Prep Zone

By CJ

February 6, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Hey, quick question. When are the region tournaments starting, and where online can I go to find the schools and schedules for the games?

Thanks

p.s. — DeQuan Jones is the truth

By Derrick Mahone

February 6, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

CJ In the process of trying to track down the brackets. Sent out some e-mails today while working on all the football recruiting stuff. Hopefully will get some in tomorrow. I’m hoping to get them in and get them up on line and updated each day. Coaches can e-mail them to me at dmahone@ajc.com. And yes, DeQuan is very good.

By BUTTA

February 7, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

Riverdale the truth this year. You will see. Don’t get on the band wagon too late.

By CJ

February 7, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this

Thanks Derrick, I’ll be checking in at least twice/day to find out the schedules.

CJ

By CJ

February 7, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this

Also, how many teams from each region go to the state tournament, is it the top 2, 3, or 4? I heard that the first round might be played at the homes of the top seated teams, is that true?

By 4AFan

February 7, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this

Check out 4A boys’ poll. Tucker is ranked twice.

By Devil Lover

February 7, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

cj, the top four per region will go to the state play offs. my understanding is the first two rds will be played at the top two seeds home court. the quarter finals for 5a will be at ga state and the semi/finals for 5a will be at the gwinnett arena.

By Fan of the game

February 7, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Derrick, could you list some of the top freshman playing varsity this year. I know of a few who are even starting. Thanks

By Devil Lover

February 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Derrick, please explain to me why the sportswriters think that wheeler should move up to number 1 in 5a but south atlanta should remain at number 2 in 3a? since last week the devils have won two games and only lost to the no. 5 team in the country oak hill by three pts. the devils has only lost two now while wheeler reached two many weeks ago with no previous two yrs success. matter of fact they did not even get pass the first rd last yr. South has beaten everyone but the no. 1 team at the time they played and have moved up significantly in every major poll. Where is the logic?

By SWANN

February 7, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

SOUTH ATL. WILL STAY AT #2 UNTIL SOMEONE BEATS 3A,STATE CHAMPS JORDAN RED JACKETS,THEY ARE UNBEATEN.

By jonnySCORESagain

February 7, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

tucker jv ranked #19 and varsity 13

By Derrick Mahone

February 7, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Devil Lover One reason Wheeler moves up is because of Norcross’ loss last week to Oak Hill. I almost voted the Blue Devils No. 1 again because the loss was close on the road against a legit powerhouse program. However, I feel that Wheeler probably the top team in the state this season and it time had come to be No. 1. Wheeler closed out the regular season winning 13 straight and hasn’t lost in 2008. As far as South Atlanta, I’ve been explaining this all season. Jordan, the defending state champions came into the season ranked No. 1 with four returning starters. They did not lose a game this season so far. Jordan has a good team and felt they deserve to stay No. 1. If both teams win out the rest of the way, they would meet in the semifinals in Macon. I think it is what both teams are hoping for. Of course, I could jinx Jordan Friday by attending their game. Two weeks ago I was at the Mundy’s Mill/Savannah game when they lost their first game of the season and last week I was at Marist when they defeated previous unbeaten Blessed Trinity. So what should it be, a trip to Columbus or Cuthbert (unbeaten Randolph-Clay)?

By Diamond Girl

February 7, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Don’t count South Gwinnett Boys out!! Check out the guard play at South and the new edition to their Team Reggie Brice. Who is #12 at South, that guard is getting no recognition but is running his team. The passes #12 makes are “EWW, WEE”..

By Devil Lover

February 7, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

I thought the no. 1 poll ranking should represent the team that had earned the position not necessarily the team you think “could be” the best. And since Norcross has earned being no. 1 by two consecutive state titles, winning every in state game decisively, ranked higher in all reputable national polls, and only losing only two games out of state(the same as wheeler but by lest pts.), I thought you had to first earn the position which Norcross has and Wheeler has not yet.

Go to Hoop.com and the consensus poll ranking (it is based on averaging the poll rankings of the top 6 most reputable national polls). Norcross is rated 8th as should be at least 7th when they correct the poll ranking. Wheeler a great team is only ranked 20th by the professionals who do this for a living and have a vested interest in getting it right. And south Atlanta another great Atlanta team is ranked 16. The point at these guys watch our team especially when they travel and they have spoken.

I am not saying that wheeler is not a great team and even that they might not beat norcross, what I am saying is wheeler have not earned being no, 1 yet and until they do they should not be no. 1 norcross should because they have earned it.

By BEAST

February 7, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Its time to shake up the region play-offs. Greenforest will make a BIG STATEMENT. LOOK OUT. THE MIGHTY EAGLES ARE AWAKE NOW.

