It’s been difficult for the Rockmart boys to get much attention this season, despite the fact that they’ve won 20 games. The Bulldogs play in the smallest league in Class AAA, they’re not near a big city and they focus most of their attention on defense.

The fact that they’re overlooked doesn’t bother coach Kyle Stephens. At Rockmart they prefer substance over style. So while other clubs may prefer to run it up and down the court and play in scramble mode, the Bulldogs are content to dig down and do the dirty work.

“Offense looks pretty, but the thing we’re most proud of is defense,” Stephens said. “If we play defense and rebound consistently, we have a chance.”

The Bulldogs allow only 46.6 points per game. Their goal is to hold the opposition to 55 points or fewer. They lost the first four times they failed reach that goal, but have won the last two games.

Rockmart (20-4, 8-1) finishes the regular season tonight at home against Callaway (14-4, 8-0), which leads the Region 5-AAA standings . Rockmart will be seeking a measure of revenge against the Cavaliers, who routed the Bulldogs 79-55 on Jan. 20 in Hogansville.

Rockmart has an experienced club that features eight seniors. The Bulldogs are led by the one-two scoring punch of Drake Benefield, who averages 17 points, and Jaylen Smith, who averages 15.  Dilan McClain and Bailey Chapman are two other seniors who start and make contributions.

“We’re more of a team than anything else,” Stephens said.

Rockmart’s last successful season was 2011, when the Bulldogs went 23-3. Since then they’ve won three, 11 and 13 games.

Other games to watch tonight:

Boys

No. 1 Laney (22-1) puts its 22-game winning streak on the line against Washington County (15-8).  Laney beat the Golden Hawks 65-59 on Jan. 16 in Sandersville in one of their closest games of the season.

Peach County (18-5) can stay even with Central Macon for second place in Region 2 with a win tonight against Westside Macon. The Trojans have lost their last two games and remain tied with Central (18-6) with a 13-3 region record.

No. 10 East Hall (19-5) can complete an unbeaten Region 7 slate with a win tonight against Franklin County. The Vikings, 11-0 in the league, prevailed 90-55 in the first meeting.

Girls

No. 2 South Atlanta (24-0) can complete a unbeaten season with a victory over last-place McNair. The Hornets are trying to become the first City of Atlanta team to win a state championship since Mays in 2003.

No. 1 Dawson County (24-0) looks to finish the season with a perfect record by beating West Hall. Dawson won the first meeting 73-47 on Jan. 13 in Oakwood.

No. 4 Laney (20-3) can clinch first place in Region 3 with a win tonight over 7 Washington County (19-4). Laney has a two-game lead in the region and finishes the season on Saturday against rival Josey.

Haralson County (20-4) can nail down a share of the Region 5 championship with a win at Pepperell (15-7). The two teams are in a three-way tie for first place. Pepperell won the first meeting 58-41 on Jan. 20.  Central Carroll (22-2), the other party in the three-way tie, can secure a share of the region championship with a win at Cedartown.