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March 2007
Tate’s name spreading state-wide
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rounding the bases — Staff writer Jay Stone catches up with teams throughout the state. Who’s hot? Who’s not? Who’ll be a bear to contend with this season? Find out here in the weekly state baseball report.
The official “making a name for himself” campaign for Donovan Tate may have started Monday for the Cartersville outfielder.
The son of former UGA running back Lars Tate, Donovan blasted two homeruns and made a game-saving diving catch with the bases loaded in extra innings for the Hurricanes in a 12-inning win over Parkview.
Cartersville is was 11-2 after the win, which also featured seven innings of relief pitching by Chris Willingham.
“Other than the state championships, that was a pretty big win,” said Cartersville coach Stuart Chester. “We definitely got more out of that than we would going and beating somebody 15-0.”
Colby cheese: Lowndes senior Colby Yates is slicing up opponents on the mound and at the plate. He’s 2-0 with a 3.09 ERA and his hitting .542 with three homers and nine RBIS. The Vikings, who entered Tuesday’s games at 8-3, have five other players batting .300 or better, led by designated hitter Jarrod Pass (.348) …
Quick turnaround: Despite a short preseason due to the school’s run to the state basketball championship, Wilkinson County is off to 7-1 start, the Irwinton school’s best start in 24 years according to coach Erwin Clowers. Senior Nick Mazaris is unbeaten and has 24 strikeouts in three starts, while senior catcher Justine Hayles is hitting .555 with 12 RBIs …
Can’t let go: Harris County coach Tommy Parks was a stop-gap measure last year after Scott Johnson stepped down in the middle of the school year. Parks, also the Hamilton school’s football coach, intended for it to be a one-season thing.
“We won too much,” he said. So Parks re-upped for coaching two sports again, and the Tigers are making it pay off with a 10-0 start.
“It’s great,” Parks said, “but we haven’t played Columbus yet.”
Seniors Logan Foster has belted six homers and is hitting .545 for the Tigers, while Western Kentucky football signee Chris Bullard his batting .520. Senior right-hander Caleb Brewer is 4-0 and has fanned 34 batters in 24 inning pitched …
No-no so close: Cartersville’s Benji Farr lost a no-hitter with two outs in the seventh inning of a 5-0 win over Sandy Creek last week …
On the skids: Toomb County started 5-1, but lost three straight going into Tuesday’s play. Coach Brian Fitzgerald said the trouble was with the Bulldogs’ bats. Senior right-hander Jared Allen is 3-1 and has 23 strikeouts in 22 innings of work. He’s allowed just two earned runs in his last three starts, including a two-hitter ina 2-1 loss to Bleckley County last week.
“We’re getting pretty decent pitching, but the curveball’s giving us all kind of trouble,” Fitzgerald said.
Ace pitcher Cody Williams has missed two starts because of a bone bruise in his shoulder.
Surging Jackets: Jeff Davis started slow but has pushed to 7-5 and 3-1 in Region 2-AA. Middle Georgia signee Bryant Kerns, a 6-foot-4 left-hander, is 4-0, while junior center fielder Kelly Williams his hitting over .400 …
Super sophomores: Lowndes’ James Hanger has won his first three starts with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings pitched … Toombs catcher Justin Adams is batting .340 … Fitzgerald’s Brad Taylor is 4-0 with an ERA less than 1.00 while hitting .350 …
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Region 5-AAAA is tough to beat
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There may not be a tougher region in the state (certainly not in Class AAAA), than Region 5-AAAA. The top four teams-East Paulding, Woodland, Alexander and Sequoyah are separated by a single game in the standings and all have a legitimate shot of landing the league’s top spot come playoff time.
First East Paulding, which has put together an 8-1 region mark thanks to three main RBI guys: Adam Brazenus (15 RBI), Rick Strickland (13) and Rudy Rodriguez (7 RBI vs. South Paulding, 11 for season) and steady starting pitching from Bryden Moeller (3-0) and Jamie Rednour.
After the Raiders, three teams-Woodland, Alexander and Sequoyah-all sit at 7-2. Woodland has one of the finest starters in the state in Nathan Vineyard, a projected high draft pick when the season’s over.
And the offense has been good enough, averaging more than six runs per game in building a seven-game win streak. Then first-year Hillgrove, all of 2-7 in league play and 2-10 overall, knocked off the Wildcats, 9-8.
Alexander can beat you with its arms (1.82 team ERA) or its bats (.373 team batting average). Righty Will Campbell (2-0, 1.47 ERA) and southpaw Shane Hughes (3-2, 0.68 ERA) have carried the load on the hill for the 9-2 Cougars; while senior transfer Vince Columbo is hitting .500 on an offense that’s playing a different brand then their used to in Douglasville.
“We’re not a power team like we’ve been in the past,” Alexander coach Keith Hansen said. “We had almost 60 home runs as a team last year. (This year) we don’t strike out a lot; we’ve struck out 2 1/2 times a game.”
Let’s not forget Sequoyah, also at 7-2 in league play. Infielders Evan Martin (jr) and Jon White (sr) are playing well and the Chiefs have already beaten Alexander and handed East Paulding its only league loss.
“Sequoyah’s a lot like us, they have very solid ballplayers,” Hansen said.
Cherokee and Chapel Hill, each 5-4 in region play, will have a say in who goes where come playoff time.
“We could legitimately end up with 18 (region) wins and end up the 3-seed,” added Hansen. “Cherokee’s swinging the bat well and Chapel Hill had stepped up and beat Sequoyah and Cherokee.”
News and Notes
— North Gwinnett coach Frank Vashaw goes for win No. 300 tonight against Forsyth Central.
— Flowery Branch junior pitcher Patrick Henry is 3-0 and already owns a no-hitter against Chestatee and a shutout of Gainesville.
Pitchers of the week:
Kell lefty Adam Morgan handcuffed Lassiter on a two-hit shutout. The junior struck out 15 in the 3-0 win and lowered his ERA to 0.63.
Calhoun ace Josh Smoker no-hit Armuchee in a 5-0 victory. The lefty is 5-0 with a 0.30 ERA for the 11-0 Yellow Jackets.
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Gwinnett Football Recruiting Tidbits
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Duluth coach Richard Gillespie expects running back Alex Hunt (6-1, 205) to receive his first offer soon. And it could be a big one.
Notre Dame assistant coach Bill Lewis has requested Hunt’s transcripts, and Gillespie predicts an offer from the Irish is forthcoming. Hunt owns a 3.3 grade point average.
“Notre Dame is his first choice,” said Gillespie.
Duke, Auburn, Alabama and Vanderbilt have also shown interest in Hunt.
Duluth sophomore quarterback Michael Box (6-3, 195) has heard from Wisconsin, Iowa, Georgia Tech, Duke and Vanderbilt.