By Derrick Mahone

February 7, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Devil Lover As with human polls, which the GSWA poll is, it is based on part of opinion which takes in consideration of the makeup of the team (players and coach) and schedule. You keep saying that Norcross earned the right to be No. 1. I’m sure you are speaking in reference to winning consecutive state championships. Yes, they earned the right to come into the season at No. 1, but have to maintain that by running the table. They lost last weekend, and Wheeler has won 13 straight. Wheeler hasn’t earned being state champion yet (and I’m not saying they will), but they have earned being No. 1 based on this season. As far as national polls, I’ve wrote about this in these blogs before. Yes, they are great recognition for your team, but don’t get too caught up in them. Getting nationally ranked mean first, having a stud player and second winning some games. I’ve seen some of these national teams, and some would have trouble competing on a regular basis against teams in this state. Obviously you are a Norcross fan, when you saw Helen Cox, did you think they were one of the best teams you have seen? Look at this season for example. How many times have you seen team from this state beat these national teams in tournaments. Georgia has done quite well against the out-of-state teams. Either the out-of-town teams are overrated or Georgia has some great basketball. I tend to think its a combination of both. All the writers that vote in this poll also has a vested interested in trying to get it right. If you remember, we have South Atlanta No. 2 from the state of the season. They were not even on the national map until about two weeks ago. We always considered the Hornets to be one of the better teams from the start. SA might have come in No. 1 at the state, but it was hard not to put Jordan their since they have the majority of their team back from the state championship. Again, thanks for your input.

By moses

February 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Hey how about them white boys from Thomas County? They be balling now 20-4! They be twins from Indiana! C

By andre

February 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

turner county boy’s and girl’s are doing great this year, both are sub region,the first time the girl’s have won the region since 1999-2000 season,ronalda pierce freshman year.the boy’s are something special great coach, alot underclassmen ,watch out for us next year to ajc.great height up front for team that run and gun,great full court press.class a team’s watch out state playoff time again see in macon.

By Chris Grammer

February 7, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Well Derrick I guess we will see you Friday at the the Jordan game. We appreciate the respect you have given our program. I will however believe in jinx if we lose Friday against Columbus High. We beat them by almost sixty points last time. Our team has really fight through a lot of sickness the last week. This flu cold stuff has really taken a toll on us but we have played through it. It shows how tough we are because I’ve had it and it really effects your stamina.

By Rock Clayton

February 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Nothing was mention about the Dunwoody-Bless Trinity game so here is the review.

Basketball is not only about putting up numbers SURE THAT HELPS but having character is something that MOST PLAYERS today ARE MISSING. The game played on 2-05-08 Dunwoody against Bless Trinity was standing room only and every one was hype I decided at the last minuet to attend and was glad I did I wanted to see what our Nominee Mr Basket ball Chris Singleton would bring to the arena, to tell you the truth I was not at all impress “Would someone please tell Mr Basketball that he is not a Guard he was playing that position most of the game instead of letting the real guards like #12 who played at the level of a true point guard and Delwan did exceptionally well b y taking it to the hole And with both him and #12 on the floor we got our monies worth. Mr Chris “word to the wise you need to be posted up under the basket where you belong. Most disappointing was the fact that As I sat up in the stand with my wife and before the game got started and the national anthem was being song, Mr Singleton was on his Cell phone texting I was not only appalled but so were the other Bless Trinity parents who watched in disgust and commented to each other. I was told he was sign already to Florida State; he will have a rude awaken to think that his behavior will be tolerated at Florida State different coaching style to look forward to. The Dunwoody wildcat needs discipline and I am not sure at what cost this late in the game if they Can accomplish that task and still get to the finals. Over all they managed to take home a win in beating Bless Trinity and with discipline they may just have a spot in the finals”.

By miabyrd

February 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Derick please give Dunwoody some love in the ranking i feel they have a chance at winning there division did you hear about there win against Bless Trinity how come you did not mention it in your blog catch up with you later i have got to get to class.

