Prep Zone

By lilchrissy

March 13, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

Can’t believe Parkview couldn’t pull it out. But hey - good for Marietta girls and Milton boys.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this

We’re live at Gwinnett Arena (again). I just decided to move in here. We’ve got the Class AAAA girls championship, which features a rematch between the two teams that were here a year ago.

Undefeated Fayette County (31-0) enters the favorite against the defending champion Southwest DeKalb Panthers (28-4). Likely one of the best story lines and matchups of the tournament. I’ve been high on the Tigers all season, but I you’ve got to respect SW DeKalb coach Kathy Walton and what she’s done with a relatively new team from a year ago.

Update: SW DeKalb 7, Fayette County 5 at the 3:58 mark in the First Quarter.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

SW DeKalb 13, Fayette County 11 at the end of the First Quarter

It’s quick to notice how Panther junior Kayla Lewis and senior Laquisha Lewis are going to give the Tigers matchup trouble. Overall team speed goes to Fayette County, but SW DeKalb doesn’t seem too bothered by the Tiger zone.

By raja

March 13, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

End of 1st quarter SWD 13 Fayette 11

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 21, Fayette County 15 at the 3:59 mark in the Second Quarter

Look, I discovered how to bold. To our viewing audience, I want to apologize in advance for any typos. After watching four games yesterday then the six-overtime epic between Syracuse and UConn, I have problems at time forming proper sentences. I’m going to run out of words at some point and just communicate in youtube videos.

The Panthers got a 3-pointer from Olivia Gibbs, then a great look down low from Chyna Miley. Fayette County just took a timeout, a much needed timeout.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 24, Fayette County 21 at the 30-second mark in the Second Quarter

Fayette County isn’t getting anything in transition nor from penetration. That’s sort of their game, and it’s not happening right now. Also, the level of physical play has been impressive.

I’ve been really impressed with Tiger juniors Sasha Sims and Anma Onyeuku. Sims has nailed back-to-back-to-back jumpers.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 24, Fayette County 22 at the half

Sasha Sims got the Tigers rolling late in the second quarter. She went on a 6-0 run and finished with 12 points in the half. Anma Onyeuku had six points, and senior point guard Tessah Holt scored four. Fayette County got all its points from the Big 3.

Southwest DeKalb got 10 points from the Lewis sisters, Kayla with six, Laquisha with four. I don’t know that they are sisters, but that seems likely. Anyone want to give me confirmation on this?

Also, if you haven’t been watching ESPN, UConn and Syracuse are still playing. It’s the 24th overtime, and all the players have fouled out. Jim Calhoun just nailed back-to-back jumpers over Boeheim for a 237-234 lead. But Boeheim just downed an Ensure, so he’s got fresh legs.

Anyone else excited for South Atlanta-Columbia?

By Eagle 1

March 13, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

Glenn have you heard the Breakin News that Columbia will be without Guard Chris Grier tonight against S.Atlanta. Huge blow for the Eagles because we are gonna need every key player Tonight against this Beast!! He is the catalyst for the defense. Plus were goona miss his aggressive offense with Jershon and Jordan!!! WOWWWWW

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 26, Fayette County 25

Tiger point guard Tessah Holt just nailed a trey. The tempo is more what Fayette County would like right now, minus a turnover in transition when Holt was trying to feed Onyueku.

By Ernest

March 13, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

Thank you Glenn for the game track on the SWD/Fayette girls championship game. I’m a SWD alumni and wished I could be there. I’m reading your up to date blog and I’m running back and forth from the lab!! Keep’em comin!!

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 30, Fayette County 25 at the 4:39 mark in the 3rd Quarter

Great layup by Panther guard Alondra Rivers with a hand in her face. I need to compliment the Panther guards more. It’s hard too when you’re playing Fayette County play, and when Southwest DeKalb plays as well as a unit as they do.

By Ernest

March 13, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this

I wished that South Atlanta/Columbia game was up here! That’s going to be a really good one. I don’t think Derek Favors will be able to do it all by himself. Columbia has some shooters and leapers so that’ll be a good one to watch. My prediction?

Columbia-66 Southwest Atlanta-61

By Wheelerfan

March 13, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

Glen you’re a funny guy, I enjoyed your updates, I hope coach lipscomb bought Julian 2 ice creams last night, one for next years transfer and the other for a poor game tonight

By Darryl

March 13, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

Like Ernest, I’m sitting @ my computer reading your up to date score blog. Keep it coming!!! GO SWD and all of the Dekalb Co. schools this weekend!!!

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 38, Fayette County 27 at the 2:32 mark in the 3rd Quarter

Rivers is good. She took a ball away from Sims and took it the length of the court for a layup. It’s now an 11-point hole, and the Tigers just took another timeout.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 40, Fayette County 32 at the End of the Third

Onyeuku just picked up her fourth foul and hit the bench. Holt followed that series with a 3-pointer. She’s having trouble getting inside on this team but it’s amazing to watch her continue to try. Her and the floor have become penpals. They’re tight. Southwest DeKalb is deeper and can take the fouls.

By Big Man

March 13, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

Is Tessa Holt the girl that played PG for Fayette last year? If so she is good and has a great understanding of the game.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 46, Fayette County 33 at the 6:15 mark in the 4th Quarter

Tiger coach John Strickland just made that face you’d get if you noticed the Geico money following you around and then took a timeout. Something magical needs to happen in the next four minutes for his team. The Panthers are hitting free throws and defending the interior well.

By Ernest

March 13, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

It looks as though the “trey’s” (three’s) are keeping Fayette in this one. Hey Glenn should the Lady Panthers come out on Holt?

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 46, Fayette County 37 at the 4:59 mark in the 4th quarter

Arielle Register added a layup and Holt nailed a quick 3-pointer for a 5-0 run.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 46, Fayette County 39 at the 4:34 mark in the Fourth

I was wrong. Holt was credited with a two-pointer. She did come back with a nice move to the basket for another deuce.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 48, Fayette County 42 at the 2:55 mark in the Fourth

Sixty-second timeout for SW DeKalb. Oneuyku scrambled up the floor, got trapped in the corner and then heard a whistle from Holt, who took the pass and nailed a 3-pointer. An actual 3-pointer. They’re quality entertainment on the run.

By Ernest

March 13, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Glenn, Tech down by three with 2:43 left…….

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 50, Fayette County 42 at the 1:32 mark in the Fourth

Onyeuku going to the line for two shots.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this

Southwest DeKalb 52, Fayette County 44 at the 59-second mark in the Fourth

Laquisha Lewis just added another easy layup. She’s been invaluable to the Panthers on the inside. Fayette County has been forced to work three times as hard for their points.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the delay here in Macon, but finally got plugged into the Centreplex’s wi-fi network. Rutland and Carrollton’s girls are in the middle of the second quarter with Rutland holding a 14-10 lead. Carrollton has had five straight trips down the floor with nothing to show for it, but they have handled Rutland’s pressure pretty well.

By Ernest

March 13, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

I am on pins and needles here!! C’mon Southwest play some “DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD”“!!

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this

Final: Southwest DeKalb 59, Fayette County 46

Story to come shortly.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this

Rutland 22, Carollton 15, 3:16 left in the half

Nice continuation bucket on a baseline drive for Shaketa Hodges but she can’t hit the free throw, and Carrollton finds the basket again. Biggest key seems to be that Carrollton’s Karisma Boykin hasn’t found the range. She’s averaging nearly 30 a game, but having a rough go so far.

By Ernest

March 13, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

Well whadda say bout dem LADY PANTHERS!!!! Oh Glenn….Tech loses by two 64-62.

By Darryl

March 13, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

Way to go SWD, 2 in a row!!! Alright Redan, bring another trophy home for Dekalb Co.!!!

By Ernest

March 13, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this

Tech had numerous of chances to win this game!!!

By Darryl

March 13, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this

Good to hear you are plugged in Chris. Bring it hard tonight for Columbia. Let’s go Eagles!!!

