ajcsportstalk

By Will

February 26, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Valdosta Wildcats I hope you’re ready for none stop action as you visit the Astros. After that long bus ride, if you can’t withstand constant in your face defensive pressure and fast break action you won’t survive. By the way, your roster is rather young, only 3 seniors. Plenty of experience on our roster with 9 seniors who are ready to shock the world. Also let’s go Lady Astros as the journey to Lowndes Wed.

By hallco

February 26, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe that after East Hall upsets the no. 1 team in the state, no. 15 nationally ranked South Atlanta that nobody has anything to say about it. I know this is an atlanta newspaper but jesus christ could you be any more biased?? i know east hall is a perennial power in bball but this year they were having a down year….until they beat south atlanta. you want a cinderella story?? look no further than the east hall vikings, representing 7AAA.

By stown

February 26, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

and how about dacula falcons beating tucker and now face lithia springs who knocked them out last year

By The Patriot

February 26, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

LETS GO SANDY CREEK! BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS, LETS SEE SOME UPSETS!

By Wickaldo

February 26, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

23-22 Norcross at the half.

By T-easy

February 26, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Stephenson defeat Coffee 83-66. Jaguars are headed to the elite eight!!!

By walnutgrove

February 26, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Columbia 59-57 over Pebblebrook. This was after Pebblebrook was up 17-4 at the beginning.

By UGAdawg

February 26, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

go dacula baby!!!

By Sherman

February 26, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Astros Advance!!! Douglass 61, Valdosta 50.

By AJC DUDE

February 26, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Wow .. .sounds like Columbia and Norcross have their hands full.

Thanks for the updates and keep ‘em coming.

By datruth

February 26, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Sorry Patriot. Its not going to happen tonight. Go falcons!

By Stinky McStink

February 26, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

4-AAAA Boys Game Fayette County - 69 Thomast County Cent. - 65 FINAL

By fbfalcon

February 26, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Flowery Branch 71 Sandy Creek 65

By LMsports

February 26, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

With Leslie (#23) out with ankle sprang in the 4th and THE BIG MAN (#32) with 4 fouls in the 3rd, the Falcons got back into the game. The really was OVER-MATCHED down low but Beasley (#35) was bombing 3’s all over the place but got injured late in 4th and their chances went away.

By LMsports

February 26, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

With Leslie (#23) going down with ankle sprang in the 4th and THE BIG MAN (#32) with 4 fouls in the 3rd, Beasley (#35) shot PEBBLEBROOK back into game with 3’s.

By titans unite

February 26, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

NORTHVIEW UPSET MARIETTA!!!! WIN BY 10!!!!

By jb17

February 26, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Berkmar over S. Forsyth 51-37

By Zman

February 26, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Northview beats Marietta by 10! How’s that for an upset. Naija(Agent Zero)Nicholson is the most clutch shooter ever!

By hhs hooligan 79

February 26, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

hiram over lowndes 67 to 61!

By loyal fan

February 26, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Marietta beats itself, failing to connect on 14 free throws, losing by 10 to Northview. However, Norcross will once again smash Northview.

By Patrick Foster

February 26, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Hiram high knocked off Lowdes 66-61 at home and are advancing to the elite 8 to play Stephenson…….Hiram (Going to be State champs lol) way to go HORNETS!!!!!!!!

By ctuck

February 26, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

east hall wins over cartersville 73-71!!!!!!! go vikes!!! to the elite eight once again!!! get r done

By titans unite

February 26, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

REPLYING TO LOYAL FAN-

Norcross and northview never played. It’ll be a tough game, and of course the advantage goes to norcross because their proen. but anything can happen as we proved today.

