The highlight of the Class AAAAA quarterfinals is the game between No. 1 Warner Robins, the state’s best offensive team, against No. 4 Lithonia, one of the state’s best defensive teams.
Warner Robins (25-3) averages 80.7 points per game. The Demons have won 11 in a row and steamrolled Ware County and Eagle’s Landing in the first two rounds. They have scored 89 or more points in five of their last six games.
Lithonia (23-6) allows just 50 points per game. The Bulldogs have won six straight, including the Region 5 championship, and have given up 50 points just once during that stretch.
“You can’t say what’s going to happen,” Lithonia coach Wallace Corker said. “They’re a well-coached team and they’re not a selfish club. That’s what makes it so difficult. But we’re going to play defense.”
The teams will meet on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Lithonia.
Because the senior-heavy Warner Robins club place so much pressure on the defense, Corker said it was imperative that Lithonia’s offense treasures the ball and doesn’t give away possessions.
“One thing we can’t do is give the ball away,” Corker said. “We’ve got to be able to put the ball in the basket when he have a chance.”
Other third-round boys games:
Starr's Mill at Hiram: This is the only quarterfinal game that doesn't involve a ranked team. Starr's Mill (21-7) has won 13 straight games behind some killer defense; the Panthers have not allowed either opponent to score 40 points in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Hiram (22-9) has won a pair of close games, including an overtime thriller against Southwest DeKalb. The Hornets have won 11 of their last 13 games.
Miller Grove at Dutchtown, Wednesday, 7 p.m.: No. 3 Miller Grove (21-7) eliminated defending state champion Buford in the second round thanks to 30 points from Maurice Harvey. The Wolverines can't sleep on unranked Dutchtown, one of the state's hottest teams. The Bulldogs have flourished since South Carolina transfer Dontay King (18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds) moved in over the Christmas break.
Stockbridge at Clarke Central, Wednesday, 7 p.m.: No. 7 Stockbridge (24-6) lost the universal coin flip and ends up in Athens for a game with No. 8 Clarke Central (24-6). Clarke's balanced attack is led by Quamontae Monfort and Mijah Campbell. Stockbridge relies heavily on Kavonte Ivery (17 points, 9.2 rebounds).
Third-round girls games:
Fayette County at Villa Rica, Tuesday, 6 p.m.: No. 9 Fayette County (22-6) is the next hurdle for Villa Rica (25-1), which claimed a one-point win over Arabia Mountain in the second round. Fayette County's defense, which has not allowed either playoff opponent to score 40 points, will be tested by all-state Villa Rica star Deasia Merrill.
Eagle's Landing at Buford, Tuesday, 6 p.m.: No. 6 Eagle's Landing (22-6) has a date with defending state champion and No. 1-ranked Buford (26-3). The Golden Eagle's haven't been tested in either playoff game, winning by 24 and 33 points. Buford, behind its aggressive, pressing defense, has won its first two games by 34 and 35 points.
Carrollton at Harris County, Tuesday, 6 p.m.: No. 10 Carrollton (24-6) will be the latest to try to slow down Harris County's Jessika Carter, a Mississippi State signee who averages 20 points and 14 rebounds. No. 2 Harris County (29-2) has overwhelmed both its playoff opponents.
Dutchtown at Flowery Branch, Tuesday, 6 p.m.: Unranked Dutchtown (23-5) ended Ware County's 26-game winning streak in the second round. No. 3 Flowery Branch (24-6) has played well in two easy wins, with Ashley Woodroffe scoring 27 against Lithia Springs.
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