Prep Zone

By Tim Kallan

March 8, 2009 6:45 PM | Link to this

Coach Brian Marks of Blessed Trinity in Roswell is far and away the best high school coach in the state of Georgia. His teams are usually overmatched on a regular basis whether it be due to the opponent’s size, speed or talent. Yet Coach Marks always has his team ready to play & is able to maximize the effort in every game. He is an outstanding teacher & is respected by both his players & fellow coaches. The Titans lost 7 players to graduation from last year’s team but Coach Marks has his squad in the Final Four of the state tournament. A true testament to his outstanding coaching ability. Good luck on Thursday. Go Titans!

By Wildcat85

March 8, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this

After an irratic, slow first half, Wheeler got it going in the third quarter. Without Ari Stewart in the game from the 3:00 mark of the first through halftime, they never could get any offense going. Credit Norcross’ defense for that, but also some poor decisions from Wheeler. Once Ari got back in the game, they played much better offensively. Also, Wheeler’s defense stepped it up in the second half. They held Tariq Muhammad to 5 points and only one Blue Devil to double digits. One of the huge differences in the game was Free Throw shooting. Wheeler was 23-24 from the line (96%) and Norcross was 8-17 (47%). Wheeler was 18-18 in their game against Peachtree Ridge. I wonder when the last time a team made 41-42 free throws at any level, High School, NCAA or NBA. You just don’t see that level of profeciency! I would like to know what the numbers are going back to the Harrison game.

Wheeler rose to the occasion without Tate, who has been a major force on their team. They played without him down the stretch and looked strong. I think they have better chemistry without him, and although we take a hit on the offensive strength of our team, we are better defensively with Karl Cochran out there.

If Wheeler keeps up the intensity, I think they will take the title home. I am sure Westlake will bring their best and Wheeler will need to keep the defensive intesity up to advance to the Finals.

By david M

March 8, 2009 7:51 PM | Link to this

Lets roll ACS.. Athens is behind you. Coach Link is outstanding !! Players good luck WED.

By gatechfan1

March 8, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this

In class A its a no brainer that Wesleyan, the team with the least class will win the state title. I will admit that they do have a lot of talent but its pretty shameful to be up on teams by 50 points near the end of the game and still continue to press and be aggressive. I know it won’t happen but I hope one of the other remaining teams in Class A will destroy the classless Wolves.

By Karon

March 8, 2009 8:50 PM | Link to this

I told the Atlanta Area to watch out for those Lady Bulldogs of Beach High School out of Savannah, GA. Let go Dogs..

By Wheelerfan

March 8, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

Well said wildcat, but I also think that joey jerome has been a vital part as well, he’s not afraid to go down low and do the dirty work of offensive rebounding, and he is also quite capable of finishing close to the basket as he has a few moves for the low post…. Wheeler has the big 3, but it’s the trio of Cochran tiller and jerome that are often overlooked but are essential to this teams success

By GA Buckeye

March 8, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this

Tucker’s peaking at the right time. They have won 2 close, tough games against Hillgrove and Marist. That tough regulare season schedule got them ready for the play-offs. I am picking they will beat Bainbridge and I expect Miller Grove to beat Richmond Academy, setting up yet another all-Region 6 AAAA final. I like Tucker’s chances, but Miller Grove has a great team.

By big dee

March 8, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

Tucker has shown everybody that play a tough regular season schedule will help come playoff time. They are finally beginning to get into their grove. Manny Atkins has step his game up along with Brandon Dawson which makes them tough inside. Bainbridge is a tough team but I like Tucker. I think Miller Grove might have a tougher time than everybody thinks becasue they are not a good rebounding team and Richmond Acadamey can bang inside. I like Tucker as our state champs

By andre

March 8, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

turner county weak schedule and all, they say ,but we are in our third final 4 in 3 years.wilcox county in our region in the final 4 too ,tell you something.it’s some great basketball player’s in our region such as greenville 6’6 soph.caldwell,wilcox 6’2 soph. nick marshall and 6’7 jr. lonnie outlaw,turner’s soph. 6’7 breon dixon and 6’8 jr. chris spears, these are just the underclassmen in one region 2

By Todd Holcomb

March 8, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

Good comments.

I was at the Greenforest-Athens Christian game Saturday. Fun game. Neat to see Ron Link on the sideline. He’s been around for awhile. I remember him for those Georgia teams that won the Boston Shootout years ago. I’d like to see his year-by-year stops in coaching. Couldn’t find anything online. Great coach.

As for Wesleyan’s girls, the press was unnecessary in the second half. So that’s a fair question. But it’s the state tournament now, and I assume that Coach Azar is preparing her players to go at max speed for an entire game because there might be a time when that full-court pressure is needed for 32 minutes. And to do that, you’ve got to have a deep bench that’s prepared to bring it without mercy.

By heeldawg

March 9, 2009 4:30 AM | Link to this

Wesleyan’s girls are a AA team (at least until this year) playing with AAAAA talent in class A. They have depth, talent and tradition like no other team in the Class A field. They would have to be the most prohibitive favorite of any of the 40 schools still playing.

Randolph Clay, Southwest Atlanta Christian and Savannah Country Day are all fine teams. In any other year, any of them could be a top-notch state champion. But for any of them to beat Wesleyan this season would be a huge (likely 1000:1) long shot.

My prediction: Wesleyan over Randolph Clay; Savannah Country Day over Southwest Atlanta Christian; and Wesleyan over SCDS (and Tennessee signee Katherine Dotson—in softball) for the title.

By HOWARD

March 9, 2009 5:46 AM | Link to this

STATE CHAMPION PREDICTIONS: BOYS: WHEELER,MILLER GROVE,SOUTH ATLANTA,GAC,WHITEFIELD

GIRLS: PARKVIEW,FAYETTE CO.,BALDWIN,BUFORD,WESLEYAN

By Aunite Em

March 9, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this

re Wesleyan: How many other teams can sit their top-talent for more than 3 quarters and still dominate another team - so much so that the other team didn’t even score in the 2nd quarter (except for some sympathy free throws)? And play they entire bench? And have every player (except one) score in the game?

