ajcsportstalk

By Derrick Mahone

February 22, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Halftime: East Hall 38, South Atlanta 36: Favors had two early first quarter fouls, and picked up a third in the second quarter.

By Devil Lover

February 22, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

two minutes left:

Norcross-72 Harrison-47

By Marietta Fan

February 22, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Marietta 65, Collins Hill 51

Devils started strong… but that was it, started the game with five consecutive three pointers, Stanley Jennings had 24, they cruised the rest of the way.

By AJC Dude

February 22, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Marietta fan. Good stuff.

Looks like Northview has advanced as well. Scores are starting to roll in.

By herman ennis

February 22, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Mundy’s Mill 66 Redan 56

By Sphinxicu

February 22, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Mundy’s Mill beat Redan by 8. Defensive struggle the whole game. Redan must have had 8-10 blocked shots during the game. Class AAAAA game

By AJC Dude

February 22, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Ralph Sampson Jr. has triple-double in Northview’s win over Central Gwinnett.

By SSS

February 22, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Hiram over MLK 71 to 69.

By Norcross fan

February 22, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Does anybody know where the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the boys and girls 5A tournament for the Atlanta area teams will be played?

By LaneyWildcatsBoys

February 22, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Laney 61 - Cook County 45

By wildcat78

February 22, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Wheeler 92 Parkview 72

By Freddy B

February 22, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Told Yall bout dem vikings! Go E-Hall

By Freddy B

February 22, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

East Hall girls will merk dunwoody tomorrow. Watch out for Jessica Blackwell. The most under rated shooter in the state. Go Vikes!

By craig gould

February 22, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Savannah High beat Tift County 68-46

By T-easy

February 22, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Stephenson Girls win 81-14 over East Cowetta. Score tells it all. Stephenson boys win 74-51 over Newnan. Newnan jumped out of the gates on a 9-0 run but the jags end the quater on a 11-4 run and just keep rolling the rest of the game.

By Lets go Knights

February 22, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Centennial won by three

By Lets go Knights

February 22, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Centennial won by three

By Andre

February 22, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Go Astros!!!!! Douglass 94, Morrow 72

By Andre

February 22, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Go Astros!!! Douglass 96, Morrow 70 Astros jumped out to a 13-0 run and never looked back!

By bwash21

February 22, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Lorenzo Brown drops 30 on Meadowcreek. What’s the final on East Hall/So.Atlanta??

By FinFin

February 22, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Wheeler High School won big…hey AJC dude…are you going to have another best dunk contest of the state Tourney? Tahj Tate, a Junior guard for Wheeler, had a MONSTER dunk towards the end of the fourth quarter. He got the ball all by himself on a fast break, threw the ball off the backboard to himself, and tomahawked(sp?) it home with two hands…the CROWD WENT NUTS!

By t-dawg

February 22, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

What about Stephens County at Cartersville (Boys)?

By Atlanta Blue

February 22, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

To Norcross fan:

2nd round games will be at the home of the higher seed (a change from past years). 3rd round games for AAAAA are at Georgia State. Semis and finals are at Gwinnet Arena.

By Tim

February 22, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

East Hall 63 South Atlanta 60 No upset here.

By ctuck

February 22, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

EAST HALL WINS!!!!!! 63 - 60

By ThreeTimeDevils

February 22, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Final Norcross-72 Harrison-49

By ThreeTimeDevils

February 22, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Norcross Fan there has been a change to the location for the third round. It is no longer going to be at GA State. I heard several options from a relievable source tonight.

Stay tuned.

By norcrossalum05

February 22, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Go Devils!!! Glad to hear their doing good!!! gl the rest of the way!

By ThreeTimeDevils

February 22, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Hey SOTY. I feel your pain.

By AJC Dude

February 22, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Fin Fin … That’s such a good idea. They should have a 3-point contest and dunk contest when we get down to the Final Four.

Has everyone seen Derrick Favors behind-the-back dunk on the dunk contest video? Pretty impressive.

By oldskool06

February 22, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

F. Douglass is for real. The Stokes kid Is the real deal. Dropped about 7 Three’s tonight. Scored between 25-32 points. Missed only 3 shot tonight. Had about 7 assists 3 steals. He can play with and out any guard in the state. Super quick. The Best Kept Secret in The State. Ga. And Tech need To Jump on this kid

By ctuck

February 22, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

to bad Derrick Favors’ behind the back dunk couldnt send him and the south atlanta hornets into the second round of the state playoffs!!!! haha GO VIKINGS!!!!!!

