The top five teams in the state rankings are still alive in the Class AAA tournament, an indication that the cream has risen and fans are in store for some quality quarterfinal games tonight.
Seven of the remaining eight teams were ranked in the final regular-season poll. The exception is Callaway, which is trying to get back into the Final Four for the second straight season.
Of the remaining eight, seven won their region championship. The exception is Cedar Grove, which finished second in Region 4; the Saints eliminated Region 6 champion Calhoun in the second round.
Here’s a look at the games in the Elite Eight. The winners move on to the semifinal games on Saturday at Columbus State.
Laney at East Hall: No. 1 Laney (28-1) hasn't lost since its season opener to St. Francis. Jayshawn Brooks, a 6-3 senior, averages 13.3 points and has developed an excellent mid-range jump shot. The Wildcats play a fast-paced aggressive style of basketball, which contributes to their ability to average 71.6 points. East Hall (24-5) has been going like gangbusters since the Christmas break and have won six in a row. The Vikings are a good shooting club that's led by Kyvon Davenport, a 6-3 senior who is deadly from the perimeter.
Morgan County at South Atlanta: No. 4 South Atlanta (27-4) has won 17 straight games, tied for the second-best streak in the classification. The Hornets will try to wear down the opposition with its relentless pressure that's made possible by its depth. No. 3 Morgan County (22-7) is trying to defend its state championship under first-year coach Jamond Sims. The Bulldogs did not lose a game in Region 8 and have won eight in a row.
Cedar Grove at Rutland: No. 5 Cedar Grove (20-4) takes enormous pride in its lockdown brand of defense. The Saints will definitely be tested by No. 7 Rutland (26-3), which averages 81.6 points per game and is one of the most prolific squads in the state. Cedar Grove is led by forward Jacara Cross (15.5 points, 6.2 rebounds), who is one of the best shot blockers in the state. The 6-foot-7 junior has the knack to swat a shot away when needed the most. Rutland has three seniors who average double figures, led by 5-foot-7 guard Tylik Evans (22.7 points, 6.8 assists), Jeremy Braswell (19.6 points) and Dallas Smith (15.9 points). The winner will be the team that can best impose its will on the other,
Callaway at Jenkins: No. 2 Jenkins (26-3) has won 17 straight and emerged from what most consider the deepest, best all-around region in Class AAA. But the Warriors should have their hands full with an athletic Callaway team (20-4), which has won six straight, including a pair of victories of 20-win Rockmart. Jenkins averages nearly 70 points, but the team's strength is on defense. Georgia State signee Mikel Benlevi leads the Warriors with 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Callaway is led by Dre Martin and UGA football signee Terry Godwin.
