Prep Zone

By edubb

February 25, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Its “Show Time” At The Da Brook! I Watched The University Of Columbia Lose There Cool Against The Mountain. The Pirates Played Intense Pressure Defense And An Attacking Offense. Which Made Them Look Beatable. Look Falcon Fans This The Biggest Game On Old Alabama Rd. In Years!!! Lets Bring The Noise And Take Down The Orange And Blue!!!

By J

February 25, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

GO CENTENNIAL!! I’m TIRED of those cheating Norcross teams winning every year! Everybody knows they recruit…oh wait, maybe Nike just WANTS to send all prospective players free stuff…

By Steve

February 25, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

I believe that Centennial will give another close-but-vain performance. Norcross in a close one.

In AAAA boys, I want to see how far the giant-killers of Dacula can go. and whether Monroe Area (23-4) can get to the big dance in AAA girls. The Hurricanes have stumbled against Franklin County for three years in a row at the region 8-AAA title game. I want a rematch!!

The Douglass girls have a LONG road trip to Lowndes after struggling to get past a Newnan team the Astros blew out by 41 in December. Does Douglass have another win in its tank, or has the well run dry>

By Steve

February 25, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

I believe that Centennial will give another close-but-vain performance. Norcross in a close one.

In AAAA boys, I want to see how far the giant-killers of Dacula can go. and whether Monroe Area (23-4) can get to the big dance in AAA girls. The Hurricanes have stumbled against Franklin County for three years in a row at the region 8-AAA title game. I want a rematch!!

The Douglass girls have a LONG road trip to Lowndes after struggling to get past a Newnan team the Astros blew out by 41 in December. Does Douglass have another win in its tank, or has the well run dry?

By Steve

February 25, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

I believe that Centennial will give another close-but-vain performance. Norcross in a close one.

In AAAA boys, I want to see how far the giant-killers of Dacula can go. and whether Monroe Area (23-4) can get to the big dance in AAA girls. The Hurricanes have stumbled against Franklin County for three years in a row at the region 8-AAA title game. I want a rematch!!

The Douglass girls have a LONG road trip to Lowndes after struggling to get past a Newnan team the Astros blew out by 41 in December. Does Douglass have another win in its tank, or has the well run dry?

By Three In A Row

February 25, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Derrick…let’s hear your 5A perdictions for tomorrow night. Here are my predictions.

Norcross by 5 …………………. Marietta by 10 ………………… Savannah by 2 …………………. Douglas by 12 …………………. Wheeler by 10 …………………. Berkmar by 12 …………………. Hiram by 7…………………….. Stephenson by 8 ………………..

By black

February 25, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Good Luck to Lady Social Circle Skins and Lady Monroe Canes in the tourney. We know we don’t get much press because we are small schools that don’t recruit our players. Good luck to you both.

By Keith

February 25, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Where is the Norcross game beign played and at what time tomorrow?

By Devil Lover

February 25, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Norcross/Centennial game starts at 7PM and the doors will be open at 6pm to buy tickets.

By black

February 25, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

I predict an upset in the making. I think there’s enough talent in Ga so teams don’t have to play other states. That’s why team lose in the tournament. Norcross will not repeat!!! They will lose the next game.

By delta five

February 25, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Stephenson, Have a safe trip to Coffee. All 3 and half hours of it. It’s going to be much worse on the way back to Dekalb County because you would have already been destroyed by Coffee.

By delta five

February 25, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

The suprise team will be 1AAAAA Coffee County - Believe it. Just wait and see what happens to Stephenson of Dekalb County. They are going down to COFFEE. The Jaugars will be leaving South Georgia wondering why did we come down here. lol lol lol Let’s go Coffee…. Trojan fan from Stockbridge GA

By Basketball Fan

February 25, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Norcross seems to be peaking while Centennial is struggling. Norcross beat the Ridge by 50 and no. 9 Harrison by 16. Centennial lost to Wheeler by 10 and only beat Meadowcreek by 3 pts who was a 3rd seed with 10 losses.

Norcross also get a home court advantage since they have not lost a game at home in over 4 years.

Norcross by 6 points.

By knights08

February 25, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Centennial lost to Wheeler by 9, not 10 Basketball Fan. And the Knights are not struggling: Meadowcreek is a good team who can hit 3’s like no other and the Knights came back from a 14 point deficit; and since the Knights’ 29 point loss to Wheeler at the beginning of the season they’ve definitely improved—the region 6 championship game could have gone either way.

