State playoff predictions: Expect more metro ATL domination
Metro Atlanta teams won all 10 state basketball championships in 2010. Don’t expect another sweep, but most of the champions in this year’s tournament – which begins Friday – should be from the metro area again.
Below are my predictions for the semifinals and the eventual champion.
Milton (AAAAA), Miller Grove (AAAA), Columbia (AAA) and Greater Atlanta Christian (AA) are clear favorites in the boys draws, although SWD’s win over Miller Grove in the 6-AAAA final opens the door in AAAA. The hardest to pick in Class A, where defending champion Wesleyan, runner-up Whitefield Academy, No. 1-ranked Wilkinson County and No. 2 Greenville are top contenders along with my pick, Wilcox County, led by Nick Marshall.
With the girls, Wesleyan (A) is a virtual lock.
The others are much harder to establish a team to beat. Norcross is the defending champion but had to avenge two losses to North Gwinnett to win Region 7-AAAAA.
In AAA, Columbia is No. 1 but lost to St. Pius in its region final.
In AA, a Buford-Kendrick final would be pretty special.
The AAAA girls draw is the most unpredictable. With No. 1 Chamblee falling in the region, it’s open to many contenders.
BOYS
AAAAA: Harrison vs. Norcross, McEachern vs. Milton
Winner – Milton
AAAA: Jonesboro vs. Miller Grove, Fayette County vs. SW DeKalb
Winner – Miller Grove
AAA: Eagle’s Landing vs. Columbia, Monroe vs. Carrollton
Winner – Columbia
AA: Laney vs. South Atlanta, Thomasville vs. Greater Atlanta Christian
Winner – Greater Atlanta Christian
A: Wilcox County vs. Wilkinson County, Terrell County vs. Whitefield Academy
Winner – Wilcox County
GIRLS
AAAAA: Campbell vs. Norcross, Westlake vs. North Gwinnett
Winner – Norcross
AAAA: Forest Park vs. Douglas County, Fayette County vs. Clarke Central
Winner – Forest Park
AAA: Westover vs. St. Pius, Washington County vs. Columbia
Winner – Columbia
AA: Vidalia vs. Kendrick, Laney vs. Buford
Winner – Buford
A: Savannah Christian vs. Wesleyan, Bryan County vs. St. Francis
Winner – Wesleyan
GHSA PLAYOFF BRACKETS
Boys: AAAAA | AAAA | AAA | AA | A – Prelims
Girls: AAAAA | AAAA | AAA | AA | A
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214 comments Add your comment
David
February 22nd, 2011
2:28 pm
Mudcatjoe
its where the region’s are set up to play, and since Miller Grove was upset in the region championship game they are the #2 seed in their region and placed where they are. I agree though, its a screwy bracket.
Catfish Grizzard
February 22nd, 2011
4:06 pm
Nieve picks Carvell, Harrison won’t make it to the Final 4 in AAAAA. Not to mention WA already beat Wilcox Co. by 17 with 4 of their freshman starting the second half…4 freshman, imagine what they will do with their Juniors and Seniors, one player (Nick Marshall) won’t win them a championship. Just because a team is ranked high in a poll doesn’t mean they are locks I guess you don’t agree…
Catfish Grizzard
February 22nd, 2011
4:07 pm
Meant to write Holcomb in the above comment, apologies to Carvell.
Just a question
February 22nd, 2011
5:42 pm
MG lost Region Final thats why they are playing Sequoyah so early.
Just a question
February 22nd, 2011
5:44 pm
what will be the upset in 6-AAAA
just a question
February 22nd, 2011
7:25 pm
because MG lost to SWD in Finals. BTW what will be the upset in Boys AAAA playoffs
WAR EAGLE
February 22nd, 2011
7:25 pm
Believe in Woodward Academy, great year time to turn some heads
GHSAfan
February 22nd, 2011
7:27 pm
I think Final 4 Match ups for 5A will Be: Harrison vs. Norcross and Peachtree Ridge vs.McEachern. Championship Game: Harrison vs. Peachtree Ridge
Winner: Harrison. This isn’t a team to sleep on. They won the region championship in arguably the toughest region in 5A basketball(Region 4). They have quite an easy bracket to make the final 4, along with that they are playing their best basketball of the season. A long, deep, and atheltic team.
