· Electromech Scoreboards 14 Hibbett Sports 16 Gatorade 19 U.S. Marines 21 Mizuno 23 Naturally Fresh 25 Musco Lighting 26 Choice Hotels 28 Equip-It 31 All-Star Outfitters 33 Photographic

55 The Arena At Gwinnett CenterMacon Coliseum

The Arena At Gwinnett CenterMacon Coliseum

March 11-142009

March 11-142009

FEATURESLetter from the Executive Director 6Daily Tournament Schedule 7Arena at Gwinnett Center/Macon Centreplex 8All-Georgia Teams 20Interview with GHSA Exec. Dir. Dr. Ralph Swearngin 30American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs 40Dodge Directors Cup 42Past State Champions 44

TEAM INFORMATIONAAASP Wheelchair Rosters 7AAAAA Boys 10AAAAA Girls 10AAAA Boys 13AAAA Girls 13AAA Boys 17AAA Girls 17AA Boys 22AA Girls 22A Boys 27A Girls 27 Tournament Brackets 32, 35, 36, 38, 41 Championship Previews 11, 15, 18, 24, 29

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CREDITSPublished by Score AtlantaPublisher I.J. Rosenberg

Managing Editor Tad ArapoglouArt Director David Gaudio

Editors Alex Ewalt, Scott JanovitzGHSA Media Relations Steve Figueroa

Marketing Alan Sharp

Photos courtesy of Photographic Arts(schoolpix.biz), Langston Sandlin/Z3 Photography,Blessed Trinity High School & Buford High School.

Order DVD/VHS copies of all televised games at Gametapes.com.

SPONSOR INDEXRegions Bank Inside Front CoverVerizon Wireless 3Georgia Lottery 4Georgia Public Broadcasting 9Jostens 12Electromech Scoreboards 14Hibbett Sports 16Gatorade 19U.S. Marines 21Mizuno 23Naturally Fresh 25Musco Lighting 26Choice Hotels 28Equip-It 31All-Star Outfitters 33Photographic Arts 33American Solutions for Business 34Wilson 37CSG/Sports Coating 39Sports Med South 43GaCollege411 45Georgia EMC 46Dodge Inside Back CoverState Farm Back Cover

66The Arena At Gwinnett CenterMacon Coliseum


March 11-142009

March 11-142009

Welcome to the semifinal and final rounds of the State Tournament!

On behalf of the Georgia High School Association, I want to thank you for your support ofthis year’s GHSA State Basketball playoffs and for your support of GHSA teams throughoutthis basketball season. I hope that you will enjoy these games with the intense level of com-petition that is a part of a “one-and-done” basketball tournament process.

The GHSA wants to express appreciation to the large number ofpeople who work behind the scenes to make this event happenat a high level of quality. GHSA workers plus the staffs of ourfine venues are ready to help you when needed.

The GHSA has high expectations in regard to the behavior of play-ers, coaches and fans. School-based athletics are special, and theseevents must be conducted in an atmosphere of good sports-manship. Please do your part to exemplify appropriatesporting behavior. Once again, thanks for your supportfor these schools and their athletes.

Cordially yours,

Dr. Ralph E. Swearngin Jr.Executive DirectorAL

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DAILY TOURNAMENTSCHEDULE

AT GWINNETT ARENAMarch 11

4 p.m. – Bainbridge vs. SW DeKalb (AAAA girls semifinal)5:30 p.m. – Bainbridge vs. Tucker (AAAA boys semifinal)

7 p.m. – Jonesboro vs. Fayette County (AAAA girls semifinal)8:30 p.m. – Richmond Acad. vs. Miller Grove (AAAA boys semifinal)

March 124 p.m. – Redan vs. Parkview (AAAAA girls semifinal)

5:30 p.m. – Newnan vs. Milton (AAAAA boys semifinal)7 p.m. – Beach vs. Marietta (AAAAA girls semifinal)

8:30 p.m. – Westlake vs. Wheeler (AAAAA boys semifinal)

March 1312:30 p.m. – AAASP Varsity Wheelchair

3 p.m. – AAAA Girls Championship4:45 p.m. – AAAA Boys Championship 7 p.m. – AAAAA Girls Championship

8:45 p.m. – AAAAA Boys Championship

AT MACON COLISEUMMarch 11

4 p.m. – Randolph-Clay vs. Wesleyan (A girls semifinal)5:30 p.m. – Turner County vs. Athens Christian (A boys semifinal)7 p.m. – Savannah Country Day vs. SW Atl. Chr. (A girls semifinal)8:30 p.m. – Wilcox County vs. Whitefield Acad. (A boys semifinal)

March 124 p.m. – Henry County vs. Model (AA girls semifinal)

5:30 p.m. – Greene County vs. Blessed Trinity (AA boys semifinal)7 p.m. – Laney vs. Buford (AA girls semifinal)

8:30 p.m. – Dublin vs. Greater Atl. Christian (AA boys semifinal)

March 13 4 p.m. – Rutland vs. Carrollton (AAA girls semifinal)

5:30 p.m. – Westover vs. Gainesville (AAA boys semifinal)7 p.m. – Baldwin vs. Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe (AAA girls semifinal)

8:30 p.m. – South Atlanta vs. Columbia (AAA boys semifinal)

March 1411 a.m. – A Girls Championship

12:45 p.m. – A Boys Championship3 p.m. – AA Girls Championship 4:45 – AA Boys Championship

7 p.m. – AAA Girls Championship8:45 p.m. – AAA Boys Championship

WEST GEORGIA WOLVERINES

NO PLAYER1 Logan Wegienka 2 Eugene Layne3 Laura Ray 12 Erica Gravley14 Justin Jones 15 Leslie Ann Hutchins50 Douglas Johnston

Coaches: Richard McIntyreand Ric McIntyre

ATLANTA WOLFPACK

NO PLAYER1 Omega Meade 2 Lacey Todd3 Christain Whitt 4 Rodreickus Griggs 5 Kailyn McKinnon 13 Terry Chambers14 Abubakar Garba 15 Joshua Porter 21 Aquintis Burnett22 Toraino Newton 23 Reece Johnson

Coaches: Jimmy Roberts andAndrea Arnold

AAASP WHEELCHAIR ROSTERS

Georgia Public Broadcasting will televise all 10final games live. The games will also be web-casted live and available on video on demand.

In association with the GHSA and GeorgiaPublic Broadcasting, Score Atlanta will webcastthe AAAA/AAAAA semifinal games at GwinnettArena on March 11th and 12th. These games

will be available live and on demand at

gpb.org/basketball.



March 11-142009

March 11-142009

THE ARENA ATGWINNETT CENTER

The Arena at Gwinnett Center is located in Duluth, Ga., which is 20 miles north of Atlanta. The Arena has beenopen for six years and has had tremendous success in a short period of time. The Arena was nominated for the2005 Pollstar Arena of the Year Award.

The Arena was constructed with the patrons in mind so there is truly not a bad seat in the house. Events can be heldto accommodate groups from 3,500 in an intimate theater-style setting up to 13,000 for a major concert or sportingevent. As a result, The Arena provides the best possible environment for experiencing a wide range of events.

The Arena has hosted many events over the last six years, including Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, The Eagles, BonJovi, George Strait, Martina McBride, The American Idol Tour, Stars on Ice, The Wiggles and many more. It is alsothe home of the Gwinnett Gladiators hockey team and Georgia Force Arena Football team.

Along with hosting these national shows, The Arena prides itself in hosting local community events. Along with theGeorgia High School Basketball Championships, The Arena has held the GHSA Wrestling Championships, and thefirst and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship Basketball Tournament.

The Arena at Gwinnett Center would like to thank everyone who has made the facility such a successover the past six years. For more information regarding events, please visit www.gwinnettcenter.com.

THE MACONCOLISEUM

The 9,252-capacity Macon Coliseum is the entertainment center for Macon and Middle Georgia’s 30 surroundingcounties. Built in 1968, it was the first facility of its size and type in the state and has housed full-house crowds forsuch greats as Elvis, The Jacksons, Billy Joel, Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Elton John, and of course, Georgiahigh school basketball!

In addition to concerts and family shows, the Coliseum is the perfect site for a variety of events from conventionsand trade shows to ice shows, circuses and just about any other sporting or entertainment event you can imagine.

And the location just can’t be beat. Located in the heart of Georgia, just 80 miles south of Atlanta and two milesoff of I-75, more than two-thirds of Georgia’s population lives within one hour of the facility.

Looking for something to do during our event’s downtime? Not to worry. Welcome to Macon, one of the most his-toric, hospitable, happening places in the South. It is a place with all the bustle of a big metropolis and all thecharm of a small Southern town.

Without a doubt, we have it all — from shopping and symphonies to professional sporting events, theaters, muse-ums, golf, historical tours and top-notch eateries!

Area highlights include:

• More than 4,000 hotel rooms and 200 restaurants, all close by;

• One of the largest malls in the southeastern U.S.;

• More historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places than any other city in Georgia;

• Museums galore, including the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Harriet

Tubman African-American Museum, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Museum.

