Prep Zone

By RAE

March 12, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

I would have to agree that the Maya Moore moment was really special. It has been a joy watching her play for 4 years at Collins Hill. Now that she has played her final Georgia High School game, the playing field will once again be level. The 5A girls championship will once again up for grabs in the 2007-2008 season. Congratulations to Maya Moore and her Collins Hill team mates.

By Ernest

March 12, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

What I will remember most is advocating for the Lady Panthers of SWD throughout the season and their play during the tournament demonstrating they were worthy of a higher ranking. They lost to St. Pius in overtime during the region 6 AAAA championship and had the lead with 7 seconds remaining in regulation. Oh, what could have been….

Based on their returning players, they should be a preseason top 5 or higher next year.

It’s been a great run posting in these blogs Derrick! Thanks for providing an outlet for fans.

By big fan

March 12, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

finally the lady astros are getting some respect remember that they had the youngest team in the final four we will see you next year.

By Tammy

March 13, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Watching Maya Moore play in the state championship game was incredible. She not only dominated the game, but she did everything to keep her teammates involved. She has found the ability to take over a game without being selfish. She was truly amazing and should be a major contributor at UConn right away.

Norcross’ state championship looked to be lost in the first half, but after the break Gani Lawal took over. That sparked his teammates and they managed to pull it our in the end. He will be a great asset to the Yellow Jackets and will be a plus to the play of Crittenden and Young.

By coach

March 13, 2007 6:57 AM | Link to this

Norcross again proved it is Number One. What a great season. This year they beat 5 out of the top 10(other 9) teams in the state. Congratulations to the Norcross Blue Devils, their coaches, their fans and their community! The dynasty continues…

By by coach

March 13, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

I am confused with the girls 5A post season rankings. As a matter of fact, I am upset. I do not believe that South Gwinnet in no way shape or form should be rank above Stephenson. Last time I checked Stephenson was ranked number 8 in USA Today, and number 4 in Sports Illustrated. Also, Stephenson only lost 1 game, and that was to the same team South Gwinnet lost to (Colins Hills). I am also upset with the article stating that South Gwinnet is the second best team in the state. Did you see this years championship game. At no point in time did South Gwinnet compete with Colins Hills. Stephenson competed harder than South Gwinnett. At one point in time during the game Stephenson cutt the lead to 7 points. Stephenson has won its region 6 straight years in a row. Keep in mind that out of the past four years Stepghenson’s region has had a team from the region represented in the three four ie. Redan and Douglass. Oh by the way, Stephenson was the last team and the only team during the Maya era to beat Collins Hill. Now you tell me who is second best?

By SG Fan

March 13, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

Coach - does it really matter who is 2nd?????? CH is by far the best team not only in Georgia but in the country!! I am sure Wheeler feels some pain with being ranked 10th. Sometimes that’s how the brackets fall but SG did finish runner up no matter how you look at it the last two years and Stephenson has been watching the finals on tv at home!!!

P.S. tough to judge on team on one game!!!

By RStan15

March 13, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

It was a great year for GA basketball especially in Dekalb County were so many public school teams were represented. Region 6AAAA was by far the dominate region in the state boys & girls.
SWD girls should be ranked #1 going into next season, because they return all but 3 players and they had the state champions (St.Pius) beat in the region tournament before they blew it.

Columbia boys had a great season, even though they couldn’t close the door. They shouldn’t hold their heads down. Good luck to Lance Storrs (GT) & Jeremy Price (Georgia) at the next level. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and fans @ Tucker, St. Mountain, MLK, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, Stephenson (boys & girls), Avondale (girls)& Towers (girls) for a good season. I hope to see Dekalb represented again next season.

By rmcfan

March 13, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

coach - you shouldn’t be upset with the rankings. They are exactly right. South once again played in the championship game and deserves the number 2 ranking. If you want to go back prior to this season, tell me who the last team in Georgia, prior to your game against CH this year was that beat Stephenson. You are right, it was South. In fact, they had an easy time of it in the tournament. I can tell you that if the only game you saw South play this year was against CH, you did not see a typical South game. Anyway, congratulations to all the teams and players for a great season. It was fun, but it’s time to move on.

By Tammy

March 13, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Cocah,

South Gwinnett is ranked number 2 because that is where they finished…number 2. It was SG that was in the state championship game, not Stephenson. It was SG that won the games needed to get to the state championship game, not Stephenson. So, like it or not, by virtue of their finish, South Gwinnett is number 2. Stephenson had a good run, and those girls will always remember that they were one of only 3 teams to beat Maya Moore in high school. However, they did not do it this year, so you can’t count that when determining this year’s final rankings. Good luck next season.

By Devil Lover

March 13, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

What a great season for high school Basketball and especially for the high schools boys teams.

The top ten (+) teams where as competitive as I have seen them over the past three years and Norcross proved again that they not only are one of the most competitive programs in the state but national as well.

Even though there are some people who don’t like the idea that Norcross is the beneficiary of some additional good talent transfering into the Norcross area, the bottom line is that as long as their are better programs and coaches some kids and parents will do what it takes legally to insure that their child have the best sports experience possible in high school. However this should only help encourage other schools to improve their programs so that they to will have an opportunity to be the beneficiary of good talent.

The atlanta metro is now ranked third by some behind New York and LA as the area with the most high school basketball talent. The fact that Ga now have several nationally ranked teams can only help all of our basketball players to have a better chance to be selected by a Div 1 or other college.

