Prep Zone

By Titletown King

March 1, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this

Westover had TEAMS that were absolutely unstoppable. Willie Boston was a legend. Four consecutive state championships led by arguably Georgia’s greatest HIGH SCHOOL player ever.. 6’9 230 lb Dontonio Wingfield. Imagine what KG or Chris Bosh do in the NBA & that’s basically what he did 4 years to GA high school bball players.“He’s the most talented player I ever coached,” says Bob Huggins, Wingfield’s coach at Cincinnati who has sent more than 20 players to the NBA. Add in Lavar Postell and Antonio Smith and a slew of talented players that played d1 & d2 bball from the smalltown of ALBANY & you gota history that is Georgia’s best 10 year stretch. NO RECRUITS, TRANSFERS or any other crap.. just homegrown talent and kids who played in their school zones. No the best pro’s but some of GA’s best high school talent

By Bird Dawg

March 2, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this

The ‘79 SW Macon squad had arguably the best starting five in GA HS history - Jones, Malone, Hunt, Fair & McCarthy. They would defeat (not whip, stomp or slaughter) most any of these other teams. A great combination of inside and outside play, athleticism, point guard play, rebounding, fundamentals, etc.

By Ernest

March 2, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

I’ll admit some bias due to my age but I thought the 70’s was a GREAT decade of HS basketball in GA. To put in into perspective, that was the first FULL decade after the integration of the GHSA. Many citizens eyes were opened to the basketball talent that realistically had existed in the state for years.

I’ve said it before and will keep saying it on these blogs, the Westover teams with Dontonio Wingfield were the best that GA has ever had. Though he didn’t carry this to the next level, he is the best HS basketball player this state has ever had.

By FATMAN

March 2, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

TODD, IF NORCROSS AND WHEELER PLAYS SAT/7TH IT WILL BE AT WEST GA. THE ‘79 SW MACON WAS THE BEST TEAM EVERY TO PLAY IN GA. AND YES HUNT AND FAIR WAS BETTER THAN MALONE.

By noneya

March 2, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

I’m 29 so I missed the SW Macon Teams but my vote goes to Westover. Wingfield was a beast.

By Bird Dawg

March 2, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this

Since I was blessed to have seen SW Macon and Westover play in their heydeys, I offer this - SW Macon would have slowed (not stopped, mind you) Wingfield. They would have made someone else beat them. If Dontonio played outside you would have seen a combo of Hook McCarty and Michael Hunt on him. If he went inside the body of Terry Fair awaited. Sure, Wingfield would have gotten his points but he would have worked like a dog to get them. If the teams played 10 times, I’d say SW takes 8-9. I’d certainly pay to see each and every one.

By BBall Fan

March 2, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

Wheeler - PTR, Norcross - Walton…

State champ’s coming out of that bracket.

By Gamer

March 2, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

While I favor the Savannah teams as a coastal guy, I must say I have never seen a better basketball team than the 1979 Southwest High School of Macon. Having said that, can someone tell where McCarthy of that team played college ball? Hunt went to Furman, Fair to Georgia, Jones to Western Kentucky (?) and Malone to Miss. Malone was more successful and received more claim to fame as an NBA star. However, at the High School level, I feel that Hunt was the more complete player. Just my opinion!

By Will

March 2, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

Todd, when mentioning best decade, don’t forget about Southwest Atlanta in the 70’s. Check out Ga Highschool Basketball Project. 70 Made State Tourney 71 Semi-final 72 Quarter final 73 State Champ 74 State Champ 78 Semi-final 78 State Champ Looks like a pretty good decade thanks to Anthony Flannagan and others.

By Ernest

March 2, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

I feel the need to clarify my earlier statement based on the insightful posts thus far. The best all time HS Basketball team for one season is the 1979 SW Macon team. In the 70’s, the basketball championship games at the highest level usually involved SW Macon or Savannah High.

Over a period of consecutive seasons, the Westover teams featuring Dontonio Wingfield were the best. He was the key player on 4 championship teams. Is there another basketball player that played that can say that?

A follow up to Gamer, the 70’s also saw Richard Arnold in Savannah win 1 or 2 championships. They were a single A team but played up and were very competitive.