By ThreeTimeDevils

February 22, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Centennial fans. Sorry you could only beat the creek by 3. Norcross won by 23 and are looking forward to playing you in “The House of Blue” where we haven’t lost a game in three or four years.

By oldskool06

February 22, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Douglass 96 Morrow 70

The Best Kept Secret In Atlanta Jarrett Stokes 6’1” Shooting Guard This Kid is On A Mission. Will play at Douglass on Tues. 7:00. The Best Shooting Form and quickest release of all the Guard in the State. The Fourth Game I’ve seened of Stokes this year. I’ve watched about 30 games this year. I will watch the Norcross game on tuesday. Don’t take my word about the Stokes Kid, go out and see for your self.

By Scoutoftheyear

February 22, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

YES I AM MAD AS A MOTHER..THREETIMESDEVIL.. I HAVE NO WORDS-FOR ONCE… IM SOOO FN MAD @ HOW SOUTH ATLANTA PLAYED.. DURING THE GAME THERE WERE A LOT OF BS CALLS AGAINST US… BUT HONESTLY.. IN THAT LAST 1:30 WE HAD PLENTY OF CHANCES TO WIN.. I FEEL LIKE THEY DIDNT COME TO PLAY AND BECAUSE OF THAT, ITS A WRAP..

GOOD LUCK TO THE REST OF THE TEAMS..

I CANT EVEN WATCH ANOTHER PLAYOFF GAME— UNLESS THERE IS A NORCROSS-WHEELER MATCH UP.. OTHER THAN THAT..

BOWING OUT GRACEFULLY.

By smooothone

February 22, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

How about FINALLY giving Hiram some love. They beat the #8 ranked team in 5A and moves on to the second round. Guards Stewart Clark and Arsenio Knuckles continue their stellar play.

By bronco

February 22, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

brookwood girls lost by 8 to chattahoochee.

By Jabari

February 22, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

wht is the score for the WESTLAKE N FOREST PARK GAME ALSO STATESBORO N LEE CO GAME

By Lets go Knights

February 22, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Lets see whose talking tuesday night when Zo comes to your “Blue’s Clue’s House” and adds a little black. Hope you had fun last year cause this is our year.

By Gansta D

February 22, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Watch out for Columbia, we are back on track!!!!

By Tim

February 22, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Has anyone seen the Stephens County at Cartersville score or know who won?

By Marietta Fan

February 22, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Here’s rooting for Centennial, cause I know we can beat them.

By jABARI

February 22, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

IF U WANT TO SEE THE BEST PG N SG GUARDS IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA GO TO STATESBORO GAME ON TUESDAY N WATCH NUMBER 30 N 14 ON JONESBORO HIGH SCHOOL BRANDON HOSLEY N VA NOBODY CAN C THEM

By ctuck

February 22, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

anyone know the jordan vs. perry final score?

By Tim

February 22, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Scoutoftheyear: Why do you sound surprised South Atlanta lost? East Hall has been one of the best teams in AAA for years. They not only have the tradition they have the experience. Frankly, I’m a little surprised they played a well as they did at East Hall. Better luck next year.

By ThreeTimeDevils

February 22, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

STATE CHAMPS THREE YEARS IN A ROW RIGHT OVER CENTENNIAL AGAIN

By ThreeTimesDevils

February 22, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Somebody please tell me that Johnson-Savannah did not get beat by Lowndes.

By Devil Lover

February 22, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

“We want Centennial Again”!!!

By Marietta Fan

February 22, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

Dont worry Devil Lover, you’ll get them, and then us, if anybody not named Wheeler is going to beat Ya’ll it will be the Marietta Blue Devils.

By wheeler fan

February 22, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

tates dunk was sick

By Chris Grammer

February 22, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! South Atlanta lost. Can you say over rated. Jordan won they’re game. We beat a better East Hall team last year by 12 in the state championship game. I’m not going to lie we had a tough first round game but we over came a poor all around game and won 64-60 over Perry tonight. We play Glenn Hills second round. Teams win championships not one player. East Hall showed tonight that South Atlanta was a one man show.