Box moved into the starting lineup midway through the season and passed for 781 yards in just 4 1/2 games.
He’ll take an unofficial visit to Vanderbilt this weekend.
Norcross’ Butler headed for busy spring
Brice Butler, Norcross’ heavily-recruited receiver, has a busy spring in front of him. He was in Baton Rouge last weekend on an unofficial visit to LSU and he is headed to Tallahassee to check out Florida State this weekend.
His father, former Atlanta Falcons defensive back Bobby Butler, says it’s only the beginning.
“We’re going to try and take as many unofficial visits as possible,” Bobby Butler said. “This spring, we want to visit the schools that are far away and difficult to get to during the season. It’s wearing me out already. But it’s a fun problem to have.”
Brice Butler (6-3, 185) already has offers from some of the nation’s premier programs, including USC, Notre Dame, Florida, Georgia and Georgia Tech.
“We’ve talked to [Penn State coach] Joe Paterno and want to go see [USC coach] Pete Carroll and Nick Saban over at Alabama. It’s still very early in the process and he’s not leaning toward anywhere right now.”
Grayson’s Strong picks Vandy
Grayson junior Tristan Strong, a 6-2, 217-pound linebacker, committed to Vanderbilt over Auburn and UConn over the weekend.
“At Vanderbilt I know I can get a great education,” he said Tuesday. “I want to do something like physical therapy, in the medical field, and Vanderbilt has a great med program.”
Strong, who had 51 tackles and seven sacks last season, attended summer camps at Vanderbilt after his freshman and sophomore seasons.
“I’ve gotten to know the coaching staff really well, and they’re great people,” he said. Vanderbilt and Auburn both offered Strong the day after National Signing Day.
—-Larry Hartstein
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Inside Pitch: Metro
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Each week, staff writer Kurt Aschermann Jr. blogs about who’s hot and who’s not in the metro Atlanta baseball scene. Scroll down to comment on this blog.
‘Canes deserve cred
In the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s preseason top 10 teams story, Cartersville was inexplicably left out. After further evaluation (and several emails from readers pointing out the Purple Hurricanes’ credentials), I’ve decided to try and make amends with all C’Ville fans. After all, these guys are good.
Cartersville, a Class AAA Elite Eight team a year ago, looks even stronger in 2007. In just three short weeks, the ‘Canes have put together an 8-2 record that includes a win over Class AAAAA McEachern, a victory over defending Class AAAA champion Greenbrier and four wins in a 24-hour span in the LaGrange Tournament.
Senior outfielder Lyle Allen is one of the state’s best. The MVP in LaGrange, Allen is committed to Georgia, but he might be a professional by the fall. His .464 average leads the team and he’s getting help: junior catcher Taylor Hightower’s hitting .460 and outfielder Donovan Tate is one of the highest-rated sophomores in the country.
On the hill, senior Benji Barr won two huge games over Greenbrier (struck out the side on four occasions; 12 for the game) and Alabama power, Cullman High School.
But who’s counting? On the flip side, the Northgate Vikings’ 10-0 start raised a few eyebrows in the Metro area. The Vikes won 25 games a year ago and reached the Class AAAA Elite Eight, yet, an unbeaten run through 10 games wasn’t expected. Senior battery mates, catcher John Doolittle, who’s already hit 10 home runs, and Will Smith, 4-0 on the mound and responsible for five long balls, have carried the Coweta County school. “We’ve been hitting the ball real well,” Vikings’ coach Greg Hamilton said, perhaps alluding to his team’s 10.8 run per game habit.
Perfect mix: Avondale has two key ingredients in building a playoff-caliber team: a catalyst at the top of the lineup in junior outfielder Antonio Scott (.559 average with 14 stolen bases) and an ace hurler in junior Greg Boyd (1.75 ERA, 24 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched). The Blue Devils won their first eight games before splitting a doubleheader; a 12-7 loss to Mays followed a 12-10 win over Stone Mountain.
Player of the week: East Paulding junior catcher/first baseman, Adam Brazenas homered in two consecutive games to help the Raiders to wins over Douglas County and Lithia Springs.
Hack away: Got a team you’d like to see profiled here or just want to talk ball with Kurt? Send an e-mail.
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Rounding The Bases: State
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Each week, staff writer Jay Stone catches up with teams throughout the state. Who’s hot? Who’s not? Who’ll be a bear to contend with this season? Find out here in the state baseball report. Scroll down to comment on this blog.
Smokin’ and Pullen ‘em: After striking out 20 batters in 10 2/3 innings over his first three starts, Calhoun senior left-hander Josh Smoker, a Clemson signee, tossed a one-hitter against Rockmart to improve to 4-0. But the player who is really hot for the unbeaten Yellow Jackets is senior pitcher/third baseman Brodie Pullen, who in eight games is batting .577 with eight homers and 20 RBIs. “He’s just tearing the cover off the ball,” said Calhoun coach Chip Henderson, whose club is hitting .401 as a team with 17 home runs. Two other Calhoun players are batting better than .450. Junior catcher Brad Moss is at .456 and senior shortstop Charlie Culberson, is at .529.
Solid in-state: Lowndes went 5-3 through its first eight games, its only losses against teams from Florida. Two-way threat Colby Yates is leading the charge, with a .529 batting average and three homers while winning his first two starts. The Vikings have four other players hitting .300 or higher.
Feel good, then not: Vidalia dedicated its field last Saturday, naming it after longtime coach Greg James, who led the Indians to a state championships in 1995 and 2003. After playing on fields run by the Vidalia Recreation Department for years, the Indians moved to the new facility behind the high school in 2002. The same day of the dedication, Vidalia ace pitcher Justin Harrington was hit on the chin by a line drive in his start against Swainsboro. Harrington, who is 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched, was not seriously hurt, James said. The Indians’ No. 2 starter, Michael Madison, who was also hit by a line drive earlier in the season, was hitting .500 with two homers and seven RBIs through nine games.
All hit? Perennial state power Columbus is off to a 4-2 start thanks mainly to its hitting, according to coach Bobby Howard. “We’ve been struggling pitching,” said Howard, whose club is 3-0 in Region 2-AAA nonetheless. Alabama signee Chase Weems, a senior catcher, is hitting .571 with four homers,and senior center fielder Adrian Thomas, who is headed to Penn, is batting .462.
Playoff springboard: Tift County looks to be benefiting from its playoff run last year. The Blue Devils are off to a 9-1 start behind Georgia football signee Israel Troup, who is hitting .484, and junior pitcher/second baseman Jacob Stinson, who is batting .410 and is 4-0 with a 1.46 ERA.
Make your pitch. Got a team you’d like to see profiled here or just want to talk ball with Jay? Send an e-mail.
