GHSA Tournament of Champions: No. 2 Woodward Academy vs. No. 7 Swainsboro
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…
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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. 2 4AWoodward Academy (30-2) vs. No. 7 2ASwainsboro (30-2)
The big names vs. the no names.
Woodward Academy won its first state title behind 7-foot All-American Walker Kessler Walker Kessler 7'0" | PF Landmark Christian | 2020 State #17 Nation GA while Swainsboro captured their first championship since 1996 using a balanced aggressive attack headlined by toughness and athleticism.
Woodward Academy boasts four D-I athletes in their starting lineup with Kessler (UNC), Emory Lanier Emory Lanier 6'3" | PG Woodward Academy | 2020 State #370 Nation GA (Davidson), Jacorrei Turner Jacorrei Turner 6'3" | SF Woodward | 2020 State GA (Arkansas – football) and Will Richard Will Richard 6'5" | SF Woodward Academy | 2021 State GA (D-I offers). Swainsboro doesn’t have the size to match Kessler but football standouts Fredrick and Cedric Seabrough are two powerful 6-foot-4 man-children that can bully around most.
Fredrick went for 18 points and 8 rebounds in Swainsboro’s 69-65 win over Therrell while Cedric had 9 points and 9 rebounds. Fredrick’s strength stands out most but his underrated skill set and ability to get to the basket and also knock down the open three is what makes him a difficult cover. The Tigers, much like the War Eagles, use a balanced scoring attack. Four players reached double digits in their title game while five did for Woodward in their 75-56 rout of Cross Creek.
Swainsboro’s aggressive style of play can frustrate opponents. 6-foot-1 junior Derrick Jones Derrick Jones 6'1" | SG Swainsboro | 2021 State GA is a defensive specialist. He flies around the floor and averages 3 blocks per game. Immanuel Hackett and AJ Kingsbury are senior leaders in the backcourt.
Don’t expect Woodward Academy’s experienced guards to get flustered however. Michael Whitmore Michael Whitmore 5'9" | PG Woodward Academy | 2020 State GA is a pest defensively and the heart and soul of the program. The undersized floor general makes sure the War Eagle offense runs effectively and efficiently. Lanier is a big guard that will give Swainsboro’s defenders issues while Richard is a versatile 6-foot-5 wing that will cause mismatch problems.
Swainsboro can fall in love with the deep ball. It can give them an early lead and momentum, but if they go cold things can get stagnant. They shot 7-25 from three in the Class 2A title game but went just 1-5 in the second half. They will have to be locked in from deep to keep pace with Woodward. Kessler’s size and length, like it has been his entire career, will be the difference maker that Swainsboro won’t have an answer for. Even his off nights are career games for most. He had a steady 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 blocks against Cross Creek and should put up even bigger numbers against Swainsboro if he doesn’t get coaxed out into playing on the perimeter.
Line: Woodward Academy -17.5
Vote below to decide who advances to the next round of the GHSA Tournament of Champions
Voting ends on 4/11