Region tournaments tip off next week as teams compete to be among the top 16 in the power ratings, earning a trip to the state tournament, which begins Feb. 19 and 20. Region tournament champions receive automatic births into the state tournament.
Here some of the regions to watch:
Here is a look at some of the top region tournaments coming up this week:
BOYS
Region 5: No. 1 Greenforest Christian is the clear favorite to win the region tournament and the odds on pick to win the state title. However, the Eagles could get pressed by No. 3 Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy and No. 6 Our Lady of Mercy. Though both were beaten soundly by Greenforest in the regular season, SACA and Mercy have picked up a lot of momentum as of late. Mercy had won 13 straight before getting upset by King's Ridge Christian in the regular season finale, while SACA has posted victories in its last nine games.
Region 1: In one of the state's most competitive tournaments regardless of classification, Calhoun County and Randolph-Clay are the favorites. But Stewart County, Quitman County and Mitchell County are all capable of knocking off one of the top two, and all three teams are motivated to do so. Stewart and Quitman are No. 15 and No. 16, respectively, in the Class A Public School Power Ratings, while Mitchell County is No. 17. Only the top 16 teams advance to the state tournament, with region tournament champions earning automatic bids.
GIRLS
Region 7: No. 6 Tattnall Square Academy and No. 8 Stratford Academy, two Macon-area schools, will fight it out for the title. The Trojans and Eagles split a pair of games during the regular season. Both are currently ranked in the top half of the private school power ratings – Tattnall is No. 3, Stratford No. 6 – and should host home games in the first round of the state playoffs. Meanwhile, another Macon rival, First Presbyterian Day, may need an upset win over one of the favorites to secure a spot in the state playoffs. The Vikings are No. 15 in the power ratings.
Region 4: Defending state champion, No. 5 Taylor County, is the favorite, but the Vikings will get pushed by Greenville. The teams sit at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, in the public school power ratings, and split their two regular season matchups. Hawkinsville, a former state power that advanced to the playoffs last season for the first time since 2008, needs two or perhaps three wins in the tournament. The Red Devils are No. 17 in the power ratings.
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