State tournament preview–Round one « The Georgia High School Basketball Blog
February 22nd, 2011
8:42 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]
burrr
February 22nd, 2011
10:19 pm
GHSA fan can you post again once you are sober.
burrr
February 22nd, 2011
10:54 pm
I highly doubt a peachtree ridge team can beat milton on their home court during their senior year.
rudbuck
February 22nd, 2011
11:38 pm
@Mudcatjoe: This is not the NCAA’s, these are the same brackects every year. The same regions play each other, 1 thru 4 play against 4 thru 1 of the other region. No one could predict how a team or the polls will be for a season.
FCHSTiger
February 22nd, 2011
11:38 pm
So Southwest Dekalb beats Miller Grove and everyone forgets about Fayette County? Nobody in the state can stop Adam Smith. Fayette vs. Miller Grove in the final is my prediction.
westlakeclassof10
February 23rd, 2011
12:25 am
so westlake sucks who cares right
foster joiner
February 23rd, 2011
1:04 am
I think you are dreaming. I think Wheeler will come out of their side of the bracket and Milton will survive against a very tough Walton team and Peachtree Ridge team. I also believe the lions will give Milton more trouble than you think. Wheeler is playing their best basketball since the snowstorm and will win their side.
rudbuck
February 23rd, 2011
6:49 am
@PantherPride: Langston Hughes is a second year program that is not to be taken lightly.
Some Langston Hughes Dad posted the exact thing a few blogs ago before the region tournament. Mentioned how they were a 2 seed, but all that was about to change with Hughes making all this noise in the region. Well they went out and lost both their games and now are a 4 seed in the region.
rudbuck
February 23rd, 2011
6:53 am
@burrr: Bravo…………I agree with you on GHSA. I guess he guesses region 7 in 5A is the weakest………..LOL!
Three Straight
February 23rd, 2011
7:39 am
Hey GHSAfan. Did you know that Harrison and Norcross had already played this year in a scrimmage at the first of the @ season and Norcross won.
Ernest
February 23rd, 2011
7:56 am
Championship day at the Gwinnett Arena has become known as ‘DeKalb County Day’ for the past few years. I see no reason why it won’t continue this year. Congratulations to the best county for basketball in 3 classifications.
BTW, the Stephenson girls would have been stronger if not for a few transfers to an unnamed Gwinnett school
GHSAfan
February 23rd, 2011
8:50 am
I’m telling you guys, Haarison is playing really,really,really good basketball as of lately. Maybe Peachtree Ridge may not beat Milton, but i’m telling you it will be Harrison vs. Norcross in the final 4 and I wouldn’t be suprised if Harrison beat them.
What About FC
February 23rd, 2011
9:42 am
Why is everyone sleeping on the FCHS Lady Tiger? They just won their 4th Region Championship in 5 years, they’ve made the playoffs the last 5yrs in a row, they’ve been the State Runner-Up 2yrs in a row in 2008 and 2009 losing to SWD who by the way won 3 in a row. This team is ranked #3 in the state and 2 of their 5 losses have been to teams in Ga, Westlake and Norcross. This team played in 2 national tournaments in Myrtle Beach and Naples Fl. This team is averaging over 65 pts a game and only giving up a little over 30 a game. Oh and by the way they have a McDonald’s All-American on their team as well as a 6′4” psot player who is going to South Carolina to play ball. Don’t be surprised if they end up winning it all this year.
Droopy74
February 23rd, 2011
9:42 am
Please stop all the comments about feeling sorry for Chamblee Girls. It is understood that the top 4 Teams from each region go to the State Playoffs this is not a new rule. The best talent does not always win games but great teams. This time of the year involves coaching, making adjustments, 7 P’s for Success, and Defense to win State Championships.
