Final score: Norcross 59, Milton 55 — say what? Biggest upset in championship? Ever? (UPDATED)

Milton man

March 12th, 2011
1:40 am

It was the refs. We didnt get any calls.

Unreal

March 12th, 2011
1:44 am

We looked completely lost in the final minute. Total confusion. I guess that’s what happens when you’re not used to playing in close games after blowing teams out by 30 points every game.

goldwreck

March 12th, 2011
4:25 am

Mark Smith High School in Macon (merged out of existence in 1970) beating Carver of Columbus
in the 1969 State Championship Game was probably the biggest upset in Georgia High School.It was the AAA game as there was no AAAA or AAAAA at the time.Mark Smith was a new school (4th year of existence) and predominantly white and was a class C size school but elected to play up as the other predominantly white schools in Macon were AAA and Carver was the super talented all black team with quite a history.No one gave Mark Smith a chance throughout the entire tournament but somehow they made it to the championship game.Mark Smith won in an absolutely stunning upset.Some sportwriters of the day labeled it one of the “greatest games ever” and “biggest upsets ever”.No one had ever heard of Mark Smith and the AJC writer used a headline of “Where’s Mark Smith” as the Championship game approached.That became the rallying cry.There is a website titled “Where’s Mark Smith” that chronicles it all.Unfortunately videotape was
new and rarely being used and there was no complete taping of the game but the radio call of the game is complete and unbelievable.Look it up and get a hint of a truly great game.

Norcross Supporter

March 12th, 2011
6:40 am

Blaming the refs — I would expect nothing less of Milton fans. Get over yourself — Your boys lost, LOST, CHOKED

Three Straight Plus One

March 12th, 2011
7:02 am

Probably the biggest upset playing against one of the all time best teams in GA history!!!!!!!!

They should make a movie about this 2011 Norcross Team. I was there in the fall league when they went 12-0 and I saw some potential. I was there when they got beat by their rival region teams. It looked like they could not win on the road. And it started at home…one win after another.

What an incredible win!!!!!

Titletown Fan

March 12th, 2011
7:16 am

It is just proof to me that Milton was a collection of AAU athletes and not a true “team” in the sense of the word. There is no way I can understand anyone labeling them as the best ever in Georgia, not even close when you think of the SW Macon and Albany(Westover/Monroe) teams of the past. A fitting end to a story of recruiting players in my opinion.

MiltonMomToBe

March 12th, 2011
7:30 am

Milton was def not playing their best this game. The beginning was chaos with so many missed shots and what appeared to be disorganization. I believe Milton came into this game a little ‘cocky’ because they were the favs to win, won last season and have so many college promised players. Norcross wanted it more than Milton…and they took it. I am very happy for the girls and boys Norcross teams.

Norcross is No Better

March 12th, 2011
7:31 am

Im glad Milton lost bc im not a fan of Boyd. But all the Norcross fans can get off their high horse bc they recruit just as much as anybody. I wish they could have both lost somehow.

Norcrosssue

March 12th, 2011
7:33 am

Enter your comments here

Michael

March 12th, 2011
7:35 am

on the other blog I called it. Milton had a major deficiency in their game. They had no low post. I mentioned if Norcross could keep the score in the fifties they could win. Milton also lost on the boards. I said make Shannon Scott beat you and play everyone else straight up. make Scott score 30. Not struggling in any game makes a difference in the close ones and maybe Norcross losing in the beginning made them stronger when it counted.

Michael

March 12th, 2011
7:36 am

Milton man- you blame the refs after last year. The worst single call I have ever seen in basketball.

OMGOMGOMG

March 12th, 2011
7:38 am

THAT WAS THE BEST FINAL EVER PERIOD. Yes I am from Norcross. Yes I counted them out and was frustrated at all of the turnovers….. but they stuck in there….. the difference…. coaching. No disrepect intended but Milton was out coached….. Congrats Norcross. Milton played a great game was lightning fast and their guards were unbelievable…… The refs called it tight from the start…. and yes 4 free throws in the last 27 seconds won the game but… imho… COACHING unbelievable. Hats off to both Girls and Boys for bringing the hardware home.

Norcross Fan

March 12th, 2011
7:45 am

Norcross was determined to beat Milton after last years upsetting loss during the semi-finals.

MiltonMom

March 12th, 2011
7:51 am

The refs did nothing wrong. I saw missed calls for both teams. Milton being champs from last year, the favs for this year and having a bunch of college promised players…came in with a chip on their shoulder. And yes, Norcross knocked it off. I’m glad they did too. These boys need a dose of reality before going to college and possibly to the NBA. Norcross wanted the win worse than Milton….and they took it. I’m so very happy for Norcross boys and girls.

Buck

March 12th, 2011
7:59 am

How do you lose a 15 point lead in the state championship game? All I saw the Milton coach do all night: stand, make a fist and high 5 his players as the came off the floor.
The Norcross coach is a great cheerleader though.
Norcross wasn’t as physical and didn’t get away with murder like they usually do – #50 did throw a mean elbow and got caught. They do play like thugs.

al

March 12th, 2011
8:02 am

big deal both team recruit players. i feel bad for the honest schools that can’t get that far into the final 4 or 2. look who wins in other divisions. recruiting is gone too far in ga. sports.

True Blue

March 12th, 2011
8:20 am

Buck how do thugs play explain in detail. Milton lost because the big three didn’t play the last 5 minutes of the game. Yes they were out there but seem lost and let no.22 do all the crazy shooting.

milton

March 12th, 2011
8:25 am

Wne if you are complaining about recruiting then you don’t really know what you are talking about. Norcross does it just as much as Milton. And questioning them playing as a team??? These kids have been on the same summer team since like 7th grade. They are a good team but just had a bad night. Gotta give credit to norcross too though. Hella game boys

Mike

March 12th, 2011
8:26 am

The Milton coach lost this game. He went too conservative too early. He should have let them play in the fourth quarter the way they did the rest of the game. Instead he had them just passing the ball around killing clock. The national ranking must have clouded his thinking!