I’m willing to say: Few, more likely, NONE.

Quit your whining. Jan Azar has gotten her teams to Macon consistently. But she still knows what it is like to be on the losing side of those scores.

Wesleyan dropped the press during regular season as soon as the score became unbeatable.

But this is for the championship. You don’t give back points when the title is on the line.

By Tj

March 9, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

I want to echo Tim Kallan’s assessment of Blessed Trinity. They won their second round game despite not making a field goal the entire fourth quarter. And the game was tight throughout. Marks really has nothing on that team that probably 40 other schools in class AA don’t have. He’s the difference without a doubt.

By Shane

March 9, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

Was at the Wesleyan game Saturday. No dog in the fight but I was there to see some good basketball. Wesleyan looks great and they don’t need to apologize for keeping the press going. You have to keep the full intensity going and keep your players sharp. If you hold up and rest for a half then you might lose the next game. It’s the playoffs and mercy is not required. Leave that for exhibition, regular season and youth ball. This is grown up time….

By Bestball

March 9, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this

Three factors in the class AAAA boys Final Four: talent, competition and great coaching. At Miller Grove, coach S. White built the foundation and current coach E. Johnson is doing a good job with arguably the top team overall in the state (defeated S. Atlanta (exhibition), Centennial, Tucker, etc.). Mfon Udofia is the catalyst with several weapons surrounding him (Stephen Hill, Tony Parker, Joe Caldwell, Adarius Fulton). Never underestimate or sleep on any team coached by James Hartry. Four out of the past five years, Tucker has advanced to the Final Four four out of the last five years, winning the state in 2006. With the last five (Mays 2005, Columbia 2006, Tucker 2007, Columbia 2008) coming from Region-6, it’s evident where the best basketball in the state is being played.

By Eagle Fan

March 9, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

Hey Howard, Have you heard of the story David and Goliath, anything is possible, so don’t count us out yet. Go Eagles!!!!!!

By Da Coach

March 9, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

Can you imagine AAA Columbia, AAAA Miller Grove & SWD, and AAAAA Redan? That’s Dekalb County the champions in Georgia high school basketball.

By Wildcat85

March 9, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

You are right on, Wildcatfan. Jerome, Cochran and Tiller played a huge role in the second half comeback vs. Norcross. Holding them to 9 points in the first 11 minutes of the second half is what won us the game, along with Ari getting back into the game.

Now it is time to focus on Westlake, who likes to run and push the ball. It should be a high scoring game on Thursday!

By Coach Jackson....yeah that one

March 9, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this

Coach Eddie Johnson of Miller Grove was an assistant under Coach White and he started coaching when the current class of seniors were freshman so he knows the boys as well as they know him. He has the knowledge and youthfulness to take those boys to the top and this year is that year to do it.

Miller Grove Class AAAA State Champs (My prediction)

By Al Beeski

March 9, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

Todd, I watched Saturday’s quarterfinals games at Columbus State and agree with your AAA assessment 100%. South Atlanta looks like they are legit, however, if Columbia can make it a 15-round heavyweight fight, the smaller winner from the other semi might can sneak up on a tired S. Atlanta squad, especially Westover who goes with a 10-deep rotation. However, I have seen all the greats over the last 20 years (another story; but IN HIGH SCHOOL NOT PROS OR COLLEGE, THE 3 BEST HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS I HAVE SEEN IN GEORGIA ARE 1)Dwight Howard 2)Shareef 3)Wingfield(i’m from albany so maybe a little biased) 4)Louis Williams, and Favors is incredibly overrated from the ONE game I saw of him Saturday night. So of course, it’s jumping to conclusions on my part, but I don’t expect him to dominate at Tech.

By Wolfman

March 9, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

Coach Azar has a tough problem - how do you keep your players sharp while keeping the score in line? My guess is that the Wesleyan girls would still be playing AA if they could, but unfortunately the whole school is either A or AA - can’t split up the sports. Wesleyan still has to play with the big schools in sports such as volleyball, lacrosse and swimming. The school won more state championships in AA last year than they will in A this year.

By Mailman

March 9, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

To Al Beeski

” Favors is incredibly overrated from the ONE game I saw of him Saturday night. So of course, it’s jumping to conclusions on my part, but I don’t expect him to dominate at Tech.”

You must think Derrick “STIX” Favors gets his rankings from playing at South Atlanta??? WRONG…..he does more amazing things playing against THE BEST when playing AAU ball(ATL Celtics)!

He’s bored out there playing against regular High Schools. But I can see where someone may get confused when watching him on a giving nite…..but trust me, he’s the TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!

By Mailman

March 9, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

To Al Beeski

” Favors is incredibly overrated from the ONE game I saw of him Saturday night. So of course, it’s jumping to conclusions on my part, but I don’t expect him to dominate at Tech.”

You must think Derrick “STIX” Favors gets his rankings from playing at South Atlanta??? WRONG…..he does more amazing things playing against THE BEST when playing AAU ball(ATL Celtics)!

He’s bored out there playing against regular High Schools. But I can see where someone may get confused when watching him on a giving nite…..but trust me, he’s the TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!

By Al Beeski

March 9, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

To Mailman, Ranking & recruiting 17-18 year old kids is a crapshoot, no one knows what kind of immeasurables these kids have (i.e. work ethic, heart, passion, etc.) I was simply stating an opinion after one game, for Tech’s sake & his sake, I hope he turns out to be that good! The state of GA has produced all-worlds on the next level as well as all-time busts. No one recruiting service or guru bats .1000 on these kids, but remember if Favors doesn’t pan out remember one confused soul could say “i told you so!”