By Wildcat78

March 2, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this

Best Championship Game had to Wheeler vs S. Gwinnett

S. Curry (Providence), JT Tiller (MO), James Florence (Mercy)

Louis WIlliams (Pros) Mike Mercer (UGA)

By Wheelerfan

March 2, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this

Actually the south gwinnett game was a semifinal game, wheeler beat norcross by 16 in the title game

By Mr. Top Hat

March 2, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

I believe both of you are wrong. Wheeler played South Gwinnet in the quarter final, Newnan in the semifinal, and Norcross in the final

By Wheelerfan

March 2, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this

Yup my mistake, newton was semifinal game

By Todd Holcomb

March 2, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this

The ‘79 SW Macon squad had arguably the best starting five in GA HS history - Jones, Malone, Hunt, Fair & McCarthy. They would defeat (not whip, stomp or slaughter) most any of these other teams.

Great team, generally regarded as the best all-time in Georgia, but we’re talking decades. … Was SW’s decade of the ’70s the best ever?

TODD, IF NORCROSS AND WHEELER PLAYS SAT/7TH IT WILL BE AT WEST GA.

Sorry, I’ll fix that. I hope to be at that game.

Todd, when mentioning best decade, don’t forget about Southwest Atlanta in the 70’s. Check out Ga Highschool Basketball Project. 70 Made State Tourney 71 Semi-final 72 Quarter final 73 State Champ 74 State Champ 78 Semi-final 78 State Champ Looks like a pretty good decade thanks to Anthony Flannagan and others.

SW Atlanta won the all-class tourney in 1974. For two seasons (‘73 and ‘74), the GHSA put on a tournament of the four champions. SW Atlanta won it one year, and SW Macon won it the other.

Who would win an all-class tourney this year? South Atlanta? Miller Grove? Wheeler? That would be something.

By Devil Lover

March 2, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this

I strongly diagree. How could teams of the 70’s compete with current teams? Take for instance wheeler and norcross who have not only played the best teams in metro Atlanta but have also played the the best teams nationally. The best players also play in the AAU league and are influenced by current NBA and college players who are unquestionably better players than previous years players. Inaddition most people will say that the overall competition today is much better overall than that of previous years.

So please explain to me why some of you think that teams of the 70’s could be better than today’s teams?

By woody

March 2, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

Todd, Why does the AJC not list game times for the games on Tuesday and Wednesday? Shure would be nice to know if a school was playing at 6 PM or 7 PM or 7:30 PM on Tuesday evening.

By Titus Andronicus

March 2, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

Fundamentally, I think players of the past were better than today’s. Unfortunately, the NBA does not emphasize ball-handling skills (dribbling through the legs does not count) or free throw shooting. Defensively, the teams of the 1970s might have an advantage. Scores today on the average are higher. I don’t think it’s because the shooting is that much better. I think shot blocking has increasingly become a defensive set, instead of the 1-3-1, triangle, or my personal favorite, the box-and-1.

Athletically, today’s generation wins that by a large margin. Most coaches were anti-weightlifting in the olden days. Back then, there was also less concentrating in a single sport. Anthony Flanagan was just as good in football as basketball.

I remember Dontonio Wingfield more for his downfall than his greatness.

Though South Gwinnett and Southwest of Macon had all five starters to go to bigger schools, they are hardly the first to have all five starters get college scholarships.

College Park also had some very good years in the 1970s.

By Devil Lover

March 2, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this

Todd, why can’t GHSA get a good convenient location for the metro boys basketball qtrs final games each year?

By Bill, Tourney Fan

March 2, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

Todd, can you please help us!!! Where do we find out the scheduled locations for Saturdays quarterfinal games. The ghsa always has a mystery which of course is complete idiocy, same every year. I’ve been to websites like gaprep, etc even the Macon papers to find a schedule. I know the winners Wed play Sat and the tourney shows that but no LOCATION. Anybody help’ Surely the 5As are not in Carrolton Sat. Is this a joke? Want to see 5A but may opt for 4A depending on site.

