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March 2008
Today’s state champs enjoy numerous college football opportunities
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve been doing some research on state champions through Georgia football history, looking at their starting lineups and the number of their players that went on to play college football. It’s a long project that I might never finish, but it’s been fascinating so far.
One thing’s for sure: Today’s top players have more college opportunities than they used to. Buford’s 2007 team will send 17 of its 24 starters to college football, although many will be preferred walk-ons, such as QB Twoey Hosch (Georgia).
In 2003, 18 of Buford’s 24 starting positions were manned by college signees, and 13 of those went Division 1-A, led by RB Darius Walker (Notre Dame). That’s pretty remarkable for a Class AA school.
I think the state champion I’ve found with the most impressive list of college players is 1985 Clarke Central. Clarke sent 19 of 24 starters to college ball (keeping in mind that I’m counting two-way starters twice).
That doesn’t include FB David Perno, who played baseball at Georgia and now coaches there. It does include TE Derek Dooley (Virginia), C Kent Jordan (N.C. State), QB Robbie Kamerschen (Stanford), FL Carl Platt (South Carolina), LB Doug Brewster (Clemson), LB Reggie Parrott (Ole Miss), PK John Kasay (Georgia) and freshman P Adrian Jarrell (Notre Dame).
Another interesting team was Southwest DeKalb’s 1995 state champs with Quincy Carter. Of 24 starters, 15 played college football, and two — Terrance Trammell and Angelo Taylor — ran in the Olympics as sprinters. They never played college football.
In 2002, Parkview’s third state champion sent 14 of 24 to college football, and 10 played Division 1-A, including linemen Zeb McKenzey (UGA), Brandon Pilgrim (Clemson) and David Overmyer (FSU).
And finally, there was 1949 Brown. Seven of the 11 starters (all played both ways) signed with Georgia Tech and helped launch Tech’s glory days of the 1950s. Tops among those were QB Pepper Rodgers and FB Johnny Hunsinger. Imagine lining up against a starting 11 with seven blue-chip recruits, all seniors.
Below are Georgia’s 2007 state champs and the number of starting positions held by college signees:
• Lowndes (6) — CB Kelly Dawsey (Western Michigan) and RB Darriet Perry (Florida International) signed with Division 1-A schools. Lowndes had a nice group of underclassmen, headed by Florida commitment Greg Reid, a CB and WB. Lowndes sends a high number of players to college (17 of 24 starters from the 2005 team), but the number of its major Division 1-A signees is not remarkable. Same with Northside, below.
• Northside-Warner Robins (10) — No Division 1-A signees yet, but Abry Jones and Eric Fields, both junior defensive linemen, will change that. They will be the only Division 1-A signees from Northside’s dominant 2006 state champs, and they were sophomores then, proving that it’s not the 5-star recruits that win state titles, but the depth of talent and the total team effort.
• Carver-Columbus (10) — The 2007 Carver team should rank highly in history due to its 15-0 record and numerous signees, including WR Jarmon Fortson (Florida State), QB DeRon Furr and junior LB Jarvis Jones (high D-1 prospect). Carver had 10 of 24 starting positions filled by college signees, and 11 other positions filled by junior or sophomores, so that list will grow.
• Buford (17) — Of Buford’s 24 starters, 17 will play college football next season, although five of the players (covering six positions) will be walk-ons. LB T.J. Pridemore (Florida), WR Melvin Harris (Ole Miss) and DT Omar Hunter (Florida) are the top signees.
• ECI (2) — Only LaCollie Gordon (Valdosta State) and OL Chad Turner (Appalachian State) signed from ECI’s 15-0 team, but the junior class is phenomenal with RB Washaun Ealey and LB Dexter Moody (both Georgia commits) and DL J.C. Lanier (Georgia Tech). It’s rare, but not unique, to have this many major D-1 recruits on a Class A team. Charlton County had four in 1999 — Marquis Elmore (UGA), Bama Adams (UGA), Brandon Drury (Wake Forest) and Muhammad Abdullah (Kentucky).
Kick off the debate: What team or teams do you remember with a long list of college signees? If it’s a state champion, Todd might already have a little info on them.
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Georgia High School Baseball Blog
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
UPDATED April 1 - 10:35 a.m.
Hot Hoyas going strong
Only one team in Class AAAAA remains unbeaten after the season’s first month — Harrison is 14-0.
The Hoyas have six hitters averaging .375 or better and five pitchers with at least two victories. At the forefront is speedster Jamal Austin (.390 average, 10 stolen bases), and David Chabucos and Davis Hamby have teamed to knock in 26 runs to help Harrison average nearly eight runs per game. The pitching staff has five shutouts, led by Matt Graef (1.17 ERA) and Chabucos (16 strikeouts, two walks), who are each 4-0.
Bat on the ball
Three hitters who are enjoying super hot seasons:
• John Roberts, senior catcher, South Effingham — The Mustangs are 3-0 in Region 3-AAA, and Roberts is a big reason, with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs through 14 games.
• Corey Davis, junior first baseman, Coffee — Davis is hitting .850, and his eight home runs and 28 RBIs have helped the Trojans to an 11-3 start and a 4-0 mark in Region 1-AAAAA.
• Shaun Ball (shortstop) and Justin Carruth (outfielder), seniors, Ridgeland — These left-handed wizards have sparkled at the plate. Ball is hitting .630 with 19 RBIs, and Carruth, who has gotten on base more than 80 percent of the time, is hitting .650 with 17 RBIs.
AJC Top 10*
An all-classification look at the state:
1. Brookwood (1) — Broncos have won five straight since loss to McEachern.
2. Harrison (5) — Pitching staff has surrendered one run in last five games.
3. Greenbrier (3) — Wolfpack 5-0 in Region 3-AAAA after Monday’s thumping of Richmond Academy.
4. Columbus (4) — Bounced back from Brookwood loss with eighth straight Region 2-AAA victory.
5. Walton (2) — Defending Class AAAAA champs have slumped lately, dropping consecutive shutouts before Monday’s victory against Sprayberry.
6. Holy Innocents’ (6) — Golden Bears are 5-0 in Region 6-AA; surprising Creekview and Buford next.
7. Heritage (7) — Twelve straight victories after 0-2 start.
8. East Paulding (8) — Staff has allowed two runs per game in 12-1 start.
9. Valdosta (9) — Wildcats are 11-1 and 5-0 in Region 1-AAAAA.
T10. South Effingham (10) — Roberts’ 10 homeruns and 32 RBIs lead a potent offense averaging 10.7 runs per game.
T-10. Parkview (NR) — Eight straight, with victories against Columbus, Greenbrier and Cartersville.