So rather than trying to tear down or talk down the efforts of our stronger baskettball programs in GA, why don’t we thanks them for their hard work and accomplishments and encourage other programs to raise their standards and level of play as well.

By mesue

March 13, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

SG Fan and by Coach - I’m not partial to either although I do live in Gwinnett County and believe that is where the best Basketball is played in Georgia. Enough about that….

Let’s judge South Gwinnett on three games. Their first two and their last game. All of which they lost. Even though they returned what, 5 starters from the 06 runner up team? Even though all season long South Gwinnett was going to be too much for CHHS in the final. Even though CHHS wasn’t supposed to be able to handle SG’s deadly logn shot scoring. So, that’s three losses and no ranking in the National Polls.

Now Stephenson, Oh well we have no choice but to judge on one game. Their last one which they lost to the number one team in the Nation. They did keep it close for a while though and at least make it interesting. Now let’s look at another thing. They beat Douglas not once but THREE times during the season and the region tourney. Also they were ranked 8th in the Nation the night they played CHHS in the semi Final.

So, SG lost three games one to the same team that beat Stephenson. South Gwinnett lost by 24 POINTS to CHHS in the FINAL and it wasn’t THAT CLOSE. If Maya and all the first string hadn’t been pulled with 2 minutes left it would have been worse.

Looking at all the facts people, I hate to admit it but Stephenson should be ranked second. There is no doubt in my mind and shouldn’t be in any one’s mind, Stephenson would have beat South Gwinnett if they had played. That truth is painfully obvious to those of us who look at this with an open mind.

Hate to admit it South but not this year - not even second place except on paper.

By by coach

March 13, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

It is obvious Mesue is a true fan and follower of georgia girls basketball. Thank you, for the truthful assestment. It is obvious that the other bloggers and the media pundents have only paid attention to SG and their accomplishments. Oh by the way, it does not matter who is 2nd, just give us the respect we deserve.

By Proud Pop

March 13, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Here, here mesue…..finally someone else speaking up with a voice of wisdom. All year long SG fans have been screaming for that rematch and now one fan is going to say that we didn’t see the true SG team out there that night. I so beg to differ,what we saw that night was a motivated CH team and when that happens we all know what the outcome turns out to be. To me CH was truly motivated, by which I mean played with a chip on their shoulders. For only 4 games this year, the TOC championship against Long Beach Poly, because Sports Illustrated had them listed as the number one team at the time. The rematch between Mill Creek because all of Atlanta wanted to crown Mill Creek the up and coming and say that CH is vulnerable. Stephenson because they called CH out on local TV. And then the state championship game because CH has heard all year how everyone was saying SG is just has good and can play with them. SG played it’s game they had a game plan in place, I’ve seen on one other poll that their coach was considered one of the best in Atlanta(for his record). So they where prepared, hell they waited all year for that moment. So to say CH didn’t see SG best game is absured. What should be said is what I have been saying all year, SG hasn’t seen a team like CH all year. Beating up on instate teams is one thing but what you do nationally is another. SG hadn’t beaten any “good” teams and when they came across what they were asking for all year they realized that these girls are just as good as the hype that proceeds them. SG hadn’t seen defense played on them as tough as it was that night (check the stats no player in double figures on a team that shoots the rock like SG). The speed in which CH plays was something SG hadn’t experience before. When the center is out running your guards and also pushing the fastbreak(Taylor for CH on 2 different crowd pleasing fastbreaks)what are you going to do. The only thing I disagree with mesue about is that the score would have been different if the girls had played longer. The score truly would have been different if the officials weren’t so bad. 6 offensive foul calls between Maya and Taylor(on baskets they converted also) is crazy. If the officials were out of the game and allowed CH to truly be has aggressive as they where in say the national games or even the game against St Pius they might have won by 30 or more. In closing, I only saw Stephenson play once this year and that was the CH’s game but I know basketball and it’s no way SG would beat Stephenson(SG won last year in great part because of Gia…whether SG fans want to admit it or not) they were ranked that high for a reason. And oh yeah national rankings are because you beat other nationally ranked teams. Something SG didn’t do this year.

By by coach

March 13, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

What poll has NY and LA ranked higher that the state of GA. I think you made that up. GA in the past five years has put out more talent than any other state in the country.

By J.McDonald

March 13, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

GREAT SEASON TUCKER HIGH……STATE CHAMPIONS….NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

By who cares

March 13, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

WHO CARES ABOUT STEPHENSON! THEY LOST!!!!

By who cares

March 13, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

WHO CARES ABOUT STEPHENSON! THEY LOST!!!! AND SO DID SOUTH GWINNETT!!! CONGRATS TO COLLINS HILL

By Derrick Mahone

March 13, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

By Coach:

The list that Devil Lover is referring to is from rivals.com that ranks the metro Atlanta No. 3 behind LA and New York as far as prospects in its Tp 150 list.

There were some good points made about No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the ranking in response to Stephenson and South Gwinnett. I think the majority of the pollster went with the runner-up being No. 2, but not all. In fact, one South Georgia pollster had Stephenson at No. 2.

In Class AAAA, I went away from having the top four finishers in my top four on my ballot. I had Southwest DeKalb at No. 3 after having seem most of the teams in AAAA.