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Finals at the Dome - good or bad?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Georgia High School Association voted unanimously Monday to move the football state championship games to the Georgia Dome beginning in 2008.
The state semifinals, which have been played at the Dome since 1994, will be moved back to the home stadiums. For years, holding the title games at home stadiums after the semis at the Georgia Dome were viewed as a compromise for teams that didn’t want to lose the possibility of hosting the championship games.
Now that the championship games will be played at the Dome, are you excited about the possibility of your team finishing its season on the grand stage of the Georgia Dome or disappointed that it will lose a game that could’ve been played in its home stadium?
Let us know your thoughts.
Obnoxious fans need to zip it
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Maya Moore and Collins Hill are classy champions. That doesn’t mean it is extended into the crowd.
During Friday’s AAAAA championship game, homosexual slurs and over-the-top personal insults directed toward South Gwinnett players were overheard coming from the Collins Hill student section.
The chants included: “She is ugly,” “[Jersey number] weighs a ton,” “[Jersey number] go back to the zoo,” and “What a [homosexual slur].”
Collins Hill athletic director Roland Wallace said no one complained or informed any school officials of the fans’ behavior.
Collins Hill fans are not alone in their disrespecting of the athletes. And not every Eagle fan is an immature idiot. But there was a large crop of them wearing hard hats and green on Friday.
Similar chants from other student sections have been heard during the recent tournament season. Two Parkview fans were escorted out of a region tournament game at Berkmar. Apparently, police had to go up into the Centennial crowd during their Class AAAAA boys final later Friday, according to Wallace. But just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t make it right.
For the fans of a team that has won three consecutive titles, you would think the Collins Hill students would know how to act like they’ve been there before
Recently, high school officials in the state of Washington took measures to control crowd conduct, going as far as to put ban on booing. It seemed a little much at first, but after cringing with each blurted-out insult during Friday’s title tilt, something needs to be done.
GHSA executive director Ralph Swearngin said he didn’t know a way to enforce a ban on booing. But how hard would it be for the school officials to monitor the student sections behavior?
For me, the crowd’s obnoxious behavior tarnished a chance to see Moore’s incredible high school career come to a close. I was more worried about what the crowd was going to say next than actually getting to enjoy the game.
Ultimately, who should be responsible for preventing this type of behavior? Wallace says crowd conduct is something the state should monitor. But doesn’t having each school be responsible for the fans’ behavior seem more efficient?
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Great memories and a final poll
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It is hard to believe that it is finally over.
A long and exciting basketball season ended at last with the crowning of 10 state champions.
The three-week tournament was filled with some thrills, tears and exciting moments. Seeing Maya Moore score her final three points of a remarkable career and then leap in to the arms of an assistant coach as the crowd cheered was perhaps the best moment of the tournament.
Seeing the tears of joy roll down Tucker coach James Hartry’s face after finally beating rival Columbia, perhaps the best team in the state, was special.
Centennial and Norcross had a breathtaking final that came down to the last second. And wouldn’t you know it, standout Gani Lawal would put on a show in his last high school game to propel Norcross to a repeat title.
Whitefield Academy and Wilkinson County played an overtime classic before Wilkinson County prevailed.
There is a bank of memories from the playoffs and regular season that should carry us through the offseason. What will you remember most about the season or playoffs?
Final Georgia Sportswriters Association Poll
(Number in parenthesis is first place votes)
Girls
Class AAAAA
1: Collins Hill (7)
2: South Gwinnett
3: Stephenson
4: Douglass
5: Campbell
6: Marietta
7: Camden County
8: Beach
9: Mill Creek
10: Houston County
Others receiving votes: Sprayberry, North Forsyth, Milton, Lowndes, Warner Robins.
Class AAAA
1: St. Pius (7)
2: Marist
3: Northside-Warner Robins
4: Westside-Macon
5: Southwest DeKalb
6: Mays
7: Westlake and North Clayton (tie)
9: Greenbrier
10: Woodward Academy
Others receiving votes: Hillgrove, Madison County, Fayette County, Bainbridge.
Class AAA
1: East Hall (7)
2: Franklin County
3: Kendrick
4: Hardaway
5: Carrollton
6: Southwest-Macon
7: Hart County
8: Northeast-Macon
9: Hephzibah
10: Towers
Others receiving votes: Sandy Creek, Worth County, Dougherty.
Class AA
1: Greater Atlanta Christian (7)
2: Wesleyan
3: Randolph-Clay
4: Laney
5: Avondale
6: Screven County
7: Buford
8: McIntosh Academy County
9: Early County
10: Macon County
Others receiving votes: Dodge County, Greene County.
Class A
1: Hawkinsville (7)
2: Landmark Christian
3: Southwest Atlanta Christian
4: Savannah Country Day
5: Hancock Central
6: Calhoun County
7: Truetlen
8: Hebron Christian
9: Calvary Day
10: Bowdon and Terrell County (tie)
Others receiving votes: Jefferson, Taylor County, Gordon Lee.
Boys
Class AAAAA
1: Norcross (7)
2: Centennial
3: M.L. King
4: Tift County
5: Peachtree Ridge
6: Beach
7: Marietta
8: Warner Robins
9: Meadowcreek
10: Wheeler
Others receiving votes: McEachern, Mundy’s Mill, Stephenson, North Cobb, Chattahoochee.
Class AAAA
1: Tucker (7)
2: Columbia
3: North Clayton
4: Riverdale
5: Stone Mountain and Griffin (tie)
7: Pebblebrook and Jonesboro
9: Cedar Shoals
10: Lithia Springs
Others receiving votes: Mays, Richmond Academy, Ware County.
Class AAA
1: Jordan (7)
2: East Hall
3: West Laurens
4: Hart County
5: Central-Macon and Dunwoody (tie)
7: Thomson
8: Druid Hills
9: Carver-Columbus
10: Northside-Columbus and Westover (tie)
Others receiving votes: Franklin County, Glenn Hills, North Hall, Dougherty.
Class AA
1: Manchester (7)
2: Dodge County
3: Randolph-Clay
4: Lovett
5: Buford
6: Swainsboro
7: Rutland
8: Bleckley County
9: Coosa
10: Wesleyan
Others receiving votes: Thomasville, Lamar County.
Class A
1: Wilkinson Co. (7)
2: Whitefield Academy
3: Turner County
4: Terrell County
5: Hawkinsville
6: Hancock Central
7: Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy
8: Portal
9: Miller County
10: Jefferson
Others receiving votes: Central-Talbotton, Atkinson County, Aquinas, Johnson County.
Permalink | Comments (57) | Categories: Basketball rankings
Class A champs truly worthy of title
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Macon — Maybe we all should have gotten a map and figured out exactly where Wilkinson County is and then taken the drive 20 minutes south of here, along state Route 57.
