Thursday, December 11, 2008

Weekend Game Preview

The GA State Championships are being played this weekend in football; however, there are some excellent high school matchups on the hardwood as well. Here are two of the bigger matchups that the Atlanta Roundball Report will be keeping tabs on:



Friday Night - Centennial vs. Wheeler (@ Wheeler)

This Region 6-AAAAA matchup has the potential to be an excellent game. Wheeler (2-1) is currently ranked # 2 in the GA AAAAA poll, and ranked #24 in the nation by USA Today. Centennial(1-1) is ranked #8 in the state among AAAAA schools. Both schools are vying for supremecy in the state's toughest basketball region and are looking to set the tone with a win on Friday night. There will be a high level of talent on the floor with both teams. Three of the participants have already signed to play at ACC schools next season (Wheeler's Ari Stewart -Wake Forest, Richard Howell - NC State and Lorenzo Brown- NC State).


Expectations are always high for the dominant Wheeler Program and this year is certainly no different. Wheeler is loaded with exceptional talent and most feel they are a heavy favorite to win the AAAAA State Title. Anything short of that goal will be somewhat disappointing for the Wildcat fans. Wheeler is the GA High School hoops version of the New York Yankees...the Goal is a Championship Ring...each and every season. That is how high the bar has been set for the very successful Cats under legendary coach Doug Lipscomb.


Centennial's senior laden group is good, and they have their own high expectations on the season. The Knights have already suffered an early season setback with a disappointing showing versus South Atlanta 2 weeks ago. They are hungry to prove that do really belong amongst the State's Elite. A strong showing against Wheeler tonight would prove that they do.



Friday Night - GAC vs. Blessed Trinity (@ Blessed Trinity)


This Region 6-AA clash should also be an excellent game. Blessed Trinity stands at 6-0 and is ranked #2 in the State in Class AA. GAC has a record of 5-2 and is ranked # 3 in the State.

After going 27-4 last season, expectations were understandably tempered coming into the season for Blessed Trinity. However, the Titans have hit the road running, reeling off six straight wins to start the season. Coach Brian Marks has been receiving excellent play out of his senior tandem of Arris Brundidge (6' 4, Wing, 2009) and Ryan Legates (6' 3, PG, 2009), both of whom are averaging close to 20 PPG.


Current GAC Head Coach Eddie Martin led Norcross High to the past three consecutive Class 5A State Titles while at Norcross. His coaching ability, along with a nice collection of talent on his current roster, has brought high expectations to the Gwinnett private school. Trent Wiedeman (6' 7, Forward, 2010) has been playing very well thus far and will look to assert his post precense in this contest. Should be an exciting early season game between two schools who both have a legit shot to bring home a State Title in March.


Additional matchups to look for :

Friday - Marietta vs. McEachern

Friday - Harrison vs. Kennesaw Mtn.

Saturday - Dominguez (CA) vs. Wheeler

Saturday - Riverdale vs. Milton

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

kennesaw mtn is garbage, drilled by McEachern and lost to East Paulding.

Atlanta Roundball Report said...

Kennesaw Mtn. has struggled somewhat early. However they have some talent, a good Coach in Bonner and should get things back on track. The Harrison - Kennesaw Mtn. is a big rivalry game since the schools are so close to one another.

Anonymous said...

I like Blessed Trinity over GAC and think Wheeler will beat Centennial pretty easy.

Anonymous said...

Bonner is good at getting transfers.