Only in 4A girls, 1A girls and 5A boys, 4A boy, 3A boys and 1A boys did the runner-ups receive all the second place votes. In the other classes, the pollster had another team besides the runner-up at No. 2.

I am not against either way of having the rankings. In fact, when the pairings came out at the start of the playoffs, I pointed out that there was an imbalance in the brackets.

By Ernest

March 13, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Derrick:

Thanks for sharing insight on how the votes went. By default, most voters put the loser of the championship game as the final #2. To be totally objective, one should look at the quality of the other teams. I agree with others that Stephenson should probably be the #2 team, given their strength of schedule along with their national ranking.

I raised the question before about the possibility of sending the 4 region qualifiers to separate brackets. IMO, that would REALLY enable you to see the strong regions in the state. I understand dividing brackets by north/south from years ago but should we still attempt to do that? Arguments might come if metro ATL teams made up the final fours in most classifications though.

By Derrick Mahone

March 13, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Ernest:

If you remember a few weeks ago I had a similar blog about splitting the teams up. It was met with GREAT opposition. But after seeing the scores like 88-48, 81-55 and the list goes on. Most don’t want to divide the teams up because the truth hurts. Talking with several coaches they would love to do it, but some think that will hurt their chances of getting two teams in from both the North and South part of the state. In football, North and South Georgia teams meet in the quarterfinals. In baseball the crossover doesn’t occur until the semifinals. IMO, lets get the best teams to play for the state title.

I am not totally married to the idea that the runner-up is gets the second place vote. Stephenson has a great team, whom I thought had a chance a few weeks back at beating Collins Hill. Also, the final four was the first time I saw South Gwinnett play all season, but from what I’ve heard from people that saw them play, it should have been a lot closer.

I still think South has a solid team and are worthy of a No. 2 ranking also.

Tucker cracked the USA Today Top 25 at No. 22 while Columbia landed at No. 24. Norcross is at No. 13.

By SG Fan

March 13, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Proud Pop - first CH is the best team in the country and has been for two years running!!!! Now add to that the best girl player to ever play high school ball!!! Now don’t beat up SG too bad going 57-7 over two years and getting to the finals two years in a row and losing to the best team in the country twice!!! Also, please I know SG had an off night shooting but they had some wide open looks!!!!

P.S. like I said above all other teams outside of Ch and Sg for the last two years were watching the finals sitting in front of their tv’s!! SG was runner-up for those two years behind the best team in the country!! They deserve the ranking of 2nd in the state by getting there!! All 32 teams have the same shot at getting to the finals but only 2 have done it for two years running!!

By SG Fan

March 13, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

The Georgia Coaches Poll just came out and they also have SG 2nd in their final poll.

By Stop Hatin'

March 13, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Stop Hatin on South!!! Stephenson didnt make the finals, and south did. If Stephenson played south in the final 4 again like last year, they still would have lost! All these people saying that south isnt that good are the people that only saw them play once…and they played like crap in the finals. I think CH would of still won even if south played a good game, but stephenson could never beat south!!!

And south did get in the national rankings, it wasnt high but at some point they were in the top 50.

By Derrick Mahone

March 13, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

I think that a South vs. Stephenson matchup would be quite interesting. They are two teams with contrasting styles.

The Stephenson/Collins Hill was alittle closer than the final score. If you remember, Stephenson could have cut the Eagles lead to six points late in the fourth quarter, but missed a break away layup. That was probably the turning point that propelled the Eagles to go on to win. At that point, Stephenson was making a run after forcing a couple turnovers.

If the Douglass team stays together, they should be a team to contend with next season. Maya Moore, definitely the best player in the state. Morgan Jennings, superb athlete. She was probably the best athlete I seen throughout the tournament. She is the defending 5A high jump champion. She made some athletic plays in the game against South.

If the Astros had a made a few defensive changes earlier, it could have been a different game. South passes the ball well, and on that night, shot the ball extremely well.

The biggest problem for both Douglass and Stephenson was their lack of height. Douglass was an extremely young team.

By Ernest

March 13, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it amazing that we are blogging about HS girls basketball? I don’t know about many of you but I’ll admit, several years ago I could have cared less. I REALLY appreciate the way the girls play basketball, sharing the ball, running picks and rolls, etc. I guess in my ‘advancing years’ I have evolved and can really appreciate their game.

By Bball

March 13, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Looking at the boys teams, what I will remember is the chaos that was created in the regional tournaments by both Wheeler and Norcross losing in their regional playoffs.

Because of the current state championship team seeding process, Norcross and Wheeler, two of the more competitive programs in the state had to face off in the first round and then Norcross had to face the coach’s poll no. 2 in the state, Meadowcreek.

Then Centennial who was under the radar most of the year won their regional and then progress toward the championship game with Norcross by beating P’tree Ridge (the only in state team to have beat Norcross).

What a outstanding championship game that could have gone either way and ended up by only a one point margin. Centennial has proven itself to be an outstanding program and worthy of being the team to beat next year since I heard they are only losing two primary players.

I perdict this will become a big rivalry for years to come in North Atlanta high school basketball competition.