It would have been worth the excursion.
There you will find the Class A boys champions, a team worthy of all the kudos sure to be bestowed upon it in its small community — almost all of whom were loudly present for the Warriors’ thrilling 79-75 overtime victory over equally deserving Whitefield Academy on Saturday.
In a game that featured so much, this was evident: There is not a team that plays harder or more aggressively than Wilkinson County. It is a program filled with tough, athletic and quick players who never lose sight of the mission — get the ball.
One play symbolizes what coach Aaron Geter Jr. has instilled in his team, and it just so happened to have secured the title. Wilkinson pulled all its players off the foul line as LaQuinten Jones stepped up for two free throws with :09 left.
Jones made the first, putting the Warriors up 78-75. His second shot rimmed out, but Jones beat four Whitfield players to the ball to collect the rebound.
Three seconds later, he made one more foul shot, and that was enough to touch off a thunderous roar from the Wilkinson County supporters.
Their screams were as much joy as they were relief. They witnessed a classic, a game that will be recalled by anyone present (or who watched on GPB), as it having more plot turns than an entire season of “Desperate Housewives.”
So many superlative efforts stood out, including that of 6-foot-9 Martavious Adams (headed to Oklahoma State), who had 24 points despite serious foul-shooting troubles. In fact, the Warriors missed six straight free throws in the last 28 seconds of regulation.
But they continued to get to the line because of their size advantage and effort. Senario Hillman, who has signed with Alabama, plays basketball as if he’s driving in NASCAR. His speed is astounding and eclipsed only by his leaping ability.
Guard Gary Johnson and 6-8 Dontrell Taylor were among the other Warriors players who provided energy and might that proved decisive.
Whitefield should not be disappointed in its effort, only the results. Coach Tyrone Johnson has constructed a program at Whitefield Academy that has staying power.
Anyone who thought the Wolfpack would fall off with star Tim Morris’ graduation four years ago — or the subsequent transfers of Kevin Anderson and Cameron Heyward — you know differently.
Johnson’s team is laced with talented sophomores, who had to overcome a few questionable referee calls (to be kind). Down 68-61 in the fourth, they battled back behind Brandon Reed (29 points) and two foul shots by senior Junard Hartley to get to overtime.
Hartley and Kelvin McConnell, one of the best perimeter shooters in Georgia, were the only seniors on a squad that has a chance to play on the last night of the season for a few years to come, with Reed, Colin Reddick, Addison Davids, Trey Miller, Charlie Reddick and Kris Redding, among others, all 10th-graders.
Still, this loss hurts. Whitefield has been in the title game three of the past four years, only to accept the consolation trophy each time.
Saturday was a day for Wilkinson County, a champion worth a visit.
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Guess what, Tucker: You’re not dreaming
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For a few fleeting moments, in the euphoria of an improbable championship Friday night, James Hartry thought he was dreaming. All around him were his Tucker players and staff, wildly celebrating their ascent to the apex of their class.
And when Hartry felt the tears rolling down his face, he knew it was real.
Tucker was champion.
That the Tigers tamed nationally ranked DeKalb County rival Columbia, which had a 51-game winning streak, heightened the celebration. The Eagles, led by the classy Phil McCrary, held the title with dignity. But on this night, the team it had twice defeated this season performed with a purpose and poise in earning the 56-51 victory at Gwinnett Arena.
For Hartry, it is the ultimate validation, although he already had a three-year record of 86-9 and three consecutive semifinalappearances. The animated, slickly dressed leader was so emotional that he could barely finish describing what the triumph meant to him.
“Five years ago, people said I couldn’t do this. They said I couldn’t coach, that I didn’t deserve the job,” he said. He paused to shed more tears, composed himself and continued.
“Well, here I am. They said I couldn’t close the door. Well, with these great kids, we opened the door and closed it. And I could not be more proud. This is a championship accomplished by everyone in the Tucker family.”
That includes the best player in Tucker history, former star Cameron Tatum. The Tennessee-bound forward was hoarse from rooting on his alma mater.
“I told the guys, ‘Do something I didn’t do. Go down in history. Make your mark. Win it.’ And they did,” Tatum said from his front-row seat afterward. “I’m so proud. I feel like I won it and I didn’t even play.”
From Marshon Brooks to Jeremy Simmons to Manny Atkins to Nick DeLoach and especially to Cheveckio (Chevy) Wilson, the Tigers played with a fervor and confidence that carried the night.
Atkins, only a sophomore, has star quality. He scored a team-high 18 points, including two free throws with 14 seconds left that gave Tucker a three-point cushion. DeLoach played exhaustive minutes at point guard, controlling the game. Simmons was a man, and his vicious two-handed dunk in the fourth quarter raised the roof.
Brooks reined in his penchant for overly aggressive play and made plays off the dribble that broke down Columbia’s perimeter defense. And then there was Wilson. He was huge in a two-minute stretch after Lance Storrs tied the score and swung the ebb and flow toward the Eagles.
First, he tied up Travis Leslie in the lane to give Tucker possession. Then he hit a 15-foot jump shot for a 47-41 Tucker lead. Then he had a steal on the ensuing possession, was fouled and made two free throws with 2:37 to play that made the score 49-41. That span of action held it together for the Tigers.
Up by three, Tucker endured Storrs’ missed 3-point shot rimming in and out of the basket in the final seconds.
Holding the championship trophy afterward, Wilson was near hysteria. “I can’t describe this,” he said. “There were so many doubters … but we believed.”
Believe it or not, Tucker graduated eight seniors, four starters, from last year’s team, making this championship even more improbable.
“Special,” Hartry said. “These guys and my staff worked hard for it and have been rewarded. And it’s not a dream — thank God.”
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Collins Hill proves to be the ultimate ‘team’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If it has been lost in the weekly Maya Moore praise and worship service, let’s be clear about it now: Collins Hill reigns in the girls game because Moore is part of a confluence of exceptional components.
She is the river, her teammates the tributaries. One cannot be without the other. It so happens that Moore ranks as the best player in the state, if not the entire nation, and her fellow Eagles players are strong in ways that constitute the ultimate team.
Thursday night, that’s what did in Stephenson, which had not lost a game all season. Moore was typically stellar — spectacular at times — and her teammates were equally effective.
And that was the difference, and has always been the decisive factor in the Eagles’ success. Moore leads and her teammates are not far behind.
While Moore did just about everything — she took a charge, had an assist with a beautiful touch pass, hit a fadeaway from the baseline, threw perfectly timed outlet passes — it was the play of so many others that ended the Jaguars’ season.