By GA-TECH SCOUT

February 23, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Tuesday night 2seed Jonesboro High School plays 1seed Statesbro High down in statesboro. Statesboro has no answer for senior gaurds Antonio Bell(14) and Brandondon Hosley(30) of Jonesboro. Antonio is one of the best point gaurds in the state of ga and i have yet to see him slow down. Brondon Hosley is one of the best 3point shooters in the state and looks to return to the elite 8 and possibly the Final 4

By GA-TECH SCOUT

February 23, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Tuesday night 2seed Jonesboro High School plays 1seed Statesbro High down in statesboro. Statesboro has no answer for senior gaurds Antonio Bell(14) and Brandondon Hosley(30) of Jonesboro. Antonio is one of the best point gaurds in the state of ga and i have yet to see him slow down. Brondon Hosley is one of the best 3point shooters in the state and looks to return to the elite 8 and possibly the Final 4

By jonesboro fan

February 23, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Whats all this talk about Norcross and Wheeler and a damn Cairo. What about them JONESBORO CARDINALS. These boys are forreal. They’er lead by two senior gaurds who in my opinion are one of the best gaurd combos in ga. I think they’ll make to the final four. What yall think???

By jONESBORO FANATIC

February 23, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

jONESBORO ON DECK CENTENNIAL AINT GOT S** ON THESE JONESBORO CARDINALS

By jonesboro fan

February 23, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Whats all this talk about Norcross and Wheeler and a damn Cairo. What about them JONESBORO CARDINALS. These boys are forreal. They’er lead by two senior gaurds who in my opinion are one of the best gaurd combos in ga. I think they’ll make to the final four. What yall think???

By EFF THE BLUE

February 23, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

EFF THE BLUE DEVILS! wheeler is on that role u guys watch out them boys i want to see norcross and wheeler play after last years bs in that game how norcross got the home advantage when the referees didnt make the call, lets play at the gwenitt center and let wheeler and phil t run all up and down on you guys didnt you guys have some kid named mohammed tariq? soppused to be real good but he’s been quite this year

By CANES

February 23, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

CARTERSVILLE SMOKED STEPHENS COUNTY——- 75 - 50. SEE YA TUESDAY EAST HALL!!

By Paul Hewitt

February 23, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

Listen up this has got to be one of the best group of 1st round plyoff games i’ve witness in a long time. Norcross and Harrison was a real treat, but there’s a school i want everyone to watch out for in the AAAA Region. The Jonesboro Cardinals. They are well coached and have an outstanding point guard in #14.

By Derrick Mahone

February 23, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Great night of hoops at East Hall. It was a great atmosphere. It was anybody’s game during the last 1:04 as both teams missed some big free throws down the stretch. Ken Wise played big and had a heck of a game, but the play that Dedric Ware made in the closing seconds was huge. After missing a couple free throws on after drawing the fifth foul on Derrick Favors, he missed both free throws. However, in the end he blocked what was potentially the game-tying 3-pointer.

The Region 4-AAAAA vs. Region 2-AAAAA matchup played out like I thought it would with the teams splitting.

Man, there are some great second round matchups, especially in the AAAAA North bracket. Too bad there is not a central location to see the Norcross/Centennial, Wheeler/McEachern and Marietta/Northview games. For $7 a true basketball fan would be in high school hoops heaven. Like Cheese Johnson, Noel Johnson’s dad, says, “Oh well.”

A Savannah at Mundy’s Mill rematch. Will this one go down to the wire again?

Was anybody’s brackets completely busted?

By reasonable mind

February 23, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

Sampson continues to impress. He’s had more double digit block games than anyone I can remember. On to the second round.

By F*** Norcross

February 23, 2008 4:14 AM | Link to this

two words- F*** NORCROSS

GO KNIGHTS -

this is OUR year

By IU

February 23, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this

need that #1 Randolph-Clay score from friday night….

By LD

February 23, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Meadowcreek played a tough game but the Centennial boys never quit and fought back. They hit a lot of 3’s and some of our guys had trouble hitting free throws. It was an exciting game.

Trust me, this Knights fan did NOT want our guys to have to play Norcross in their house in the 2nd round. But don’t get too cocky Norcross, even if you get past us you will most likely meet up with Wheeler or Marietta and I think either one could beat you.

By horse manure

February 23, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Tucker upset? Dacula pulls off surprise?? AJC here’s the deal: Dacula is 28-3. Tucker 21-8. Dacula is the #1 seed; Tucker #4. Help me understand the surprise upset piece? Sorry you are dissapointed AJC.