By Berkmar Idol

February 26, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

WHAT? Were people doubting the Patriots? Wheeler better watch out, we have very good ball handlers and a more than a few that can fill it up. Witherspoon is unstopable and Gordon is playing out of his mind and is hurt!!! I hear S. Forsyth game Norcross a game. Tradition in Berkmar is to WIN state Championships. let’s go PATS

By Marietta Fan

February 26, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Marietta fell to its weakness free throws tonight, missed 14 or 15, neither Cannon or Tanzy could play effectively, and Northview, I believe, only missed one free throw all night, difference in the game no doubt… good luck Northview.

By Marietta Fan

February 26, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Marietta girls will be your 07-08 state champions however

By Three In A Row

February 26, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

**Another one bites the dust!!!!!!

Norcross 69 Centennial 54**

By Marietta Fan

February 26, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

I am clearly disappointed but if anything can show that freethrow shooting may not win championships… but the lack of it can lose them.

By Devil Lover

February 26, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

We want Wheeler!!

By Swine the Mad

February 26, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

The GHSA has uncorked a big issue by having two rounds of local hosting.

Game times.

Not many of these rascals were advertised. It wasn’t until I stumbled into Coffee at 6:30 did I realize that the game started at six.

I had checked the following sources and found absolutely nothing on the matter: Coffee newspapers. Neither have a website. Decatur newspaper (is the “Champion” the only thing they have?) No information. Coffee High’s website. Nothing Stephenson’s website. They have a pretty picture of the school. Here. Nothing. Brackets. No times listed. Georgia Prep Sports’ team pages. Nothing.

Someone should have had the time listed, yes indeed. But the GHSA could have set a mandatory start time to avoid any confusion.

Congrats, GHSA. You really did make money this time. Seven dollar ticket and 18 minutes of actual game I witnessed.

By bwash21

February 26, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Centennial trailed by 1 at the half after making a 6-0 run in the last 2 minutes to close out the 1st half. A little point guard off the bench for Centennial sparked the run and never saw the floor the rest of the game even while they kept turning the ball over time and time again in the 2nd half. Aminu was played very well defensively but the rest of the team picked up the slack offensively with several easy looks at the bucket. The scoreboard doesn’t reflect how good of a 1st half it was. Norcross will cruise past Northview into the Final 4.

By Three In A Row

February 26, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Norcross undefeated in five years at home…two times state champions and soon to be three111122223333.

By bwash21

February 26, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Any reports on Wheeler?

By preston

February 26, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Anybody got the lithia springs score??

By Three In A Row

February 26, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

WE WANT WHEELER

By StMomma6

February 26, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Does anyone have the Wheeler score?

By HS bball fan

February 26, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Wheeler 70 McEachern 67….great game….the Indians led just about the entire game…Wheeler was ice cold in the first half while the Indians played well behind Golden and Garrett…Wheeler was down 11 with about 3.5 or 4 minutes left in the game…great comeback and 2 amazing 3 pointers from Wheeler guard Phil Taylor, one to tie the game at 67 and the other to win with about 4 seconds left

By StMomma6

February 26, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Does anyone have the Wheeler score?

By wildcat78

February 26, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Wheeler 70 - McEachern 67

McEachern played a great game … lead WHS by 11 with 3+ minutes to go in the game and Richard Howell fouled out on the bench. Wheeler defense finally showed up and D. Jones and Phil Taylor responded with offense. P. Taylor made to big 3s, with the final 3 coming with 4.3 seconds remaining for the 70-67 lead. McEachern could not answer.

By Cool_cats

February 26, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Wheeler in a last shot nail biter 70-67

By Three In A Row

February 26, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS TO CENTENNIAL…THE THIRD BEST TEAM IN THE STATE.

WE WANT WHEELER!!!!!!!!!!!

By Lula

February 26, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Another one bites the dust for E-Hall. GO VIKES!

By ctuck

February 26, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

dunwoody vs franklin co. score anyone? or hart co. vs blessed trinity score?

By Three In A Row

February 26, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

NORCROSS HAS THE BEST COACH IN THE SOUTHEAST. HIS GAME PLAN AGAINST A VERY TALENTED CENTENNIAL WAS INCREDIBLE.

