A look at last year's champions

By S. Thomas Coleman

For the AJC

As the high school basketball season hits full stride, here’s a look at how the state's defending champions are faring:

Boys
AAAAA
Milton (11-2, Ranked No.1). The Eagles look primed to repeat behind the efforts of their six Division I-A recruits – seniors Dai-Jon Parker, Julian Royal, Shannon Scott and Jordan Loyd, and juniors Shaquille Johnson and Evan Nolte. Milton’s two losses came against two-time AAAA champion Miller Grove (71-61) in early December and to perennial national power St. Patrick’s of Elizabeth, N.J., (69-67) in the championship of the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla., on Dec. 22. Milton will face famed Oak Hill Academy of Virginia on Jan. 15 in the Hall of Fame Classic in Springfield, Mass.

AAAA
Miller Grove (12-0, Ranked No. 1). Led by one of the nation’s top recruits, junior forward Tony Parker, along with fellow junior forward Brandon Morris and senior point guard Thomas Marshall, the Wolverines are favored to win a third consecutive state championship. Miller Grove should face a challenge Friday when it hosts DeKalb County and Region 6AAAA rival Tucker, ranked No. 5.

AAA
Columbia (9-1, Ranked No. 1). The Eagles are racking up the frequent flyer miles as they go after their fourth title in six years. They waltzed through the very competitive Arby’s Classic in Bristol, Tenn., during the holiday break and will compete in the Alaska Airline Classic next week in Anchorage, Alaska, and the Primetime Shootout (Jan.21-22) at the University of West Virginia. Sophomore point guard Tahj Shamsid-Deen is already one of the state’s top floor leaders.

AA
Greater Atlanta Christian (7-2, Ranked No. 1). The Spartans’ two losses were to Milton and Boys and Girls High of New York City. They will face two tough region challenges back to back: Saturday at No. 7 Buford and Tuesday at Decatur. GAC is paced by Virginia commit Malcolm Brogdon, one of the state’s best shooters.

A
Wesleyan (10-2, Ranked No. 7). The Wolves are out to prove that they should still be considered one of the favorites in Class A. Their losses have been to a respectable Class AAAAA team (Mill Creek, 62-57) and to region rival Pace Academy (60-58), ranked No. 6. Wesleyan will get another shot at Pace on Saturday.

Girls
AAAAA
Norcross (11-1, Ranked No.1). The Blue Devils have one of the state’s most talent-laden rosters. Joining sophomore Diamond DeShields are four formidable transfers – senior forward Dearica Hamby (Marietta), and juniors Tori Carter (Southwest Atlanta Christian), Patrice Butler (Stephenson) and Jasmine Kemp (Stephenson). Norcross will need all the help it can get. Hillgrove (ranked No. 2), North Cobb (No. 4) and Brookwood (No. 5) lead a deep field in Class AAAAA.

AAAA
Southwest DeKalb (8-3, Ranked No. 2). Kathy Walton is one of the state’s best coaches. But it will be tough for her to lead the Panthers to a fourth straight title this season. Southwest lost eight seniors off last year’s team, including Gatorade state player of the year Kayla Lewis, now at Florida. Junior guard Olivia Gibbs leads a largely inexperienced team this season.

AAA
Columbia (9-5, Ranked No. 2). The Eagles’ record is a bit deceiving. They lost three games to ranked teams from Virginia and Maryland in a holiday tournament and another to defending AA champion Buford. Junior point guard Zuri Frost, daughter of head coach Chantay Frost, leads the way.

AA
Buford (8-1, Ranked No. 1). The Wolves' only game decided by 10 points or less this season was a loss (42-38) to nationally-ranked Riverdale of Murfreesboro, Tenn. But GAC, ranked No. 8, could provide a challenge at Buford on Saturday. The Wolves, in search of a third consecutive title, are led by arguably the state’s best player, junior guard Andraya Carter, who has already committed to Tennessee.

A
Wesleyan (11-2, Ranked No. 1). Jan Azar’s club is looking for its fourth straight championship and its eighth since 2002. The only losses thus far for the Wolves have been to Spring Valley of Columbia, S.C., the top-ranked team in the state, and a one-point loss to Norcross. Wesleyan will face a tough road game Saturday at No. 5 Pace Academy.