Start with senior guard Jordan Jones, who bombed her way to 23 points, all but two of them coming off of seven 3-point shots. Somehow, Jones, a renowned marksman, was left open beyond the arc and she continually drained the shot.
When a Jaguars rally moved them within 64-57 in the fourth quarter, Moore calmly pulled up for a 3-pointer and, after a Stephenson miss, Jones sank her seventh trey for a 70-57 lead. And that was that.
Along the way, so many others joined in the championship-berth win. Like Taylor Dalrymple, the 11th-grader who is crafty around the basket. Her offensive rebounding and inside scoring were pivotal early, when the Eagles had to fend off Stephenson’s early push.
Junior Nikki Urbizo was a stabilizer who had two key threes at the end of unselfish ball movement. Her selflessness permeates the team.
Also significant was senior Keda Richie, whose energy and toughness helped offset the Jaguars’ legion of athletic forwards. A player like Richie is invaluable. She does not require shots to be happy; she just plays smart and hard and makes the plays — strong double-teams, rebounds, etc. — that coaches value.
All that, and you can’t get away from one truth: None of it matters without Moore.
How’s this for a line: 26 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists. Further, at the end of the game, when Stephenson went to an all-out press, it was the 6-foot Moore who brought the ball up court.
Three years ago, these two teams authored an epic on the same court in the championship round. Boys or girls, it is one of the most competitive and hotly contested games I’ve witnessed.
Stephenson outlasted Collins Hill that memorable night, and it went down as a public service on the wonder of the girls game. It also was the one and only time a team from Georgia beat Moore and the Eagles in her career. How outrageous is that?
And here’s another stat to digest: Coach Tracey Tipton is 64-1 in her career. It shows how well she and her staff drill, prepare and motivate the players. The Eagles play as a unit, and it starts with Tipton.
But it’s sure nice to have the luxury of Moore, who represents the quintessential student-athlete: Smart, competitive, unselfish, winner. And here’s the rub: It also appropriately describes her teammates.
Permalink | Comments (11) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Columbia meets challenge squarely
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not since the second game of last season has a team from Georgia bested Columbia. There was a level of optimism that Riverdale had a legitimate opportunity to join East Hall in that exclusive club Wednesday night at Gwinnett Arena.
And for good reason. The Raiders bring a lot. They fell behind early, worked their way back into it by halftime and led by one late in the third quarter. You might think a twinge of doubt would trickle into the Eagles’ psyche.
Didn’t happen.
Instead, it was then that Columbia redoubled its effort on defense and tightened up its offense and, when it was over, the defending AAAA champions had a date with rival Tucker for the 2007 title Friday night.
A lot can be taken from the Eagles’ 51st consecutive victory, a 65-55 conquest. Foremost, Columbia just might be the best team in the state, Norcross included. No program has more serviceable depth than Columbia and no one uses his talent better than coach Phil McCrary.
You defend Lance Storrs, watch out for Jeremy Price. Turn your head, Travis Leslie is dunking on your head. And there is Anthony Isom, Jordan Lemons, Dante Harvey … you get the picture by now.
This is how good Columbia is: Storrs, the star headed for Georgia Tech, had exactly one basket.
Further, McCrary did not play Harvey, 6-foot-7 starting forward, for the first 10 1/2 minutes of the second half after he missed a dunk just before halftime.
Didn’t matter.
The beauty of Columbia is that McCrary and his staff refuse to let all the winning become mundane. They continually challenge their players, and the players continually, consistently answer the call.
Riverdale, which has had a strong season under coach Derrick Powell, had an edge over Columbia in this sense: The Raiders actually defeated the Eagles, 64-61 — in a preseason scrimmage.
Not a lot of stock is put into such encounters … unless you beat a team that has been highly unbeatable. “It was good for us because it gave us a lot of confidence going into the season,” Powell said. “It let us know we could play with them.”
One sizable difference Wednesday night was that Riverdale’s anchor, 6-foot-8 Chris Barnes, was out with a bad knee. A solid coaching job by Powell and a commendable collaborative effort by Barnes’ teammates — including younger brother Terrell — helped the Raiders advance to Wednesday night’s semifinals.
And Powell went into the game without Barnes but still feeling “really good” about his team. “Confident, relaxed, loose, focused,” he said. After a slow start, they performed that way, and with a passion and resilience that helped them climb all the way into a 44-43 lead late in the third quarter.
It was a fleeting moment for Riverdale. Price and Leslie, in particular, did it on the offensive end. But it was lock-down defense that carried the night. The openings that were present in the Raiders’ big run were sealed off. Shots were contested. And Riverdale appeared worn out. But there is no shame in losing to the best team in the state.
Tucker, which has twice lost to Columbia — once in a blowout, the other in overtime — stuck around to see the Eagles win another one.
Surely the Tigers exited the building in the final moments understanding their task in the championship game Friday is formidable.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Categories: Curtis Bunn, State Semifinals
Take 10: Best title game performances
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When state championships are on the line and history hangs in the balance, real competitors step up. Some have almost single-handedly willed their teams to championships; others have overcome adversity in doing so. Others still have won with blue-collar workman teams, devoid of superstars. With the postseason underway, and the Class AAAAA and AAAA championships at the Gwinnett Arena and AAA-A title games at the Macon Centreplex March 7-10, Take Ten looks back at some of history’s biggest championship performances.
10: Dunwoody boys, 2006 — An’Juan Wilderness’ 27 points, including 11 in the first four minutes, helped Dunwoody ruin top-ranked Westlake’s bid for a perfect season and repeat as AAA champion, 79-72. Zac Swansey chipped in 18 points for the Wildcats, who led 23-10 after a quarter and never looked back.
9: Tracey Tipton, 2006 — In just her first season as successor to the legendary Angie Hembree, the coach led Collins Hill’s girls to their second consecutive and fourth AAAAA championship in six years, against county rival South Gwinnett, 65-55. Miss Georgia basketball Maya Moore scored 32 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for the Eagles, who hadn’t lost to a Georgia opponent since 2004.
8: Darrin Hancock, Griffin, 1988 — He capped a four-game tournament run that included 107 points, 46 rebounds, 15 slam dunks and six blocked shots as the Bears beat Westover 70-63 for the AAAA championship. The 6-foot-6 sophomore not only was named the Journal-Constitution’s player of the year that season, but also was selected Mr. Georgia Basketball by the Atlanta Tipoff Club and was honored at the annual Naismith Banquet at the World Congress Center.
7: Cindy Brogdon, Greater Atlanta Christian, 1975 — The future Olympian and University of Tennessee star scored 39 points in the Spartans’ 55-44 Division B championship win over Clinch County. An excellent shooter, Brogdon missed a free throw in the closing seconds that would have given her 40. The point total was even more remarkable, considering it accounted for nearly three-quarters of the Spartans’ championship total. Brogdon led the Spartans to four finals, winning three.
