Three region-leading boys basketball teams have big games Tuesday night.
Here’s a look at them –
Walton (13-1, 5-1) at Wheeler (10-4, 5-0): Wheeler is ranked No. 1 on the basis of being undefeated in Georgia and trotting out what most consider the most talented team in the state. You can Google Daniel Giddens and Jaylen Brown or Elijah Staley and Avery Patterson for evidence of that. Walton lost its first game of the season on Friday to Milton 72-58. Walton is a good 3-point shooting team. That could be the key to an upset. Elijah Weems averages 15 points and 8.5 rebounds. Jay Bowyer averages 14 and 4.5 assists. Region 5 has another big game Tuesday at Milton, where Cherokee is visiting. Milton, ranked No. 9, plays Wheeler on Thursday.
North Gwinnett (15-2, 10-0) at Norcross (12-5, 7-2): North Gwinnett, ranked No. 2, beat Norcross, ranked No. 6, 49-47 on Dec. 5 in an early Region 7 game. That was days before Norcross and North Gwinnett played for the state title in football. Norcross has more two-sport players than North Gwinnett, nobably Myles Autry, Lorenzo Carter and A.J. Bush. They figure to make a difference in a rematch. Norcross, the defending state champion, is noted for finishing seasons strong. North Gwinnett essentially has its same team as last season, when it was ranked in the top five most of the season, then upset in the region playoffs. Players to watch are junior point guard T.J. Howard (18.8 ppg, 3.6 apg), Ahmad Caver (11.8 ppg, 5.8 rebounds) and Malik Carter (11.5 ppg, 7.6 rpb).
Marietta (14-2, 6-2) at McEachern (12-2, 6-1): McEachern, ranked No. 5, has won five straight. Its only loss in Region 5 game against Hillgrove on Dec. 12. McEachern beat Marietta 70-66 on Nov. 22. McEachern is known for its senior guards, Logan McIntosh and Freddy Brown. Marietta fell out of the Top 10 this week after losing to South Cobb on Friday and narrowly beating East Paulding on Saturday. Marietta's top player is 6-6 senior Raynere Thornton, who averages 13.5 points and 11.4 rebounds.
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