Love Milton, Hate Milton Mercenaries

March 12th, 2011
8:34 am

Most people in Milton are glad these mercenaries lost. We are embarrassed that our Principal, David Jones, and our athletic director, Jamie Dixon, supported a coach and a team of players who are not from Milton. There were two local boys we could root for, Julian Royal and Evan Nolte. Hearing the principal and AD say these boys have put Milton on the map is infuriating.

Milton HS is one of the oldest and best academic schools in the state. It is a rare National Blue Ribbon school which does exceptionally well in test scores, college placements, academic competitions, etc., with kids who are actually from Milton! Our misguided principal and AD should be canned immediately along with David Boyd, who is a horrendous representative of our community.

When you ask any of those three people how they can justify having a team of outsider mercenaries at Milton, they tell you that they have complied with GHSA rules. That isn’t completely true, of course, but they do make a good point. The GHSA is the only entity which can stop this ridiculous practice of recruiting kids from other areas, renting apartments for them near the school, and having the athletes stay with friends during the week while they compete for the school. Until the GHSA takes a stand, this will go on forever. If you hate the practice, complain to the GHSA.

I don’t know whether Norcross recruited also or not, but I sure am glad Milton lost. They were just an overrated AAU team with a coach who can only recruit, not actually coach.

OMGOMGOMG

March 12th, 2011
8:44 am

Milton could have stopped the momentum shift but like the poster said, they went into the four corner stall instead of doing what they do best pressing and pushing the ball. A little pressure was what gave Milton the 15 point lead. It was a great game though….. and for once in the championship game THAT was a refreshing change. TIred of blowouts. Again, I think Milton was outcoached…. they had the talent. NHS– be humble in your victory!

Leigh

March 12th, 2011
8:46 am

Hey Milton You said it best. “These kids have been on the same summer team since like the 7th grade.” But did they go to the same schools since the 7th grade?

Mark

March 12th, 2011
8:47 am

This shouldn’t be considered much of an upset. Norcross could have easily one the Championship last year if it weren’t for a controversial call that handed Milton the one point win with no time on the clock. I know this year’s team is not exactly the same, but Norcross has a recent tradition of having great players and great teams. They have won their 4th State Championship in 6 years and they have 3 former players currently playing in the NBA.

Norcross Mom

March 12th, 2011
8:57 am

WE BELIEVE!!!

BB's

March 12th, 2011
9:08 am

I agree that no one from Gwinnett County can complain about anyone else recruiting. Should not be allowed, but there is money to be made. I recall in1976, 1977 or 1978, Southwest Macon beat Northeast Macon four times (2 regular season, subregion and region championships) only to lost to them in the state title game. Jeff Malone (Mississippi State & Utah Jazz) and Terry Fair (UGA) along with a number of other college players were on that Southwest team. I’m going only from memory here. AAA was the highest level back then. I played class B ball at Dacula, graduating in 1977, and I think it was the same year I graduated. That was quite a big upset. Can you imagine beating a team 4 times, only to lose in the state title game?

unbiased fan

March 12th, 2011
9:18 am

michael called it correctly. Milton’s weakness in in the low post. they were out rebounded and outplayed down low. Nolte at 6′ 8″is more of a finesse player and outside shooter. Royal was no factor in semis or finals. Milton’s perimeter game is very impressive, but they couldn’t match up with Norcross’s atheletic igs inside. A guy like Tony Parker from MGHS would give them fits.

unbiased fan

March 12th, 2011
9:20 am

Athletic bigs….

Joe

March 12th, 2011
9:24 am

Well, The truth finally rises to the surface. I wonder how good a coach Boyd would be if he had to coach in Homerville or Pelham?

Michael

March 12th, 2011
9:46 am

unbiased fan- most people don’t really understand basketball and the value of the low post.I have been watching since 1964 and even saw the Texas Western-UK game. Kentucky had the same problem in that game as Milton had. Lattin dominated in that game. I even played until I was 46 years old. Most people are fooled by the flash but there is no substitute to dominating the boards. Milton rarely got an offensive rebound. You need dirty points as they say.

Mercer

March 12th, 2011
9:48 am

Mike you got it right. Milton was too conservative to soon. Plain and simple Mcmillan just out coached Boyd. Great game.

cattle dawg

March 12th, 2011
9:50 am

Let me understand, Milton out recruits Norcross but lost because they got outcoached?

good job to both teams

March 12th, 2011
9:54 am

Milton high school has worked there buts of this entire year. i have been to every single game and saw those boys sweat blood, look at shannon scott he has big shoes to fill with his fathers 9 seasons with the lakers, look at dai-Jon parker worked his but of all year playing throughout the game from start to finish, look a Julian royal big guy who has known the team almost all his life great player , jordan loyd one of the nicest players on the team led the team through ruff parts, shaquille johnson man wow that kid can plunge dunks left to right, evan noltie nice person great 3 pointers ………… the people who play on this team work like crazy, tough coach but they have gotten so far it is almost incredible these boys have the gift to get on the court play ball and have a great time while doing it all the comments here are disgusting none of those people have any idea how hard it is for-those boys i saw norcross play they have talent and im not one to put other teams down of their victories but i team i like to use allot is that if you have nothing to say nice dont say anything at all both teams did what they do best but to see milton lose and to see those great basketball players cry was one of the hardest things i have ever seen good job to both teams

GO EAGLES…………………………………………….and a girl wrote this

OMGOMGOMG

March 12th, 2011
10:21 am

*and a girl wrote this….. wow this is 2011 you know…. we dont have to make excuses for being sports savvy. Glory Days Mike… every one knows the point guard is the most important player…. they drive the game but you are right you have to have the boards. Norcross out rebounded 19-10 the first half… dont know the stats for second half but when the ball was PUSHED up the court by Milton they ran UP the score. When they played stall half court and dribbled way too much…. the margin decreased. Great game. neither team should holler too loud or hang their head… nature of the beast and why BASKEBALL is such a great spectator sport– ONE game can go either way many times when good teams meet. Congrats to both teams….

