Head coach Sharman White helped start up the Miller Grove basketball program in 2004. Now, the Wolverines are one of the top programs in the state and the defending state champions have established themselves as one of the best teams in Class 4A once again this season. The 2009-10 year was expected to be a rebuilding one thanks to the graduation of a multitude of gifted seniors last season, leaving them with an incredibly young roster this year that featured seven sophomores. Yet after a 65-47 win over Lithia Springs- their 20th straight victory-MGHS is in the state semifinals again.
Senior Donte Williams has led the team all season and is one of the top post prospects in the state, averaging a double-double and was a major defensive presence in the quarterfinal victory over Lithia Springs. Junior Henry Brooks had 14 points and sophomore Justin Colvin was right behind with 12. And they did all of it without 6-9 Tony Parker, a huge talent in the post that is also just 10th grader.
The Wolverines played Wednesday evening against 30-1 Richmond Academy. Results were not available at press time. If they can beat the Musketeers, they advance to the state championship game on Friday at Gwinnett Arena.
While Miller Grove is emerging as a perennial contender in Class 4A, Columbia has been such in 3A for quite some time. Phillip McCrary’s team advanced to its fifth consecutive Final Four last week in a 68-54 win over Elbert Co. At 26-5 this Eagles team has been as good as ever. Northwestern commit JerShon Cobb was dynamite all season and Chris Grier joined him to form perhaps the best backcourt in the state. Grier led all scorers in the win with 24 while Cobb had 21. The Eagles go back to work on Friday evening against Westover at the Macon Centreplex. If Columbia wins that one, they will play in the state championship game on Saturday, facing the winner of North Hall and LaGrange.
The Stephenson Jaguars started slow this season, including a four-game losing streak in late January that embarrassed the proud program. But they responded by scrapping into the state tournament where they had some success. But their season finally came to an end after being blown out by Westlake 75-48 in the Elite Eight. Sophomore Derek Harper, a player to watch over the coming years, led SHS with 13 points.
GIRLS TEAMS CONTINUE STATE DOMINANCE …
On the girls side, several DeKalb teams are also right back where they belong. One of them is the 2008 state champs, Southwest DeKalb. With an incredible group of eight seniors that feature several big time college prospects, the Lady Panthers have been practically unstoppable this season, beating Loganville in the quarterfinal 53-50 thanks to 16 points from senior Alonda Rivers. Chancie Dunn, Kayla Lewis, and many more also lead the charge to the semifinals.
As good as SWD has been, Redan has been even better over the last three years. Last year’s state champs have won an unbelievable 57 consecutive games. They actually trailed in the second quarter in the quarterfinal round against Bradwell Institute, but didn’t appear to struggle in a 71-50 win. Aneesah Daniels was key with 18 points. But it was superstar point guard Alisha Andrews’ seven 3-pointers that paved the way to Gwinnett Arena. The diminutive yet electrifying senior has been offered by essentially every big time D-1 program, among them being Tennessee and North Carolina.
The Columbia girls team joins its male counterparts in Macon in a matchup with LaGrange. The Eagles advanced to the semis with a convincing 46-17 win over East Hall. Zuri Frost scored 12 points, while Akila McDonald had 11. They would play the victor of Kendrick and Carver, Atlanta on Saturday should they win.
Stephenson went out of the tournament in a 63-53 loss to a stacked Westlake squad. Hiydaayah Williams had 14 in a losing effort.
With a 4-1 win over Chamblee, the St. Pius soccer team continued their undefeated season, raising their record to 4-0. They are ranked No. 1 in AAA. Also in region 5-AAA is No. 9 Druid Hills, who are 4-1 despite fielding an extremely young team this year.
Loading ...
