On tap: Macon Smackdown -- Central vs. Southwest

Here’s a look at some of the best games on the schedule for this weekend:

Boys

Central Macon at Southwest Macon, Saturday: The winner will move into first place in Region 2-AAA. Central (14-2, 7-1) has won seven straight games heading into the weekend, including a hard-fought 75-72 win over Westside on Tuesday. Southwest (12-4, 8-1) dropped a four-point non-conference decision to Rutland. Central is led by Kentrevious Jones, who had 24 points and 13 rebounds against Westside. Southwest has two players who average 20 points – senior Justin Slocum (21.4) and junior Nick Hargrove (20.9). Central won the first meeting 70-61 on Dec. 8.

Blessed Trinity at North Clayton, Friday: This should be a fun crossover game in Region 4-AAA. Blessed Trinity (10-7, 3-2 Div. B) is coming off a buzzer-beating win over Cedar Grove. North Clayton (10-8, 4-1 Div. A) has won three straight.

Laney at Josey, Saturday: The fiercest rivalry in Augusta returns for the first time this season. Laney (14-1, 4-0) will be required to get ready in a hurry, as the Wildcats have an important Region 3-AAA game at Washington County on Friday night. Laney trounced Josey twice a year ago, once by 30 points.

Beach at Johnson, Saturday: The two old Savannah rivals clash for the first time this year. Johnson (10-5, 4-1) will be a big favorite over the Bulldogs (4-13, 1-4), but the Atom Smashers have lost back-to-back games and need a victory. Johnson is led by 5-foot-8 senior Da'Monte Green, who averages 18.4 points.

Girls

East Hall at Dawson County, Friday: East Hall gets a second chance to knock off No. 1 Dawson County, with a share of first place in Region 7-AAA at stake. Dawson County (17-0) won the first meeting between the two teams 62-55 in double overtime on Dec. 8. East Hall (14-4, 5-1) has lost only twice since then, both to schools from larger classifications.

Calhoun at Sonoraville, Friday: Second place in Region 6-AAA is at stake when these two rivals meet for the first time. Guard Jana Johns leads Calhoun (11-5, 7-1), who has won seven straight games. Sonoraville (12-3, 6-2), led by Becca Cheeks, must bounce back from a loss to league-leading Ringgold.

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Stan Awtrey

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