For more info, call toll free at 877-523-6144 or go to www.maconcentreplex.com.TH

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AAAAA BOYS ROSTERSMilton Eagles

Red, White & Blue • 6-AAAAAHead Coach: David Boyd

No Player Ht Pos Gr3 Chase Coleman 5-8 PG 95 Eric White 6-0 PG 1210 Joshua Green 6-2 PG 1112 Shannon Scott 6-2 PG 1015 Kevin Kornegay 6-2 PG 1020 Jordan Loyd 6-1 PG 1021 Erik Schuelke 6-1 PF 1222 Brody Littley 6-1 SG 1223 Dai-Jon Parker 6-4 SF 1025 Julian Royal 6-7 PF 1030 Cameron Gahager 5-11 PG 1033 T.J. Williams 6-1 SG 1244 Alex Walton 6-4 C 1045 Evan Nolte 6-4 SF 9

Newnan CougarsNavy, Gold & White • 4-AAAAAHead Coach: Harold Goodman

No Player Ht Pos Gr2 Alan Bonner 6-0 SG 123 Russell Powell 5-11 PG 1210 Denzel Bonner 5-7 PG 1112 Kejon Hill 6-3 SG 1120 Chris Hudson 6-0 PG 1022 Frankie Miller 6-3 SG 1024 Antwon Johnson 6-5 SF 1232 Larry Harden 6-3 SF 1133 Alexander Ogletree 5-8 PG 1134 Jarrett Coleman 6-2 SG 1140 William Sutton 6-3 SG 1142 Alec Ogletree 6-3 C 1144 Shaquill Warner 6-5 SF 1050 Chris Teagle 6-5 PF 1152 Jarvis Hayes 6-5 C 10

Westlake LionsBlue, Silver & White • 4-AAAAA

Head Coach: Darron Rogers

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Chad Johnson 6-4 SF 112 Jerrick Wright 5-8 PG 123 Ronnie Harris 5-11 PG 104 Richard Rallings 6-4 SG 1010 Keenan Williams 6-0 SG 912 Marc Brown 6-4 PG 1013 Jordan Brown 6-4 SF 1114 Aljawaune Godfrey 6-3 SF 1121 Marcus Thornton 6-8 SG 1122 Javoris Bryant 6-6 PF 1223 Frederick Ritter 6-3 SG 1124 C J Reese 6-1 PG 931 Anthony Jacobs 6-8 C 11

Wheeler WildcatsBlue & Gold • 6-AAAAA

Head Coach: Doug Lipscomb

No Player Ht Pos Gr0 Emanuel Hill 6-5 SG 1210 Karl Cochran 6-2 SG 1011 Phil Taylor 6-0 SG 1112 Tahj Tate 6-3 SG 1213 Jamal Tiller 6-3 SG 1114 Karriem Simmons 6-0 SG 1020 Ari Stewart 6-6 SF 1221 Richard Howell 6-7 SF 1222 Tevin Reeves 6-1 SG 1044 Michael Clayton 6-5 SG 12

AAAAA GIRLS ROSTERSBeach Bulldogs

Blue & Gold • 3-AAAAAHead Coach: Ronald Booker

No Player Ht Pos Gr3 Larisha Robertson 5-3 PG 114 Phylicia Boles 5-8 SF 125 Indigo Curtis 5-9 SF 1210 Khalilah Watson 5-8 SG 1212 Amber Curtis 5-9 SG 913 Brianna Little 5-6 PG 1115 Alicia Champion 5-10 SF 1120 Paige Johnson 5-5 PG 1221 Medena Bartley 6-0 C 922 Charmaine Greene 6-2 C 1123 Monique Willis 5-8 SG 1224 Whitney Elliott 6-2 PF 1231 Shelby Hawthorne 5-10 PF 11

Marietta Blue DevilsBlue & White • 5-AAAAA

Head Coach: Ken Sprague

No Player Ht Pos Gr10 Brittney Echols 5-5 PG 1211 Brittany Johnson 5-6 PG 1113 Ciera Echols 5-6 SG 1014 Tayler Loyd 5-7 SG 1220 Brittany White 5-6 PG 1223 Lauryn Webster 6-3 C 1024 Molly Fagan 5-8 SF 1025 Dearica Hamby 6-2 SF 1030 Telia McCall 6-2 SF 1231 Trana Hopkins 5-6 SG 932 Sabrina McCants 5-10 SF 1235 Courtney Sprague 5-7 SG 944 Dani Bartelmay 6-3 C 12

Parkview PanthersOrange & Royal Blue • 8-AAAAA

Head Coach: Mike McCoy

No Player Ht Pos Gr3 Alexia Wright 5-3 PG 1110 Katie Carroll 5-7 SG 1011 Helena Poungue 5-7 SG 912 Kelsie Stanton 5-10 PF 921 Maggie Smith 5-10 PF 1122 Morgan Mitchell 5-9 PG 1223 Katie Block 5-8 SF 1030 Megan Geiger 5-9 SF 1232 Lauren Coleman 6-0 PF 1133 Kady Remshik 5-7 PF 1134 Enjoli Johnson 5-9 PF 1140 Megan Barnidge 6-1 C 1254 Jennifer Wormley 5-11 C 12

Redan RaidersNavy & Silver • 2-AAAAA

Head Coach: Rhonda Malone

No Player Ht Pos Gr0 Kimmiko Jiles 5-5 PG 115 Alisha Andrews 5-2 PG 1110 MacKenize Dalrymple 5-8 PG 1115 Kierra Paige 5-5 SG 1020 Zakiyya Vincent 6-1 C 1122 Sydney Mason 5-6 PG 1025 Shadawn Clanton 5-8 SF 1032 Nia Evans 6-0 PF 1133 Audrey Alexander 5-10 SF 1142 Quortni Fambro 5-8 SG 1250 Aneesah Daniels 6-0 PF 1055 Delia Brunson 6-0 PF 12

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NEWNAN COUGARS VS.MILTON EAGLES

While it was no surprise to see Wheeler or Westlakein the Final Four, the other semifinal game features

two teams that few had expected to get this far early on.The Milton Eagles have been one of the more fasci-

nating stories of the postseason, storming through thestate tournament with a very young team. SophomoreJulian Royal collected 32 points and 10 boards in thequarterfinal victory over South Gwinnett, and is consid-ered one of the country’s top sophomores. Dai-JonParker is also a 10th grader, and freshman Evan Noltehas been coming on lately.

The Eagles will face another surprise team inNewnan. The Cougars were eliminated in the first roundof the state playoffs in 2008; now they’re playing inGwinnett Arena. Russell Powell runs the Cougars’offense – the 5-foot-8 point guard is a top playmaker withelite quickness. Alec Ogletree, one of the top footballrecruits in Georgia, is a constant source of energy.

WESTLAKE LIONS VS.WHEELER WILDCATS

After being eliminated the past two years by eventualstate champion Norcross, the Wheeler Wildcats

finally got over the hump. They finally beat their nemesisin the Elite 8 last week, pulling away in the final quarteren route to a 60-44 win.

The Wildcats will face Westlake in the semifinals,and the Lions will most certainly have their hands full.Wheeler features an unparalleled array of talent, witha starting lineup that includes top-tier upperclassmenin Ari Stewart, Phil Taylor and Richard Howell. WithNorcross finally out of the way, this might beWheeler’s year.

But the Westlake Lions are one of the few teams thatrival Wheeler in individual talent. Marcus Thornton, a 6-foot-7 Clemson commit, will give Stewart all he can han-dle in the post, and Javoris Bryant is the heart and soulof the team at the point guard position. The Region 4-AAAAA champions have rattled off 14 straight wins,entering the semis with plenty of confidence.

REDAN RAIDERS VS.PARKVIEW PANTHERS

The Parkview Panthers have looked primed for adeep state tournament run since Day 1. They’ve lost

just one game all season and don’t make too manymiscues on the court.

Junior Lauren Coleman is a terror for opposingdefenses and is one of the best post players left in thetournament. Sophomore guard Katie Carroll is also a dif-ficult cover and her scoring ability from the perimetermakes the two an effective inside-outside combo.

Parkview has lost just once all year but the RedanRaiders have them beat, as they have yet to lose agame at 25-0.

Power forward Nia Evans poses an athletic chal-lenge for defenses, and point guard Alisha Andrews isone of the quickest players in the game.

Andrews thrives in an offense where she can getthe ball to legit scorers such as Evans, Aneesah Danielsand Kierra Paige.

BEACH BULLDOGS VS.MARIETTA BLUE DEVILS

Although the Beach Bulldogs might be the most off-the-radar team in the semis, fans will learn plenty

about this team quickly. The Bulldogs feature a two-headed monster in seniors Monique Willis andKhalilah Watson. Willis notched a double-double inthe team’s upset victory over Westlake in the Elite 8,while Watson checked in with 26 points. PaigeJohnson is a testament to the heart on RonaldBooker’s team; she fought through a knee injury toscore 14 crucial points against Westlake.

Beach will battle the Marietta Blue Devils, cham-pions of Region 5. Senior forward Telia McCall isone of the best players in the state, scoring anincredible 28 points in the Blue Devils’ first-roundvictory over Lassiter. The Virginia Cavaliers commitcan score and rebound, and has been a pillar ofconsistency all year.