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

Rutland 27, Carrollton 23 at the half

Rutland still doing a good job of handling the Tigers’ pressure, but if Carrollton finds the range, they can easily come back in this one. Boykin hit a free throw right before the half, so maybe she comes back with some confidence. Halftime here in Macon for the AAA girls semis.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this

Carrollton 43, Rutland 31, 2:33 left in the third

Did I say Carrollton could easily come back in this one? How does a 20-4 run to start the second half grab you? You name the problem, and Carrollton is causing it for Rutland. The Hurricanes look as if they are finally playing like a No. 3 seed, which they are.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

Carrollton 45, Rutland 40, end of three

Alisha Ivry hits a runner and one and here comes Rutland, before Boykin answers with a runner of her own to give the Lady Tigers a five-point lead going into the fourth.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

Carrollton 56, Rutland 44, 4:54 left

Janyce Ealey of Carrollton is the MVP, win or lose. Rutland simply can’t handle the Trojans’ pressure, and they look leg weary.

By Dublin Fighting Irish

March 13, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this

Hey Chris is the Centerplex boring today? It was packed to capacity last night and it was rocking! Great basketball atmosphere!!

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this

AAA girls semifinal: Carrollton 68, Rutland 51. FINAL

Carrollton wins going away as Rutland lost its legs in the second half. The Lady Trojans advance to tomorrow’s AAA championship game, where they will meet either Baldwin or Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe. Coincidentally, those are Carrollton’s only two losses this season. Will be back with final stats and a comment or two from Carrollton coach Shon Thomaston in just a bit.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this

Miller Grove 32, Tucker 13 at the 1:46 mark in the 2nd Quarter

Sorry for the delay on the update. All you need to know is…Stephen Hill good. Mfon Udofia really good. More coming. It was 18-2 at one point, I think.

By Dennis

March 13, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this

Someone tell me about the Westover game.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this

Miller Grove 32, Tucker 15 at the half

Mfon Udofia has eight points, and Stephen Hill has seven. Good times. They should be playing Wheeler, and Tucker should face Milton. Those would be great games.

I’ll keep the updates more common in the second half. I had to sneak in a turkey sandwich. A man can’t pay for both Gwinnett Arena food (Dippin’ Dots) and a car. It’s not possible. I did the math.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this

Dublin Fighting Irish

I’m sure it was rocking for the Dublin game. Lot closer drive from here to Dublin than from here to Carrollton. But should be a pretty good crowd for the next three games. Westover and Gainesville both travel well, Baldwin’s girls are right down the road, and South Atlanta-Columbia will bring even the casual fan here tonight. In fact, I have already noticed a lot of college coaches in the building.

Notes on the Carrollton-Rutland game

Janyce Ealey finished with 33 and was the force in the third and fourth quarters. If they can keep that pressure up in the finals, they will have a good shot to take the title.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this

Dennis

I’ve got your Westover-Gainesville updates, but so far not much to writer home about. Both teams look a little jittery, but the Patriots are up 6-5 with 2:50 left in the first quarter.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

Miller Grove 40, Tucker 18 at the 2:29 mark in the Third Quarter

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this

Dippin Dots??? Here in Macon, they go old school. They actually have a woman making cotton candy. Crystalized and whispy sugar on a stick! If they had funnel cakes and a ferris wheel, I might have thought I was at the Rattlesnake Roundup this weekend in Claxton.

By Chris Whitfield

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

Gainesville 15, Westover 11, end of the first

Where’s Dontonio Wingfield when you need him? Neither of these teams have been very sharp to start things off, but the Red Elephants from up 985 have gotten the better of the storied Albany program. Gainesville had the momentum, but this one is still a toss up early.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this

Miller Grove 42, Tucker 20 at the End of the Third Quarter

Tucker guard JeRae’ Johnson just got flagged for a technical. I’m not sure what for, but not because I doubt the officiating. Because a fan is getting tossed directly behind me, and it’s impossible to pay attention to the game. Miller Grove fans are growing restless and bored. They just started cheering for me to finish this sandwich. It’s pretty big. I might not be able to do it. Should I italicize sarcasm?

The Wolverines downed Tucker twice this season: 66-63 (Jan. 10) and 66-53 (Feb. 13). Using that as a guide, I’m predicting 66-43 for this game.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

Westover 24, Gainesville 23, HALFTIME

Very boring game, so far, and I just can’t tell if both teams are that good and cancelling each other out of if they are both just having off nights. Westover is subbing five at a time, and it is clear which 5 are the better five. Neither team is impressing me so far. Westover holds the edge.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

Miller Grove 50, Tucker 29 at the 2:38 mark in the Fourth

Tiger coach James Hartry just sent in the bench. You can hand out the Wolverine championship gear.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

Final: Miller Grove 59, Tucker 31

I was off by four total points. Not bad. (I predicted 66-33. Tremble in my wake.)

Manny Atkins has 16 points for Tucker. The Tigers finish 20-9. Not bad after a first round exit last year.

Miller Grove wins its first state title. I think Eddie Johnson will be back here very soon. Mfon Udofia led all scorers with 21 points.

By derek pruitt

March 13, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

My son missed out on that championship tonight; he went to miller grove as a Freshman; has since been on two championship teams in New Jersey and Virginia; imagine if he stayed at Miller Grove???? Stephen Hill didn’t play as a Freshman too much talent at Miller Grove

By Becky Taylor

March 13, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this

* Times in modern (1950-pres) history that a boys team has scored 31 or fewer in a championship game*

Mar 13 1965 Cairo 52 Dublin 31 (Class A) Mar 11 1967 West Side Rocky Face 45 Fort Valley 30 (Class B) Mar 13 1971 Berrien 62 Waynesboro 29 (Class AA) Mar 04 2000 Marist 46 Lithonia 30 (Class AAA)

By Becky Taylor

March 13, 2009 6:45 PM | Link to this

Drat. Missed one.

Feb 28 1959 Brown 35 LaGrange 25 (Class AAA)

By Big Man

March 13, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this

My former teammate EJ Brown was on that 2000 Lithonia team.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

Class AAAAA Girls Championship Preview

Marietta (25-7) vs. Redan (26-0) at Gwinnett Arena

The Blue Devils are a surprise here. They’re led by uber-talented forward Telia McCall and guards Brittney Echols and Brittany White. They also have a Brittany Johnson, leading me to believe if you’re name is “Brittany” in Cobb County, you play basketball. Everything Ken Sprague’s team does relies on McCall. And it is should. She’s their top scorer and a threat anywhere around the basket. While they haven’t been consistent all season, they are tested.

The Raiders are one of the most complete teams I’ve seen this season. They get solid play inside from junior Nia Evans. Redan finished runner-up a year ago to Stephenson, so they’ve been wanting this for 12 months now. They’re guards are fantastic and quick, and probably the matchup I’m most interested to see Marietta handle. The game against Parkview was a thing of beauty. I’m hoping for another close game, something Redan hasn’t had many of. Only four games for the Raiders have been decided by less than 10 points.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Becky,

Great info. That’s pretty amazing. I think Miller Grove will be around for a while. Where did you find that?

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

Westover 38, Gainesville 36, end of the THIRD

You could lie and say this has been a defensive battle, but the truth is that both teams have just been sloppy. If you were looking for an offensive explosion, I think you showed up too early in Macon. Because it is tight, though, it should be an exciting finish. I hope.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

Westover going to a very deliberate pace, drawing some boos from the Gainesville fans. Not exactly a four corners, but definitely designed for guard Dontreal Hicks to score off of dribble penetration by spreading the floor. Working a little bit as Gainesville misses a pair of FTs and it is 40-37, Westover with 6:15 to go.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this

Westover 46, Gainesville 39, 3:30 left in the game

Patriots getting a little room here by beating Gainesville off the dribble after the Elephants went to a tight man-to-man. Charge call takes away a basket for Gainesville and then the same ref calls a ticky foul after the GHS student sections sends some words of wisdom his way. Two more Westover free throws, and the Patriots led by six now with 3:01 left.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this

Westover’s Kenji Breedlove hits one of two and the Patriots just up 50-45 with 1:11. Gainesville needs a couple of stops, but they get a runner by Blake Sims and then the TO. New subs, so expect some fouling. 50-47 now with 1:06

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this

Redan 9, Marietta 0 at the 2:39 mark in the First Quarter

Great sequence that illustrates how well Redan plays together. Alisha Andrews stole a ball from Brittany White, walked a tight rope to save her deflection, tapped it up the floor to be saved by Kierra Paige, who hit Nia Evans downlow for a layup.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this

Westover breaks down Gainesville’s pressure twice and now up by 6 with :35 left.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

Redan 14, Marietta 7 at End of the First Quarter

Alisha Andrews nailed a 3-pointer to give the Raiders a brief 10-point lead, followed by Telia McCall on the other end with a 3.

