Jonesboro has the target on the back in the AAAA bracket of the Georgia High School Association state tournament. There are a number of teams taking aim and ready take the crown away from the Clayton County powerhouse. This year's AAAA tournament is loaded and full of potential madness. We preview.

BEST FIRST ROUND GAMES

Columbia at Carrollton: If you like great big man battles, this is your game. Each team uses size to anchor the middle and both post players know exactly what they are. Carrollton is led by Montae Glenn, a Georgia Southern signee, while Columbia leans on talented available big man Miciah Henry. The two 6-foot-8 posts lock horns in one of the best big men battles of all of the state brackets.

Sandy Creek at St. Pius X: This pairs two of the classifications more interesting teams. Sandy Creek has under-delivered this season at 17-10 but has a lot of talent on the roster. St. Pius X is one of the most well-coached teams in the state and are a well-oiled machine. Can the speed backcourt maintain the precision from Pius? This will be a fun one to watch play out. 

Westover at West Laurens: Albany's long-time power - Westover - has the talent to make a push deep into the tournament. Senior guard Jordan Floyd was in a good zone during region tournament play. That said, West Laurens is senior-driven and balanced. WL's De'Angelo Wilcher, a 6-foot-3 senior wing, is putting up 21 points and an eye-popping 12.3 rebounds a game. Statistically speaking, he's the most productive rebounding player in Georgia shorter than 6-foot-5.

STAR POWER

Jonesboro's roster: The defending AAAA state champs have toed the line with every heavyweight they could this season and answered the call. The entire team balances the load of scoring but the team's most difficult match-up is super sophomore MJ Walker. Chattanooga bound point guard Austin Donaldson is as good of a floor general there is in the post-season and supporting players like Tracy Hector and Deante Mack could spring for 20 points in any given game.

Davion Mitchell, Liberty County: The athletic guard is one of the best players in the state that we aren't talking about more regularly. He's as dynamic as a player there is in the state of Georgia. He's tough to stop en route to the rim. Mitchell punishes defenders with his strength and speed all the while improving as a passer and playmaker.

Ty Cockfield, Johnson - If you want action, go to a Johnson game. Cockfield delivers like Bruce Willis in Die Hard. He's averaging 28.5 points a game and does it with great flair. He's athletic to the rim and has answered the call every time Johnson has been paired with a quality opponent.

Avi Toomer, Grady - The Atlanta school relies heavily on the strong-bodied junior guard to rack up points. The 6-foot-2 guard is as good as there is in the midrange in Georgia high school basketball. He's good for nearly 20 a game and Grady will need that from him if they want to advance in bracket play.

TEAM MOST LIKELY TO PLAY CINDERELLA

Cairo - The Syrupmakers enjoyed some post-season magic already at the Region 1 tournament last week. With size and toughness inside and sharp-shooting from green light guards Trey Sparrow and Tracey Masten, Ike Chance's crew could be a tough first round draw for Perry. From there, it is a favorable path all the way to the Elite Eight.

STORYLINES OF NOTE

• Ranking 1 (Jonesboro), 2 (Johnson) and 3 (St. Pius X) in the Score ATL top 10 for the class, all three teams are in the same quadrant of the AAAA bracket.
• To win state last year, Jonesboro had to go through a gauntlet to get to Macon. The Cardinals beat Perry, Worth County, Rutland, Alexander and eventually Columbia for the title. This year, Jonesboro will potentially face St. Pius, Johnson and Liberty County (all projecting, of course) to get to Macon. That's a well-earned trip.
• This classification is hard to project. There are several teams talented enough to play for the championship.

POWER POLL TEAMS IN THE BRACKET

3. Jonesboro (27-1)
12. Johnson (27-0)
19. Carrollton (24-2)
20. Lithonia (25-2)

JUSTIN YOUNG'S PROJECTED FINAL FOUR: Liberty County, Jonesboro, Lithonia, Carrollton
CARTER WILSON'S PROJECTED FINAL FOUR: Liberty County, Jonesboro, Lithonia, Carrollton