By ct

March 2, 2009 11:20 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t around to watch the great SW Macon teams play, but I sure have heard a lot about them. Keep this in mind when comparing the older teams with some of these more recent teams. It was only a few years ago, that we were talking about the Marietta team (with Ellis and Ewing Jr.) possibly being the Best Team Ever before they were dismantled by an unheralded Lakeside Dekalb team.

From the teams I’ve seen, I might have to agree that Westover would get the edge. I watched them beat Griffin at Griffin in the early 90’s in the best game ever played in Georgia hoops history as far as I’m concerned. If you didn’t have a pre-purchased ticket, you didn’t get in the gym. It was #1 AAA vs. #1 AAAA, and it went into multiple overtimes before Westover edged out Griffin. This was a game that couldn’t possibly live up to the hype - but it did!

By the way, what happened to Westover in the last 10 years? Did they just quit playing basketball down there?

By Bill, Tourney Fan

March 2, 2009 11:31 PM | Link to this

I just went to gaprep this evening and found the SCHEDULES for Sat games. So no one has to answer my question of where.

I still have to ask the question of the ghsa. Do they ever schedule anyting early or correct? I’ve called and emailed them in the past but wasted time. Such a shame.

By Tremell

March 3, 2009 1:08 AM | Link to this

Well Alot of folks underate… . basketball….. in class A in middle georgia… I think Our region won state champions from 1980 to 1992 8 times —-losing in state championship three other times…

Woodbury won 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985 Hogansville won 1980 Greenville won 1992 Central of Talbotton 1981, 1990

You guys Never say anything about Bam Rainey 1981 central of talbotton team, and that Central of Talbotton 1990 had 14 players play college ball.. 5 starters sign with D1 schools, and Derrick Byrd played football at UGa

Lee Campbell leads Woodbury to three straight…

His brother Jeff played on 1990’s team….

Derrick strong and his Hogansville team…

It’s all about…. Atlanta… Regardless to popular belief Miriam Walker was best women’s player in Georgia Hands down ever…

By Ernest

March 3, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

Todd:

Can you add a voting dialogue to the blog? It would be interesting to see how those that participate would actually vote.

Good reminder about the Champions tournament. It would be interesting to resurrect that again. Another team to consider would be Columbia.

BTW, keep an eye on DeKalb County basketball in the next few years. There were several freshman starters this year that are extremely skilled and will make their presence felt over the next few years.

By Gamer

March 3, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this

To By Earnest, Richard Arnold was a great single A team. Like so many slower classifcation teams they could hang with any of the big boys. I remember the school was named Commercial High School back in the day.

By Todd Holcomb

March 3, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

Richard Arnold was a great single A team. Like so many slower classifcation teams they could hang with any of the big boys. I remember the school was named Commercial High School back in the day.

I believe it was Groves High that used to be Commercial.

You guys Never say anything about Bam Rainey 1981 central of talbotton team, and that Central of Talbotton 1990 had 14 players play college ball.. 5 starters sign with D1 schools, and Derrick Byrd played football at UGa

I haven’t heard Bam Rainey’s name mentioned in a long time. Didn’t he go to Georgia for awhile?

Do they ever schedule anyting early or correct?

I would try to answer your question, but I can’t understand it. Say what?

Todd, why can’t GHSA get a good convenient location for the metro boys basketball qtrs final games each year?

I think it’s a combination of having so many metro teams but not that many venues that are not being used. They want a place that’s big enough to hold the crowds, and that eliminates most high school gyms.

By o

March 3, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

easy to win when you cheat like wheeler and norcross.

By SHOW M-B SOME RESPECT

March 3, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this

MITCHELL-BAKER HAS NEVER GOT ANY RESPECT FROM NORTH GA. WE BEAT EVERYBODY FROM EAST HALL TO TOWERS IN THE PROCESS OF SIX CHAMPIONSHIP IN 12 YEARS AND GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR 8 YEARS IN A ROW. WE ALSO BEAT TEAM LIKE MIAMI SOUTHWESTERN AND EVREY SCHOOL IN ALBANY AND RANDOLPH-CLAY OVER AND OVER WHILE WINNING 66 GAMES IN A ROW FROM 1999 TO 2001. ALL IM SAYING IS SHOW MITCHELL- BAKER SOME RESPECT WE EARNED IT NOT LIKE A LOT OF THE ATLANTA SCHOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By wheelerwildcat

March 3, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this

o,

I’m assuming your one of this whiney little babies whose school can’t compete since your accusing us of cheating. It’s the kids choice to come to our school so how is it cheating. People like you really need to get over themselves, it’s getting old.