Lifelong Georgia HS fan

March 12th, 2011
10:42 am

It stinks that the schools that obviously recruit end up winning the state each year (Norcross, Milton, wheeler, etc). It’s a shame that the GHSA has not / will not crack down on this stuff. It’s the adults and shady AAU characters pulling the strings behind these “programs” that need to be shut down. It only hurts the kids in the end. Look what happened to Kendrick at Memphis. All that coddling at Wheeler got him what?? He needed help a LONG time ago.

coach1

March 12th, 2011
10:49 am

To me it was just overhype. Looks like the PG should have passed the ball several times on the break instead of going 1 on 3. I saw a little selfish basketball the last two periods. But congrats to Norcross. The better transfer team won, ha ha. Just kidding. Norcross looked like a complete team and they played well as a team. Milton had too many ME players.

Milton Dad

March 12th, 2011
11:00 am

Norcross played a great 4th qtr – Boyd was outcoached, players were outplayed. period. Still love my boys. They are great kids. Not sure why Boyd couldn’t have coached his way out of that half court trap defense Norcross through out. It totally disrupted Milton’s flow and changed the momentum. I thought when Milton went up by like 14 it was business as usual. Norcross coach pulled off somebrilliant coaching at that point – both motivationally and tactically. Congratulations Norcross players, parents and coaches. Congratulations Milton players coaches and parents on a great season. It was a special time to follow Milton basketball.

Gwinnett Fan

March 12th, 2011
11:09 am

Congratulations to all the Gwinnett teams!

MC 12

March 12th, 2011
11:49 am

This was not an upset. They are two good teams with good players. Milton just got more exposure than Norcross because of Norcross slow start and the colleges the two teams players are going to. Being in the right place at the right time means so much when it comes to how good a player really is. There was a lot of weaknesses in the players we label as ballers. The real ballers show up in a big way in big games. How many of the players we felt were real ballers showed up the last few days?

Norcross Champ '09-'10

March 12th, 2011
11:53 am

You all make good points and I am glad that my girls won another state championship after my year. I am proud of them. The boys had a tough time at the beginning of the game but they came back because I do believe that we wanted it more because of how we were cheated last year. Chris Bolden did an excellent job playing his game but I would have to give the MVP to #50 for staying on the boards when it was needed. And as for the comment of him playing like a thug, if you cant take a hit dont get in the paint. POINT BLANK PERIOD!! Basketball is a contact sport!!……..And recruiting isn’t such a big deal. You do what you have to do to win!

B-TOWN Reppin

March 12th, 2011
12:14 pm

IMHO Miller Grove should have been the higher ranked team seeing how they beat Milton earlier this season. Btw Milton has great talent and a really good. However; when you go into enemy territory you’ve got to take the crowd out of the game and run the score up. They eased up off the gas and it caused them a state title. Not to take anything away from Norcross whose crowd literally willed them to victory but the 5A title was Milton’s to lose

Goose

March 12th, 2011
12:42 pm

The refs were to blame? Do they shoot the ball or rebound the ball or play defense? Really? Sour grapes. Norcross was the better team when it counted.

just telling it like it is

March 12th, 2011
12:48 pm

It doesn’t really matter…both teams are public high schools that recruit players…..its sad really .

Norcross_blue_man

March 12th, 2011
1:04 pm

Yall call us thugs but we just stayed focused and played with complete and total passion……@ NHS it’s called SWAGG
mostly known as style, unique part of what makes you different than the other players in a particular way. the way you carry yourself(confidence).

Zone3canE

March 12th, 2011
1:36 pm

Miller Grove best TEAM in Georgia,…THE COUNTRY!

YoungDawg

March 12th, 2011
1:42 pm

In basketball defense & rebounding wins championships! Norcross beat Milton with those two things plus showed more hart\will! LOVED! The way McMillan kept changing the D up in the 2nd half! That’s how D should be played in basketball! I’d like to see UGA’s Mark Fox do more of that!

FormerMiltonFan

March 12th, 2011
2:20 pm

Thank goodness…..now maybe Milton can get rid of Boyd and stop the thug recruiting and go back to having a team that reflects the school’s student body

coach1

March 12th, 2011
2:41 pm

so former milton r u calling the black athletes at milton thugs!! wHY WOULD U SAY THAT. wHITE GUYS GET TATTOOS, ARRESTED, ETC TOO. WHAT MAKES THEM A THUG? JUST WANT TO KNOW!!! I SAY THINGS ABOUT RECRUTING BUT NEVERCALL THESE YOUNG MEN THUGS. I AM MY OPINION AT THE ADULTS AND NOT THE KIDS. COME ON

miltonfan5

March 12th, 2011
3:55 pm

too say that milton has players that play selfishly is absurd. these players play so well together and have been for a long time. just cause they had a bad night doesn’t mean that norcross is the better team. obviously you didnt see them play oak hill, winter park(twice) and any other game during the regular season. milton is way better team. norcross had better night

burrr

March 12th, 2011
4:20 pm

can’t blame the refs, royal did not come ready to play these past two days, I thought loyd and johnson would be able 2 carry their momentum from the night before. Boyd never went to his 1-3-1 zone that gave every team they play problems, why idk. But as far as the biggest upset, Norcross was pre season number 7 in the Nation, so as far as the “biggest upset” no. It definitely was an upset but this team matched up with milton the best, very similar in size and skill level. They had 4 d1 starters and herbert could go d1 so potentially 5.

