The penultimate games in 7A are upon us. It’s time for the final four, already. There are blue bloods, heavyweights, and programs looking to continue to shake up the landscape. 

This season’s final four has plenty of intrigue, and we’re assured two great games. 

Let’s take a look at the matchups. 

Cherokee vs Norcross

In the annals of Cherokee basketball, this is an important game in the school’s long history in GHSA hoops. With coach Joe Veihman now at the helm, this is the tallest task the Warriors have faced since Chris Singleton was in the program under Roger Kvam. 

Norcross is still catching its breath after one of the all-time great games in their overtime win against Newton. 

The Warriors look to make a statement by punching their ticket to Macon while the Blue Devils are on a mission to go back-to-back. 

JT’s pick: Cherokee, I see you! I know the Warriors are looking to keep the momentum going. They have the firepower in the backcourt in Tayden Owens and Cam Pope. They have a Warrior in the paint in Dastin Hart. I have to rock with the reigning champs to make it back to Macon though. Norcross has been here before, and they just knocked off Newton for the second year in a row. Mari Jordan had 36 and 12 against Osborne, and he hit the game winning basket against Newton. Ultimately, I think Norcross’ defense is too much to overcome, and with how he’s been playing, March Mari could create some more highlights. 

Grayson vs Wheeler 

The 7A gauntlet continues in another championship game worthy pairing. In fact, these two faced off for the 7A championship in the not-too-distant past. 

Grayson has won its tournament games by an average of 27.6 points per game. A 17-point win was the closest game they’ve played to this point. They have depth on their side with multiple players who can step up and lead them on a given night. Gicarri Harris has long been in the discussion as one of Georgia’s best in the 2024 class, and he has an opportunity to add to his resume on Saturday. 

Wheeler has played anyone and everyone this season. Their wars against some of the country’s best teams are paying off against in-state teams as the Wildcats have yet to lose to a team from Georgia. They’ve had to get through some big-time programs in 7A to get to the final four. Milton and North Gwinnett carry weight in the state, and Wheeler’s visit to McEachern was as star studded of an affair as one can get locally. Isaiah Collier and the Wildcats are on the prowl for their third state championship in four years. 

JT’s pick: Wow. This one is crazy. Wheeler has been my pick to win 7A all season, and they’ve shown no reason for me to back away from that. Grayson is probably the deepest team in Georgia, so they attack the Wildcats from multiple angles. They’ve been outstanding all season, so a Rams victory wouldn’t surprise me. However, Isaiah Collier looks like a man on a mission right now, and Arrinten Page has been outstanding over the last couple of games. If that duo plays as well as they did against McEachern, the Wildcats are going to be tough to knock off.