By Big Man

March 3, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

Westover not being in the highest classification does not lessen their accomplishments. Neither does Mitchell-Baker not being in the highest classification. These were great teams. The best teams aren’t always in the highest classification. Maybe the most night in night out competition, but not necessarily the best team.

By Tim Denney

March 4, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Please remember the Hogansville High School teams from 1970-1980. During that span the Greenwave went to the Final Four eight times, with five State Championships (1970,71,72,74 & 80), one Runnerup in 73, & Final Four appearances in 77 & 79. The 1978 team, led by the great Derek Smith did not make the State Tournament despite a 23-2 record and averaging 103 points per game.

By John

March 4, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this

I have to agree on Hogansville’s run. No team dominated a classification like Hogansville did in Class B in the 70s.

By wheelergrad

March 4, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t around in the 70 or most of the 80s for that matter. and i also went to wheeler so i may be swayed. But, I honestly feel like they were the best atleast in the 2000s no disrespect to norcross. It is easily between those two and kudos to both coaches. In my 4 years and the years after i graduated I can remember atleast these players going to college to play

richard howell - nc state commit ari stewart - wake forest commit dequan jones - miami (fl) JJ hickson - nc state and then the cleveland cavaliers Adrian Williams - Brown Trey Lang - Umass Jermare Davidson - Alabama and somewhere in the NBA JT Tiller - mizzou Sharaud Curry - Providence David Gonzalvez - richmond spiders (leading scorer) James Florence - Mercer BJ Corley - Mercer I think there are a couple other that I just cant remember

In recent memory though, Norcross has had the illustrious players Gani Lawal, Al Faroque aminu, and jodie meeks

By devil lover

March 4, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

64-61 Devils Win!!!!!!

By uga5678

March 4, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this

Honestly, Norcross wins the team of the decade HANDS DOWN! Just the fact that they’ve won three state championships in a row trumps everything. Although Wheeler is also very good, but the three-peat is a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in over 60 years, and when Lanier did it, it was definitely not at this level of basketball. Watching Norcross has been like watching a college team. Speaking of which: ACC ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Gani Lawal—Georgia Tech Jodie Meeks—Kentucky (BTW, he broke UK’s single game scoring record earlier this season and he’s the first college player to score 50 points in a single game in over 10 years) Jordan DeMercy—Florida State University Tony Neysmith—Oklahoma Brenton Butler—Fordham University AJ Hawkins—Canisius University Taylor Killian—Valdosta State University Also, Taariq Muhammed and Denzail Jones are highly recruited seniors this year.

Norcross’ players are impact players in college and Jodie, Gani, and Farouq will go on to be lottery picks. While Wheeler may have a lot of players in college, they are surely not the stars that Norcross has produced. If Wheeler has had so much talent, and I am in no way disputing their talent because they are a great team, they should have won much more than 3 state titles.

Norcross has made a relatively seamless transition from Coach Eddie Martin to Coach Jessee McMillan this year, which is no easy feat. They’re going for a fourth consecutive state championship, and is highly recognized as the team every player wants to play on. Players purposefully move into the Norcross district from many states in hopes of playing on Norcross.

Norcross is a dynasty and IS the team of the decade. No contest.

By devil lover

March 4, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this

wheelergrad….so you won’t forget

Gani Lawal-Ga Tech, AlFaroque Aminu-Wake Forest, Jodie Meeks-Kentucky

By Ron M. Williams

March 5, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this

Only one Georgia High Shool Boys basketball team has ever been crowned national champions…1979 SW Macon…enough said!

