Norcross vs. Newton
Why Norcross Will Win: The Blue Devils have had some insane playoff crowds over the years, and this one could be a huge advantage and provide a ton of energy. This is a senior-led team that has been battle-tested this season with a number of guys that could show up and give production. Norcross hit ten threes in their first round win over Collins Hill, and Georgia commit Mari Jordan went for 36 in the second round win over Osborne. If the Blue Devils shoot the ball well or get a huge individual performance again, they could easily be Final Four bound.
Why Newton Will Win: The most important thing for Newton right now is the fact that they are healthy. The Rams have been missing guys all year, but are in full at the right time. If they can hold their composure in a tough road environment, they have the dogs needed to win here and win the whole thing. We know Stephon Castle and Jakai Newton are going to have their moments, but the supporting cast will be huge, as Marcus Whitlock was in the second round against Pebblebrook, scoring 26 points.
Cherokee vs. Carrollton
Why Cherokee Will Win: Seniors & Experience. They've had guys that have been through tough games before and this will be familiar territory for them. They have a balanced group with a number of guys that can beat you as we've seen all year from guys like Cameron Pope, Tayden Owens, Dastin Hart, Mason Bennett, and Lawrence Sanford.
Why Carrollton Will Win: Carrollton has a team that can win games off of its athleticism and energy. If they can get a good home crowd behind them and play at the tempo and speed that they want to play at, they can use their physical abilities on both ends of the floor to help them gain a big advantage in this one. They've played in a tough region this season, so they know how to win these types of games.
McEachern vs. Wheeler
Why McEachern Will Win: McEachern has one of the most talented, balanced deepest rosters that you'll find in the south, which means they can beat you in a variety of ways. We all know the accolades of Ace Bailey, Jamichael Davis, Moses Hipps, and JD Palm. Wheeler has the size and talent to match up with the Indians, so this one could come down to that depth and production from one of their other players like Jalen Hilliard, who had a huge second round performance against Westlake.
Why Wheeler Will Win: This team has a championship pedigree and they've been here before. Their incredible trio of Isaiah Collier, Arrinten Page, and Jelani Hamilton has been great all season. Those guys will have their fair share of production here too as they always do. But much like McEachern, this one could come down to one of those other guys like Ricky McKenzie, Josh Hill, DJ Mitchell, and Kota Suttle.
Grayson vs. Walton
Why Grayson Will Win: The Rams have the advantage with their size and athleticism. If they can find ways to disrupt Walton's flow on offense with their combination of ball pressure and rim protection, they should be able to get to the Final Four out of this quadrant. They have a balanced group and should be able to find someone to have a big night offensively.
Why Walton Will Win: The three point line is a huge equalizer and the Raiders have plenty of firepower shooting the ball. Luke Flynn, Caesar Burrows, and JP Wells are capable of scoring at a high level from the perimeter and execute well on the offensive end. They'll also need a solid performance from guys like Harrison Morris in their frontcourt as the Rams have a considerable size advantage.