GHSA basketball final

The Georgia High School basketball championships will be conducted this week at the Macon Centreplex Wednesday through Saturday.

WATCH LIVE:  The Following Girls Games on GPB.org: 2A (Thu. 12p), 4A (Wed 5p) , 6A (Fri. 5p), 7A (Sat. 5p)

There are three girls teams and three boys teams who are returning to the finals to defend their titles, although four are competing in a different classification. There are 10 teams looking for their first state championship. Cross Creek is the only school with a team in the boys and girls championship games.

Here is a look at the eight girls championship matchups. The capsules for the boys games will be posted on Tuesday.

Class A Private

St. Francis (21-4) vs. Hebron Christian (28-2)

When: Wednesday, noon.

Need to know about St. Francis: The high-scoring Knights bring a nine-game winning streak into the championship game. Do-it-all point guard Mia Moore was the Region 6 Co-Player of the Year; she averages 14.2 points, 3.3 assists and 2.8 steals. Moore has signed with Mississippi State. Sophomores Trynce Taylor (12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds; second-team all-region) and first-team all-region Erica Moon (10., 4.2 assists, 5.0 steals) are both in double figures. Freshman Sara Wyatt averages 8.3 points and 4.4 rebounds on one of the youngest teams in the state.  How they got there: Def. North Cobb Christian 68-41, def. Wesleyan 59-48, def. Eagle’s Landing Christian 56-42, def. Holy Innocents’ 56-50.

Need to know about Hebron Christian: The Lions have won 22 in a row, which includes victories over Class 7A finalist Marietta and a litany of other powers like Collins Hill Southwest DeKalb and Holy Innocents’. Malia Fisher, a 6-2 senior, was the Region 5 Player of the Year. Fisher averages 15.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 blocks and has signed with Rice. Nicole Azar, a first-team all-region choice and Samford signee, averages 19.9 points and is deadly from 3-point range. Point guard Carly Fahey, who signed with UNC-Asheville, averages 6.6 assists. Carly Heidger is a 6-3 post who has signed with Samford and Jessie Parish is a 6-2 junior; both provide points and presence inside. How they got there: Def. George Walton 83-12, def. Christian Heritage 85-45, def. Stratford Academy 79-24, def. Galloway 68-54.

State tournament history: St. Francis has won three state championships (2013, 2015 and 2016). Hebron Christian has never won a state championship.

 

Class A Public

Calhoun County (13-1) vs. Clinch County (20-1)

When: Saturday, 10 a.m.

Need to know about Calhoun County: The Cougars did not play the entire month of January because of COVID. Since returning, they have won 10 straight in very convincing manner. None of those games were closer than 15 points until the semifinal win over Commerce. Maya Sims brings toughness to the inside and Ayanni Mansfield and Lauren Massey provide the outside punch. How they got there:  Def. Telfair County 64-32, def. Brooks County 48-27, def. Georgia Military 61-34, def. Commerce 46-38.

Need to know about Clinch County: The Panthers get much mileage from senior Angel McCrae, who can create turnovers with her quickness on defense, and the explosive Zy Johnson, who scored nine in the first quarter of the semifinal win. McCrae even had 25 rebounds against Montgomery County. How they got there: def. Jenkins County 70-38, def. Montgomery County 57-38, def. Lake Oconee Academy 57-53, def. Greenville 58-52.

State tournament history: Calhoun County has never won a state championship. Clinch County has won four championships (1976, 1987, 1991 and 1993).

Class 2A

Josey (19-6) vs. Fannin County (23-4)

When: Thursday, noon.

Need to know about Josey: First-team all-Region 4 players Arieonna Booker (10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds) and Deajah Houck (10.1 points) lead a well-balanced team that has played at a high level all year. Kyshonna Brown (9.5 points, 5.2 rebounds) and Aqoyas Cody (8.9 points, 7.0 rebounds) were both second team all-region selections and are quick to gobble up any loose shots. Cody led the team with 17 in the semifinal win. How they got there: Def. Fitzgerald 70-49, def. East Laurens 47-39, def. Elbert County 46-44, def. Washington County 47-43.

