The Woodland girls are the only remaining unranked team in the Class AAAAA Final Four, but it would be incorrect to categorize the Wolfpack as a surprise. Coach Roy Johnson’s team has been together for four seasons and this is the culmination of their time together.
“Our goal before the season began was to win the region and we came up one point short of that,” Johnson said. “And after that it was getting to the Final Four.”
Woodland (22-9) survived for a 60-53 double-overtime win against No. 10 Arabia Mountain in the third round to reach the state semifinal for the first time since 2014.
The Wolfpack prides itself on defense and selfless play. It’s worked against teams who play different styles, from the full-out attack mode of Arabia Mountain to a double-post attack of Maynard Jackson, their second-round opponent.
“We’ve been emphasizing defense since I got here four years ago,” Johnson said. “And the girls are so unselfish. If one of the girls gets hot, they’ll keep getting her the ball. They’d rather win games than pad their statistics.”
The team is led by Mya Geddis, who averages 8.0 points and 6.6 rebounds. Sambresha Everett (10.0 points) and Rayevan Freeman are a pair of guards who have elevated their games. Nia Lawrence (5.8 rebounds) has been tough on the boards and limits what the opposition can do inside.
“This is a great group of girls to be around,” Johnson said. “It’s hard to believe they can be so silly and play so hard. It’s the love and respect they have for each other. And they’ve learned that it’s a time to be funny and a time to be serious.”
Buford 29, Carrollton 47: No. 2 Buford (29-1) used a balanced attack to defeat the No. 8 Trojans. Tate Walters scored 16, Ashyia Willis scored 12 and Abbi Perkins added 10 for the Wolves.
Kell 64, Jones County 54: Crystal Henderson scored nine of her 20 points in the second quarter as the No. 1-ranked Longhorns took command. Kell (31-0) also got 13 points apiece from Makyah Favors and Jamaiah Gregory. Jones County (24-6) got as close as four points in the fourth quarter thanks to the 3-point prowess of Jada Morgan, who scored 21 points.
Eagle's Landing 57, Veterans 43: The No. 9 Golden Eagles broken open a close game with a 16-0 run in the third quarter. Jaleah Storr scored 20 and Mone Florence added 16 for Eagle's Landing. Veterans got 13 points from Stacie Jones and 12 from Tamia Luckey.
In the boys quarterfinals:
Dutchtown 73, Columbia 72: Dutchtown's Cameron Bryant drained a 35-foot 3-pointer with less a second remaining to propel the No. 2 Bulldogs into the Final Four.
Southwest DeKalb 52, Clarke Central 50: The No. 10 Panthers rallied with a 13-0 run in the fourth quarter and won it in overtime. The Panthers are in the Final Four for the second straight time and fourth in program history. Jacorry Gist had 12 points and seven rebounds and Eugene Brown III added 10 points, seven rebounds and four steals.
Kell 57, Buford 45: The No. 8 Longhorns used a fast start to eliminate the defending state champions. Najhae Colon led the Longhorns with 15, Scoota Henderson added 14 and and Ty Clark had 12 points and 13 rebounds. Caleb Williams scored 15 and Sebastian Augustave scored 13 to lead Buford.
Cedar Shoals 50, Lithonia 47: Quincy Canty scored the go-ahead 3-point basket to help No. 3 Cedar Shoals oust the No. 6 Bulldogs. Canty had 13 points and 12 rebounds and Tyler Johnson added 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Eric Gaines led Lithonia with 20 points.
Semifinal Schedule
Saturday at Fort Valley State
2 p.m. – Girls: Buford vs. Woodland
4 p.m. – Boys: Dutchtown vs. Kell
6 p.m. – Girls: Eagle’s Landing vs. Kell
8 p.m. – Boys: SW DeKalb vs. Cedar Shoals
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