*(Last week’s rankings in parenthesis)
Squeeze bunts
McIntosh cruised to victories against Fayette County, 20-0, and Riverdale, 13-4, behind Andrew Austin (4-for-5, home run, eight RBIs in the two games) and David Pauley (4-for-4, four RBIs vs. Fayette; 3 IP, 3K, 0 runs vs. Riverdale). … University of Georgia-bound Chase Hawkins is 5-0 with 39 strikeouts and three walks in 29 innings pitched for AJC No. 1 Brookwood. … Jonesboro is 55-for-55 as a team in stolen bases, led by Logan Morrison (19-for-19) and Antonio Allen (17-for-17).
Make your pitch: YOU rank our rankings and shout out your fave teams. Blog with Kurt. Hardball is the place to talk high school baseball on ajc.com.
Step up to the plate: We post scores as they become available, but if you’ve got the scoop, please feel free to post scores, recaps and highlights. Thanks. Hardball is the place to talk high school baseball on ajc.com.
Monday’s Scores
Chattahoochee 10, Bay (FL) 2
Creekside 14, Banneker 7
Dawson County 6, Banks County 4
Druid Hills 11, South Oldham (KY) 5
Dutchtown 5, Westside-Macon 2
East Jackson 5, Fannin County 4
Forest Park 2, Mt. Zion-Jonesboro 1
Gainesville 8, Pickens 1
Georgia Military 6, Johnson County 0
Grayson 6, Central Gwinnett 5
Hiram 6, Newnan 4
Hiram 5, Paulding County 4
Jackson County 5, Dacula 0
Kendrick 10, Jordan 2
Loganville 5, Salem 2
Marist 4, Greenbrier 3
Mill Creek 11, Norcross 6
North Gwinnett 4, South Forsyth 3
Northgate 8, Westlake 2
Rome 1, Dalton 0
Shaw 13, Troup 7
Shiloh 3, Berkmar 0
Stephens County 4, Oconee County 3
Thomson 2, Burke County 0
Toombs County 8, Pierce County 6
Union County 6, Rabun County 5
Walker 14, Pace Academy 0
Wilkinson County 13, Central-Macon 6
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AJC 2008 Boys All-State Georgia High School Basketball Team
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
RELATED LINKS
• Ms. Basketball: Anne Marie Armstrong
• Girls all-state team
2008 Boys All-State Basketball Team
Editor’s Note: Centennial’s Lorenzo Brown was unintentionally omitted from the original AAAAA list. He has been added. We regret the error.
Class AAAAA
Player of the year: DeQuan Jones, Wheeler
Coach of the year: Eddie Martin, Norcross
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Al-Farouq Aminu Norcross 6-8 Sr.
DeQuan Jones Wheeler 6-6 Sr.
Kenny Hall Redan 6-9 Jr.
Ebuka Anyaorah N. Gwinnett 6-3 Sr.
Wesley Witherspoon Berkmar 6-8 Sr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Richard Howell Wheeler 6-8 Jr.
Trae Golden McEachern 6-2 So.
Kevin Williams Savannah 5-11 Sr.
William Tolefree Stephenson 6-7 Sr.
Toby Veal Johnson-Sav. 6-8 Sr.
Honorable mention: Devonta White, Cent. Gwinnett; Derrick Spear, Douglass; Julian Royal, Milton; J.C. Ward, Marietta; Darrius Garrett, McEachern; Teondre Williams, Meadowcreek; Ralph Sampson III, Northview; Taariq Muhammad, Norcross; Yaw Gyawu, Parkview; Glen Rice Jr., Walton; Dennis Harris, Mundy’s Mill; Chris Tanzy, Marietta; Jaren Bynes, Campbell; Arsenio Nuckles, Hiram; Matt Sundberg, Harrison; Lorenzo Brown, Centennial.
Class AAAA
Player of the year: Travis Leslie, Columbia
Coach of the year: Phil McCrary, Columbia
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Raymond Willis Westlake 6-7 Sr.
Travis Leslie Columbia 6-6 Sr.
Mfon Udofia Miller Grove 6-3 Jr.
Noel Johnson Fayette Co. 6-7 Jr.
Tony Woods Rome 6-10 Sr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Darrius Morrow Columbia 6-9 Sr.
Manny Atkins Tucker 6-6 Jr.
Devoron Ashmon Lithia Springs 5-11 Sr.
Chris Beasley Pebblebrook 5-10 Sr.
Shalamar Tresevant Stone Mtn. 5-10 Sr.
Honorable mention: Justin Rush, Dacula; Aloys Cabrel, Mays; Andre Malone, North Clayton; Demetrius Mickens, Thomas Co. Cent.; Rashad Hassan, Riverdale; Kenny Mitchell, Columbia; Antonio Bell, Jonesboro; Shawn Kemp, Cherokee; Kenny Mitchell, Columbia; Brandon Boykin, Fayette Co.; Stephen Hill, Miller Grove; Rico Spear, Osborne; Gideon Gamble, Westlake; J.J. Mann, Marist; Darius Baugh, Hillgrove.
Class AAA
Player of the year: Derrick Favors, South Atlanta
Coach of the year: Richard Wallace, Glenn Hills
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Jarvis Jones Carver-Col. 6-4 Jr.
Jerel Stephenson Glenn Hills 6-4 Sr.
Brian Bryant Dougherty 6-1 Sr.
Chris Singleton Dunwoody 6-9 Sr.
Derrick Favors South Atlanta 6-9 Jr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Chris Reynolds Glenn Hills 6-4 Sr.
Delwan Graham Dunwoody 6-6 Sr.
Kenneth Wise East Hall 6-4 Sr.
Terrance Shannon Mary Persons 6-7 Jr.
Terrance Hill Jordan 6-1 Sr.
Honorable mention: Matthew Brabham, Cent.-Macon; Steve Peterson, Jordan; Izaan Cross, Flowery Branch; Demario Mayfield, Franklin Co.; Chris Edwards, Westover; Marcos Knight, West Laurens; Hugh Robertson, NE-Macon; Jordan Callahan, Blessed Trinity; Parker Smith, Chestatee; Brandon O’Brien, Chamblee; Issiah Grayson, Dunwoody; Terrence Bowman, Cairo; Blake Brewer, Sandy Creek; Nick Watkins, South Atlanta; Jordan McRae, Liberty Co.
Class AA
Player of the year: Howard Thompkins, Wesleyan
Coach of the year: Skip Matherly, Wesleyan
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Tony Mitchell Swainsboro 6-7 Sr.
Dexter Ellington Randolph-Clay 5-10 Sr.
Rashad Smith Dublin 5-10 Jr.
Howard Thompkins Wesleyan 6-8 Sr.
Jimmy Williams Jr. East Laurens 6-3 Sr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Tanner Smith Wesleyan 6-5 Sr.