Prior, Proper, Preparation, Prevents, Piss, Poor, Performance.
gomdawg
February 23rd, 2011
10:28 am
Bainbridge Bearcats 1-AAAA Boys Go all the way.
Just a question
February 23rd, 2011
10:42 am
There will be a suprise in AAAA boys I dont see SWD or Fayette making it. I will let you all figure it out.
DecaturFinest
February 23rd, 2011
11:25 am
I think it will be SWD vs MGHS in the finals with another epic battle between the two squads and SWD will come out on top for the shocker.
Panther Paw
February 23rd, 2011
12:48 pm
Droopy74 – I agree with you. Nothing is automatic you must play to get in and Chamblee didn’t do that. Better luck next year Chamblee girl’s…….next time maybe you won’t take a state title for granted.
Milton dad
February 23rd, 2011
1:23 pm
Wheeler#2: agreed about PG difference. But that the difference with every team. It was even the case with #1 Oak Hill back in Jan. The more I watch him play, the more facets to his game I discover.
BTW, has anybody seen a state playoff draw?? last year it was like the holy grail to find. I know Milton hosts its first round game, but I don’t know who that is or any other pairings. Todd??
Three Straight
February 23rd, 2011
1:48 pm
Milton dad, ajc has all of the tournament brackets posted on the high school page.
Lady Hawks
February 23rd, 2011
2:06 pm
Washington County High School Lady Hawks will win the AAA state championship!!! Lets go WACO!!!!
wonderfry
February 23rd, 2011
2:14 pm
GHSAFan, Norcross isnt the same team you saw at the beginning of the year, they too playing close to their best ball
Tiger4Life
February 23rd, 2011
2:43 pm
Its March Madness time again and one thing we know for sure is that the 4-AAAA Championship will go to Reg. 6 –AAAA again which will make it 8 out of 8 for the past eight years. Good luck to all teams competing, and most importantly the Tucker Tigers ! ! !
Legend of Len Barker
February 23rd, 2011
2:52 pm
No one from outside the metro Atlanta area is going to come close. And the Legend is from south Georgia and would be tickled to death to have some champions from there.
Undefeated Bradwell girls will wilt at the first or second metro team they see. Laney and Wilcox boys may make the final four. Lanier County boys might even make the elite eight, but the foreigners on their roster can’t match up with metro private schools.
Thomasville boys and girls will make it a couple of rounds before riding into the sunset. Kendrick girls will make the final four, but even their undefeated seasons don’t carry the weight they did a couple of years ago.
SportsFan31313
February 23rd, 2011
3:06 pm
Legend Of Len Barker,
Bradwell Institute will indeed be at the Gwinette Center playing for the State Title. They will systemactically dismantle all of these over-rated Metro Atlanta teams in Class AAAAA one by one. The funny thing is (and I laugh at it) that Metro Atlanta Critics always say that the Champions Of Region 3-AAAAA palys in a weak Region and is not tested. They say it in Football and Region 3-AAAAA Camden County has dominated them each time up until this past fall. Now you have Bradwell Institute is the ONLY undefeated Class AAAAA ladies Basketball team at 28-0, and they are saying the same old mess as well. But in the Christmas Tournament back in December 2010 Bradwell Institute convincingly beat a Region 8-AAAA Rockdale in Metro Atlanta. Bradwell Institute will be at the Gwinette Center playing for the State Title. Go Tigers…………………:-)
Legend of Len Barker
February 23rd, 2011
3:35 pm
I’m rooting for you, Bradwell, but something’s changed. When I saw Vidalia rocked last year, I realized non-metro schools have zero chance … for now. Perhaps in a few years. But the days of the Lowndes girls, Clinch boys, Westover boys, and Hart County girls are currently over.
Metro schools operate on a completely different plane now.
rudbuck
February 23rd, 2011
4:37 pm
Rockdale County is a politicians Metro area. Their population doesn’t even count towards the metro area population. The Original counties are Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Dekalb and Clayton. The other 28 added over the years are actually Atlanta region counties, which is their way of being included. The heart of the Metro is the 5 counties. But if Rockdale is as close as you get………..Hahaha!
