Rankings: Norcross is No. 1, then what? And what is Milton’s legacy?
Congrats to Norcross, the first school since Murphy of Atlanta in 1958 to win boys and girls basketball titles in the same year in the highest classification.
Before we get into the impossible task of ranking Georgia’s Class AAAAA, boys or girls, let’s discuss Milton-Norcross.
First, it was not a huge upset. This is basketball, and Norcross had a national-caliber team in its own right with four guys headed to Division I programs. Once it got its act together, Norcross was one of the best 25 teams in the country the past few weeks.
Second, Milton still is one of the best teams in Georgia history. So is Norcross. In 1979, SW Macon didn’t play any teams as good as Miller Grove and Norcross.
For better or worse, the top teams today are more talented than most from a generation before because they’re built, not grown. State titles in Class AAAAA can’t be won any more without multiple player transfers. The third-best team this season – take your pick: Milton, Norcross, Miller Grove – was more talented than most Class AAAA champions from the ’80 and ‘90s. Take shots at Milton all you want, but that starting five is one of the best Georgia has seen. It won a state title as juniors and challenged for a national title as seniors.
As for the rankings, it comes down to this: How do we rate quality wins and strength of schedule vs. rounds advanced in the state playoffs?
Tift, Valdosta and Newton are fortunate that Collins Hill, Campbell and South Gwinnett had bad nights at the wrong time, IMO. Not saying they aren’t worthy of the top 10, but I’d love to see a different state draw format, or more top ATL and South Georgia teams getting together in the regular season.
Here’s a stab at it.
Class AAAAA
1. Norcross (24-9)
2. Milton (29-3)
3. Wheeler (23-7)
4. Peachtree Ridge (22-6)
5. Tift County (24-7)
6. Mill Creek (18-12)
7. Walton (19-7)
8. Valdosta (23-6)
9. Newton (26-5)
10. North Gwinnett (18-10)
Class AAAA
1. Miller Grove (32-1)
2. Rockdale County (26-6)
3. Fayette County (30-3)
4. Jonesboro (28-4)
5. Southwest DeKalb (24-6)
6. Sequoyah (29-1)
7. Lovejoy (25-5)
8. Bainbridge (27-3)
9. Villa Rica (25-6)
10. Tucker (23-6)
Class AAA
1. Columbia (30-3)
2. Butler (25-8)
3. Franklin County (25-6)
4. Eagle’s Landing (26-5)
5. Carrollton (22-6)
6. Troup (22-5)
7. Washington County (25-5)
8. West Hall (24-6)
9. Murray County (26-3)
10. Drew (16-10)
Class AA
1. Greater Atlanta Christian (28-5)
2. Buford (24-9)
3. Laney (29-2)
4. South Atlanta (28-3)
5. Swainsboro (19-8)
6. Thomasville (26-4)
7. East Hall (25-6)
8. Rockmart (28-3)
9. Kendrick (22-7)
10. Lamar County (27-4)
Class A
1. Wilkinson County (32-0)
2. Terrell County (27-4)
3. Greenville (27-4)
4. Whitefield Academy (28-4)
5. Wilcox County (23-3)
6. Pace Academy (26-4)
7. Turner County (22-10)
8. North Cobb Christian (28-3)
9. Lanier County (22-6)
10. Paideia (22-7)
GIRLS
Class AAAAA
1. Norcross (29-3)
2. Campbell (25-7)
3. McEachern (25-7)
4. North Gwinnett (22-7)
5. Mill Creek (18-14)
6. Hillgrove (22-6)
7. Roswell (22-8)
8. North Cobb (25-6)
9. Milton (19-6)
10. Alpharetta (22-6)
Class AAAA
1. Fayette County (28-5)
2. Forest Park (26-6)
3. Chattahoochee (28-4)
4. Douglas County (30-1)
5. Statesboro (26-4)
6. Alcovy (25-4)
7. Clarke Central (26-5)
8. McIntosh (26-5)
9. Miller Grove (20-10)
10. Chamblee (23-1)
Class AAA
1. Washington County (32-0)
2. Dalton (32-1)
3. Columbia (25-7)
4. St. Pius (25-6)
5. Westover (25-6)
6. Sandy Creek (23-5)
7. Crisp County (15-15)
8. Grovetown (25-3)
9. Butler (16-15)
10. Cartersville (19-12)
Class AA
1. Buford (29-3)
2. Greater Atlanta Christian (25-8)
3. Laney (29-2)
4. Kendrick (29-1)
5. Northeast-Macon (28-4)
6. Morgan County (23-7)
7. Thomasville (24-3)
8. Dodge County (19-10)
9. Vidalia (27-1)
10. Rabun County (27-4)
Class A
1. Wesleyan (31-2)
2. Pace Academy (27-6)
3. St. Francis (24-4)
4. SW Atlanta Christian (24-5)
5. Turner County (24-7)
6. Calvary Day (26-6)
7. Taylor County (24-3)
8. Bryan County (27-4)
9. Darlington (25-5)
10. Towns County (27-2)
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118 comments Add your comment
Southern by the grace of God
March 16th, 2011
6:04 am
With regards to all of the talk of schools recruiting in basketball, one must keep in mind that the transient nature of the population of Metro Atlanta means that kids and their families aren’t just moving into a given district from another district in Metro Atlanta or Georgia, but alot of kids may move-in to a local school district from out of state. Many families may research the area and decide what school may give their kids the best opportunity for academic and athletic success and pick a school to move into from out-of-state based on that’s school’s record of academic and athletic success. The Norcrosses, Miltons and Wheelers and even for that matter the Miller Grove’s of the world in hs basketball have one thing in common besides a record of success on the court: their great academic schools as well as great athletic schools. These schools consistently win in the classroom as well as on the court and that helps to continuously attract student-athletes to their basketball programs.