Tyshawn Good Darlington 6-0 Jr.
Ken Taylor East Laurens 6-5 Sr.
Jimmy Bacon Long Co. 6-4 Jr.
Alex Elam Lovett 5-10 Sr.
Honorable mention: Brett Johnson, GAC; Wendell Williams, Appling Co.; Tyler Arnold, Calhoun; DeAndre Johnson, Randolph-Clay; Patrick Myers, Josey; Harold Doby, Laney; Zuri James, Pace; Jimmy Bacon, Long Co.; Corey Spraggins, Decatur; Andre Hicks, Lovett; Zach Cook, Dawson Co.; Leonard McKellar, Macon Co.; Lucious Stewart, Washington-Wilkes; Justin Wilcox, Wilcox Co.; Taylor Metzger, GAC.
Class A
Player of the year: Kammon Holsey, Hancock Cent.
Coach of the year: Anthony Webb, Hancock Cent.
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
David Buchannon Portal 6-2 Sr.
Demetris Ewing Turner Co. 6-5 Sr.
Quintravis Benjamin Terrell Co. 6-3 Sr.
Joel Lamb SACA 6-7 Sr.
Kammon Holsey Hancock Cent. 6-8 Jr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Justin Udi Hawkinsville 6-3 Sr.
Dorian Smith SACA 6-3 Sr.
Brandon Reed Whitefield Acad. 6-3 Jr.
Jamaal Day Wilkinson Co. 6-3 Sr.
Jalen Kendricks SACA 6-6 So.
Honorable mention: Marquis Jackson, Turner Co.; Tray Pearce, Turner Co.; Nasheed Muhammad, W.D. Mohammed; Cameron Baskerville, Whitefield Acad.; James Wilber, Galloway; Joe Chase, Greenforest Chr.; Tyler Blackman, Excel Chr.; Daley Strafford, Calhoun Co.; Jacovi White, Chattahoochee Co.; Tyler Blackman, Excel Chr.; Grayson Chambers, Gordon Lee; Trey Bates, ELCA; Mike Tankersley, ELCA; Mohamed Tarawally, Atlanta Int’l.; Milton Whipple, Wilkinson Co.
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AJC 2008 Girls All-State Georgia High School Basketball Team
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
RELATED LINKS
• Ms. Basketball: Anne Marie Armstrong
• Boys all-state team
2008 Girls All-State Basketball Team
Class AAAAA
Player of the year: Jylisa Williams, Stephenson
Coach of the year: Dennis Watkins, Stephenson
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Khaalida Miller Douglass 5-8 So.
Alicia Manning Etowah 6-1 Sr.
Telia McCall Marietta 6-2 Jr.
Jylisa Williams Stephenson 6-2 Sr.
Porsha Porter Mill Creek 5-5 Sr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Taylor Turnbow Stephenson 6-2 Sr.
Morgan Jennings Douglass 5-8 Sr.
Shaniqua Pauldo Luella 6-4 Sr.
Alisha Andrews Redan 5-2 So.
Lindsay Welker Tift Co. 6-2 Sr.
Honorable mention: Tyra Smith, Berkmar; Mykala Walker, Duluth; Lindsey Mason, Etowah; Brittney Echols, Marietta; Kyra Crosby, McEachern; Nia Evans,Redan; Sczeny Hartry, Parkview; Katie Fitzgerald, Camden Co.; Dria David, Cent. Gwinnett; Daphne Adebayo, Duluth; Christie Leverette, Marietta; Moneshia Simmons, Mill Creek; Tonia Williams, Houston Co.; Yasheeka Jones, Stephenson; Jasmine Blain, North Cobb.
Class AAAA
Player of the year: Charenee Stephens, SW DeKalb
Coach of the year: Kathy Richey-Walton, SW DeKalb
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Tamika Willis Westlake 6-2 Jr.
Brittni Johnson Clarke Cen. 5-4 Sr.
Tessah Holt Fayette Co. 5-6 Sr.
Courtney Freeman Madison Co. 5-10 Jr.
Charenee Stephens SW DeKalb 6-2 Sr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Eboni Mitchell SW DeKalb 5-7 Sr.
Courtney Hurt Salem 6-0 Sr.
Monette Bennett Statesboro 5-10 Sr.
Sade Means Mays 5-10 Sr.
Fraderica Miller Marist 5-9 Sr.
Honorable mention: Abril Peeples, Americus-Sumter; Sharon Swanson, Cherokee; Jalissa Dawson, Baldwin; Tai Brown, Northside-Warner Robins; Amma Onyeuku, Fayette Co.; Chelcey Farrar, Hillgrove; Latia Williams, North Clayton; Kendra Long, Mays; Zaikia Dawson, Bainbridge; Krystal Wells, Douglas Co.; Tiawanna Allen, Madison Co.; Tanisha Woodard, Rome; Shay Jackson, Osborne; Krista Tate, St. Pius; Sharnea Boykin, Westlake.
Class AAA
Player of the year: Janae McKinney, Kendrick
Coach of the year: Sterling Hicks, Kendrick
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Janae McKinney Kendrick 5-6 Sr.
Jasmine Judge Hephzibah 5-6 Sr.
Parrisha Simmons SW-Macon 6-2 Sr.
Velicia Bell Carrollton 5-5 Sr.
Ciara Lyons Glenn Hills 5-9 Sr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Mukia Myrick Kendrick 5-6 Sr.
Metra Walthour Liberty Co. 5-7 Sr.
Karisma Boykin Carrollton 5-7 Jr.
Brittany Kirkland Monroe Area 5-7 Sr.
Sada Wheeler East Hall 6-2 Sr.
Honorable mention: Aarika Judge, Hephzibah; Ashley Holt, Cairo; Tiffany Anderson, Dougherty; Beneidra Colbert, Mary Persons; Kelly Ellison, Hardaway; Dominique Gilbert, Monroe-Albany; Ashley Harris, Franklin Co.; Jaymee Carnes, Gainesville; Laquanisha Adams, Liberty Co.; Cortney Green, NE-Macon; Morgan Toles, Sandy Creek; Colleen Bauer, Blessed Trinity; Madeline Teissler, Dunwoody; Jessica Morton, Glenn Hills; Dee Gober, Monroe Area.
Class AA
Player of the year: Destiny Mitchell, Randolph-Clay
Coach of the year: Jan Azar, Wesleyan
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Anne Marie Armstrong Wesleyan 6-2 Jr.
Briana Jordan GAC 5-8 So.
Destiny Mitchell Rand-Clay 5-9 So.
Porschia Hadley Macon Co. 6-3 Jr.
Glentrice Sapp Laney 6-1 Jr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Blanche Alverson Buford 6-3 Jr.
Kiara Smith Model 5-8 Sr.
