GHSA Top 25 (12/19 UPDATE)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first two weeks of December have brought plenty of drama, a handful of upsets shaking up the rankings. We'll continue to see what these teams are made of as most of them have some tough tests ahead before shifting focus to region play. Here we'll break down the top storylines around the state and break down the latest movement in our power rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pace Academy moves up to #4 by maintaining a perfect record while Wheeler and Berkmar both suffer disappointing losses. The Knights are extremely talented and well-coached but they'll be put to the test on Wednesday against Christ the King out of New York.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sandy Creek enters the top 5 this week, their only loss coming to #1 Grayson in the final minute of the game. [player_tooltip player_id='1204748' first='Amari' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2633658' first='Jared' last='White'] are both playing great basketball right now while 6'7 forward [player_tooltip player_id='1050448' first='Micah' last='Smith'] serves as the ultimate swiss army knife. They'll take on #24 Buford on Friday before heading to Arkansas for King Cotton Invitational.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shiloh is on a roll to start the year and they're up to #13 in the new update. [player_tooltip player_id='1383029' first='Tylis' last='Jordan'] has clearly taken the next step towards stardom and the emergence of [player_tooltip player_id='1686674' first='Jullien' last='Cole'] has made for quite a 1-2 punch. They've tallied impressive wins over Norcross, Riverwood, and Kimball (TX) while their only loss came in a close game with #7 Berkmar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westside-Augusta makes it's first appearance in the top 25 following a statement win over #17 McDonough. If there's one thing to know about this year's Westside team, it's that they can score the ball. Through 9 games, they're averaging over 83 points per game. The Patriots are looking like a legitimate contender in 2A again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dacula also enters our top 25, sliding in at #19 after a big win against #14 Archer. 6'8 senior, [player_tooltip player_id='2295941' first='Elahi' last='Akida'], is playing extremely well around the rim while [player_tooltip player_id='2295938' first='Jaden' last='Mattison'] has been utilizing his expanded scoring package. Head coach Derrick Herbert is already stirring up buzz in his first year with the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Columbia has started the year 11-0 and while their schedule lacks big name programs, the consistency and roster talent are worthy of a spot in our top 25. [player_tooltip player_id='2046330' first='Trevian' last='Callaway'] and Quay Wallace complement each other extremely well in the backcourt, Callaway able to provide instant scoring while Wallace excels on the defensive end and doesn't need the ball in his hands to affect the scoresheet. They'll contend for the 2A state championship again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->