The Raiders are throwing both Nia Evans and sophomore Aneesah Daniels at McCall on defense. Smart move, and it’s pushing McCall outside. I don’t know how many offensive rebounds Marietta has, but it can’t be many.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

Gainesville has Westover trapped and the Patriots have to take a timeout, and then an Elephant gets tapped for a tech which was pretty deserved as the ref gave plenty of chances for the player to just walk away. Problem was it was the same ref that had two calls against GHS earlier. Westover hits both the tosses, and it is a 7-point Westover lead (56-49) with :24 remaining.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this

A pair of circus 3’s from Gainesville’s Blake Sims makes it 59-56 with :04 left. Inbound play to come. Foul and hope for a miracle.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

WESTOVER 59, GAINESVILLE 56 FINAL

Plan almost worked as Westover missed both free throws, but the Elephants couldn’t get a shot off, sending the Patriots on to the finals. Big crowd not packing the stands since I think a lot of the Westover fans will stay to see Favors and crew against Dr. Phil and Columbia, and those two sets of fans haven’t even really started streaming in.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

Redan 25, Marietta 11 at the 4:52 mark in the Second Quarter

The Raiders are opening up things now. Andrews hit another 3 with two coming prior to that by senior Quortni Fambro. That and Brittney Echols just got flagged for her third foul.

I’m getting a little cold down on the floor here. I wish the GHSA would pass out complimentary Snuggies for the press. I wish the GHSA would pass out anything complimentary for the press.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

Redan 34, Marietta 17 at the half

Too many weapons for Redan in the backcourt. Marietta is frustrated, and rightfully so. There are no open lanes, and nothing in transition. Oh, and Fambro just hit another 3. She leads all scorers with 11 points. Nia Evans has seven points, and Andrews has six.

The Blue Devils got seven points from McCall. My suggestion? Well, since you asked and because Dean Smith is sitting next to me. I say get the inside-out game going with McCall and the Brittanys (who can both hit from outside). Wait… Dean Smith just told me that’s what Marietta has been trying to do anyway.

Maybe I should have been a dentist. People need teeth cleaned in a bad economy, right?

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 8:04 PM | Link to this

AAA Girls Semifinals: Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe 15, Baldwin (Not County) 7, end of first

Four minutes of action and four points total to start the game, so as you can tell, neither team came out especially caliente (adding bi-lingual to the resume). Lakeview takes control with a solid defense and senior guard Kayla Weaver who is sneaky good at the top. Baldwin finally found a little rhythm at the end of the first, so we will see if they can make a run to close the gap before the end of the half.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this

Redan 42, Marietta 19 at the 3:28 mark in the Third Quarter

Aneesah Daniels just plowed into the paint for a circus basket and a a foul. Count the shot, too. Alisha Andrews then took a steal to the house. That makes for a 13-2 run to start the half. Dean Smith says that things aren’t looking good for Marietta. He says they should have a player like Michael Jordan like he had at UNC.

I explained to him this was a girls game, but he wanted no part of my logic. Dean Smith is a very old, senile man.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this

Redan 53, Marietta 25 at the end of the Third

It finally happened. My courtside laptop just got smashed by a ball. The Mac is fine, but I can’t say the same for my empty Chipotle cup which I was using to refill on water so as to avoid the oh-so-fun concession prices. It’s now eight minutes until what appears to be a Redan championship, an undefeated Redan championship.

Where do you think the Raiders rank against all-time teams?

By hamma

March 13, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this

Go Redan Lady Raiders!

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

LFO 32, Baldwin 17, HALFTIME

LFO’s Kayla Weaver is “fo real.” She is just smooth. Smooth off the dribble, smooth coming off of a screen and hitting a three and smooth breaking down a defender and taking her to the hole.

Dean Smith sat down next to me and said that they were running his old Carolina offense to perfection.

Scary part for Baldwin is that LFO isn’t a one-player team. 15 points is the biggest margin we have seen here today, which I guess is a good thing, since the boring games in Gwinnett has my buddy Glenn wishing he were here eating the complimentary fish dinner provided by the GHSA to some of the media.

By Todd Holcomb

March 13, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

Redan’s girls are good, but based on the two games I’ve seen them play, they’re not close to Maya Moore’s Collins Hill teams, certainly not the 2007 bunch. This is not an outstanding Marietta team. Redan & Parkview were about even. I’d like to see Redan play Wesleyan.

By Todd Holcomb

March 13, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

As best I can tell, Miller Grove is the newest public school to win a boys title since Randolph-Clay in 1983. R-C was formed by the merger of Clay County and Randolph County. Not the same as a newly carved school district. The most recent new school before R-C was Mark Smith of Macon in 1969. Becky Taylor might confirm.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

Final: Redan 64, Marietta 40

The Raiders are the Class AAAAA state champions. And here’s a scary thought: They only lose two seniors including Quortni Fambro, who led all scorers with 18 points. This team will be loaded next season.

Marietta likely has some rebuilding to do. The Blue Devils finish 25-8 and lose senior forward Telia McCall and five other seniors. It will be a different looking team for Ken Sprague.

By GaMan

March 13, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

Yeah Westover……South Ga is at it again…..

By hamma

March 13, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this

Todd, please stick with football. Redan would destroy Wesleyan by twenty on any given night. I know Anne Marie Armstrong is a good player and she probably wolud get close to her stat’s but just too much Redan. One player wouldn’t beat Redan.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

LFO 49, Balwdin 29, 1:32 in the third

Baldwin came out hot to start the third, cutting the gap to 10 before the Warriors went on another spurt to stretch the lead back out to 20. Don’t see much that Baldwin can do to get back in this one.

By LFO MANN

March 13, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this

Kalya is smooth like that every game

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this

Class AAAAA Boys Championship Preview

Milton (24-7) vs. Wheeler (24-7) at Gwinnett Arena

Here’s a true David vs. Goliath. Expect David isn’t so much a man as a sophomore in high school. Most of the Eagles stars can’t even go to prom. It all starts with forward Julian Royal, who is a force in every facet of the game. We were fans of Dai-Jon Parker in the semifinals as well as Shannon Scott.

They get Wheeler, who lost in this game a year ago to Norcross. The Wildcats have been beaten Milton twice this season by 76-63 on Jan. 23 and 65-53 on Feb. 20. Wheeler is coached by veteran Doug Lipscomb, whose team looks like a small college program at times. Junior Phil Taylor guides the unit. He’s great beyond the arc or in transition. Both forwards Ari Stewart and Richard Howell are beasts inside, but Stewart can extend the defense as well.

Dean Smith (still sitting beside me) likes Wheeler in this game. I’m waiting to see how Milton will stop Wheeler inside.

By FATMAN

March 13, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this

TODD—WHY WOULD YOU NOT LIKE TO SEE THE TWO BEST GIRLS TEAMS IN THE STATE PLAY REDAN AND BUFORD-AND YES WESLEYAN WILL WIN CLASS A— (BUT THEY LOST TO A GOOD NORCROSS TEAM AND VERY GOOD BUFORD TEAM) BUT BUFORD IS THE BETTER TEAM THIS YEAR—YEARS PAST NO WAY BUFORD WAS AS GOOD THEM - BUT THIS YEARS BUFORD GIRLS ARE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE STATE AND MAYBE THE BEST !! AND YES WE LOVE BOTH WOLVES TEAMS—WOLVES RULES GWINNETT AGAIN JUST LIKE FOOTBALL !!

By VolBoi

March 13, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this

Can we get an update on the LFO girls game please???

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

Na, na, na, nuh, Na, na, na, nuh

Kayla Weaver finishes with 33 (half of her team’s points when she left the game) and leads LFO to the finals against Carrollton tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Interesting to see how this plays out. Even when Weaver is double teamed, she creates for others, so it will be interesting to see how that plays into all of the pressure that Carrollton brings. Weaver reminds me a lot of former Clinch County player A.C. Cooper (six state titles at Clinch County in three different sports), who called himself the Straw. “I’m the straw that stirs the drink.” Weaver was like that. She makes others around her better.