Robyn Foster Coosa 5-4 Sr.
Erin Hall Wesleyan 5-9 So.
Kaci Palmore Paideia 6-0 Sr.
Honorable mention: Chaney Means, GAC; Aneesah Daniels, Paideia; Shekinah Henry, Vidalia; Amber Satterfield, Fannin Co.; Ty Johnson, Laney; Tahitia Butler, Dodge Co.; Rodnisha Walker, Dodge Co.; Courtney Saunds, MCA; Allyson Faircloth, Savannah Chr.; Precious Peak, Rand-Clay; Breanna Bradley, Rutland; Michelle Ivey, Pace; Ieshia Alexander, Coosa; Andrienne Terrell, Decatur; Lyndsey Choate, Model.
Class A
Player of the year: Monshay Thomas, Terrell Co.
Coach of the year: Jackie Hamilton, Calvary Day
First team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Monshay Thomas Terrell Co. 5-8 Sr.
Kori Penland Gordon Lee 5-8 Sr.
La’Tanya Scott SACA 5-11 Sr.
Nikki Winn Towns Co. 5-6 Jr.
Diamond Hunnicutt Landmark 5-10 Sr.
Second team
Player School Ht. Yr.
Katie Covington Calvary Day 5-9 Jr.
Jasmine Birdsong Hancock Cent. 5-10 Sr.
Precious Friend SACA 5-7 Sr.
Briana Brown SACA 5-6 Sr.
Madison Scott Atl. Int’l. 6-2 So.
Honorable mention: Ykeshia Baker, Hawkinsville; Mimi DuBose, Jefferson; Dee Terrell, Landmark Chr.; Katherine Dotson, Sav. Country Day; Shayhlia Jester, Terrell Co.; Brittany Edward, Turner Co.; Shaniqua Holston, Taylor Co.; Brittany Standifer, Monticello; Brittany White, Trion; Amanda Irwin, Towns Co.; Joel’L Chr., Landmark Chr.; Julia Echols, ELCA; Bailey Swyden, Fellowship Chr.; Kierra Collier, Hawkinsville; Ashley Lillie, Athens Chr.
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Spring Sports Galleria: Soccer, track, golf, tennis, lacrosse scores
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
UPDATE: April 15, 2008
Spring Sports Rankings
While the AJC isn’t currently ranking spring sports other than baseball, we’re dedicated to keeping you informed about the state rankings that are available. DiVarsity.com lists class-by-class rankings, tallied from Georgia high school coaches, for your favorite spring sports.
Soccer: Boys • Girls • Track: Boys • Girls
Lacrosse: Boys • Girls • Tennis: Boys • Girls • Golf: Boys • Girls
Thursday’s Scores
Girls Lacrosse
Milton 20, Marist 8
Walton 18, Woodstock 3
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Updated Daily Scores plus Kurt’s analysis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Step up to the plate: Pitch YOUR all-class Top 10 Kurt’s way. Hardball is the place to talk high school baseball on ajc.com. We’ll be posting scores as they become available, but if you’ve got the scoop, please feel free to post scores, recaps and highlights. Thanks.
Thursday’s Scores
Hebron Christian 10, Towns County 3
Holy Innocents’ 17, Pace Academy 2
Turner County 13, Dooly County 1
Jefferson 10, Lakeview Academy 3
Mt. Paran 9, Whitefield Academy 0
Providence Christian 15, Our Lady of Mercy 0
Turner County 13, Dooly County 1
Whitewater 22, Westlake 3
Surprise, surprise
Perhaps Hebron Christian has the best story of a handful of surprise starts throughout the state. The Lions, 7-2, already have won more games this season than in any of the four previous seasons and are being led by players of all ages. Sophomore Jamie Holt is 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA; freshman Danny Lockhart, son of former Braves infielder Keith Lockhart, has driven in 11 runs and is hitting .500. Senior Bobby Cole, a Presbyterian College signee, is also hitting .500 with 15 RBIs.
Other surprise starts
• Mundy’s Mill: Just a 2-1 loss to Redan from being unbeaten, the Tigers (8-1) might be the class of Region 4-AAAAA.
• Miller Grove: Last year’s finish (lost nine of last 10) and overall record (6-20) a distant memory during 7-2 start.
• Montgomery County: The Eagles missed the Class A playoffs last season but are 8-0 so far in 2008.
AJC All-Class Top 10
1. Brookwood (9-1): The Broncos already have picked up victories against Walton, Greenbrier, Kennesaw Mountain and two victories against Cartersville.
2. Walton (7-2): Spenser Kieboom is hitting .545 with six home runs and 15 RBIs to lead defending Class AAAAA champs.
3. Greenbrier (11-2): Consecutive losses to Brookwood and Parkview sour an 11-0 start.
4. Columbus (7-1): The Blue Devils have won seven straight since extra-inning loss to Parkview.
5. Harrison (10-0): Hoyas pitching staff allowing 2 1/2 runs per game; region play begins tonight at Woodstock.
6. Holy Innocents’ (7-1): Class AA champions haven’t slowed down; four of seven victories against Florida teams.
7. Heritage (9-2): Class AAAA runners-up have thrown three no-hitters.
8. East Paulding (10-1): Adam Hall is 4-0 with an 0.66 ERA to lead the Raiders.
9. Valdosta (9-1): No losses in Georgia.
10. South Effingham (8-4): Senior catcher John Roberts already with seven home runs for Mustangs.
Who’s next?
Lassiter certainly hasn’t ducked anyone in the early going. The Trojans, who slipped to 13-13 last season after consecutive state finals appearances in 2005 and 2006, own victories against defending Class AA champion Holy Innocents’, Class AAAAA finalist Kennesaw Mountain and region foe, Kell. On the flip side, Lassiter (5-6) has lost games to unbeaten Harrison, Wesleyan, Mill Creek, Parkview and Class AAA finalist, Columbus.
Squeeze bunts
Alexander and Sequoyah are tied at the top of Region 5-AAAA with identical 9-0 records with a showdown slated for Friday evening at Alexander. First things first on Wednesday: Alexander must get by Osborne, while Sequoyah battles defending region champion East Paulding (8-1). … Trey Ripley is 3-0 with an 0.88 ERA for 8-1 Camden County. … Walton’s trio of pitchers — Kyle Putkonen, T.J. Kerins and Alex Sherrod — are a combined 5-1 with 41 strikeouts and nine walks. … Gainesville’s Zach Bennett hit a home run in each of his first three at bats in an 18-2 win over Johnson-Gainesville. Three days later, Bennett clubbed a home run in each of his first two at bats in an 11-2 win over Lumpkin County.
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Take 10: Coolest things about spring high school sports
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, basketball season is over. Football is long gone. We’re now into the spring, and we know many of you high school sports fans think it’s time to turn your attention elsewhere until the fall. But at Take Ten, we’re all about the spring. Here are the top 10 reasons you should be, too.
