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RYZE Hoops Staff

Previewing GHSA AAAA Elite Eight



Woodward Academy vs. Sandy Creek - Wednesday 7:00pm

Two of the best teams in the state will do battle in the Elite Eight in this one, but the eyes will be on the player matchup of the year between two five star bigs, Woodward’s five star center and North Carolina signee Walker Kessler and Sandy Creek 2021 five star forward Jabari Smith. These two guys have elite level size and skill level and both can score on the interior and can stretch the floor and shoot from the perimeter. As far as player matchups, it does not get much better. However, the same can be said about the teams. Woodward features Davidson signee Emory Lanier as well as wing Will Richard and guard Michael Whitmore while Sandy Creek will have Dehson Proctor and Daryl Rice alongside Smith.


Upson Lee vs. Denmark - Tuesday 7:00pm

Upson Lee’s success over the past few years is no secret nor is it a stranger to some controversial discussions. One thing is for sure, they will have motivation in playing any team from Metro Atlanta and the home court advantage will be undeniable. However, the Danes have been one of the best teams in Georgia than seemingly goes under the radar. With PG Sutton Smith along with wing Robert Cowherd and forward Adonnis Tolbert, Denmark certainly has the pieces to keep their tournament run going in this one. These North/South Georgia matchups are always a lot of fun.


St. Pius vs. Americus Sumter - Tuesday 7:00pm

Another North/South match-up and a rematch from last year when Americus Sumter topped St. Pius on their way to the state title game, where they lost a nail-biter. Like the previously mentioned match-up, the home court in this one should be fantastic as the X-Dome always has one of the best student sections in the state. St. Pius is led by guard Brooks Kahlert and big man Jack Verrill and will be opposed by a hard-nosed group from Americus Sumter led by senior guard Trae Brown, who has had a good run down the stretch of his senior season.


Lafayette vs. Cross Creek - Tuesday 6:30pm

Cross Creek will make the long trek from August up to northwest Georgia to take on a red hot Lafayette Ramblers team, who are winners of ten straight. The Ramblers are led by Region 6 POY Aidan Hadaway, who scored 19 points in their second round win over McDonough. He is joined by Junior Barber and Cam Porter who have also provided big production. Look for the 6-foot-6 Porter to be a big factor in this one. Cross Creek has used their defense in getting to this point, allowing just 32 points in a win over Marist in the second round. They are led by high scoring wing and Presbyterian signee Kobe Stewart, who scores over 20 points per game.

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