The quest for the AAA Georgia High School Association basketball state championship starts this week. We take a look at the must-see match-ups, the must-see players and talk about everything else.

BEST FIRST ROUND GAMES

Butler vs. South Atlanta: Butler makes their way from Augusta to take on a South Atlanta team that won Region 4. Expect a very physical battle and a high scoring affair between two teams that can get up and down.

Johnson Savannah vs. Rutland: Johnson Savannah has become a AAA staple team over the last couple of years. However, they find themselves underdogs in a matchup with Rutland that will be indescribably fast. This one will be fun.

East Jackson vs. Banks County: These two teams are more than familiar with each other as they split a pair of games in the regular season. In one of those games, East Jackson frosh Drue Drinnon went for 49 points in a win.

TEAM MOST LIKELY TO PLAY CINDERELLA

Butler: Butler has been a name in reference to NCAA Cinderella’s a couple times, now we will see if Butler High School out of Augusta can wear the same glass slipper. Led by Florida Atlantic signee Don Coleman, they will be a tough out for anyone as the 4 seed from Region 3.

Justin Young’s Projected Final Four: Laney, Cedar Grove, Jenkins, Rutland
Carter Wilson’s Projected Final Four: Laney, Morgan County, Jenkins, Rutland

MUST SEE MATCH-UP

A potential matchup between Jenkins and Callaway for a chance to go to the Final Four at Columbus State would be fun. Callaway made it to the semifinals last year, where they fell to Buford. Jenkins has proved themselves in some big games this year, and are not afraid of anyone. Both teams play a fast, pressing style, like a lot of these AAA teams. This one could have a lot of talent featured in it.

STORYLINES OF NOTE

Laney’s Continued Success: Laney has been one of the best teams in the state all year, continuously scheduling some heavy hitters and proving themselves on some big stages. They look to close the book on a very good year with a state title.

Morgan County’s Quest For Repeat: Morgan County has had their bumps this year, taking some close losses to some very good teams. However, they come in having won their region and still will be a force to be reckoned with having the type of firepower that they possess.

POWER POLL TEAMS IN THE BRACKET

2. Laney (26-1)
14. Jenkins (24-3)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Zep Jasper, Laney: Zep has ran through the gauntlet this year as far as matchups have been concerned and has responded. He is the tempo setter for Laney, which will be crucial to their success in their trip through the bracket.

Ty’lik Evans, Rutland: The Rutland point guard won’t be the biggest player on any floor he steps on, but he will be one of the most dangerous scorers. He, like Jasper of Laney, controls tempo for Rutland and is the engine that runs everything for the Hurricanes.

Tookie Brown, Morgan County: Tookie had some big time performances in last year’s run to a state title for Morgan County, including 36 points in the title game win over Buford. This year, he will look for more of the same.

Khavon Moore, Westside Macon: Just a freshman, but Moore will soon be one of the most talked about players in the state. He is getting his first taste of playoff basketball, and it is coming against a very tough Jenkins team. It will be interesting to see how he responds.