2015 #MarchToMacon: AAAAA Preview
The Class AAAAA bracket of the Georgia High School Association state tournament is incredibly competitive. The road to the championship game will be hard fought and fun to watch. Carter Wilson breaks down the entire bracket in our March to Macon preview series.
BEST FIRST ROUND GAMES
Gainesville vs. North Atlanta: North Atlanta, the Region 7 winners, take on Gainesville who was the number one seed in the Region 8. This one features some big time players in North Atlanta’s Ronald Bell and Gainesville’s D’Marcus Simonds.
Apalachee vs. Rome: Can Rome slow down one of Georgia’s top scorers in Kamar Baldwin, who is averaging north of 27 points per game on the season?
Alexander vs. ML King: This one should feature a great senior matchup between Alexander’s Artavius Love and MLK’s Kevon Harris, who’s picking up low and mid major offers late in the season.
TEAM MOST LIKELY TO PLAY CINDERELLA
Stephenson – The Jaguars got off to a rough start, but have picked it up since the turn of the New Year and have played much better basketball as of late. At this point you can throw their record out the window. With the pieces they have, including forward Tyrell Johnson and super shooter Daniel Kinchen, this team could be dangerous.
Justin Young’s Projected Final Four: Brunswick, McIntosh, Miller Grove, Allatoona
Carter Wilson’s Projected Final Four: Brunswick, McIntosh, Miller Grove, Allatoona
MUST SEE MATCH-UP
The must-see matchup in AAAAA would have to happen in the State Title game. That matchup is between 6-time defending state champs Miller Grove and undefeated McIntosh. It would feature a great guard matchup between Alterique Gilbert of Miller Grove and Will Washington and Jordan Lyons of McIntosh as well as a good one on the block between Miller Grove’s Lamont West and McIntosh’s Dishon Lowery.
STORYLINES OF NOTE
The obvious storyline in AAAAA is if Miller Grove can get their 7-peat. No, that is not a typo: 7-peat. This classification is stronger than it has been the last couple of years and it could be a little more difficult this year. A run to the title could also include a rematch of last year’s title game with Warner Robins in the third round. One thing is for sure: do not count out Coach Sharman White and his crew no matter what.
POWER POLL TEAMS IN THE BRACKET
5. Miller Grove (25-3)
10. McIntosh (27-0)
17. Allatoona (24-2)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alterique Gilbert, Miller Grove: Gilbert is one of the most dynamic guards in 2016’s class and is a proven winner. Can he lead Miller Grove to Macon once again?
D’Marcus Simonds, Gainesville: After losing last year in Macon with Buford, Simonds will be out for revenge this year. Look for him to be on a mission to score the basketball and get Gainesville in a position to compete for a title.
The Big Three, McIntosh: Jordan Lyons, Will Washington and Dishon Lowery have made for a three-headed attack for the Chiefs. Lyons is the super scorer, Washington is the leader at the point, and Lowery is a force down low. Together, they are dangerous.
Ephraim Tshimanga, Allatoona: Not many people know about the Bucs point man, who is described by his coaching staff as a warrior who wins. That could change soon, as this is the ultimate stage for him to make a name for himself.