Brittney Echols heads up a strong backcourt thatincludes Brittany White and Courtney Sprague.



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AAAA BOYS ROSTERSBainbridge Bearcats

Purple & Gold • 1-AAAAHead Coach: Rickey McCullough

No Player Ht Pos Gr3 James Lodman 5-11 SG 1210 Eric Vickers 6-1 SG 1212 James Hudson 6-1 SG 1113 Jeremy Harper 6-0 PG 1214 Rodney Glenn 6-1 C 920 Justin Harris 6-0 SG 1121 Marquis Williams 5-7 PG 1222 Melzie Johnson 6-3 PF 1224 Jonathan Taylor 6-2 SF 1230 Thomas Davario 6-1 PF 1132 Williford Antroine 6-5 C 12

Miller Grove WolverinesPurple, White & Silver • 6-AAAA

Head Coach: Eddie Johnson

No Player Ht Pos Gr3 Thomas Marshall 6-0 PG 104 Malcolm Frank 6-0 PG 1210 David Parrish 5-11 PG 1213 Adarius Fulton 5-11 PG 1114 Devon Provost 6-2 SG 1020 Shaquile Riley 6-2 SG 1221 Mfon Udofia 6-2 PG 1222 Henry Brooks 6-7 PF 1024 Stephen Hill 6-5 SF 1225 Nigel Domineck 6-4 PF 1230 Vincent McCallister 6-4 SF 1131 Xavier McGahee 6-5 C 1232 Tony Parker 6-8 C 933 Donte Williams 6-9 C 1134 Joe Caldwell 6-4 SF 12

Richmond Academy MusketeersPurple & Gold • 3-AAAA

Head Coach: Steve Nobles

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Deon Holmes 6-2 SG 113 Christian Nobles 5-8 PG 104 Hasan Mckenny 5-8 PG 125 Ricardo Glenn 6-7 C 1210 Tommy Williams 6-3 SG 1012 Don Quarles 6-3 SG 1014 Alex Jiles 5-9 SG 1120 Dartavis Howard 5-9 SG 1221 Raston Brown 6-3 SG 1123 Desmond Lofland 6-0 PG 1124 Ivan Rushen 6-4 PF 1130 Cedric Scott 6-0 SG 1132 Perry Kearse 6-0 SG 11

Tucker TigersMaroon & Gold • 6-AAAA

Head Coach: James Hartry

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 JeRae' Johnson 5-9 PG 123 Kerrick Metoyer 5-9 SG 125 Tyricee Pelzer 6-3 PF 1211 Christopher Kingsberry 6-2 SF 1213 Kijuante Harris 5-8 SG 1223 Manny Atkins 6-5 SF 1235 Brandon Dawson 6-5 C 1145 Demetrius Washington 6-1 SF 12

AAAA GIRLS ROSTERSBainbridge Bearcats

Purple & Gold • 1-AAAAHead Coach: Latreisha Moon

No Player Ht Pos Gr10 April Thomas 5-0 PG 1012 Briana Wade 5-9 SG 914 Vanessa Jones 5-8 SF 1215 T'Keyhah Thomas 5-5 PG 1120 Alexis Burke 5-11 C 1122 Zaikia Dawson 5-10 PF 1230 Diamond Bouie 5-8 SG 932 Shanquia Daniels 5-8 SG 1140 Shawnda Middleton 5-9 SF 1242 Takeia Crankfield 5-9 SF 944 Megan Bell 5-11 PF 1253 Bria Harris 5-8 SG 10

Fayette County TigersBlack & Gold • 5-AAAA

Head Coach: John Strickland

No Player Ht Pos Gr10 Arielle Register 5-0 PG 1211 Dekota Walton 5-2 SG 1212 Dominique McGill 5-5 SG 920 Kynisha Williams 5-5 SG 1221 Tessah Holt 5-6 PG 1222 Lawna Kennedy 6-0 C 923 Christina Hall 5-5 SG 1124 Sasha Sims 6-0 PF 1125 Crystal Scott 5-7 SF 1130 Brittney Scott 5-7 SF 1132 Jocelyn Hairston 5-4 PG 1135 Taybreanna Couch 5-10 PF 1040 Anma Onyeuku 5-10 PF 1144 Abby Albitus 5-10 PF 1245 Chaisty Welch 5-7 SF 12

Jonesboro CardinalsScarlet & White • 4-AAAA

Head Coach: Jimmy Fields Jr.

No Player Ht Pos Gr2 Joi Holyfield 5-6 PG 125 Drameka Griggs 5-6 SG 1211 Chanee Key 5-11 SF 1215 Lakiesha Anderson 5-7 SG 1121 Sharmesia Smith 6-0 C 1225 Kayla Dowdell 5-10 PF 1030 Jasmine Manning 6-0 PF 1133 Jennifer Evans 5-9 PF 1035 Laquinta Gallashaw 5-8 SF 11

Southwest DeKalb PanthersBlue & Gold • 6-AAAA

Head Coach: Kathy Walton

No Player Ht Pos Gr4 Kajuanna Rivers 5-3 PG 1210 Alondra Rivers 5-6 SG 1111 Nicole Razor 5-6 SG 912 Kala White 6-0 PF 1014 Jada Hambrick 5-7 SG 1120 Kadeja Moton 5-5 SG 1122 Kayla Lewis 5-11 SF 1123 Chancie Dunn 5-8 SG 1124 Ciera Williams 6-0 PF 930 Jada Williams 5-6 SG 1132 Persephone Goodwin 6-1 C 1033 Chyna Miley 6-2 C 1134 Olivia Gibbs 5-10 SG 940 Jamesha Blake 5-10 SF 1245 Laquisha Lewis 6-1 PF 12

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BAINBRIDGE BEARCATS VS.TUCKER TIGERS

Tucker, the third seed out of Region 6, began thestate playoffs with a win over second-seeded Lithia

Springs. The Tigers then defeated Region 7 championHillgrove, 62-59, and fellow Region 6 rival Marist, 49-47, to reach the Elite 8. The Tigers had lost to Maristtwice this season before gaining the upper hand onthe War Eagles. Junior center Brandon Dawson ledthe offense with 17 points. Virginia Tech signee MannyAtkins finished with 16. Tucker last won the ClassAAAA state championship in 2007, defeatingColumbia in the finals. The Tigers’ other basketballstate championship came in 1996.

Bainbridge defeated Statesboro, 50-46, in the quar-terfinals as senior guard James Lodman dunked over aBlue Devils defender to give the Bearcats the lead.Lodman finished with 11 points. Senior forward MelzieJohnson led the team with 13 points. Point guardMarquis Williams added 10. The Bearcats are playing inthe Final Four for the first time in school history.

RICHMOND ACADEMY MUSKETEERSVS. MILLER GROVE WOLVERINES

Miller Grove has advanced to the Final Four with stel-lar offensive play. The Wolverines have averaged 86

points per game in the playoffs. Georgia Tech signeeMfon Udofia scored 35 points and fellow senior StephenHill added 27 points in the team’s quarterfinal victoryagainst Fayette County, a team that reached the statechampionship one year ago.

After losing in the second round of the playoffs inthe past two postseasons, Richmond Academy is now inthe Final Four. The Region 3 champions defeated Alcovyin the first round, Brunswick in the second round, andthen Glynn Academy in the Elite 8 thanks to a 3-pointbuzzer-beater by sophomore guard Don Quarles. Seniorcenter Ricardo Glenn scored 14 points to lead theMusketeers against Glynn Academy. RichmondAcademy has advanced with a smothering defense thathas only allowed an average of 37.3 points in the play-offs. This will be the school’s first trip to the state semi-finals since a runner-up finish in 1957.

BAINBRIDGE BEARCATS VS.SOUTHWEST DEKALB PANTHERS

Southwest DeKalb, the defending Class AAAA statechampions, didn’t even win Region 6 this season but

once again find themselves in the Final Four. ThePanthers’ run began with a 64-61 victory over DouglasCounty in the first round. After a 67-60 win over MadisonCounty, the Panthers defeated Northwest Whitfield, 57-49, behind 15 points from junior forward Kayla Lewis.Senior forwards Jamesha Blake and Laquisha Lewisscored 14 and 11, respectively.

Bainbridge, a Sweet 16 team for the past two sea-sons, needed overtime to beat Harlem, 58-57, toadvance to the Elite 8. The Bearcats then defeatedHardaway, 69-58, to reach the Final Four. Junior centerAlexis Burke, a member of the ESPNU HoopGurlz Super60 Class of 2010, finished with 31 points for theBearcats. Bainbridge has a young roster, ensuring suc-cess for years to come. For now, sophomore point guardBria Harris and freshman guard Briana Wade are twokey players to watch.

JONESBORO CARDINALS VS.FAYETTE COUNTY TIGERS

Jonesboro and Fayette County each display high-scoring, balanced offenses that have averaged 63

and 56 points in the playoffs, respectively. Jonesborofeatures senior guards Joi Holyfield and DramekaGriggs. Holyfield finished with 19 points—whichincluded five 3-pointers—in a 60-40 quarterfinals vic-tory over Hephzibah. Sharmesia Smith, a Mercersignee, roams the post for the Cardinals.

