The Class AA bracket has four interesting games to play out. For the most part, the games pair Atlanta’s top private schools against some of the best rural teams. 

Thursday, Feb. 25  at Georgia College 
Manchester (23-5) vs Lovett (22-6), 4:45 pm
Monticello (20-10) vs Dublin (25-4), 8:15 pm

Friday, Feb. 26 at Georgia College
Thomasville (28-1) vs Pace Academy (17-10), 4:45 pm
Crawford County (24-3) vs Holy Innocents’ (20-9), 8:15 pm 

BEST GAME: Manchester vs. Lovett. For teams that have racked up region championships and 20-plus wins, these teams have surprisingly flown under the radar. Manchester is no stranger to post-season success and the 20-win threshold. Lovett has a new coach and a young roster. Rural Georgia against Atlanta private school. The contrasts are intriguing. This game could come down to pace and tempo.

BEST PLAYER MATCH-UP: Wendell Carter vs Reggie Perry. The big men are falling by the wayside in the state playoffs but this one should be one of the very best in the state. Carter, the No. 1 player, is the state’s toughest player to defend. He’s big, strong and versatile inside and out. Perry, a 6-foot-8 sophomore forward, is one of the key members of one of the best teams in the state. The long and athletic youngster has impressed in south Georgia. This is a big stage that could push his name into the day-to-day conversation of Peach State hoop heads. 

STORYLINES TO WATCH

Dublin is a breakneck program, scoring 85 points a game this season. The Fighting Irish love to rip and run and fire it up from three. Sophomore guard Kameron Pauldo isn't very big but he's a lot of punch in a 5-foot-7, 135-pound frame. He can put up some major points. 

Holy Innocents’ has racked up two wins on the road so far in the state playoffs and will have a big test against Crawford County. The Atlanta private school is better than their record indicates. Crawford County will be a test because of the speed at which the rural Middle Georgia school likes to play. but HIES can match the athleticism. If you are looking for an “upset game” this could be your match-up. 

Three Region 6-AA teams remain in the bracket. 

FINAL FOUR (NOT NEEDED) RE-DO 
JY: Lovett, Thomasville, Crawford County, Dublin
CW: Manchester, Dublin, Pace Academy, Crawford County
Our picks remain intact from last week