Thursday is jammed packed with great action
There is must-see basketball all over the state of Georgia on Thursday and our staff Robert Alfonso, Jr. and Justin Young breakdown what they believe are the best of the best on the quarterfinal schedules.
AAAAA
Tucker at Miller Grove
This is a game many expected to see all season. These DeKalb County schools and region 6 AAAAA rivals know each other better than most siblings. During the counties preseason media day, Tucker coach James Hartry knew in order to get to the a state championship it would have to go through Miller Grove. Both coaches respect each other but their teams will be prepared for this neighborhood matchup. The Wolverines are 2-0 this season against the Tigers. They both last met in the region semifinals, which Tucker finished with the fourth-seed. The Tigers went on the road and had to survive an overtime game to set this matchup. You can play this game in the parking lot and it will be a guaranteed sellout. - RA
Stephenson at Allatoona
The big, strong frontline of Stephenson meets the methodical, well-coached lineup for Allatoona. Talk about a great contrasting style of game. Junior post Tyrell Johnson has found his grove and Daniel Kinchen is rolling right now for the Jaguars while Daniel Fowler continues to play like one of the most complete players in Atlanta this year. - JY
AAAA
Jonesboro at Rutland
If you are looking for a game where pressing and physical play is the norm, this is one you may want to watch. Jonesboro and Rutland imposing its will on their opponents with their press. The Hurricanes are forcing opponents into 13 turnovers a game. Jonesboro’s opponents have coughed it up on an average of 17 turnovers per game. Both teams are physical with plenty of depth. Rutland has four players in double figures Ty’lik Evans, Jaylon Tyson, Shakenneth Williams and Dallas Smith. Jonesboro’s James “MJ” Walker and DeAntre Mack are part of a Cardinals squad that will come at you in waves. So, buckle up for this one. - RA
Sandy Creek at Columbia
SC head coach Willie Reese has his Patriots playing at a high-level. Balance across the board paired with great defense, Sandy Creek will be a very tough match-up at Columbia. On the flip side, the Eagles are one of the toughest teams to play at home. - JY
Carrollton at Alexander
The last time these two played, Carrollton was robbed of a victory on a questionable goal-tending call at Alexander. Carrollton hasn't lost since that game and is in a good place on the hardwood. Big man Montae Glenn has been on a tear this junior year. Alexander, however, has it's leading scorer Hassani Gravett back after missing the last meeting due to a hand injury. Expect a jam-packed building for this battle. - JY
AAA
Cartersville at Buford
Well, two of some of the longest consecutive winning streaks of the teams remaining in the Class AAA state playoffs will come to an end. Buford is on a 19-game winning streak. Cartersville is riding an 18-game winning streak. The Hurricanes are averaging 73 points per game, while shooting 50 percent from the field. Buford is only giving up 53 points a game. Cartersville’s perimeter game will look to counter the Wolves size. - RA
Cedar Grove at Morgan County
This is a game where some young talent will be on display. Cedar Grove’s roster is filled with sophomores and juniors, who have been the backbone of the Saints’ success. Morgan County has a little bit more experience with juniors and seniors on its roster, but it is a seasoned group. Both programs are going to push the tempo and get into an open court game. A good matchup to keep and eye on is the Saints’ Christopher Fredrick and the Bulldogs’ Tookie Brown. These juniors are the moving parts that make the teams go. - RA
AA
Laney at Pelham
Pelham has won 20 straight games and are quietly one of the hottest teams in the Peach State. Playing at home is a huge advantage as Laney comes to town. The Augusta powerhouse is as tough as nails and boast one of the best backcourts in the state with JaShawn Brooks (JR), Zep Jasper (SOPH), Collin Young (SOPH) and Christian Keeling (SOPH). - JY
A
Aquinas at Athens Christian
When it comes to premiere player match-ups, it doesn't get much better than this. Ahmed Hill, coming off his 3,000th point scored in high school on Tuesday night, will lead Aquinas against Connecticut commitment Will Jackson and ACS. The two guards are amongst the best in the Southeast and should match-up against each other. The supporting cast for both teams are equally good, too. From a game + prospect perspective, this is as good as it gets. - JY
North Cobb Christian at Whitefield Academy
These Region 6B-A rivals have seen each other three times this season. Both teams split the regular season before North Cobb Christian eliminated Whitefield Academy from the region tournament. NCC has a 2-1 record against Whitefield this season. This fourth meeting will have a Final Four spot on the line. Whichever team takes care of the basketball and wins the rebounding battle could move on. The Wolfpack is averaging 34 rebounds a game. - RA