This rematch is the game of the year! Centennial will win in a close game :] Go Knights!

By Swine the Mad

February 25, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Upset of the tournament (either gender):

Monticello’s girls over Landmark Christian.

The Hurricanes’ record was about break even. They were a #4. Landmark was runner-up last year (and only runner-up because they faltered badly in the fourth quarter), a #1 seed, and had lost two.

Other game of the week (girls):

Southwest (Macon) vs. Hephzibah. Winner probably gets Kendrick. Three top programs right there.

AAA girls is by far the best bracket this year. Hephzibah, Franklin County, East Hall, Southwest Macon, Kendrick, Carrollton, and Glenn Hills for your enjoyment.

By Derrick Mahone

February 25, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Of the 16 teams still left in 5A, I’ve seen 10 of them play live. That’s my disclaimer.

North bracket South Forsyth at Berkmar: Do not much about SF. It seems Berkmar has been winning at the right times. Really Wesley Witherspoon’s game. Would love to see him in either a Memphis or Louisville uniform because he fits that type of system. He can really take over a game. SF seems to be fitting the Cinderella role and David Sokol does a great job. Back-to-back wins over a upstart North Gwinnett and a close loss to Norcross has opened some eyes. The ball might be over, Berkmar by 3

McEachern at Wheeler: When McEachern comes to play they are a dangerous team. Trae Golden gets all the headlines, but Darrius Garrett has flown under the radar. Several college coaches say Richmond got a steal in signing him early. Really like the point guard for the Indians. Talent-wise Wheeler is loaded and McEachern might be the second best overall in talent. If McEachern plays up to full potential, close game, but *Wheeler wins by 6 *.

Northview at Marietta The Blue Devils held it together while Chris Tanzy was out. If he is fully mobile then the Blue Devils are definitely a dangerous bunch. Ralph Sampson III will probably get his, but Marietta will have to limit the rest of the squad. Marietta by 5

Centennial at Norcross The headliner of the second round games. Seems Al-Farouq Aminu will not let the Blue Devils lose. He is having one of those years. Lo Brown is one of the most skilled players in the tournament. When he is undercontrol, the Knights are usually in control. Winning at Norcross is almost impossible, and it is going to be crazy up there tomorrow night. Norcross coach Eddie Martin doesn’t get enough credit for his team being one of the best defensive teams in the state. Most people focus on all the All-Americans. Like last season, it should be a close one, and Norcross comes out on top by 3.

Savannah at Mundy’s Mill What a rematch this should be. Savannah had a chance to win it last month, but its guards rushed it at the end. MM will need another big game from LSU-bound Dennis Harris and Todd Salter. Freshman Adam Smith might be the difference for the Tigers. Williams and Rumph will definitely get theirs, but MM must limited the other Savannah players and again control the boards. Another squeaker, Mundy’s Mill by 1.

Valdosta at Douglass As some might remember, Valdosta coach Rufus McDuffie built a powerhouse at Mitchell-Baker and turned Washington County into a playoff team during his stay in Sandersville. He seems to be having the Wildcats headed in a similar directions. Freshman Jay Rome is the future. Douglass is one of the better passing teams in 5A and an unselfish group. No big superstars for either team. Douglass home gym is a very difficult place for shooting teams. Astros by 8.

Lowndes at Hiram:Hiram’s Stewart Clark and Arsenio Nuckles are two of the highest scoring guard combo in the state. Each has gone over the 1,000 point total for career. Lowndes has been very inconsistent this season. Hiram by 9

Stephenson at Coffee:Will admit that I know very little about Coffee other than they are 20-3. Looking at schedule they have no real impressive wins and a couple losses to lower classification teams. Americus-Sumter was a first loser by 24 and Washington County is still around after a big win over Doughtery. I know Delta Five I’m bias, but Stephenson by 5

By Harry March

February 25, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Monroe Lady Canes don’t want any more of the Franklin Lady Lions… 3 losses in one year is enough…not enough depth on the Lady Canes.

By Swine the Mad

February 25, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Jay Rome barely played Friday against Beach. Rome is quite good. Nice hands, knows what to do with his body.

Despite the success, I’m not entirely sold on McDuffie’s coaching ability. I saw Mitchell-Baker play several times. They were run-and-gun. Good thing that they didn’t need defense most of the time. They didn’t play it. Sure, they’d have a big man every now and then, but their goal was to score. McDuffie wasn’t too keen on playing his bench, either. He won as much by intimidation as he did shooting skill.

I’ve seen Valdosta twice this year.