By Wildcat

February 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

I hope everyone doesn’t just give 3A over to Jordan and or South Atlanta because Dunwoody is legit. By the way South Atlanta WE SAW U IN THE STANDS get ready for the Wildcats. Chris Singelton does need focus but if you watch him you know he is NBA bound he can do everything out there. No one at BT had a answer for him, and Grayson was running through that press like a mad man. DHS

By Wildcat

February 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

I hope everyone doesn’t just give 3A over to Jordan and or South Atlanta because Dunwoody is legit. By the way South Atlanta WE SAW U IN THE STANDS get ready for the Wildcats. Chris Singelton does need focus but if you watch him you know he is NBA bound he can do everything out there. No one at BT had a answer for him, and Grayson was running through that press like a mad man. DHS

By Josh

February 7, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

I am with you wildcats Dunwoody has three of the best D1 players in the state of Atlanta especially their guard Grayson that boy is the truth. Chris Singleton no one has been able to touch him and as far as South Atlanta goes I have no douth that they will shut that game down like they did with Bless Trinity, The wildcats dont talk alot they are about getting the job done. I predict a hugh win for the Wildcats against South Atlanta and I want to thank them for comming to the Bless Trinity came hopefully they learned learn something.Everyone always said Dunwoody cant well guess what they can and they willexcute a win against South Atlanta.

By b

February 7, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

DERRICKS FULL OF S**

By DJ zone 3

February 7, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Well by this time next week at Southside High South Atlanta will be playing either Bless Trinity or Dunwoody and we will see whos the best out of 3a hope the scouting by both teams for a couple games help out a lot i know that ink pen ran out of ink.

Jordanmake sure yall dont lose no more games until hopefully we see yall in Macon

By Ernest

February 7, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Derrick:

Just noticed in the polls there are only 7 voters whereas in the past there were 10. What happened to the other 3?

I was surprised with the upset win by Marist over Miller Grove. Marist is just a solid, fundamental team. It will be interesting to watch them in the region tournament.

BTW, I hear that the 6-AAAA tournament will be held at North Springs. All the DeKalb teams will have to ‘bus it’ to Roswell Road. I wonder if that will have an impact on any team. It’s actually better for me since I work near the King and Queen towers. I’m looking forward to some GOOD basketball on both sides.

Here’s hoping this is the first step for the Lady Panthers of SWD to win the state!

By Derrick Mahone

February 7, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

As stated in the lead, there was light voter turnout because of National Signing Day. Three writers were just too swamped to do the research and vote, which was understandable. This was the last poll until after the state championships next month. Some interesting games on the schedule tomorrow (Friday), but unfortunately I will be out of the loop the entire weekend. If I finish up some family business early Saturday, might try to catch the East Hall at Whitefield game. I think the Columbia at Marist game will be good.

The Region 6-AAAA tournament is at North Springs and that should be quite interesting. Columbia, Tucker, Miller Grove, Stone Mountain and Marist look like the frontrunners as the team to make it out of the region. The only thing there are five teams and only four spots.

Right after the Christmas break, Tucker coach James Hartry said Marist would be a team to look out for and so far he has been right. They have lost only one game since Christmas and other than a 14-point loss to Northview and an 11-point loss to Stone Mountain before Christmas, they have been in every game.

Another tournament to keep an eye on is 5-AAA with South Atlanta, Dunwoody, Blessed Trinity, Chamblee and Druid Hills.

Here is an interesting side note about the South Atlanta team. They have not played a home game in two seasons. In fact, they have not been on their regular campus in two years as the school is going through a two-year renovation project as all city school have done. SA is holding classes at the old Archer High being in northwest Atlanta, which is about 13 miles from it campus.

A sneak preview of what’s in tomorrow’s paper:

http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/stories/2008/02/07/hsrail0208.html

By Rep n South Ga

February 8, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

Hmmmm..Ok…Ok..On last night I attended a rivalry game in the city of Macon Ga. between your #5 ranked AAA Central-Macon and #10 ranked AAA Northeast-Macon. Northeast jumped out to a commanding 17 point first half lead before central stormed back behind their great guard play and 3-point shooting ability to within 3 points. However, Northeast held them off for a 69-62 victory. as it stands now, your #5 ranked Central has to win a play-in game against crosstown rival Southwest-Macon just to make the sub-region tourney. Records as of now are Central-Macon 18-6 and Northeast-Macon 20-4, undefeated in the region and on a 10+ game winning streak with 2 wins over your #5 ranked team. This is why I question your rankings when it comes to any school outside the Atlanta area. By the way, If you are knowledgable about the great Macon teams of the mid-70’s to late 80’s dominated high school basketball in Georgia, this game reminded you of that atmosphere from that bygone era. Great game with electric energy from the attending capacity crowd. Now please explain to me how NE is #10 and Central is #5???????????

By Rep n South Ga

February 8, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

By the way, do not sleep on Northeast-Macon to do some damage in AAA. They have all the intangibles and I am not saying this because I am from the area but because I have traveled all over the state attending high school basketball games and talent-wise, they are as good as any except maybe Wheeler and Norcross of AAAAA.

