OTR Hoops: 2025 GHSA Finals Preview – March 3, 2025

High School basketball concludes this week. Sixteen teams are left in eight classifications. Here is a selected look at who is left and what to expect.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Class AAAAAA
Wheeler vs. Newton
Saturday March 8, 7:30
Macon Coliseum

By some accounts, Wheeler earned the win of the year as the upset odds-on favorite, Grayson, in Saturday’s semi-final. Some may say that foul trouble doomed the Rams, but in truth the Wildcats earned the victory in every aspect of the game. Sophomore point guard Kevin Savage has come into his own as an elite playmaker. Ole Miss commit Tylis Jordan seems to have found his stride as a interior scorer and rebounder. And the depth on the Wildcat sideline is serious when one considers Kota Suttle Jr., Mansur McClain, Lamerrion Lewis, Amare James, Colben Landrew, and Jacob Taylor all making consistent contributions this season.

Newton found a victory over Pebblebrook on Saturday evening. While many anticipated this game to be a square off between the Rams’ point guard Marcus Smith II and the Falcons point guard, Zyree Brown, this game was won along the frontline. Jordan Green and Tad Neal combined for 28 points. Both were active on the glass and found rhythm with elbow jumpers and paint finishes. If the Rams want to capture the title on Saturday, they will need a repeat performance from that duo.

Class AAAAA
Woodward Academy vs. Tri-Cities
Friday March 7, 7:30pm
Macon Coliseum

Woodward looks to have hit their stride down the stretch in late February. The back court duo of Jarvis Hayes Jr. and Zac Foster (Clemson commit) are formidable. They combined 36 points in their win over Langston Hughes in the semifinals. Deke Cooper, however, should be considered the glue that holds this all together. A rugged wing-forward who can crash the glass and hit the trail 3-pointer, Cooper will be a tough match-up on Friday evening.

As well as Woodward has been playing, Tri-Cities looks to be playing the best basketball of anyone in Class AAAAA. They have defeated every team they have faced in the postseason by double digits. They are led by sophomore guard Tre Keith, who recently surpassed the 1,000 point mark in his young high school career. He is joined in the back court by senior Carby Martin who provides ball handling and experience for The City. Senior forward Sean Van Dorn has also proved to be a key for coach Omari Forts in this playoff run. Watch for junior Jalan Wingfield, as he could be the X-factor in the match-up with the aforementioned Cooper.

Class AAAA
Pace Academy vs. North Oconee
Thursday March 6, 7:30pm
Macon Coliseum

This is the match-up that is much anticipated. Pace Academy has one of the top guards in the state in Eric Chatfield. He is playing with top confidence and empowerment from coach Sharman White. They have run through all their opponents with an average win margin of more than 30 points per game.

North Oconee received a good test from Mays in the semifinals, but they also have been playing at a top level this postseason. Sophomore guard Justin Wise has been stellar all year long. Banks Pourchier and Khamari Brooks have been steady for the Titans as well.

Class AAA
Sandy Creek vs. Cedar Grove
Wednesday March 5, 7:00pm
Macon Coliseum

Sandy Creek enters Wednesday’s game 28-3 and is playing its best basketball to date this season. A one-point win over Cross Creek in the Elite 8 is the only test that the Patriots have had in the postseason. Coach Nickerson has led this program to three championships, so expect this group to be prepared for this match-up. Senior guard Jared White is a name that continues to pop up as a consistent performer. Look for Kingston Hawkins, Austin Florence, and Amari Latimer to play important roles as well.

Cedar Grove enter this bracket as the favorite. They will have to prove it against a hot Sandy Creek team. Junior wing-forward Manny Green has been the hot name all season long. He finished with an impressive 18 points and nine rebounds in Saturday’s semifinal win. Senior guard Yusef Bowyer and Keith Gillespie are as tough as they come this time of year. The Saints have one of the best inside-out attacks in the state.

Class A Division I
Southwest Macon vs. Best Academy
Saturday March 8, 1pm
Macon Coliseum

Southwest Macon is led by junior guard Chase Dupree. He is a consistent scorer who can drain the 3-ball and make plays in the lane. He is flanked by junior guard Carson Howard and Brandon Ashley. This trio of players are a tough core to cover as their 27-2 record might suggest.

Coach Weeden and Best Academy are on a roll this postseason. They are led by senior twins Jacob and Josh Mickell. Both kids are strong, athletic slashers who are rarely contained in the open court. That duo has been enough to get to them to the championship game. This game projects to be a great match up of guard play.

Private
North Cobb Christian vs. Holy Innocents Episcopal
Wednesday March 5, 3pm
Macon Coliseum

This is one of the potential matchups we predicted a few weeks ago in our GHSA preview. North Cobb Christian powered past Greenforest Academy in the semifinal. Now the Eagles’ sophomore heavy roster is poised to take on one of the top teams in the nationally. Brock Bass Bonner is one of the top sophomores in the state. He has been consistent all season long. Xavier Butler caught fire in the Eagles’ semifinal game for 20 points on five 3-pointers. Look for Isaiah Chandler, Grant Roblich, and Jordan Wiseman to be key names for coach Motta’s squad on Wednesday.

Caleb Wilson has been the story for the Bears this season. He is a 5-star prospect headed to North Carolina. The 6-foot-10 forward is a do-it-all prospect with elite athleticism. The Eagles will have to find some good fortune to slow him down on Wednesday afternoon. Other names to watch for are junior guards Devin Hutcherson and Jordan Mays. Keep freshman wing Jaden McCullough on your radar for this game and beyond for coach Mays team.

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 JLHemingway@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @JL_Hemingway.