Rome scored 40/41 and Valdosta scored 80. But they gave up 70 to an AA school that didn’t make state or finish with a winning record.

They were lights-out shooting Friday against Beach. Lots of threes. Beach had no height and lived and died by the 3-point sword themselves. Mostly, they died by it. They would have a short run and the ‘Cats would answer.

As mentioned, Rome didn’t play much. It wasn’t foul trouble or injury. There may be something more brewing in Valdosta.

By Steve

February 25, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Three losses or no, Monroe Area won’t back down from anyone, period. True enough, Franklin County has been a force in the region for a while, but you won’t find anyone in Purple & White who doesn’t want another shot at the Lady Lions!!

By l

February 25, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

What about the fellows from Jonesboro, going to Statesboro. Once again the Cardinals don’t get the props that they deserve. And, no one ever mentions them when it comes to winning games or how good Brandon Hosley is at shooting 3’s or how quick Antonio Bell is at the point. Give the Cardinals their props.

By Three In A Row

February 25, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

So Derrick, you think that Norcross will only win by the same margin, 3 pts, as Meadowcreek did against Centennial and it was at Centennial? I guess I don’t understand your logic. Now Centennial is playing at Norcross after two good Norcross wins while Centennial was beaten by Wheeler and almost beaten by Meadowcreek. Plese explain your basis for your opinion?

By Walter

February 25, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

I strongly believe Douglass boys and girls are going to shock everyone in the state of Georgia in the end.

By StMomma6

February 25, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Three in a Row - When it comes to State Play/off playing, the stakes are higher and teams play at a higher level, so I can see the Norcross-Centennial game being a close one. However, I hope the Devils play their game and after the first half put the petal to the metal and take off and spank Centennial like they did to Peachtree Ridge. If their defense is on they will win, if they can run the ball all night, they will win, if Jones is hitting his three point shot, they will win. To be cont…….

By StMomma6

February 25, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Three in a Row - When it comes to State Play/off playing, the stakes are higher and teams play at a higher level, so I can see the Norcross-Centennial game being a close one. However, I hope the Devils play their game and after the first half put the petal to the metal and take off and spank Centennial like they did to Peachtree Ridge. If their defense is on they will win, if they can run the ball all night, they will win, if Jones is hitting his three point shot, they will win. To be cont…….

By StMomma6

February 25, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Three in a Row - When it comes to State Play/off playing, the stakes are higher and teams play at a higher level, so I can see the Norcross-Centennial game being a close one. However, I hope the Devils play their game and after the first half put the petal to the metal and take off and spank Centennial like they did to Peachtree Ridge. If their defense is on they will win, if they can run the ball all night, they will win, if Jones is hitting his three point shot, they will win. To be cont…….

By Robert

February 26, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

First Norcross will not not run all night on Centennial-if wheeler(better team) couldn’t do it Norcross definitly can’t do it-furthermore if Norcross game plan is dependent on running game they are in trouble from start-also watch Johnson defense on Al-Farouq

By Will

February 26, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Valdosta Wildcats I hope you’re ready for none stop action as you visit the Astros. After that long bus ride, if you can’t withstand constant in your face defensive pressure and fast break action you won’t survive. By the way, your roster is rather young, only 3 seniors. Plenty of experience on our roster with 9 seniors who are ready to shock the world. Also let’s go Lady Astros as the journey to Lowndes Wed.

By hoop planet

February 26, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

i like dunwoody over franklin co. tonight

By do your homework first

February 26, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

People who know Norcross basketball know that the Devils have not lost a home game in more than 5 seasons now. Its not going to start tonight, against those North Fulton boys. If Helen-Cox and other top national schools the past 2 years couldn’t do it, I can assure you CHS won’t do it.

And don’t expect it to be close either… Norcross 65 CHS 50

By Josh

February 26, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Dunwoody has a chance on winning State “why not ‘they have the KEY ingredient GRAYSON Delwon and Chris Singleton Professional balers they are always ready, focus and play great defense and Chris seems to be the favorite With the press and AJC, you’ll need to show more love to Grayson and Delwon without these three (3-0 you might as well forget a true Win Stars are made THESE ARE YOUR STARS

I am ALSO upset with the lack of voting from the school, My Boy Delwan was nominated for Best Dunk and No one from the school seem to be voting, Please students and parents you have got to Represent and encourage your players, I am just a Fan and stay in this paper giving them love not only as a fan but I travel an Hours to see them play when I can, if I can you can. I also favor Norcross they do have a good team.