By ANGELA GILBERT

February 8, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

silky slim randolph clay will win the AA state cham this year

By basketballfan

February 8, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Derrick Mahone: Do you have a listing of the regional tournament dates and sites? We need them to be able to get to some games next week.

By Derrick Mahone

February 8, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Rep n South Ga Thanks for the update. Talked to another source that was there and he said great atmosphere. I was told that they are a well-balanced team with a good bench with Hugh Robertson being a good player. As far as the rankings, the voting put Central or Northeast. Didn’t have much information on Northeast as Central, but neither win was a blowout. Central’s Matthew Brabham can probably keep the Chargers in most games in the tournament. We might have the positions wrong for NE and Central, but I didn’t see either in the other poll. Looking forward to hopefully seeing NE in the state tournament.

TO ALL Still tracking the region tournament schedules. Some games today may determine some of the seeding. Most regions are having their seeding meetings on either Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

By Wildcat

February 8, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Derrick, It seems to me that their is enough going on in GA high School hoops to have more columns or even some coverage on sports radio in the city yet everyone has decided the Hawks, UGA and Tech are the only bball worth covering. i prefer high school to all of those programs why do think they dont cover it more

By kymmy

February 8, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

GO PEBBLEBROOK FALCONS!!!! YOU ARE NUMBER ONE! GOOD LUCK MIAMI, BERNARD, ANTONIO, CHRIS, AND JORDAN! PROVE ALL THOSE NON-BELIEVERS WRONG!

By Scoutoftheyear

February 10, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

DERRICK MAHONE YOU CANT BE SERIOUS.. OK- YES JORDAN DOES HAVE 4 STARTERS BACK FORM LAST YEAR.. BUT CMON NOW.. SOUTH ATLANTA HAS BLOWN EVERY IN-STATE TEAM OUT BY 30 OR MORE.. JORDAN HAS SQUEEZED OUT OF A FEW GAMES AGAINST BUMS- AND THEY PLAY THE WEAKEST SCHEDULE IN AAA..SOUTH ATLANTA IS GONNA DESTROY THEM.. IF THEY MAKE IT TO MACON. JORDAN PLAYED AGAINST BUMS ALLLLLLLLL SEASON NOT ONE TEAM THEY PLAYED WAS CONSIDERED GOOD.. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT.. THE PLAYOFFS ARE HERE NOW.. SO IT’LL ALL SHOW.. I HOPE I CAN SEE YOU @ ONE OF THE GAMES.. SO I CAN COME UP TO YOU AND INTRODUCE MYSELF AS THE GUY THATS GONNA TAKE YOUR JOB.

AND DUNWOODY.. YAWNIN.. YOUR NOT READY AT ALL.. BARELY BEAT THE BLESSED BUMS.. EVEN THO, I DID PREDICT THAT YOU WOULD BEAT THEM.. BUT YALL COULDNT TIE DERRICK FAVORS OR NICK WATKINS SHOES, IF YOU TRIED YOUR BEST.. SOUTH ATLANTA IS A MACHINE. KNOCKED OFF 3 OUT OF 4 NATIONALLY RANKED TEAMS. JUST BE HAPPY WE LIKE YOU GUYS AS A TEAM.

BACK TO YOU DERRICK MAHONE SOUTH ATLANTA HAS BEEN GETTIN “NATIONAL RECOGNITION” FOR A MONTH OR MORE NOW.. I DONT KNOW WHERE IN THE HELL YOU GET 2WEEKS FROM??? I GUESS ITS THOSE THICK AZSS GLASSES..

HOOPSUSA #5 MAXPREPS #8 CALPREPS #11 RIVALS #20 USA TODAY#23

HORNETS!!!!

By MIGHTY TITAN

February 10, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Derrick, I am suprised at your lack of Professionalism. Blessed Bums? Why do we deserve to be called that? We do nothing but play hard, and with average kids, that are about to rock the world of AAA basketball. We are in this for the journey and fully intend to win this region, and then advance in the state. Of course, we’ll get no lover from you. The three former Georgia Clippers (AAU), Cerone, Kopacka , Aquino have awoken and will show there Senior Leadership and Balls! to all Dunwoody, South Atlanta and Jordan. You figure out who they are.!!! Blessed Bums? You disgust me!

By cross%over

February 10, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Hey Derrick and Ernest! be on the look out for Johnson, of Sav. and Savannh high. The region starts Tues. region 3 is on the way to the A.

By Derrick Mahone

February 10, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Mighty Titan You definitely have me mixed up with someone else. I have and would never degrade any team or player on this blog. You might want to read back through here. My comments are in the bold blue.