And if I stand correcte, it was you that said not to go on past history of a school, so no more from you about how Beach did what they did for eight years. As far as Camden County football, I believe they are a powerhouse in footnall in the state of Georgia, just like the Lowndes and Valdosta’s,, but football is on a completely different level in Georgia. We are talking basketball here and it seems the level switches to the metro area. Most teams here have played anywhere between 5 to 10 games against ranked teams here in Georgia and nationally. So wake up, you can’t take away that these teams are battle tested. I don’t understand you not looking at the facts. If your claim of BI beating Rockdale is your only claim, please look at all the others strength of schedule. I mean wow, in region 8-AAAAA, salem had their only region win against Rockdale, not even best in the region and definitely not a top 10 team. You are so wrapped up on BI that you don’t want to see past BI. I am looking at the big picture, all the teams. Well good luck ahead, will not hear a peep from me til the tournament, gets under way and at least the 2nd round.
SportsFan31313
February 23rd, 2011
4:42 pm
RudBuck,
No it was you who mentioned not to go off past history, but I did agreewith you, and right now, until Bradwell Insitute loses, they are the team ro beat. All roads lead to No. 1. Bradwell Institute for the Class AAAAA State title be it in South Georgia or at the Gwinette Center…
author unknown
February 23rd, 2011
4:43 pm
swd gone win state and show yall who the real big boys isssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SportsFan31313
February 23rd, 2011
5:01 pm
Rudbuck,
I can see the Big Picture. That is looking at ll the teams be it North Georgia or South Georgia. I see that you apparntly don’t ook at the South Georgia teams or you under estimate them. To say that the Metro Atlanta Teams are so much better than the South Georgia Teams is not fact but by opinion. In addition, it seems to me that you all pick and choose for your benefit as to who is considered the Atlanta Metro Area. If Rockdale was winning, your speech would be a bit different. You can say that Rockdale is not an Atlanta Metro Area Team, but it is the next County South Neighboring Dekalb. I also hear a lot of fans speak about Newton County incuding the AJC and that is South Of Roackdale County who neighbors them. So it is all empty talk when speaking about the geographical locations in Metro Atlanta. I also see that you failed to mention Douglas County which is also in the Atlanta Metro Area as well. Maybe it’s because they are not winning as you wish they were. But again, as you stated previously, ” Let it be decided on the hardwood”.
Washington Bulldog
February 23rd, 2011
5:27 pm
Washington High boys and girls in this tournament and we gone make some noise. Go BULLDOGS………………………………………………………………… ATL in da house
Whistle Blower(ref from last yr, Norcross-Milton game)
February 23rd, 2011
7:29 pm
I just love this time of the year, when I can steal the show. GHSA has me doing another Quarter final game… Watch my surprise….
rudbuck
February 23rd, 2011
7:30 pm
Rockdale, Douglas are all one of those 28 counties I mentioned, thank you. I also didn’t mention Carroll, Pickens, Bartow, Barrow, Gainsville, Dawson, Forsyth and 21 other counties, but I see you have no mentin of that. And quote me I would not be rooting for Rockdale County at any time. I mentioned that I acknowledge south football teams as being Ga. powerhouses. If Bradwell played a few teams in the top 10 or nationally ranked teams, I would be arguing for Bradwell as well. If Cartersville played a stron schedule, I would mention them too and so on. The one team I do root for, I admit will be bumped in 1st or 2nd round, if they get pass that I will be surprised ( and they are in North Ga.) Don’t put words in my mouth, as I do look at all the brackets, south and north and look at the records. If you notice I had to look to know the kind of teams they play. I have yet hear you mention or acknwoledge any team and the type of schedule they play. All you mention is Rockdale who also plays a weak schedule and even loss to trhe worst team in their region, I looked. I keep a open mind, I don’t care where you come from in the state. Now a team like Milton boys, who beat Winter Park, Fl twice, Oak Hill Academy when they were top 10 in the nation and the Hill was #1. They only lost to #1 MGHS from 4A and the #1 team in the country St. Patrick of NJ. Now a team like this has to get some props, and all this and it won’t be an easy road to the title either. You look at the Norcross girls, and you cannot tell me BI played better teams or even near the total number of teams in the state tourney that Norcross played. If you are going to say anything say something about those facts. Of course you’ll sing and dance around it and comeback with more BI stuff, or north and south stuff, or county to county stuff, but I see no facts, it’s all in black and white, look at both schedules and tell me different.
