GAC boys gear up for basketball title run

By Michael Carvell

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Greater Atlanta Christian boys are one of the top contenders for the Class AA basketball championship.

The team returns four starters from last season's state semifinals team, including Trent Wiedman. The 6-foot-7 senior, who has signed with the College of Charleston, averaged 22.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game last year. GAC also gets a boost by the transfer of 6-4 guard Malcolm Brogdon, who averaged 15 points last season at Fayette County.

"If we can stay healthy, play good defense, and develop solid team chemistry, I think we have a shot for a very good year," said GAC coach Eddie Martin, who won three state championships at Norcross.

Here is a quick look at other teams:

Boys

*Fellowship Christian sophomore Merritt Milam, who has been battling leukemia since he was diagnosed two years ago, will start at guard. The team's best player is Seth Patterson, who averaged 17 points and made 74 3-pointers last season.

*Dacula, with no returning starters, will count heavily on point guard Terrance Hutchins for scoring and leadership and will need rapid development from sophomore Xavier Okoro at center.

*Brookwood's Daniel Bowles has returned to his alma mater (1998 graduate) to coach. Junior point guard Thomas Higginbotham has above-average quickness and has early interest from Georgia Southern and Wofford, among others. Patrick Kelley could see time at all five positions for the Broncos.

*Duluth has two of Gwinnett County's top junior guards: Zane Cobb is projected to be the team's leading scorer, while Central Gwinnett transfer Avantae Hall is extremely athletic with an aggressive style of play. Duluth will get help under the boards from Jordan McClendon, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound transfer from Norcross. Freshman Myles Campbell is quickly become a crowd favorite because of his height (only 5-3) and tenacity.

*Harrison's best player might be guard Jamal Watson, who did not play much last season as a sophomore. Forward Mitch McKnight finally is grasping the schemes after transferring from Marietta two years ago and flourishing.

Girls

*Buford, the reigning Class AA basketball champions, lost eight starters to graduation, including current Auburn freshman Blance Alverson. The Wolves have a new wave of talented youngsters, including perhaps the state's top sophomore point guard, Andraya Carter. Many Buford athletes play multiple sports, including forward Alysha Rudnick, who has signed with Georgia Tech for softball.

*Chattahoochee's Erika Ford, a junior, already has committed to UGA. The 5-9 Ford averaged 23 points and seven rebounds last season, entering this season with 1,168 total points. Said coach Eric Herrick, "She's a great athlete who is becoming a more complete player. In my opinion, she is the best scoring guard in the state. She is also a relentless defender."

*Duluth's Dominique Miller has been on the varsity since her freshman season, but this will be the senior center's first season as a full-time starter. The 6-foot Miller has signed with Stetson. Guard Abby Powell was cleared Thursday to play after recovering from her second ACL tear in two years.

*Brookwood likely won't repeat last season's disappointment of missing the playoffs with the return of six players who made starts, including wing Katie Mallow (10 ppg.) and point guard Rosa Powell. The Broncos are inspired by teammate Amanda Riley's brave fight against cancer.

*Harrison is expecting to reverse its fortunes after finishing at the bottom of the region last season. Swingman Lauren Browning averages 10 points and six rebounds, while providing much-needed leadership. The 6-1 Megan Walsh can score from inside and outside.