Fayette County features senior point guardTessah Holt, a Florida signee who finished with 18points in a 60-44 quarterfinals win over Marist. SashaSims added 16 and Anma Onyeuku 14 in the post forthe Tigers. Fayette County finished second in ClassAAAA a year ago, losing to Southwest DeKalb in thestate championship game. The Tigers haven’t lostsince, going 30-0 this season. The Cardinals andTigers share one common opponent, Sandy Creek:Jonesboro defeated the Fighting Patriots 50-42, whileFayette County won 47-45.



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AAA BOYS ROSTERSColumbia Eagles

Orange & Blue • 5-AAAHead Coach: Phillip McCrary

No Player Ht Pos Gr10 Jordan Price 6-5 PG 911 Jarrod Houston 5-7 PG 1212 Jazmon Major 6-4 SF 1213 Marcus Vaughn 6-4 SF 1215 Carlos Trotty 5-11 PG 1220 Christopher Grier 6-3 SG 1122 Stanathony Nelms 6-3 SF 1023 JerShon Cobb 6-5 SG 1124 Lorenzo Jones 5-7 PG 1125 A. Pierre Tyson 6-6 PF 1130 Jamil Saaka 6-3 SF 1132 Jarmal Reid 6-6 SF 935 Darnelius Session 6-8 PF 1145 Samual Mike 6-7 PF 1150 Brice Booker 6-2 SG 1055 Jeffery Cooper 6-0 PG 11

Gainesville Red Elephants Red & White • 7-AAA

Head Coach: Todd Cottrell

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Will Maddox 5-9 PG 102 Blake Sims 6-1 PG 113 A J Johnson 6-3 SF 104 Ty Redmon 6-3 SG 115 Juwan Jeffries 6-3 PG 1210 Kendrick Millsap 5-10 SG 1011 Javez Warren 5-10 PG 912 Dallas Defoor 6-0 SG 914 D J McDuffie 5-11 PG 1220 Ke'Odric Sadler 6-3 PF 1022 Chris West 6-3 SF 1123 Nick Johnson 6-3 PF 1224 George Manomano 6-1 SG 1230 Bershad Williams 6-2 C 1132 Miguel Razo 5-10 SG 1133 Brock Boleman 6-6 C 1234 Dj Allen 6-0 SG 12

South Atlanta HornetsPurple & Turquoise • 4-AAA

Head Coach: Michael Reddick

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Andre Malone 6-5 SG 123 Rodrick Pitts 5-7 PG 124 Orlando Stephens 5-9 PG 125 Jershawn Jackson 5-8 SG 1211 Nicholas Watkins 6-1 PG 1212 Don Glass 5-10 SG 1115 Jarontae Dean 5-11 SG 1123 Kadeem Etheridge 5-7 PG 1225 Mikael Carter 6-3 SF 1233 Rashuad Bell 6-6 PF 1034 Derrick Favors 6-9 PF 1244 Malik Brown 6-5 SF 1050 Derrick Murray 6-3 SF 1254 Nickalus Jacobs 6-8 C 10

Westover PatriotsRed, White & Blue • 1-AAAHead Coach: Dallas Smith

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Rashad Green 6-1 SG 103 Dontreal Hicks 5-10 PG 125 Shevren Keaton 5-11 PG 1110 Malcolm Sapp 6-2 SG 1011 Rashad Jackson 6-3 PF 1114 Anthony Ball 5-10 SG 1120 Terrance Noel 6-3 PG 1221 Greg Green 5-10 SG 1222 Kenji Breedlove 6-1 SG 1223 Brandon Benton 6-4 SF 1225 Chris Wheeler 6-4 SF 1132 Carson Hayward 5-10 SG 1233 Onochie Ochie 6-4 PF 1134 Chris Williams 6-4 C 1240 Villus Baker 6-2 SF 11

AAA GIRLS ROSTERSBaldwin Braves

Red & White • 3-AAAHead Coach: Jenean Cooper-Bolston

No Player Ht Pos Gr5 Valencia Tuft 5-5 PG 1010 Ivorin Jones 5-5 SG 1011 Shatoria Hudson 5-10 SF 1112 Sameria Butts 5-6 PG 1014 Ebony Stone 5-8 SF 1215 Ikiah Palmer 5-9 SG 920 Kelli Morrow 5-6 PG 1121 Jasmine Boone 5-9 SF 1222 Shantoria Basley 5-5 PG 1224 LaKisha Harris 5-6 PF 1033 Teshia Griswold 5-8 SF 1234 Pearline Walker 5-6 PG 1244 Selena Wright 5-6 SG 1250 Haley Marks 5-10 C 11

Carrollton TrojansBlack & Gold • 6-AAA

Head Coach: Shon Thomaston

No Player Ht Pos Gr3 Quanisha Bray 5-4 SG 94 Janyce Ealey 5-9 PF 1210 Cassie Billingsley 5-4 PG 1211 Megan Parker 5-5 SG 912 Alyssa Jones 5-4 PG 1220 Cambre Winters 5-8 SF 1121 Morgan McDonald 5-4 SF 922 Karisma Boykin 5-7 PG 1224 Tierra Prothro 5-10 PF 1125 Raven Trammell 5-6 SF 930 Kelsi Billings 6-0 C 1232 Katisa Ridley 5-8 PF 1135 Katie Turner 5-8 C 10

Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe WarriorsRed & White • 6-AAA

Head Coach: Wayne Weaver

No Player Ht Pos Gr3 Jessica White 5-10 PF 94 Ashley McKenzie 5-6 SG 125 Kayla Weaver 5-8 PG 1210 Justine Evatt 5-7 SG 1212 Michelle Morgan 5-8 SF 1115 Haley Gilbert 5-4 PG 922 Jasmain Carey 6-0 C 1123 Madison Smith 5-4 SG 1124 Elizabeth Smedema 5-11 PF 1130 Nicole Daniels 5-9 SG 932 Tierney Howard 6-4 C 934 Jackie Schaddeck 5-8 SG 10

Rutland HurricanesGreen, Orange & White • 4-AAA

Head Coach: Johnny Dixon

No Player Ht Pos Gr10 Iesha Dawson 5-5 SG 1211 Brittany Brooks 6-0 C 1112 Kendra Grant 6-0 SF 1214 Alisha Ivry 5-10 SG 1215 Cayla Jones 5-10 C 1023 Shajuan Watts 5-2 PG 931 Tomecia Watson 5-8 SF 1035 Shaquita Hodges 5-7 SG 1041 Kyrmia Smith 5-8 C 1143 Zonesha Davis 5-9 SF 945 Yashica (Tae) Smith 5-6 PG 1253 Shaketa Hodges 5-6 SG 1055 Mystique Jackson 5-5 SG 11

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GAINESVILLE RED ELEPHANTS VS.WESTOVER PATRIOTS

Gainesville and Westover were two of four No. 1seeds in the Final Four of the Class AAA state tour-

nament. Neither team was a convincing No. 1 in itsrespective region, however. Gainesville started the sea-son 5-7 but the Red Elephants found their way and havewon 15 of their past 16 games, including the Region 7title and three straight double-digit victories in the stateplayoffs. Will Maddox and George Manomano havebeen leading the way for Gainesville.

Westover went 10-3 during the Region 1 regularseason and avenged a previous loss to Kendrick in theregion final. The Patriots have been the least dominantof the four semifinalists en route to the Final Four buthave proven they can win the close games. Westoverbeat Shaw, 71-64, in the first round; survived LibertyCounty, 62-58, to reach the quarters; and most recent-ly took out Northside, Columbus, 55-45. Westover, ledby Greg Green, is arguably the deepest team in theClass AAA tournament.

SOUTH ATLANTA HORNETS VS.COLUMBIA EAGLES

South Atlanta has won its three state tournament gamesby a combined 107 points. The Hornets have not lost

an in-state game this season and are showing no signs oflosing one at any point next weekend. Georgia Techsignee Derrick Favors, who eased his way to 28 points ina 90-67 quarterfinal win over Washington County, is theguy Columbia must contain in order to have any shot at anupset at the Macon Centreplex.

But don’t count the Eagles out. They are in the midstof a 14-game winning streak and their 16-point blowout ofElbert County in the quarters was the closest they havecome to losing since Jan. 27. JerShon Cobb and DarneliusSession provided more than two-thirds of the scoringagainst Elbert, and the Eagles have had their share of suc-cess in the postseason, winning last year’s Class AAAAstate title before moving down to AAA.

RUTLAND HURRICANES VS.CARROLLTON TROJANS

Only two teams that failed to earn a No. 1 seed are stillalive in the AAA state playoffs (in both the boys and

girls tournaments). Those two teams will meet in the semi-finals when Carrollton takes on Rutland.

Carrollton is certainly playing like a No. 1 seed,however. The Trojans’ only two losses this seasoncame against the other two semifinalists (Baldwin andLakeview-Fort Oglethorpe). After dominating their wayto the quarterfinals, the Trojans survived Columbia,67-65, in double-overtime. Carrollton’s KarismaBoykins, who averages 28 points per game, scored 10of her 16 in extra time.