By bwash21

February 23, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Just curious if anyone knows….where did Isaiah Grayson (Dunwoody) and Tahj Tate (Wheeler) transer from?

By ThreeInARow

February 23, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

The centennial fans might think they want us but i guarantee the players don’t.

THREE IN A ROW RIGHT OVER CENTENNIAL AGAIN

By wildcat

February 23, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

AND DUNWOODY ROLLS ON IN THEIR NORMAL FASHION NOT TOO MUCH HYPE JUST ANOTHER DOMINATING PERFORMANCE. THAT PERFORMANCE ONLY INCLUDED SINGELTON HAVING 11 POINTS AND JORDAN NOT EVEN BEING IN DOUBLE FIGURES, BUT GRAYSON WAS BALLING!! WATCH OUT AAA HERE WE COME! I WISH THEIR WAS A TOURNEY THAT COULD INCLUDE WHEELER, DUNWOODY, AND NORCROSS. I ALSO WANTED TO SEE WHAT WE COULD DO AGAINST FAVORS BUT I GUESS IT WAS JUST ALL HYPE!!

By wildcat

February 23, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Grayson came from Druid Hills

By bwash21

February 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Did somebody tell the Centennial students not to cheer for your team once the state tourney started? You nearly took your own team out of the game by taking away any homecourt advantage vs Meadowcreek. Between all your text message and phone calls, you missed a great game. I’ve seen alot of Knights games over the last 2 yrs and you’ve lost your enthusiasm. Go ahead and stay quiet. Norcross 83, Centennial 62.

By Robert

February 23, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Let us rewind go back a year no one expected Cenennial to make it past the first round-blink your eye they are in championship game 17k fans at Gwinette Arena-Centennial huge underdog-in the end Norcross limped out with 2 point win-it took every skill that Gawni had to save them-NORCROSS wake-up what makes you think this year will be so different-is this team better than last year?

By Phildawg

February 23, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

I think that Wheeler is by far the scariest team out there in AAAAA. On every possession you have to account for all 5 of their players because they are all a legitimate threat to go off. Any of their 5 starters could score 25-30 points a game. No other team in AAAAA can say that, even Norcross. If you shut down Aminu then you’ve got the game in control because Denzail Jones can’t carry a team by himself. So Norcross, get ready because if you do make it out of your bracket then you’ll be playing Wheeler and the outcome will be much different than last year.

By Mike

February 23, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

AJC, Lithia Springs plays at Dacula Tuesday. Your scoreboed shows the opposite.

Horse Manure, you’re so right. #4 loses to #1 and it’s an upset? AJC CHANGE YOUR POLL. Dacula’s for real guys. Ask Parkview, GAC, Central Gwinnett, now Tucker.

By the way, Tucker is a class act. They showed tons of character even in defeat. The two time defending 4A champs are to be commended.

By Lets go Knights

February 23, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Robert it was a one point game last year.

By Basketball IQ

February 23, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Centennial over Norcross?

Give me a break!!!

Norcross by 15+

Wheeler wins state championship if they get by McEachern. If not Norcross wins it.

No emotional ties to any 5a team. Just know the game.

By ThreeInARow

February 23, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Hey Phildawg…we were thinking the same way. The outcome should be a lot different because this year our players seem healthy unlike last year.

Hey we are still waiting on your examples of where wheeler kept some “highly ranked teams” in the 50’s. We looked and we could not find them.

And by the way Parkview scored above their avg on you last night while Norcross kept Harrison 16 pts below their avg and Aminu only played 3 minutes of the 4th qtr.

I hope we can get to play Wheeler since they are no.1 and have such a good team. But as SouthAtlanta found out last night, even the best teams can have a bad night.

By Steve

February 23, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Tucker losing to Dacula is definitely an upset. Does anyone really think Dacula has a shot to win it all? In contrast, Tucker was the defending champ and considered a darkhorse by many.

By ThreeInARow

February 23, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Derrick I got my bracket 4 but had missed on the other three. Johnson-sav. let me down in bracket 1. in bracket 2 South Forsyth surprised me. I guess their close regional game with Norcross gave them some energy. And I wa picking Beach over Valdosta. And in bracket 1 i was picking ML King which I had as a toss up.