6: William Witherspoon, Berkmar, 2000 — His 12 points weren’t all that many, but combined with eight rebounds and 12 assists, the senior guard jump started a 77-60 victory over Warner Robins and made the Patriots the first Gwinnett County team to win the then-largest classification of AAAA. Witherspoon’s performance punctuated the Patriots’ unbeaten run since Christmas and capped their 30-2 season, whose only losses were to nationally ranked teams.
5: Holy Innocents’ girls, 1999 — The Golden Bears didn’t just win their first title by demolishing highly regarded Buford 71-46, they did so without coach Buster Brown, who was serving a mandatory suspension for getting ejected from the semifinal. Even more remarkably, the Bears overcame a life tragedy: Bradley Evans, the brother of freshman Missy Evans and a close friend of many players, had died the day before the state tournament began.
4: Shea Carrington, Northeast Macon, 2002 — The 6-foot center’s game-high 21 points in the 2002 final, including four baskets in the third quarter, helped the Raiders not only erase a 15-point second-half deficit, but wind up winning 61-52 at the Macon Centreplex. The victory made up for the previous year’s loss in the final to Gainesville and interrupted the Red Elephants’ run of three titles.
3: James Forrest, Southside, 1991 — Though he scored 23 in a loss to Westover in the AAA title game, his 55 in a semifinal win over Dougherty two nights earlier had fans still roused. The year before, he netted 20 points in Southside’s championship victory over Columbia, capping a four-game tournament of 116 points.
2: Hart County girls, 1994 — The Bulldogs rallied from a nine-point deficit, overcame the first-quarter ejection of their leading scorer, and escaped a close call at the foul line with one second remaining to survive Dougherty 53-51 for their sixth consecutive championship and 104th consecutive victory against Georgia opponents.
1: Tramaine Allen, Wheeler, 2002 — He made just two shots in the final against Lakeside, but served notice the Wildcats deserved their first title since 1994, sinking a shot beyond half-court near the end of the first quarter. The long-range bomb sparked the Wildcats crowd and ignited their 69-55 victory.
Go on. Take Ten. What’s the best title game performance you can remember? And who do you expect to step up in this year’s girls and boys state tourneys?
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Who do you take: Lawal or Aminu?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’re a college coach. Three years from now, which current Norcross star would you rather have on your roster: senior Gani Lawal or junior Al-Farouq Aminu? Does the possibility of one or both leaving early for the NBA play into your decision?
Permalink | Comments (25) | Categories: David Purdum
Take 10: State’s best-ever cagers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This week, Take 10 gives ranking the best 10 players in Georgia boys basketball history a go. There are four guards, four forwards and two centers, just in case another state wants to challenge. Tell us what you think:
1. C Dwight Howard, Southwest Atlanta Christian (graduated 2004): Georgia’s first Naismith Award winner, Howard averaged 25.5 points, 18.3 rebounds and 8.0 blocked shots for his senior season, which ended with a Class A championship. Howard then became the first pick in the NBA draft out of high school and is now an NBA all-star.
2. C Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Wheeler (1995): Abdur-Rahim put Wheeler on the map with a state title in 1994. His team was stunned not to win it in 1995, when Abdur-Rahim was Mr. Georgia Basketball for a second time, averaging 31 points and 12 rebounds. Abdur-Rahim is now in his 11th season in the NBA.
3. G Louis Williams, South Gwinnett (2005): The Naismith Award winner as the prep player of the year in 2005, Williams averaged 27.5 points as a senior and won a state title as a junior and left South Gwinnett as the state’s all-time leading scorer. He turned pro out of high school and was taken No. 45 in the NBA draft.
4. F Dontonio Wingfield, Westover (1993): Wingfield and Westover of Albany ruled the early 1990s in Georgia basketball, winning the Class AAA titles from 1990 through 1993. Wingfield averaged 21 points and 14 rebounds as a senior. He stayed one season at Cincinnati and turned pro but quickly flamed out.
5. F Darrin Hancock, Griffin (1988): Hancock’s speed, strength and jumping ability were more than any prep school of his day could handle. Griffin won the Class AAAA title with Hancock as a sophomore in 1988. As a senior, he averaged 30 points and nine rebounds. Hancock wound up at four colleges before a brief NBA career but played professionally for 15 years.
6. F Kenny Walker, Crawford County (1982): Walker, nicknamed “Sky” for his remarkable leaping ability, won a pair of Class A state titles at Crawford County in 1981 an 1982 before becoming a two-time SEC player of the year and All-American at Kentucky. He had a spotty seven-year NBA career, mostly with the Knicks. It was perhaps highlighted by a win in the Slam Dunk Contest in 1989.
7. G Walt Frazier, Howard (1964): Frazier had the only Pro Basketball Hall of Fame career of any Georgia player. He got a pair of NBA championship rings, but he never won a state title in high school at old Howard High in Atlanta. Segregation kept SEC schools from recruiting Frazier, who went to Southern Illinois before his Hall of Fame NBA career that saw him win league titles in 1969 and 1973. Frazier was league MVP in 1975.
8. G Jeff Malone, Southwest Macon (1979): Malone, a 6-foot-4 scoring guard, was the best player on what many believe was Georgia’s best team ever, Southwest Macon’s 1979 bunch that also featured Terry Fair (Georgia). Southwest won the title in 1978, as well. Malone went on to play 13 seasons in the NBA, mostly with the Washington Bullets, and finished with a 19.0 scoring average. He also was a four-year starter at Mississippi State, where he averaged 26.2 points as a senior.
9. F Dale Ellis, Marietta (1979): Ellis didn’t emerge as an outstanding NBA player until a trade to Seattle in 1986. He was swapped by another former Georgia high school player, Al Wood of Jones County. Ellis was primarily an inside player in high school before becoming one of the NBA’s premier 3-point shooters.
10. G Norm Nixon, Southwest Macon (1973): A first-round pick out of Duquesne, Nixon won NBA titles with the Lakers in 1980 and 1982. Nixon averaged 15.7 points and 8.3 assists over a 10-year NBA career. Nixon’s 1973 Southwest team won the Class AAA championship, then won the four-team tournament of champions that Georgia held that year. He’s married to actress Debbie Allen.
Other folks that got strong consideration:
Chris Morris, Douglass; Pervis Ellison, Savannah; Kwame Brown, Glynn Academy; Dale Davis, Stephens County; Dion Glover, Cedar Grove; Mike Glenn, Coosa; Horace Grant, Hancock Central; Matt Harpring, Marist; Cedric Henderson, Marietta; Jarvis Hayes, Douglass; Reggie Johnson, Cedar Grove; Jumaine Jones, Mitchell-Baker; Mike Mitchell, Price; Tree Rollins, Crisp County; Brian Oliver, Wills; Derek Smith, Hogansville; Josh Smith, McEachern; Al Wood, Jones County; Joby Wright, Johnson; Sharone Wright, SW Macon.