10. Golf
Sure, you can dig your clubs out of the closet with the warmer weather. But you can also check out some area golf tournaments. There are always big-time golfers around here, and you can see them before they star at Georgia Tech or UGA.
9. PING!
There’s nothing quite like the sounds of high school baseball. Some people hate the “ping” sound, but it’s synonymous with most competitive, amateur baseball.
8. Nice weather
There are few better things in this world than sitting out on a 75-degree April day, watching a baseball game between two contenders, relaxing at a soccer game or watching your first lacrosse match.
7. See the next Major League Baseball star
In baseball, players often get drafted to the pros straight out of high school. M.L. King’s Cedric Hunter went that route recently and is now one of the top prospects in the San Diego Padres organization. It happens most years in this area. Remember Jeff Francoeur?
6. One step closer to football
We know this is still a football state. And if nothing else, we’re getting a little bit closer to football. Be happy about that, and pick a sport in which to support your favorite school in the meantime.
5. Lots of sports
When you do pick a sport, you have plenty of options. Counting boys and girls separately, there are nine sports going on in the spring. There’s something going on pretty much every night of the week somewhere in the area. You want an excuse to get out of the house anyway.
4. Your football team gets a coach
There are still plenty of openings out there, and just about everybody wants a head coach in place by the time spring practice starts. So, if your team is still looking, take heed. Your new leader is probably coming sometime this spring. The wait is almost over.
3. Watching former players in the NCAA Tournament
This week, former Lithonia player Robert Dozier will play a key role for Memphis. Last week, Georgia’s Corey Butler, Jeremy Price , Zac Swansey and Billy Humphrey — all from the metro area — nearly led the Bulldogs to an upset over Xavier.
2. Spring football
Yes, there is football in the spring. And it’s not far off. Teams all around the area will be hitting the field soon enough. It’s not like the fall, but it’ll tide you over for now.
1. Emily Reese
If you don’t know who she is, do a Google search and you’ll find out quickly. She runs for Chamblee, and you’ll pay attention if you want to see something you may never see again. She’s the favorite to win her 11th and 12th individual state titles at the state track meet in May, a feat no one in Georgia has ever topped.
Go on. Take Ten. What’s your reason for being glad it’s spring? What’s your favorite thing about this time of year? Talk about it here.
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On football fights and suspensions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I wrote a story for Sunday’s paper on sportsmanship in high school sports and the remarkable number of games that players and coaches lose to suspension each year - more than 1,100 during the 2006-07 and 20007-08 academic years.
Football is the sport with the most violence, as one might expect. Although considering the number of games played (more than 1,500) and the nature of the sport, the number of fights isn’t out of control.
Below is a list of schools that were hit with suspensions due to fighting, only about 27.
But first, a question: Is sportsmanship a big issue in high school football? Should suspensions for fighting be more severe? They’re usually one game.
A fight can turn into a brawl, where players are leaving the bench area, or it might last a matter of seconds, just long enough to lock up and throw somebody down, anything that sends officials running to break it up.
It’s hard to explain why some schools have 12 or more games lost to suspension while 60 percent of GHSA schools have zero.
In the professional ranks, coaches and managers getting thrown out of games is just part of the sport, but it’s harder to make that case in high school sports.
Here are the schools that had players suspended for incidents related to fighting:
Brooks County, fight
Buford, (punched opponent)
Central Gwinnett, fight
Coffee, fight
Dodge County, fight (two players)
Duluth, (taking a swing)
Forest Park, fight
Glenn Hills, fight
Henry County, punch
Houston County, fight
Jeff Davis, fight
Jonesboro, fight
Jones County, fight
Lithonia, fight
Luella, fight, leaving bench (six players)
Marietta, punch
Mays, fight (three players)
Monticello, kicking an opponent
Mundy’s Mill, punch
Mundy’s Mill fight
North Cobb fight
Northgate fight
Ola, (attempt to injure)
Shaw, fight (two players)
Towns County, fight
Union Grove, fight (five players)
Union Grove, fight (one player)
West Laurens, punch
Westover, fight
One other issue: Coaching changes The number of schools with head football coaching openings this off-season hit 90 last week as Wheeler’s Paul Lombardo resigned and Gilmer’s Bradley Warren (formerly of Central Gwinnett) went to Dade County. Of those openings, 25 are still unfilled, if our numbers are correct. Here is the list. Let us know what you’re hearing on these jobs:
Archer (new school)
Brunswick
Campbell
Douglass
East Coweta
Fellowship Christian
Gilmer
Hancock Central
Harrison
Kendrick
Lamar County
Lambert (new school)
Lithonia
Mount Paran (new program)
Mountain View (new school)
North Atlanta
North Cobb Christian (new program)
Pebblebrook
Savannah Country Day
Shiloh
South Cobb
South Forsyth
Spalding
Wheeler
Winder-Barrow
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Wesleyan’s Smith has talent for caring, too
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
His high school basketball career — an accomplished four-year run — ended a fortnight ago with Tanner Smith in a fitting position: holding the championship trophy.
In his last game for Wesleyan, Smith rescued his team when star Howard Thompkins was injured, with a legendary second-half effort. It was a good thing for a great guy.
For all Smith’s successes, including earning a scholarship to Clemson, he has done more off the court than most — certainly more than many seniors in high school.
The 6-foot-5 point guard has given out countless assists in the form of smiles to cancer patients at hospitals here and around the country. Let me explain:
When Smith was in the second grade his dad, Craig, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells involved in protecting against infections.
The family moved to Nebraska so Craig Smith could receive a bone marrow transplant. While in the hospital, young Tanner Smith noticed something.
“The only time my dad really seemed to cheer up was when he had visitors or received flowers or gifts,” he said.
In the fourth grade, he wrote an essay about three wishes.
Smith’s list:
. To play pro basketball.
. Have a golden retriever.
. Make cancer patients smile.
In the sixth grade, he wrote a similar version of that paper. It was then that his parents said, “We’ve got to do something with this,” Smith’s mother, Kathy Smith recalled.
So, the family formed a nonprofit organization — Tanner’s Totes — that “aids teens and pre-teens who are undergoing treatments for cancer and other long term illnesses.”
It does so by delivering tote bags full of goodies — Nerf basketball games, hand-held video games, pencils, caps … items Smith knew kids would enjoy.
One of Kathy Smith’s sorority sisters identified the specific age groups as needing attention the most, which was perfect because it is Tanner Smith’s age group, too. “It’s something that I’ve enjoyed doing and get a lot out of it,” he said.
The first tote bags were delivered in November 2002. About every three months, Smith and his mom and others make trips to local hospitals with the gifts. They also send bags to hospitals in Nebraska and other states.
