they can avoid nationally-ranked Collins Hill in the first round. Believe me, Region 7 coaches are almost equally leery of facing South Gwinnett, the Region 8 favorite, in the first round. They are plenty motivated to finish third or higher and thus avoid the Comets.
So which Gwinnett region do you think will win next week’s head-to-head matchups?
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Shootin' Hoops: Girls
Tourney field not rational in state
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When it comes to basketball, the way Georgia sets up the state tournament field is irrational, illogical, unreasonable, foolish, crazy, ridiculous, absurd, silly, groundless and … (my thesaurus ran out of synonyms).
Take the case of the Norcross and Shiloh boys.
On one hand, Norcross, favored to vie for a state title, captured its region championship. As a reward, the Devils earned an automatic state-tournament berth.
On the other hand, Shiloh, a long shot to contend for state, claimed its league title, too. Yet the Generals must win in the region tournament to reach state.
In the abiding words of singer Keith Sweat: “Something, something just ain’t right.”
Regular-season region champs should earn automatic spots in the state tournament — every last one of them. That ought to be a no-brainer.
But, if some region champs have to produce in the region tournament to move on, then they all must. At least the field would be level.
Yet in Georgia, autonomy rules. Each of the 40 regions chooses its method for sending teams to state. The only consistency is four teams move on, and no region can stage double-elimination tournaments.
Otherwise, it’s every league for itself.
How come? Well, it always has been that way.
“When the [GHSA] constitution was established, they wanted to make sure the individual regions have more say,” says Ralph Swearngin, the organization’s astute executive director. “Our regions are so different — North Georgia/South Georgia; big school/small school — one size doesn’t fit all.”
As a result, neither do state-tournament slots.
So, if one region wants to give its regular-season champ a bye into the semifinals (and spot in the state field), so be it. That’s the case in Region 7-AAAAA, where Norcross and the Collins Hill girls are in.
Meanwhile, across the county, Region 8-AAAAA offers no such luxury to its regular-season winners. So the Shiloh boys, along with the South Gwinnett girls (also unbeaten in league play) have to fight their way in.
Beware, Generals and Lady Comets.
Most every year, a highly regarded team gets bumped off before state. Last season, it was the boys of Beach High in Savannah. This year, who knows?
Surely, consistency — and common sense — should prevail.
But what do I know?
Back to Ralph Swearngin, who is neither irrational, illogical, unreasonable, foolish, crazy, ridiculous, absurd, silly nor groundless.
“Every year, we hear things about who gets in [the state tournament], who doesn’t get in,” says Swearngin, “then that’s the end of it. One year, there are people complaining when it doesn’t go their way. Then the next year, when it does go their way, you don’t hear from them.”
Which lends credence to the notion this system is anything but rational, logical, reasonable, earnest, sane, wise, meaningful, sensible or sound.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: J.C. Clemons
South Cobb has goods to battle Wheeler
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you go by Wheeler’s record and its talent and its coach and its history, another AAAAA championship is on the horizon. Depth and skill, leadership and confidence, the Wildcats possess it all.
So why are folks so smugly confident at South Cobb? Hang out around the No. 2 Eagles and the feeling is almost touchable although unsaid: We have the goods to wear the crown in the end.
Having eyeballed them Friday night at home, I say its optimism is understandable. Indeed, South Cobb just might have enough depth and talent and heart to end Wheeler’s run.
The operative word here is might. Doug Lipscomb has built a program at Wheeler that is the envy of many. Last year, when the expectation was that Louis Williams-led South Gwinnett would take it all, Lipscomb’s squad rejected the notion and took the title.
The heart of that run was point guard Sharaud Curry, a poised floor leader who never seemed to be fazed by pressure. Curry’s gone now, as are other key members of that team. But Lipscomb doesn’t rebuild; he regroups. And so, with such transfers as heady guard Adrian Williams, Wheeler again looks to be of championship quality.
