Favorite 2nd Round Matchups
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The 1st round of the playoffs was full of upsets and big time performances. 7A 1-seeds, Buford and Lambert, were both upset on Wednesday and I’d love to see a lot of the same chaos this weekend. These are the…
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Continue ReadingThe 1st round of the playoffs was full of upsets and big time performances. 7A 1-seeds, Buford and Lambert, were both upset on Wednesday and I’d love to see a lot of the same chaos this weekend. These are the 5 games I’m most excited for in the 2nd round.
Parkview vs. Carrollton (7A)
Sat 2/25 6:00pm @ Carrollton
We get a great 2nd round matchup in what I think is the most exciting corner of the 7A bracket. Parkview, Carrollton, Cherokee and Berkmar all have a legitimate chance to make the Final 4 but they’ll have to get through the Sweet 16 first. Carrollton is playing well right now, coming off a region championship. Parkview has had an up and down year but when they’re clicking, they’re really good. Jacob Wilkins Jacob Wilkins 6'9" | SF Grayson | 2025 State #14 Nation GA has ultimately proven himself as the best 2025 prospect in Georgia and Mike Matthews Mike Matthews 6'1" | PG Parkview | 2024 GA adds a lot of toughness and athleticism to the perimeter.
Prediction: Carrollton (63-59)
Cherokee vs. Berkmar (7A)
2/25 7:00pm @ Cherokee
Led by a great group of experienced seniors, Cherokee has put together one of the best seasons in school history. They’ve been battle-tested in a tough region and look ready to make a real playoff run. Berkmar, on the other hand, didn’t have the regular season success they hoped for but surprised a lot of people with a 1st round upset over Buford. Berkmar’s core is primarily in their forwards, Mekhi Ragland Mekhi Ragland 6'10" | C Berkmar | 2025 State #400 Nation GA , Tyson Jones Tyson Jones 6'8" | PF Berkmar | 2023 State GA , and Eddie Cooke III Eddie Cooke III 6'7" | SF Berkmar | 2025 AZ while Cherokee is a guard-heavy squad so the style of game should be interesting.
Prediction: Cherokee (72-61)
Tri-Cities vs. Hiram (5A)
Sat 2/25 5:00pm @ Hiram
Tri-Cities will travel to Hiram for the 2nd round, looking to take down one of the top teams in 5A. Both teams feature great guard play. Tr-Cities is headlined by Presbyterian commit Kory Mincy Kory Mincy 6'1" | PG Tri-Cities | 2023 State GA and junior Malique Johnson Malique Johnson 6'0" | PG Tri-Cities | 2024 State GA while Hiram features LMU commit Jay Boyd Jay Boyd 6'2" | SG Hiram | 2023 State GA and junior Chase Tyler Chase Tyler 6'4" | SG Hiram | 2024 State GA . If Tri-Cities wants a shot, I think the key is going to be limiting Walter Matthews Walter Matthews 6'7" | C Hiram | 2024 State GA inside and preventing him from controlling the paint. Lagrange commit Dayton Richardson Dayton Richardson 6'7" | SF Tri-Cities | 2023 State GA is typically more of an offensive guy but he’ll need to be physical and defend the rim on Saturday.
Prediction: Hiram (68-63)
Tucker vs. Jones County (5A)
Sat 2/25 4:00pm @ Tucker
We get another great matchup in 5A between Tucker and Jones County. Tucker’s a well-rounded group led by Region Player of the Year, Josiah Lawson Josiah Lawson 6'7" | SF Tucker | 2024 State GA . Khayri Dunn Khayri Dunn 6'1" | CG Tucker | 2024 State GA gives them consistently solid point guard play and he’ll be important on Saturday. Jones County’s backcourt is their bread and butter, Jaylen Sanford Jaylen Sanford 6'1" | CG Jones County | 2023 State GA and Daethan Harris Daethan Harris 5'9" | PG Jones County | 2023 State GA both having great senior seasons. Earlier in the year, they beat Grovetown and proved that their ceiling is a lot higher than most thought. This game could go a lot of different ways but I see Tucker winning with a big game from Lawson.
Prediction: Tucker (66-58)
Cedar Grove vs. Monroe Area (3A)
Sat 2/25 6:00pm @ Monroe Area
In 3A, we see two of the tougher teams matchup in the 2nd round. Monroe Area has put together an excellent season, sitting at 24-4 on the year. Cedar Grove hasn’t won as many games but played a tougher schedule, grabbing impressive wins over Dutchtown, Rabun Gap, and Creekside Christian. Senior forward Darius Reynolds Darius Reynolds 6'6" | PF Cedar Grove | 2023 State GA is great around the basket and freshman phenom Manny Green Manny Green 6'7" | SF Cedar Grove | 2026 State GA has been having a sensational year. For Monroe Area, senior forward Jere’my Anderson is the primary scoring threat while the Newell brother provide steady guard play. This game could really go either way but I’m betting on Monroe Area.
Prediction: Monroe Area (69-67)