Need to know about Fannin County: The Rebels, winners of 17 straight, are led by Region 7 Player of the Year Becca Ledford, a 5-foot-6 junior point guard. Ledford hit the winning layup at the buzzer, off a steal and pass from freshman Courtney Davis, to beat Butler in the Final Four. Davis and senior Abby Ledford were also first-team all-region choices, while Reagan York and Mackenzie Johnson earned a spot on the second team. How they got there: def. Lovett 65-47, def. Heard County 54-46, def. Early County 66-64, def. Butler 43-41.

State tournament history: Josey won the state championship in 1998. Fannin County has won two state championships (1993-94).

 

Class 3A

Cross Creek (22-2) vs. Greater Atlanta Christian (15-7)

When: Friday, noon

Need to know about Cross Creek: The Razorbacks bring an 18-game winning streak into the championship game. Jordyn Dorsey, a North Carolina A&T signee, was the Region 4 Player of the Year and averages 22 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.8 steals. Dorsey has scored 20-plus points in the last 12 games, including 32 against Appling County in the quarterfinals. Michaela Bogans (10.5 points), Erin Martin (8.7 points) were first team all-region and. Jenna Wilson (5.6 rebounds) was named to the second team. The Razorbacks won their semifinal game by going the length of the court with 5.8 seconds left for Martin’s winning layup. How they got there: Def. Appling County 64-21, def. Americus-Sumter 51-41, def. Sonoraville 51-47, def. Lumpkin County 46-45.

Need to know about Greater Atlanta Christian: The Spartans have a nice mix of inside and outside players. Kaleigh Addie (20.9 points, 3.5 assists, 3.9 steals) and Jaci Bolden (15.4 points) are a pair of quick junior guards who can take it inside or bomb away from 3. Addie is the team’s floor leader and both were first-team All-Region 5 selections. Laurren Randolph (8.9 points, 7.6 rebounds) and Molly Pritchard (9.6 rebounds) are tall and make it tough for the opposition to get much going around the rim. How they got there: Def. Oconee County 40-36, def. Gilmer 64-39, def. Johnson Savannah 53-43, def. Upson-Lee 48-35.

State tournament history: Cross Creek has never won a state championship. Greater Atlanta Christian has won nine championships (1972, 1974, 1975, 1982, 1983, 2001, 2002, 2007 and 2020).

 

Class 4A

Carver-Columbus (14-2) vs. Cairo (18-1)

When: Wednesday, 5 p.m.

Need to know about Carver: The Tigers, who earned their fifth consecutive region title, have won 14 straight and look to win their second title in three seasons; they won it all in 2019. Clemson signee Kionna Gaines, a 5-9 senior, does it all for Carver; the four-star prospect averages 20.3 points and 7.0 rebounds. She is rated as the No. 19 guard in the country by ESPN. How they got there: First-round bye; def. Westside Macon 86-43, def. Jefferson 61-60, def. Cedar Shoals 74-70.

Need to know about Cairo: Veteran shooting guard Ambria Vicks is a complete player who averages 19.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists. The 5-foot-7 senior was named Region 1 Player of the Year. Chambria Vicks (10.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and Leah Perry (11.1 points, 9.8 rebounds) were also first team selections. Jy’Nijah Cooper (7.2 points) was named to the second team and Ta’Kayah Bradshaw (3.9 rebounds) was an honorable mention choice. How they got there: Def. West Laurens 55-43, def. Hardaway 58-48, def. Pickens 51-49, def Troup 55-51.

State tournament history: Cairo has won two state championships (1974 and 1982). Carver won the championship in 2019.

 

Class 5A

Woodward Academy (21-1) vs. Forest Park (24-5)

When: Thursday, 5 p.m.

Need to know about Woodward Academy: The No. 1-ranked War Eagles have won 20 straight, thanks to its intimidating defensive style and some timely scoring by Sydney Bowles and Sara Lewis. Bowles, a 6-foot- junior, is a big-time prospect who can drive it to the basket or step back and loft in a succession of 3-pointers; she averages 22.8 points and nine rebounds. Lewis, a 6-1 junior, averages 17.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 steals. Kai Lanier, daughter of Georgia State coach Rob Lanier, averages 8.0 points and is a tenacious defender. How they got there: Def. Harris County 75-30, def. Coffee 71-44, def. Southwest DeKalb 70-59, def. Griffin 75-52.