By Jay

February 26, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

After seeing Norcross 3 times and Wheeler 3 times this year…Wheeler will beat Norcross, I have no doubt about it…Norcross has 2 players, Wheeler has 5 that can beat you.

By bwash21

February 26, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Dunwoody won. BT lost

By J

February 26, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Savannah High 82 Mundy’s Mill 52

If there was a definition of a game never being in doubt it was this one. SHS jumped out 15-0 and the score never got closer than 8. The trademark SHS defense was ferocious. Next game for them is basically a home game at Savannah State against Douglas. They will be a tough out.

By Jay

February 26, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Martin doesnt even do anything…best coach in the southeast is hilarious, hes not even the best coach in metro ATL

By Your Momma

February 26, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

JONESBORO WINS, JONESBORO WINS, JONESBORO WINS…WHASSUP NOW??? GO CARDINALS…CONGRATULATIONS COACH MAEHLMAN AND TEAM.

By Wildcat Nation

February 26, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Three in a row… calm down.

If you think Centennial was that great of a test you have no clue. Wheeler is getting battletested in the tourny while you guys are going to face cupcakes. Keep focusing on Wheeler. We want Berkmar.

By thefrawlster

February 26, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

i love wheeler basketball

By HS fan

February 26, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

TO jay: I’m a wheeler fan, graduated a few years ago, and wheeler will have to play better than they did tonight if they want to keep advancing…lately they have been coming out flat in the first quarter and letting teams get a lead on them…..mceachern jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the game tonight…parkview and centennial did the same thing when they played wheeler….wheeler has fantastic talent but they need to stop letting that get to their head and realize that the other teams are not just showing up for formalities…at this stage in the tourney teams wheeler will play have enough talent to beat the cats if they play the way they did tonight

By Three In A Row

February 26, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

IF WHEELER CAN ONLY BEAT MCEACHERN BY 3 AND CENTENNIAL BY ONLY 10 THEN WE HAVE A SURPRISE WAITING ON WHEELER IN THE GWINNETT ARENA FINALS WHICH WE OWN AND WHEELER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO MAKE IT FOR TWO YEARS. SOMETHING SEEMS TO ALWAY HAPPEN TO PREVENT WHEELER ON REACHING THE FINALS.

WHAT WILL IT BE THIS YEAR?

By marquis

February 26, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

can u believe this team hiram came out of no where but they have a tough stephenson team next

By David

February 26, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Stephenson put it to Coffee County tonight. They are a very good team and well-coached. They played well together and as a team.
A TROJAN FAN

By David

February 26, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Stephenson put it to Coffee County tonight. They are a very good team and well-coached. They played well together and as a team.
A TROJAN FAN

By HS Fan

February 26, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Three in a row: I didnt realize comparing scores decided the outcome of games…Mceachern is easily one of the best teams in the state…they have one of the best rated guards in the country and a skilled athletic post player (playing D1 ball next year) in Garrett…Mceachern can play with and beat anyone in the state on any given night, so beating them by 3 pts is not some embarassing outcome

By Basketball fan

February 26, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Can anyone tell me for sure where Friday night’s games for the 5A and 5A girls will be played for the Atlanta area teams?

By Derrick Mahone

February 26, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Westlake 74, Richmond Academy 69 Raymond Willis had 38 points. Next up is a rematch with Riverdale, which Westlake beat 53-52 in the semifinals of the Peach State Classic. In that game, a last second shot rimmed out for Riverdale. Westlake was without one of inside players also. Should be a good game at Fort Valley State.

By billyd

February 26, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

It won’t be easy but Norcross will win it all again.

