1st Round Recap: Upsets
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The State Playoffs began on Tuesday night, providing some great 1st round matchups around the state. The action didn’t disappoint with multiple 4-seeds getting wins on the road. Here, I’ll be recapping the upsets that shook up brackets in the…
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Continue ReadingThe State Playoffs began on Tuesday night, providing some great 1st round matchups around the state. The action didn’t disappoint with multiple 4-seeds getting wins on the road. Here, I’ll be recapping the upsets that shook up brackets in the 1st round.
Woodland (55) vs #3 SW Dekalb (45)
SW Dekalb entered the tournament ranked #3 in 4A but their championship hopes were put to rest by a gutsy Woodland squad. Kyree Brown led Woodland with 20 points while Mason Lewis Mason Lewis 6'4" | SF Woodland-Stockbridge | 2024 State GA added 17 of his own. Lewis is the heartbeat of this team and is the kind of talent that can win you a few games in the playoffs. He’s a strong, physical wing that can get to the rim and find his spots in the mid-range. Woodland will take North Oconee in the 2nd round.
Berkmar (58) vs #6 Buford (53)
This one surprised a lot of people, including myself. Berkmar’s season has been riddled with adversity, losing Roc Lee and Orion Champion Orion Champion 5'10" | PG New Faith Christian | 2023 State GA mid-season. On top of that, they’re very young. 2025 prospects, Mekhi Ragland Mekhi Ragland 6'10" | C Berkmar | 2025 State #400 Nation GA and Eddie Cooke III Eddie Cooke III 6'7" | SF Berkmar | 2025 AZ , typically lead the charge and freshman Isaiah Langley Isaiah Langley 6'3" | SG Peachtree Ridge | 2026 State GA plays a big role as well. After a big win over 1-seed Buford, Berkmar will see Cherokee in the 2nd which should make for an interesting game.
River Ridge (53) vs #8 Langston Hughes (50)
After falling to Langston Hughes in the Elite 8 last year, River Ridge came for revenge and left with a 53-50 win. Langston Hughes is usually good for a deep playoff run and I was feeling good about them, especially with the recent return of John McQueen John McQueen 6'5" | SF Eagle's Landing | 2024 State GA . River Ridge had different plans however. They have experience that is often overlooked. Most of their team consists of 2023 and 2024 guys, many of which were apart of last year’s Elite 8 squad. The corner of the 6A bracket becomes very interesting now with River Ridge, Blessed Trinity, Riverwood, and Lee County battling it out for a spot in the Final 4.
Walton (63) vs Lambert (49)
We see another 1-seed fall as Walton goes on the road and gets it done. Luke Flynn Luke Flynn 6'2" | PG Walton | 2024 State GA led the way with 20 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. He’s exactly the kind of player you want on your team this time of year. He’s an experienced guard that can hit big shots and control the pace of the game. Caesar Burrows Caesar Burrows 6'4" | CG Walton | 2025 State GA is a more than capable sidekick that can score points when defenses are keying on Flynn. Hampden-Sydney commit Harrison Morris Harrison Morris 6'8" | PF Walton | 2023 State GA also gives them good length inside and he played an important role in Wednesday’s win with 5 blocks.
Harlem (57) vs #6 Beach (56)
Harlem vs Beach made for one of the most entertaining 1st round games and came down to the very end. Lemar Edmond Lemar Edmond 6'2" | SG Harlem | 2024 State GA hit the game-winning layup as time expired to put Harlem up 1 and send them to the 2nd round. He had an excellent night, leading all scorers with 25 points. Beach was a popular pick to go deep in the tournament and they had a great 1-2 punch inside between senior forwards Shamrrie Hugie and James Leach James Leach 6'6" | PF Beach | 2023 State GA . Harlem will face a tough Dougherty team in the 2nd round but could be poised for a nice run.