Rutland also knows a thing or two about winningclose games. The Hurricanes pulled out a 73-68 thrillerover Spalding to get the No. 3 seed in Region 4, andthey have won three state tournament games by acombined seven points. Rutland won its first twogames on the road to reach the quarterfinals, oustingNo. 1 seed Kendrick.

BALDWIN BRAVES VS.LAKEVIEW-FT. OGLETHORPE WARRIORS

Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe is undefeated in Class AAAplay but survived a 47-43 scare against St. Pius X

in its tournament opener. After easing past StephensCounty into the quarterfinals, the Warriors pulled outanother thriller, 52-49, this time over Dunwoody.Jasmain Carey and Kayla Weaver provide the Warriorswith a potent inside-outside combination.

Baldwin is 18-1 against AAA competition butalmost lost to Dougherty in the second round of thestate tournament before prevailing 37-35. Baldwinstar Shan Basley nailed a game-winning jumper astime expired. The Braves had an easier time withPeach County, winning 48-35 to book a spot in thelast four. Basley and Teshia Griswold must continueto fill up the score sheet if the Braves want to keep upwith Carey, Weaver and Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe.



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With the impact these players made during both theirhigh school careers AND careers following high

school, here are the Georgia’s all-time girls and boys bas-ketball teams. The starters are listed first with their schoolname, graduation year and bio, followed by the reserves.

GIRLSTeresa Edwards (Cairo, 1982): Edwards capped

off her high school career by leading her team to a ClassAAA state championship and being named a high schoolAll-American. Earning All-SEC honors at Georgia, sheled the Lady Dogs to three SEC titles, two Final Foursand one national title game appearance. To top it off,Edwards helped the United States win five Olympicmedals (four gold and one bronze).

Delisha Milton-Jones (Bradwell Institute, 1993):The Naismith High School Player of the Year for 1992 and1993, Milton-Jones’s last Bradwell Institute team went 29-0 before losing in the state title game. She went on to playcollegiately at Florida where she was the 1997 SEC Player of theYear. Professionally, she is a two-time WNBA All-Star and hasplayed for two world championship teams. Milton-Jones also hastwo gold medals from the 2000 and 2008 Olympics.

Lea Henry-Manning (Southwest Georgia Academy, 1979):Playing for the non-GHSA Southwest Georgia Academy, Henry-Manning was named a Kodak All-American as a senior. She movedon to become a four-year starter at Tennessee, helping the Lady Volswin an SEC title and compete for several national titles. From thereshe assumed the role of starting point guard of the 1984 UnitedStates Olympic team, helping the women win a gold medal.

Cindy Brogdon (Greater Atlanta Christian, 1975): Afterhelping GAC win a Class C state championship asa freshman and Class B state championships asa junior and senior, Brogdon played collegiatelyat Mercer. Not only was she named a collegiateAll-American in 1976, but she was also a part ofthe USA’s gold medal-winning Olympic team.Brogdon later played one season in the Women’sBasketball League.

Maya Moore (Collins Hill, 2007): Despitebeing less than two full seasons removed from highschool, Moore is already well accomplished. Moore ledCollins Hill to three consecutive Class AAAAA state cham-pionships and was named the Naismith Player of the Year asa senior. Now at Connecticut, Moore’s Huskies reachedthe Final Four and she won Big East Player of the Yearhonors as freshman last year. This season, Moore helpedthe UConn women finish the regular season undefeat-ed.

RESERVES: Sherril Baker (Greater AtlantaChristian, 2002); Kiesha Brown (WoodwardAcademy, 1996); Tasha Butts (Baldwin, 2000);Deborah Denton (Pace Academy, 1985); TashaHumphrey (Gainesville, 2004); Tracy Waites

(Rockdale County, 1984)BOYS

Dwight Howard (Southwest Atlanta Christian,2004): Howard parlayed several national player of the

year awards and a Class A state championship intobeing the first selection of the 2004 NBA Draft. Since

being chosen by the Orlando Magic, Howard hasbecome perhaps the most dominant center in the NBA, shoot-ing just under 60 percent from the field and averaging 20points and 14 rebounds per game last season. He also startedfor the 2008 gold medal-winning Olympic team.

Walt Frazier (Howard, 1964): Frazier was a star atAtlanta’s Howard High School during the days of segrega-tion. He later showed his talents at Southern Illinoiswhere he led the team to an NIT Championship in 1967.Still, he will always be remembered as the point guardfor the New York Knicks, winning the 1970 and 1973NBA championships. He was inducted into the Hall ofFame in 1987.

Jeff Malone (Southwest Macon, 1979): Playing in oneof the most dominant high school programs and on the mostdominant team the state has ever seen, Malone helpedSouthwest Macon win the Class AAA state championship as ajunior and the Class AAAA state championship as a senior. Hethen moved on to play collegiately at Mississippi State, wherehe averaged over 26 points per game as a senior and was co-SEC Player of the Year in 1983. He took his scoring ability tothe NBA, averaging 19 points per game while playing for fiveteams in his 13-year career.

Dale Ellis (Marietta, 1979): Ellis’s prep career for theBlue Devils did not include any state championships but he wasa star nonetheless, earning a scholarship at Tennessee. He wastwice named the SEC Player of the Year in college and was even-tually drafted to the NBA by Dallas. Ellis made his mark withSeattle, however, as he set the franchise record for points with2,253 in the 1988-89 season, averaging 27.5 per game. Ellis

played 17 seasons in the NBA.Mike Mitchell (Price, 1974): A sometimes forgotten

about Georgia high school hoopster, Mitchell played colle-giately at Auburn and made his mark in the NBA, averagingdouble figures in points in all 10 of his seasons. Mitchell’scareer-high average of 24.5 points per game came in 1980-81; he also made the Eastern Conference All-Star team thatseason, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

RESERVES: Shareef Abdur-Rahim (Wheeler, 1995);Willie Anderson (East Atlanta, 1984); Horace Grant(Hancock Central, 1983); Norm Nixon (Southwest Macon,1973); Elmore Smith (Ballard-Hudson, 1967); Josh Smith(McEachern, 2003); Tree Rollins (Crisp County, 1973).

The photo of Moore is courtesy of UConn AthleticCommunications; the photo of Howard is courtesy of Don

Jackson/Photographic Arts. This list was compiled by JamesButler and other Score Atlanta writers. Butler can be reachedat [email protected].

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AA BOYS ROSTERSBlessed Trinity Titans

Hunter Green & Vegas Gold • 6-AAHead Coach: Brian Marks

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Jake Skole 6-2 SG 112 Austin Cremins 5-8 PG 113 Brendan Corcoran 6-1 SG 124 Kevin Schulz 5-9 SG 1010 Chris Freeman 5-11 SG 1111 Sean Rouse 6-2 SF 1220 Eric Hagemeyer 6-3 PF 1221 Kohl Hegetschweiler 6-3 PF 1222 Sean Monahan 6-0 SG 923 Ryan LeGates 6-2 SG 1224 Jordan Senken 6-1 SF 1125 Arris Brundidge 6-4 SF 1233 Sean Damaska 6-4 PF 934 Rock Rucker 6-4 C 9

Dublin Fighting IrishGreen & Gold • 3-AA

Head Coach: Marvin Latham

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Rashard Smith 5-10 PG 122 Willie Howard 5-8 SG 123 Ladale Thompkins 5-8 PG 124 Ricky Brown 5-11 SG 1111 Thomas Newton 5-8 SG 912 Edward Larkin 6-2 SF 1013 Ramahd Thomas 6-0 SG 1014 Julius Thomas 5-10 SF 1015 Trent Barnes 6-3 PF 1220 Trey Rozier 5-5 PG 921 Cedric O'Neal 6-0 SF 922 Sherrard Brantley 6-2 SG 1223 Chris Smith 6-1 SG 1232 Tawaski King 6-7 PF 1133 Jermaine Devoe 6-4 PF 12

Greater Atlanta Christian SpartansRed & Gold • 6-AA

Head Coach: Eddie Martin

No Player Ht Pos Gr4 Benny Johnson 6-0 PG 95 Eric Rivers 6-1 SG 1010 Bo Hebert 6-2 SG 1112 Julian Horton 6-1 SG 1120 Elie Haynes 6-1 SF 1121 Taylor Metzger 6-2 SG 1222 Blake Williams 5-11 PG 1025 Paul Dawson 5-10 PG 1032 Dylan Harper 6-4 PF 1033 Elliott Long 6-4 PF 1144 Trent Wiedeman 6-6 PF 11

Greene County TigersGold, Black & White • 4-AA

Head Coach: James McKithen

No Player Ht Pos Gr2 Shamarcus Morris 5-11 SG 123 Gerald Dunn 5-9 SG 124 Lanier Williams 5-9 PG 115 Gaines Terrance 5-11 SG 1210 C.J. Hall 6-0 SF 1111 Marquavious Mitchell 5-6 PG 1121 Gabriel Andrews 5-11 SG 1123 Davante Smith 5-9 PG 1233 Josh Talley 6-1 PF 1134 Tavorus Calloway 6-1 SF 1035 Leo Wheeler 6-0 SF 1141 Rodney Alexander 6-1 SF 1143 Dontavious Miller 6-3 SF 1245 Brian Alexander 6-0 SF 12

