Prep Zone

By Kevin Grammer

January 21, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Jordan Should run the Table unless they get bored and slip up a game. Ready for the playoffs… Go Jackets! #1

By Derrick Mahone

January 21, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

King Classic at Centennial The first game between Wesleyan and Tucker was great. Tucker won 72-69, but Wesleyan senior Trey Thompkins put on a show. He had 44 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots. The second game between McEachern/Columbia is starting to heat up.

By Will

January 21, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Derrick thanks for the updates. Some of us had to work today and really appreciate your up to the minute reports.

By Derrick Mahone

January 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Will No problem. I had to work today too. :-) The place is full of college coaches.

By Derrick Mahone

January 21, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

UPSET IN THE MAKING McEachern 51, Columbia 45….

By PhotoDave

January 21, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Derrick,

I was at the Wesleyan/Tucker game, is it just me or did the officals really stop calling fouls in the paint during the second half. I not a fan of either team, but noticed a lot of action down low that was not called… Thompkins is an amazing player, double and triple teamed most of the game!

By Derrick Mahone

January 21, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

PhotoDave It was pretty rough in the paint, but I rather have it like that than too tight. Thompkins is solid, and a legit candidate for Mr. Basketball.

McEachern looked good in its win over Columbia.

By PhotoDave

January 21, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

i agree totally, i just wish the officals would call a game the same through out… and what was up with the goals at centennial, i thought they were gonna break in the first half… ala Shaq in Phoenix years back. What was the McEachern score?>

By Derrick Mahone

January 21, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

McEacher 79, Columbia 69.

As bad as Miller Grove is playing against Wheeler, they are only down by three late in the second quarter. DeQuan Jones of Wheeler has had the best dunk of the day. Almost every major college is represented here.

By Anonymous

January 21, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Any update on the Wheeler Miller Grove match up?

By Derrick Mahone

January 21, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Anonymous Sorry about that got distracted with a coach. Wheeler won 82-77. Miller Grove played really bad, but was there in the end. Could have won but a turnover cost them a chance to go up by five late in the game. Wheeler’s DeQuan Jones was awesome.

By darrel johnson

January 21, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Hey How about the Hiram Boys 16-3 and have beaten Mundy’s Mill Twice and Tri-Cities.!

By cross%over

January 21, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Savannah high is hot, although they have two very tuff games ahead. Johnson of Sav. on fri and Mundy’s Mill on sat. All three teams are ranked in the state, according to GHSA coaches poll 5A.

By Nick

January 21, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

NG girls reeled off 8 straight before falling to Woodward the other night. Id say that could classify them as hot…

By Ernest

January 21, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Columbia and Miller Grove both lost??? :0. Get me my smelling salts Derrick, I feel the big one coming. Thank goodness Tucker held court for region 6 AAAA.

By Marietta Fan

January 21, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

The game was great huh… except for the free throw shooting I have never seen it that bad…

By Marietta Fan

January 21, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

How about the game Derrick… I was glad to come out with the win but I wasn’t all that happy with how we played… and I was shocked by the free throw shooting… not usually that bad. Stanley Jennings wasnt his usual self either.

By Derrick Mahone

January 21, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

darrel johnson Hearing good things about Hiram from a couple region coaches. Will probably see them in the next two weeks.

Cross%over Looking forward to seeing Tim Jordan’s Savannah team Saturday when they come to Clayton County. Hated the Prime Time Shootout was called off because I wanted to see Johnson-Sav. If they take care of business in the region and state tournament, I will get a chance to see them.

Ernest Both Columbia and Miller Grove lost to soon quality 5A teams. Although McEachern had struggled lately in losing three of its last four games, the Indians are still a good team. Wheeler will definitely make some noise in 5A in the state tournament. As bad as Miller Grove played, they still have an opportunity to win the game.

This was definitely a first class one-day tournament. The crowds were good and their 21 colleges represented with at least one coach their. Several players were in attendance supporting their former or AAU teammates.

Talked with Centennial coach Allen Whitehart and they are looking forward to next season’s tourney and will expand it.

If there is anybody that was there, let me hear your thoughts.