Decaturfinest

March 12th, 2011
4:54 pm

MGHS is not the best team in the state. I think Columbia is better and deeper and better coached. I mean MGHS didnt win a state title in 4A until columbia dropped to 3A. CHS has 2 in state losses while playing MGHS & Tucker in their home gym, and the refs played a major roll in both losses. CHS going for their 4th title in 6 years. LETS GO EAGLES

The Truth

March 12th, 2011
4:58 pm

Biggest upset ever? This game was not an upset at all! Look back at the first meeting this season. A 6 or 7 point win by Milton. I knew over the summer when the Georgia Stars beat the Southern Kings that Norcross could beat Milton. Yes, I know Tony Parker was with the Stars, but it still opened the door of doubt for the high school season. Last night’s game was tremendous! Can’t recall seeing a game with that much collective talent ever. Shannon Scott proved he is impossible to guard and should be named Georgia’s Mr. Basketball with M Brogdon a very close second. I would like to have seen Milton get J Royal more involved in their offense. Can’t figure out why they went with a 5 out set for so long. They had a height advantage at almost every position. I think they could have played Nolte and Royal in the post positions more and maybe taken advantage of some high low action. If nothing else, Milton could have won the game from the FT line. I know they wanted to create space for Scott and Parker, but it seemed like they sacrificed Royal in the process. I expect Milton to be back next year against…maybe Norcross.

The Truth

March 12th, 2011
5:17 pm

Hey Titletown Fan…FYI – Nickerson came from Paideia, Moore from Collins Hill, Nelson-Odoa from Winder, the other post player from Alabama. Don’t bash Milton when the other schools are doing the same thing. That is the only way you can compete year after year. The worst offender IMO is your girls’ team. They recruit better than UConn and Stanford.

Crutman

March 12th, 2011
5:26 pm

I’m pretty sure the Norcross teams of 06′ and 07′ blew this Milton team out of the water. Yes, this Milton team was MUCH deeper, but both of those teams had Gani Lawal and your pick of Jodi Meeks or Aminu. With those two players alone on a team, no team in GA is able to touch that. Not to mention the supporting cast was all D1 athletes save the point guard (Brenton Butler) who was the best high school basketball leader I’ve even seen). You had Neysmith who went to Oklahoma and Demercy who went to Florida St.. I’d say without question those two teams were by far the best Georgia has ever seen. This Milton team was by far the deepest.

But as for this year, MiltonMom put it well, Norcross had way more heart in that game, they wanted it more, and they got it.

Coco

March 12th, 2011
5:39 pm

I am so proud of the Norcross Blue Devils and the Lady Blue! I have been at nearly every game! The boys went through some serious issues at the beginning of the season. I have watched them flourish and grow into the players and young men that parents would be very proud of. Yes, Jason Croom gets physical, yet no more physical than Julian Royal or any other big man in the center does. HE is what changed the course of the game! Jason was fearless!!! And if it worries “the truth” from above…dig deeper! Moore actually lived in Norcross, and went to school here before Collins Hill…as well as some of the other players. They were brought up in the organization before high school. Sounds like a sore loser with sour grapes to me. Do ya homework! LOL What is REALLY pathetic is Milton were sore winners last year!…a very unearned title btw. But..whatever. Drink your hatorade & sit in your corner! The Blue Devils and the Lady Blue are the state champs! Man up, & get over it!

Gator Fan

March 12th, 2011
5:48 pm

This game was not an upset…it could have gone either way. Personally I would have given the MVP to Nickerson. AJC has been riding Bolden’s coat tail all season. Without a doubt Bolden is the real deal but ……EVERY Norcross player that stepped on the court contributed to this win! Congrats Blue Devils!

Crutman

March 12th, 2011
6:13 pm

I think we can all agree last year was the most undeserved state championship of all time. They won a game after they had already lost it in all senses of the word, and then their opponent in the finals premier player was injured. You have NO right to complain about anything Milton fans, because you were essentially gifted a championship.

Norcross=champions

March 12th, 2011
7:51 pm

Norcross had a terrible start to their season because they were only focused on “who could do what.” they played as solo players and learned quickly they needed to bond as a team. as the season progressed, they got better and better and never gave up. they played as a team (not as thugs, Buck) all throughout the playoffs and knocked off the #4 team in the nation (according to USA today). they earned it and are coming back for it next year. GO DEVILS!

droopy74

March 12th, 2011
8:41 pm

Tony parker – Mr Georgia 3 state titles in 3 years.
1 w mfon, Stephen hill and great supporting cast
2 w brandon, Henry, donte and new and great cast
3 w great point guard that knows how to run a team, this team played great defense.
What if he wins 4 state titles in 4 years.
Mr. Georgia hands down.

Ret. Coach

March 12th, 2011
9:37 pm

So much negativity on here about a great game between two teams that showed nothing but respect for each other at the end. Norcross was the better team at the end of the game, but both teams deserve to be congratulated for their efforts and their accomplishments. Both teams were predicted to be here at the beginning of the season and it is how the season ended. Defense wins championships and Norcross is the better defensive team. They had trouble with Milton’s defense in the first half, but in the second half they extended the offense and took away Milton’s ability to double team the ball as it entered the paint. Two great coaching moves on both ends of the floor. I’m pretty sure the out rebounded Milton. Milton was one and done on most trips in the second half. Both teams only played 6 or 7 players, but #50 for Norcross made the biggest impact on the boards and what a great move to put him at the top of the press with his leaping ability to disrupt clean passes. Blame who you want to blame. Cry about what you want to cry about. Trying to determine the biggest upset or who is best is simply a waste of time. This old ball coach takes his hat off to the Norcross coaching staff for a great second half game plan with the switching defenses and the idea to extend the offense.

Hmmm...

March 12th, 2011
10:06 pm

I am not sure about this whole recruiting thing. I have been around high school basketball for a while now. Kids just show up. Parents see a good team with a good coach and they choose to make the change. If you’re a coach would you turn a kid down like these kids who have this talent who the majority of the time approaches the coach about playing at that school…not the other way around. Parents want their kids to play in college, so they put their kids on teams with big college recruits and many just follow the trend…it seems to work. They make the sacrifice with money and time to travel all over the country with AAU teams, why is high school really that different. I wouldn’t make these accusations until you actually know that facts, not just here-say or how things appear. Many of the coaches actually do have a lot of class about this issue.