Of course “recruiting” in the most literal sense occurs and if a school willfully reaches out and attempts to lure a student-athlete from another public school district then they are wrong but I don’t think that is actually the case the vast majority of the time. The fact of the matter is that in a free society of a highly transient nature, an organization like the GHSA can only do very little to stop “recruiting”. Parents that know that their child may have enough talent to earn a full-ride scholarship may actually shop around on their very own for the best athletic program and academic situation to relocate their family into. I’ve seen ALOT of parents, on their own merit, approach coaches because they’re trying to give their child the best shot at a full-ride scholarship. The GHSA can deter programs from reaching out and stealing other schools’ players, but they can’t stop parents from reaching out and seeking out an opportunity for their child on their own without resorting to rather draconian measures. The GHSA has actually stated in the past that they to crackdown on kids who may transfer into a new school because they don’t want to punish kids and their families who are trying to get in the best position possible to get scholarships to college. So i wouldn’t really expect the GHSA to address the issue of transfers anytime soon because they don’t want kids to lose post-secondary opportunities in their eyes.
Decatur 4 Life
March 16th, 2011
10:18 am
First of all let me say this, Tired of ATL embarrassing all of GA u have got to put that meth down and get real. I’m tired of S. Georgia bringing these mediocre teams up here during playoff time and expecting to compete it just aint gonna happen. Valdosta had a good team and played Norcross well I commend yall for that, I don’t see why u can’t say that about our teams. I give credit where its due, you’re right about how south GA used to to win. (Dougherty, Westover, Savannah and Beach) I was born and raised right here so I know the history heck I was on a team that lost in the AAA finals to Dougherty in 97. The fact is our population has changed in ATL since then, when thousands of people move here daily we don’t have to recruit. New kids come in all the time that’s why u can’t compete with us, just give us our due credit we give u guys credit during football season. Now all of a sudden we’re cheaters b/c u can’t compete, sounds like sore losers to me. We didn’t complain when Valdosta won all those titles with 18-19 year old sophomores and juniors b/c they were being held back early on in school to ensure a good team year after year once they’re in high school. Please spare me with all of ur crying, just tighten up down there!
black1
March 16th, 2011
10:44 am
AAAA fan I dont have to answer to you. Its a blog so stop trying to control everything on here. U call me out so it is what it is. Read the rest of the blogs and its the same. I am just saying. people always bring up hate. I got kids and we will do things right. If you are good then they will find you. So dont call me out when everyone else is saying the same thing. Thats why our athlete rarely make it in school. The rules are not so easily bent in college. I tell you put Parker on a team with regular kids and see what you get. I preferr Shaq as the better big man in Ga to be honest. He can shoot, pass, and rebound. All I am saying there are hundreds of team in Ga and the fairness is not there. You got private schools playing below their class, then all these AAAA teams stacking their teams. I can careless about what u or anyone else say. So you stay a fan and I’m keeping doing what I do. Thanks George Bush aka AAAA fan
AAAA-Fan
March 16th, 2011
11:12 am
WHat you said was a bunch of gibberish, people are going to have their opinion from now on…….. and when Parker is gone it will be on to someone else. Oh, you must be one of the few parents that do things the right Please!!! There are plenty of parent that does things the right way so don’t break your arm patting yourself on the back Mr. Right Way!! Beside the basketball game, the grades are also being made at Miller Grove so by no means is this team all about how you play the game.