By Tony

March 14, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

In watching the playoffs down in albany I noticed this team which had both girls and boys still competing I marveled at that and then begin researching the Randolph-Clay program from what I can tell they have the best program in the state and probably one of the best in the nation.But being from a rural area they dont get much press. Their boys head coach Joe Williams has over 1000 wins and just a little over 200 losses and is the only coach the team has ever known, and he isn’t even listed as one of the best coaches in georgia. Thats hard pressed for a man how just set the Ga high school record for wins in a row at 92 straight wins and has amassed 6 state titles. As for the girls, a gentle giant has led them for 25 years with 601 wins over 12 region titles and 2 state titles James Bland is certainly one of the best. They say the race is not given to the swift nor the strong but to the one who endureth to the end These guys are standing the test of time.Through hard work and dedication Randolph Clay girls and boys basketball teams are far above the rest and thats 1A-5A.

By KSShake

March 14, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

O man!, so much to say. Fist of all, I agree about Stephenson being #2 instead of South Gwinnett any looking at THIS season from an honset perspective, Stephenson was and is the better team and I’m sure Collins Hill (if they were being honest would tell you so). I DID see South Gwinett and Stephenson, on more than one occasion. And though I’ll admit South Gwinnett is better than they played. That being sai, I’m getting SO SICK of SG fan and whomever else making excuses with that lame “we had a bad shooting night” excuse. If yall recall, this was their exact same excuse last year. It’s no coincidence you’re two poor shooting performances have come in the championship against the same team. Stop saying it, Collins Hill did a lot to cause those “poor shooting” nights. The ONLY reson you were in the championship instead of Stephenson is they moved Stephenson to region 2 in the south. Yea you beat Stephenson last year and all I said the and now, is that South Gwinnett had a better team, Stephenson has the better team this year. As someone said, Gia Lockett had a lot to do with that, because she was able to deal with Stephenson’s pressure, please be a little more objective.

But anyway, this was a great season in the state of Georgia for high school basketball. There may not have been a Louis Williams or Dwight Howard but there was depth of good, deep, talented teams. Even though I don’t care for how Norcross and Wheeler go about comprising their teams, they had good ones, as did Wilikinson County, Meadowcreek, Centennial, and Peachtree Ridge. Columbia may have had the best team in the state but Tucker, Dunwoody, Druid Hills, Miller Grove, and MLKing were all real good too. But to show how deep it was in Dekalb,Stephenson, Lithonia, and Redan had pretty good teams as well. Dekalb truly represented this season as well. Riverdale, North Clayton, Jonesboro, and Mundy’s Mill all did ther thing, as well as Westlake. But we all know The Southside and Dekalb don’t get much love, especially Clayton Co. But I also got big respect for Jordan (no player over 6’3), Lovett and Whitfield. To private schools getting it done with some brothers they are good ball players and have accepted the academic challenge at two top flight private schools. (I kinda don’t care if they were recruited because there used to be a time blacks could got to or afford a school such as those.

And for my favorite, Girls Basketball. Maya and Collins Hill, well some of my previous blogs say all that needs to bee said. If you didn’t get to see the wars all season in region 6 4A with St. Pius, Marist, SWDekalb, Mays, and even Tucker. Well you missed the most compelling basketball this year anywhere. Those girls teams waged a season long region war that had battle after battle. And some of the individual players made for the deepest talent pool I can remember. After Queen MAYA the Great of Collins Hill (Uconn),you have Kelly Cain (Tennessee), Drey Mingo (Maryland), Oceana Jackson at Franklin County, Tussycat at Mays, Charnea Stephens (the junior at SWD may be the top girl for c/o 08, Latia Williams another junior at North Clayton is a baller, and look out for this freshmen class, they may windup being the best or at least the deepest EVER.

By by coach

March 14, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

It is obvious, stop hatin, does not keep up with girls high school b-ball. Stephenson strength of schedule propelled them into the top ten rankings in all national polls. Lets not forget that stephenson went 31-0 by beating teams such as: Winter haven(number 14 nationally and they BEAT SOUTH GWINNETT and took CH into overtime) Avondale twice (state champions), Douglass (final four apperance) three times. I thought I would drop some knowledge on ya!

By SG Fan

March 14, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Coach - I hate to tell ya this but if you look at the maxpreps sports final rankings for the state of Georgia they have Stephenson ranked 5th!! It goes like this: 1. CH, 2. SG, 3. St. Pius, 4. GAC and 5. Stephenson. This is all based on computer rankings with strength of schedule and wins and losses!!! Hate to pop your bubble on your analysis but it’s not holding water!!!

By SG Fan

March 14, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

KSS - but Stephenson isn’t 2nd South is???? Both polls agree and lets move on to another topic since this one is put to bed!!!!