“It’s really growing,” Kathy Smith said. “People somehow hear about it and just donate items. It’s really special.”
The Smiths have raised money for the nonprofit through an annual Halloween party they’ve hosted for 13 years. But help has come from many sources. For instance, the Wesleyan girls softball team has made contributions, as has the Redfield Garden Club in Dunwoody and a Girl Scout troop in Peachtree City and the German Club at Northview High.
There have been individuals who sent caps that light up and other custom-made hats. The Wesleyan baseball team plans to come on board next week.
“I’m proud of what we’re doing,” Tanner Smith said. “And I want to do it in college, too. With Clemson’s support, we can probably reach more hospitals.”
Craig Smith could not be more proud of his son. He’s free of the non-Hodgkins lymphoma, but he acquired graft vs. host disease, a condition where engrafted donor cells attack the organs and tissue.
“It’s been rough for him,” Tanner Smith said, “but he’s a trouper.”
Smith’s parents bought him the golden retriever long ago. He is on the path for a a shot at an NBA career. And he has made cancer patients smile hundreds of times over — with more to come.
(To aid The Tanner Totes Foundation, visit www.tannerstotes.com)
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Wishing for an all-class state basketball tournament
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Another high school basketball season is in the history books.
We all know the best teams in the five classifications, but which team is best overall?
Too bad we don’t have an overall championship to crown the best all-class champion. Another exciting weekend of high school basketball would help ease the championship hangover.
For now, there are all-star games to look forward to, but there is nothing like the energy generated by students and fans pulling for their favorite teams.
The Georgia Sportswriters Association turned in its final poll of the year, and all the state champions and runner-ups finished No. 1 and 2, respectively.
On the girls side, Stephenson, Southwest DeKalb and Wesleyan all started the season at No. 1 in the preseason poll.
On the boys side, Norcross and Columbia started the season in the top spot in the polls.
• Post up: Did some teams finish too high or low in the final poll? Who has the best basketball team in all classifications?
Georgia Sportswriters Association Final Poll
Girls
Class AAAAA
1. Stephenson (8) 80 points
2. Redan 72
3. Mill Creek 63
4. Duluth 56
5. Parkview 42
6. Douglass 39
7. Marietta 35
8. Luella 27
9. Berkmar 18
10. Chattahoochee 13
Others receiving votes: Beach.
Class AAAA
1. Southwest DeKalb (8) 80
2. Fayette County 72
3. Westlake 58
4. Madison County 54
5. Mays 34
6. Clarke Central 33
7. Northside-Warner Robins 31
8. Hillgrove and Osborne (tie) 16
10. Baldwin 14
Others receiving votes: Glynn Academy, Cherokee, Northwest Whitfield, Statesboro.
Class AAA
1. Kendrick (8) 80
2. Carrollton 72
3. Hephzibah 61
4. Glenn Hills 56
5. Monroe Area 42
6. Franklin County 29
7. Southwest-Macon 28
8. Cairo 17
9. Gainesville 8
10. East Hall 7
Others receiving votes: Westminster, Hardaway, Blessed Trinity, Liberty County.
Class AA
1. Wesleyan (8) 80
2. Paideia 70
3. Randolph-Clay 61
4. Savannah Christian 55
5. Coosa 45
6. Laney 38
7. Josey 29
8. Greater Atlanta Christian and Buford (tie) 23
10. Model 9
Others receiving votes: Vidalia, Rutland, Manchester, Dodge County, Mitchell County.
Class A
1. Calvary Day (8) 80
2. Terrell County 72
3. Southwest Atlanta Christian 62
4. Towns County 50
5. Savannah Country Day 44
6. Hancock Central 40
7. Turner County 37
8. Gordon Lee 26
9. Greenville 19
10. Social Circle and Landmark Christian 7
Others receiving votes: Taylor County, Treutlen.
Boys
Class AAAAA
1. Norcross (8) 80
2. Wheeler 72
3. Savannah 40
4. McEachern 33
5. Berkmar 33
6. Hiram 31
7. Centennial 27
8. Douglass 20
9. Northview 15
10. Stephenson 10
Others receiving votes: Lowndes, Coffee, Mundy’s Mill.
Class AAAA
1. Columbia (8) 80
2. Fayette County 72
3. Miller Grove 53
4. Westlake 51
5. Riverdale and Pebblebrook (tie) 35
7. Rome 33
8. Lithia Springs 31
9. Jonesboro 23
10. Richmond Academy 5
Others receiving votes: Thomas County Central, Bainbridge, Statesboro, Cherokee, Dacula, Stone Mountain.
Class AAA
1. Glenn Hills (8) 80
2. Carver-Columbus 72
3. Dunwoody 62
4. Liberty County 43
5. Jordan 40
6. Hart County 34
7. East Hall 32
8. Washington County 27
9. Flowery Branch 13
10. South Atlanta 11
Others receiving votes: Shaw, Notheast-Macon, Blessed Trinity, Cartersville, Dougherty, Franklin County.
Class AA
1. Wesleyan (8) 80
2. East Laurens 71
3. Dublin 62
4. Lovett 58
5. Randolph-Clay 48
6. Pace 34
7. Coosa 26
8. Long County 14
9. Greater Atlanta Christian 11
10. Josey 13
Others receiving votes: Swainsboro, Laney, Rutland, Manchester, Appling County.
Class A
1. Hancock Central (8) 80
2. Turner County 70
3. Portal 61
4. Wilkinson County 58
5. Whitefield Academy 44
6. Southwest Atlanta Christian 41
7. Terrell County 32
8. Central-Talbotton 21
9. Gordon Lee 11
10. Lakeview Academy 7
Others receiving votes: ECI, Wilcox County, Twiggs County, Chattahoochee County, Atkinson County.
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Take 10: Best 2008 State Tournament Basketball Championship Week Moments
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, Championship Week is over. Those of you who made it to Gwinnett Arena or Macon Coliseum (maybe both, for the particularly ambitious) saw some great games and 10 champions crowned. And at Take Ten, we still haven’t stopped talking about it all. So we thought we’d take the chance to reflect on the best moments from the week, the ones we will remember when we’re telling people about it years from now. These aren’t ranked.
10. Carrollton shows class
After losing a tough championship game to Kendrick 79-67, Carrollton’s girls were called to claim their runner-up award. Afterward, the team stayed on the court and applauded the Cherokees as they held up their championship trophy.
9. Pearce jumps out of the building
In the second half Wednesday, Turner County’s Tray Pearce drove down the middle of the lane and appeared to get his elbow up to the rim while leaping toward the basket. He nearly jumped completely over a Wilkinson County defender before clanging the ball off the back iron. The crowd didn’t stop buzzing for close to 5 minutes.
