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Saturday, February 24, 2007
Norcross. Wheeler. Playoffs. WOW.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The line started to form at the front door and stretched around the building toward the back parking lot. It was three hours before tipoff.
A freaky set of circumstances pitted the last two AAAAA champions — Norcross and Wheeler — in what has to be the most anticipated first-round state playoff matchup in some time.
By game time, the stands were packed and the overhang was shoulder-to-shoulder deep.
This was high school basketball in its purest, most enjoyable glory.
The talent on the court was phenomenal, but even more impressive was the passion. This was a commercial for the wonder of prep hoops in Georgia.
When all the pulsating action had concluded, Norcross had escaped with a dramatic and memorable 64-63 victory.
Perhaps the best way to describe what took place is this:
Wow.
So much happened, so many players and coaches shined, it is difficult to capture in this space.
But let’s try anyway.
Gani Lawal of Norcross reaffirmed his position as one of the premier athletes around. Playing every minute with an off-the-charts ferocity and focus against another of Georgia’s accomplished big men in Wheeler’s J.J. Hickson, Lawal was supreme.
It was more than the numbers: 23 points, eight rebounds, three steals and six blocks. It was the quiet dignity in the way he performed and the timeliness of his heroics.
With 2:16 to play, for example, Tarriq Mohammad missed a 3-pointer from the top of the key. The ball was suspended above the rim, with Lawal and Hickson leaping high to retrieve it. Lawal not only came down with it, he went back up and dunked, to push the lead to 60-57.
He had another slam and a steal before Norcross fans nearly swallowed their collective tongues as three last-second Wheeler shots fell short.
The Wildcats were stunned there was no foul called and that their gutty effort did not bring them victory. Hickson was outstanding with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Corey Tower, the fantastic Wheeler point guard, was equally special.
And Wheeler coach Doug Lipscomb showed why he’s among the best. He inserted seldom-used Marquis Horne and William Marsh in heated moments, and both responded with critical 3-point shots.
Eddie Martin, on the other bench, wisely elected to use Al-Farouq Aminu to front Hickson in the low post, with Lawal as backside help. It helped limit Hickson’s second-half touches.
Norcross can thank Denzail Jones, a Tyronn Lue lookalike, for his shooting touch, especially early. He had the team’s first eight points — six on two 3-pointers — en route to 14 for the night.
It was an emotional night of shifting momentum, with Wheeler seemingly in control early, only to have Norcross respond. Wheeler fought back before the Blue Devils had one more push that carried them through.
It was a special night.
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