DeKalb Hardwood Title Town

March 12th, 2011
10:13 pm

Decatur’s Finest. How can you say that Columbia is better than Miller Grove. We beat you guys the last three times we palyed, once by 30 plus even. In addition, to say you have a better coaching staff is absurd; Coach Sharman White gets little to no credit for his outstanding job, on this blog. Although the books has him down for two titles, its evident that he is responsible for three. In retrospect, I take three titles in six years existence as a school.. Miller Grove opened doors in 2005, first Varsity team in 2006.. over coach McCrary’s current three titles in five years. If they were in AAAA or AAAAA the Eagles would not have such. Stay in your little 3A nest, and enjoy beating teams that cannot compete in the Finals..
SN: Coach McCrary is a phenomenal coach, but White has cemented a legacy as one of the best in the state..
Top Teams in the State (Overall)
1. Miller Grove
2. Columbia
3. Norcross
4. Milton
5. GAC
6. Wheeler
7. Rockdale
8. SWD
9. Buford
10. Wilkinson Co.

Mr. Georgia
1. Toney Parker
2. Shannon Scott
3. Jay Rome
4. Columbia Point Guard (Taj…)
5. Kevin Ware

Coach of the Year
S. White
Norcoss Coach
E. Martin
McCrary
Sequoya coach

Milton Dad

March 12th, 2011
10:39 pm

agree with all your comments burrr, as usual. I have been frustrated by Royal off and on all season. Just seems sometimes he can’t capture the intensity of the rest of his teammates. He is SO gifted. Fluid, graceful, unselfish, but lacks the fire sometimes totake over when it is appropriate for him to do so. I will repeat though, a great young man. Polite, respectful, thoughtful and intelligent. We should celebrate these traits in our modern scholar athletes.
But this was no huge upset. Mild upset maybe. Norcross is very talented and well-coached. I told someone just before the game I think Norcross would beat Milton 2 or 3 times out of 10. Last night was one of those 2 or 3 times.

Petey

March 12th, 2011
10:50 pm

It came down to heart, playing smart and teamwork. Norcross developed it during the year. Milton was not used to playing tough games and tightened up when things got close. Some of Norcross’ losses came when their 2 posts were out for the majority of the year. And they lost quite a few close games (game out very slow in 1st Wheeler and Milton games) . I thought the ref’s called a pretty good game except for a couple of Milton flops. Milton flops more than anyone I’ve seen. They also play cheap. Also anyone that thinks these schools recruits obviously knows nothing about what is happening. The kids and parents work their own dream team scenarios. Kids want to win, get exposure and be coached by a proven winner who will prepare them for the next level. Scott is a good player. The rest of Milton’s guys are overrated especially Royal. I’ve seen over 120 AAAAA boys HS bball games in person in the last 7 yrs in GA.I’ve seen Milton play a number of times. I saw them dismantled by Miller Grove early in the year. Milton Mom is a class lady but I seriously doubt if you will see any of these guys play significant mins(if any)in the NBA w/the exception of possibly Scott.

Decaturfinest

March 12th, 2011
11:16 pm

@Dekalb hardwood are u counting 2 scrimmage games? Child please! Fact MGHS didnt win a title until Chs drop to 3A. MGHS has a very good program CHS just have been doing it for much longer (20 years of going to final 4s and playing for state titles) so you right i do think coach McCrarys a better coach. 4 titles in the last 6 years. Tony Parker just step his game up this year. first 2 years a non factor. Best player in the state is Jordan Price. Mr basketball in tennessee as a sophmore.

MC 12

March 12th, 2011
11:29 pm

Tony Parker should be Mr. Georgia, because he played BIG in all the Big games it should be no question. Brogdon is a very Good player, but he plays against average and below average talent most games. How would he fair if he played night in and night out against the talent Tony’s plays against and teams with more sophisticated defenses? Taj from Columbia would be my 2nd vote getter. He is probably the best point guard in the State. Leading his team to state championships his freshman and sophmore years speaks volume about his ability. He never disappoints you when his plays, no matter the competition.

MGHS-alum

March 12th, 2011
11:40 pm

Be that as it may 6 years 3 championships,new school is a remarkable accomplishment scrimmage or not a W is a W, it’s not like we talking a summer league game come on 2 Dekalb teams won championships both of which have two years in a row.if we were in the same division Dekalb may only have 1.
McCrary is indeed a good coach,but by no means is Sharman a rookie & as for Tony we’ll let the offers be the deciding factor. He has had the potential from freshman year & if everyone else saw it so did u because I know you were watching. If his game was not improving what would that say about the coaching staff?

Yes, the first two years were a factor because he made just as much effort those two years as he has this one. Team is team regardless of what u think, each of those two prior years he had an impact.

Decaturfinest

March 13th, 2011
12:44 am

Tony Parker is a very good ball player that has worked on his game and improved alot. Im glad MGHS won rep Dekalb County very well. I just believe CHS is the best team in the state, and a scrimmage game dont count so it do matter. Again Congrats to all the teams that won state this year!!!

Question for u ATL suckas

March 13th, 2011
12:58 am

Funny how the last ten years the Atlanta area dominates basketball in Georgia when before the titles where spread across the state, especially in Macon, Albany, and Savannah……When exactly was the last time an Atlanta area team won a B-ball title with all home grown district kids…No recruits, kids tranferring in, or making up false addresses…Just playing with local kids like the rest of the state of Georgia does.
SAD ATL TEAMS HAVE TO CHEAT TO WIN!!!!!!!!!!

ps: renting an apartment in a certain district so your kid can play for that team is not a legitimate reason.

DeKalb Hardwood Title Town

March 13th, 2011
1:26 am

Decatur’s Finest, there is no way you can be a realist right now. Columbia has not beaten Miller Grove since 2008. Okay, we are 1-0 against Columbia, but we clearly twice in two four quarter scrimmages, like we did South Atlanta when they had Derrick Favors. At the end of the day, Miller Grove defeated Columbia this season. Yes, Columbia has been around for 40 plus years, but recently in the new millennium, have become relevant. Give Coach White credit. Outside of injuries, Toney has been a monumental presence for the Wolverines.. From now on, refer to him as Mr. Double-Double..
Another fact for you.. Miller Grove became the FIRST team from DeKalb County to 3-peat..
Jordan Price.. Tennessee and Georgia bball is no comparison.. He won’t be Mr.Georgia this season..
At the end of the day, Columbia and Miller Grove are two great teams….

