AHSAA 1A Final Four Preview
In the state of Alabama, all classification’s final four games are played in Birmingham. This year, Decatur Heritage (30-4), Georgiana (27-5), Spring Garden (25-6), and St. Lukes (16-9) are representing the 1A class. Decatur Heritage was the No. 1 ranked…
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Continue ReadingIn the state of Alabama, all classification’s final four games are played in Birmingham. This year, Decatur Heritage (30-4), Georgiana (27-5), Spring Garden (25-6), and St. Lukes (16-9) are representing the 1A class. Decatur Heritage was the No. 1 ranked 1A team, Georgiana was ranked No. 4, Spring Garden was ranked No. 3, and St. Lukes was unranked in the final poll.
Decatur Heritage (30-4)
How they got here: 63-44 over South Lamar, 67-57 over Mars Hill Bible, and 71-48 over Covenant Christian.
Players to watch: 6’8 PF Noah Boler (Lee University signee) and 6’3 SG GianCarlo Valdez (2020). Boler and Valdez have been the perfect 1-2 punch for Decatur Heritage this season. Having an inside/outside presence has made Decatur Heritage hard to guard this season.
Overview: DHCA brings a 7 game win streak into Birmingham. This team battled several larger classification schools and has been ranked No. 1 virtually all season. The matchup between Boler and Payton will be a fun one to watch.
Georgiana (27-5)
How they got here: 71-62 over Florala High, 55-50 over Lanett High, and 69-57 over Cornerstone School.
Players to watch: 6’7 F Martavius Payton (2020) and 5’11 CG Christopher Mixon (2019). Payton and Mixon lead a high powered and exciting Georgiana offense to Birmingham. Payton is one of the best athletes in the 2020 class and has averaged over 15 and 10 per game this season.
Overview: Georgiana has won 18 of the last 20 games (5 in a row). Georgiana brings a lot of athleticism and defensive ability into their matchup with No. 1 Decatur Heritage.
Spring Garden (25-6)
How they got here: 76-50 over Talladega Co., 91-65 over Lindsey Lane, and 47-40 over Skyline.
Players to watch: 6’2 W Dalton Rogers (2019) and 6’0 CG Isaiah Sanchez (2019).
Overview: Spring Garden is rolling into Birmingham with a well balanced offensive attack and a 10 game win streak. This team relies on balance and efficiency on both ends of the court. Spring Garden has been one of the most consistent teams all season in 1A.
St. Lukes (16-9)
How they got here: 77-57 over Marengo High, 56-46 over Ellwood Christian, and 55-50 over Francis Marion.
Players to watch: 5’8 PG JaCorey Jacobs (2019) and 5’10 CG Jermaine Brown (2019). Jacobs and Brown bring a lot of heart and intensity into every matchup. Jacobs is one of the best shooters you haven’t heard of.
Overview: St. Luke’s is riding a 7 game win streak, and may be one of the hottest teams in Birmingham. This team plays hard and survived a slow start to the season. St. Luke’s might be the biggest underdog of the 1A Final Four, but don’t count them out.