Go on. Take Ten. Shoot us your list of the state’s best-ever hoopsters. Or tell us why our definition of the word ‘great’ could use a little work. Your call.
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Which No. 1 team is most vulnerable?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Which No. 1 team has the best chance of getting knocked off: Greater Atlanta Christian girls, Collins Hill girls or Norcross boys?
Norcross has cruised into the semifinals with little resistance. Seeing Peachtree Ridge, the last team to beat the top-ranked Blue Devils, fall in the quarterfinals has to be somewhat of a relief for the defending champs. If Eddie Martin’s well-assembled team gets past Tift County, they’ll face the winner of unranked M.L. King and No. 7 Centennial, which was impressive in its quarterfinal victory over No. 4 Peachtree Ridge.
Greater Atlanta Christian, which starts five seniors, is 30-1 and has won 19 straight, thanks to a suffocating defense and solid bench play. A finals showdown with three-time defending champion Wesleyan might be tougher than their three previous meetings this season, all GAC victories.
Collins Hill has the toughest road, with Thursday’s game with No. 2 Stephenson, followed by a possible title-game rematch with No. 3 South Gwinnett. Stephenson is responsible for the only playoff loss of Maya Moore’s illustrious career.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Categories: David Purdum
Can Region 6-AAAA be beat?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the last three years, boys teams that make up Region 6-AAAA have claimed the state title. The last non-Region 6-AAAA winner was Griffin.
Again, two teams from Region 6-AAAA are in the Final Four with Tucker and defending champion Columbia.
Region 4-AAAA, of which Griffin is a member, also has two teams playing this week at the Gwinnett Arena in Riverdale and North Clayton.
All four of these teams have at least one state basketball championship to their credit. Last December, the football championship was settled between the rival regions, as well. Region 4-AAAA member Northside-Warner Robins defeated Region 6-AAAA member Marist for the gridiron title.
Wednesday, we could know which league has the best basketball. And if it’s still a little murky, it will definitely be settled Friday night.
It is a similar situation on the girls’ side as last season’s finalists, St. Pius (champion) and Marist advanced out of Region 6-AAAA. Their opponents — Westside-Macon and Northside-Warner Robins — are from Region 4-AAAA.
Through the first three rounds of the playoffs, Region 6-AAAA teams have a combined record of 19-4 with only one of those losses coming to a team outside of the region. The combined record for Region 4-AAAA teams is 18-4 with two losses coming from outside the region.
The battle lines have been drawn. Which region is the best?
Permalink | Comments (19) | Categories: Derrick Mahone
Even in defeat, Druid Hills admirable
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rome — Many with their jerseys covering their faces, others with looks of disbelief, the Druid Hills players dragged themselves off the court Saturday night pained beyond words.
Their improbable run ended in improbable fashion at the Rome Forum. Not five minutes earlier the Red Devils had a seemingly firm grip on an AAA Final Four berth.
They went up by five with 51 seconds left when Jarred Riley threw down a baseline dunk. Hart County appeared desperate and discombobulated. The ball was worked to 6-foot-4 center Quint Clinckscales beyond the 3-point line.
In a sort of “Oh, I guess I’ll shoot” sort of way, Clinckscales hurled the ball toward the basket. It ricocheted off the glass and into the basket. Suddenly, the advantage was just 65-63 with 33.6 to play.
As the text book on late-game strategy indicates, Hart County fouled, sending senior Daauwd Lee to the free-throw line for a one-and-one. He missed.
The ball ended up on the other end in the hands of Bulldogs senior Stadarius Craft, a rugged player who flourishes inside. Craft launched and made another 3, and in head-spinning fashion, the Bulldogs had a 66-65 lead with 14 ticks to play.
Druid Hills did not score on its last meaningful possession, and Hart County chanted “Final Four, Final Four” on the way to its locker room following its thrilling 68-65 win.
Coach Allen Craine, who has resurrected Druid Hill’s once-downtrodden program, did all he could to console his team afterward. “[Clinckscales] hits a shot like that — off the backboard — it’s hard to overcome. … But we had to finish the game at the free-throw line, and we didn’t.”
His team represented one of the great stories of the tournament. The program was rancid before Craine arrived in 2002. Last year’s playoff win was the first since 1974.
Before the season, senior shooting guard Marion Simon was lost for the year with a torn ACL. A fortnight later, 6-foot-8 senior Kerry Weaver was felled with a torn knee ligament, too.
And yet Craine held his team together. He switched to an up- tempo club that highlighted the fantastic talents of Lee, sophomore sensation Issiah Grayson and Byron Dickerson, among others.
It worked, as proved by their win over No. 1 Dunwoody in the AAA Region 5 tournament and their state tourney showing.
Still, “I feel for the seniors because they built this program,” he said. “But we’re not done.”
Craine has done a commendable job in his first coaching position. He retired after 23 years in the Air Force, and when the principal noticed he had played pro basketball in Germany and other places on his teaching application, he offered Craine the coaching duties. At first, Craine declined. A week later, after a talk with his wife, he reversed himself.
“So glad I did,” he said. “Just a great group of young men. Before the injuries, our goal was the state championship. And even after the injuries, we didn’t quit. We kept going and had a great year.”
The future will depend a lot on if Grayson stays. Shady teams are recruiting him daily to transfer. (Are you listening GHSA?) Hopefully Grayson will remain loyal to the program and rebuff the overtures.
For, with Craine and Grayson leading, the pain of Saturday very well could be replaced in the future with ultimate satisfaction.
Permalink | Comments (23) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Moore defined by night’s work
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Macon — Only eight minutes into the game, the outcome already had been determined. Collins Hill was going to inch a step closer to defending its state championship, and there was nothing Brookwood could do to prevent it.
The Eagles’ dominance early was decisive, an onslaught that shook the Broncos from their ponytails to their sneakers.
Maya Moore showed why she is the most accomplished athlete — boy or girl — in Georgia. Playing off-the-ball defense, Moore anticipated a pass to a player she was not guarding, intercepted it and fed ahead to teammate Taylor Dalrymple.
Dalrymple bore in for a layup. Trailing the play, running in an all-out sprint, was Moore. Dalrymple missed the shot. There to clean up was the perpetually hustling Moore, who tossed in a left-handed layup at the buzzer. It was 21-4, and that was that.
Moore’s effort and demeanor define her game — and her team. Yes, she has wonderful basketball talent. But it is not what makes her special, a winner. It’s effort and passion and, interestingly enough, her sweetness.