FINAL SCORE: LFO 76, Baldwin 49

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

Wheeler 11, Milton 10 at the 1:30 mark in the First Quarter

I didn’t know the Legend Dean Smith had mastered the four-corners and teleportation. He just brought me a fish dinner from your game, Chris.

Milton is seriously young. Freshman Evan Nolte hit a 3-pointer for a 10-9 lead to be followed by an Ari Stewart bucket. He’s got four points so far.

By bnadoe

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

does anyone know whats happening with south atlanta

By Will

March 13, 2009 9:14 PM | Link to this

Any updates on S Atl vs Columbia

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

Wheeler 11, Milton 10 at the End of the First

Royal is scoreless thus far, while each of the Big 3 for the Wildcats have been involved, topped by Ari Stewart with four points.

And I concur with FATMAN. I wouild enjoy a Redan-Buford matchup as well as a game with Southwest DeKalb. Wesleyan lost to Norcross, who lost to Mill Creek twice (I think) who lost to Marietta.

By Willy

March 13, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

Any update on South Atlanta - Columbia?

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this

Wheeler 25, Milton 14 at the 4:00 mark in the Second Quarter

The WIldcats get two quick baskets to start the period, and David Boyd takes a full timeout. That led to a period where Wheeler got three 3-point play opportunities with-in about a minute. The Wildcats got two of them.

This game is moving epicly fast.

By south atlanta fan

March 13, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this

The game haven’t started yet but macon is packed

By Calder

March 13, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

Chris? Columbia?

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this

Just got done talking to the coach at LFO and asked him if the school had ever played for the state title before and was told that before this season, the program had never even won a state PLAYOFF game much less played for the title.

Dean Smith said that was a pretty unique situation.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this

9:32 in Macon and S. Atlanta-Columbia just tipped off.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

*Halftime: Wheeler 29, Milton 18 *

This is a much, much better game than either of the Class AAAAA semifinals. The house is packed, the pace is crazy and Dean Smith is even jamming out to his Soulja Boy Tell’em album. He owns the vastly inferior Zune. Forgive him. He’s old and not with the iPod times.

Julian Royal now has six points for Milton, and Parker added four. Parker has been all over the place. He’s a factor on both ends. He and his teammates seem to be rushing shots, but I blame that on the tempo, youth and Wheeler’s defense. Dean Smith blames…the communists.

Ari Stewart has nine points for the Wildcats, and Richard Howell dropped eight. If Milton calms down, they should be able to get back into this.

By south atlanta fan

March 13, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this

11 to 4 south atlanta in the first with 4 34 left

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this

S. Atlanta 11, Columbia 4, 4:34 in the 1st

Neither team looks very good right now, but S. Atlanta is just mediocre while Columbia is shooting something like 8 1/2 percent from the field, which is not even the unemployment rate. Andre Malone hit a 3-pointer from Macon City Hall early to jazz up the S. Atlanta crowd, and Columbia has just two baskets. That has to improve in a hurry, for the Eagles will certainly be clipped.

By Todd Holcomb

March 13, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

Unofficial halftime stats Milton = Wheeler

MILTON

Scott 1-5, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 points

Parker 1-5, block, steal, rebound, 4 points

Royal 3-6, 5 rebounds, block, steal, 6 points

Williams 1-5, 2 rebounds, 2 points

Nolte 1-4, 3 rebounds, 3 points

WHEELER

Jerome 3-6, 3 rebounds, steal, block, 6 points

Cochran 1-2, 2 rebounds, 2 points

Taylor 2-5, 4 points

Stewart 4-5, 10 rebounds!!, 9 points

Howell 3-7, 2 steals, 1 rebound, 8 points

Tiller 2 rebounds

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

Great crowd here at the Coliseum. Would say it is about 2/3 full. The Allman Brothers did better than that.

Back to the game, Derrick Favors has been a non-factor so far except on the defensive end of the court, but let’s see how you would do if three people collapsed on you every time you touched the ball in the post. 11-6 with 2:50 left at a snails pace here in middle Georgia.

By Todd Holcomb

March 13, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this

Good point about Buford, Fatman. I just haven’t seen Buford play this season. So Wesleyan came to mind first. I’d like to see Buford, Parkview, Redan & Wesleyan in the AJC Final Four next weekend. How’s that?

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

S. Atlanta 18, Columbia 9, end of the first

Not exactly stellar play, but I am impressed with the defenses of both teams, and unlike the earlier AAA boys semifinal where I wondered if both teams were just that good or if both were having off nights, I am pretty convinced that both of these teams are pretty good. I’ve seen Columbia erase slow starts in the past, but if they don’t start hitting their perimeter shots, they will never be able to get close to the basket on the inside.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

Wheeler 34, Milton 27 at the 4:54 mark in the third quarter

Welcome back, Julian Royal. The talented sophomore forward started the second half with a 3-pointer and 10-foot jumper. Milton is making a small run.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

5:59 left in the first quarter and Columbia finally breaks double digits, but that’s ok for you Eagle fans because South Atlanta only leads by nine, and considering Columbia’s shooting percentage (making Jeff Francoeur’s batting average look REAL good) Eagle fans would have to be happy about that.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

Wheeler 47, Milton 33 at the End of the Third Quarter

By Becky Taylor

March 13, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this

Taylor County’s boys won it as a first year school in 1966. Reynolds and Butler combined in 1965.

Telfair County might have been a first year school when they won the boys in 1960. The GHSA handbooks didn’t print member lists in the 1950s, so I’m stuck trying to figure it out from newspapers.

Brooks County girls won the title as a first year school in 1960.

By Todd Holcomb

March 13, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

Ari Stewart 7-10, 13 rebounds, 15 points

Julian Royal 6-10, 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks

By Becky Taylor

March 13, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this

Lakeview-Fort O statistic

Not only had they never won a state game before this year, the boys’ teams of both LFO and the earlier Lakeview High had won a combined two (1971 and 1994).

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

Columbia finally finds a little more of its game and makes it closer here at the end of the first half. Shooting percentage is still as low as one of the Olsen twins’ blood sugar level, but it is rising a little.

This is what I have been used to seeing in Dr. Phil’s teams over the past several years. Adjustments all the time. He’s got to be one of the best and certainly one of the most respected coaches in the state. He goes right on my list with Lee Hill, Charlie Hood, David Boyd, Jimmy Hires and Harold Scott as far as coaches that I have had personal dealings with.

It is a very good game, but probably not the thrill-fest that most fans drove down I-75 to come and see. Defense has been the key as both teams are excelling in that area.

THUNDEROUS Favors slam brings the rafters rocking as the half ends 28-19 in Favor of the Favorites. South Atlanta on top.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this

South Atlanta 30, Columbia 19 at the half

Sorry, they just changed the scoreboard. Dean Smith said those kinds of things happen all the time.

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

**Wheeler 62, Milton 41 at the 4:26 mark in the Fourth Quarter

Julian Royal needs help. He’s getting to the first shot and being very effective around the goal in blocking and changing shots. But when Wheeler throws Ari Stewart, Richard Howell and the freshman wearing No. 50 whose name I don’t know at you, there’s always a man there for the follow-up dunk, layup or tap. Unless Royal develops the ability to float, Wheeler is going to own the final minutes.

Dean Smith is taking a nap. It’s past his bedtime.

By Max Sizemore

March 13, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

Just who the heck is Becky Taylor? Is she married? Would she like to be?

By Glenn LaFollette

March 13, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

Final: Wheeler 73, Milton 53

Wheeler takes the state championship, its fourth in eight years. Milton, well, expect them back here next season. Really. You’d like to see them find another post player to let Julian Royal roam, but they’re going to be very good for two more years. Just steal a couple offensive linemen off Scott Walker’s football field. He won’t mind. I swear.

The Wildcats return Phil Taylor, my favorite player in this year’s state tournament. Don’t expect them to be as good, but Doug Lipscomb will probably manage. I like No. 50 as well, whatever his name is. Dean Smith has started calling him Sam Perkins, but Dean Smith, as we’ve mentioned, is old and not sure what state he’s in right now.

Thanks for staying with us tonight for the games. We appreciate it.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 10:25 PM | Link to this

Two minutes into the second half and Columbia has cut it to 8.

