Top GHSA Final Four Player Matchups: 4A-3A
A look at some of the best individual matchups we will see this weekend in the GHSA Final Four. Class 4A Walker Kessler (Woodward Academy) vs. Adonnis Tolbert (Denmark) 6-foot-5 Adonnis Tolbert has the athleticism and physicality but does he…
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Continue ReadingA look at some of the best individual matchups we will see this weekend in the GHSA Final Four.
Class 4A
Walker Kessler (Woodward Academy) vs. Adonnis Tolbert (Denmark)
6-foot-5 Adonnis Tolbert has the athleticism and physicality but does he have the length to compete with Walker Kessler on the glass? The 7-foot All-American going to UNC was brilliant in Woodward’s come-from-behind 58-56 thriller over Sandy Creek. Kessler post 33 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks while battling 6-foot-9 Jabari Smith. Tolbert has to sellout to do everything he can to keep Kessler off the glass and away from the basket at all times. Easier said than done.
Brookes Kahlert (St. Pius X) vs. Andre Herbert (Cross Creek)
Cross Creek was dead in the water at halftime at LaFayette down 31-16 before flipping the script for a 58-55 win. St. Pius X was on life support as well in double-overtime before stunning undefeated Americus-Sumter 73-70. Andrew Herbert came in off the bench to shut down LaFayette’s penetration which killed them in the first half. The football player’s on-ball defense and quick hands ignited the Cross Creek defense. Whenever he gets on the floor, he will need to do the same against wiz-kid passer Brookes Kahlert. St. Pius’ fluid offense will pose major problems for the Razorbacks if they can’t contain Kahlert and keep the Golden Lions from driving and kicking.
Class 3A
Matthew Cleveland (Pace Academy) vs. Emondre Bowles (Johnson-Savannah)
No one has been able to stop Matthew Cleveland and Pace Academy. Their latest victim was Monroe Area, 65-40 as Cleveland dumped in 20 points and 7 assists. Johnson-Savannah survived Long County 49-46. Emondre Bowles had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. The ultimate competitor will need to play the game of his life for the Atomsmashers to shock the Knights. Johnson-Savannah has a strong backcourt with Derek Edwards also in the mix, but can they stop the length of Cleveland and Cole Middleton?
Jacob Radaker (Jefferson) vs. Quay Primas (Central-Macon)
Two of the best big men remaining in the state playoffs hook up. Navy-signee Jacob Radaker scored 20 points in Jefferson’s win over an athletic Monroe group 55-45. 6-foot-7 Quay Primas scored 20 of his 28 points in the second half as the Chargers rallied to beat Windsor Forest 79-76 in OT. Primas also gobbled up 21 rebounds. It’s not often that the 6-foot-9 Radaker has seen a post presence nearly as big and just as skilled. It will be a grind for both.