Shaq is a good player no argument here, ask him where he’s tried playing, trying to illegally come to teams that are winning. So his parent are just as gulity as the next. Since we are discussing calling someone out.
What is it that you are do? since you’re doing you, black sounds yet again like HATE to me. Regardless of how you try to pass it off you and everyone else that make comments that you have no concrete evidence about are only Haters but we need you ALL to get and stay at the top.
You are Welcome black See you next year……………..
black1
March 16th, 2011
12:46 pm
ok no evidence. ask anyone in Dekalb and they will tell you. What do you do? I am a coach and educator. Thats what I do? What you want evidence on? You can always check records of where kids played in middle school. Did their feeder school middle school team win a championship? NO. So right will be glad to debate with you next year, but wait I watch more than basketball? What sport is next to debate on? Different issue and arugment makes this blog fun. I would never say there may not be any evidence. There’s always evidence. Didnt say I do all things right, but are u admitting to guilt? Thanks AAAAA for putting laughter in my day. Be safe out there!!!
AAAA-fan
March 16th, 2011
1:24 pm
You made the statment and I quote “I’m keep doing what I do” and from the looks of your blog comments not very much other than hating. what I do is of no consequence to you but I too am in the field of education and coach as well and not basketball !! so that’s enough to let you know that I watch more than one sport.
I am a quad A fan that means for every sport but that’s not his blogs topic and until Todd changes the sport that is the topic at hand. In my personal opinion I will be glad to discuss another sport because I am tired of hearing about basketball recruits let’s talk about other sports recruiting!!!!!
I know what you do it’s obviousy all over the blog what you do. Everybody in Georgia knows where Tony Parker went to middle school but yet I ask again are there no legal moves? & 2nd questions is there any evidence that this kid and his family did not relocate and for what reason is not a concern for the public to debate.
I have no reason of admission to guilt because my team is legal no recruiting here. I aim to win but if we don’t I don’t go persuading families to enroll in a specific school for a specific program.
I agree this has been quite entertaining and most people take these things to heart but it’s all fair game it’s a blog the faceless conversation. You do the same !
black1
March 16th, 2011
2:31 pm
cool. i expect to get some slack but cool. When I am done with it too. its cool u gotta be able to take a joke. I like the entertainment part of it. Well, I ask for another topic but havent got one yet. But history show I am not against a player transferring the right way. But when its not don right, then I got a problem. Cool. I am a fan of everyone too. I went to a Class A school, so I guess that would make me a A fan. I never get upset, but always get a chuckle from these blogs!!! Catch u kn the next topic. Hopefully it will be a good one.
N.S.
March 16th, 2011
4:26 pm
GREAT SEASON! GO BLUE DEVILS!
Cinque Johnson
March 16th, 2011
9:20 pm
Michael, Michael, Michael, you are comparing high school basketball to the pros where there is a shot clock? Boyd was guilty of “OVERCOACHING”. He had a 10 point lead in the 4th quarter and was doing fine before he switched to the 4 corner offense. Milton could have (and should have) won this game by 15 points. Sometimes a team can “grab” the tempo and sometimes you (Boyd) can give it them!!!
cat doc
March 17th, 2011
7:26 am
I don’t believe these private schools have any business playing in the state championships. Is greater atlanta christian private? Buford is I believe . Get the private schools out.
Michael
March 18th, 2011
11:27 am
They had a 10 point lead but they didn’t control the tempo. Norcross controlled the tempo from 4 minutes left in the third qtr. As I stated earlier. Milton had a large hole in their game. They had no inside game. In low scoring games that kills you.