By 1996 Blue Jacket

February 26, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Fear the Blue Jackets !!!!!!!!!!! Revenge is sweet Mundy’s Mill, 30 points sweet. Now the Jackets go home for the elite 8. Come on down to the coast “Doug”. Finally an Atlanta school comes South. No more home cooking for you Atlanta Metro Schools!!!!1

By Jay

February 26, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Hiram benefits from being in the weak South bracket. They are a solid team but not one of the top 8 in the state, they are north metro and should play against north metro teams not south, dumb region alignments. Marietta and Centennial, 2 north teams who got beat out tonight would of beaten Hiram.

By WHEELER WILL EFF NORCROSS UP

February 26, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

i think its funny how three in a row talks when it mattered the most i remember wheeler beating norcross in the finals. funny thing is norcross beat wheeler last year on some obvious bs but got the benefit of the doubt cuz they were on their home floor maybe wheeler would have been state champs? wheeler beat cent. by like 30 in the begning of the year… and they played them like twice to end the year? haa teams play teams better when they see them more. talk all ur s** when either team is in the final three in a row? lol my a*

By Devil Lover

February 26, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Hey HS Fan….you think that McEachern is so good but losing 8 games to some average teams(harrison twice, south cobb, campbell and others) from where I come from is not considered good. I like you 1st statement, “wheeler will have to play better than they did tonight if they want to keep advancing…lately they have been coming out flat in the first quarter and letting teams get a lead on them”. I would not advise giving Norcross a lead.

Remember we only have two players but some how we keep winning. Maybe it is because we play defense. Centennial scored 67 pts on wheeler while only 54 on Norcross See you guys in the finals.

By Wiil

February 26, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

can anybody tell me who wheeler is going to play next?

By Chris

February 26, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

can anybody tell me who wheeler is going to be palying next?

By James S

February 26, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Give credit to MacEachern for playing an agressive game. I am an outside observer that went to the Wheeler game tonight. I saw 2 things. 1) Wheeler play about as bad as they have have all season and 2) MacEachern missing very few shots. Also, it seemed to me that the refs would only call fouls if they occured over the players heads. Wheeler’s big men were getting mugged big time for most of the game with no calls. MacEachern had 8 official fouls in the first half and I counted at least 12 more. Two goaltending no calls that would have given Wheeler 4 more points. Stewart sat out in foul trouble for 13 minutes of the 1st half and Howell fouled out with 5 minutes left. All in all, it was pretty impressive that Wheeler could play this badly, be down by 11 with 3:40 left and their center fouled out, and still come back and win by 3 on a 16-2 run in the last 3:40. Good character win for Wheeler.

By Derrick Mahone

February 26, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Will Wheeler plays Berkmar Friday at either Marietta High or Mount Zion High in Jonesboro.

By wildcat

February 26, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

wheeler is playing berkmar on friday

By Devil Lover

February 26, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Derrick the big question is where will Norcross and Northview play?

By HS Fan

February 26, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

3 In a row: I am a wheeler fan but I am also a realistic basketball fan…for you to think every other team in the state of GA is garbage if their name isnt norcross just shows how naive you are….its the state basketball tournament, teams get jacked up to play the best teams like wheeler and norcross..the HS tournament is no different than march madness, which is full of upsets when highly ranked teams come out flat or over confident…I didnt claim that Mceachern was an unstoppable force. I said they were one of the best teams in the state, which their #4 ranking should indicate. They played a fantastic game tonight and would’ve pushed even your beloved norcross to the limits. As someone stated earlier, Wheeler was flat for 29 minutes, but yet was still able to come back from 11 down with 3 minutes. I’ll take a win like this over a 50 pt blow out over peachtree ridge any day.

By AJC DUDE

February 26, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Good night of hoops, folks.

The blog has been updated, with the quarterfinal pairings and potential sites at the top.

Enjoy.