8. Wesleyan girls welcome boys to the court
After winning their state title, Wesleyan’s girls lined up with the school’s cheerleaders to cheer the boys on as they ran onto the court. It was a good display of the camaraderie between the two teams, both of which won championships.
7. A senior bows out
With 2 minutes left in a season-ending 89-65 semifinal loss to Wesleyan, Savannah Christian coach Toy Byrd pulled senior Kaila Parham out of the game. As she walked to the bench for the final time in her career, the Raider fans gave her a standing ovation, and she gave Byrd a long hug before sitting down.
6. Smith gives encouragement
After beating East Laurens for the state title, Wesleyan star Tanner Smith walked over to the Falcons bench and spoke to each player on the opposing team. It appeared to be more than just saying “Good game,” as he went down the line.
5. Wheeler vs. Norcross
Just seeing this game start was a big moment because it was so heavily anticipated. This was an incredible showcase for basketball in the Atlanta area. You’d be hard-pressed to go anywhere in the country and find a game between two high school teams from the same metro area with a deeper talent pool on the floor than this one. The fact that it was also a great game was just icing.
4. Williams refuses to lose
It’s a little longer than a moment, but Stephenson’s Jylisa Williams scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter to lift her team from an eight-point deficit to win her first state title should be mentioned. Her teams had lost in the semifinals for three consecutive years, and she made sure she made this opportunity count.
3. Hicks finally lets up
Kendrick coach Sterling Hicks coached furiously for four quarters in the title game, yelling, never giving in even though his team was mostly in control during the final period. But with 7 seconds left, you could finally see that he allowed himself to smile, and his girls won the championship.
2. It was Destiny, almost
When Randolph-Clay’s Destiny Mitchell snuck inside and hit a layup as the buzzer sounded in the semifinals against Paideia, it completed a six-point comeback in the final 28 seconds and sent the game to overtime. The Lions regrouped and won in the extra session, but it was tough to forget Mitchell being swarmed after the big basket.
1. Thompkins celebrates
After Wesleyan won its title the team rushed the floor, but Howard Thompkins wasn’t immediately with them. The senior stood by himself on the court for a moment, his hands raised toward the roof and his eyes closed in emotional celebration of the victory.
Go on. Take Ten. What will you always remember from Championship Week? What were the moments that caught your eye, even if it didn’t involve your team? We’d love to hear about it.
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2007-08 AJC Georgia All-State High School Wrestling Team
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As soon as the 140-pound finalists finished at Gwinnett Arena, the staff at Pound for Pound immediately began making plans for (as far as we know) the first Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-State Wrestling Team. We commandeered the secret services of a high school wrestling coach to help us with the proceedings and here it is: the best of the best in 2007-08 for Georgia high school wrestling.
[NOTE: The only iron-clad criteria used in the selection of the teams was to have only state champions on the first and second teams.]
First Team
103 pounds: Stephen Spradlin, soph., Camden Co.
Class AAAAA champion went 39-4
112: Andrew Sartain, sr., Peachtree Ridge
Finished 59-2 and won title in Class AAAAA
119: Brandon Westerman, jr., McEachern
Two-time titleist finished second straight year unbeaten
125: Joe DeNova, soph., Columbus
Class AAA champion finished the year 41-2
130: Joey Lazor, jr., Union Grove
At 45-0, one of only three unbeaten Class AAAAA wrestlers
135: Carson Fields, sr., Parkview
One in-state loss, finished season 64-2
140: Alex Medved, sr., Harrison
54-6 season capped by Class AAAAA title
145: Peter Yates, sr., Salem
Career: 160-1 record and three state titles
152: Josh Condon, sr., Harrison
Career: 205-8 record and three state titles
160: Bradley Banks, sr., Union Grove
61-3 record and Class AAAAA title
171: Jeff Olsen, jr., Walton
Won first Class AAAAA title; finished year 45-2
189: Jordan Dukes, jr., Hiram
Completed 40-0 season to win second state title
215: Josh Boler, sr., Apalachee
Maryland state champion wins first in Georgia with 60-1 season
285: Chris Daniels, sr., Valdosta
51-4 season highlighted by Class AAAAA heavyweight crown
Second Team
103: Pawlloes Belete, jr., Tucker
Class AAAA champion finished year 64-2
112: Frankie Miller, sr., Dacula
Dominant win in Class AAAA final caps 49-3 season
119: Evan Warrington, jr., Henry Co.
70-win season and second state title in third finals appearance
125: Alex Hudson, jr., Sprayberry
Two-time champ finished jr. year 52-1
130: Damon Cadle, sr., Cass
Three-time Class AAA champion
135: Bryan Benton, jr., Toombs Co.
Dominant state tournament caps 65-0 year
140: Matt Bridges, sr., Cherokee
Two-timer finished season 58-6
145: Taylor Knapp, jr., Collins Hill
59-1 and no losses in Georgia
152: Tommy Carney, sr., Woodward Acad.
Won state-record 77 matches and second state title
160: Ryan Gregory, sr., Benedictine
Handed Hardaway’s Trevoine Hudson only loss in Class AAA 160 final
171: Terrance Gaddy, jr., Clarkston
Upset Gilmer’s David Snider in Class AAA final to finish 32-1
189: Derrick Laney, soph., Lakeview Ft.-Oglethorpe
Won wild 12-11 decision in Class AAAA final to finish 48-2
215: Kelby Smith, sr., Wesleyan
Handed Toombs’ Demery Hawkins only loss in Class AA final; finished 53-2
285: Rodriguez Cade, sr., Clarke Cent.
59-3 season capped by pin in Class AAAA heavyweight final
Honorable Mention
103: Jay Teague, fresh. Sonoraville; Kyle Salone, jr., Centennial
112: Brian St. James, soph., Centennial; T.J. Mitchell, soph., Collins Hill
119: Noah Hunt, jr., Dacula; Cam Thurmond, jr., Jefferson
125: Jed Gurley, jr., Jefferson; Ben Lesniak, sr., Jackson Co.
130: Nathan Allen, sr., Stockbridge; Ryan Medved, sr., Harrison; Ty Nielson, sr., Milton
135: Zach Hopkins, jr., Ringgold; Joel Smith, soph., Collins Hill
140: Daniel Domanico, jr., Lovett; Kendall Albert, sr., Peachtree Ridge
145: Anthony Fretwell, jr., Henry Co.
152: Jay Fowler, jr., Jefferson
160: Brian Livingston, sr., Lovett; Travis Sheehy, sr., North Gwin.
171: Nick Smith, sr., Collins Hill
189: Patrick Blankenbeker, jr., Fayette Co.