rudbuck
February 23rd, 2011
7:38 pm
Sorry fellow bloggers, I promise not to take anymore space. Now lets get this tourney started.
Metro teams
February 23rd, 2011
8:16 pm
No boys or girls basketball team outside of metro ATL has won a AAAAA title. Ever. That is fact, not opinion. In AAAA the past decade, the only non-metro ATL title winners are Dougherty boys, Griffin boys and Glen Hills girls. Another fact.
0 out of 10, 0 out of 10, 2 out of 10 and 1 out of 10 tells me the gap is giant in the two highest classifications. That, of course, is just opinion…others are free to live in their “that ain’t so bad” little dream worlds.
Raider Nation
February 23rd, 2011
9:06 pm
Just want to give the Redan Lady Raiders some love. We are the Region 6 4AAAA Champs – toughest region in the state!!! So, Forest Park v. Clark Central for the title, huh? We’ll have something to say about that. Stay tuned………..
Legend of Len Barker
February 23rd, 2011
9:11 pm
Doesn’t hurt that only two of eight AAAAA regions are non-metro. If Chatham County schools would own up to this not being 1975, there’d likely be just one. In AAAA, three of eight aren’t metro. (In AAA it’s 6 of 8 non, AA is 7 of 8, and A 7 of 9.)
Not arguing the dominance, but there aren’t many huge schools outside of the metro area. Even Columbus and Macon have finally given up the ghost.
rudbuck
February 23rd, 2011
9:38 pm
Glad to see folks here that are sticking to the facts. I agree with you LOLB, the real metro schools are bigger and have a bigger pool to pull from. I could probably say that my NYC H.S. graduating class is bigger than some of these schools in the outer regions. I’m not picking on the outer schools, I’m like you, sticking to the facts. I mean if one of those southernmost schoosl, would cross the street and play some of the strong FL. schools, win or lose, I would consider them a stronger school, because they played and got battle tested. They would definitely get my props.
Zone3canE
February 23rd, 2011
10:10 pm
In the words of Bart Scott, can’t wait!! Hart County’s coach sez my boys South Atlanta are beatable and play like a AAU team that rolls the ball out just play’s. Game starts at 4, ride back to Hart County starts at 4:30
mike
February 23rd, 2011
10:48 pm
fayette county boys have a good team.. they beat rockdale boys earlier this year BUT rockdale was without their leading scorer in that agme and they only lost by 3. southwest dekalb will not make it. they could possibly get upset by a heritage team in the 1st round.. i like miller grove vs lovejoy and rockdale vs fayette in the final four.. and in 5a newton is being mentioned but has anyone mentioned the schedule they played.. the only ranked team they had was rockdale , 1st meeting they won in ot and 2nd meeting rockdale had them down by 3 at one point in the game.. overrated newton county is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mike
February 23rd, 2011
10:51 pm
and u must be talking about rockdale girls who lost to the worst team in the division becuz the boys didnt lose in the division and they played nothing but top ranked teams this year. the rockdale girls wont make it at all..lol the boys played miller grove, fayette, newton twice,. collins hill, richmond (when they were ranked) , tucker, greenville, and a host of out of state ranked teams
mike
February 23rd, 2011
10:55 pm
this guy acts like rockdale girls team is a top 10 team or something.. Bi would play a madison county loganville or clarke central team and get beat by 20