By Alex

February 26, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Nobody should count out Berkmar against Wheeler. The Berkmar coach used to coach against Wheeler’s coach. He knows his coaching style. Berkmar also has a very strong team this year. They took away the Region 8-AAAAA crown from Meadowcreek who had dominated the region for several years. Wheeler had an easy rout of Parkview in the first round, but in their Region finals and this second round of state playoffs, they have gotten incredibly lucky. While a Berkmar win would technically be an upset, I would not call it a surprise upset. On a side note how the heck is Wheeler ranked above Norcross in the AJC. The coach’s poll has Norcross number 1. USA today has Norcross ranked 10 and Wheeler is ranked number 19. Both teams have the same number of losses, yet Norcross’ only lost by 6 points and by 3 points. Wheeler lost by 14 and 12. Just curious out that works.

By J

February 26, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Is the 3rd round FRIDAY or SATURDAY? AJC says Sat, GASPORTS says FRI! This schedule has been so confusing!

By Momma?

February 27, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

momma, you’re a Jonesboro fan? I thought we had something we could share, ma. (lithia springs)

By Alex

February 27, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this

Third round is Friday for the bottom half of the bracket (Norcross vs. Northview and Berkmar vs. Wheeler) Saturday for the top half of the bracket (Stephenson vs Hiram and Douglass vs Savannah)

By Patrick Foster

February 27, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this

people have given no doubt to the Hiram hornets…..people say they came out of the middle of no where…….plz….this hiram team is for real……Stephenson going in wit a big head because they beat who? by 30 pts….plz….nobody…..they say the Hiram shouldnt be playing in the south region when its tourney time……the only thing that gets them is that they know they are to afraid to play Hiram and i believe thats exactly wat it is…..GO HORNETS!!!!!!!!!

By Ernest

February 27, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this

Swine the Mad brings up a GOOD point @ 9:25. Who owns publicizing the starting times of the first two rounds? I think that should fall to the GHSA. Schools should submit their starting times to the GHSA at least 48 hours before the game so everyone including the media should be able to find them in a central location. This should be on their ‘to do’ list next year if they use this format again.

Props for Derrick for attempting to get this information on the AJC.

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Good morning to all It was a great night of hoops, but no major surprises. The quarterfinals should be something, and I’m glad you can now see four games in one spot. With this second round home format, fans were cheated out of some good action as you had to chose one spot. If you were willing to burn some gas, there was a chance to catch some games. As far as start times, GHSA leaves that up to the schools and only gets involved if schools request a double header. It is a good possibility that this two-round and possible a third round format at a home gym will be around next year.

Some very close games last night and some interesting quarterfinal match ups with some rematches from earlier in the season.

On the boys side, two more defending champions (Jordan and Manchester) have fallen. Only Norcross and Wilkinson County remain in the title chase for another ring.

Region 6-AA is the only one with three teams still remaining. Region 2-AAAAA, 2-AAAA, 4-AAAA and 6-AAAA, 3-AAA, 7-AAA, 4-AA, 7-A, 1-A and 5-Aeach have two team remaining.

Can Carver of Columbus do it in basketball also?

By Jusahfan

February 27, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

How did Stephenson get tha big head.There has not been anything said,or written about what the Jaguars are going to do.They simply go out,play the game make the adjustments,and go from there.Seems as though Patrick hasn’t had a lot to cheer about.Please don’t provide SHS with bulletin board material

By Swine the Mad

February 27, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

The GHSA needs to get a grip on start times. I don’t mind a 6:00 game, but the start time was not publicized beyond either school or town.

This format is killing Average Fan X, who has no pony in the race, but loves basketball. Not only is Average Fan X getting rooked by seeing only one game for his/her money, it’s making him/her wary of going back for fear that the same situation could happen again.

Moving most of the playoffs to the corners of the state isn’t very fun. South Georgia isn’t getting playoff games with it being hosted in Savannah. Savannah and its immediate area are getting playoff games. The majority of south Georgians are 2+ hours away from Savannah. With the gas crisis being what it is, shouldn’t we try a centralized location for everyone?

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Swine the Mad I heard what you are saying. The South tournament sites are Fort Valley State, Columbus State and Savannah. I think each will have some good basketball action. I’m in Savannah Friday and Saturday.

