As the march to Macon begins, we’ll take a look at what we believe is the best region tournament in each of Georgia’s six classifications.

Since the start of last season, Class A basketball is making a lasting imprint on the basketball scene in the state, especially the private schools.

These teams beefed up their schedule competing with teams of all classifications. They are no longer being overlooked because of region 6 specifically.

Whitefield Academy, St. Francis and North Cobb Christian lined up and met challenges face-to-face. They didn’t run from each other or the competition. Also, slightly overlooked was Trion, which finished the season as the top-seed from the west.

What to watch

Whitefield Academy has to be one of the most aggressive teams in Class A basketball and for that matter in all classifications. The Wolfpack players play with a chip on their shoulder and looking for respect. Whitefield is poised to make a run at a state title. It is currently on a 12-game winning streak.

St. Francis beefed up the schedule and it has paid off. The Knights went through a gauntlet of an early schedule because they were looking to get ready for the season. However, they had some mishaps in some close games. While they fell short early, St. Francis won a big signature win over region foe – North Cobb Christian – in the season-finale. Now, that the regular-season is over, it is time for the Knights to drive toward Macon.

North Cobb Christian is an experienced group of seniors. These Eagles have been tested all season on and off the court. They are looking to make a run many have talked about since they have all played together as youngsters. NCCS’s key component could be 7-foot junior Trey Kalina, who had a solid performance in the Eagles season-finale.

Trion is the least known team of the top teams in the region. The Bulldogs are on a 15-game winning streak and have won 20 games. They are averaging 66 points per game and pulling down 30 rebounds as a team. Senior Isaac Thomas is averaging a team-high 14.2 points per game. He leads three other Bulldogs who are averaging double digits. This senior-laden team is looking to make its final splash in their high school career.

Thursday (at Trion)

Darlington vs. North Cobb Christian, 4 pm

St. Francis vs. Gordon Lee, 5:30 pm

Whitefield vs. Excel, 7 pm

Trion vs. Fellowship, 8:30 pm

Friday (at Darlington)

Whitefield/Fellowship winner vs. Darlington/North Cobb Christian winner, 5:30 pm

Trion/Fellowship winner vs. St. Francis/Gordon Lee winner, 8:30 pm

Saturday (at Darlington)

Finals, 4:30 pm