Two unsigned Seniors make a statement as they lead Johnson (Gainesville) High School to the Lanierland championship Tuesday night in front of a capacity crowd at Chestatee high school.

Both Johnson and Gainesville came into Tuesday night's game undefeated and ranked #19 & #17 respectively in the HoopSeen All-Classification Power Poll.  But for these two programs the Lanierland championship was about more than just keeping a spotless record, it was about bragging rights and tradition.  The Lanierland is one of those old school tournaments that brings out an entire community to watch local teams, and only local teams, battle it out.  The crowd certainly came out on Tuesday night.  The Fire Marshall began turning people away  half an hour before tip-off. 

Johnson started the game fast and jumped to an early 10 point lead behing solid play from Roderick English and Daemonte Nicholson.  Gainesville turned to its defense and made a run to end the 1st half with a 34-29 lead.  The third quarter belonged to Ty Cockfield.  After a slow first half, Cockfield exploded in the third quarter scoring 16 points. He would end the game with 23 points.   Cockfield is one of the best unsigned Senior guards in the state of Georgia.  Cockfield did a little bit of everything on Tuesday night, but his ability to get to the rim stands out. He currently has one offer from Cleveland State.  Roderick English is another unsigned Senior who also had an impressive night leading Johnson in scoring with 26 points. 

Gainesville's D'Marcus Simmonds, as expected, was terrific all night and finished the game with 33 points.  HoopSeen has Simmonds, a Mississippi State commit, ranked #3 in the state in the 2016 class. A pair of freshman, Bailey Minor and KJ Buffen, were possibly the biggest surprise for Gainesville and their ability to already compete bode well for the future of Coach Benji Wood's squad. 

In the second half the will of the senior duo of Cockfield and English was just too much for Gainesville's talented underclassmen.  As a team Johnson hit free throws down the stretch, protected the ball and ultimately defeated Gainesville 76-63.

Ty Cockfield was named Lanierland Tournament MVP.   D'Marcus Simmonds and Roderick English were selected to the All Tournament team.