One of the big reasons for the two home game format this year is because the 5A North bracket can’t seem to find a home for various reasons.

The GHSA basketball committee meets next month and there might be a strong push to put the first three rounds on campus and just have the final four at a central location. Under this current format, schools are making more money with on-campus games and no rent has to be paid to the facilities. This format is good for the schools in the North bracket of 5A and 4A, but somewhat of a challenge for the rest of the brackets whose teams have to travel across the state for a weekday game. Although travelling from Gwinnett to Cobb counties seems like a long distance road trip.

When I lived in Mississippi (OK, don’t hold that against me), there tournament was a lot of fun to attend and I was just Fan X for the most part. For a week, they would hold the tournament at the Coliseum (or the Big House as the locals call it) and it will start on Monday and run through Saturday. At any point during the day, you could go over to the Coliseum and see a basketball game because it would run throughout the day non-stop. You could pop in on your lunch break, or on your way home. It was great.

By Devil Lover

February 27, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I have 7 teams left…northview was a big surprise. Maybe the ghsa will tell us soon where our game will be played.

By Typical

February 27, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

I really enjoyed the AJC’s coverage of the Wheeler/McEachern game, a great game that featured two top 5 teams playing…oh wait, there is no such coverage or article about the game…typical AJC refusal to cover anything about Wheeler and other Cobb teams like Marietta and McEachern

By Will

February 27, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Derrick what is your assesment of the Douglass Astros chances of making the Final 4, quietly they continue to win. Winning Region 2AAAAA was a big plus in getting a great seed in their bracket. Savannah will be a huge gave for us playing them at Savannah State. I sure their entire student body will be there.

By St Momma6

February 27, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Well, from the coache’s poll #1,#2,#6 are left from AAAAA. #1 and #6 - Norcross and Mundy’s Mill could meet in the semi’s. Wheeler needs to get past Berkmar to make a run for state.

As far as start times for games, I fault the high schools for not posting the times. Our school had it on our web site - not sure why every school could not get it on theirs. I guess they did not think it was important enough to post.

Final scores are hard to judge. If a team wins by more that say 4, it could be because the were fouled a lot at the end. When Norcross stomped Peachtree Ridge, the score could have been worse if the starters had stayed in. When a team puts in the second team or the third team it can affect the final score.

We are in the round of 8 - every team earned their right to be here and one bad call did not make or brake a team.

Wheeler fans - stopped re-hashing last years final few seconds. Move on! You don’t here Norcross complaining about the bad calls at the Regional finals against Peachtree Ridge. That was an awfull 4th quarter officiated game.

Good Luck to all the teams this Friday and Saturday!

By St Momma6

February 27, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

I stand corrected. I thought Mundy’s Mill won. Just checked the GASPORTS bracket and saw that Savannah won. So, the top three teams are still in.

By You Know Who It Is

February 27, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Westlake, Westlake, Westlake, lake,lake Good Luck from Creekside High.

By Fan of the game

February 27, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

SACA all the way. Best coach in the state, regardless of class.

By EHALLFAN

February 27, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Thanks hallco… You are exactly right. I think East Hall should be mentioned as one of the best teams in the state. Sure they lost to FB twice but look where they are and they lost three in a national tournament to three outstanding teams. It’s not fair how ya’ll treat East Hall. It’s like if they lose more than 3 games, it’s a “down” year. This year was supposed to be a “down” year but they beat the No. 15 team in the country and are in the Elite Eight once again. Just a little respect is all I’m asking.

By Blue Jacket

February 27, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Watch out for SHS. No, not Stephenson, SAVANNAH HIGH SCHOOL.

THE HIGH!(drumroll) THE HIGH!(drumroll) THE HIGH!(drumroll) THE HIGH!

You former blue jackets feel me!!!!!!!!!!