All that noted, South Cobb just might have the resounding answer. It is a team of style and substance, personified by its best player, John Wesley Matthews III — known to you as Wes Matthews.
The 6-foot-4, 204-pound senior, who has more than 1,600 career points, comports himself on the court with a self-assuredness and confidence that permeates the Eagles. He can get his shot off anytime he wants, but instead he shares the ball without hesitation.
In the first half of their 101-60 cruising over Pebblebrook —clinching an undefeated season in the region — Matthews took just six shots (five made) in the first half, including a power dunk, a deft shot in the lane, a 3-pointer from the top of the key and a trey from the right wing.
The diversity of those baskets shows the completeness of his game — and he sports a 4.167 GPA (magnet program) and scored 1200 on the SAT, which shows he’s a complete person.
Meanwhile, he has teammates who complement him nicely. Steve Spurrier landed South Cobb basketball bruiser Terrance Campbell. Eagles quarterback Austin Kelly brings maniacal hustle. Kenny Russell attacks the basket with authority. Adam Callaway brings strong defense. Garrison Johnson is an energetic crowd-pleaser who likes to play above the rim on the fast break. And then there’s Gifford Blakely, a senior who opened the game with a dunk.
And on and on. Coach Tommy McWhorter has grown with the team, and has his players performing and believing. He’s promoted a balance concept that his players have accepted. But it all starts and ends with Matthews.
He rang up the most efficient 28 points you could imagine Friday night, surely impressing the scouts from Miami and Notre Dame who were there to see him.
There’s a lot of ball to be played before Wheeler and South Cobb could meet in the postseason. The champs have every reason to believe they can get it done again. But they lost Curry, a special talent — and the Eagles still have Matthews.
And that right there just might be the difference.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Persistence pays off in scholarship
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s a takeoff on the world’s oldest story line. Only this fairy tale rings true: Boy meets football. Boy loses taste for football. Boy wins back passion for the game.
And in the end, a fine young man earns a college scholarship. Mill Creek senior Jerry Winfield may still be pinching himself.
“I’m surprised to put myself in this position,” Winfield said Wednesday. “I never thought I was capable of playing at the collegiate level. I always gave my best, but I always thought it was superstars who sign. Players who get all the hype.”
It goes to show that with effort (on the field, in the classroom, from parents and coaches) plus opportunity, even kids of modest reputation can parlay skill into promise.
Jerry Winfield, a slightly undersized tight end/defensive end playing for a 2-year-old Hawks program, is headed to Murray State University in Kentucky. If Jerry never saw this coming, plenty of others certainly did. And they assisted him every step of the way.
First and foremost were his parents, Jerry Winfield Sr. and April Johnson. Dad coached his son’s youth teams in their native Reading, Pa.
“Jerry’s come a long way, trust me,” his father said. “But I am not surprised. We had to push him, but he actually put forth the effort needed to achieve this goal. I’m proudest of his striving to get there.”
Mom, a data analyst, has another take.
“Football’s more of his father’s dream,” Johnson said. “I’ve never been the sports type. Jerry can do anything he puts his mind to, but I would have been looking for an academic scholarship” — of course, with Jerry’s 3.0 GPA and 1100 SAT.
“Murray is a good fit,” his mother said. “Small campus, and it is one of the top 40 public colleges. It’s really up to him, but they are going to do everything to make sure he comes out with a piece of paper.”
At one point, football lost its appeal to Jerry.
“When I first moved down here to Georgia a few years ago, the level of football was a lot harder,” he said. “I wanted to quit then, but I had to stick with it.”
Why? “It was one of those things where, if you quit now, you might be a quitter the rest of your life.”
Score one for maturation.
“Starting out, he was just a fun-loving kid,” coach Shannon Jarvis said. “Then it turned into where he decided to take every play seriously. Coach [Jed] Hodges rode him hard. But the credit goes to Jerry. He didn’t bow down and quit. He took on the challenge.