By Move Region 3

February 23, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Can we just move region 3 AAAAA to Florida? They screw up the football logistics by everyone playing up in classification except Camden, which hands them a BLOATED season record each year and now the region can’t even compete in basketball. Drop region 3 to AAAA where they belong or even better send them south to Florida.

By Devil Lover

February 23, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Hey Derrick. I heard they have changed the location for the 5A quarter final games scheduled for 2/29. Can you give us an update?

By Derrick Mahone

February 23, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Devil Lover I’ll get back with everyone on that one.

Dacula upsets Tucker Seems a few people took exception to that headline. OK, raise you hand had Tucker won you would have gave it a second thought. The defending champs were the only boys team from Region 6-AAAA not to advance. Since 1984, Dacula has been to the state playoffs five times and this was their first win. I think the headline was pretty accurate. Sounds like it was a good game.

ThreeInARow By the name I take it that you are a Norcross fan. I didn’t have Johnson-Savannah in the final four, but I didn’t think they would go out this early. As I said in another blog, I figured that Region 4-AAAAA and 2-AAAAA would split.

Savannah and Mundy’s Mill fans What you think of the rematch. It was close the first time, will it come down to the final seconds again.

If you are just a basketball fan with no ties to any school, where do you go on Tuesday, Wheeler vs. McEachern, Norcross vs. Centennial, Mundy’s Mill vs. Savannah, Lithia Springs vs. Dacula or Jordan vs. Glenn Hills?

By Mike

February 23, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Wheeler wins in a close one.

Norcross handles Centennial easily.

Mundy’s Mill over Savannah.

Dacula over Lithia Springs.

Haven’t seen Jordan or Glenn Hills. Can’t call it.

By Derrick Mahone

February 23, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Sorry about the multiple post, but having computer problems logging in

Devil Lover I’ll get back with everyone on that one.

Dacula upsets Tucker Seems a few people took exception to that headline. OK, raise you hand had Tucker won you would have gave it a second thought. The defending champs were the only boys team from Region 6-AAAA not to advance. Since 1984, Dacula has been to the state playoffs five times and this was their first win. I think the headline was pretty accurate. Sounds like it was a good game.

ThreeInARow By the name I take it that you are a Norcross fan. I didn’t have Johnson-Savannah in the final four, but I didn’t think they would go out this early. As I said in another blog, I figured that Region 4-AAAAA and 2-AAAAA would split.

Savannah and Mundy’s Mill fans What you think of the rematch. It was close the first time, will it come down to the final seconds again.

If you are just a basketball fan with no ties to any school, where do you go on Tuesday, Wheeler vs. McEachern, Norcross vs. Centennial, Mundy’s Mill vs. Savannah, Lithia Springs vs. Dacula or Jordan vs. Glenn Hills?

By Jay-Live

February 23, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

LOL at Move Region 3….

And can someone please say where the 2/29 North 5A games will be? I mean who is in charge of logistics for this tournament? They should be fired, how the hell can you have a location TBA a week before the games?

By Laney Girls 72 Early 48 Final

February 23, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Laney Girls 72 Early County 48 Final. Way to go Wildcats

By trm

February 23, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Hiram won a thriller against M.L. King, after being down by 11 on several occasions. They have also beaten Mundy’s Mill two out of three times this season. I haven’t seen the other top ten teams play in AAAAA and do not know how good they really are, but Hiram is playing very well. After beating two top ten schools this year, and with an overall record of 22-6 I do think they deserve more respect.

By Antique Blue Devil

February 23, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Marietta Girls came out like gang busters in first half to lead by 30 then got sloopy and held on to win by 20.

By Derrick Mahone

February 23, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

A couple scores to pass alone with Westlake boys and girls getting a sweep. Girls Westlake 63, Jonesboro 32 Tamaki Willis 18 points Boys Westlake 79, Forest Park 49

Osborne (girls) 61-41 win in their first appearance in the state playoffs since 2000. It was the program’s first tournament win since 1998.

Ernest is probably out celebrating after Southwest DeKalb’s 71-26 win. Hopefully it made up for his AtomSmashers lost Friday.

Mays 66-56 over Salem.

By Marietta Fan

February 23, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

I’m predicting Marietta (boys) against Norcross, and Marietta (girls) against No. 1 Mill Creek, but where will I have to go to see it?

By ex devil

February 23, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

By Marietta Fan

February 23, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Derrick, how good is Northview? I know nothing about them, but it will be Chris Tanzy’s first game back so I feel pretty confident. Looking ahead, How can Marietta beat Norcross, or is the future that dim?