AA GIRLS ROSTERSBuford Wolves

Green, Gold & White • 6-AAHead Coach: Gene Durden

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Lacey Pass 5-5 SG 113 Andraya Carter 5-8 PG 95 Chanee Carson 5-6 PG 1210 Sarah Dempsey 5-7 SF 1212 Karly Fullem 5-10 PF 1014 Blanche Alverson 6-3 SG 1215 Katie Lynn 5-6 SG 1220 Kayla Burge 5-6 SG 1122 Jessica Ours 5-7 SF 1123 Michelle Godwin 5-4 PG 1224 Jocelyn Danley 5-9 SF 1230 Ayana Ward 5-5 PG 1133 Alysha Rudnick 5-9 PF 1134 Constance Harrison 5-7 SF 1040 Abby Johnson 5-8 C 1244 Audrey Dorsey 5-8 PF 1250 Joyclyn Kinsey 5-5 SG 1055 Shereese Williams 5-10 C 10

Henry County WarhawksBlack & Gold • 4-AA

Head Coach: Carl Caputa

No Player Ht Pos Gr3 Ashley Johnson 5-4 PG 104 Shadaha Anderson 5-11 PF 911 Lillian Sadler 5-4 PG 1212 Briana Williams 5-5 SG 1115 Tiana Taylor 5-7 SG 1020 Melissa Perdue 5-6 SF 1222 Desiree Tisdale 5-7 SF 1224 Tisha Taylor 5-8 PF 1130 Kylaine Rogers 5-10 PF 1133 Alexcia Shepherd 5-7 SF 1044 Danielle Hickman 5-9 PF 950 Amanda Tomlinson 5-11 C 11

Laney WildcatsRed & Gray • 3-AA

Head Coach: Otis Smart

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Dekoya Mack 5-1 PG 93 Alexis Lester 5-5 PG 114 Brianna Eubanks 5-6 PG 125 Desiree' Wright 5-6 PG 1210 Mykala Jones 5-5 SG 1013 Shanelle Simpson 5-6 SG 1014 Deonika Williams 5-5 PG 1120 Chelsea Maultsby 6-3 C 922 Chanelle Wright 5-5 PG 1223 Jermika Gibson 5-6 PG 924 Keyondra Cobb 5-9 SF 1125 Tiesha Brown 5-9 PF 1230 Ambrosia Ross 5-6 PG 1231 Sara McNeal 5-7 SG 1232 Taylor Ayers 6-1 C 1233 Rashae Harris 5-11 PF 1234 Chasity Maultsby 6-2 C 950 Danielle Mack 5-11 PF 955 Glentrice Sapp 5-11 PF 12

Model Blue DevilsRoyal Blue & White • 7-AAHead Coach: Sally Echols

No Player Ht Pos Gr11 Rachael Turrentine 5-0 PG 1012 Bekah Sapp 5-1 PG 915 Joy Hoskins 5-6 SF 1220 Janaye Jasper 5-10 PF 1121 Lauren Shields 5-11 SG 1122 Alexa Evans 5-8 PG 1223 Jennifer Walls 5-6 SF 1124 Maci Siniard 5-11 C 1225 Taylor Martin 5-7 SG 1230 Shelby Farrer 6-1 C 1235 Alex Patton 5-10 PF 11

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GREENE COUNTY TIGERS VS.BLESSED TRINITY TITANS

After a losing season last year, Greene County is theCinderella story of Class AA’s Final Four. With a deci-

sive 77-54 win over region nemesis Henry County, theTigers should have an even greater boost of confidenceagainst the Titans. The 23-point victory was surely a nicechange for Greene, who won its first- and second-roundgames by only two points.

Blessed Trinity went on a 13-4 run to start the gameagainst Dade County in the quarterfinals and neverlooked back, as the Titans coasted to a 90-68 victory.Despite a late run by the Wolverines, the Titans wereable to use their size advantage to be the aggressor inthe paint all night. Ryan LeGates had a strong offensivegame and Arris Brundidge scored 20 points. The Titans’ability to drive the ball to the basket may force GreeneCounty into foul trouble.

DUBLIN FIGHTING IRISH VS.GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SPARTANS

After losing in the Final Four last year to Wesleyan,Dublin looks to make the jump to the finals this year.

Among the schools left, the Fighting Irish are the onlyteam that made it past the second round of the tourna-ment in 2008. The Fighting Irish will likely turn to theexperience of seven seniors, including standoutRashard Smith, to help them emerge victorious. Dublinis coming off a 67-49 win over Central Macon that wascloser than the score indicates through the first half.

Greater Atlanta Christian punched its ticket to theFinal Four by pummeling Coosa, 81-36, in the quarterfi-nal round. Senior power forward Trent Wiedeman set thetone early for GAC with his emotional play at the lowpost. Scoring 17 points, Wiedeman, along with team-mates Elliott Long and Taylor Metzger, led the way forthe Spartans. Now that the Spartans have eliminatedCoosa—which eliminated GAC in 2008—they are look-ing to ride that momentum toward a state title.

HENRY COUNTY WARHAWKS VS.MODEL BLUE DEVILS

Though they entered the tournament as a No. 3 seed,the Warhawks defeated three higher-seeded teams to

reach the semifinals. Led by junior shooting guard BrianaWilliams, the Warhawks will now look to end Model’s titleaspirations. After close victories in the first two rounds,the Warhawks beat Greene County, 57-38, in the Elite 8to advance to the Final Four.

But if there is one word that describes the ModelBlue Devils, it’s balance. You never really know whetherthe scoring is going to come from the inside or outside– and that’s what makes this team so dangerous. In itslatest 62-52 victory over Greater Atlanta Christian, Modelutilized the inside play of Maci Siniard and Shelby Farrerto overpower the GAC defense. Add Janaye Jasper tothe mix and the trio brings a vital size advantage into thismatchup. The Blue Devils are undefeated this season.

LANEY WILDCATS VS.BUFORD WOLVES

Laney is undefeated this year in Class AA competition;the team’s only three defeats on the year were to

Class AAAA’s Hephzibah, Class AAAAA’s Marietta andParkway Academy of Florida. The Wildcats are comingoff a 70-45 drubbing of Northeast Macon. Center TaylorAyers had 25 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in thewin. The Wildcats have not lost since Dec. 20 and withmore than 20 consecutive victories, the team seemspoised for a great performance.

In similar fashion, Buford went undefeated in AA com-petition this year (the only loss of the season came toClass AAAA’s Marist in double overtime. The Wolves arequick and athletic. Amongst their starting five, led byAuburn commit Blanche Alverson, each member hasexcellent ball-handling and passing skills. They are astrong defensive and rebounding team. Alverson had 17 inBuford’s quarterfinal victory over Rabun County. Trust us –Ayers vs. Alverson will be worth the price of admission.



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A BOYS ROSTERSAthens Christian Eagles

Purple & Gold • 8-AHead Coach: Ron Link

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Will Hayes 5-8 PG 92 Chaz Sheets 6-3 PF 113 Spencer Coker 5-10 SG 114 Anthony Cosby 5-9 PG 105 Payton Mapp 5-9 SG 1012 Zack Resop 6-1 PF 914 Tyson Beacham 6-3 C 1220 Raymond Higgs 6-3 SF 1222 Joey Moon 6-3 SF 1224 John Echols 6-0 PF 930 Zach Lillie 6-5 SF 932 David Mann 6-1 PG 11

Turner County RebelsOrange & Blue • 2-A

Head Coach: Eric Holland

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Alec Guess 5-7 SG 112 Jamal Burgess 6-3 SG 123 Aadrian Jackson 5-5 PG 125 Detavian Daniels 6-0 SG 1010 Javon Caswell 5-10 SG 1211 Quin Prather 5-11 SG 912 Ternell Davis 6-2 SG 1214 Demonte Madison 6-1 SG 1115 Corey Graddic 6-4 PF 1220 Todd Lawson 6-4 PF 1223 Tray Pearce 6-5 SG 1224 Dd Jackson 6-0 PG 1025 Chris Spears 6-8 C 1132 Demarcus Daniels 6-4 C 934 Detavian Young 6-3 PF 1240 Breon Dixon 6-7 C 10

Whitefield Academy WolfpackNavy & Vegas Gold • 5-A

Head Coach: Tyrone Johnson

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Trey Miller 5-11 PG 122 Brandon Reed 6-3 SG 123 Jordan Coar 5-9 PG 95 Cameron Lemons 5-9 SG 1010 Pryce Washington 6-0 SG 921 Chris Lovelace 5-9 PF 1125 Josh Cleaves 6-4 PF 1231 Gage Diaz 6-5 PF 1232 Aaron McLeod 5-8 PG 1235 Cameron Baskerville 6-7 SF 1242 Sean Branch 6-3 SG 1244 Jacob Southerland 6-2 PF 945 Kennard Backman 6-4 PF 1050 Kris Redding 6-6 PF 12