“Basically, Jerry grew up into a man this year.”
Jarvis, who started the Mill Creek program two years ago, passed along tapes of Winfield and others to college recruiters at an annual gathering sponsored by the Gwinnett Touchdown Club.
“What caught the college coaches’ attention was that Jerry never took a snap off,” Jarvis said. And so for the second straight year, a Mill Creek football player moves up. Zach Hugo took the same recruiting route to Morehead (Ky.) State.
Not bad for a fledging program.
“It says more about the kids than our program,” Jarvis said. “They have a God-given ability to play football, but more important, they have the academics to have the opportunity to play at the next level.
“I want our young kids to see if you have the grades, and you have the commitment, we’ll get your name out there. It’s what we owe back to them. They give us their time, their work ethic. It’s the least we can do.”
From there, of course, fate takes command.
“Obviously, it’s up to the colleges who they want,” Jarvis said.
And who wouldn’t want a Jerry Winfield?
Permalink | | Categories: J.C. Clemons
To some, signing day signals end to illusions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Great high school players do not necessarily become college athletes.” — Jim Brown, author and sports-performance analyst
As the calendar flips to national signing day, we will postpone — until tomorrow — accolades for players garnering college football scholarships. For now, all praise for those whose football days, for whatever reasons, may appear over.
You’ve already done yourselves proud, kids.
Too many miss that point.
Used to be, most kids played high school sports just for the fun of it. Now, for far too many athletes — and especially for some of their parents — it’s all about the scholarship, baby. Which is a shame.
Playing college ball just isn’t in the cards for everyone. Or in the genes. Nor, by the way, is recruiting an exact science.
So when about 50 seniors from Gwinnett sign scholarships today, three dozen classmates honored as all-county this season will not.
How can that be?
Some blame the coach.
And I have heard, on good authority, the woeful tale of a coach near Athens who once took a new job and left behind a drawer full of letters from recruiters. Apparently, they were never passed on to the kids.
That, we hope, is an aberration.
Others find fault with, ahem, the media. Let’s move on.
Actually, far less sinister matters are at play.
Little Johnny’s upside may not be large enough to suit recruiters. Maybe he doesn’t possess the coveted traits of size, speed, agility and academics. Or, simply put, your child’s best athletics days are behind him.
So says Lawrenceville resident Jim Brown. A former college coach and administrator, Brown edits sports-performance newsletters and is an acclaimed author. His book, “Sports Talent: How to Identify and Develop Outstanding Athletes,” is a must-read for kids, coaches and parents.
“Most people, and many parents, assume that talent at one level guarantees talent at the next level, as though it is a nonstop continuum,” Brown says. “But it doesn’t happen that way.
“It may be [kids] are peaking in high school. We’re probably seeing more of that because kids are starting so early. They take advantage of good coaches, who get the best out of them.”
Which, in the long run, can be counterproductive.
“I’ve always felt there’s a 10- to 12-year life span of an athlete,” Brown says. “Now, they’re starting out as early as 4, and by high school are burning out and wanting to do something else.”
Or: “They’re not getting any better.”
Which, of course, is no shame. But try telling that to gung-ho parents whose entire college financial planning program consists of an athletics scholarship chase.
“I don’t think it’s fair to the kids, and not realistic,” Brown says. “We’ve all seen the statistics where only 1 [percent] to 2 percent of high school athletes receive scholarships. So strictly from a math standpoint, … I can’t get parents to accept that message.”
Let me try to help.
Parents, allow your kids to enjoy what should be mostly carefree days. Enough stress and strain lies ahead. Stop living through your kids and start sharing life with them. Most of all, do not treat your children as potential cash/scholarship cows.
Now, for all of you who will watch teammates and buddies make the move you’ve long aspired to? Take heart. You helped them get there.
So hold your heads high.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: J.C. Clemons
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