By Mailman

March 9, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this

I here ya and understand ya Al Beeski,…if i was a betting man tho, my money would be on Favors!

The man has all around game and the boy is SO HUMBLE!!!

But if he’s a bust, I will definitely say you told me so!

By joeb

March 9, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

I really get tired of all this talk about metro atl basketball. southwest georgia gets know respect at all.I don’t remember any one picking bainbridge to be in the final 4 or even coming close to getting in the big dance, but look at them now.matter of fact we have girls and boys in the final 4. how about giving southwest georgia some respect. Or do we have to win it ALL!! I pick Bainbridge Girls & Boys to win it all

By Just Nasty & Mean

March 9, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

I hate to tell you, but the AAAAA playoffs are stained beyond repair.

The ridiculous, pathetic, atrocious, biased, inept, political, refs at the So. Gwinnett/Centennial game has corrupted the entire state playoffs.

Anybody that saw that game knows the refs were on the side of So. Gwinnett. Not only did Centennial score the winning basket that was taken away (costing the win), they were accosted for the ball (pulled jersey-pushed to the floor—in a blatant and flagrant foul) which caused a turnover for the winning basket in the last second of 2 OTs.

I know. Waa Waa! Boo Hoo!, Sour Grapes, Bwaaa and all that. I am telling all you who didn’t see the game—-it was robbery.

Shame on ALL the adults that took part in this sham.

It reflects on the outcome of the entire playoffs in AAAAA. Whomever wins—I hate to tell you—-the thieves at So. Gwinnett STOLE your trophy. It is stained and unclean because of the corruptness of what happened in that game. I don’t blame the So. Gwinnett players.

The Adults involved in stealing this game took a clean championship from you.

Sorry.

By Biased Eagle

March 9, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

Ref HS ball. I’ve seen Favors since he’s been at S. Atlanta. His development has been incredible. The keys to Saturdays’s game will be the benches (role players) and the TEAM effort on DEFENSE! Eagles pressure…dizzying! Go Eagles

By Quityourwhining

March 9, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

To By Just Nasty & Mean,

It’s okay, Wheeler or Milton would’ve destroyed centennial in the playoffs. I know Centennial beat Milton twice but they are playing way better since the region tournament. Quit complaining about the referees because at the end of the day, if a lay-up is made here or if Lorenzo hits his free throws like superstars should, the game would not have come down to a last second shot for South Gwinnett. There’s always next year for Centennial… oh wait… no there isn’t because the team is gone since Lorenzo graduates.

By chad L.

March 9, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

Todd: you asked about Ron Link… 80’s: Lakeside Hish School 90’s: South Gwinnett High School 00’s: Cedar Shoals High School and now Athens Christian

By Just Nasty & Mean

March 9, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this

to Quityourswhining

First: It is obvious that you don’t know what you are talking about—especially when you acknowledge Centennial beat Milton TWiCE this season—-both times beating them soundly, and Beating Wheeler AT WHEELER during the season. then you make a statement like both teams would ‘destroy” Centennial.
That’s just dumba__ logic.

Secondly: After the game, So. Gwinnett students stormed the floor and were patting the refs on the back—and shaking their hands to show their appreciation for the atrocious, pathetic, one-sided, sickening game they called. Ever seen that before? Not me!! You weren’t there, else you would know what you were talking about. Obviously—-you don’t.

My beef is NOT with the So. Gwinnett players, but the ADULTS that definitely had a hand in this game. Centennial won this game once—with a layup at the expiration of the clock—that was counted by TWO refs, but overruled by one and not counted—-then had the ball with 12 seconds and a play called. Only when our point-guard was held by the jersey, and then pushed to the floor (for a NO-Call foul) did the ball come lose and So. Gwinnett wins. Throughout the game, the refs were one-sided. In the 4th, every time Centennial pulled away, there was NO REASON or motive for Centennial to foul, there were 7 STRAIGHT fouls called against them. Under So. Gwinnett’s offensive basket, Centennial players were pushed out of bounds and to the floor multiple times. No fouls!!

It was one of the most blatant, sickening, putrid displays of game manipulation I have ever, ever seen.

If you aren’t FOR fair games, or are Against good refs—and fair play calling—-then you are part of the problem.

My guess is Wheeler is the best team at this time. But any team can lose on any given night. But if the playoff system is skewed and manipulated to help one team over another, then the WHOLE PLAYOFF SYSTEM is corrupted.

Wheeler—-or whomever—can win the state championship. But it is not a “Clean” win based upon the blatant thievery and adult intervention into the Centennial/So. Gwinnett game that night.

This was a sickening, and appalling display to all fair-minded fans of this wholesome family sport.

By South Atlanta Fan

March 9, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this

lol did that man just say Favor is overrated that man must be on that stuff lol Favor wont be 18 yet till Tech start they basketball season again he just 17 a young man playing with lil boys but i hope u wasnt mad when he beat your team cause only people that lost to south Atlanta will say a crazy thing like that.

By South Atlanta Fan

March 9, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

Yall keep saying They dont have a bench but we go 9 deep and that enough in a 32 min high school game or really 30 min when we be up by 30 points but the Columbia vs SOuth Atlanta will be an ESPN instant classic

By Mr. Top Hat

March 9, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this

Justy Nasty and Mean:

If Centennial made their free throws it would not have come down to a poor decision on the ref’s part. Anyway if Centennial played Wheeler again it would be a repeat of the Region Championship. Wheeler 76 Centennial 56. Wheeler has much better team chemistry without Tate and if you watched Wheeler play against Norcross you would know that.

