BOYS: CENTENNIAL 66, NORTH COBB 49: Knights overcome slow start in victory

Centennial coach Allen Whitehart warned against taking anyone lightly in the Class AAAAA playoffs, not even North Cobb. Saturday’s first-round opponent came in with a record barely over .500.

The Knights ran their record to 25-4 with a 66-49 victory that ended North’s season at 15-15, but not without needing a quarter and a half to gain momentum.

Once they did, the Knights —- finalists in 2007 and a second-round team last year —- rolled into Wednesday’s second round against South Gwinnett.

Whitehart, whose team has won 11 of its past 13 games, warned of the challenge posed by South’s athleticism, which helped it edge Mill Creek 48-45.

“At this stage, you have to make modifications and adjustments every night,” he said.

The Knights got a game-high 19 points each from Lorenzo Brown and Adrian Rogers. Devonta White chipped in eight.

The Warriors got 13 points from Colin Slotter and 10 from John Smith.

The Knights trailed 19-15 after a quarter but led 33-30 by halftime.

North Cobb coach Terry Gorsuch said considerable focus was on Brown, but he also acknowledged the Knights’ all-around dominance.

“Brown hurt us [in 2007], so we knew about him, but you can’t forget about their other four guys,” Gorsuch said.