UGA basketball

March 13th, 2011
3:16 am

Really happy milton lost..the whole recruiting thing here was a joke. Boyd had this thing planned out from the moment he was hired at milton. He knew he could use julian and evan to get the rest of their AAU team to come over and play for milton with the help of their dads and the AAU coaches. It’s really disappointing how the milton principles (tesch and jones) supported this breaking of the rules. Also, hiring coach boyd has only led to a terrible representation of the milton community due to his vulgar attitude, arrogance, selfishness, and lack of respect for people. People that say there is no harm to this recruiting fiasco are completely wrong. It hurts kids who go to a school like milton, grow up in the program, and get forced out by these transfers. It also gives little hope to coaches who play by the rules of any chance of winning. The GHSA needs to do something about this and make high school basketball a fair and legitimate sport again.

BDT

March 13th, 2011
6:43 am

Agree with Hmmmm- it’s the parents that “recruit” the coaches, not the other way around. Great coaches/teams are sought out by parents whose kids show exceptional talent on the floor and who could possibly take their basketball careers to the college level (and beyond). Pat Summit and Paul Hewitt come to Norcross games (and no one accuses them of recruiting…) to see our players, not the other schools with less successful teams.
I had a very negative impression of Coach Boyd as a person after his rude comment/shout to the Norcross student section at the end of last year’s quarterfinal game- if I remember correctly, it was, “Shut up! Your team lost!” (I was standing 10 feet away, so this is first-hand) It’s really sad to see that many Milton parents also have bad feelings towards him. Coach Boyd needs to remember that he is probably one of the main influences in those boys’ lives, and he needs to not only help them be good basketball players but also to be good people.
My hats off to both Coach Hembree and Coach Mac- way to go, Blue Devils!

Decaturfinest

March 13th, 2011
8:10 am

Columbia has been relevant since the early 90s. Its true we just won our 1st title in 06 but we’ve been to many state elite 8s, final 4s, and finals since 1990. I never said Jordan Price would be Mr Ga. this year. I stated that he was the best player in the state, and please stop mentioning those scrimmage games, Coach McCrary uses those games as a practice tool he’s not trying to win them. Dekalb County do play the best basketball so congrats to both teams from Dekalb.

Zone3canE

March 13th, 2011
10:38 am

Question for you South Ga. bumpkins: South Atlanta, Columbia, and Miller Grove win with the talent in their communities. It’s the talentless NORTH METRO communities of WHEELER, NORCROSS,and, MILTON who come to THE ACTUAL CITY OF ATLANTA, South Fulton our neighbors in SOUTH DeKalb and Clayton to steal talent to create their all-star teams.

marcus

March 13th, 2011
11:32 am

Julian Royal will struggle mightily at the next level

Bswanman

March 13th, 2011
11:47 am

Norcross deserved to win. Bu they should have played them in the second round..Peachtree ridge should have been the #1 seed outta region 7. they lost 56 50 53, and only shot 3 freethrows to norcross’s 23..talk about bad refs..

Bswanman

March 13th, 2011
11:47 am

56 to 53..sorry

Phil Summerour

March 13th, 2011
12:41 pm

No rebounding, too many fancy passes and too much overconfidence was the real reason that Milton lost. Is it possible to have too much talent? I think so if the talent cannot work smart and work together. Milton had a 14 point lead and started getting way to fancy and not playing smart basketball. I graduated from Milton many years ago and have always loved Milton. Next year will be good with two returning stars. I predict they will do well also, just learn to rebound and play together.

Rudbuck

March 13th, 2011
2:21 pm

It was a great game. But when you are up 15 in a championship game, you’ve got to put it away. Norcross played with more heart, and a a great press that confused Milton. Boyd got outclassed and out coaced. Instead of attacking like he did earlier, he got conservative and slowed the ball and Norcross chipped away. Milton also had no post presence.

Rudbuck

March 13th, 2011
2:22 pm

Enter your comments here

cheese

March 13th, 2011
3:23 pm

Milton getting beat could not happen too a better person, BOYD. That’s all he has done his entire career. Recruit everyones misfits that want too get a free lunch without having to work for it. He has always played that way and will continue because the GHSAA can not control the problem because of Coaches like Boyd that will tell family’s that all they have to do is say they will take it to court and the GHSAA will back down because they can not afford to pay lawyers all year long.

piodol

March 13th, 2011
4:51 pm

I watched Milton and Norcross for the first time last night, on the Dish. I knew of Milton’s media ranking. But to be honest, if they played ten times, I’d take Norcross in four. Loads of slashers out there, very little anticipation and fundamentals and court sense. They certainly don’t play basketball like Camden or Grayson play football.

Petey

March 13th, 2011
4:56 pm

Bswanman you must be a HS kid because you don’t know anything about basketball. Norcross spanked Ptree Ridge in the region championship game. The disparity in fouls was because PTREE RIDGE WAS SO FAR BEHIND in the 4th quarter they WERE CONSTANTLY FOULING to get possessions! That’s how they got close. Norcross was clearly the best team in the region when at full strength. Your team had no chance when Cory Blackwell left the program. I was there I saw it.

Petey

March 13th, 2011
5:00 pm

and for all you “No Recruiting” fanatics. This is America. If I want to move to a school district and play with friends or a certain coach I can. The kids and the parents do it because they can. It is perfectly legal.

DeKalb Hardwood Title Town

March 13th, 2011
5:31 pm

Decatur’s Finest… Miller Grove defeated Columbia in a regular season game this year…

Greatest Championship Ever

March 13th, 2011
5:35 pm

WOW, what a game. Ultimate story of REDEMPTION. Last year, Norcross was the best team in the state but got robbed by a foul called after the game was over, even the refs admitted they were wrong. Watching Milton play was a thing of beauty, but Norcross wanted it so much more. After Bolden’s 28 foot three, you just knew a comeback was eminent. E Victor hit the and one three pointer to tie, and i have never been in a student section that crazy. I couldnt believe my eyes, then some clutch free throws sealed the deal. Norcross players, students, parents, and coaches wanted it more. Don’t complain about teams recruiting because every team tries to do it, only the elite are able to actually bring in the big names. Great comeback, best game i have ever seen. WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!!

