3A semifinal preview

From Score Atlanta reporter Josh Bagriansky:

It’s been a wild ride in AAA.

The top two ranked teams were eliminated in the first two rounds of the boys tournament, leaving Scott Bracco’s Dunwoody team looking primed for a third state championship in four years. They are not just the favorites in AAA, but also one of the best teams in all classifications. Big time recruits Chris Singleton (FSU) and Delwan Graham (LSU) can both jump out of the gym. And the backcourt of Pierre Jordan (also a future-Seminole) and Issiah Grayson is not too shabby either. To be honest, it’s hard to imagine anyone stopping DHS, especially a young team like Carver-Columbus, who face off with the ‘Cats in the semis.

Seeing Hart County get this far was a shock for a lot of us, but they proved they belong in two surprising victories against Blessed Trinity and East Hall. They’re an athletically-gifted team that features a great post scorer in Quint Clinkscales. They beat two very tough opponents in the first two rounds in Blessed Trinity and East Hall, so I wouldn’t count on them being intimidated.

HC will have their hands full against Glenn Hills. Keep an eye on Jerel Stephenson and Chris Reynolds. They are two great talents that have flown under the radar all season. If anyone can beat Dunwoody, I think it’s these guys.

The girls side also features a clear favorite. Kendrick has simply dominated their competition all year long. They haven’t lost this season, and they haven’t really come close to defeat. Janae McKinney is a great scorer and Mukia Merrick is one of the top distributors in AAA. The only question for the Lady Cherokees is whether they can keep their composure if someone keeps it close.

Monroe Area has the tough task of facing KHS, but they have their own dynamic duo in Maya Brown and Brittany Kirkland.

The Glenn Hills-Carrolton game will be fun. I can’t wait to see Ciara Lyons, who is one of the best scorers in the state, regardless of gender or classification. Carrolton has a real talent of its own in Velicia Bell. Watching those two match up will be a lot of fun.

Bagriansky can be reached at JoshB914@gmail.com.

Class 3A quarterfinals preview

From Score Atlanta reporter Josh Bagriansky:

If there's anything we know about the state tournament, it's that we don't really know anything. I have to admit, I was one of those Region 5-AAA snobs who was sure that at least two of those teams were destined for the Final Four. But after Hart County beat Blessed Trinity, only Dunwoody remains from the region.

The fall of 5-AAA has been the story for me. We always hear about the teams in the metro area, but there is great basketball being played all throughout the state. Big-time props go out to Flowery Branch, East Hall and Hart County; all three defeated 5-AAA teams at some point in the tournament and are headed to the Elite 8 this weekend.

One non-Atlanta team to watch is Glenn Hills, which hasn't lost a game since just before Christmas. The team has a great duo in Chris Reynolds and Jerel Stephenson, who were key in the win over defending champion Jordan last round.

I've still got to say that Dunwoody is my favorite to win it all. They're loaded with talent and impossible for most of these 3A teams to match up with. Delwan Graham and Chris Singleton are a ridiculous combination of size and athleticism, and the backcourt of Pierre Jordan and Issiah Grayson can get them the ball in scoring position all day long. But like I said, none of us know as much as we think, and that's what makes the tournament so great.

As for the girls, it looks like Kendrick just might get it done this year. They've come so close over the past several seasons; and if they don't get it done now, they might not get back for a while with all the talent that will graduate (four of five starters are seniors). The two most talented teams in the state are likely them and Hephzibah, which face off in the next round. Jasmine Judge is a do-it-all talent that will give them a shot against the Lady Cherokees. Look for Carrollton to make some noise as well, as they play Franklin County in the next round.

Bagriansky can be reached at JoshB914@gmail.com.