S. Atlanta leads 33-25. But JerShon Cobb hits a 15-footer to cut it to six now with 5:12 left in the third.

By Willy

March 13, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

Chris, Derrick Favors’s stats so far?

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this

Columbia’s Jordan Price puts on a spin move that leaves a S. Atlanta player grasping for Cherry Blossoms, and then hits a 16-foot jumper and the Columbia faithful are “FIRE IT UP EAGLES, FIRE UP!” S. Atlanta burns a TO BABY! (Gratuitous Dick Vitale reference) and it is a 37-33 Hornet lead with 3:43 left in the third.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this

Willy

Unofficially, I have Favors with 19 points, probably six blocks and twice as many rebounds. with a minute left in the third.

S. Atlanta 44, Columbia 36 right now

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

South Atlanta 44, Columbia 39 at the end of the third on a buzzer-beater 3

Lots of bad signs for the Hornets right now. It’s down to five and Columbia has been here before, and Favors picked up his fourth foul on a ticky call with :19 left in the third. He starts the fourth on the bench.

By studentof thegame

March 13, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this

44-43 S. Atlanta leading Columbia in the 4th

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this

S. Atlanta 46, Columbia 45, 5:48 in the game

Columbia cuts it to one, and Favors is back in, and now Columbia is being very deliberate as every possession is big. Here we go, a race to the finish no doubt.

By DRB

March 13, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this

Quick updates on this link http://www.macon.com/149/story/649592.html

By studentofthegame

March 13, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this

51-49 S. Atlanta over Columbia with 2:30 remaining the game

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this

S. Atlanta 51, Columbia 49, 2:26 left

It’s been a tightly called game, but moreso now and it is dragging out. Three players have already fouled out, but Favors is hanging on with his fourth. seems like this is taking forever. Favors is going to the line when play resumes.

By DC

March 13, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

DEKALB COUNTY RULE 4A BASKETBALL. SWD DEMOLISHED A GOOD FAYETTE COUNTY B-BALL TEAM. ALL YEAR AJC HAD BEEN GIVEN PARKVIEW 5A AND FAYETTE COUNTY 4A ALL THE MEDIA COVERAGE AND GLORY. BUT WHERE IS THE TROPHY COMING HOME TOO DEKALB COUNTY REDAN 5A AND 2PEAT SWD. AND LET US NOT FORGET ABOUT MILLER GROVE BOYS TEAM 4A BOYS CHAMPION.

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

Favors hits his two and then Jordan Price knocks down two to keep it a one-possession game. Eagles need a defensive stop, but Andre Malone hits with a putback and Price answers with a reverse layup.

Now a turnover by S. Atlanta and Columbia can tie it or take the lead, but price turns it over and Mikael Carter answers for a four-point SAtl lead. Less than a minute, Columbia needs to do something. Tied up and SAtl has the arrow. And what the heck was that. Columbia player just body checked a Hornet into the bench for the intentional. Rodrick Pitts hits the two free throws and it is 59-53 with :40 remaining.

By south atlanta fan

March 13, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this

Well I see who won and who didn’t get try eagle maybe next year

By Chris Whitfield

March 13, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this

S. Atlanta 62, Columbia 53 FINAL

That’s it. Columbia missed a trey attempt, S. Atlanta now ahead 61-53 with :25 left in the game. Crowd heads for the exits as the S. Atlanta fans are cheering.

This is a pretty good S. Atlanta team, but not in the realm of say Norcross or Wheeler or even some of those Wilkinson County teams that won back-to-back in AA.

All that being said, I have a hard time seeing Westover stop Favors and company from claiming their ring.

That’s it for this evening, thanks for staying up with us in Macon. Will be back here at 11 in the morning for the Class A girls finals.

Someone please wake Dean Smith up and tell him that Glenn is sleeping in his car. Outside the Gwinnett Arena.

By studentofthegame

March 13, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this

62-53 South Atlanta wins over Columbia

By Todd Holcomb

March 13, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this

Some final stats on Wheeler-Milton (very unofficial)

WHEELER

Joey Jerome 5-10, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, block, 15 points. Unsung hero.

Cochran 1-2, 2 rebounds, 4 points

Phil Taylor 3-9, 7 points, a bunch of assists that I didn’t count

Ari Stewart 9-13, 14 rebounds, blocked shot, 21 points

Richard Howell7-17, 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals

MILTON

Sannon Scott 2-7, 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals

Dai-Jon Parker 4-11, 14 points, 4 rebounds

Julian Royal 7-11, 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks

Evan Nolte 3-9, 7 points, 3 rebounds

TJ Williams 1-5, 2 points, 3 rebounds

Eric White had 5 or 7 points off the bench

If Howell and Stewart play well, Wheeler is clearly the best team in AAAAA. Too hard to match up with those guys when Wheeler’s guards are always solid. Jerome is underrated.

By soufgamale

March 13, 2009 11:17 PM | Link to this

Chris,

This South Atlanta team may not have the overall talent that Norcross had, but I don’t think it’s right to compare the two since South Atlanta has yet to win even one state championship. That being said, I still feel they are a very good team and have played a schedule similar to that of Wheeler as for as nationally and they faired better. They’d beat the Wilkinson teams because of Favors alone.

By WildcatMan

March 13, 2009 11:39 PM | Link to this

Give it up for WHEELER BALL! What about that intense defense, open floor play and great offensive board put backs.

Stewart and Howell went out with a bang. Jerome was the man with his hands. Taylor stirred the ship to perfection and Cochran added death grip defense.

Milton was great and will be great. But, remember, Taylor, Jerome, and Cochran return with some young big men coming up.

Go WILDCATS!

By Wheelerfan

March 13, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this

Agreed wildcat man, I missed the first half but what I saw In the 2nd they looked good, I’m really hapy for ari and richard, they deserved a title before graduating…I think Mitchell could be a good one, he has looked good in the state tourney

By predIpredII

March 13, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this

Mr. LaFollette. Number 50 is Charles “Chuck” Mitchell. He is a 6-7 freshman. He is ours, and we love him

By Wildcat85

March 14, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

The Cats brought it tonight. It was a complete team effort. Richard came through with a great inside game, some good passing and a lot less ball handling (that got him in trouble last night). He was a completely different player tonight. He had a number of steals and good inside passes. Ari cleaned the glass all night long. What an athlete he is. He had to have around 15 - 18 rebounds. My player of the game, though, was Joey Jerome. He has such great length. He blocked shots and had too many steals to count. He hustled on both ends of the court and caused Milton to take bad shots all night long. Phil was Phil. He is my Team MVP. His leadership was outstanding tonight. He probably had 10 - 12 assists on the evening. Karl Cochran was his explosive self on defense tonight. Charles Mitchell even came off the bench and got it done. Wheeler’s defense shut down Shannon Scott and Parker. Royal was their only offense.

Wheeler hit about 6 - 8 three pointers last night, tonight they only hit 2, but had countless old-fashioned 3 pointes with the bucket and the foul.

Hats off to the cats, who are the team of the decade. No doubt about it.

By south atlanta fan

March 14, 2009 3:17 AM | Link to this

I wonder what happen to them eagle fans not that much trash talk on here

By TRU

March 14, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this

Ya’ll people who say South Atlanta is not in the same boat as Wheeler and Norcross have to be on CRACK or just plain CRAZY!

South Atlanta is the best team in GA and Miller Grove is second….they BOTH would kill Wheeler and Norcross THIS YEAR!!! Miller Grove beat South Atlanta in exhibition this year but i think SA played that game like an exhibition as well….wouldnt happen again.

Now I’ll say if you’re talking programs over the past YEARS, Wheeler and Norcross got it but this year ALONE…..South Atlanta has it hands down!!! Miller Grove may have argument tho!

One more thing I like about South Atlanta is that they dont recruit…..their players are from the neighborhood including Mr. Derrick “STIX” Favors…..not saying SA wouldnt recruit but the school does have a terrible reputation so they probably try to recruit but people are scared to go there LOL!

But nice to see a school from the hood do well and I will say this team has won with CLASS all year! Good Job!!!

By derek pruitt

March 14, 2009 8:24 AM | Link to this

12 year old AAU ball; eric white and julian beat little phil taylor and richard howell; eric has AAU hardware; phil has state championship…

By Trojan Nation

March 14, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this

To Chris Whitfield: Thanks for the updates on Carrollton last night. However, if you are going to blog about a team, please know the correct mascot. You kept referring to them as the “Lady Tigers.” They are the Lady “TROJANS.” That is the type of disrespect a team that has been in the top 3 all year long doesn’t deserve!!!

