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DEL.ICIO.USHoops houses we [heart]
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Take 10 sees a lot of basketball games during the season. We’re constantly in gyms, listening to students chant and shoes squeak. In our travels, we see the best gyms the state has to offer, along with the ones that aren’t up to snuff. These are our 10 favorite gyms to duck in out of the cold and catch a game.
10: Centennial — Nice setup with the stands encircling the court. They’ve also got a large area just outside the gym with plenty of food options for the hungry reporter/fan.
9: Johnson-Savannah — We don’t think we need any reason other than its name: The Reaction Chamber. Doesn’t hurt that they’ve got a top-10 team.
8: Kell — Plenty of parking and a new gym makes this a good place to catch a game. Really gets loud.
7: Tift County — Very fun place to watch a game, and the student section is one of the most animated in the state.
6: Decatur — They’ll get their nice new gym next year at the school, but the Bulldogs have been playing at the Rec Center for about 45 years now. While the place shows its age, it reminds us of what gyms looked like a generation ago.
5: Whitefield Academy — It’s another balcony-style gym with a great look to it. As good as the team has been in recent years, the place is often packed, and plenty of people hang over the railing around the top of the gym to catch the game.
4: Richmond Academy — This place has an old feel to it with football-style stands on one side and bleachers on the other, while the gym is built on the side of a hill. It’s a unique experience.
3: Norcross — With the team becoming a state power, the Norcross gym has gotten louder and more fun. You’re also likely to see a college coach or two while you’re there.
2: Marietta — The old gym had more history, but the new one has tons of seating and gives the Blue Devils one of the nicest spots to play in the state. The art on the walls, depicting the old Marietta High School, adds to the feel.
1: Westlake — Like Decatur, this is the last year Westlake will be here before moving into a new gym next season. This one is one of the best, though. The retired jerseys. The dim lighting that messes with opponents’ shots. The small size that adds to the decibel level. Nothing like catching a game at the Lions’ Den.
Go on. Take Ten. What’s your favorite place to watch a game? Where would you drive a couple of hours to catch a big matchup? Weigh in with your thoughts.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Comments
By mom 4-3
January 30, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
The Kevin Mann Memorial Gymnasium on the campus of Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Georgia is the most exciting, especially with the packed houses the Titans have enjoyed this season and last. Plenty of room for the players, cheerleaders, and the fans, great scoreboard and the PA system, announcer (Mr. Keifer) and music are undeniable the best. The best though is watching the team play excellent fundamental smart basketball. If that’s not enough, you can pray before the game for all of the players, coaches, and fans!!!
By Derrick Mahone
January 30, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
As far as concession stands, the cookies at Lithia Springs are the best. Bake them right on the spot.
Hate to see the old Lion’s Den at Westlake go away. Jeff forgot to mention about the heat. They must have the thermostat on “roasting or baking” then they press you almost the entire game.
By who's your daddy
January 30, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
are you kidding me with KELL? Who even goes there and watches a game unless it is a playoff that they are hosting.
By Kevin Grammer
January 30, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
If the Matchbox was still at Jordan then it would be a no brainer #1 place. The Matchbox was the cameron indoor of high school basketball but was remodeled into science and health classes back in 2003 and a new gym was built at Jordan which is NICE but will never be the matchbox.
By Veteran Fan
January 30, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Just ask Wheeler and Walton how loud it was at Kell as the Longhorns led by their seniors were only down by 5 going to the fourth against the Wildcats last Friday night without one of their starters and upset Walton Tuesday night! Seniors Max Stein, Andy Miller and Terrence Slade playing great defense and very unselfish fast break basketball. Walton could not keep up!
By Roland
January 31, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
MR. MAHONE, HAVE YOU VISITED WHEELER LATELY? THEY ARE NOT A FOOTBALL SCHOOL IF YOU DID NOT KNOW.
By Roland
January 31, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
MR. MAHONE, HAVE YOU VISITED WHEELER LATELY? THEY ARE NOT A FOOTBALL SCHOOL IF YOU DID NOT KNOW.
By jc
February 1, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Even though Etowah sU* they have a pretty decent venue. Go Woodstock
By Ernest
February 1, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Glad to see some love shown to my AtomSmashers! A short trip down memory lane, at the ‘old’ school we played in a gym that had a tile floor. Ironically, this was the case for several gyms build in Savannah around the late 50’s and early 60’s. Visiting teams would always bring ‘stick um’ to put on their shoes while playing. Before the game and duing half time, we’d put moist saw dust down then sweep the floor. We affectionately called our gym, “The Dusty”.
Hopefully they have outlawed these kind of gym floors because you could get hurt…