By Derrick Mahone

February 23, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Marietta Fan Haven’t seen Northview play this year but looking at their schedule, all the teams that beat them were playoff teams and a couple losses to a pair of teams from Tennessee. Obviously with the Sampson brothers they have some good height in the post, which could cause some problems for the Blue Devils. Seems Marietta held it together pretty good without Chris Tanzy, but with him back with only strengthen the team. I thought Marietta had another key injury to the lineup over the last couple days.

* Looking ahead, How can Marietta beat Norcross, or is the future that dim?* Judging from this, you are not giving Centennial any hope. I think one of the things that is overlooked about Norcross is that they play pretty good defense. You have to admire the way Al-Farouq Aminu is playing this year. He has literally put this team on his back and carry them offensively.

I don’t think any thing is dim once you get past the first round of the playoffs. I think any game from here on out, especially in the North bracket, is going to be tough.

A No. 1 Mill Creek vs. No. 3 Marietta would be interesting.

The GHSA website list Georgia State University as the host site for the quarterfinals.

By Marietta Fan

February 23, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

Senior DeAndre Cannon missed the last week as well as the championship game, with a foot injury but he is expected back as well. Thanks alot, I’m excited.

By Marietta Fan

February 23, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

The fact that Norcross plays pretty good defense doesn’t help my optimism, haha. I would love to see centennial again, I don’t think we played very well against them earlier this year, I will judge our chances strongly on how well they play against Norcross. I merely didnt ask about them because i know that we are capable of beating them. Despite our lack of size, very few big men have had very productive nights against us, yet we have played few notable big men. I think that our sharpshooters need to stay spot on over the next week, and if that happens then we can play with Norcross. I also feel that if we can keep to our traditionally slower offense that we can beat any of the other three teams in this quadrant. Agreements, Disagreements, Reactions?

By Tony Perkins

February 23, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Clarke Central girls roll over St. PiusX 58 to 47. How about Brittni Johnson? Andy Landers need to get in his car and ride 2 miles on Baxter Street in Athens and offer this girl a full ride!!! Good game Cassie, Aja and Terra!

Red and Gold for LIFE!!!

By Close Observer

February 23, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Marietta Fan, I am not sure what you mean by “traditionally slower offense” played by Marietta. Seeing them play against Collins Hill, Marietta seems to bring a highly quick-paced offense, featuring drives to the basket and multiple launches from the 3-point arc (which is amazingly almost never missed). Should both Norcross and Marietta advance, Marietta will have to rely on more than just Stanley (Jennings?) from the 3; look for others (#33 and Tanzy) to step up and shoot the Three ball. #14 Ferguson and Bratton also have a great three; #33 (Bartelmay) needs to take his shot on the look- he looks multiple times but doesnt take the shot. Through these threes, Marietta can overcome Norcross’ height.

By andre

February 23, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

turner county girl’s and boy’s basketball team’s are both in the sweet 16 class a.boy’s played in the final four last year.girl’s team had 5 players last year ,won only six games,big turnaround 10 players now and 21-8 region champs

By Ernest

February 24, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

Hey Derrick, you called it right! Those Lady Panthers of SWD probably had the largest margin of victory in a first round game. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this could be there year!

This victory was a good ‘pick me up’ after hearing my AtomSmashers lost in the first round on Friday. Double OT at that. Cross%over, if you are out there and have some insight, please post.

Last year, Region 6 AAAA did not lose a game in the tournament until they faced each other, both on the boys and girls side. This year 3 teams lost in the first round. The overall talent level is down some from last year but I still contend this is the best region in the state.

Whatever the AJC can do to help with starting times of the games, fans would appreciate it. Given the home team can determine that for the first two rounds, it could vary from school to school.

By Mike

February 24, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Tony Perkins,

You’re right, your girl at Clarke Central is a special player. I saw the girl from Etowah and she’s a great player. Yours is just as good. Your Ladies sure look strong!

By pogo

February 24, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Go McEachern Indians Go Blue and Gold Fight McEachern Indians Fight for Victory!

Go big blue! Beat Wheeler!

By Robert

February 24, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Question1-how many points must Al-Farouq score in order for Norcross to win?

Question2-do you think he meet this scoring requirement aganist Centennial?

