Must-see second round match-ups
The second round of the 6A to 2A classifications of the GHSA boys basketball state playoffs. We break down the 10 must-see games on Tuesday.
1. Brunswick at Pebblebrook: There will be no shortage of talent in this one as roughly eight college level players will be in this game. Brunswick beat Westlake in the first round while Pebblebrook is quite rested after playing just three games since Feb. 8. How much will home court advantage come into play for this marquee match-up? (Justin Young will cover this game)
2. Hillgrove at Douglas Co.: The two schools are less than 17 miles apart from door-to-door so you know this one will be packed out early. Hillgrove went 5-3 over the last eight games while Douglas Co. is 7-1. This should be a tremendous match-up across the board. Hillgrove had to travel to Tift County last year to upset the bracket. Could this be the game where the Hawks turn it around or will the up-tempo DC attack win out? Great drama here.
3. Fayette County at Columbia: At the start of the year, we wouldn't be surprised to see this match-up happen in the Final Four or even in Macon for the championship. Hoop heads are lucky enough to get in the second round. For both teams, neither probably feels all that "lucky" to be caught in this match-up. Both teams have great size, good shooters, loads of talent and rosters that have tasted the flavor of post-season success. Get there early. This one will be packed. (Eric Eleton will cover this game)
4. Effingham County at Warner Robins: Jakeenan Gant recorded a triple-double in the first round of the state tournament and Tanner Reid pumped in 19 for Effingham County. Now the test comes on the road at WR, a team that held future Tennessee big man Phil Cofer scoreless in the second-half. Can the Demons protect the home court with good guard play once again?
5. Stephenson at Osborne: The tale of two hot teams will be exciting. Osborne relies heavily on the 1-2 punch of Dahaire Haney and Kyire Hogan while Stephenson rules the realm with physicality, strength and size. The Jaguars protect the rim and the Cardinals love to attack the iron. Who will win out?
6. Newnan at Luella: Size versus size. Gotta love that. Newnan rolls out a big frontline to combat Luella's seven-footer Doral Moor. We don't have a lot of size against size match-ups this year so this should be interesting. Andre Banton scored 21 points in the first round of the playoffs for Luella, giving the Lions a nice third option in the lineup alongside Moore and TeMarcus Blanton. Keep an eye on Newnan's seniors, too.
7. Worth Co. at Jonesboro: Both teams boast a bevy of talented young players. Worth County won 23 games this year thanks to sophomores Anfernee McLemore and Brandon Moore. On the flip side freshman MJ Walker has been the most productive rookie in the state tournament regardless of class this season. (Robert Alfonso, Jr. will cover this game)
8. St. Pius at Cartersville: The two met this time last year in the state playoffs in the same round. Pius held Cartersville to 44 points, the lowest point total of the year for the Purple Hurricanes. Who controls the tempo wins this game. Pius likes to slow it and grind it while CHS likes to rip, run and shoot from three. Great chess match here.
9. Villa Rica at Miller Grove: With the quest of winning six straight championships, the bull's eye grows bigger each game for Miller Grove. Villa Rica is no stranger to the post-season and will come to Dekalb County ready to compete. How will the Wolverines handle another team looking to close the history books?
10. Blessed Trinity at Buford: Like most of the games on this list, this is a contrasting styles. BT is very discplined and direct while Buford has good size and good scorers. Both teams are hot right now, too.