Wilcox County PatriotsRoyal Blue & White • 2-A

Head Coach: George Kennedy

No Player Ht Pos Gr10 Keon Thomas 5-9 PG 1212 Stanley Ferguson 5-5 PG 1114 Nick Marshall 6-2 SG 1022 Kwamaine Outlaw 6-2 SF 1224 Antonio Marshall 6-0 SG 1230 Nate Moorhouse 5-8 PG 1141 Milton Jackson 6-4 C 942 Quez Mohogany 6-2 SF 944 Lonnie Outlaw 6-7 C 1154 Vidal Emory 6-3 C 10

A GIRLS ROSTERSRandolph-Clay Red Devils

Red & Black • 1-AHead Coach: Jennifer Acree

No Player Ht Pos Gr10 Shamara Stevens 5-6 SG 1120 Sheresa Vaughn 5-8 SG 1122 Delecia Thomas 5-5 SG 1023 Donna Jones 5-3 PG 1131 Casey Sands 5-9 SF 1032 Asha Alexander 5-9 SG 1140 Desmond Ellington 5-10 PF 1041 Destiny Mitchell 5-10 PF 1152 Raven Smith 5-10 PF 12

Savannah Country Day HornetsGreen & Gold • 3-A

Head Coach: Dale Parker

No Player Ht Pos Gr3 Margaret Austin 5-9 SF 104 Katelyn Hilliard 5-8 SG 125 Elizabeth Woods 5-6 SF 1010 Abby Johnson 5-6 SG 911 Melissa Burkhamer 5-8 PG 1212 Ashton Young 5-7 PG 915 Katherine Dotson 5-7 SF 1221 Elle Byck 5-8 PF 1122 Ellen Skeadas 5-8 PF 923 Morgan Joyce 5-7 SG 1130 Blake Stafford 5-9 SF 12

Southwest Atlanta Christian WarriorsMaroon & Gray • 5-A

Head Coach: Jackie Ransom

No Player Ht Pos Gr1 Britney Cheney 5-7 PG 112 Synera Shelton 5-9 SF 1020 Ashley Branch 5-8 SF 1121 Wyann Jackson 5-7 PG 923 Victoria Carter 5-7 PG 924 Amber Baker 5-5 SG 932 River Washington 5-8 PF 1134 Mariah Eades 5-1 PG 1242 Mariah Chandler 6-1 PF 1255 Brittany Davis 5-9 PF 11

Wesleyan WolvesGreen, Gold & White • 7-A

Head Coach: Jan Azar

No Player Ht Pos Gr2 Erin Hall 5-9 SG 113 Anne Marie Armstrong 6-3 SF 124 Grace Leah Baughn 6-1 SG 1010 Grace Cowart 5-7 SG 1112 Jordan Frazier 5-4 PG 914 Megan Coole 5-11 SF 1115 Kennington Groff 5-9 SG 1120 Logan Morris 5-11 PF 1121 Aysia McKenzie 5-8 PG 1122 Nyaa Davis 5-9 SG 1023 Chantel Kennedy 5-8 SG 1232 Holli Wilkins 6-1 PF 933 Hayley Hughes 5-11 PF 11

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TURNER COUNTY REBELS VS.ATHENS CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Turner County has made it to the Macon Centreplex onthe shoulders of Ternell Davis and his 24 points per

game. The Rebels’ record stands at 29-1 (with no lossessince Dec. 6), and head coach Eric Holland and his squadwould love to see it end at 31-1. TuCo made it this far withwins over Seminole County (87-38), Hancock Central (70-57), and Region 1 champion Terrell County (68-63).Ternell Davis and Tray Pearce are known to attack the rim.

If Turner County is to advance to the finals, howev-er, it will have to knock off another contender in AthensChristian. The Eagles, champions of Region 8, havewon 21 straight and are led by the super-athleticRaymond Higgs. Despite foul trouble, Higgs still man-aged 21 points in the quarterfinal-round victory overGreenforest Christian, and David Mann, a Germanexchange student, recorded 34 in the win. Mann is alsoautomatic from the free throw line, an important factor ifthis game is close at the end.

WILCOX COUNTY PATRIOTS VS.WHITEFIELD ACADEMY WOLFPACK

Wilcox County is the Cinderella team of Class A, as thethird-seeded Patriots are the only non-No. 1 in the

semifinals. Head coach George Kennedy’s team hasadvanced by conquering Clinch County, squeezingRegion 3 champ Calvary Day and then besting point guardBrit Duncan and No. 2 Wilkinson County. The Patriots havereceived points from many different sources this season,including sophomore Nick Marshall, who scored a school-record 42 earlier this year against Telfair County.

The Patriots will face yet another ranked opponentin the semifinals in No. 3 Whitefield Academy (rankingaccording to the GACA Coaches Poll). The Wolfpackadvanced to the semifinals with a 75-53 victory over No.9 Darlington. Head coach Tyrone Johnson’s team is ledby a prolific scorer in Brandon Reed. During the season,Reed averaged 20 points per game and in the win overDarlington, Reed nearly reached that total by halftime.Whitefield Academy reached the state final in 2006 and2007, losing both times.

RANDOLPH-CLAY RED DEVILS VS.WESLEYAN WOLVES

In a true “Clash of the Titans,” the Randolph-ClayRed Devils will battle Wesleyan. Randolph-Clay is

led by a host of juniors, most notably DestinyMitchell. It was Mitchell’s 33 points, including 16 inthe fourth quarter, that helped Jennifer Acree’s squadknock out defending Class A state champion CalvaryDay in the first round. The Red Devils are coming offan impressive 15-point win over Emanuel CountyInstitute in the quarterfinals.

Wesleyan won the 2008 Class AA state champi-onship before moving down to Class A. Anne MarieArmstrong, who was named Miss Georgia Basketball,leads the way. Armstrong had 19 points in the team’ssecond-round thrashing of Darlington. Her running mateis junior guard Erin Hall, who scored 18 points againstTowns County in the quarterfinal round. Wesleyan’soffense is averaging 82 points per game in the playoffs,while the defense is allowing an average of just 29.

SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY HORNETS VS.SOUTHWEST ATLANTA CHRISTIAN WARRIORS

Savannah Country Day is led by senior standoutKatherine Dotson, who has stepped up in the play-

offs, most recently drilling 31 points in the quarterfinalwin over Hancock Central. Dotson receives help fromMelissa Burkhamer (17 points and seven assists vs.Hancock Central). The Hornets are 28-3 this season andhave not lost since a 55-50 overtime defeat to SavannahChristian on Jan. 27. This will be Savannah CountryDay’s second trip to the Final Four in three years.

Southwest Atlanta Christian won Region 5 butsomehow flew under the radar all season long. Headcoach Jackie Ransom’s team has the worst record ofany team remaining in the draw at 17-12, but the team ishot when it matters the most. The Warriors have reachedthe semis with a 66-55 victory over Social Circle, preced-ed by a pair of three-point wins: 52-49 in overtime overPaideia and 56-53 over Trion. Mariah Chandler, whorecorded 30 points and 15 rebounds against SocialCircle, leads the way for the Warriors.



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GHSA executive director Dr. Ralph Swearngin recently spoke withScore Atlanta’s Alex Ewalt about some of the current issues facing

high school sports in the state. Here’s what they talked about:

Has the GHSA considered re-seeding the basketball brackets for the tournaments?The big problem with seeding is how to do it and [what to base it on]. I’m not sure season won-lossrecord is necessarily the way to go. It’s very difficult to get people to agree, especially when they’reinvolved as coaches in the sport. … My viewpoint was something that an old coach told me when Ifirst got into coaching. He said, people that worry about seeding are worried about who’s going to comein third or fourth. … When we start hearing the problems with bracketing and seeding it’s in the earlyrounds. And a lot of times it’s because a really good team, for whatever reason, doesn’t win its region.

Illegal recruiting is an issue that is often on the minds of high school basketball fans. Could you tell me specificallywhat is considered recruiting in high school sports?It has to be someone directly related to the school, someone who is school personnel, who contacts the student and encouragesthem verbally or offers them things to change from one school to another. If a coach has a player in a summer program and thenthe player transfers to the school, the kid would probably be ineligible. Or if I give you private lessons and you come to myschool then that would be illegal. … Most of the time the school’s people don’t have to recruit. The recruiting is done by par-ents, it’s done by coaches in travel ball and AAU. A lot of people get concerned because people abide by our rules and still aparticular school gets loaded with talent. But as long as people live in a free country, it’s very difficult for us as an organizationto say, even though you abided by the rules and sold your old house and moved to a new house, you still can’t play for that team.

It seems this year the Metro Atlanta basketball fans were upset at their travel times to thesectional sites. What is the system for choosing venues?Number one, we have to have a venue that holds enough people. For AAAA and AAAAA it’sgot to be a minimum of 5,000. We really would like something closer to 7,000. I heard just acouple of days ago about this unrest in Metro Atlanta and it astounded me. … If we are not ableto secure places like Georgia State, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia, there’s just noplace to do it. In fact, for a couple of years we had to play the third-round games at high schoolgyms, and we heard a lot of complaints about that. I dare say the complaints about having totravel from Atlanta to Carrollton will be looked at as humorous by the people who have to

travel from Augusta to Columbus or from Thomasville to Savannah. Unfortunately thathappens and there are not central locations that can meet everybody’s needs.