By Derrick Mahone

February 24, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Will work on times, but I suspect most will start in the 7 to 7:30 p.m. range. For any coach out there please e-mail me at dmahone@ajc.com the start time so we can post for the fans on line and in the paper.

The girls AAAA bracket will be quite interesting. Two-time finalist St. Pius and Marist are gone so it is pretty wide open. From what I’ve heard, Clarke Central is very quick and Brittni Johnson is very good. Tony Perkins isn’t she like a three of four-year starter. I seem to remember that name from a couple years back becasue of the unique spelling of her first name.

Three games in AAAA that I wouldn’t mine see is Americus-Sumter at Westlake, Hillgrove at Mays and Osborne at Clarke Central.

AS at Westake I’ve seen AS play but the sportswriter at Albany Herald has spoke highly of them all season. Westlake is a fun group to watch. They are still very young and Tamiki Willis is player. She is 6-2 and can score inside, rebound and block shots. Will be at a major college after senior season.

Hillgrove at Mays is a repeat of last season’s second round game won big by Mays. I think it will be a lot closer this time around. Hillgrove has a good senior group while Mays has a couple seniors, but one of the best young point guards in Kendra Long.

Osborne at Clarke Central Coach Lisa Williams has done a great job in turning around the Osborne program. First time in the playoff since 2000. She had a standout coaching career at Ridgeway High in Memphis before moving to Georgia.

By Earl

February 24, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Help me out. I’m thinking about going to the Wheeler v. McEachern game on Tuesday, is there another game BEFORE that game?

By trojanboy

February 24, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

yea coffee over groves 92-78 yea ready for stephenson to roll into town its going to be a crazy game tuesday night all i know is they better bring it peace

By StMomma6

February 24, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

It is hard to believe that no one can tell us where round three is being played. Won’t be in town but would like to know.

By Devil Lover

February 24, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Robert, other than fouling out against Kathleen from Florida, a two time consecutive state championship team, Aminu normally makes his pts and even got 30 pts against no. 14 in the country Oak Hill. And I guess you saw him get 29 against 6’10” Malone on ESPN who is one of the top prospects in the country this year. There is a good chance he will get his avg of 25 pts +.

I think the bigger question is can Centennial win if Norcross keep Brown from making his points and is able to hold them down around 49-55 where no. 9 Harrison (only got 49 pts) was held to on Friday.

I was surprised that Centennial only beat Meadowcreek by 3 pts even playing at home, who had lost 9 games and not ranked.

Norcross has avg only giving up approx 42 pts per game with the highest being 68 by Oak Hill while playing in WV. Centennial avg giving up 60 but maybe with a little more difficult schedule. Still I think that defense will play a more significant role in this game. Other than a slight home court advantage, I see this as a pretty evenly match contest.

By frank

February 24, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Lets heare it for the Lady Astros of Douglass. They have a triple threat with Morgan Jennings, Khaalidah Miller, and Rayven Buchanan. Watch em go far!!!

By Robert

February 24, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

St Moma6 thanks for the intelligent analysis and accurate information w/o traditional emotional hype by uneducated fans. St you should know as well as any other intelligent basketball follower knows that it is about match-up- one team can blow another team away by 30 and lose to a team that beat the team you blew away bt 30 at buzzer-yu may want to look at the 2nd Wheeler game as your point of reference as to how Norcross will match up- Wheeler 10 point win much closer than score indicate-to me Wheeler more talent Norcross better coach- like last year Centennial is theX FACTOR in state tournment-STAY TUNED!

By Three In A Row

February 24, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Robert, let’s cut to the chase. Calprep.com ranks Centennial #554 in the country and they haven’t beaten a team who is better than #1234. Norcross is ranked #55 and has beaten six teams better than #1234.

Even without a high school diploma he should know that Norcross is going to win. Don’t forget the All American factor.

By Robert

February 24, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Remember last year Gawni was an All-American- Centennial beat themselves also-a few years back Louis williiams was the #1 All American in the country and South Loss-see ya tuesday!

By Tony Perkins---Clarke Central Class of '79

February 24, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Derrick/Mike:

Thanks for the feedback on Brittni Johnson. I just think she is a special player who plays the game at full tilt for 32 minutes aka “The Energizer Bunny”. A program like Tennessee, North Carolina, UConn or “Georgia” could surround her with the All-Americans that they recruit and you wouldn’t believe what you’re have with Brittni’s superior passing skills comparable to the “men’s” game. Derrick, some games, Brittni’s amazes the fans in attendance with Jason Kidd/Steve Nash like passing precision. Finally, a big shout out to Clarke Central coach Carla Johnson for implementing/teaching her tenacious “D” on opponents.

