North Gwinnett vs. Pebblebrook
Last week went very differently for these two teams. Pebblebrook has steamrolled through the first two rounds, with wins over North Cobb and Newton by a combined 68 points. They have a tough, talented group of seniors playing some of the best basketball of their career currently. North Gwinnett has had two hard-fought, grind-it-out wins against Roswell and Norcross, which are the type of games teams need to be able to win in the postseason. Being able to win in different ways, be it that fashion or in a shoot out should benefit the Bulldogs greatly. This one also features a great matchup between Pebblebrook’s Tyler Shirley and North’s RJ Godfrey.
Evans vs. Centennial
Evans has been one of the best teams in East Georgia all year, led by senior wing Rashad King and a great group of guards in Joshton Mincey, Brasen James, and Devin Story. They will take on a Centennial team with a very good, versatile group of guards as well with seniors Logan Turner and Kyle Duncan as well as sophomore Mansir Williamson. Look for a potential senior matchup between Evans’ King and Centennial’s Duncan to be a good one. They are two of the more versatile players in Georgia’s 2021 class.
Wheeler vs. Richmond Hill
The defending champions in 7-A, Wheeler will make the long trip down towards the coast to take on Richmond Hill, winners of Region 2. Richmond Hill is led by senior guard Jaeden Marshall (Pictured), who is a Swiss Army Knife type of player and can do a little of everything. Juniors Brayden Baker and Leighton Finley are double-double threats on any given night. Wheeler is led by a great group of seniors and have the size, toughness, and athleticism that make them difficult for anyone to match. Wheeler wing and Dayton signee Kaleb Washington can also act as a great equalizer and can seemingly defend any position and make opposing players a non-factor when he is locked in.
LaFayette vs. Cross Creek
A long distance separates these two teams, LaFayette one of the best teams in Northwest Georgia and Cross Creek one of the best in East Georgia. LaFayette is led by junior wing/forward Aidan Hadaway and senior wing/forward DeCameron Porter. Both are very versatile and can fill up a scoresheet on on any given night. Cross Creek is the defending state runner-up in 4-A and look hungry to continue their run this season. Seniors Devin Pope, Josh Dorsey, and Richard Visitacion have come up big in the first two rounds. Corey Trotter and Antoine Lorick should provide size and a boost on the interior and around the rim.
Lovett vs. Swainsboro
Swainsboro, winners of 18 in a row, will play host to Lovett, who have cruised through the first two rounds. Swainsboro is led by highly athletic wing and Region 2-AA POY Fredrick Seabrough, an NC State football signee. They will need a way to contain Lovett senior center and Georgetown signee Ryan Mutombo, who has played tremendously in the first two rounds, including a 34-point, 7-block performance in the second round win over Elbert County.
Saint Francis vs. Greenforest
We have seen this matchup in A-Private state tournaments and state championship games a number of times. This one should provide some fireworks as those did. Saint Francis senior wing and Alabama signee Jusaun Holt came up huge in a second round win over Galloway, knocking down huge shots down the stretch. He will be leaned on heavily again in this one and will need to bring his best. Greenforest features guards Chase Cormier, Jalen Forrest, and Jaylen Jackson along with a number of good young big men, including sophomore 7-footer Gai Atem.