Milty
March 18th, 2011
7:51 pm
It’s Wheeler and Norcross next year. Unless Milton gets Goodwin or Tony Parker, they will have nothing to compete with Chuck for Wheeler down low or Norcross’ depth down low (i know odouda graduated, but Norcross has solid size returning and Bolden is a machine at the SG spot). Wheeler graduated 3 starters but some of their younger guys caught on late in the season and they will reload, same to Norcross and maybe Milton, although I’m not sure the high-profile kids will want to align with Boyd, considering the ill-fated “national-championship” run this year. Wheeler and Norcross are the pillars of longevity in AAAAA and I’d expect the transfers to flock to them.
sore losers
March 19th, 2011
2:16 am
sounds like a bunch of cry babies….a win is a win on any given day or night. End of story.
Petey
March 20th, 2011
12:27 am
black1 are you trying to say that Shaq from Milton is a better player than Tony Parker???? Dude, step away from the pipe! Don’t take my word for it. Look at the teams that have offered Parker (Duke, NC, etc etc. Yes Shaq can jump but he is nowhere near as big or as talented as Parker. Shaq Johnson’s 1st trip inside against Norcross resulted in his shot being stuffed by not 1 but 2 Blue Devils. After that he pretty much disappeared. He will be a benchwarmer at Auburn while Parker will be in the NBA in 3 yrs. Please! don’t bring that weak sh….stuff in here!
ole skool
March 21st, 2011
12:47 am
CLASSIFICATIONS MEAN VERY LITTLE AS FAS AS TOP BASKETBALL TEAMS IN THIS STATE—-IF ANY OF U SAW THE SOUTH ATLANTA BOYS THIS YEAR THEY WERE HANDS DOWN WITHOUT A DOUBT THE MOST DOMINANT TEAM THIS YEAR AND THEY R AA—BUFORD MEAT THEM IN THE QUARTERFINALS A TEAM THEY HAD BEATEN HANDLELY ALL YEAR—SOUTH ATLANTA COULD PLAY WITH AND BEAT ANY TEAM THAT GOES FOR NORCROSS, MILLER GROVE ETC. ALSO KNOW THAT THE GAC BOYS AND BUFORD GIRLS COULD BEAT A LOT OF THESE LARGER CLASSIFICATION SCHOOLS REGION 6AA PROBABLY THE TOUGHEST IN THE STATE BOTH GIRLS AND BOYS—JUST LOOK AT THE AA CHAMPIONSHIP ON BOTH SIDES ALL TEAM CAME OUT OF REGION 6AA—-SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
Wildcat Nation
March 21st, 2011
4:10 am
The ATL schools may be recruiting and maybe their not. If the GHSA is allowing it, then its ok with us here in Valdosta. I give credit where its due, Norcross and Milton had great BASKETBALL teams this year. However, at Valdosta High, all our athletes are home grown and multi-sport athletes. As a school with a AAAA population, we compete at a high level in ALL AAAAA sports. So to all the fans of Milton and Norcross, congrats on great basketball season. I’ll see you at the other sports (baseball, track, football, wrestling, golf, tennis) GHSA state playoffs? I doubt it!!!!!!!!!!!
North Georgia Bias - Todd Holcomb
March 21st, 2011
4:42 am
Todd, how can you really rank the top teams in the state when you have only seen the South Georgia teams once or twice? You should just stick to ranking North Georgia teams. You are basing your rankings off of what? You also stated that Valdosta and Tift benefited from Campbell, Collins Hills and South Gwinnett having bad nights. Well, i guess Norcross and Milton benefited from Valdosta and Tift having bad nights. Milton and Norcross were the best teams in Norht Georgia and both had good teams, but neither was unbeatable. Both Valdosta and Tift did some things that gave both teams trouble. Todd, in your column before the semi-finals, you stated that Milton and Norcross would win by 20plus. However, if you break both games down, both Valdosta and Tift were in the game. Valdosta had a bad 3 min span right before the half that cost them. The officials totally took Tift out of their game (they would not let Tift be physical).
SOUTH GEORGIA ATHLETES:
I hear all this talk about the Div.1 players from Milton and Norcross. Jay Rome (Valdosta) and Taderick Jackson (Tift) were two of the best players i saw during the Final Four weekend. Both could start at Milton and Norcross. The bigs for both Milton and Norcross are soft and not really scoring threats, and the guards are not far ahead of Jackson and he’s a freshman. So while you are giving all these kudos to the Div.1 basketball players from ATL, remember they got showed up by two football player!!!!
Synamon
April 4th, 2011
6:21 pm
Where is the Clayton blog? where is Kimberly? Explaination ?