Loss of all-state guard doesn’t derail hopes for Creekside girls
The Creekside girls began the season with a dream to defend their Class 4A championship. With eight regulars back from the 2024-25 team that went 32-0, it seemed like a legitimate goal — until their best player was injured in the second game and lost for the season.
Despite the setback, the No. 4-ranked Seminoles enter the second round of the state tournament with resolve and high expectations of going back-to-back — even without their all-state leader.
Creekside has been without four-star C’India “Cece” Dennis, a 5-foot-6 junior, since the second game when she fell and tore her right ACL in a win against Class 3A No. 3 Sandy Creek. Dennis, ranked as the No. 1 point guard in the state by 247Sports, averaged 20.9 points, six rebounds, six assists and 3.8 steals last year and already had 73 points in the first two games this season. Dennis has already been offered scholarships by the likes of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Louisville, Ole Miss and Clemson, among dozens of others.
“The girls have been trying to find a new roles and new identities without her, because they’re so used to playing with her,” said coach Akennia Ellis, in her eighth season at the school. “They’ve been stepping it up and it’s worked out well, and I think we’re peaking at the right time.”
Creekside (20-8) defeated Hiram 64-16 in the opener of the Class 4A playoffs Tuesday. The Seminoles will host Madison County (19-9) at 7 p.m. Friday in the second round.
Without Dennis, Creekside is relying heavily on a trio of guards — sophomore Maliha Harris (15.6 points) and juniors Sydnee Hunter (13.4 points) and Jacy Mitchell (12.2 points).
“They’ve pretty much put the team on their back,” Ellis said. “We’ve had a lot of games where those three have put up double figures, and I’ve talked with my post players about being more involved because we have a lot of girls who can contribute.”
The inside game is being carried by a pair of seniors — Kiana Harvey and Ryleigh Roberson. Harvey played well in the state championship last year and averages 6.0 points and 4.1 rebounds. Roberson averages four rebounds.
Seven remaining players were on last year’s championship team, which helped make the transition less traumatic in the wake of the Dennis injury.
“They’ve all been here before, and they know what it takes,” Ellis said. “Everybody is able to contribute, and it’s time to start contributing. Our post players showed a lot of energy (against Hiram), boxing out, blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, contributing how they can. We’re just trying to build on that.”
With a veteran team returning, Ellis set up an ambitious schedule. The Seminoles play in challenging Region 4, which includes Maynard Jackson (state champs in 2024, runner-up to Creekside in 2025) and Midtown (state finalist in 2024 and semifinalist in 2025). Creekside went undefeated in region play this season and beat Midtown for the region title.
Creekside’s nonleague schedule was intense. The Seminoles defeated Class 5A No. 1 River Ridge and Class 3A No. 3 Sandy Creek and lost to Class 6A No. 4 Carrollton, Class 6A No. 2 Newton, Class 6A No. 7 Archer and Private No. 2 St. Francis. Creekside also played four strong out-of-state teams.
“It gives us an idea of where we are and the work we need to do to get back to the state championship game,” Ellis said. “For my kids, being able to experience that without Cece, it brought it home to them that we’ve got some work to do. It was a good setup for us going into the state tournament.”
Dennis had successful surgery and is rehabbing her knee. Although she can’t play, she spent a lot of time around the team and is on the bench during the games.
“She’s been making sure the girls are staying focused, knowing they can go on and win a state championship whether or not she’s on the floor,” Ellis said. “The girls have years of experience playing together and know what it takes. We just have to remain disciplined and confident at the same time.”
About the Author
Stan Awtrey has been covering sports for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 1977. He currently writes about high school sports, Georgia State University athletics and golf.
