FORT VALLEY -- When a player averages 26.2 points per game, fans expect something big, especially in the quarterfinals of the state basketball playoffs.
Adam Smith delivered.
Fayette County’s all-state guard scored 30 points Friday night and sparked a critical 11-1 run in the third quarter in a 64-44 victory over Jonesboro in the boys Class AAAA quarterfinals at Fort Valley State.
Smith made a 3-pointer at the first-quarter buzzer for a 17-15 lead, and Fayette County didn’t trail again. Smith also scored on a layup in the final second of the first half for a 29-23 lead.
But his best work came in the third, when the guard bound for UNC-Wilmington scored 11 points in an 13-1 run that came after Lovejoy had pulled within a point.
Smith made a pair of 3-pointers, then three free throws after being fouled while attempting another. He also scored off a steal and a layup.
“We have a guy that I think is the best player in high school basketball this year,’’ Fayette County coach Andre Flynn said. “He’s lights out.’’
Lovejoy (25-5), ranked No. 8, was seeking its first semifinal since 1999. Its 6-foot-9 post, Justin Tuoyo, was held to nine points, all in the first half. He has offers from seven ACC or SEC schools. Tuoyo and Leroy Merritt, who made three 3-pointers, were Lovejoy's top scorers.
Fayette's Akene Anachebe, with 11 points, was the only other player in double figures.
The victory puts Fayette County (29-2) in the semifinals for the second time in its history. Fayette County was a state runner-up in 2008.
The current team has won 18 consecutive games and 26 consecutive against Georgia opponents.
Fayette's semifinal opponent will be Rockdale County, which defeated Southwest DeKalb in another quarterfinal. Fayette County defeated Rockdale 75-73 in December.
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