GHSA Tournament of Champions: No. 1 Wheeler vs. No. 8 Hancock Central
There are a lot of items on GHSA basketball fans’ wish lists. One that we may never see is a tournament of champions. All eight classification champs grouped together and seeded or even paired at random to set up a…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere are a lot of items on GHSA basketball fans’ wish lists. One that we may never see is a tournament of champions. All eight classification champs grouped together and seeded or even paired at random to set up a bracket to determine the overall champion of the state. With no basketball being played currently, why not breakdown some hypothetical matchups in this new series and let the fan vote determine who will advance to the next round?
We will provide a preview, a thoughtful prediction and let you – the fans – decide the fate of each game.
No. 1 7AWheeler (24-7) vs. No. 8 A-PublicHancock Central (28-3)
It’s David vs. Goliath in the opening round. Wheeler earns the No. 1 seed after knocking off nationally ranked Grayson to win the state’s largest classification while Hancock Central outlasted Treutlen in an ugly game in overtime to win their first state title since 2008. The Wildcats have seven championships and are viewed as Georgia’s most prestigious program due to their longevity of success in the state’s highest classification.
So, does Hancock Central stand a chance?
Denver-signee Sam Hines Sam Hines 6'6" | SF Wheeler | 2020 State GA is a handful inside, just ask Grayson. At 6-foot-6 Hines is a workhorse on the glass and attacks relentlessly, averaging 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds. 6-foot-7 Ja’Heim Hudson Ja’Heim Hudson 6'7" | PF Wheeler | 2021 State GA chipped in 11.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game and will be one of the hottest post prospects in the Southeast once play resumes. Hancock Central is scrappy and plays hard but their tallest player is 6-foot-2 seldom used Ryan Chatman. The Wildcats will maul the undersized Bulldogs inside.
Wheeler’s sturdy defense is likely the best in the tournament and will give Hancock major issues. The Bulldogs will need to shoot much better than they did against Treutlen. They went 0-16 from three and 9-26 from the line and were outrebounded 51-44. Junior guards Leroy Wilson (16.1 ppg) and Jamal Taylor (15.5 ppg) will need to have the games of their life to propel Hancock. Taylor is a shifty little lefty that can make things happen off the dribble while Wilson can somewhat match Wheeler’s size on the perimeter at 6-foot-1. Marquavious Lawrence had a big game off the bench against Treutlen with 12 points and 7 rebounds, but I worry about the 6-foot post’s effectiveness against Wheeler’s size.
Wheeler’s depth in the backcourt should wear down the Bulldogs. Nash Kelly Nash Kelly 6'2" | PG Wheeler | 2020 State GA is a reliable ball handler while Max Harris Max Harris 6'4" | SG Wheeler | 2021 State GA and Prince Davies Prince Davies 6'5" | SF Wheeler | 2020 State GA are big wings that can shoot the ball.
Line: Wheeler – 24
Vote below to decide who advances to the next round of the GHSA Tournament of Champions
Voting closes on 4/8