AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2009 > March > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTake 10: Cinderellas still in the house at Georgia state basketball tournament
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s tough being a Cinderella. Every moment in the spotlight could be your last. We at Take Ten decided to scan the remaining tournament field for each classification’s top “Cinderella” candidate.
As you’ll notice, that wasn’t easy. Not everyone is wearing an obvious slipper. In some classifications the top-seeded teams just keep winning. Also, all of these teams could be sitting at home by the end of the week. Who knows? We thought these teams earned some attention for their work in the opening rounds.
Here are 10 “Cinderella” teams to keep an eye on:
10: ECI (Class A girls) — Getting past Randolph-Clay is a tough task, but ECI — the No. 3 seed from Region 3 — has already knocked off Warren County and Taylor County for an Elite Eight berth.
9: Wilcox County (Class A boys) — The Patriots are into the round of eight with 24-7 record but entered the state tournament as a No. 3 seed to get there. Wilcox County has topped Clinch County and Calvary Day en route to their Columbus State game on Friday.
8: Hardaway (Class AAAA girls) — The Golden Hawks entered the state tournament with a 24-4 record but as a No. 4 seed from Region 1-AAAA. Well, they’re still flying after victories against Effingham County and Dutchtown. Things get a little trickier against Bainbridge on Friday.
7: Rabun County (Class AA girls) — The Wildcats are certainly making up for their early exit in the region tournament. Rabun County has downed Armuchee and Manchester for a trip to the Rome Forum. Prior to the region tournament loss to Union County, the Tigers rattled off 12 straight. Don’t be surprised to see them advance further.
6: Milton (Class AAAAA boys) — The Eagles are young, but they’re not having trouble winning now. Milton has defeated Marietta and Central Gwinnett to set up a good matchup with South Gwinnett in the Elite Eight at West Georgia. We’d like to see what this team can do in the Final Four.
5: Peach County (Class AAA girls) — The Trojans are certainly representing Region 1-AAA well. Peach County is into the Elite Eight after entering the tournament as a No. 3 seed. They’ve knocked off Northside-Columbus and Richmond Hill en route to a trip to Columbus State.
4: Cedartown (Class AAA boys) — After getting blasted by Carrollton in the Region 6-AAA tournament, the Bulldogs are still barking and Carrollton is sitting at home. Cedartown has topped St. Pius X and North Hall to set up a quarterfinal matchup with Gainesville.
3: Tucker (Class AAAA boys) — The Tigers are roaring into the Elite Eight thanks to knocking off Lithia Springs and Hillgrove. Next up is a team we’re sure Tucker has some familiarity with, Marist. That may not be the best game of the quarterfinals, but it will be one of the most interesting.
2: Duluth (Class AAAAA girls) — Mykala Walker and the Wildcats are poised for another trip to the Class AAAAA semifinals after knocking off Cherokee in the second round. Duluth entered as the No. 3 seed in Region 7. Next up, the Wildcats get a talented Marietta squad.
1: Coosa (Class AA boys) — The Eagles have a losing record. Do we need to say that again? The Eagles have a losing record at 14-16 and are still dancing. Coosa has downed East Jackson and Decatur for an Elite Eight matchup with GAC. Best of luck to the Eagles. To finish with a winning record, Coosa must win the state championship. No pressure.
Go on. Take Ten. Who is your Cinderella team ready for a state tournament run? Did we miss a team? Let us know.
Permalink | Comments (26) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Comments
By Mr. Top Hat
March 5, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t necessarily call Milton a cindarella until they beat South Gwinnett. Sure they are in the Elite 8, but the teams they have played (Marietta, Central Gwinnett) both had losing records
By Not Sure
March 5, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this
Tucker a Cindrella? You have got to be kidding. I’ve seen them play several times this year and Cinderella is not a word I’ve associated with them. Additionally, teams that qualify for the state tournament from that region are far from lucky to be in the elite eight.
By yeah but
March 5, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
milton is a pretty good team. sure marietta had a losing record but they won 7 straight over 3 top 10 teams to make it into the state tournament and was coached by one of the best coaches in georgia high school history. that being said, that game could have easily gone the other way with marietta coming out on top. it will be interesting to see how far milton goes.
By Eagle 1
March 5, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this
Columbia Girls are still in it!!! They’ve come along way!!! Go Eagles!!!!
By noneya
March 5, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this
Tucker a Cinderella? A school that has had a solid B’Ball program for years. I knew they would be Hillgrove, Hillgrove plays in a weak region. And I haven’t seen the Hardaway girls or know much about their region this year but they are 24-4, that doesn’t sound like Cinderella criteria either.