She does not take off on a single play, no matter what the score, what point in the game or who the opponent. She dominates because of skill, but mostly because she works.
“You never see her come to practice not ready to go,” coach Tracey Tipton said. “She’s never complacent, never not trying to get better.”
Above all, no one seems to enjoy the game as much as Moore. She applauds her teammates’ play more than a cheerleader. She bounces around the court as much as she runs.
Guess how many times Tipton has had to check Moore about her ego: “Zero,” Tipton said.
Well, maybe her teammates have had to rein her in.
“Never,” said Dalrymple, the highly skilled junior forward who had 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists. “It’s more the other players. Maya’s always a team player. I love it. There’s no one else in the state of Georgia I’d rather play with.”
Which goes back to Moore, the person. Because she is so likeable, her teammates embrace playing complementary roles. And they do it well. Dalrymple, daughter of former Georgia Tech hooper Bruce Dalrymple, will be the star next season.
Senior Jordan Jones is a 3-point specialist. Juniors Lauren Pace and Nikki Urbizo and sophomore Jazmin Walker are guards who are good passers, shooters and defenders.
“It’s pretty amazing that with the level of success Maya has had, there is no air about her,” Tipton said.
Put her career mark up against anyone else’s and see where she ranks. In her time at Collins Hill, the Eagles are 122-3 — no, that’s not a misprint.
“She’s made me a smarter player and a more energetic player,” Dalrymple said. “Her vibe makes you more of a team player. And because of it, we’ve been successful.”
Moore had 26 points, 16 rebounds, five blocks and four assists in the 64-38 victory. The best part about it was that not only did she have fun amassing those typical statistics, but her teammates enjoyed it, too.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
For Tucker’s Hartry, it’s all about loud
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You know James Hartry. Or you’ve seen him. Or heard about him. If not, here’s the introduction.
Hartry is the Tucker High coach with the loudest mouth in the state. The coach with the loudest suits in the state. And the coach with the most heart palpitations in the state.
He coaches a game the way a bowling ball crashes through pins. His voice is always hoarse because he’s always yelling — even when not on the bench.
And guess what: He’s good at what he does. Very good. Thursday night at Marietta High was a case in point. In the Class AAAA second-round game against feisty Lithia Springs, Hartry made the game’s biggest adjustment in an 81-70 victory.
The victory pushed his record to a remarkable 83-9 in the past three years. His teams played in the championship game in 2005 and made the Final Four last season.
This year’s team is more talented and well-rounded, but it was shaky early. Meanwhile, Lithia Springs opened the game as if shot out of a hydraulic. They scratched (literally: See Jeremy Simmons’ face) and scurried and shot from great distance, building as much as a 9-point lead before Tucker shook the jitters.
Problem was, while Hartry was practically bursting blood vessels on the sideline, he calmed his team. And after trailing only by 2 at the break, he instituted a full-court press that rattled the Lions and took their legs from them.
So their jump shots came up short, and Tucker’s inside might with 6-foot-8 Simmons (19 points) and 6-5 Chevy Wilson (25 points) wore down the Lions.
But it was not easy. The Tigers had to overcome too many turnovers, a mind-boggling 22 missed free throws and even a scorebook snafu. With 3:11 left in the game, Hartry was called to the scorer’s table and told that his team’s 10-point lead was just 69-61. Somehow, at that point of the game, two Lithia Springs points appeared.
Hartry was livid. But he kept his composure long enough not to let his team deviate from their fine second-half play. Not until the final seconds did Hartry cease yelling.
“I have a personal relationship with my guys,” he said, explaining his tirades. “When I let them see that side of me, they know I’m not happy, and they tend to respond to it.
“Half the time,” he adds, laughing, “I don’t even know what I’m doing.”
He was so animated earlier this season that he had to miss a game because of a rapid heartbeat. Part of the reason for Hartry’s craze this year is his team. It is richly talented, but highly uninspired. Sometimes his players’ cool nicely offsets his rantings.
“We’ve been here before,” Simmons said. “We might have been too relaxed early, but we still kept our calm when they got [ahead]. And you see the results.”
Lithia Springs put up an admirable fight. Coach Jason Slate is very solid — and nearly as fiery as Hartry. But that’s where the similarities end. Slate’s game attire Thursday: khakis, work boots, a flannel shirt and sweater vest.
Hartry sweated out a suit and tie, cuff-links and alligator shoes.
No matter to him. If you know Hartry at all, you know it’s all about teaching young men and winning for him — in that order.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Take 10: State’s best playoffs big men
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They are big. And they are bad, but in a good way. Here’s the Take Ten list of the state’s best big men on teams still in the playoffs:
Martavius Adams, 6-9, Wilkinson County: Adams transferred from Baldwin after his junior season, making his new team instant contenders. Oklahoma State recruit plays well with back toward basket.
Chris Barnes, 6-8, Riverdale: Barnes is nursing a knee injury, which will likely have a huge impact on his team’s playoff run. When healthy, Barnes can play with anyone. Has signed with Georgia.
Terrell Bell, 6-7, Stone Mountain: Most of the time, you can find Bell wandering around the perimeter, where he will play in college (Virginia Tech). But Bell will move inside when the Pirates need to dominate the paint.
Clint Boling, 6-7, Chattahoochee: Was being scouted by small colleges before signing to play offensive tackle at Georgia. With superior bulk and strength, almost impossible to guard with one player in the paint.
Leonard Carr, 6-5, Centennial: Carr doesn’t intimidate anyone with his size, but makes up for it with his physical style of play. This defensive stopper averages double figures (10 points per game).
Ladaris Green, 6-9, Beach: Green was one of the stars on last year’s Cinderella team, which lost to Norcross in the state championship game. Several major colleges are scouting him, but another playoff run propelled by Green could raise the stakes.
Cameron Heyward, 6-6, Peachtree Ridge: The son of the late former NFL Star Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, he signed with Ohio State to play both football and basketball.
Gani Lawal, 6-8, Norcross: Lawal has done an excellent job of handling the pressures of being a big-time local recruit (signed with Georgia Tech) for the defending state champions. Another title will cement legacy as one of state’s best ever.
Jeremy Price, 6-8. Columbia: Perhaps the state’s best in the middle. Great hands, very athletic and finishes well. Always moving around, looking to make the big play. Signed with Georgia.
Jeremy Simmons, 6-7, Tucker: Simmons is one of the state’s top unsigned seniors. He rebounds well and can score, but lacks consistency. Best basketball likely ahead of him.
Go on. Take Ten. Tell us who makes your list of best big men still in it to win it at the state tourney. But hurry. Brackets are being busted on a weekly basis.
Permalink | Comments (17) | Categories: Take Ten
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