By azcat225

March 14, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

Tru, I know you’re probably excited about the big win over Columbia but why don’t you wait until SA has actually won the championship before shooting your mouth off. Too bad you don’t have the same class that you feel the SA team does…

As far as the comment about “killing” Wheeler, that merits no response other than to point out the obvious, how moronic it is. SA didn’t “kill” Columbia and they certainly wouldn’t “kill” Wheeler.

Best of luck to all of the finalists!

By Boss Hogg

March 14, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

Nice to find results in the AJC today. The lame Gwinnett paper did not even have the scores of AAAA & AAAAA games even though the games were in GWINNETT county. It’s evident this rank paper does not even cover games unless a Gwinnett school is in it. Good job AJC.

By Big Man

March 14, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this

@ TRU

Andre Malone from South Atlanta is NOT from the neighborhood. He played at North Clayton the previous 3 years.

But I do think that South Atlanta is a very good team. I think Wheeler at their best is better than South Atlanta and Miller Grove. They would be good games though. South Atlanta would beat them, but only if Favors doesn’t get into foul trouble. That is the only thing that scares me about them.

By WOLVE

March 14, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this

HALF—WESLEYAN—40—-SD 8

By Wolfpack fan

March 14, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

Chris-

Thanks for covering The Single A Championship Today!

Look forward to your observations and insight.

Should be an intense game!

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

All right, Ladies and Gentlemen, here we go from Macon.

No big surprise in the first game of this marathon day here in Macon as Wesleyan continues its domination during the Anne Marie Armstrong era, winning their fifth state title in the last six years. Never was much doubt, and about the only exciting thing that happened for the casual basketball fan was when an official ran over Wesleyan coach Jan Azar, bringing a big gasp from the arena. Azar had her feet set and took the perfect charge. She then went down to the other end and hit a runner from about 15 feet. Seth Coleman’s story will be online shortly.

Now onto a game that should be a lot more competitive. Turner County takes on Whitefield Academy (named for colonial Methodist minister George Whitefield and not your humble blogger — and I will leave the rest of the history lessons to Todd Holcombe) in the Class A boys final here in the Coliseum with plenty of fans from both schools. I think most of Turner County made the drive up from Ashburn.

Should be a great one, and I will update on the quarters.

By Wolfpack Fan

March 14, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

What are you seeing Chris?

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this

Whitefield 7, Turner 3, 4:38 in the first, TV timeout

Whitefield Academy playing its typical intense defense early, forcing four Turner County turnovers and the Rebels can’t find the basket until Ternell Davis hits a runner-and-one with 5:21 left in the first, which was about 1:11 after coach Eric Holland’s jacket went flying off. Very, very tightly-called game, not even to the halfway point of the first and there are already 11 fouls between the two teams. A tight game must help Whitefield since the Turner fans are already moaning about those cheating refs!

By Hey AJC Guys

March 14, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this

Why haven’t any of you commented on the GHSA Wheelchair championship? I watched it this morning on PBS and those kids have guts. There was a kid from Atlanta who is averaging 17 points a game and, boy was he good. Do people realize how hard it is to do what those kids are doing and with basically the same rules?? Give those athletes their due, too! They seem to have championships in all sports and I had never heard of it until today. C’mon guys, let’s give these kids what they deserve, too!

By Wolfpack Fan

March 14, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

The Wolfpack is having it’s strongest start of the season! This is going to be a great game. Seems like Turner County is heading toward foul trouble.

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

Whitefield 13, Turner Co. 12, end of the first

Turner definitely would like to make this an up-tempo game, while it looks like Whitefield is content with a halfcourt affair. Should be interesting to see which one gets their wish.

Seems to me like Whitefield is outplaying Turner to this point, but it doesn’t show because the Wolfpack have been horrible from the line so far. Still, two very talented teams on the floor right now. Foul trouble could be the key as 6-8 C Chris Spears picked up his third late in the first for Turner County.

By Wolfpack Fan

March 14, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

The Wolfpack is having it’s strongest start of the season! This is going to be a great game. Seems like Turner County is heading toward foul trouble.

By Todd Holcomb

March 14, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

I believe that Wesleyan’s Jan Azar became the third coach in girls history to win six state titles. The others are Norman Carter (Taylor County) and NP Malcolm (Seminole County). Carter was the coach during Taylor County’s 132-game winning streak. He won 5 straight titles and retired young. He also won with Butler High, Taylor County’s predecessor. Malcolm’s last title at Seminole was 1969.

By Todd Holcomb

March 14, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this

Becky Taylor from the Georgia High School Basketball Project tells me that Wesleyan’s victory today was the second-biggest rout in state tournament finals history, boys or girls.

Still No. 1 — 1988 - Upson 85 Cook 41

By Todd Holcomb

March 14, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this

And finally, congrats to Wheeler coach Doug Lipscomb for becoming the 10th coach in boys history to win five state titles. It’s amazing that 10 coaches have done that, but remember that the tournament goes back to 1922. There have been over 400 state champs, or close to it.

Here are the 10:

12, Selby Buck (Lanier) Last: 1951

8, Eric Staples (Perry) Last: 1964

7, Don Richardson (SW Macon) Last: 1989

6, Willie Boston (Westover) Last: 2001

6, Anzy Hardman (Woodbury, Taylor County) Last: 2002

6, Kenneth Ross (Murray County, College Park) Last: 1976

5, David Jones (SW Atlanta, Southside) Last: 1990

5, Doug Lipscomb (Wheeler) Last: 2009

5, Rufus McDuffie (Mitchell-Baker) Last: 2000

5, Joseph Williams (Clay County, Randolph-Clay) Last: 2005

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this

Whitefield 17, Turner Co. 17, 4:11 in the first half

This game isn’t the high scoring affair that most might have thought, but really an intense game. I like it and it should be interesting the rest of the way. Both teams seem to be settling into their rhythm now after such a tight first half. Turner now has two players with three fouls, but it doesn;t really matter if Whitefield is going to hit just 30 percent from the FT line.

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

Whitefield 27, Turner Co. 27, HALFTIME

Turner County’s Breon Dixon (No. 40 for those of you watching at home) is a beast. He has simply owned the middle of that defense, doing a fine job since Spears is on the bench. Whitefield has really done nothing on the inside in set plays to the middle. Lots of great basketball saavy on the floor for both teams.

Two quarters of play and it is all tied up. Whitefield is 9 of 15 from the line, so they are improving.

By Wolfpack Fan

March 14, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

Chris,

Wolfpack is not reflecting Mark Price’s legacy!

What’s the foul situation for both teams?

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

Whitefield 34, Turner 27, 4:05 in the third

Turner hasn’t scored since the second half started, and Whitefield has stretched it. Big key: Fouls — Turner 5, Whitefield 1. Turner has three starters with three or more fouls. They’ve been pretty legit too, despite the hollering from the Turner fans: “Guess it is five against eight out there, ref!” Well, now make that four starters with three or more.

By Wildcatt

March 14, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this

Great game Wheeler!!!!!!

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this

Whitefield 38, Turner Co. 29, 2:44 left in the third

11-0 run by Whitefield to start the second half and Turner FINALLY burns a timeout.

Turner definitely has the talent to comeback, but if they don’t make a move soon, the Pack will swarm, um, sort of like a pack of wolves. Very bad. Dean Smith just sat down beside me and said that was horrible journalism.

Ternell Davis finally hits a shot for Turner to end the run.

By Wolfpack Fan

March 14, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Coach Tyrone Johnson’s integrity and influence are evident. These Whitefield athletes are earning this game. Their tough schedule and hard work have really produced a great season.

“Chris” - ask Coach Johnson about his actions earlier this season to get his team to bring their best to the court all the time. For some period of time this season he had an interesting situation where he took a break from coaching the Varsity Boys…don’t know the facts but today’s playing show’s Coach Johnson knows how to motivate…

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

Whitefield 55, Turner Co. 39, 5:31 in the fourth

Sorry, i think all of the computers here on press row are overloading the wi-fi here at the Coliseum.

