With only two weeks left in the regular season, the rematches between the top contenders in each region are become more common. Most regions require every school within the league to play a home-and-home series with each other. That sets up some interesting situations late in the season, as they vie for the top seed heading into the post-season region tournaments.
Here’s a look at some of the top boys games scheduled for this weekend that affect the top teams.
Veterans at Warner Robins, Saturday: The two Houston County clubs will meet for the second time. A win would virtually seal the Region 1 title for Veterans (9-0, 19-1), winners of seven straight. No. 3 Veterans defeated No. 5 Warner Robins 73-65 on Jan. 10.
Whitewater at Jonesboro, Friday: Jonesboro (12-7, 7-2) can solidify its spot atop the Region 3 standings with a win. The Cardinals are led by Quinn Thomas (16.7 points) and Jydon Hall (10.3 points). Whitewater (15-6, 6-2) are paced by Javon Jenkins (19.2 points, 3.8 assists) and Omar Ndengey (14.9 points, 8.8 rebounds). Jonesboro won the first meeting 51-41 on Jan. 7.
Columbia at Lithonia, Friday: This is the biggest Region 5 game of the weekend. The No. 1-ranked Bulldogs (21-1, 9-0) could almost clinch first place with a win. Columbia (13-7, 6-3) has won two straight since losing in over to Southwest DeKalb. The Eagles are led by Devin Longstreet (15.1 points, 7.1 rebounds) and point guard Kawasiki Ricks, who leads DeKalb County with 5.4 assists. Lithonia won the first meeting 65-56 on Dec. 13.
Carrollton at Kell, Friday: No. 6 Kell (18-4, 12.1) can clinch a tie for first place in Region 7 with a win. Carrollton (16-6, 10-3) is currently tied with Hiram for second place. Kell won 79-53 in the first meeting on Dec. 17.
Cedar Shoals at Buford, Friday: No. 4 Cedar Shoals (20-1, 6-0) will put its 15-game winning streak on the line against defending state champion Buford (16-5, 5-2). The No. 8 Wolves appear to be hitting their stride and have won four straight. Cedar Shoals defeated Buford 67-61 in their first meeting on Jan. 7.
In other top girls games this weekend:
Carrollton at Kell, Friday: The top two teams in Region 7 meet and No. 2 Kell has a chance to clinch the regular-season championship. Kell (22-0, 13-0) defeated Carrollton (14-8, 10-3) when they met on Dec. 17. Carrollton has won seven straight thanks to its defense; the Trojans have not allowed more than 39 points during that stretch and have held two opponents in the teens.
Buford at Wesleyan, Saturday: No. 1-ranked Buford (21-0) will face its toughest test before the playoffs. Wesleyan (15-4) is a perennial power in Class A, is currently ranked No. 4 in the Private division, and plays a similar all-out-attack style as Buford. Buford prevailed 50-49 on Nov. 26.
Veterans at Warner Robins, Saturday: No. 3 Veterans (18-2, 4-0) can clinch the Region 1 championship with a victory over Warner Robins (11-10, 3-2). The Warhawks beat the Demons 66-52 on Jan. 10. Tamia Luckey (12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds) and Stacie Jones (11.5 points, 12.0 rebounds) lead Veterans.
Maynard Jackson hits the road: Maynard Jackson (9-2, 14-6) takes a break from Region 6 competition for a trip to the Bronx to compete in the Mecca Invitational. The Jaguars, co-leader with Riverwood in the league, will play Bishop Loughlin of Brooklyn on Friday and New Hope Academy of Landover Hills, Mary., on Saturday. Coach Michelle Powell's balanced team is led by Xaviera Dyer (9.0 points), Unique Miller (8.7 points) and Patsy Mosley (6.9 points).
About the Author