By KSShake

March 14, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

SG Fan, just because a poll says so doesn’t make it so. You can resight every poll ranking you want to, because that’s all you seem to go by. The sensible, rational, reasonable person goes by how and who the teams have played THIS season. I got to say that before you dig in the archives and start reanalysing every play from LAST years game. Which I’m basketball knowledgeable enough to admit that South Gwinnett HAD a better team LAST year! You looked like gangbusters or the second coming of UConn’s team with Bird, Tarausi, Cash, Jones, and the Mailman’s daughter. you were beating up on “sister’s-of-the-poor” all season. Other than GAC (in the Deep South),you didn’t play anyone. And who cares about that garbage Maxprep poll?! It was probably made by someone that doesn’t even know how to get to Stephenson H.S. You didn’t pop anyone’s bubble with that weak arguement. “coach” made stated what’s relvant to determing exactly why Stephenson WAS the better team THIS year. I shouldn’t go back and forth with you on this topic because for it doesn’t matter (Collins Hill was so much better than anyone), and two, you’re not going to rational and impartial, your “SG Fan”. The name speaks for itself. You’re gonna bump for South Gwinnettif they win or lose by 50. If they lose you just say what you’ve said the last two years (which is the sorriest excuse a person can use concerning basketball), “We shot poorly” or “We had our worst shooting game of the year”. Its SO LAME. Give some credit to some else for a change and stop making excuses. I admit Collins Hill was better than Sephenson, they were the ONLY team that beat them all year. I will not say that about South Gwinnett. Because if you wanna get into knitpicking your loses. ANYONE will tell you Stephenson played Collins Hill much tougher than South Gwinnett. “Proud Pop”, “Coach”, “Derrick Mahone”, “Mesue”, and “Ernest” ALL agree. Derrick just trying to be impartial by saying Stephenson played CH “a little closer” because he wants to justify the final ranking. But all of the people I mentioned have blogged knowledgeably on the subject. But I understand you’d never admit it,…your SG Fan with the emphasis on fan.

By sg fan

March 14, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

KSS - so let me get this right, the coaches voted SG 2nd, the sports writers voted SG 2nd, maxprep is a computer with data being inputted and data being outputted (is that a word?) and with those 3 you still can’t give in that maybe SG should be ranked 2nd. You are the one that talks about going with what is fact and not being just a fan or a non fan! I also think you have read the articles of the game where the sports writers talk about SG poor shooting it’s never been used by me as an excuse. CH was a far better team Friday night and I have never said anything less than that???? You can’t give me any facts that would let you place Stephenson ahead of SG and don’t give me your opinions give me facts. Since they never played each other there is nothing you can throw up there that will stick!!! Just give SG it’s due!!! SG had a great run for two years but it was also the same time Moore was at CH and they were the best in the country!!!

By gwinnettfan

March 14, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

i have to agree with KSShake, the South Gwinnett team i saw play last year was better than the team i saw play on several occasions this year. you blame it on poor shooting, but the only person that was shooting THAT bad was Winchell. At what point do you realize you aren’t hitting and give it to the people that are (ie Dudish.) your point guard can’t be 0-15 from the three point line and expect to win. its her job as a point guard to distribute the ball, and she just didn’t do that last year. South had a better team last year when they lost to a BETTER CH team by 10. You just can’t get murdered by 27 and blame it on shooting. After watching SG rape some teams this year, i didn’t think they were that hurt by the loss of Lockett. But last friday night, they needed her BAD.

By TWILLIS

March 14, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

THE HEAD LINE READ “TUCKER SHOCKS COLUMBIA”. REALLY NOT A SHOCKER. THOUGH BEATING TUCKER TWICE COLUMBIA DIDNT WANT TO PLAT THEM AGAIN! THEY KNEW THEY HAD BARELY ESCAPED IN THE REGION TOURNEY. TUCKER WON WHEN IT COUNTED!!!!!!!!

By dh_fan

March 14, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

congrats to the Lady Astros for making history for the first time. getting to the final 4 was hard for the lady astros, while in season losing to a great team 3 times in season and in the finals in regionals. Most peple dont look at this team because they are not as powerful like Steph., SG, or CHHS.But they are slowly getting there.With accomplishments like this year this team has a chance of making a big upset next year. Douglass which has a young team also has 3 returning starters such as (fr)Khaalidah Miller (So) Ry’van Buchanan, and (Jr)Morgan Jennings. PLEASE DONT CLOSE YOUR EYES ON THIS TEAM. And i am proud to have that #4 spot because they weren’t on the map last year. The only team in Atlanta Public Schools to make it to the final four this year, especialy in the biggest and harddest class 5A. MY HATS GOES OFF TO THE lady astros. to all the seniors you might have not been ranked high or even recognize in the state but at the end you are still going to college for an education and play ball. congrats to evey one who made it to the state playoffs, sweet 16, elite 8, final4 , and the finals. A champion has been crowned. congrats to Taylor, Jordan, Maya, Morgan J (doug), Ry’van Buchanan (doug) for representing the GA METROS IN 5A and the rest i the other classes.

By Maya in WNBA

March 15, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Is it possible for Maya Moore to go straight to the WNBA? I think she should. It would be great for the WNBA by generating a “buzz”.

She could still go to college during the off season. I just think that Maya could really get a buzz going about the WNBA though… she’s perfect. Top notch player, beautiful, highly marketable. Make her the face of the WNBA.

I am a guy, and I can hardly watch the WNBA now (just being honest). If someone like Maya went straight to the WNBA, I would definitely be interested. She has the talent and the looks.

Has anyone ever mentioned, wrote about, or consider this?

By andre

March 15, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

turner county boys basketball 28-3 ,returning 4 of the 5 starters,a total of ten returning players for next year watch out class a team’s.

By donnie

March 15, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Hey be very,very quiet, no one wants to hear anyone talk about it, in the midst of the playoff excitement, Tucker should be warmly congratulated, and the story on the transfer of chevecchio wilson was great. But they did not tell the whole story. Omitted was the fact that up until December 1, 2006 he was still enrolled at South Dekalb High School, and then his AAU coach got guardianship, not adoption and then he moved to Tucker, also not mentioned his AAU coach lives in the South Dekalb region, however his son attends Tucker and plays on the team. Dekalb county is no longer local players, in the community playing for their teams, it is AAU coaches deciding what is best for their gains through the players.