By Ernest

March 9, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

I like the teams from DeKalb County’s chance to bring home at least 3 championships. Looking forward to some GOOD basketball this weekend…

By Quityourwhining

March 9, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this

Again to Just Nasty & Mean

First of all I firmly believe if the game were played today Wheeler and Milton would handle Centennial. Everyone knows(or I guess knew would be the best term now) that Centennial has no one who can create their own shot with the exception of Lorenzo Brown. So the key to beating Centennial was collapsing Lorenzo when he tried to get into the lane and make the other players make perimeter shots. Which they can’t make perimeter shots. For a guard laden team Centennial has no outside shooters, everyone can drive the lane but all that is required is jamming up the lane and centennial is beat because nobody can hit a three unless they have 3 seconds to set up. Seriously if Lorenzo makes his free throws( like the region championship last year) then Centennial is still playing but he folded and so did Centennial. If you want to complain about how Centennial beat Milton twice its useless because Milton beat South Gwinnett in regulation. Centennial got manhandled against Wheeler last time so I wouldn’t see Centennial beating Wheeler either.

By Just Nasty & Mean

March 9, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

Mr. Top Hat

If you see what I wrote, I agreed that Wheeler looks to be the team to beat at this time.

Had you read what I wrote, you would know that every time Centennial pulled away for 4 to 6 pts, the one-sided fouls would start to come—and 7 in-a -row late int he game. Under So. Gwinnett’s offensive basked, they were getting 3-4-5 shots at a time, while Centennial was getting pushed and shoved to the ground or out of bounds. On our end, we got the foul called against us.

The reason it came down to a few points is the refs MADE it that way with foul calling. There were 2 4th qtr. out-of-bounds calls that were no-doubt Centennial balls that were called the other way.

I am telling you, and anyone that will listen, and being so persistent so to emphasis just how ridiculous and insane this game was manipulated for a So. Gwinnett win.

It spoils the whole playoff for everybody—-and whoever wins—-cannot take the trophy home with a clear conscience that it was “fairly won”.

It was not.

I know—bwaaa, boo-hoo, and all that crap. Next time, maybe it’ll be YOUR kid that gets screwed.

By Just Nasty & Mean

March 9, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this

Quityourwhining

Lorenzo Brown scorred 27 pts in that game. If you think that’s “folding” then you definitely don’t know what in hell you’re talking about.

Centennial has 3 3-pt shooters that I compare to anybody. Our pt. guard can drive the lane, or stop-and-pop. I’d be willing to bet you haven’t seen Centennial (with only 5 loses on the season—inc. the cheapa$$ playoff loss) else you’d have more respect.

I have given Wheeler their due diligence. Why repeat yourself?

I get the distinct impression you have your head where the sun don’t shine.

By FCHS Teacher

March 9, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this

It’s about time that we heard a little more about our Lady Tigers from Fayette. Coach Strickland was absolutely right that in order to win a state championship, our girls would have to be 32 - 0 on the season. There’s a reason these girls are nationally ranked and that’s teamwork. I’m predicting Jonesboro gets their first loss on Wednesday and redemption in the state championship game.

By Mr. Top Hat

March 9, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

Just Mean and Nasty:

If Wheeler wins state, you should call their win “clean.” The bracket they played through was the most difficult side (McEachern, Walton, and 3 time defending champion Norcross), and you said it yourself “Wheeler is the best team right now” and Wheeler would still beat Centennial if they played again.

However, I disagree with the fact Milton would beat Centennial. The first 2 teams they played each had losing records and South Gwinnet really hadn’t played the competition Centennial or Wheeler has.

Wheeler has played 10 nationally ranked teams (3 top 5 teams)one of those teams is ranked No. 1 in the nation according to maxpreps.com (King High) who beat former No. 1 Mater Dei and Wheeler beat them (King High).

Centennial hasn’t had an easy schedule either having to play South Atlanta.

So to say Milton would destroy Centennial is a little overboard. Even a close win would be a stretch.

By Dave B

March 9, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

Favors is the TRUTH! South Atlanta has about 3 or 4 other guys who are the TRUTH! South Atlanta beats everybody by at least 20+. Come on people give them the respect that they deserve. Nobody, not even Columbia will give them a true match.

By Who Cares?

March 9, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this

On a national scale, Georgia high school basketball is like their high school football - 2nd tier.

By Just Nasty & Mean

March 9, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

Mr. Top Hat

Please don’t get confused. I NEVER claimed that Milton would destroy Centennial. That was another of many simply “idiotic” remarks made my Quityourwhining.

Without a doubt, Region 6 was—by far—the toughest in the state—-bar NONE.

Centennial beat Milton twice by wide margins—-including in their gym and home crowd. Quityourwhining doesn’t have a clue. Read my blog. I told him it was “dumbA$$ logic” and stand by it.

To win as consistently, against the likes of Milton, Wheeler, Walton, et. al, Centennial HAS to have been a good team. That speaks to the fact the were undone by crooked, thieving refs against So. Gwinnett.

Although I will be rooting for a Region 6 team to continue, I would not be surprised if Milton didn’t lose in the next round for the reasons you aptly delineate.

Any championship series whose elimination process was corrupted as BAD as the pathetic biased, morons that refed the So. Gwinnett/Centennial game spoiled it for everyone—including the champs. It was a fraud, a cheat, a scam, which cannot be part of a “fair” elimination process.

It ANY part of the playoff series is a fraud—it ALL is a fraud. Make no mistake, the Centennial/So. Gwinnett game was a fraud.

