Georgia Cup II Middle School Championships
14U Black Championship: Atlanta Xpress Bogan 45, TNBC 42
This was one of the more exciting games of the day. TNBC jumped out to quick 8-3 lead in the first quarter. The Xpress took a 2-point lead into the 2nd quarter. After a back and forth second quarter, the game was tied with 2 minutes remaining before the Xpress went on a 7-0 run to close the half. Landon Kardian led TNBC on a 7-0 on run of their own to start the third quarter. TNBC led 33-32 heading into the fourth quarter. After several lead changes, the game was tied with 2 minutes and 30 seconds remaining. The Atlanta Xpress had a 1-point lead with 20 seconds remaining, and Justin Carter made an And-1 to put the Xpress up three. Carter missed the free throw and TNBC fell short on a half court heave. TNBC’s Landon Kardian led all scorers with 15 points. Darreonte Gainer scored eight for the Xpress.
14U Orange Championship: HYPE 58, Hawks Elite 48
Bryce Parker sank a timely three with a minute left to help HYPE push past Hawks Elite. Parker finished with 15 points while Immanuel Lewis chipped in 14. In the loss, Jamario Blige and Rasha Williams scored 13 apiece while Devonte Wilson had 12.
13U Championship: Deep South Blue Devils 53, West Georgia Warriors 35
The Deep South Blue Devils, based out of Cherokee County, blew open a 7-point lead after three quarters, outscoring West Georgia 16-5 in the final frame to claim the Georgia Cup championship. Jacob Ruth was dynamic, polishing off a strong weekend by posting a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds from his small forward position. Brandon Drummer battled foul trouble but still managed to record 13 points and four steals. The Warriors received a team-high 17 points, three assists and three steals from Zion Fruster.
12U Championship: Georgia United Showtime 68, Atlanta TapOut Orange 38
Jalen Lee scored 18 points and Daveon Henderson dropped 17 as Georgia United Showtime blew past Atlanta TapOut. Henderson scored 13 points in the second quarter to help United Showtime hold a 31-23 advantage at the half. The second half belonged to Lee, who netted 12 points. Jaylen Priester helped out with 13 points on the night. Atlanta TapOut was led by AJ Jones’ 12 points.