215: Chr. Flavin, sr., East Coweta; Jonathan Gregory, sr., Ringgold
285: David Coffey, sr., Collins Hill; Ryan Smith, sr., Athens Chr.; Marcus Brewster, sr., Tri-Cities
Loss of Gwinnett, metro Atlanta basketball talent hurting UGA, Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Surely it is much more difficult than it appears, but if Georgia’s Dennis Felton and Georgia Tech’s Paul Hewitt won recruiting wars just in Gwinnett County — not to even mention all of metro Atlanta — their programs likely would be in stronger positions.
Think about it: How does so much talent seep out of state? Hewitt got Norcross’ Gani Lawal last year and Felton has Wesleyan’s Howard Thompkins coming in next season.
But Teondre Williams of Meadowcreek is headed all the way to Oregon; Norcross’ sensational Al-Farouq Aminu signed with Wake Forest; Wesleyan outstanding point guard Tanner Smith chose Clemson.
Berkmar’s versatile swingman Wesley Witherspoon visited Virginia and Texas last week. North Gwinnett’s high-scoring guard Ebuka Anyaorah has both Tech and the Bulldogs on his list, but seems to be leaning toward Auburn.
That’s a load of talent right here that’s going elsewhere. It really is no one’s fault. Folks in Washington, D.C., wonder aloud how potential NCAA player of the year Michael Beasley ended up at Kansas State and not Georgetown or Maryland. So, it happens everywhere, and increasingly so as recruiting has elevated into a full-court press all year long.
Post up: Is there any way to stop the flood of Georgia basketball talent heading out of state? What could — or should — UGA and Georgia Tech do differently in recruiting to keep the best basketballers here at home?
Take 10: Top playmakers still in the state boys basketball tournament
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the semifinals starting this evening, we know many of you are excited as we are. But at Take Ten, we like to help the downtrodden amongst us. That’s just the way we are. And we know many of you lost your favorite team earlier in the playoffs and, with guys like South Atlanta’s Derrick Favors and Berkmar’s Wesley Witherspoon gone, you’re wondering where to turn for the most exciting players to watch these next few days. Well, here it is — your list of the top 10 playmakers still on the court this week.
10. David Buchannon, Portal
Buchannon was nearly unstoppable when he wanted to drive to the basket in the quarters against Terrell County, and his driving layup at the buzzer sent the Panthers to the semis. He’s athletic and has a great feel for getting inside.
9. Mfon Udofia, Miller Grove
He’ll find a way to get his points. He might seem to sleep for a quarter or two, then explode for 20 points in the third. He’s fearless going to the basket, and he’s as smart a player as you’ll see anywhere.
8. Raymond Willis, Westlake
He’s a beast down the stretch of games, seemingly getting stronger in the fourth quarter. He has amazing talent and will to win. He won’t disappoint, especially in a close one.
7. Chris Singleton, Dunwoody
On a team this talented, Singleton doesn’t always have to score a ton of points to get a win, but he knows how to fill up a stat sheet like few others. He averaged a double-double (points and rebounds) during the season, and it’s not unusual to see him approach double figures in blocks or assists.
6. Noel Johnson, Fayette County
He can score with just about anyone in the state. He can do just about anything with the ball in his hands, he’s 6-foot-7 and he’s only a junior. He’ll be among the early favorites for Mr. Basketball next year.
5. Delwan Graham, Dunwoody
Like Singleton, it’s easy for Graham to blend in on this team. But he has a tendency to stand out on the court, where his motor never slows down. He gets after the ball at all times, grabs rebounds and can score in bunches.
4. Howard Thompkins, Wesleyan
These top four are pretty much all interchangeable. Give him half a chance, and Thompkins will drop 35 or 40 on you. He’s a terror in the open court, and he’ll find his points wherever he can get them.
3. Dequan Jones, Wheeler
One of the most electric players in the state, he can always find his way to the basket. He’s relentless going up and down the floor, and he’s constantly one play away from bringing the crowd to its feet with an amazing dunk.
2. Travis Leslie, Columbia
His dunks have been legendary in DeKalb County for at least three years now. This is his last chance to put another state title on his mantle, and I’m betting there will be at least one more dunk added to his high school highlight reel.
1. Al-Farouq Aminu, Norcross
He’s very long, can get up in a hurry and has an immense feel for the game. He scores seemingly with ease and often makes dominating a game look much easier than it is. Any of these top four could have been in this spot, but his all-around game places him here.
Go on. Take Ten. Who are your top playmakers on the court this week? Who would you stick in the No. 1 spot? Plug your favorite player right here.
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And the winners will be …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s down to the final 40 teams.
On Wednesday, all the talk will cease and the action begins. Only Norcross and Wilkinson County have a chance to repeat as state high school basketball champions. The rest of the defending champions are done.
Norcross is trying to become the first Class AAAAA boys team to win three in a row. There hasn’t been boys team in the state’s highest class to win three in a row since Lanier of Macon won titles from 1938-40, when Class A was the highest class. Taylor County is the last Class A school to win two in a row (2001-02), with Wilkinson having repeat championships in 1999-2000.
And …
• Southwest-DeKalb will try to keep alive Region 6-AAAA’s streak of four consecutive championships.
• Wesleyan is trying to keep the title in Region 6-AA for the fourth consecutive season.
• Gwinnett County has had at least one boys or girls team to win titles for eight years.
So who will win this season? Here are the predictions:
Boys
• Class AAAAA: Wheeler over Norcross. Norcross’ defense and All-American Al-Farouq Aminu will get his team to the finals, but Wheeler just seems the logical pick for the title.
• Class AAAA: Columbia over Miller Grove. Westlake will put a scare in the Eagles, but in the end Columbia will prevail.
• Class AAA: Dunwoody over Glenn Hills. This team has been somewhat overlooked this year, but they are clicking on all cylinders.
• Class AA: East Laurens over Wesleyan. Howard Thompkins will put up a good fight, but East Laurens seems to have all the right ingredients.
• Class A: Wilkinson County over Hancock Central. They split during the regular season, and Wilkinson defeated the Bulldogs for the Region 7-A title. The next time they meet, a state title is headed back to Irwinton.
Girls
• Class AAAAA: Stephenson over Redan. A fourth trip to the semis should net the Jaguars their first title since 2004.
• Class AAAA: Southwest DeKalb over Madison County. A Charenee Stephens vs. Tamika Willis matchup in the semifinals will be entertaining, but the Panthers seem destined to win it all.
• Class AAA: Kendrick over Glenn Hills: After so many chances, Kendrick has to take a title back to Columbus.
• Class AA: Wesleyan over Randolph-Clay. The Wolves have played with and beaten some of the best teams in the state this season.
• Class A: Southwest Atlanta Christian over Calvary Day. After a close game with Terrell County, one title this season should come back to southwest Atlanta.
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