By SGT G In Iraq

February 27, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

WOW the Liberty County Panthers, Long County Blue Tide and the Bradwell Tigers are all in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the playoffs. These kids are battling just like their parents in Iraq are. Stay in the fight Hinesville, Keep battling Ft Stewart,Victory is your Long County. 3rd Infantry Division is comming home to our champs. We are the “Rock of the Marne.”

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

NORTH BRACKET

at Mount Zion High in Jonesboro Friday 7 p.m. Marietta/Sprayberry winner vs. Mill Creek/Berkmar winner 8:30 p.m. Berkmar vs. Wheeler

at Marietta Friday 7 p.m. Parkview/PRidge winner vs. Chattahoochee/Duluth winner 8:30 p.m. Northview vs. Norcross

By Devil Lover

February 27, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Gasports has Bermar/wheeler at Jonesboro @ 8:30 and Norcross/Northview at Marietta @ 8:30.

Is this your understanding??????

By Curious

February 27, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

any know the size of the Mt. Zion gym? is there alot of seating or are fans gonna have to get there extra early to ensure seating?

By Team AJC Online

February 27, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon, y’all. Team AJC Online checking in here. Just wanted to let all you hoopheads know that we added a couple cool, new links on the blog — both are awesome READER photos from those of you who went to the state tourney first- and second-round games.

Added the most recent SECOND-ROUND game photos we got from our always on-the-spot AJC readers and also posted, in a separate gallery, some new first-round shots y’all sent in as well.

We really do count on YOU to be our eyes and ears at these tourney games because - we won’t lie - we can’t be everywhere. Y’all have been GREAT about keeping us updated with scores and tourney photos we otherwise wouldn’t have so please keep all that good stuff coming in!

Thanks so much from all of us here at Team AJC Online to all of you — our tourney crew out there in the bleachers! Can’t wait to see what else y’all send in.

By Team AJC Online

February 27, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Curious — I live near Mt. Zion HS and haven’t been inside their gym but have driven by. Might want to get there early, just to be safe. Also to get a good seat, y’know.

Pre-game feeding: Unless you’re in love with concession food, there are a lot of good chain restaurants around MZHS. You can eat well for less than $10 along the Mt. Zion Blvd. strip before you get to the school.

By Jusahfan

February 27, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Why are all of the brackets updated except Class AAAAA?

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Devil Lover It is at Mount Zion Hign in Jonesboro off of I-75 South.

CuriousThe gym is similar to Norcross and Centennial with seating under the goals. It is pretty big, but it still will not hurt to get there early to ensure seating. Might want to bring some extra cash in case they charge for parking.

By Team AJC Online

February 27, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

About the brackets: This year, we linked to off-site brackets so you’d have to contact that site’s webmaster and ask why the AAAAA brax aren’t updated. Unfortunately, that’s about all we know. It can sometimes be tough getting scores - or if you can’t get the scores from one bracket, it’s tough to update. They’ll likely be updated in short order.

By Devil Lover

February 27, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Are both games in Jonesboro and who play in what time slot?

By Devil Lover

February 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Hey Derrick Norcoss just posted on their web site that the game in at Marietta @ 8:30pm on friday. Why did you post Jonesboro. Please get this correct so fans will know where to go. Please call GASA.

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Devil Lover I have them at Marietta. Check my 12:43 p.m. post:

at Marietta Friday 7 p.m. Parkview/PRidge winner vs. Chattahoochee/Duluth winner 8:30 p.m. Northview vs. Norcross

By Devil Lover

February 27, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Norcross Fans Norcross is playing at Marietta on Friday @ 8:30 not Jonesboro.

By Team AJC Online

February 27, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

We’ll be taking your comments, etc., live on here for another 15 minutes - until 3 p.m. EST - so hit us up if you’re online.

By Team AJC Online

February 27, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks for blogging live with us this afternoon. Keep at it on here the rest of the day and hang tight for girls’ tourney action later! Keep those scores, tourney updates and photos from the games you attend coming our way.