By Wheelerfan

March 9, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this

Centennial won by 8 at home and 4 at Milton, didn’t think that was considered a wide margin…

By Pleasestopwhining

March 9, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

I sure watched Centennial get pounded by Miller Grove and Wheeler. I think Milton has gotten much better throughout this tournament that they would beat Centennial. Royal has really evolved into a force and I think he would kill Centennial on the inside like Howell did when they played Wheeler. No Centennial’s guards aren’t that great of shooters. Flemming has one of the ugliest shots I’ve ever seen for a high school player. Adrian Rodgers has no game outside the lane and Davonta white is a great slasher but by no means is he automatic from outside. Lorenzo’s good when given time to set up and Coxworth started the season hot but really chille off as a shooter in the 2nd half of the season. Trust me if Wheeler wins it is by no means a fraud, like top hat said, to come out of that quarter of the bracket means is a great feat in itself. Shut up you’re overly biased toward your precious team. I like how you complain about calls but I can recall so many times where Lorenzo got superstar calls and got plenty of free trips to the line. Don’t act like you got rooked.

By Next Up Magazine

March 9, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this

Who’s the top athletes in Georgia? visit www.nextupmagazine.com

By gatechfan1

March 9, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this

Yeah i’m sure that not pressing for the last 3 minutes of a game when your up by 55 points will really affect your team in the next game when virtually a team with AAAAA talent is playing at the A level. I mean who has a chance. I see Wesleyan beating their final two opponents by a combined 70 + points. Not saying their not a great team or anything, but I mean u can’t like try to hold the ball and let the clock run out with a few minutes left in the game? Last i checked there wasn’t a shot clock in high school basketball.

By Willy

March 10, 2009 12:30 AM | Link to this

Haha at that dude saying Favors is overrated. Even though it wasn’t his best night I am pretty sure he still scored 28 points. Kid is the best player in GA I have ever seen. Yes Howard and Williams included. You have no clue if you think he’s overrated and he will dominate at Georgia Tech next year. You must have missed him putting up 39 points and 18 rebounds on ESPN 2 earlier this year.

By Bill, Tourney Fan

March 10, 2009 12:37 AM | Link to this

gatechfan

Did you realize every girl on that team scored but 1. They all compete for floor time and they’ve pressed for years. Azar is the best in the state in ladies ball. I’m just a fan, not from Weslyan or Norcross. I’ve seen them many times in tourney and all their kids work for playing time. She did ask to be in Class A, her admin did it. They play under the mercy rule every game in A, what else can they do?

The reason they’re akways back in the FF is she continues teaching the 3rd string to be 1st string. Get over the complaining, enjoy the game.

By tj

March 10, 2009 5:10 AM | Link to this

Coach Johnson at whitefield academy is as good as anyone at having his entire team ready to play when called upon (freshmen, sophomores whomever). In their most recent game two centers and a guard fouled out and the defense just got more suffocating. Brandon Reed is in a zone right now. Looks like that title is coming back to Whitefield. Go wolfpack.

By Tim Shaw

March 10, 2009 7:59 AM | Link to this

Where are the GAC girls? They are always in the Final Four but have been missing now for 2 years - what is going on? I know Coach Means has been there for 2 years now and I am not blaming him, but you have to wonder if the 2 key players who left and went to Norcross had anything to do with his key player now having the same last name as he does if that has anything to do with it…just saying….they should be back in form with 4 starters returning and about 3 or 4 good players who came off the bench this season all returning.

By number15

March 10, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this

The biggest surprise will come from the AAAA Girls. Very few people are giving The Lady Cardinals a chance. Don’t know who the Lady Cardinals are? Stop by Gwinnett Arena on Friday around 3:00 p.m.

By michael

March 10, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

Look, I know the facts don’t mean much in journalism these days but didn’t the Henry County girls beat Greene County?

By Todd Holcomb

March 10, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

didn’t the Henry County girls beat Greene County?

Fixed. Surprised nobody caught that before now.

By William

March 10, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this

Just Nasty & Mean,

In lieu of these incessant rants, why don’t you retain counsel, seek an injunction to postpone Thursday night’s AAAAA games and seek a collateral court order for a Centennial/SGw replay with an out-of-state officiating crew. Then, should Centennial win, Milton and Centennial should be ordered to play a remake quartefinal with the winner then going on to play in resumed semifinals, say in June????? Duh!!!

By Raider's Fan

March 10, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this

The Lady Raiders can play so that speaks for itself. However they have 2 National Ranked players Alisha Andrews & Nia Evans. Alisha is one dangerous point quards. Haven’t seen anybody that is as fast as she is. This should be a great game. Hopefully the refs will call a fair game and let the kids play. Gwinnett County has plenty of money but Dekalb County has plenty of talent. Let the games begin………

By Milton Boi

March 10, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

Justy Nasty and Mean:

I dont think 8 n 4 is handlely beating Milton. And second of all if i do recall Milton did play two top 25 teams during xmas break and lost by a combine total of 5 and did play in region 6 5A so if u call that not playing anyone then I dont know what is considering playing someone.

By Wheeler 99

March 10, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this

Hey MR. HOLCOMB,

GOT ANY INFO ON TATE FROM WHEELER? WHY DID HE LEAVE THE TEAM AND WILL HE RETURN?

By William

March 10, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

There are rumors circulating that Jelan Kendrick has left the Westlake team after a confrontation with the coach. Can anyone shed light on this? If this is true, this is a more dramatic loss to Westlake than Tahj Tate is to Wheeler.

By Westlake

March 10, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

I am not sure why Jelan left the Westlake basketball team, but what I can tell you is that Westlake has been playing its best ball since his departure. They seem to have more team chemistry. If you notice, Westlake went on their continued winning streak when Kendrick left the team.

By steph curry

March 10, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

William, how can you attempt to seem so educated and “in the know” about HS basketball and then be so stupid?

Kendrick left Westlake’s team a MONTH ago.

Tajh Tate and his “handlers” were very upset at the fact that he was no longer the 1st option and leading scorer upon his return from school suspension. Wheeler started putting the ball in the hands of Ari and Richard (where it should have been all year) and Freeze-Pop and Freeze-Pop’s Pop didn’t like that one bit. He quit the team and school and is now back in Easley, SC. End of story.