By Derrick Mahone

January 21, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Marietta Fan Marietta has to be one of the hottest teams in the state. I thought they were headed for a blowout, but you have to give Centennial credit for not pushing the panic button and getting back into the game. Man, that free throw shooting was pretty bad. I thought it was going to cost Marietta the game. Marietta is not that tall, but they play hard. I think they are a team to watch come tournament time. Their won’t be too many teams that will not want to play them.

By Cliff Dawson

January 21, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

How about Tucker? A very young team with alot of heart and scrappy defense. Thompkins is a great player at this level. Georgia will be happy. Tucker shut down Wesleyan’s Smith in the second half and proved the point that one man can not beat five. Tucker’s big men in the middle Atkins and Dawson did what they need ed to hold off Wesleyan and Coach Hartry did a great job of coaching. Going zone the last 1:30 in the game thru Wesleyan in a funk and Tucker wins.

By Scoutofthehyear

January 22, 2008 5:46 AM | Link to this

SOUTH ATLANTA IS HOT ONLY LOSS CAME TO THE #1 RANKED TEAM IN THE COUNTRY..AND HAVE DEFEATED THE #4,#20, AND #36 RANKED TEAMS IN THE NATION.

ALREADY THEY HAVE PLAY AGAINST THE #1 SENIOR GUARD IN THE NATION JRUE HOLIDAY THE #1 JUNIOR GUARD IN THE NATION LANCE STEPHENSON AND THE 20TH RANKED SENIOR FORWARD - BUT #1 FOOTBALL RECRUIT IN AMERICA **TERRELLE PRYOR AND DEFEATED ALL OF THEIR TEAMS ON THE ROAD.

THE HORNETS ARE HOT!!!

By Scoutoftheyear

January 22, 2008 5:55 AM | Link to this

jordan will lose to SHAW 2nite.

By Scoutoftheyear

January 22, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this

I JUST FOUND THIS SITE CALLED CALPREPS.COM NOT SURE IF IM LATE.??? BUT GO TO POWER RATINGS.. I THINK ITS AN HONEST LOOK AT THE RANKINGS.. IT HAS EVERY TEAM LISTED BY THEIR NATIONAL RANKED #.. FROM #1 TO #15,001 IT DOESNT MATTER.. CHECK IT OUT.

By Mike

January 22, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

Derrick, I was there but had to leave after the second game.

Is it my imagination or is Wesleyan the worst coached team?

During his time outs his ‘stars’ weren’t even in the huddle.
Tompkins is the best player I’ve seen this year but gets treated like a god. Felton won’t put up with it.

Tucker’s coach made Wesleyan’s coach look silly.

What’s your take on Centennial? I didn’t see that one.

By Jay-Live

January 22, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

That tournament was waayyyy better then the Deep South. I did not see the last game but the level of ball being played in the first 3 games was off the meter.

Trey Tompkins was a man among boys, he got 44 and they were fouling the hell out of him all games long. Those referees were TERRIBLE. The big man for Wheeler, Daquan Jones, was also a man among boys, that one dunk (and 1) on that # 50 from Miller Grove was an NBA caliber throw down.

I was also impressed with the left handed guard for Tucker and the point guard for Wheeler, both lightning quick, and jump shots that were making it rain on the nets.

Great tournament Centennial, can’t wait for next year!

By Jay-Live

January 22, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Mike,

Anyone with a game like Trey Tompkins will be treated like a god, be it high school, college, or the NBA. Do you see how Georgia is hurting in the SEC? If Tompkinsd can play like that on the college level he better treat him like Ray Allen was treated at that college visit in He Got Game!

By ALBERT

January 22, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

There was a good showing at the single a shoot out at Ben Hill Park. ST.Francis beat Hawkinsville. Mr.Mahone take a look at Devonte Davis at ST.Francis H/S, 6-2 Point Guard, pure shooter. Played with Derrick Favors and The Celtics AAU Team. Missing a treat.

By Derrick Mahone

January 22, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Mike Sorry you had to leave because all the games were entertaining. I think the spectators and college coaches got their money’s worth. It was certainly worth the drive up 400. Liked the Marietta team as I stated before. They are not as big, but the guards are quick and for the most part under control. They certainly must improve on the free throw shooting. Centennial has to cut down on the turnovers. If I remember, four straight trips down with the game still in the balance, they turn the ball over. Not sure if I agree that that was a charging call on Lorenzo Brown. It will definitely be fun to see when the brackets come out next month.