Provided it’s approved in March, next year’s region realignment is very impor-tant because it will begin the first four-year realignment cycle, as opposed tothe two-year cycle. What are your thoughts on the new system?Interestingly, coaches wanted that because if they’re in situations where they’reshuffling around from one region to another, it’s difficult for them to maintainrelationships that help them build high-money gates and rivalries. And from ourviewpoint it’s great because it’s like having a root canal once every four yearsinstead of once every two years.

There are a number of new schools opening next year. What do you thinktheir impact will be?It always amazes me. People say our schools are overcrowded, and they open up a

new school and fill up that school and the other schools are still overcrowded. Wereally don’t know to what degree the housing crunch is going to redistribute population in our

state, whether people are actually going to be leaving the state or coming in because it’s moreattractive. There are a whole lot of social issues right now that we really just can’t account for.

So far, what are your thoughts on the effectiveness of eliminating the multiplier (which,before this year, multiplied the student populations at private schools by 1.5, often-

times necessitating they play in a higher class)? It’s way too early to make any comparisons. I’m sure everybody is making comparisons

on their own, with or without data. We did a yearlong study and found out that the mul-tiplier didn’t do anything. The private schools that were winning and doing well and

making final four appearances before the multiplier made the same amount of FinalFour appearances with the multiplier. It didn’t really matter, and it was catching the

attention of legislators who said it’s not fair to say that in some schools kids countas one and in other schools kids count as one and a half.

Ewalt can be reached at [email protected].

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March 11-142009

March 11-142009

CL

ASS

AA

AA

AB

RA

CK

ET

SNewnan

Milton

Westlake

Wheeler

Redan

Parkview

Beach

Marietta

75

84

62

63

60

44

54

64

39

59

57

47

62

57

32

47



March 11-142009

March 11-142009

CL

ASS

AA

AA

BR

AC

KE

TS

Bainbridge

Tucker

Richmond Acad

Miller Grove

Bainbridge

SW DeKalb

Jonesboro

Fayette Co

50

46

47

49

43

40

96

87

69

58

57

49

40

60

44

60



March 11-142009

March 11-142009

CL

ASS

AA

AB

RA

CK

ET

S Westover

Gainesville

S Atlanta

Columbia

Rutland

Carrollton

Baldwin

Lakeview-FO

55

45

S Atlanta

Columbia

67

90

46

58

41

57

46

43

67

65

52

49

48

35

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ASS

AA

BR

AC

KE

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March 11-142009

March 11-142009

Greene Co

Blessed Trin

Dublin

Gr Atl Chr

Henry Co

Model

Laney

Buford

77

54

90

68

67

49

81

36

70

45

70

38

52

62

57

38

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ASS

AB

RA

CK

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March 11-142009

March 11-142009

Turner Co

Athens Chr

Wilcox Co

Whitefield Acad

Randolph-Clay

Wesleyan

Sav Co Day

SW Atl Chr

63

68

86

76

53

75

63

58

65

50

36

92

55

66

60

33



March 11-142009

March 11-142009

BOYS PAST STATE CHAMPIONS (SINCE 1970)Year AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A B C1970 - - Decatur East Rome Early Co. Hogansville Arlington1971 - - Carver, Col. Berrien Roswell Hogansville GAC1972 - - Savannah Russell Calhoun Co. Hogansville GAC1973 - - SW, Macon SW, Atlanta Bacon Co. West Point -1974 - - Savannah SW, Atlanta College Park Hogansville -1975 - - SW, Macon West Fulton College Park Monticello -1976 - - Savannah West Fulton College Park Woodbury -1977 - - LaGrange Brown Arnold GAC -1978 - - SW, Macon Peach Co. Josey Clay Co. -1979 - SW, Macon SW, Atlanta Arnold Dacula - -1980 - Tompkins Decatur Lakeshore Hoganville - -1981 - Baldwin West Laurens Crawford Co. Woodbury - -1982 - Campbell Decatur Crawford Co. Central, Tal. - -1983 - Marietta Gainesville Randolph-Clay Woodbury - -1984 - Douglas, Atl. Gainesville Terrell Co. Woodbury - -1985 - SW, Macon Lee Co. Central, Car. Woodbury - -1986 - Wills Hart Co. Randolph-Clay Bible Baptist - -1987 - Washington (Forfeited) Lakeshore Clinch Co. - -1988 - Griffin Madison Co. Claxton Richmond Hill - -1989 - SW, Macon Marist East Rome Clinch Co. - -1990 - Southside Westover Mitch.-Baker Central, Tal. - -1991 - Statesboro Westover Mitch.-Baker East Rome - -1992 - Johnson, Sav. Westover Wash. Co. Greenville - -1993 - Griffin Westover North Clayton Richmond Hill - -1994 - Wheeler Marist Wash. Co. Richmond Hill - -1995 - Dunwoody Westside Dodge Co. Atkinson Co. - -1996 - Tift Co. Tucker Swainsboro Hogansville - -1997 - Roswell Dougherty Cedar Grove Calhoun Co. - -1998 - Savannah Westover Mitch.-Baker Seminole Co. - -1999 - Marietta Westlake Mitch.-Baker Wilkinson Co. - -2000 - Berkmar Marist Mitch.-Baker Wilkinson Co. - -2001 Berkmar Dougherty Westover East Hall Taylor Co. - -2002 Wheeler Westlake Cross Keys Wilkinson Co. Taylor Co. - -2003 Wheeler Griffin East Hall Mitch.-Baker Whitefield Acad. - -2004 S. Gwinnett Mays West Laurens Randolph-Clay SW Atl. Christian - -2005 Wheeler Mays Dunwoody East Hall Randolph-Clay - -2006 Norcross Columbia Dunwoody Dublin SW Atl. Christian - -2007 Norcross Tucker Jordan Manchester Wilkinson Co. - -2008 Norcross Columbia Glenn Hills Wesleyan Hancock Cent. -

GIRLS PAST STATE CHAMPIONS (SINCE 1970)Year AAAAA AAAA AAA AA A B C1970 - - Forest Park Berrien Monroe Area Mitchell Co. Taylor Co.1971 - - Sequoyah Sprayberry Taylor Co. Montgomery Norman Park1972 - - Decatur Berrien Taylor Co. Montgomery GAC1973 - - Cherokee Monroe Area Haralson Co. Loganville -1974 - - Waycross Cairo Pickens GAC -1975 - - NE, Macon Berrien Haralson Co. GAC -1976 - - Cherokee Franklin Co. Brooks Co. Clinch Co. -1977 - - Lowndes Brooks Co. Irwin Co. Miller Co. -1978 - - Lowndes Waycross Bowdon Co. Temple -1979 - Lowndes Berrien Co. East Hall Miller Co. - -1980 - Lowndes Coffee East Hall Miller Co. - -1981 - NE, Macon Madison Co. White Co. Warren Co. - -1982 - NE, Macon Cairo Putnam Co. GAC - -1983 - LaGrange Berrien Morgan Co. GAC - -1984 - LaGrange Rockdale Co. Seminole Co. Central, Tal. - -1985 - NE, Macon Dodge Co. Terrell Co. Central, Tal. - -1986 - Baldwin Rossville Terrell Co. Central, Tal. - -1987 - Baldwin Dodge Co. Seminole Co. Clinch Co. - -1988 - Baldwin Chattooga Upson Taylor Co. - -1989 - Morrow Hart Co. Seminole Co. Hawkinsville - -1990 - Morrow Hart Co. Berrien Co. Broxton-M. Hayes - -1991 - Morrow Hart Co. Wash. Co. Clinch Co. - -1992 - Cedar Shoals Hart Co. Tri-County Taylor Co. - -1993 - Morrow Hart Co. Fannin Co. Clinch Co. - -1994 - Sequoyah Hart Co. Gainesville Taylor Co. - -1995 - S. Gwinnett Woodward Haralson Co. Taylor Co. - -1996 - Sequoyah Woodward Randolph-Clay Manchester - -1997 - Stone Mtn. Richmond Acad. Thomasville Pelham - -1998 - Wheeler Josey Thomasville Putnam Co. - -1999 - Pope Woodward Fannin Co. Holy Innocents’ - -2000 - Beach North Atlanta Randolph-Clay Sav. Ctry. Day - -2001 Collins Hill C. Gwinnett Gainesville GAC Jefferson - -2002 Collins Hill Glenn Hills NE, Macon GAC Wesleyan - -2003 Parkview Mays Gainesville Early Co. Taylor Co. - -2004 Stephenson St. Pius X Gainesville Wesleyan Hawkinsville - -2005 Collins Hill Etowah Hephzibah Wesleyan Terrell Co. - -2006 Collins Hill St. Pius X Avondale Wesleyan SW Atl. Christian - -2007 Collins Hill St. Pius X East Hall GAC Hawkinsville - -2008 Stephenson SW DeKalb Kendrick Wesleyan Calvary Day - -

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Documents

· Electromech Scoreboards 14 Hibbett Sports 16 Gatorade 19 U.S. Marines 21 Mizuno 23 Naturally Fresh 25 Musco Lighting 26 Choice Hotels 28 Equip-It 31 All-Star Outfitters 33 Photographic