By CJ

February 10, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Derrick, do you know the order of the games to be played this week. I got the locations okay, just want to know the best way to find out who and when.

By Derrick Mahone

February 10, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

I’m working on getting the schedule for Monday online.

By afan

February 10, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

You know what Scoutoftheyear, why must all your comments have Jordan in it and the NATIONAL RANKINGS or any other rankings, I mean you are talking a little to much anyway. I’m not dissing s. atl are anything, but you just need to talk about s. atl and leave jordan out of your comments unless Jordan plays s. atl.

By MIGHTY TITAN

February 10, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Derrick, Your right. I apologize for the accusation. It was scoutoftheyear making those comments in his remarks to you! Titans are on a course to play South Atlanta in the Semi’s. Should be an historic matchup!

By Ernest

February 11, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this

cross%over:

Thanks for the heads up! I’m looking for the boys from the ‘Sugar City’ to go deep in the playoffs.

Derrick:

Thanks for NOT coming down on me too hard by not reading your first paragraph about the other writers. They say reading is fundamental… :)

BTW, do you or anyone know where bball junkies like myself could find region bracket play from around the state? I appreciate what Derrick provided for Monday but I may need to plan my entire week!

By Scoutoftheyear

February 11, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

JORDAN OR JOKEDAN EITHER WAY THEY’RE BUMS.. COMPARED TO SOUTH ATLANTA SEE YOU IN MACON….

AND YES MIGHTY TITAN… I CALLED THEM THE BLESSED BUMS

HORNETS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Derrick Mahone

February 11, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Ernest Unfortunately we won’t be posting each individual region brackets, but provide a daily schedule. Still trying to track a few of the regions down. I know you are looking at the Region 6-AAAA tournament and your SWD Lady Panthers. The tournament, as you probably know, is at North Springs High. You might want to be their on Wednesday. On the boys size, there are five teams ranked in the top 10. No other region has more than two. If No. 10 Stone Mountain gets past St. Pius today, they have a rematch with No. 8 Marist at 5:30 p.m. with the winner advancing to state. If Mays gets past Washington today, they meet No. 7 Miller Grove at 4 p.m. The teams played Friday with Miller Grove squeaking out a 58-51 win at Mays. The top point guards put on a show as MG’s Mfon Udofia had 26 points and Mays’ Aloys Cabel had 23. They are two of the top underclassmen guards in the state. If you remember last season, upstart Mays upset MG in the quarterfinals to earn a trip to state. Your SWD Lady Panthers don’t play until THursday when they meet the Tucker/Cedar Grove winner. A win puts them in Friday’s semifinals at 7 p.m.

By Will

February 11, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Hey Derrick let us know if you get a schedule for Region 2-AAAAA. I think Stephenson will host the Region, but need to know if play starts Mon or Tue. Thanks.

By Derrick Mahone

February 11, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Will Region 2-AAAAA starts on Tuesday and their schedule will start running on tomorrow or later today. Interesting seeding meeting because there were five coin flips to determine the seeding because everyone had beaten everyone. here were two coin flips on the boys side, one for second and one for 6th. On the girls side there were 3. One for 1st, one for 3rd and one for 7th.

Here are the teams in order and their records. Boys 1. Douglass 11-3, 2. Stephenson 11-3, 3. ML King 11-3, 4. Redan 9-5, 5. Newton 8-6, 6. Luella 3-11, 7. Lithonia 3-11, 8. Union Grove 0-14

Girls 1. Stephenson 12-2, 2. Douglass 12-2, 3. Redan 10-4, 4. Luella 10-4, 5. Union Grove 5-9, 6. ML King 3-11, 7. Lithonia 2-12, 8. Newton 2-12

Should be an interesting fight for the title.

By Jusahfan

February 11, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

That starts Tuesday at 4pm

By H.S B-ball Fan

February 11, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Derrick - I must say that I am impressed with your AAAAA ranking. I know that some are upset that Wheeler is #1, but I feel you defend it well with the ranking is based up to this point. Not to say Norcross might not win state again, but the truth of the matter is that they play in one of the weakest conferences in AAAAA ball and some of their national teams have not been all that (Helen Cox…very overated). Meanwhile, Wheeler has beaten 2 teams in the top 10 McEachern by 9 and Centennial by 29. Norcross is good, but I feel that they are not deep enough to win it all this year. Surprise team since the beginning of the season is Marietta. I’d watch for them to do something special. S. Atlanta fans…don’t get so upset. Prove it during the state tournament and you’ll have the title at the end of the year. That would be better than being ranked #1 on 2/11. Congrats to Marist on a great win over Miller Grove.