By Mr. Top Hat

March 5, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this

Shareef Abdur Rahim - Cal - 3rd overall pick in NBA draft Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings

J.J. Hickson - NC State - 19th overall pick in NBA Draft Cleveland Caveliers

Jamereo Davidson - Alabama - Charlotte Bobcats

D.A. Lang - UGA (when they were good)

Sharaud Curry - Providence

James Florence - Mercer

B.J. Corley - Mercer

J.T. Tiller - Missouri

Trey Lang - UMASS

Dequan Jones - U Miami

Ari Stewart - committed to Wake Forest

Richard Howell - committed to NC State

There is twelve players that came out of wheeler to your 3 that came out of Norcross

By NORCROSS BASKETBALL

March 5, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

I have never seen any of those teams play except for norcross and wheeler because im only 17, but it is obvious that Norcross is a dynasty, it shows that all these teams have won 4 championships in a decade and 5 in a decade and what not, but he failed to mention that Norcross has won 3 state championships in 3 seasons and working on 4 this year. Thats unprecedented!! The winner of the norcross vs wheeler game is going to win the state championship this year as if it were a walk in the park. With centennial out of it and the winner having to play savannah or west lake (who are they?) it will be a breeze. Let’s go norcross!

By Wheeler Grad 99

March 5, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

Not to mention the fact that Wheeler has finished with 20 plus wins EVERY season since 1994, make the playoffs EVERY year since 1994.

I DOUBT NORCROSS CAN CAMPARE TO THAT.

By Dawgster

March 5, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

‘79 SW Macon was unbelievable. I played against them in the 2nd round of the state tournament and we were in awe of their talent. Let’s be honest about the transfers to Norcross and Wheeler in that these AAU coaches have a big hand in this and it is dirty. I know for a fact one AAU moved in one of these schools district and has transfers living in his home.

By uga777

March 5, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

Mr. Top Hat,

in case you didn’t see, norcross has more than three players.

Al-Forouq Aminu- Wake Forest ACC Rookie of the Year

Gani Lawal- Georgia Tech

Jodie Meeks- Kentucky. Broke UK’s single game scoring record, first player to score over 50 points in one game in 10 years

Jordan DeMercy- Florida State University

Brenton Butler- Fordham University

Tony Neysmith- Oklahoma/Auburn

AJ Hawkins- Canisuis University

Archie Midway- Auburn

Daniel Emerson- Mercer

And straight from the new blog:

“Norcross has graduated 22 players this decade who have played college ball”

By Ernest

March 5, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this

Todd, to close out this blog, the 70’s were the best decade for basketball. I forgot about the teams in Hogansville. We saw some tremendous talent and teams during that decade. Today’s athletes are better but give me the guys that played back then and we’ll probably win 7-8 out of 10 games.

By Ron M. Williams

March 6, 2009 8:24 AM | Link to this

Best decades?…SW Macon (1970s) - 1 National title 1979, Four State titles, seven Final Fours….and this was in the largest/big boy classification with no such thing as recruits/move-ins….man please!

By Devil Lover

March 6, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this

Come on guys. The truth maybe that SW Macon was the best team of the 70’s decade but there is no way they were better than the teams today. I think 5A has at least 75 teams today the top teams play in two to three out of state tournaments each year. In these tournament they are playing the best teams in the country and during the last two to three yrs our tops teams were winning a lot of those games.

So explain to me again why you think that teams of the 70’s and 80’s were better than today’s teams because I don’t get it.

By Ernest

March 6, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

Devil Lover:

In fairness, the question was the best decade of boys basketball. When you look at the teams and players in the 70’s, I honest believe there is no comparison. I would also add it was a ‘purer’ game thus the players had better fundamental skills. Dunking was not allowed until the 76-77 season. Big men had to learn low post moves to be successful. Ball movement was something else. Add to that, they did not have the transfers that many great teams today have.

Yes, the shorts were like ‘hot pants’ but the players were something else!

By Big D

March 15, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

The 1 thing that separates SW Macon from the rest of the pack is SW Macon has a National Championship to show for all of it’s hard work. What other program from whatever decade has one in Georgia. When you need something to put you over the top thats the deciding factor. Also SW-Macon would have been the first team to 3-peat had it not been for a biased GHSA who wanted to teach the school a lesson for going on a International Goodwill Tour without its blessings. GHSA placed SW-Macon on probation and thus they were unable to defend their title.