By Coach Carter

March 10, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

Great Season for Greenforest and Coach Anderson. You guys played all season. At 26-5 who can hold their heads down Coach. Just get #1 Jones to play harder on Defense next year and it will come into play. Keep working them Coach, and I can’t wait to see what you are going to pull off next season.

By Westlake Fan

March 10, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

In one year westlake has made it to the final four in 5-A!!!!!!!!! Wheeler, don’t get caught sleeping!!!!! Good job coach Rogers!!!!!!

By William

March 10, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

Steph Curry. Talk about stupity, you have no idea why Tate left. He was the leading scorer in his first game back vs. Harrison with 36 points. Doesn’t sound like they tried to keep the ball out of his hands now does it? By the way, thanks for the info on Jelan. But, given your misinfo on Tate, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jelan on the court.

By Mr. Top Hat

March 10, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this

Westlake fan:

Wheeler will is not sleeping on this game and Coach Lipscomb will make sure of that. 3 years ago, Wheeler slept on Beach and thought they were gonna win another state championship, so they have learned their lesson. Coach Lip, Ari, Richard, Phil, and the rest of the guys on the team will come ready to play.

Steph Curry:

As for Tahj Tate, since he got back from his suspension the only thing he provided was dunks you would see in the slam dunk contest. But in recent games such as Peachtree Ridge and Norcross, Ari Stewart can provide those amazing dunks.

William he actually scored 26 points. Besides the wildcats play better without him. After that lost to Walton at the end of the season (without tate) they knew they couldn’t rely on him and the team knew they had to step up. Everyone could see they had better team chemistry in the Region tournament without him, than there was when he played throughout the rest of the season.

Westlake I hope you guys are ready to play as well.

By William

March 10, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

Steph Curry,

Agree totally about the superior team chemistry w/o Tate.

At the risk of being accused again of being stupid for asking a simple question, I’ll pose another for those that also follow Wheeler. Do you think that we’ll see the combination on Thursday of Ari, Richard and Mitchell that Lipscomb used a lot in the last game against Milton? I thought it worked well and Mitchell made a differance. I didn’t see it in the previous 8 games I had attended.

I like the combo against Westlake because it (1)allows Ari to play with his face to the basket where he’s more comfortable and productive (2) could offset Westlake’s size (3) might keep Ari and/or Richard out of early foul trouble (4) would add versatility to the bench by giving Wheeler an additional rotation.

Not saying I’d necessarily start this combination, just try it again and use it liberally if it worked.

By Eagle 1

March 10, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

Dont sleep on the Columbia & S.Atlanta semi-final Todd. We need to see coverage just like you do with the AAAAA Teams!! Be fair on the coverage because you dont mention Columbia as being a good team anymore!!!

By Westlake fan

March 10, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this

I forgot to mention that west lake team is all under class men!!!!!! Maybe one or two seniors!!!!!!!!

By highschoolfan

March 10, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this

even if Freeze did return to Wheeler, i would hate to see him play, just because i dont the thought of him leaving, and then a week later saying he now wants to play because it would earn him a possible state championship.

And its not like Wheeler has had a rough time without him, they struggled right after the suspension, but after the Walton loss, the team has played so much better, especially Ari Stewart. Wheeler has won all the important games without him(beating Milton in Region, beating Centennial in Region, and the Norcross win last week).

By Big B

March 10, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

YOU CAN WATCH ALL EIGHT SEMIFINAL GAMES AT GWINNETT ARENA BY GOING TO EITHER SCOREATL.COM OR GPB.ORG/BASKETBALL …

By steph curry

March 10, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

Willy Willy Willy - come on man! You’ve been an “expert” on HS ball every time you post!

How are you not “in the know”? Yes, Tate scored a few vs. Harrison. I was refering to the P.Ridge game when Wheeler struggled a bit. Lip made it clear that the ball was going to be in Ari and Richard’s hands. Freeze didn’t like that and left. That’s the bottom line JACK.

By still a fan

March 10, 2009 11:38 PM | Link to this

I don’t count anyone out totally but unless there’s a big upset I’d say Wheeler wins the AAAAA championship. To the person who says Centennial wont have a team next year because Lorenzo is graduating, yes we will definitely miss Zo but we have other players who will still be around and will play with intensity. It has been a blast to watch Zo play these last 4 years and I can’t wait to see him at NC State. To mean and nasty - I feel your pain but our season is over. hopefully Coach Whiteheart and the guys will learn from it and come back stronger. My other hope is that the GHSA does a little off season training of their refs.

By still a fan

March 10, 2009 11:45 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know why Wesleyan is competing at the “A” level? Isn’t this based on the number of students or size of the school? if so, then I could be wrong but I think they should be at the “AA” level.

By HOWARD

March 11, 2009 4:05 AM | Link to this

HEY EAGLES FAN, YOUR EAGLES WINGS WILL BE SOON BE MISSING AND UNABLE TO FLY. YOU NEED MORE THAN DAVID AND GOLIATH, YOU WILL NEED GOD ALMIGHTY!

By WhWildCat'95

March 11, 2009 8:24 AM | Link to this

William…I wouldn’t count on seeing the bigger lineup that you’re talking about. I see your points but I’d be surprised if Wheeler changed anything from the 2nd half against Norcross. That means that Karl and Jerome are on the court as much as possible. Big Chuck plays only late in thegame if it gets out of hand or if Richard gets in foul trouble.

My predictions… Wheeler 75 Westlake 60 in a game where better teamwork and defense is the differance. Milton 67 Newnan 64 in a game similar to Milton/South Gwinnett.