Albert Thanks. I try to get some information and a look at him.

By Mike

January 22, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Jay-Live- Your right. Like I said Tompkins is the best player I’ve seen so far. Off the charts good. However, his coach is not doing him or Tanner Smith any justice by treating them that way. A good college program won’t put up with it and they might as well learn now. It’s part of the reason they got beat yesterday. His coach didn’t have control down the stretch. Of all the other great players at that tournament, no others were allowed to act like that. Again I contend, coaching lost the game for them.

Your right again about the level of play. Way better than the Deep South.

By Ernest

January 22, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Derrick and/or Jeff:

Thanks for having the school team pages reflect the basketball season! Though there may not be as many bball fans as football but we are just as passionate. As I’ve said before, we will soon be known as a bball state before long. A little marketing on the AJC’s end and we might have something pretty good.

BTW, do your fellow sportswriters around the state participate in this blog? It would probably be fun to have ‘chat’ sessions from time to time.

By Jay-Live

January 22, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Mike:

I was only kidding…..But I think the reason Wesleyan got beat is because that guy cannot coach, I think he used to be the girl’s team coach and it shows. But that Tucker team is good, so Wesleyan should not be ashamed of the loss.

I am interested to see what Wesleyan does come tournament time. Tompkins should be able to lead them to the championship if he gets some more help from Smith, Smith was non existent yesterday.

By Render Westbrook

January 22, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

IM NO EXPERT DERRICK, BUT MILLER GROVE HAS TO BE THE REAL DEAL TO PLAY THAT BAD, FOR WHEELER TO PLAY THEIR BEST, AND MILEER GROVE STILL BE ABLE TO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN. UDOFIA IS A MANCHILD BUT TOOK A FEW BAD SHOTS LAST NITE. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THIS TEAM IN A GAME WHERE THEY PLAY WELL. THEY ARE CLEARLY A BETTER BALL CLUB THAN WHEEELER IF THEY PLAY WELL

By Derrick Mahone

January 22, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Mike and Jay-Live Wesleyan coach Skip Matherly was an assistant for the girls team a few years prior to his appointment as boys coach two years ago. Known Skip a long time and he was a top assistant for the Marist boys team with Ron Bell and a couple of their state championship teams. You have to give Tucker coach James Hartry credit and his players for following the gameplan that he designed. Talking to him after the game, he said they wanted to limited Tanner’s production and not let no one else hurt them. He said their wasn’t going to be an answer for Trey Thompkins, but limited the other players would give them a chance to win.

Render Westbrook Yes, Miller Grove does have a solid team that could make it far in the playoffs. I’ve said all season, that Mfon is probably the best junior point guard in the state. I know several schools that want his services after next season, as reflected by the high turnout of colleges on Monday. Let’s just say that a Miller Grove playing better would definitely be interesting. Wheeler’s size was a lot for the Wolverines to overcome. As you remember, Miller Grove was up by three and had the ball and made a turnover that pretty much cost them the game. Talked to MG coach Sharman White after the game, and he said he just kept replaying that turnover in his head.

By afan

January 22, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

actually Scoutoftheyear, jordan beat shaw tonight 64-58

By Scoutoftheyear

January 22, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

O OK AFAN.. I FIGURED IT WOULD BE CLOSE.. ITS COOL THO.. THEY SHOULD LOSE TO NORTHSIDE ON THE 26TH.

By drock7

January 23, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Who is the top dog in 4-AAAAA? Not your Mundy Mill team that you love or Tri Cities. Newnan has beaten Tri Cities twice Parkview and Hiram which is the second best team in the region ask your Mundy Mills team how good are the Hornets. So give the Cougars some love. The basketball just like the football team is led by Russell Powell the most underated player in the state. Alan Bonner first team All-State in football and terrific two-guard for the Cougars. So derrick make a trip below Clayton County and watch the Cougars perform. We are at home this friday against crosstown rivals E.Coweta. Will I see you there?