By jeff

February 26, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know the starting time at Wheeler tonight?

By kennyg

February 26, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Centennial will get a beat-down tonight…..jes sayin’!

By jeff

February 26, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

I AM WITH YOU ON DUNWOODY THEY ARE A GREAT TEAM WITH GREAT STARTERS, I JUST WORRY ABOUT THE PLAYERS FOCUS AND DEFENSE BUT LIKE YOU JOSH MY FAVORITE IS GRAYSON. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANYONE WHO CAN HANDLE A BALL LIKE THAT KID HE IS SO QUICK. DUNWOODY HAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TALENT ON THEIR SQUAD.

By bwash21

February 26, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

They’ve been preselling tickets at the schools all day for Norcross/Centennial game. Only 2500 tickets are available and already Centennial was nearly sold out of their allotment of 450. There are probably going to be about 1500 available when they are offered at 6pm. Should be a wild one tonight!

By jimmy

February 26, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

chis singlton is a move in and lives with the coach can you say Ilegal

By CHS #19

February 26, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

LETS GO!!!! Pebblebook is going down!! Yall have no chance against the big orange and blue.. Travis Leslie will drop 26 and the diesel Darius Morrow(6’9) will drop 20 and 15 rebounds.. Not to mention we have a powerful bench and two sophmores, Jazzmon Major 6’5 and Jershon Cobb 6’5 who can drop 20 any given night from the 2 position.. coach Mccary is not going to let us lose and when dem columbia boys come through Pebblebook, like the other 28 teams we beat yall will be packing it up and watching us on t.v in gwinett arena. CHS!! ~Eagles Fly High~

By Wickaldo

February 26, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

23 - 22 norcross at the half.

By Sherman

February 26, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Astros Advanced! Douglass 61, Valdosta 50.

By bwash21

February 26, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Norcross wins big

By bwash21

February 26, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Norcross wins big

By Sharon Darley

February 26, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

The Savannah High Blue Jackets, not Yellow Jackets.

By 1996 Blue Jacket

February 26, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Dude those JACKETS from Savannah aren’t yellow, they are BLUE. Mundy’s Mill got pounded. They one the first game because Savannah was playing the second of a back-to-back on the road 280 miles worth of road. The better team won. Back to the Coast, bring it on Douglass.

By do your homework

February 26, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

PLEASE REFER TO MY PREDICTION AT 11:17 AM THIS MORNING. AS I PREDICTED, NORCROSS BY 15 PTS. MISSED THE EXACT SCORE BY JUST A FEW POINTS.

If you want to win at Norcross’ gym, you better come correct for all 32 minutes..not for 16 minutes

By James

February 27, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

As a former student of Mundy Mills I want to thank Savannah High for the beat down they gave Mundy last night. Mundy thought they were all that when they beat savannah the first meeting but Savannah had a tough game the night before and had to travel to Mundy tired and with very little rest. I hope Mundy take the rest of the year and teach their staff and students not to be fore losers and start fights after getting a beat down. That’s why I had to leave ghetto faboulus. I am now a Blue Devil.

By Greg

February 27, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

I am a Wheeler fan but the Savannah High Mundy Mills was a good one. Savannah beat the pants off Mundy. However I don’t believe that Savannah can win the big dance. Their front line with no. 44, 04. and no. 32 off the bench is too small to deal with the size on Wheeler and Norcross’s team. Number 4 was opened at least 6 times about 6 feet from the basket but wouldn’t shoot it. Instead he drove to the bvasket and got charge called against him. You can’t don that against the big lines at Wheeler and Norcross. No. 00 is about 6 3” or so small but can play but have not help play and Both teams will have to play to lost to Savannah High. Johnson of Savannah was the only team down there able to match the size and they were upset in the first round. Oh by the way Ernest Johnson of Savannah had a good team but couldn’t deliver. They are now washed up for a least 5 years. The only returnee who can play is number 5 and if he is smart he will transfer to a private school orf something because he will be on a loosing teams for his last 2 years.

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

NORTH BRACKET

at Mount Zion High in Jonesboro Friday 7 p.m. Marietta/Sprayberry winner vs. Mill Creek/Berkmar winner 8:30 p.m. Berkmar vs. Wheeler

at Marietta Friday 7 p.m. Parkview/PRidge winner vs. Chattahoochee/Duluth winner 8:30 p.m. Northview vs. Norcross

By Wheeler Balling

February 27, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Wheeler is gonna win this thing. I am so glad that Savannah High beat the breaks off Munday Mills. And everybody is right. Those Mundy Mills people treat everyone bad who comes in their gym and is ghetto including the principal and her staff. It don’t matter if you come from Savannah or not. They are sore losers and to try to start fights with Savannah High was riduculus. I bet they won’t come to our gym with that mess because they know we will handle our businness if you know what I mean. I know what happened because my friend who went to the game told me. Sore loosers, Sore loosers, Sore loosers.
Shame on you Mundy Mills.