Two big numbers from the third quarter 20-4 and 10-4. First number is what Whitefield outscored Turner by in the third, and the other was the foul differential. That 11-0 run was the real heartbreaker, but the foul situation is making this more dramatic. Now a 12-point Whitefield lead and Johnson might want to waste a timeout to refocus his team because they’ve lost a little intensity.

All told four guys have fouled out, 3 for Turner, One for Whitefield.

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

A very prim and proper Ashburn debutante just told the official to take his whistle out of his mouth and shove it straight up his %$#@*&^@!

60-49, Wolfpack with 2:49 left to play.

Seriously, though? How many people saw this coming. Considering what Whitefield lost (transfers, graduation) did anyone see the Wolfpack winning their second title this year? This title joins the one earned in 2003. Turner County is still seeking its first boys hoops title.

By AJC's S. Thomas Coleman

March 14, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this

Todd —

Thanks for the historical observations! I was going to call you at halftime of the Wesleyan-Savannah CD game to find out what was the largest blowout in state title history. This one wasn’t close from the start.

For those that are concerned, Anne Marie has an injury to her meniscus. If it needs to be surgically mended, she’ll be out for 2-3 months and won’t run track. If it just needs to be “shreaded,” she’ll be out a few weeks and will be out on the track. I’m sure Andy Landers wants her to be extra careful.

It was nice seeing her and her best friend, Chantel Kennedy, go out together with another ring.

I’ll try to have some Buford-Model (the Girls Class AA game) thoughts when that one tips at 3.

By selb

March 14, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

The GHSA needs to take a look at the Wesleyan girls as an A level team. No A team came within 30 of them. They won the AA championship last year. For the sake of balanced competition, it wouldn’t hurt to move them back to AA.

By Wolfpack Fan

March 14, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Chris, for blogging Whitefield’s great championship of 2009.

By AJC's S. Thomas Coleman

March 14, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

Selb -

Sorry, but Wesleyan’s enrollment dictates that they be classified as a Class A school. If they choose to “play up,” they can petition the GHSA to do so.

The key is they have a built in feeder program that starts with a fifth grade team. That team runs the same offensive and defensive sets as the high school varsity. So by the time those girls get to the ninth grade they’ve had four years playing in the system.

For instance, Coach Azar told me that they thought Anne Marie was going to be special when she was just in sixth grade. Kennedy transfered in to the school as a 10th grader.

By Peggy

March 14, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

What is the final score of the Boys A Championship game?

By Titus Andronicus

March 14, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this

Question for north Georgians:

Is the school pronounced Model (as in model citizen, model car) or MO-dell?

GPB calls them Model, but I have been told before that it was MO-dell.

By Wolfpack fan

March 14, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

Chris-

Does AJC have a photographer in Macon today?

Looking forward to seeing todays pictures…

By AJC's S. Thomas Coleman

March 14, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

OK, 4 minutes into this one and Buford is up 9-0.

The Wolves are just too quick, long and athletic for Model at this point. Model already has four turnovers. They’ve got a little size, but they can’t get into their half court set because Buford is hounding their every move.

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Class A boys final was Whitefield 69, Turner County 53. Working on the story now. Should be posted soon.

By AJC's S. Thomas Coleman

March 14, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

End of the 1st quarter: Buford 22, Model 6

Model didn’t get its first bucket until the 2:30 mark. That made the score 13-2. Model has about eight turnovers.

Buford has already used eight or nine players. They’re deep and everybody is getting after it on defense.

Model needs to slow themselves down, get into a half court set and let Joy Hoskins create something on offense — either by taking someone off the dribble or driving and dishing.

And Titus, I’ll try to find the correct pronunciation for Model.

By **AJC's S. Thomas Coleman**

March 14, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this

HALFTIME: Buford 30, Model 15

Model settled down a bit, but Buford is still making the Devils work for EVERYTHING they get on the offensive end, which hasn’t been much.

Model stepped up its defense in the second quarter. In fact, they won the quarter, 9-8.

At the end of the half, Model’s Joy Hoskins banged her head hard on the floor, after a strong drive to the bucket (she was called for an offensive foul). She was down on the floor for a couple of minutes before she got up and was taken to the locker room. We’ll see if she comes out to start the second half. Model is DONE without her.

Meanwhile, Buford’s inside bruiser Jocelyn Danley seems to be experiencing some tightness in her hamstrings. She came out the game late in the second quarter and had the trainer stretch her out. She returned to the floor before the end of the half.

By AJC's S. Thomas Coleman

March 14, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

3:49 left in the 3rd: Buford 45, Model 20

Buford came out of the gate on a 14-3 run and they haven’t looked back. More of the same of the first half: too much quickness, toughness and length for Model to deal with.

Injury update: Model’s Joy Hoskins didn’t start the quarter, but she has entered the game. She seems to be OK, still playing hard.

By AJC's S. Thomas Coleman

March 14, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this

END OF THIRD: Buford 53, Model 27

The Wolves got back after it in the third quarter, outscoring Model, 23-12.

Barring a comeback of Robert Downey Jr. proportions, this one’s over. Another season, another sport, another state title for Buford.

And Tituts: The school is pronounced Model, as in “a model school.” That’s where the school’s name comes from. Model is just outside of Rome, up in Floyd County.

By Todd Holcomb

March 14, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this

It’s Model as in model car. … Also, Buford if Buford, but some call it Beaufort.

By kshorti

March 14, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

Just wondering?? Do private schools practice year round? I know they do not follow all the rules as public schools. The coaches are given one month during the summer to have summer workout. I really think that the private schools should follow the same rules, if they are going to play in the public sector. If not then the public schools should be allow to RECRUIT PLAYERS!!!!

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

All right … Stone is in the house. Traffic much better today than yesterday, and I was able to sneak in my high-priced latte from the massive coffee chain, whose name I won’t mention because, frankly, they’re not paying me.

To one Mr. Bradley: No can restrictions at the Macon Coliseum. Just sayin’ …

OK, state finals. someone please tell me if there has been a longer name in state finals history than Kohl Hegetschweiler. The PA guy here announced in the lineups, but history tells us that he’ll be No. 21 on the loudspeaker the rest of the day.

I gotta say, this place is pretty ful. Dublin’s close, of course, but if many of these peolple stay, they’ll be turning people away during the last two games.

All right, game’s under way. Rashard Smith hit a j from the left corner. Gotta go work …

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

Buford opens on 8-2 run, BT calls timeout. Blessed Trinity is running a patient half-court offense, but they’ve turned it over a couple of times already.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

Dublin leads 16-9 at end of first period.

BT fans attempted a whiteout, it appears. In a split-crowd, multi-game environment, the effect is diminished, but it is noticeable.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

Dublin’s Chris Smith decided to be the man tonight. Took just 8:39 for him to pass 10 points …

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

Chris Smith now with 17 at the 3:21 mark in the second. Sherrard Brantley’s trey made it 31-19 and forced another BT timeout …

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this

Kshorti, private schools that compete in the Georgia High School Association are governed by the same body as public schools. They follow exactly the same rules. Right, and none of the public schools would ever, ever dream of “recruiting.”

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this

Halftime, Dublin up 36-21 on the strength of six three-pointers. Ryan LeGates has 12 points for Trinity, but the Titans aren’t mounting a consistent offensive push. If they don’t slow down Dublin’s perimeter game, they could get embarrassed.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this

Chris Smith goes over 20 at the 3:31 mark in the third

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

end of three, BT’s keeping it respectable, but Dublin’s in control.

By AJC's S. Thomas Coleman

March 14, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

OK, the final word on Buford-Model:

This is the school’s first basketball championship. One of the happiest guys in the building is Buford AD Dexter Wood, who reconstructed the beast that is the Buford football program. Jess Simpson has taken over and kept it rolling.

Coach Wood gave Coach Durden a huge bear hug after the game. He’s extremely proud of the team and the newest championship trophy they’re taking back to Buford.

And as my colleague Chris Whitfield said, kshorti, private schools competing in the GHSA follow the same rules as public schools. In other states, private schools and public schools don’t compete against each other (New Jersey and Pennsylvania, I think). But here in Jaw-jah, private and public schools go after the same players … er, I mean, compete hard against each other playing by the same rules.

By Auntie Em

March 14, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this

All Hail Anne Marie!

