The week 5 basketball rankings are posted, the football season is in the rear-view mirror and holiday basketball tournaments get set to carry us into the new year. I caught up with Kyle Sandy, owner of sandysspiel.com, to answer 10 questions regarding the landscape in Class AAAA. For more GHSA hoops coverage, visit HERE.
BOYS
What has No. 2 Upson-Lee showed you through the first five weeks?
“Upson-Lee has showed me that they can beat the teams they are supposed to beat across the state. Consistency is something that separates the great teams from the good teams.”
What will it take for Upson-Lee to maintain this momentum and keep improving within the ebbs and flows of the season?
“They have to stay focused and don’t overlook any of their opponents and continue to do what has been working for them. And that is relying on Tye Fagan, Travon Walker, and Zyrice Scott.”
What team has gotten off to a slow start that you expect to make a midseason climb?
“Henry County, Henry County has two Division 1 signings in Javon Greene (George Mason) and Damion Rosser (New Orleans) but they have not been able to maintain playing at a high level night in and night out. Rosser missed time early in the season after getting hurt in their scrimmage against Eagles Landing and is just now starting to round into shape.”
Which region do you consider the deepest?
“Region 4. Region 4 has seen Henry County, North Clayton and now Eastside all spend time in the top 10. Teams like Salem and Woodward Academy are extremely dangerous.”
How high is the ceiling for No. 1 Sandy Creek this season?
“From top to bottom, Sandy Creek most likely has the most talent in the state. Senior 6-foot-8 forward Evan Jester has produced each and every night as a leader for the team. T.J. Bickerstaff and Jarred Godfrey are also among the team’s top contributors and they have already played a difficult out of region schedule and have done extremely well.”
Who is the most polished player in Class AAAA?
“Javon Greene had the most electric performance out of anybody in the state when he scored a Holiday Hoopsgiving record of 57 points to upset Langston Hughes. He can take over games in the blink of an eye.”
What is the top boys matchup on your radar this week?
"I would keep an eye on the LaGrange Toyota Basketball Classic. There is a chance that No. 2 ranked Upson-Lee meets No. 3 LaGrange in the championship game. A true test for both programs."
GIRLS
What is the top girls matchup on your radar this week?
"Tonight, No. 2 Columbus hosts rival No. 5 Carver-Columbus for a chance to take first place in Region 1."
Do you see Class AAAA turning into a two-team race between North Oconee and Columbus?
"No, I do not. I think anybody in the top 5 right now has a legitimate shot at making a state title run. West Hall started 0-3 but has got on track behind junior Anna McKendree one of the state’s most prolific scorers. Cross Creek out of Augusta also has a dominating force in Memphis signee Alana Davis, a 6-foot-1 center that’s averaging a double-double."
What is the most explosive team in Class AAAA?
"I think that North Oconee with their dynamic duo with Emma Weynand and Camryn Williams have proven they can play with anybody in the state and already have a signature win over Archer."
