GHSA State Championship Preview
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We’re down to our last week of the 2023-2024 high school season and there’s history on the line in Macon for many programs. While some schools have the opportunity to repeat, others will be looking to bring home their first…
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Continue ReadingWe’re down to our last week of the 2023-2024 high school season and there’s history on the line in Macon for many programs. While some schools have the opportunity to repeat, others will be looking to bring home their first state championship in school history. We break down each game and tell you what needs to happen for each team to bring home the trophy.
McEachern vs. Grayson (7A)
Georgia high school basketball fans have been looking forward to this all season. Grayson and McEachern have been #1 and #2 in the rankings since the start of the season. Grayson’s first five features D1 guys across the board and they don’t have many weaknesses. Ace Bailey Ace Bailey 6'9" | SF McEachern | 2024 State #2 Nation GA will need a legendary performance if he wants to bring the trophy back to Powder Springs. He’s certainly capable though.
Alexander vs. Riverwood (6A)
While many have expected Alexander to repeat as champions, a team like Riverwood could pose a real threat. Riverwood has had their ups and downs this year but they’re led by two of the state’s deadliest scorers, Karris Bilal Karris Bilal 6'2" | PG Riverwood | 2024 State #243 Nation GA and JR Leonard. Alexander protects the rim well inside but they’ll need their perimeter defenders like Jermaine Freeman Jermaine Freeman 6'2" | SG Alexander | 2024 State GA to really step up and make things tough for the opposing guards. Braedan Lue Braedan Lue 6'8" | PF Alexander | 2024 State #84 Nation GA should be the focal point for Alexander as Riverwood will have to get creative in defending him. Alexander comes in as the favorite but if Bilal or Leonard are feeling it, Riverwood could pull it off.
Kell vs. Eagles Landing (5A)
Kell has been on a historic run over the past few months and another win in Macon would really cement the legacy of this senior group. CJ Brown CJ Brown 6'2" | PG Kell | 2024 State #150 Nation GA is playing at an extremely high level right now while Chris McLavish has emerged as a major piece throughout their playoff run. That being said, Eagles Landing will be no easy opponent. They’ve found their groove at the right time and will certainly be looking for revenge after losing to Kell in Macon last year.
Holy Innocents vs. North Oconee (4A)
Holy Innocents and North Oconee will meet on Wednesday for the 4A championship, a battle between two very different teams. While Holy Innocents is led by big name prospects like Caleb Wilson Caleb Wilson 6'10" | PF Holy Innocents | 2025 State #3 Nation GA and Devin Hutcherson Devin Hutcherson 6'4" | SG Holy Innocents' | 2026 State GA , North Oconee is full of guys that have flown under the radar and play with a chip on their shoulder. Khamari Brooks Khamari Brooks 6'4" | PF North Oconee | 2026 State GA was the x-factor in their final 4 game, going for 28 points and hitting the game-winner. He’ll need to step up and limit Caleb Wilson Caleb Wilson 6'10" | PF Holy Innocents | 2025 State #3 Nation GA who’s averaging 20.6 PPG and 14.5 RPG.
Sandy Creek vs. Johnson-Savannah (3A)
Sandy Creek is looking to repeat in 3A after finally getting over the hump last year. They’ve clearly been the best team in 3A this year, led by two excellent seniors in Micah Smith Micah Smith 6'7" | SF Sandy Creek | 2024 State #144 Nation GA and Amari Brown Amari Brown 6'3" | PG Sandy Creek | 2024 State GA . Johnson-Savannah comes from the other side of the bracket and they’ve beat a number of solid teams throughout their playoff run. Sandy Creek should keep the hardware in Tyrone but if Johnson-Savannah can win one more, they’d shock the state.
Westside-Augusta vs. Toombs County (2A)
Westside-Augusta returns to Macon this year with quite a different group. Demarco Middleton Demarco Middleton 6'2" | PG Westside-Augusta | 2024 State GA and Lavonta Ivory lead the charge, both senior guards that’ll end up playing at the next level. They’re 28-4 right now and have been the favorite to win 2A for most of the year. Toombs County, on the other hand, went overlooked through much of the regular season despite only losing two games. Now, Dominic Eason Dominic Eason 6'5" | SF Toombs County | 2024 State GA and company will try to show the rest of the state what Toombs County is all about.
Mt. Vernon vs. Paideia (1A-D1)
Region 6 has ruled 1A-D1 for as long as it’s existed so it’s only right we get two of those teams squaring off in Macon. Paideia and Mt. Vernon will meet for the 3rd time this year after splitting the first two games. I’ll have my eye on the battle between CJ Harper CJ Harper 6'2" | PG Paideia | 2026 State GA and KJ Garris, both D1 guard prospects. Mt. Vernon will have the size advantage inside and I’m expecting a big game from Xavier Shegog Xavier Shegog 6'6" | PF Mt. Vernon | 2024 State GA . Both teams will be fighting for their first state championship since joining the GHSA.
Greenforest vs. Manchester (1A-D2)
Greenforest has been one of the hottest teams in the state since January and they’ll be hungry to bring the trophy back to Decatur this year. They’re led by a strong group of seniors, all of which are playing well right now. For Manchester, it’s an opportunity to take down Goliath as Greenforest has been a perennial powerhouse over the last decade. A win on Wednesday would be monumental for Manchester.