By Devil Lover

February 27, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Would somebody please give us a report on the Northview’s game from their perspective.

By Lyn Arnold

February 27, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Who is the rocket scientist who decided that sending Wheeler and Berkmar to Jonesboro to play was either a fair or good idea? Are you kidding me? Somebody needs to pull their head out of their backside!

By fan

February 27, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Dunwoody beat franklin 30 points 70-58 those boys from franklin played a hell of a game. Thanks Grayson look like he was not himself at the game but overall he did very well. Chris did an awesome job ver Delwon please try not hang onto the goal for too long you will cause your team to get a tech every time, overall great job.

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Lyn Arnold As state several times before the GHSA was not able to get any of the larger arenas to take the Class AAAAA tournament for the second and quarterfinals. They had to use two high school gyms to host the quarterfinals for the North bracket. Marietta and Mount Zion Hign met the seating requirements. I’m sure the thinking of putting Wheeler and Berkmar at Mount Zion was that neither team is in Clayton County. You could make the argument that if Wheeler played at Marietta it would give them a fan advantage since it is in Cobb County. Since Norcross and Northview are not in Cobb County, they drew the Marietta site. Makes good sense.

By Lyn Arnold

February 27, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

The whole Jonesboro thing is still very disappointing. I am sure the Berkmar folks are just as confused. The additional sad part about it is we won’t get to see a 2nd game like most folks.

By CatMomma

February 27, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Hey, AJC — there is another nationally-ranked team in the state play-offs! Wheeler is #19 according to USA Today and yet, you not only fail to write about their match-up with McEachern (Wheeler won 70-67), but you also don’t even give credit to top shooters/scorers from either team. At least this time, the score made it. (You printed nothing when Wheeler won 6-AAAAA.)

There is life beyond Gwinnett and Dekalb counties!

By Devil Lover

February 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Derrick. I remember that the Ga Writers moved Norcross to no. 2 behind wheeler at no. 1. Where is Norcross ranked by AJC for 5A and statwide. Calprep just moved us to no. 1 in the state and no. 40 behind wheeler who is no. 46

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

CatMomma No, we didn’t cover the Wheeler/McEachern game Wednesday we cover several others. The Wildcat’s first game against Parkview was one of the ones we covered. We also had big headline before and after coach Doug Lipscomb was going for his milestone win. As far as the leading scorers, those are called in by the individual schools. Unfortunately, no one at either school thought it was important enough to call in.

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Devil Lover The GSWA poll is the one the AJC uses. We do not have a separate poll.

By Phildawg

February 27, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Derrick Mahone: How can a 2nd round state playoff game between two top 10 teams, including your #1 team, not be a covered game. This game had tons of star potential with all 5 of Wheeler’s starters likely to get D-1 scholarships and McEachern having the #1 point guard for 2010 along with plenty of other good players. This would be equal to ESPN not covering a 2nd round NCAA game between two top 15 nationally ranked college teams. Makes no sense.

By Derrick Mahone

February 27, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Phildawg I don’t make the assignments, but checked with the assignment editor. The assignments were to cover two 5A games, three 4A games, one 2A and one 3A game within that mix you had a game involving two Gwinnett (Norcross, Dacula and Wesleyan), two DeKalb (Columbia and Miller Grove), a Cobb/Cherokee (Pebblebrook and Cherokee), a North Fulton (Centennial), a Fayette (Sandy Creek) and Clayton (Mundy’s Mill) and three out-of-area teams (Flowery Branch, Lithia Springs, Macon County and Savannah). They were trying to touch on a variety of teams. Probably could have sub the Savannah-Mundy’s Mill game for the Wheeler vs. McEachern, but who knew it was going to be a blowout this time unlike the earlier overtime thriller. We plan on having someone at most of the quarterfinals sites so at least a couple paragraphs will be written on each. For the final four, we usually cover every game and certainly for the finals each game will be covered regardless if its an Atlanta team or not.