Georgia’s highest classification has had some fantastic matchups, great finishes, and a number of surprises. Now that the quarterfinals are set, here are a few things to watch out for.

BEST GAME: Pebblebrook vs. McEachern. Most people probably would say that Westlake/Shiloh is the game to watch. While that will also be a fantastic matchup, this Cobb County duel will be one of the best games of the year. McEachern is still very undervalued as a team and as a state title contender. They have an experienced backcourt of AJ Jones and Darius Jones, with good young players on the wing, and Bryce Smith patrolling the middle. They play a fast pace, which Pebblebrook will be compliant with playing. In a fast paced game, Jared Harper and Collin Sexton should be able to put up a lot of points and put on a great show. This one will be fun.

BEST PLAYER MATCH-UP: Josh Okogie vs. Westlake Wings. Okogie is very familiar with big games in the playoffs. He led Shiloh to a semifinal run a season ago and is looking for another trip to the Final Four. His hands will be full with a couple of senior wings at Westlake in Ronald Bell and Raquan Wilkins. These two might not be the big names at Westlake, but they are a huge reason why Westlake is one of the top teams in the state. If they can contain Okogie, Westlake should have success in this one.

WHAT WE LEARNED IN FIRST TWO ROUNDS: Expect the unexpected. This classification, like the other ones, has had a landscape with a foggy picture. Since it is so unclear on what to expect, don’t write out any of the teams that are left. Any of the eight could potentially make a run and capture a state championship.

STORYLINES

Grayson’s Cinderella run. Grayson started the playoffs by beating perennial contender and one-seed Wheeler after being fouled on a three late in the game. They followed that win by travelling down to Lee County and getting a win on the road. Austin Dukes and Alphonso Willis have led this crew all year, and with that senior leadership and firepower, don’t write the Rams out of the Final Four.

Where are the one seeds? Half of the one seeds were knocked out in the first two rounds, creating opportunity for non-region winners to avenge themselves on the most important stage. Will we see a non-one seed win it all? This could be a year for it.

The opportunity for young point guards. Westlake’s Jamie Lewis (2018), Newton’s Ashton Hagans (2019), Milton’s Justin Brown (2018) all have a chance to lead their teams to the semifinals. They will all match up with very experienced backcourts in Shiloh, Grayson, and Campbell respectively. Will they represent for the new wave of guards in the state?

FINAL FOUR RE-DO
CW: Newton, Milton, Westlake, Pebblebrook
JY: Grayson, Milton, Westlake, McEachern