By starwars

March 11, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

To still a fan: The reason Wesleyan in competing in A is because that’s the size school they have. Any school in the GHSA that has an enrollment of 525 or less is placed in Class A. Wesleyan’s enrollment is in the low 400’s. Wesleyan used to be in AA when the GHSA input a 1.5 enrollment multiplier on private schools. When that multiplier was in place, Wesleyan’s enrolllment was calculated at 600+ which placed them in AA. For some reason, the GHSA did a way with the 1.5 private school multiplier prior to this school year and Wesleyan was reclassified to A. Wesleyan had incredible success for the 6 years they competed in AA, including 4 AA state championships in girls basketeball. When the multiplier was dropped prior to this school year, Wesleyan did not choose to request to “play up” which would have meant simply staying where they had been for years. This decision was made to drop to A soley based on the perception that the football team could not compete in AA…even though they qualified for the state playoffs in AA five of the six years Wesleyan was in AA and twice made it ot the quarterfinals. The result, Wesleyan wins state football title in class A and was hardly challenged in region competition and in the state playoffs. THAT’s why Wesleyan is in A.

By Eagles Fan

March 11, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this

HEY HOWARD, AS I STATED BEFORE “ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE” AND YOU ARE RIGHT WITH ALL MIGHTY GOD!!!, GO EAGLES!!!!

By TIGERZZZZ

March 11, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this

Tucker Tigers all the way to STATE, again for the second time this year sooo awesome!!!GO Tigers!!!! WE ARE TUCKER!!!!

By eagle2

March 11, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

**By HOWARD

March 11, 2009 4:05 AM | Link to this

HEY EAGLES FAN, YOUR EAGLES WINGS WILL BE SOON BE MISSING AND UNABLE TO FLY. YOU NEED MORE THAN DAVID AND GOLIATH, YOU WILL NEED GOD ALMIGHTY!**

You are so right they will need God Almighty. Everyone does in some way, form, or fashion. There is a reason the Eagles PRAY before every game. South ATL is good cant take that from them. But I PRAY that you fans arent sleeping on Columbia. Cause I would bet my last bit of money that Coach reddick knows what he is about to get into. once again see….(South ATL 2003) When Mr. Everything vincent banks and his great surrounding class ran into griffin high (a great team)…this years S. ATL team is no better than that team as a matter of fact that 2003 team had waaaayyyyy more all around talent.

for the man who said yall were nine deep. I would hope you do play the extra 4 when you are up by thirty. that doesnt mean you are deep that means you are clear off the bench at the end. Deep means how many players actually contribute in pressure situations. You are definitely out numbered there buddy.

By wheelerfan

March 11, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

wildcat95 - i agree with you about the lineup, the second half lineup against norcross played at an extremely high level defensively…however i am a little worried about westlake, i know absolutely nothing about them and that worries me….this game has all the makings of beach, wheeler is getting all the publicity after the norcross win and there is next to nothing about westlake, so i hope we are prepared and know what kind of team westlake is…..go cats!!

By phan

March 11, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this

4A and 5A semifinal and final games are going to webcasted live on www.gpb.org/basketball. good thing too cuz I have to work at the office during the bainbridge/tucker game and maybe both of the 4A championships on friday.

By A Little Respect Please

March 11, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this

Mr. Holcomb, in your article “Final Four Primer” you mentioned that the Georgia Semi Finals included four members of Rivals 150 top players (Stewart, Howell, Malone & Favors). Were you not aware that Westlake’s Marcus Thornton was also a member of Rivals 150 for 2010 (as well as ESPN & Scout)?

You guys at AJC seem to have so much disdain for Westlake that you didn’t even bother to report the Westlake VS Savannah score last weekend.

What gives?

By bball fanatic

March 11, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

To A Little Respect Please:

The AJC has not bothered to cover ANY of the south tournament games. Heck, the south has gotten NO COVERAGE ALL YEAR! It’s a shame…total shame

By South Atlanta Fan

March 11, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this

sorry Eagle2 u might need to watch a South Atlanta game to see what im talking bout oh yall you will be able see that bench clearing Friday night if you show up Macon just an hour away

By Todd Holcomb

March 11, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

Mr. Holcomb, in your article “Final Four Primer” you mentioned that the Georgia Semi Finals included four members of Rivals 150 top players (Stewart, Howell, Malone & Favors). Were you not aware that Westlake’s Marcus Thornton was also a member of Rivals 150 for 2010 (as well as ESPN & Scout)?

I was including only the Class of 2009. Thanks for pointing out Thornton. For those who don’t know, Marcus Thornton is a 6-7 junior forward who has committed to Clemson.

By William

March 11, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

WhWildCat’95 and wheelerfan,

Point well taken about not straying from what nailed Norcross’s coffin shut, but if there is early difficulty that extends for more than 4 or 5 minutes, I’d think about trying the bigger lineup again.

The potential foul situation relating to Richard and/or Ari in this game concerns me. Wheeler might be able to get away with early foul trouble against this bunch.

By wheelerfan

March 11, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this

william - agreed with the foul trouble, both ricahrd and ari were in foul trouble against norcross, ari sat out most if not all the 2nd quarter, so we need some reliable refs for this game…william do you know much about westlake? what kind of team are they? offense? size? etc

By ColumbiaStatechamps

March 11, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

Coluumbia as an underdog is just downright disrespectful… The Columbia Eagles are a great team and have the best coaching staff in the state led by Coach Mccrary. We have much better guard play than S.Atlanta and have great big men who will give Favors the toughest time he has seen all year. Our intense pressure defense will expose the lack of good gaurds they have. Once, we get out on the break, S.Atlanta better watch their head as just about our whole team will rise for the slam given the oppurtunity. Even if Favors goes for 20, it will take a total team effort for S.Atlanta to compete. I actually don’t see this being a down to the wire game and I say the Eagles will be a little too much too handle, and too well coached and win by around 8 points. While Columbia may not have the big names on the roster like last year (Travis Leslie, Darius Morrow and compamy) we actually have better guard play than last year and more athletic big men. The only downside of the Eagles team is youth. Only 1 senior starting (Carlos Trotty PG) and the fact he didn’t attend Columbia last year makes a need for leadership out there. As long as we stay together and play as a team, there is now way Favors and the talented S.Atlanta team can win. Good luck to both teams and it will be a hell of a game.

