Here is a preview of the state title games for the GHSA State Tournament. Games begin Wednesday and conclude on Saturday. All games will be played in Macon, Georgia, at the Macon Centreplex.

Private (Wednesday, March 11, 1:00pm)

Hebron Christian (29-1) vs. Holy Innocents (24-6)

Hebron Christian has been dominant all year long. Their sole loss coming on the road at Bradley Central early in January. Coach Jan Azar has a talented and senior heavy roster. Tennessee signee Gabby Minus leads the way. She was named Region 8 Player of the Year. She is flanked by seniors Kobi Barnes, Nariah Nelson, Alanna Beckham as talented contributors.

Coach Nathan Teymer wasted no time in his first year at the helm with Holy Innocents. They are back in the state finals looking to defend the GHSA Private School Division. The Golden Bears roster is balanced with solid guard play from junior Makayla Weaver and sophomore Mackenzie Weaver. Senior wing Elana McMasters is sharpshooter who contributes in a number of areas. The interior is where Teymer’s squad can really punish opponents. Sophomores Loriel Murray and Aaniyah Branch has size and athleticism that is often unmatched at this level.

Class AAAAAA (Saturday, March 14, 5:30pm)

Grayson (22-10) vs. North Paulding (29-2)

After finishing third in their region, the Lady Rams have found momentum in the postseason. Senior guard Coco Rudolph has led the way for coach Tim Slater’s group. The Kennesaw State signee and co-Player of the Year in Region 4 should be considered as one of the top players in the state of Georgia. The Lady Rams are far from a one-player show, however. Senior guard Tamera Rudolph and Liyah Williams have been key all season long. Williams finished with 20 points on five 3-pointers in their Sweet 16 win over Valdosta. Keep an eye on London Backman-Grier in this game. The sophomore is a potential X-factor.

North Paulding has not had a win margin by less than double digits in the state tournament. The Wolfpack are led by juniors Morgan Landrum and Kalee Hinkson. Sophomore Kenzie Hinkson completes the trio of All-Region selections for the Wolfpack. This game figures to be guard heavy and whichever team can enforce their will defensively will likely prevail.

AAAAA (Friday, March 13, 5:30pm)

Milton (27-4) vs. Creekview (26-5)

Milton defeated a favorite in Class AAAAA Sequoyah in the Elite 8 to advance to the Final Four. They held on after a late rally by Coffee County to advance to the state championship. Milton’s Devya Davis has been one of the top guards in the state all season long. She recently surpassed 1,000 points for her high school career. Senior guard Caroline Young, Berry commit, Aaleanna Milord, and Grace Musselman are all hitting their stride in the postseason as well.

Creekview might have surprised some with their OT victory over River Ridge in the Final Four. However, coach Eric Herrick’s Grizzlies have been solid all year with a 26-5 record. Senior guard Kailyn Hamby, Brenau signee, has been the leader all year long. She is an all-region player. Others to watch, Junior wing Lili Beal, Kentucky softball commit, and sophomores Brenley Matthews and Kylee Herrick.

Class AAAA (Thursday March 12, 5:30)

Kell (25-5) vs. Marist (29-2)

Kell might have the most balanced lineup in the state. They are led by versatile forward Kennedy Deese, Howard signee, who was named Region 6 Player of the Year. She is flanked by junior guards Asiah Thompson and Maliyah Gilbert who were both named as First Team All-Region players. Sophomore guard McKenzie Green has been a steady complementary player for coach Kandra Bailey this year. Junior wing Lyric Watson should not be forgotten here. She is a key ingredient for this year’s success.

Kate Harpring has been the top player in the state. She is a finalist for the Naismith High School Girls National Player of the Year. The North Carolina signee is just five points away from breaking the all-time career scoring record in the state of Georgia. Junior forward Katie Elder gives timely contributions for the War Eagles. Marist has not been tested in the postseason, but Thursday ought to be different.

Class AAA (Wednesday March 11, 5:30pm)

Sandy Creek (27-6) vs. Heritage (27-4)

Sophomore guard Morghan Reckley is already heralded as one of the top prospects in her class. She backed up that reputation with a 46-point explosion in a win over Monroe last weekend. She is averaging nearly 24 points per game and was named Region 2 Player of the Year. Her sister, junior Madison, was named Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year. Freshman Kennedy Boynton is also emerging as a key contributor as well. Senior guard, Deyla McCoy (USC-Upstate Soccer Commit) rounds out a roster that is far from being a one player show.

This is Heritage’s first appearance in a state title game. They upset No. 10 Pickens in the Final Four. They are on a hot streak having won 14 straight games. Senior Tori Epps leads the way as the team’s leading scorer and was named as a Region 7 First Team performer. The Generals have a strong front-line presence with sophomore post Paisley Collins and senior Emma Tanner. Senior guard Bailee Hollis might figure in as a key contributor if she can find daylight from beyond the arc.

AA (Saturday, March 14, 11:00am)

Hardaway (23-8) vs. Murray County (26-4)

Hardaway enters as the defending state champions. They had to knock off the Class AA favorite, Josey High School, in overtime in the Final Four to get their opportunity to defend their title. Junior center Rhianna Boynton has emerged as major force for the Hawks. She is returning from injury but looks to be in top form heading into Saturday’s matchup. She notched a double-double with 29 points and 14 rebounds in the win over Josey. Junior Jaylah Todd was named Region 1 Player of the Year as she provides balanced contribution across the stat sheet. Watch defensive specialist Marlana White to figure in big for coach Kelly Ellison’s game plan.

The Ledford sisters lead the way for the Indians. Senior wing, Callan, has been the go-to player all year long. She was named Region Player of the Year and has been key in the state tournament. Sophomore guard, Blaklee Ledford, is emerging in her own right as a First Team All-Region Player. She scored 18 points in the Final Four win. Watch for Naomi Hulett, Hadley Dotson, and Ansley Buckner to be important contributors for coach Chris Tipton as well.

Class A Division-II (Thursday, March 12, 1:00pm)

Wilcox County (28-1) vs. Washington-Wilkes (21-7)

Wilcox has cruised the state tournament so far. They have won every game by more than twenty points. Region 4 Player of the Year Tyliah Benjamin has been the focal point for the Patriots out of Rochelle, Georgia. Benjamin is averaging better than 11 points and 13 rebounds per game. The 6-foot forward ought to be collegiate scouts’ radars coming out of this tournament.

The Tigers went undefeated through region play and then cruised through the state tournament with wins all better than 20 points. They are led by sophomore wing Samaria Young. She is an emerging star coming out of Washington, Georgia.

Class A Division-I (Friday, March 13, 1:00pm)

Elbert County (22-8) vs. East Laurens (27-4)

Elbert County upset Putnam County in the Final Four to advance to the state championship game. Region 8 Player of the Year Junior wing Audrey Lunsford is the primary scoring target for Elbert. She recently surpassed her 1,000th point total in high school.

East Laurens is having a terrific year with 27 wins heading into Friday’s state title game. Names to watch are junior guard DeAndrea Lowther, junior guard Zahmaria Robinson, and freshman forward Garyunna Mitchell.

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. You can reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com and follow him on X @CoachHemi and Instagram @Coach_Hemi.