And yes, Coach Azar’s charge-taken will be in the team’s end-of-season banquet highlight reel.

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this

Lakeview Ft. Oglethorpe 6, Carrollton 2, 3:32 left in the first

I’ll do my best not to call Carrollton the Tigers. Trojans are bringing the black out to the coliseum, while the Warriors fans are wearing red, looking very much like a Georgia basketball game.

Early on from the AAA girls title game, Carrollton has a lid on its basket, while LFO keeps walking. You have to dribble to play this game.

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

LFO 12, Carrollton 9, end of the first

Maybe I have just been in here too long, but not a whole lot of excitement so far for the AAA girls game. Karisma vs. Kayla hasn’t shaped up like I as hoping, but they are on each other man-to-man now.

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this

Carrollton 27, LFO 24, 4:56 in the third

Carrollton has done a great job of denying the ball to Kayla Weaver. She can’t beat you if she doesn’t have the ball.

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 8:11 PM | Link to this

Carrollton 34, LFO 24, end of 3

just like last night, Carrollton takes control in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 10-1 in the quarter. Weaver had a total of three shot attempts, while Karisma Boykin is taking charge for the LADY TROJANS.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this

Carrollton must have allowed Weaver to set up and get clear looks in that region championship game. She’s had to force every shot she’s taken today.

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

Carrollton 51, LFO 31 FINAL

Carrollton is your state champions with a dominating second-half performance. LFO limited to just NINE points in the second half. More in a little bit

By Delivery Guy

March 14, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this

Jay,

Do you have a Furniture House recliner down there? You seem to be awful comfortable in your posts. A blast from the past!

Good job to you guys keeping us posted on the games.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this

Delivery guy: No recliner, but I’m fairly comfy. Thanks for asking …

OK, AAA boys are underway, and two South Atlanta players, neither of them Derrick Favors, have missed dunks in the first two minutes. Both teams appear a little tight to me. Maybe they need recliners

By Chris Whitfield

March 14, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this

Final thought on AAA Girls title game

Couple of corrections to the blog. LFO was limited to just seven points in the second half.

Carrollton’s defense was simply unbelievable.

First girls state title for the LADY TROJANS.

Like I said last night, according to the LFO coach this was the first time the school had even won a state playoff game.

Story to follow shortly.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

South Atlanta arrived first …. Westover is 0-for the perimeter and just called timeout after falling behind 13-2 at the 330 mark in the first quarter.

By Jay Stone

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

Holy smokes are the refs letting these guys play. Three different players just had their shirts pulled out in one sequence and bodies are flying everywhere. No blood, no foul apparently.

23-10 South atlanta after 1

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

missed the foul call, Westover’s Greg Green gets a three-shot foul and makes all three. 23-13.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this

Favors with 11 points with 7:00 to play in the first half and he has four blocks, too. Westover is showing no signs of slowing him down.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

OK. 38-27 at the half. Favors has 17 points, a thunderous fast-break dunk and, by my count (unofficial) five blocks. Westover has nobody over 6-foot-4 and he’s just having his way inside.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

Andre Malone just got his first basket at the 5:00 mark in the third quarter. Favors up to 24 points after a pair of free throws and it’s a 46-33 game. I may be totally off, but it’s just hard to see Westover getting enough stops the rest of the way to close the gap.

By Jay Stone

March 14, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

Favors just picked up his third foul with 7:41 to play, then went to the other end and made a rim-rocking dunk to start a three-point play. He’s got 30 and the Hornets are up 61-42 with 6:59 to left.

By noneya

March 14, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

The refs in the South Atlanta vs Westover game are by far the worst of any of the crews that called title games. And there was not one competitive championship game this wknd. I believe GA should go to an all class B-Ball Tourny. Or how about a two class. All schools over 900. All schools under 900. Any thoughts?

By B Taylor

March 14, 2009 11:23 PM | Link to this

In the 1950s, an all-class tournament of champions was proposed by the papers, but several coaches were against it.

There were two years of an all-class tournament of champions. In 1973, Southwest (Macon) won. In 1974 it was Southwest of Atlanta.

I don’t see it working now. There used to be more parity among the classes.

Smaller classification boys’ teams generally don’t have height. As Westover proved tonight, it’s very difficult for a speed team to beat someone with lots of height. I don’t think Dublin would stand a chance with Wheeler because of that and also because the Irish were pretty lithe.

This year is a strange case in which a girls’ tournament between all the champions might be closer than the boys. It’s usually the other way around.

Wesleyan’s mighty good, but Carrollton just shut down a talented Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. Redan looked incredible. Southwest DeKalb killed off an undefeated Fayette. Buford beat Wesleyan in the regular season.

Before the Collins Hill era, I think you could have a worked an all-class tourney.

But the state tournaments are just a whole ‘nother monster now.

Because of the desire for visibility, AAAAA teams are more loaded than they used to be. Whereas the talent would probably be better spread throughout DeKalb, Cobb, Fulton, Atlanta city, Clayton, Henry, Douglas County, and Gwinnett, they are all gravitating towards a few schools. Thinking specifically of this year’s Milton team and a few recent Norcross teams.

By TRU

March 15, 2009 2:07 AM | Link to this

Well South Atlanta has finally got a State Championship!

To azcat225….was South Atlanta supposed to kill Columbia…the #2 ranked team and defending AAAA champs??????? Wheeler…yes….SA would dominate them if they played THIS YEAR….and yes FAVORS would have to be definitely in the game!

To Big Man…..you’re right…Andre Malone did attend North Clayton, and Nicholas Watkins is from Wisc. for that matter but they were not recruited. Andre came after the mess in Clayton School system.

And far as this South Atlanta neighborhood….Mr. J. J. Hickson of Wheeler and Javaris Crittenton of S.A.C.A were from the SA school zone too but recruited away because of the rep of the school!

The neighborhood of Zone 3 apparently produces serious hoopers……C.W Long was this years Middle School Champions, South Atlanta’s Junior Varsity went undefeated and won the J.V Championship, and the Varsity brought home the Varsity State Championship!

Good job South Atlanta!!!

By EMACK

March 15, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

I am glad South Atlanta won the championship…we been knocking on the door the past few years…lost to Griffin in the championship a few years back…go South Atlanta…I couldn’t be prouder

By HCS

March 15, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

These finals show that the programs in North Georgia are basically better than those in the lower part of the state. Congratulations to all the winners and to all the teams who made it to the finals.

By HCS

March 15, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this

Attn: Noneya. Your post at 10:20 pm makes a lot of sense if it can be limited to basketball. The seperation at 900 students is just about right too. Maybe you are in the wrong line of work and would make a good GHSA Com.

By kennyg

March 15, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

GHSA needs to take a serious look before agreeing to hold the A-AAA state tourney games at Macon Centreplex next year.

That place is a bacteria carrying filth hole, period! It has to be the dirtiest place in the state of Georgia. French fries, chips, popcorn, etc all in between the sits, and this was on Wednesday……..not after all the games were played on Saturday. I will not even mention the bathrooms! and the walk ways.

They must look at other options or have the Centreplex pressured washed.

Yes i have already wrote the GHSA this morning, and it wasn’t a “healthy” letter…if you know what i mean.

By Titus Andronicus

March 15, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

KennyG, you obviously have not seen the Albany Civic Center. It has Macon beat in terms of filth.

At least some playoffs should be held in Macon because of its location, but the Coliseum does have issues.

The clock is ridiculously outdated. It does not show tenths of seconds. Eight years ago, I saw a game where there was a timing error. The clock could not be set to a certain time (something like 13 seconds). The clock man had to set it to one minute and wind it down. I’m sure it’s the same now.

I’d rather see games in Macon over Gwinnett Arena, just because it’s easier to get in and out of. Gwinnett’s traffic is not my favorite.

I also hate Gwinnett’s scoreboards. The two with the details are just too tiny to read. Albany, despite its filth, has a fantastic easy-to-read scoreboard that hangs over the court.

I don’t know the GHSA has never attempted to use the Stegosaurus. Parking’s not great, but if you coordinated it with spring break and opened up all the decks, I think it would be manageable.

It’s not the GHSA’s problem, really, but I wish all arenas would cut out music between games. It’s too loud and in my personal opinion, it’s awful. I don’t think it helps the athletes one bit and I can’t hear myself think.