By Frank

January 23, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Savannah high is number 1? You got to be kidding me. Their tallest player no. 44 is only 6’4” and can’t play. The other kids on the team beat you. Savannah plays good defense and is a good team but not no. 1 material. Mundy Mills will be a good test for them Saturday in Clayton, and I will be there with my homeboys from Wheeler and Norcross to see what they are all about. Mundy Mills will have the pep band playing and should help them. I still say they will get stomped when they get in the region tournament and have to play the schools up here where they have bigger front lines.

By David

January 23, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Savannah play Munday Mills Saturday in Altanta and I will be there too after getting off from work at the Waffel House in Clayton. Tell Ernest Savannah High will play johnson High of Savannah in a show down in the Seaport to see who is the best in Savannah. I predict that Savannah will win because they have already beat Johnson earlier in the season. Both teams are ranked but ranked too high. Crank that pep band up Munday Mills. Don’t let Savannah come up here and beat you. They are good but ain’t all that. I agree with Frank that they won’t last long in the tournament because the bigger front lines up here is going to stomp them down.

By Ernest

January 23, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

David:

Thanks for the heads up! Without question, the level of bball competition is high in the metro area. There are good teams in Savannah but one can question whether they face the type of day in/day out competition we see here. Nonetheless, I’ll be rooting for the Orange and Blue Atomsmashers!

Pop quiz for this week. During the 70’s, two teams in particular dominated the highest level of boys basketball, one winning 4 championships and the other winning 3. What two schools were they? Can you also remember any of the ‘big’ men that played on any of those teams?

By Derrick Mahone

January 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

drock7 I’ve been watching those Newnan scores. I think that will definitely be an interesting region tournament. Haven’t made up my mind about Friday yet, but I’m definitely planning on being at Mundy’s Mill on Saturday.

By jeepman

January 23, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Courtney Hurt is having a great year at Salem. She had 41 in a win over Cedar Shoals. She’s averaging close to 30 a game and 13 rpg.

By Allman

January 23, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I lived in Atlanta and now is in love with Savannah, because it only takes me 10 minutes to get to a game instead of 45 minutes in Altanta with all that horrible traffic. Even though they are small Savannah High will prove that they are for real this Friday when they beat Johnson for the second time, and cdome up there on Saturday and beat Munday Mills. They won’t beat anyone else up there because of their size but they will beat Mundy Mills and have something to prove. Mundy Mills, I will be sitting by the pep band with my cousing who attends the school.

By Mr. Miller Grove

January 23, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Derrick, was not able to catch you at the tourney on Monday, got caught up in all the excitment of the games. I haven’t seen Miller Grove play that bad since there first loss to Columbia early in the season. I think the lights got to a few of the players off the bench. They are one player away from winning the 4A tittle. Coach Sharman White is definately a great coach, to have a team in that position, as bad as they played. Well talk about a tough week, Miller Grove faced Stone Mountain last night, and rebounded well from the loss on Monday. That was the best defensive effort they have played this year. And again Coach White put on a coaching clinic as the wolverines ran the pirates out of the gym. I think the loss on Monday really helped them. I am look for big things from Miller Grove this year. Saturday they are on the road at REDAN.

By Devil Lover

January 23, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

David. College park and savannah won three and hogansville won four.

By Jay-Live

January 24, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Render:

Miller Grove played hard and played a good game, but there is no way they are a better team than Wheeler. Those MG players were fouling like crazy and the refs were not calling the fouls. They were hacking the Wheeler big men like it was a pick up game and not an organized game.

And as for Udofia I was not really impressed with his game, he was just gunning the ball up and seemed out of control on his drives to the basket. No way he is a better guard than the kid from McEachern.

By MILTON SHELTON

January 24, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

to all you college coaches and scouts … dont sleep on Decatur’s high flying & high scoring SANQUAN SMITH !!! if you haven’t seen him ball you better get there. great player, great student, great attitude !!!

By afan

January 26, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Scoutoftheyear, you going hate me for this but, jordan beat northside cols. 88-70

By fosterjoiner

January 27, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

The Wheeler boys upset No 13 nationally ranked Word of God of North Carolina 98-74 in overtime. Go cats.

By fosterjoiner

January 27, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

I made a mistake Wheeler won 98-84 in overtime.