By Ernest

March 15, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Donnie, keep that quiet. We don’t want the GHSA to look into that. They might have to come out with a position on that.

By KSShake

March 15, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

I hate to say “so” cause everyone else is cheating too, so I won’t. Tucker is wrong and the AAU influence in school ball is wrong. That’s just like the kid who THOUGHT he was transferring from out of state to South Atlanta to play with Derrick “Stick” Favors at South Atlanta, but transferred to Southside by mistake instead. But I love Dekalb county and I want the best for Dekalb and I want the teams to do well but, not at the expense of the integrity of the sport. I’m sorry to say that if that’s true, then it truely takes away from the success. I hope Tucker, Dunwoody, and Columbia, can straighten up and fly right. We have the deepest most talented group of athletes in the state (Columbus area does some ballin too), please don’t stoop to the level of Wheeler and Norcross. I won’t shift blame use others’ underhanded ways to justify what’s essentially cheating for the sake of the glory of owning a trophy, exposure, and AAU comraderie and dominance. It makes me sick. And as a coach, I understand how our sport has changed drastically over the last couple of years. But I just prefer winning or losing with honor, dignity, and integrity. But I wouldn’t put it past some of these coaches trying to fight fire with fire. But a lot of these coaches are like used car salesmen in fancy cheap looking suits and others think they are Rick Pitino, Mike Kryrsywski (sorry bout the spelling but who can really spell his name right anyway, I never won a spelling bee),Roy Williams or somebody. They need to go find a job recruiting instead of coaching, and if people are letting kids and AAU coaches make these decisions, then shame on the parents, principals, athletic director,and coaches that turn away and allow it. And don’t try to use that bogus “I want my kid to have a better this or that” because more often than not a better education is NOT why these moves and transfers are happening. Its all about playing the game (hustling, and I’m not talking basketball) Gettin’ what ya can and gettin in where ya fit in and WIN. You don’t have attempt to insult my intelligence and lie to me, I’m not a GHSA official. Big up to Jordan High, the little dudes from Columbus, captured my my heart with no man over 6’3, and EVERYONE from Columbus, shoot the same neighborhood. O, there was no need to try jockey and jack for players, 3 or 4 of the schools finished in the top 10, with NO media limelight. They just play ball and have you ever noticed when the little schools or kids from the more rurual areas lose, they hurt,but they don’t act like someone deprived them of something they were obligated to. Media and others don’t want or expect them to win (pefect examples the Jordan-East Hall boys game, the Kendrick girls team, the Hawkinsvile-Landmark Chritain girls game). But once again shouts out to that little team fron Jordan. And I still love my Dekalb and Southside teams,

By Ernest

March 15, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

KSShake:

I like the perspective you bring to this conversation. I’ll admit, this is where I’m somewhat split. If a student wants to transfer to a different school for academic reasons (usually initiated by the parent), we think nothing of it. When they transfer due to athletics (sometimes initiated by the parents), we are up in arms. If the 1st student joined the quiz bowl team and lead them to a championship would we be concerned?

By Norcross Fan

March 16, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Great basketball memories!

Norcross beating Wheeler by only one pt.

Tucker beating Columbia in the championship team after losing two times earlier in the season

Jordan dominating East Hall in the championship game

St Pius winning their third championship over Marist

Collins Hill winning and again and finishing first in the country

Three Ga teams fininshing in the USAtoday top 25

Watching five McDonald all american play in the state playoffs

Norcross winning their second straight championship

and,

USAtoday Player of the week: Gani Lawal of No. 13 Norcross (Ga.) saved one of his top games for Georgia’s Class 5A final. Lawal, a 6-9 Georgia Tech recruit, contributed a game-high 31 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots in a 59-58 victory vs. Centennial (Roswell).

Go Blue Devil!!!!!!!!!!

By big fan

March 16, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

KSSHAKE remember a couple of weeks ago you said that morrow was a better team than doug and the coach wasn’t good what do you say about them now!!!

