On Wednesday, I'll recap the Kendrick Lady Cherokees' undefeated state title season with an interview from Lady Cherokees coach Sterling Hicks.
The Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans entered the 2013-14 season with high expectations, both within and outside of the program. They were the state's Class AA preseason No. 1-ranked team and defending state champions. They had one of the state's top players, Isaiah Wilkins, as one of four returning starters. Another title run appeared, on the outside, as a no-brainer.
However, Spartans coach Eddie Martin knew his team was in for a fight.
Not only would the Spartans be playing with a target on their back every game thanks to their state title status, but they would also face an incredibly tough schedule that included showcases and holiday tournaments featuring elite programs. The idea was for the Spartans to be challenged early and often, so when the playoffs came, they'd be ready to defend their crown.
As it would turn out, the plan worked. GAC toughed its way through the schedule and that culminated in a 58-55 win over the Calhoun Yellow Jackets in the state finals.
But there was more to it - the Spartans had repeated as state champions by going undefeated (32-0).
"That definitely puts a stamp on it," said Martin of the Spartans not losing a game. "We didn't talk about it as the season progressed, but I'm not stupid - I know everyone was thinking about it. You can have one bad game and lose, but to withstand everyone's best for 32 straight games? That's a storybook ending."
The Spartans' journey began with showcases, including the Hoops For The Cure Classic and Jared Cook Classic. In just their second game, they played Class AAAA defending state champs Eagle's Landing. They were up to the challenge, winning 75-41. During the Christmas holiday, the Spartans traveled to Bristol, Tenn., where they played in the 31st Annual Arby's Classic - a prestigious tournament that featured 18 teams from five states and three countries. They knocked off a top five and top 15 team - both from Tennessee - to win the tourney.
In January, they edged perennial AAAAAA power Hillgrove 69-65 in the BCBball.com Showcase and beat Winston-Salem Prep 72-64 at the Hilton Invitational. Winston-Salem Prep will play for a state title on Saturday.
It was relatively smooth sailing from there for GAC until the semifinals, where the Spartans met Laney. They took advantage of 53 free throw attempts, making 31 to escape with a 66-58 victory.
Then came the ultimate and final test of the season - Calhoun. The Yellow Jackets were coming off an upset semifinal victory over the state's other undefeated team, the No. 2-ranked Vidalia Indians. The Indians came into the semifinal owners of a 30-0 record and a 41.1-point margin of victory average. However, the Jackets' defense took the Indians out of rhythm, forcing them to shoot just 27-percent from the floor - including 17-percent from 3-point range - according to long-time Indians play-by-play announcer John Koon. The Jackets won convincingly, 54-41, to set up a final showdown with GAC.
Martin knew not to underestimate the Jackets, who were led by 32-year-old coach Vince Layson.
"When we were scouting them, there were two things that really impressed us about them," Martin said of the Jackets. "One, they play very good defense. They didn't give you easy shots. Two, they're very balanced on offense and they make you concentrate on stopping all of them. They're very well coached - (Layson) is a young guy - and they're disciplined and play hard."
As Martin anticipated, the Jackets were all the Spartans could handle. Behind a special performance from Wilkins (29 points, 12 rebound, four blocks) and clutch free throw shooting in the game's waning minutes, GAC prevailed.
The win extended the Spartans' overall win streak to 49 games dating back to last season. In addition, before the state playoffs began they upped their region win streak to 78 games including region tournament wins.
But it's the 32-0 streak that will stand out the most to Martin and his players.
"That's just special," Martin said. "It's something that still hasn't sunk in. You look back at how hard they've worked, knowing they're such a big target, then to go through this amazing feat - it's great for these kids.
"We finished the deal."
Send Adam Krohn an email at AdamKrohnAJC@yahoo.com and follow him on Twitter.
About the Author