By FATMAN
March 5, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
DID YOU NOT KNOW RABUN COUNTY PLAYS BUFORD ??? THEY HAD A GOOD RUN BUT IT’S OVER—WOLVES RULES!!!!
By Chris Stallings
March 5, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
Dade County Boys (AA) was 15 down with under 3 minutes to play last night and won in double ot. This is there first time to the elite 8 so I am thinking they are a surprise contender. Go Wolves!
By Jobe
March 5, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this
If Tucker losses to Marist for the third time this year they should give up their basketball program. MAN UP TUCKER! or go home like the wimps you have been this year.
By Jobe
March 5, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this
If Tucker losses to Marist for the third time this year they should give up their basketball program. MAN UP TUCKER! or go home like the wimps you have been this year.
By gomdawg
March 6, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this
I think this paper is doing a bad job on covering the state basketball playoff. I f you are from the south you can’t find anything. just bad bad bad.
By MizShan
March 6, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
We’ll be ya’ Cinderella! Our Coosa boys may have a losing record, but we are here to ball!!
By hamma
March 6, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this
Good luck Columbia Lady Eagles. You guys have made the Eagle nation proud. Continue to work hard and good things will happen to you.
By MountainMama
March 6, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this
I’m hoping the Towns County Lady Indians (Class A) can find a way to up-end Wesleyan and their “superwoman”. Hopefully Coach Melton can find some kryptonite to slow down Ms. Armstrong. If the Lady Indians 3-pt shots are “on” like they have been their last two games….this could really be a good game to watch!
By Raider's Fan
March 6, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget about Redan Raider’s Girls team. The have a powerhouse Alisha Andrews, Nia Evans, Aneesia Daniels, Quortni Fambro, Keeira Paige, Mackenzie Darlyrmpe,& Delia Brunson and not to mention Coach Malone has a full bench. They haven’t lost a game yet so watch out for the Raiders. AJC don’t give Redan no love come give coverage on the South.
By Raider's Fan
March 6, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
Columbia we are very proud of your team. Keep up the good work another South school.
By gomdawg
March 7, 2009 5:39 AM | Link to this
OK Tucker Now comes THE BAINBRIDGE BEARCATS YOUR YEAR IS OVER.
By theodoris gibbs
March 7, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
Social Circle Girls. First year Coach Mapp Ivey has guided the girls to an upset win over #3 Gordon Lee (63 to 39). They have won 20 games and play SWAC in an elite 8 match up at Marietta High. Ivey replaced long time Coach Crystal Wood who guide the girls teams to Region Titles and Stae playoffs. She also guided SC to a final 4 where they lost to eventual champ Hawkinsville.
By Eagle Fan
March 7, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this
Hey Columbia Eagles, Lady and Mens Team Let’s just win it All!!!! 2008 - 2009 AAA Champions
By www.nextupmagazine.com
March 7, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
Next Up Magazine will be in the house for the championship games march 11-14. www.nextupmagazine.com
By www.nextupmagazine.com
March 7, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
Go to www.nextupmagazine.com and let us know who’s going to win it all !!!!
By Patriots Fan
March 8, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this
Wilcox County is in the Final Four. Go Patriots!
By Fans
March 8, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
Wesleyan don’t deserve to be a single A school (6 AA consective b-ball S-F). They may win state, but no one will be happy for them but themselves. Private schools shouldn’t be allow to play for championship against public school. They can recruit all over the US. They got the funds to travel and play any where, and get the best training camps money can buy year round. So Wesleyan I’m not impressed with you playing a single A school for the state championship. You should be ashame; even your football state championship was a farce. We need to make some changes be cause this is just not right. Former High School B-Ball Player
By Tucker Fans
March 8, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this
YALL BEEN DOWNING TUCKER ALL SEASON.. BUT LOOK WHERE WE AT…FINAL 4. AND WE WILL BEAT BAINBRIDGE FOR ALL YALL HATERS. THANKS TO MANNY ATKINS,MOCH LUAL AND BRANDON DAWSON WE MADE IT THIS FAR!!!
By thsondeck
March 9, 2009 10:25 PM | Link to this
All of you guys are haters on Tucker! Way to go Tigers! Congrads Coach Hartry and his team!
By Gary
March 9, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this
What about the Westover Patriots from the tough Region 1-AAA? They knocked out Shaw in the 1st round, LIberty Co. in the 2nd, and Northside-Columbus Saturday in Columbus! That’s a hell-uva run!
By Next Up Magazine
March 9, 2009 11:17 PM | Link to this
Who do you think made the cover of Next Up Magazine? 1. Derrick Favor 2. Shun Kemp Jr 3.Jershon Cobb 4.Dwight Howard
visit www.nextupmagazine.com and get your $5.00 issue !!