By KSShake

March 16, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Well Big Fan, Douglass did have a good tournament run. Morgan stepped up big time to make that happen. (she’s a SUPERIOR athlete). And Douglass deserves all of the credit in the world for getting to semifinals with such a young team. I still feel Morrow was a LITTLE better team (I won’t say far better). One thing it did was prove a couple of things. Douglass benefitted big time time from playing Stephenson 3 times, Redan, and MLKing. I should’ve taken into account Morrow’s WEAK region. It didn’t prepare them for the tournament at all. They had no business losing to Coffee. Douglass on the other took advatage of playing tougher teams throughout the season. Playing those signicantly weaker teams in South Georgia (Coffee, Lowndes, Camden, ect.) On the other hand a lot of Douglass’ short comings were exposed (and they were glaring) when they played South Gwinnett. It proved the embalance of the brackets between North and South. Only Stephenson (from a South region) can really play at that level. When Douglass played South Gwinnett, they were out of there league (and it wasn’t just beause of youth), they were completely outclassed to the point that a lot of us at the Gwinnet Arena were wondering, how in the world did they even get that far. Don’t get me wrong the kids played their hearts out. But the lack of coaching (on THAT LEVEL, on THAT stage) was evident and apparent, as well as a lack of fundamentals and execution (coaching), The only “polished” basketball player skill wise is the freshman Khhalidah Miller, Morgan is and EXCEPTIONAL athlete, and often times when opponents can’t match her athleticism she’ll beat’em to sleep and run’em in the ground. Even Morgan or her AAU coach will tell you that her track obligations have held up some of her basketball “skill” development. As for Morrow, I’ve come to the realization their coaching has a lot to be desired as well. How you come out and play that bad and flat in a state playoff game is unfathomable?! But if you saw what I (as well as others) saw when they (Doug) play South Gwinnet. You saw everything Douglass’ is lacking exposed. And that’s not to beat up on Douglass, after all you asked and brought it up. (I could understand you referring back to my blog if Douglass beat Morrow head to head, but that’s not the case). This goes deeper than Doug, it about how “coaching” and actually teaching the “fundamentals of basketball is neglected in the city (Park & Rec. and Middle School) It’s a HUGE struggle in the city because getting kids AND THEIR PARENTS committed to playing ball at an early age is more than EXTREMELY difficult. There so far behind Dekalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and others its ridiculous.

By big fan

March 17, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

I don’t think the south was that weak they just ran into a better prepared team and you right ower region help out but how can you say playing MLK help we bet them three times and should bet redan both times and for morrow the only reason they won anything last year was because of greenleaf they lucky they left the region this year because they wouldn’t have made the state this year it is hard to get girls that have AAU background because of the cost so that gose to coaching she work with what she haveand do a good job with them don’t forget about Ryvan Buchanan Tanesha And Charmekia they all played big morgan didn’t have a good year she only avg about 8 points and for SG they were on she could’nt do anything about that but she had them in man some of the girls lost their man and to be on that stage the girls was in aw of the arena next year doug will be in the running again and have a chance a winnig the region

By Bbal

March 17, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

I am primarly a boys Basketball fan eventhough I have watch SG, CH and St Pius, Marist and other girls teams this yr.

I wonder how Maya Moore or other good Georgia girl players would do on a good boys team?

By whatwhat

March 17, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Just one more note on SG and Stephenson is that Stephenson POUNDED Campbell this year in regular season, while Campbell almost took out SG in the elite eight…guess South just had an off shooting night then as well. CH and Stephenson are a better team than SG this year. Off shooting night or not, SG is not even in the same class as Collins Hill.

By Jay Anderson

March 17, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Congrats to all state champs but don’t forget bout the Campbell Lady Spartans. Got the best coach, 2 dominating players, plus a family. That’s what is all about—haffad

By Supaman

March 19, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

How in the world does Stephenson finish Higher than South Gwinnet Nationaly but lower in the ajc polls???

By KSShake

March 19, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Big Fan, other than region 2 the south was weak. I think Morrow could’ve gotten the playoffs in that region but that’s a silly thing to argue because it’s irrelevant. Even though region 2 was clearly stronger than region 4. Jordan Greenleaf was an exceptional talent and she made Morrow a much better team. But as I said, my realization was that BOTH teams coaching has a lot to be desired. Scheme, gameplan, and making no adjustment are ALL coaching traits. It’s obvious (as a coach), when a coach relies on simply having better players and athletes rather than coaching (gameplan, scheme, adjustments, ect). I will give you the fact that she does motivate and “works” with what she’s got. But EVERYONE does that to some degree. I realize the problems concerning the financing of AAU for one player (in the inner city) or (as I know from experience) trying to create and fund an AAU team.

AAU aside, the commitment to youth basketball period (girls especially), is not there. Even in introductory stages of basketball (recreation league, church league, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club), the participation is minimal, (even when the cost is minimal). I hate to say it, but for the most part it’s the parents. I can’t tell you how many girls that I know that have WANTED to play, but their parent(s), didn’t allow them or didn’t get them involved in sports at an EARLY age (in this day and time 12 is almost too late if a kid doesn’t have a lot of natural ability). It’s just amazing to me that some one wouldn’t sign up and pay for their daughter to play basketball at 6,7, or 8 years old and support their kid doing that as opposed to the medical bills and responsibilities and financial strain of being a teen mother at the age of 14 (yes 14!), 15, 16 years old. But it just sems like people don’t want to sacrifice to put their kid on the right path. And by the way Morgan means WAY more to that team than 8 ppg. She’s the heart & soul of that team. I will give you this they are gonna be one of the most intriguing teams to watch next year. So I’ll let you use the “they had stage fright” excuse THIS season. Because Douglass had never been that far before.

The North was clearly stronger with Collins Hill, South Gwinnett, Mill Creek, Marietta, Campbell, McEchern, Brookwood, Sprayberry were all better than Douglass, they just had the SOFT south teams to play (Camden, Lowndes, ect.)

By big fan

March 20, 2007 6:31 AM | Link to this

when coach hill took over doug program they haven’t won no more than 3 games a year her first year she went 8-13the next year 13-13 this year 23-7 you can’t tell me that she can’t coach she have improve this progam with out any help and a team full of AAU players only three girls have that experiece anybody can coach talent but what about coaching kids that don’t come out for basketball until they get into high school

By KSShake

March 20, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

No one (with the exception of Mays) has many ,if ANY players with AAU playing experience. (Your venturing into an area, girls basketball in the city of Atlanta and metro area,I know all too well).