Real Talk

March 13th, 2011
5:38 pm

People claiming “recruiting” really mean, these Black kids get to come to go to good schools and my 5′9, slow footed “home grown” son’s team can’t beat their team.

carolina mom

March 13th, 2011
6:54 pm

All this talk about recruiting….kids have to go to high school somewhere, right? As a parent of a son who played college ball on a full ride, we did what we had to do to get him the exposure he needed. If a kid is very talented but goes to a small school in a rural area without the resources to do national tournaments and play ball as long as the high school league allows, and if the parents choose to move to an area that has more opportunities for their child, let them do it.
And for the Norcross/Milton game….it could not have been scripted better. A year to think about a controversial call and a missed opportunity for a state championship by a young coach. A season with some adversity and a group of kids and coaches who kept working. A peak run at the right time.
A team that got down in the 3rd quarter and never gave up spured on by a phenomenal student cheering section “We Believe”. Youth versus Experience–a dream team versus a team with a dream. Great game, great coaching, great group of class-act kids.

Bswanman

March 13th, 2011
7:10 pm

petey..ur dumb..I was there..and peachtree ridge was never down more than 2 or 3 until bolden hit 5 threes in a row..and even then we were down 11 or 12..and i know for a fact that the refs called a bad game because the head ref came overe to the peachtree ridge coach and apoligized for the awful job..as did the head guy of 7-aaaaa…so ur the retard..

Bswanman

March 13th, 2011
7:11 pm

and if peachtreeridge had cj blackwell..i dont think we would be as good as we were..becasue he doesnt like team basketball..

BASKETBALL FAN

March 13th, 2011
7:39 pm

Next year around the holidays they should have Atlanta metro shootout tournment with the atlanta metro top 8 teams with teams like South atlanta, milton, wheeler, norcross, columbia, Miller grove, GAC and Southwest dekalb and have it at the georiga dome.

Former Milton Basketball Dad

March 13th, 2011
7:58 pm

So why do you think the Milton team never sold out a home game the past few years? You have a team that is ranked #1 in the state and in the top 10 in the nation, and can’t sell out their home games? It’s not like people in Milton can’t afford to go to the games. People don’t go because it’s not their team. A couple of home grown boys and other kids from all over Atlanta. I understand why it’s done (put a super team together, play in national tournaments and recruiting opportunities to college goes way up). Heck, a kid that barely plays got a D1 scholarship to Auburn. It really is a shame when Milton kids who would be playing high school basketball don’t because outsiders move into the district. It’s not the coach who recruited the players to Milton, it’s the parent of one tall home grown player that did all the recruiting (who’s son may not go to GT now because of their coach got canned). The whole situation is just sad.

Former Milton Basketball Dad

March 13th, 2011
7:58 pm

So why do you think the Milton team never sold out a home game the past few years? You have a team that is ranked #1 in the state and in the top 10 in the nation, and can’t sell out their home games? It’s not like people in Milton can’t afford to go to the games. People don’t go because it’s not their team. A couple of home grown boys and other kids from all over Atlanta. I understand why it’s done (put a super team together, play in national tournaments and recruiting opportunities to college goes way up). Heck, a kid that barely plays got a D1 scholarship to Auburn. It really is a shame when Milton kids who would be playing high school basketball don’t because outsiders move into the district. It’s not the coach who recruited the players to Milton, it’s the parent of one tall home grown player that did all the recruiting (who’s son may not go to GT now because of their coach got canned). The whole situation is just sad.

Petey

March 13th, 2011
9:05 pm

BSswanman you sure are full of BS. I was there also. Ridge was a small jump shooting team. Norcross was a big take it inside and get fouled team. You dont foul jump shooters.Hence the discrepancy. You need to learn a little about basketball before spouting off. I’m sure you heard the ref’s apologizing because they always hand around after the final buzzer and chat. Loser.

Question for u ATL suckas: espcially Zone3canE

March 14th, 2011
12:54 am

(Question for you South Ga. bumpkins: South Atlanta, Columbia, and Miller Grove win with the talent in their communities)

Yeah right!!! I’m sure somehow all the talent lives in South Atlanta, Columbia and Miller Groves district. South atlanta players may be all from ATL, Miller Grove and Columbia’s players may be all from Dekalb county……but who you foolin, these teams just taking talent from other Atlanta and Dekalb schools….Nice try though….Those schools may only recruit there county, but its still cheating fool!!!! B-ball in GA is too competitive now-a-days for the same teams to dominate every year unless some shady stuff is going on. The fact Miller Grove, Buford, GAC, Columbia, South Atlanta, Wheeler, and Norcross seem to reload every year and not truly rebuild tells me exactly whats going on. Most schools only have 6′5 players or taller periodically, these schools have a handful of them every year.

Ps. Like i said before ATL areas teams didn’t dominate B-BALL until about 10 years ago….why is that….recruiting

Mr.Coach

March 14th, 2011
9:39 am

SWD will be the team to beat next year….we beat Miller Grove and Norcross this year but stunk it up against Rockdale and get knocked out in the Elite 8.

Mr.Coach

March 14th, 2011
9:43 am

I have no respect for these cheating State Champion teams. I wish they just let everyone cheat. I know some 7 footers in Afica and I have rooms for them in my home. Let the cheating begin. Here comes the Nigerian National High School team which plays out of Atlanta, Georgia USA. Lol

Mr.Coach

March 14th, 2011
9:51 am

Jordan Price has been destrying kids in Atlanat his whole life, He came back from Tennesses over weight and played half this season on a bad ankle and he still dominated. Watch what him and Shaq Goodwin do to AAAA next season.