By silky slim

February 25, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

to the ghsa play off comm. please stop sending boys to do man job to randolp clay

By hgfhf

February 25, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

parkview got on the easy side of the bracket they arent even good and will deff lose

By BBallMom

February 25, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

Tony Perkins Has Brittni Johnson or Terra Branch been recruited by or committed to anyone yet? I agree with the comment on Carla Johnson. I believe that woman could coach a team of horses into playing basketball! WOW!!!

By Audrey

February 25, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Congrats to Randolph-Clay! They continue their stride of excellence in their division, even though they are almost always overlooked by ALL Media, including the AJC!!!

By Derrick Mahone

February 25, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

CLASS AAAAA TOURNAMENT CHANGE

The North bracket of the Class 5A tournament will be played at Marietta High and Mount Zion High in Jonesboro on Friday, Feb. 29.

If MARIETTA advances to the quarterfinals, they will play at Mount Zion.

By Derrick Mahone

February 25, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

CLASS AAAAA TOURNAMENT CHANGE

The North bracket of the Class 5A tournament will be played at Marietta High and Mount Zion High in Jonesboro on Friday, Feb. 29.

If MARIETTA advances to the quarterfinals, they will play at Mount Zion.

By hoop planet

February 25, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

blaque stop hatin on aau coaches, sorry you cant get kids in school

By Ekklesia_Reformata

February 25, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Riverdale vs. Creekside

There was not really a chance that Creekside HS could take out region champion Riverdale; especially since Riverdale had beat Creekside’s region champion Westlake earlier this year. Westlake had beaten Creekside twice rather easily.

But that was not the problem. Creekside is woefully coached. I’ve never seen a huddle with 4 coaches all giving directions at the same time! Who do the kids listen to? Moreover, it became clear that Creekside had some very good players that the coach seemed apprehensive to play like number 23.

Anyway, congrats to Kevin Murphy for a great season and career and to Riverdale; what a well coached team with many extremely capable players.

Creekside, get a new coach; the kids deserve better.

By black

February 25, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Boy shut up! You just don’t know who I am. I am talking to the sorry AAU coaches, maybe that’s you.You really don’t know me. This is a blog if you know what that means. Some AAU (NOT ALL) coaches are snakes that wish they had game. Are you one? You get in school

By Three In A Row

February 25, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Derrick how about some perdictions for tomorrow night’s games.

By Three In A Row

February 25, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Here are my perdictions: Norcross by 5 Marietta by 10 Savannah by 2 Douglas by 12 Wheeler by 10 Berkmar by 12 Hiram by 7 Stephenson by 8

By J.Mac

February 25, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Another Great Year Coach Harty!!!! Way Go Tucker Tigers you had a great year 21 wins after losing 4 starters from the championship team. Manny Atkins your best years are in front of you. Keep your head up and bring the championship home your senior year. No doubt about it you are the best player in Dekalb County. James Harty another great coaching job.

By Big John

February 25, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

CORRECTION: Riverdale did not defeat Westlake earlier this year. In fact Riverdale lost to Westlake 53-52 on December 29th in the Peachstate Classic at Morehouse College.

By Fit To Be Tied

February 25, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Tucker - big upset; a team who can be coached and are well coached. South Atlanta - maybe an upset; a talented team who may be well coached but their recent history questions whether they can be coached

By Amazing Creskins

February 25, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

It is amazing to me everyone has the answers. You all are a bunch of losers trying to live vicariously through your kid or someone else’s kids.

By big fan

February 25, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

region 2AAAAA is the toughest region for girls basketball it has 4 teams in the sweet 16 and could have 4 team in the elite eight we will after wednesday

By Paradigm Athletic Services

February 25, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

2008 Unsigned HS Senior Basketball Exposure Camp April 26, 2008 Valdosta State University. Check out www.paradigmathleticservices.com for more info

By black

February 25, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

thanks PAS I will pass the word on.

By Mike

February 26, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

Amazing (Kreskin)learn to spell.

Tell us what happens on ‘The View’ tomorrow. I’m sure you can catch it between soccer games.

By ×¢²á¹«Ë¾

March 29, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

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