For the first time ever, the Georgia High School Association has expanded to eight state championship games with the addition of a 7A division. It's also the first time the games will be split between Georgia's Stegeman Coliseum and Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion.
Below, we preview the four games that take place in Athens starting today at 4:00.
A Public: No. 5 Wilkinson County vs. No. 2 Calhoun County (March 8th, 4:00 PM)
Players to watch: Wilkinson County SF Clarence Jackson, Calhoun County SF Rashun Williams
Preview: Both of these programs have experience playing in this game in recent years, but it seems like Wilkinson County has been in this game almost every year for the past decade. The match-up between Clarence Jackson and Rashun Williams will be fun to watch, but this one could come down to which one gets more help from his supporting cast.
Prediction: Calhoun County
AAAAA: Cedar Shoals vs. Buford (March 8th, 8:00 PM)
Players to watch: Cedar Shoals F Phlan Fleming (Charleston Southern signee), Buford PG Alex Jones, Buford SF Marcus Watson
Preview: It didn't take long for Eddie Martin, one of the best high school basketball coaches in Georgia history, to get Buford to a state championship game. In just his second year running the program, he led the Wolves to a 28-2 record but they face a tough test from Athens-based Cedar Shoals (27-4). Phlan Fleming gets the most attention for Cedar Shoals, but it's been a team effort all year and should make for a competitive game to close out the first night of action.
Prediction: Buford
AAA: Pace Academy vs. Morgan County (March 9th, 4:00 PM)
Players to watch: Pace Academy C Wendell Carter (Duke signee), Pace Academy SF Isaiah Kelly, Morgan County G Tyrin Lawrence, Morgan County G Alec Woodard
Preview: This game features a team with great size in the front-court in Pace Academy against a team that thrives with guard play in Morgan County. Pace Academy is looking to defend last year's state championship and send five-star Duke signee Wendell Carter out on a positive note, but Morgan County's sophomore guard duo of Tyrin Lawrence and Alec Woodard are looking to prove themselves on the big stage.
Prediction: Pace Academy
AAAAAA: Brunswick vs Langston Hughes (March 9th, 8:00 PM)
Players to watch: Brunswick C Kymani Dunham (College of Charleston signee), Langston Hughes SF Landers Nolley, Langston Hughes G Derrick Cook (Northeastern signee)
Preview: Brunswick is back in the state championship after winning the title two years ago. The Pirates have had a terrific season at 23-8, but they are running into a talented Langston Hughes team that has been hot lately. Junior wing Lander Nolley has been one of the best players in the state this year and Derrick Cook has played well in their tournament run.
Prediction: Langston Hughes