AAAA-Fan

March 14th, 2011
10:13 am

Mr. Coach you’re back on here again talking about next year, won’t even let this year’s winners get comfortable with their trophy, and here you come again!!!!! Because SWD has had two weeks to rest some of us just played our last game Saturday, already talking about next year why don’t you congratulate this year’s winners let that marinate on their victory and then talk about next year.

Yes, SWD beat Miller Grove and Norcross but Rockdale beat SWD and Miller Grove beat Rockdale twice so what relevance does any of that have? None!! Your team could not pull off the victory, too much pressure which is what they should be working on during their off season, how to deal with pressure.

It take five players to make a team and William and Jordan cannot do it alone what about the other 3 players and are they going to play as a team next year?

As far as the cheating, obtain you some guardianship rights to those 7 footers and mov’em in see you in November!!

MGHS-alum

March 14th, 2011
10:25 am

Questions for u ATLsuckas:especiallyZone3canE, Get your facts straight the entire Miller Grove team will have a total of at leat two rings which only means that those who won’t have three were playing JV at the time the first Championship was won. and the end of the bench will only have one ring because they were also playing JV this year and last year.

It’s clearly not recruit reload….

I guess year ago the parent of the team you mentioned starting feeding their children that Country Cooking!!

Maybe you all should check these rosters before the finger pointing starts.

See you suckas next year……………

coach1

March 14th, 2011
12:38 pm

Price and Goodwin will be playing for Miller Grove next year. One or even both!! Then we will see if its recruiting!!!

Noneya

March 14th, 2011
12:46 pm

Boyd should not have held that ball at the end of the game when it was tied. He made the margin for error practically 0. Holding the ball limits your possessions when you get behind. The young man missed the front end of the one and one for Milton and the rest was history. I don’t see how this can be considered a great upset though. Milton was stacked but Norcross has a few guys playing on the next level as well.

Noneya

March 14th, 2011
12:55 pm

Will you people please stop talking about Milton and their recruiting. Look around. Transfers happen everywhere. It is a part of the landscape of high school basketball now. If Im not mistaken Norcross has a few transfers as well. Get over it.

norcross fan

March 14th, 2011
3:45 pm

All the technical bball stuff notwithstanding, I gotta say it was the Norcross fans that pulled this one out. The student section is to be commended for lighting the fire that turned the game around.

onlooker

March 14th, 2011
6:19 pm

hands down!! Tony Parker most dominant player in ga!!!!! and the hardest worker!!!

chicanos5

March 14th, 2011
10:54 pm

It was no upset at all. Norcross should’ve won last year, but thanks to the referee Milton was able to win the game. Norcross proved to everybody that as a team they are the real state champions of Georgia. By the way Norcross has won four titles in six years, Milton only one. I would’nt call it an upset.

beattlejuicebox

March 15th, 2011
12:53 pm

WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!

THE QUESTION IS HOW DID POWERHOUSE MILTON LOSE A 15 point LEAD???

WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!

#50Fan

March 15th, 2011
12:57 pm

Croom for MVP

WE

March 15th, 2011
1:04 pm

BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN… ya heard!

STEINER

March 18th, 2011
10:36 am

TIME TO START RECRUITING AND BUILDING YOUR TEAM FOR NEXT YEAR….AAU IS A GOOD PLACE TO START….THE GHSA STATE OFFICE IS LOOKING THE OTHER WAY, LET’S GO RECRUIT US A STATE CHAMPION TEAM….WISH ALL THOSE WITH RECRUITS COULD LOSE, THIS IS NOT THE WAY OLD SAM BURKE HAD INTENDED FOR IT TO BE….TIME FOR THE GHSA TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD…..

SUPER STUD

March 18th, 2011
10:40 am

WISH I COULD SPEND SOME TIME WITH YOU, BUT I’VE GOT TO LOOK THROUGH MY OFFERS AND DECIDE OF MY HIGH SCHOOL OF CHOICE FOR NEXT YEAR…I GOT TO TALK TO MY AAU COACH TO SEE IF HE IS STRAIGHT WITH THE COACH I AM GOING TO PLAY FOR AND TO SEE HOW MANY MORE RECRUITS AS GOOD AS I AM ARE COMING TO THE SCHOOL I CHOOSE….I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN I DECIDE ON MY SCHOOL..BOY, THIS RECRUITING IS GREAT FOR A 16-17 YEAR OLD, MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A ROCK STAR, MAN….

SUPER STUD

March 18th, 2011
10:45 am

Look, recruiting is now part of the landscape…The GHSA is scared of being sued, they not gone mess with my “transfer”…..The GHSA office has accepted “recruiting” and “transferring” as part of the landscape…..I’m gonna pick me a team that’s gonna put a ring on my finger this year….

Final score: Norcross 59, Milton 55 ? say what? Biggest upset in championship? Ever? (UPDATED) | Popular Sports News

April 17th, 2011
4:12 am

[...] More… April 17, 2011 | admin | Tags: Hyosub Shin Even, Norcross High, Today You, UPDATED, USA | No Comments » [...]

Final score: Norcross 59, Milton 55 — say what? Biggest upset in championship? Ever? (UPDATED)

113 comments Add your comment

About Prep Zone: High School Sports

Search this blog

Recent Posts

Archives

More from the AJC

Categories

Other high school sports blogs of note

Twitter and Facebook

All AJC blogs »

Tell us what you think about the site

Subscribe »

Customer Care »

AJC Services

Sections

Other Editions

Guides

Affiliates

Advertising

AJC Sites

Special Reports

Blogs

Opinion

Blogs

Topics

Features

Blogs

Topics

Features

Topics

Features

Features

Blogs

Topics

Features

Final score: Norcross 59, Milton 55 — say what? Biggest upset in championship? Ever? (UPDATED)

113 comments Add your comment

About Prep Zone: High School Sports

Search this blog

Recent Posts

Archives

More from the AJC

Categories

Other high school sports blogs of note

Twitter and Facebook

All AJC blogs »

Tell us what you think about the site

Subscribe »

Customer Care »

AJC Services

Sections

Other Editions

Guides

Affiliates

Advertising

AJC Sites