By Lion's Den

March 11, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

Great job Coach Rogers. First year in 5-A and headed to the final four. Time to seal the deal. GO BIG BLUE!!! GO WESTLAKE!!!

By William

March 11, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this

whf,

Both of those guys have been in early foul trouble off and on for the last half of the season. It’s a real risk in this game with graver consequences.

Never seen Westlake and don’t know much except what I found on gaprepcountry and in the Newnan and Savannah papers’ articles on the four games with those 2 teams. That’s not much. There isn’t much reporting on them here in the metro area. Maybe Westlake Fan or Lion’s Den could provide some details.

What I found is their schedule was more than respectable and they’re on a 14 game winning streak. The roster is very big and newspaper reports indicate they’re athletic and have depth. One of the Newnan articles talked about one of the guys being a significant college football prospect at 6”8”, 280!

By steph curry

March 11, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

How do you people call yourselves fans and not know the good teams in your own state?

Big Tony at Westlake is the one you are speaking about - 6’8 and damn near 300. He’s the one that put Demarcus Cousins on his butt up at Kenn St. when Demarcus tried to dunk on him. He’s a BIG kid. Not a great ball player, but a BIG kid.

Westlake has ONE ball-handler. ONE. That’s it. Thorton is an athlete, but so is Ari.

Phil Taylor, Karl Cochran and Joey Jerome will win this game for Wheeler. Of course, history has shown that when Little Philly has to “take” over, its usually OVER for his team in big games.

It’s been a running joke by many for years now that any team with Phil Taylor as PG won’t win a state championship.

By Wheelerfan

March 11, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

Considering I never saw Westlake ranked in the top 10for whatever reason why would I be expected to know somethig about a team that wasn’t even 5a last year? Not my fault they don’t get coverage, I keep up win teams on wheelers schedule and their region

By WhWildCat'95

March 11, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

Typical post from Steph the basketball genius. Gotta first insult somebody then on to worthless babble. This one’s retarded, that one’s stupid, another one’s an idiot, the sportswriters are uneducated…blah, blah, blah. What a horse’s a…. More than one mental defect rattling around in this guy’s head folks.

By HS BBALL FAN

March 11, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this

Just Mean & Nasty-

I also saw you complaining in another blog about the same issue. If Centennial were a better team, considering that they did beat Wheeler at Wheeeler and Milton twice,then they wouldn’t have gone into overtime to begin with. This is so un neccessary. So what if the kids from South were shaking their hands. Your assumptions are truly absurd considering the fact that you were on the outside looking in, as am I. Did you ever think about the possiblity that they were just excitd to have their team get that far? Get over it, please. If you are an adult, you should be ashammed of yourself especially for your continuous comments on diff blogs. Congrats to the teams in the final four, anyhow =)

By Eagle Fan

March 12, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

I have to give it up for the Basketball Talent that is located in Dekalb County, we are represented well by the SWD-Lady Panthers, Redan-Lady Raiders, and the Mens Teams Miller Grove, Tucker and on Friday Night The Columbia Eagles, South Atlanta we are coming to play, Congrats to Derrick because he is a nice guy, but non the less we are planning to represent the great class of Ballers that play in Dekalb County.

By bid dee

March 12, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

As you see Tucker is still in the playoff and just think you wrote them off becasue of a few loss in the middle of the year and they have played with players hurt all year where at other schol they would have shut the kids down. I beleive Tucker can handle Miller Grove as long as they stay focus. Miller Grove will get their duks but you have to remember they only count as 2 points. Tucker can shoot the ball which hurt Richmond Acad because they couldn’t hit the outside shoot and had no inside game. Time to get on the Tucker bandwagon and be a part of something great.

By Ernest

March 12, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this

Eagle Fan, you are right, DeKalb County has proven itself again to be the king and queens of HS basketball in the state of Georgia. 3 teams have already advanced to the finals. We know one will lose because they are region rivals (Miller Grove vs. Tucker). SW DeKalb has a good shot again to repeat. Looking forward to seeing Columbia (boys) and Redan (girls) advance also.

We need to build an arena in DeKalb so we don’t have to keep traveling to bring home basketball hardware…. :)

By Lion's Den

March 12, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

Well, Steph Curry I guess your in for a treat tonight. Westlake has two senoirs on the team the rest are under classmen. Just cause you never heard of Westlake before doesn’t mean we are not coming to play. Like I said first year in 5-A! Look us up in 4-A. LET’S GO, BIG BLUE!

By Mr. Top Hat

March 13, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

So…Wheeler won. That’s weird…Not

By Ernest

March 13, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd:

How about calling Friday, March 14th ‘DeKalb County Day’ at the Gwinnett Area. Congratulations to SW DeKalb girls, Miller Grove boys, and Redan girls for winning the championships in their respective classes. Unfortunately one DeKalb team lost, Tucker to Miller Grove, but we are proud of you also.

Tell the writers that SW DeKalb and Redan should be preseason #1 teams because the core of their teams are made up of juniors! There were also a LOT of good freshman boys to begin playing this year and I expect we’ll hear more about them next year.

By still a fan

March 14, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

The reason the AJC is covering all the games is because they are cutting costs everywhere. I don’t know if the people in south Georgia get the paper but they have seriously reduced the size of the paper, combined sections, changed the print, etc. The subscription rate is down so they have cut back. It’s a logistics thing. I don’t think it’s a disrespect issue. With the staff, they can only cover so much.

By Mr. Top Hat

March 14, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this

WHEELER WILDCATS ARE THE STATE CHAMPIONS AND THE TEAM OF THE DECADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!