Best Game
Baldwin vs. Westover
The Braves will be taking the 2+ hour drive to Albany to take on Westover and junior forward Isaac Abidde. Abidde is one of the best athletes in the state and a double-double machine. Baldwin will try to overcome his presence and will need a big performance from William Freeman to do so. Freeman is one of the better scorers in middle Georgia and has the opportunity to make his mark on the state tournament in this one.
Best Look Ahead
Sandy Creek vs. Woodward Academy
How do you not look ahead to this potential third round clash? A potential monster matchup between the best front court players in Georgia’s 2020 and 2021 classes in Woodward’s McDonalds All American center Walker Kessler and Sandy Creek five-star forward Jabari Smith (Pictured). Throw in some of the other prospects in this game like Woodward’s Will Richard and Emory Lanier and Sandy Creek forward Deshon Proctor and this game absolutely loaded.
Best Player Matchup
TyQuan Davis vs. North Clayton Duo
I’m look down to Middle Georgia for a matchup between West Laurens and North Clayton. TyQuan Davis is a speedy lead guard who carries a big load for West Laurens, averaging over 17 points per game. He’ll need a big performance in a matchup against Jermaine Lattimore and Xavier Valley, who are a great inside-out combo and high level producers for North Clayton.
Most Intriguing Storyline
The Power Up Top
Some of the top seeds in the tournament steam rolled through the regular season and potential matchups between these teams in later rounds could be massive games. Americus Sumter, LaFayette, Sandy Creek, and Denmark each finished with an unblemished region record while Sandy Creek and Upson Lee only lost one game each in region play. If this bracket holds chalk, we could be in for some fun in the later rounds.
Most Likely to Make a Name
Cam Porter, Lafayette
One of the sleepers in North Georgia in the 2021 class, Porter has an extremely high ceiling and has been a solid producer this year for the Ramblers. At a long 6-foot-6, he can finish above the rim and rebounds the ball at a high level. Lafayette is primed for a run in this tournament, and he can be one of the pieces that can help them end the season on a high note and make his mark. As his skill level continues to improve, look for his name to be mentioned more and more.
Sleeper Team to Make A Run
Chapel Hill
The Pathers are battle-tested and have the pieces that are more than capable of making a good run in this tournament. Mike Bell and KJ Doucet lead the way in terms of production, and freshman big man Kelvin Hunter has shown signs of a very high ceiling and the ability to use his length to protect the rim. It would not shock me if they were still dancing towards the end of February.