By 2 Atomsmashers

February 27, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

I go to Johnson High in Savannah who was upsetted as usual in the first round even though they have a lot of talent. Ther earlier writer was right. Johnson is finished for the next 5 or 6 years to rebuild and no. 5 whose name is Jareal needs to go to a private school or somewhere else if he got any brains. Who is gonna come to a school to recruit players when their team is loosing all the time. I don’t play ball but I am leaving too cause I can’t take losing basketball games for the next 5 years and I just threw my orange basketball booster shirt in trash. People in the Seaport are right. Savannah High and Beach rules basketball in Savannah and has been for years. Even the players on the bench get scholarships. I know because my uncle who played for the Blue Jackets in 1996 got one and he was only a sixth man and not a starter.

By Sad Beach Bulldog

February 27, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

I am a 1972 graduate of Beach High in Savannah. I am goning to do the right thing and support Savannah High in the elite eight this weekend and hope everyone in Savannah come and do it too. Savannah High is the only boys team left in this area and if you school was sorry like mine and didn’t make it come out and support the city school who did and help them win. As for Douglas and Wheeler and Norcross just because you are a bigger team don’t make you the best team. My wife of 17 years told me that bigger ain’t always better and that is why she ain’t left me yet. If Savannah High make you run you will have trouble with them but I will admit you will probably beat them in the half court. My grandson who is a freshmen at Johnson will be a bulldog next year or a Blue jacket because he don’t want to be on a losing team for the next 4 years and Jareal who plays for them will be foolish to stay. Your other writers are right on. He needs to GO. The way Beach is looking right now my grandson might need to go to the High. Also smashers, my grandson don’t want me to say until the end of the school year but I can’t help it. He is using his basketball shirt to clean his scooter because he is ashamed to wear it. Go Savannah High and beat Douglas You can do it. Douglas don’t get c** like Mundy Mills because those Blue Jackets at the High will sting you. Ask the Beach Bulldogs, the Johnson Atomsmashers, the Groves Rebel, the Jenkins Warriors, and the Winsor Kights all of Savannah. But best of all ask the nasty acting people at Mundy Mills. The jackets sent them hom and may do the same to you.

By Mike

February 28, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

Savannah High has to get past Douglass first so quit thinking about Norcross and Wheeler. You can believe that when we come to town Saturday we will make Savanah High wish they never had to play us. Douglass rules.

By Windsor Knight

February 28, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Congatulations to Savannah High. I will be at SSU to support them against Douglas and hope everyone for the other schools do the same. As for Douglas and all the other school in Atlanta keep on taking the High lightly if you want to. They can play even though they are small. to Jareal at Johnson. These people are right Johnson is done for the next 5 years and will be rebuilding and you will be a fool to stay there. Wanna be a knight?

By Atl

February 28, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Savannah High is going to get the same thing done to them they did to Mundy Mills. Douglass if for real and everybody on the team can play not just three people like Savannah High. Douglas, Norcorss, or Wheeler will do Savannh in. They don’t have a chance and their defense is weak. We at Douglas got players who run like race car drivers. Savannah High won’t be able to keep up with them. You are out of gas Savannah High.

By Christian

February 28, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

All this talk about AAAAA, so i thought i’d add in some AAAA information. I have my two championship teams picked for many reasons. Fayette County on one side of the brackett. Now i know that their nine losses do not look all that intimidating, but keep in mind that three of those losses were to the number one team, two of them by 5 points. After losing to the number 1 team in the region chamionship, this team has played with a vengence, taking out everyone in their path. Noel Johnson the nationally ranked junior has really stepped up his game along with Cuincy corruthers, Brandon Boykin, Terrance Turner,and junior Addison Flynn. This is a state championship team. Now on the other side of the brackett im going with Westlake. They have unbelievable size and talent on the front line. And with Raymond Willis coming in from Tampa playing amazing basketball, these guys are just about unstoppable. Now do you remember me referring to the number 1 team earlier in my post? That team was Westlake. So yes i’m seeing FCHS and WHS in the state championship. Fayette nips them by 3.