If the state high school basketball tournament is known as The Dance, expect to hear many of the same songs, but with different verses, that were heard at last year's gala.
Milton (AAAAA), Miller Grove (AAAA), Columbia (AAA) and Greater Atlanta Christian (AA) are defending boys champions that most view as the teams to beat again. Wesleyan (A) also could be a factor, although it faces third-ranked Whitefield Academy in the first round.
The girls had three repeat champions in 2010 and it could happen again. Norcross (AAAAA), Columbia (AAA), Buford (AA) and especially Wesleyan (A) are among the favorites to win. Southwest DeKalb, the 2010 AAAA champion, failed to qualify.
Here's a look at the teams poised to make a run in 2011:
Boys
Class AAAAA
The favorites: Milton (25-2) is ranked in the top 10 nationally in several polls. Major college signees such as Julian Royal (Georgia Tech), Dai-Jon Parker (Vanderbilt) and Shannon Scott (Ohio State) make this one of Georgia's great teams in history ... if it can repeat. Region champions Norcross (19-9) and Wheeler (19-5) have won seven of the past 10 Class AAAAA titles. Milton has defeated both this season.
Could break through: Walton, Harrison, Peachtree Ridge, North Gwinnett.
Class AAAA
The favorites: Miller Grove (27-1), led by blue-chip center recruit Tony Parker, was upset by Southwest DeKalb (22-5) in the Region 6-AAAA final last week but defeated Southwest in their two earlier meetings and remains favored to win a third consecutive state championship. Sequoyah (28-0) is the lone unbeaten team in the class but has never won a round in the state playoffs.
Could break through: Fayette County, Bainbridge, Jonesboro, Rockdale County.
Class AAA
The favorites: Columbia (25-3), led by guards Tahj Shamsid-Deen and Algie Key, is perhaps the safest bet of any boys team to win state. No other team stands out, although Franklin County (22-5) has won 16 consecutive games and the tournament title in powerful Region 8.
Could break through: Carrollton, Eagle's Landing, Murray County, West Hall.
Class AA
The favorites: Greater Atlanta Christian (23-5) has perhaps the classification's top player in guard Malcolm Brogdon, plus two victories against chief rival South Atlanta (26-2). Thomasville (24-3), led by 6-foot-7 forward Willie Clayton, is dangerous. Laney (25-1) had been unbeaten but lost to Swainsboro (16-7) in the Region 3 final.
Could break through: East Hall, Rockmart, Kendrick, Buford.
Class A
The favorites: This one is wide open. Wilkinson County (23-0) is unbeaten but against a relatively weak schedule. Greenville (24-3) has perhaps the best player in Georgia signee Kentavious Caldwell, plus a victory against Whitefield Academy (25-3), the team that has played the toughest schedule and might have the best overall talent. Wesleyan (24-4) lost in the semifinals of its region tournament.
Could break through: Wilcox County, North Cobb Christian, Pace Academy, Terrell County.
Girls
Class AAAAA
The favorites: No. 4 Norcross (24-3) avenged two regular-season losses to top-ranked North Gwinnett with a 59-44 victory in the 7-AAAAA championship game. Norcross also has perhaps the state's best player in sophomore Diamond DeShields. No. 2 Bradwell Institute (28-0) is the only undefeated team in the classification, but the Tigers' most noteworthy victory was an overtime win against a Class A team (Taylor County) that finished third in its region tournament.
Could break through: North Gwinnett, Campbell, McEachern, Brookwood.
Class AAAA
The favorites: Top-ranked Chamblee was eliminated in its region quarterfinals, so this one is wide open. No. 2 Fayette County (25-3, won 14 consecutive games), No. 3 Douglas County (27-0) and No. 4 Forest Park (22-5, undefeated against Georgia teams) are the hottest teams coming into the tournament.
Could break through: Chattahoochee, Alcovy, Redan, Clarke Central.
Class AAA
The favorites: Top-ranked Washington County (27-0) has a player of the year candidate in sophomore Allisha Gray, who scored 29 points in the Golden Hawks' rout of No. 4 Grovetown (25-2) in the 3-AAA final. If Washington County stumbles, look for No. 2 Columbia (22-6) or No. 3 Dalton (28-0) to make a run.
Could break through: Westover, LaGrange, Walnut Grove, St. Pius.
Class AA
The favorites: The brackets are lined up for a championship showdown between top-ranked Kendrick (27-0) and two-time defending champ Buford (24-3). To get there, however, Kendrick might have to get by No. 5 GAC (21-7) in the quarterfinals and No. 2 Vidalia (27-0) in the semis. Sixth-ranked Buford could face No. 3 Laney (26-1) or No. 4 Thomasville (23-2) in the semifinals.
Could break through: Rabun County, Northeast-Macon, Fannin County, Calhoun.
Class A
The favorites: A championship by anyone other than top-ranked Wesleyan (26-2) would be a major upset. The Wolves have won seven state titles in nine years and their losses this season have come against Norcross and Spring Valley, the top-ranked team in South Carolina. And there is only one other ranked team in Wesleyan's half of the bracket.
Could break through: Taylor County, Bryan County, Southwest Atlanta Christian, St. Francis.
Compiled by Todd Holcomb and Chip Saye for the AJC
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