Need to know about Forest Park: The Panthers won the Class 6A championship a year ago and has much of the returning cast returning, including 6-foot-4 all-state selection Sania Feagin, last year’s Gatorade Player of the Year. Feagin averages 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.1 blocks; she has signed with South Carolina. It’s hardly a one-girl show, as Olympia Chaney (11.1 points, 3.1 assists, 3.1 steals), Jasmine Stevens (9.4 points, 6.0 rebounds) and Ghylissa Knowles all bring senior experience. Yasmine Allen, a 5-10 freshman, averages 7.6 points and 2.3 rebounds. How they got there: Def. Northside-Columbus 81-37, def. Warner Robins 51-25, def. Hiram 42-27, def. Dutchtown 61-50.

State tournament history: Woodward Academy has won three state championships (1995, 1996 and 1999). Forest Park has won two state championships (1970 and 2020).

 

Class 6A

Carrollton (30-1) vs. Westlake (19-0)

When: Friday, 5 p.m..

Need to know about Carrollton: The Trojans are riding a 22-game winning streak; their only loss came to Class 7 powerhouse McEachern. Carrollton is led by 5-foot-7 guard De’Mauri Flournoy, the Region 5 Player of the Year, who scored her 2,000th career point last month. Flounoy is a point guard who has signed with Vanderbilt and is especially skillful at attacking the basket. The Trojans are far from a one-player team – Kehinde Obasuyl was a first-team all-region selection and Kanija Daniel, JeNee’ Edwards and Eghosa Obasuyi all made the second team. How they got there: Def. Lanier 68-33, def. Sequoyah 64-43, def. Hughes 49-40, def. Lovejoy 73-48.

Need to know about Westlake: The Lions will be trying to win their fourth straight state championship under coach Hilda Hankerson. The sparkpug is Raven Johnson, the Region 4 Player of the Year and South Carolina signee. Johnson, a 5-foot-8 senior, averages 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 3.8 steals. She is rated as the No. 1 point guard in the country by ESPN. But the team’s leading scorer is junior TaNiya Latson, who averages 23.1 points. Brianna Turnage averages 10.2 points and 6.9 rebounds and Misia McKinney averages 8.0 points and 3.4 rebounds. All were on the all-region team. How they got there: Def. Northside-Warner Robins 85-30, def. Brunswick 84-36, def Kell 55-46, def. River Ridge 68-30.

State tournament history: Carrollton won the state championship in 2009. Westlake has won three state championships (2018, 2019, 2020).

 

 

Class 7A

Marietta (20-5) vs. Woodstock (22-8)

When: Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

Need to know about Marietta: The Blue Devils avenged a regular-season loss to mighty McEachern in the semifinals and advanced to the title game. Marietta is led by Region 3 Player of the Year Lauren Walker, a 6-foot-2 senior who averages 18.2 points and 10.4 rebounds, has signed with Michigan State. Point guard Chloe Sterling, another first-team all-region pick, averages 15.6 points and 6.8 rebounds. Marietta may be the most battle-tested team in the field. The Blue Devils have survived a series of close games in the playoffs, including a four-overtime thriller against Cherokee. How they got there: Def. Pebblebrook 52-49, def. Parkview 58-54, def. Cherokee 54-53, def. McEachern 62-61.

Need to know about Woodstock: The Wolverines are playing in the state championship game for the first time and seek to become the first Cherokee County team to win it all since Etowah in 2005. Junior Bridget Utberg, who scored 29 in the semifinal win over Brookwood, has carried the team. Utberg averages 22.9 points and 4.5 assists and was named the Region 8 Co-Player of the year. Karson Martin  averages 14.8 points and 4.8 rebounds. Savannah Casey (7.2 rebounds) is the only senior in the regular rotation. How they got there: Def. North Gwinnett 65-48, def. Archer 52-49, def. Newton 64-39, def. Brookwood 75-58.

State tournament history: Marietta won the state championship in 1951. Woodstock has never won a state championship.