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DEL.ICIO.US10 reasons we’re hyping HS hoops
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We all need our rest. We know that. And for many of you high school sports fans, winter is a time of hibernation between the Dome and spring practice. But at Take Ten, we don’t play any favorites. If there are high school athletes playing, we’re all over it. The Dome doesn’t mean an end for us, and it shouldn’t for you either. Here’s why you should rise from your winter doldrums and watch some high school basketball in Georgia.
10: It’s indoors — Yeah, yeah. Cold weather is part of the charm of football. Squash all of that. There’s nothing good about the cold, except that you can leave drinks and groceries in the car without them getting warm. Gyms are great places to hide when it’s freezing outside.
9: No band — Before the band parents start firing off e-mails, this isn’t a knock on the bands. But if you think watching a football game — when the band drowns out the crowd the entire time — is like watching an NFL films video with a soundtrack, basketball might be the sport for you.
8: Quick games — Football games start at 7:30 and usually end sometime between 10 and 10:30. With a basketball game, you can be in the gym at 7:30 and out by 9, still early enough to take the wife for a nice night on the town.
7: Girls play, too — Yes, basketball is gender-neutral. You can feel the harmony from here.
6: Squeaky shoes — We brought this up in a Take Ten last year, and some people thought we were crazy. They were right, but squeaky shoes are still a hallmark of basketball. We love that sound.
5: You can watch it from home — That’s right. You don’t even have to leave your couch, and it’s not just for the playoffs. In fact, ESPN will be in town Thursday night, broadcasting Norcross playing Helen Cox (La.).
4: See the next NBA star — Basketball players only have to go to college for one year, and then it’s off to the wonderful world of pro ball. Former Wheeler star J.J. Hickson (with N.C. State) looks like he might be the next in a long line of area players to make that leap. Two years from now, the guys you watch could be holding up an NBA championship trophy.
3: Atmosphere — You can’t get away from the crowd in a gym. There’s not even a pressbox where we can hide. You hear every scream, every foot stomp, every chant.
2: Talent pool — There’s no question Georgia is one of the best states for high school basketball. Right now, Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) and Josh Smith (Atlanta Hawks) are certainly making that case. Next on the list: Derrick Favors (South Atlanta), Al-Farouq Aminu (Norcross), Chris Singleton (Dunwoody), Mfon Udofia (Miller Grove), among others.
1: Basically, it’s all in metro Atlanta — What you’ll notice about all those names is that they’re all in the metro area. The state of Georgia is filled with good players and teams, but there’s enough in the metro to keep you occupied. You don’t have to drive more than about 30 minutes to see some of the state’s best players.
Go on. Take Ten. Have we disturbed your sleep yet? Are you ready to forego R&R for a little roundball? Are there any good reasons we missed? Let us know. We expect to see you in a gym soon. We’re taking head counts.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Comments
By Brave Fan
January 9, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Glen Rice Jr. from Walton should be on the list. ;)
By sherrod
January 9, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Have you forgotten about the talent in middle georgia. Senario Hillman was one the best guards to come true Ga last year and he is from the middle ga area. What about Martavious Adams who now plays for OSU.
By The Truth
January 9, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
I agree with Brave Fan. Glen Rice is a baller! Don’t forget about Howard Thompkins, Tony Woods and a slew of kids at Westlake. Marcus Thornton is only a sophomore and will be someone to watch. There is more than Chris Singleton at Dunwoody. The list is endless for blue chips in Georgia.
By Ernest
January 9, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Good list, Jeff. I like football but I LOVE basketball. I mentioned this to Derrick, before long we’ll be know more as a basketball state with all the blue chippers we keep turning out.
BTW, there is a LOT of good bball south of the gnat line. But it is great living in the metro ATL area, with all the quality teams we have.
By Derrick Mahone
January 9, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Jeff: Here’s another, multi games in a week and night. You can see at least three games in a week with Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and even more during holiday and region tournaments. The ultimate is multiple games in a day. I did that last Saturday and again Tuesday night. Saw an entire girls game, the first half of one boys game and the second half of another.
By sweettee
January 9, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
How do the players get rated in the State? Caleb Willis is an awesome player who plays for stockbridge.
By YOU KNOW
January 9, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
MAYS BAND PLAYS EVERY GAME.ASKED COACH DUNN AT ST.PIUS.
By YOU KNOW
January 9, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
MAYS BAND PLAYS EVERY GAME.ASKED COACH DUNN AT ST.PIUS.
By Ashley Brown
January 10, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
Here is my list for the top players in Georgia.
Class of 2008 Top 25 (Sr.) Al Farouq Aminu Howard Thompkins Bud Mackey (recent transfer to Redan) Toney Mitchell (Swainsboro) DeQuan Jones Chris Singleton Andre Young Wesley Witherspoon Cashmere Wright Tony Woods Raymond Willis Teondre Williams Tanner Smith Toby Veal Travis Leslie Dustin Ware Dennis Harris Jerel Stephenson Robbie Johnson James Fields Reggie Middleton Delwon Graham Darius Morrow Ralph Sampson Jr. Chris Reynolds
Top 10 Jr. Class of 2009 Derrick Favors Lorenzo Brown Noel Johnson MFon Udophia Kenny Hall Collin Reddick Torin Walker Glen Rice Jr. Shawn Kemp Jr. Richard Howell
Top Soph. - Trae Golston Top Fresh. - Julian Royal
By njhk
January 10, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
louis williamsshould be on the list
By Ashley Brown
January 10, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
He was on the list three years ago when he graduated. Man, I really hope you were kidding.
By cancal
January 11, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Top Soph. - Trae Golston
I think you mean Trae Golden
By cancal
January 11, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Top Soph. - Trae Golston
I think you mean Trae Golden
By DEW
January 12, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Top 2nd grader DJ Williams