For one you can stop trying to poor mouth the talent at Douglass. When Morgan came out of Brown Middle School,she was pegged to lead their program to where its gotten to so far. Everyone that knows,”knew”, that with Charmikka and Tanesha (hardworking, hardplaying young players at the time) they were gonna be on to something. The plan,(back then) was for Paris (the 6’2 post at MLKing by way of Brown MS and Washington HS) was suppossed to come to Douglass along with Nicole (who ended going to Washington with Paris but left after suffering through last season with no help after Paris left for MLKing), by the way all of these are AAU players. Onnce again everyone that “knows”…”knows” about this stuff. It gave the “impression” that Douglass was loading up to takeover the city and because of Douglass size, the reinovations, and popularity, (and playing in the largest classification against the likes of Stephenson. Douglass is an easy sell. Ryvan comes in. They get stronger. But not like they would’ve been WITH Paris & Nicole (get it Paris & Nicole lol.) Having coached both Khaalidah (I know that kid from back in her Ben Hill days) and Quennie (Migquion) briefly. I know, and understand why they went to Douglass. So as I said, don’t try to make like coach is attempting to be a “miracle worker” over there. They couldn’t help but improve, they’ve been getting prtty much THE best the “city” has to offer basketball wise. Sure, Mays is the best team in the city but other than freshman Kendra Long (Adamsville and I beleive Harper-Archer MS), MOST of their “big gun” talents are move-in, tranfer “imports”. Mind you, not all, but how much production came from Tussycat, Danielle, and the twins. Southside does the best they can with what they get from the East Atlanta, and watch North Atlanta struggle, because THEY’VE been blackballed for years (since the championship and runner-up year) by other schools in the cities coaches and supporters being labled as the “evil, cheating, rich, white school from the northside of town) that steals all of the talent. (always was and has been, hogwash). Nonetheless, coaching is coaching, and true enogh my main point is girls basketball in the city is behind and has been neglected. But Douglass is better off than most, especially talent wise. They (Douglass) have improved tremendously, but as they did this year they WILL hit the basketball experience, but even more so, the coaching glass ceiling next year as they did this year. They may not get as far because next year, they aren’t gonna sneak up on anybody.

By K.O

March 24, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

ok People First of all in 2006 south gwinnett beat stephenson in the simis to get to the state title. stephenson returned EVERYONE of their starters. South Gwinnet lost TWo starters one of wich was our star player GIA lockett who now plays for kennesaw State University. She could have went anywhere she wanted but she choose to go there. with that being said the 2006 South gwinnett team was a far better team than the current 2007 team. But I commend the comets on an exelent season. If we had to play stephenson this year we would have beaten them again period! I still belive that the 2006 south team was better than the 2006 Lady Eagles squad. If it was not for that bad second quater south would be at the top of eveyones poll right now. For all of you cry babies out there. If you haven’t noticed, stae runner-up usually gets crowned second best team in the state usually anyway. Now I would say you people had a case if south was 7-27 but had a cinderella tounamet and made it so the state finals but thats not the case. EVERY year they have had top notch D-1 prospects and they win tounaments. South is better Get over it. But I do like Stephensons style of play, but it didn’t help them the last time they lost to south.

By K.O

March 24, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

It also helped collins hill that they played a tough team before they face south gwinnett. They were prepared for a tough game because they had on the night before. South got Douglass county. That really did not help in our preperation for collins hill.

By KSShake

March 26, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Turn on the oven, because everyone on the high school blog scene knows I’m about to roast KO on this.

First off, you lose credibility saying your (your being South Gwinnett) 2006 team is better than Colins Hills’ 2006 team when (WAKE UP!!!) THEY BEAT YOU!!! And it wasn’t as close as ya’ll tried to lead yourselves to believe. And then I know I speak for some others as well as myself, when I say, I am SO sick and tired of that “we shot-poorly-in-the-whatever-quarter” excuse. It’s the lamest, weakest, most pathetic excuse to use in basketball, EVERYONE knows that. It makes you come off as egotistical, selfish, poor sports. You always beat your chest when you beat somebody, but when you lose, you STILL make it all about “you” and what your team DIDN’T or COULDN’T do! I admit, (like a man, or an adult) that South Gwinnett had a better team last year than Stephenson. They did in fact, beat them to prove it. And I DON’T go back and say “we didn’t do this” or “we didn’t do that”.

You go back and call people “crybabies” . No one on here is crying but you. “Gia did this…” and “if we coulda, woulda, shoulda…” And people DO present a more than solid “case” for Stephenson to be #2 instead of South Gwinnett. But to think that you’ve taken time to listen to it, understand it, or agree with would be a waste of time. (Even Collins Hill and Douglass folks agree). By the way that’s Fredrick Douglass High School from Atlanta, not Douglas County High School. That gives people an idea of how much you know. Go by some pom poms and South Gwinnett cheerleader outfit. Because you’re just a “FAN” not a knowledgeable high school sports fan, girls basketball even less. Keep your popularity contest vote on who was #2. Collins Hill was SO much better its irrevlevant.

O, but the USA and other less bias, more national and regional rankings, STILL have Stephenson ahead of South Gwinnett. And by the way, Gia Lockett DID make a difference, but she’s gone, been gone, every point she scored THIS YEAR was with Kenessaw State, not this year’s team.