OTR Hoops: GHSA Final 4 Preview (4A-7A) – March 1, 2024

March is upon us and we’re down to only 4 teams in each classification. This year’s playoff has brought tons of excitement, each round full of upsets and huge performances. The Final 4 will likely be no different as we’ll see some of the hottest teams in the state battle it out for a trip to Macon. We tell you everything you need to know about the Final 4 matchups.

By: Staff

7A

Wheeler vs. McEachern

March 2^nd – 3:00 PM @ Georgia State University

Two of the state’s powerhouse programs will square off on Saturday night, both fighting for a shot at the state championship. Wheeler comes in as the slight underdog, especially without their floor general Kota Suttle. The roster is still deep with talent, but Kevin Savage and Jacob Taylor will need to step up in a big way. For McEachern, Ace Bailey is going to take them as far as they go and that could very well be all the way. Finding a way to make things hard for Bailey will be the key for Wheeler but their staff is one of the best around and they’ll have a gameplan.

Grayson vs. Milton

March 2^nd – 7:00 PM @ Georgia State University

This will be a clash of two teams with very different stories. Grayson has been the favorite to win 7A all year and they haven’t lost to a single in-state opponent. They’re loaded with talent and experience, strong at every position. Milton, on the other hand, came into the year with high expectations but struggled early on. They’ve really turned it around late in the year and have won 9 straight behind the excellent guard play of Anthony Gause and Josh Dixon. It’ll be tough for Milton to keep up with the nationally ranked Rams but they definitely feel dangerous right now.

6A

Alexander vs. Woodward Academy

March 2^nd 3:00 PM @ University of West Georgia

Alexander remains the frontrunner to win 6A again and they’ve cruised through the playoffs with minimal issues so far. Braedan Lue has proven to be one of the most dominant bigs in the state while sophomore point guard Greg Dunson has risen to the top of his class this year. Woodward’s backcourt, Zach Foster and Brandon Peters, can fill up the scoresheet and a team with firepower like Woodward could pose a serious threat to Alexander.

Jonesboro vs. Riverwood

March 2^nd 7:00 PM @ University of West Georgia

Joneboro and Riverwood have both defied the odds by making it this far but neither will go home happy without a win on Saturday. Jonesboro has flown under the radar for much of the season but opened some eyes with a Sweet 16 win over St. Pius and then took care of a solid Langston Hughes team in the Elite 8. That being said, they haven’t faced a duo like Karris Bilal and JR Leonard all year. Both guys are extremely hot right now and they look hungry for a trip to Macon.

5A

Maynard Jackson vs. Eagles Landing

March 1^st 3:00 PM @ University of West Georgia

When Mekhi Turner went down for the year, most people wrote Maynard Jackson off. They responded by starting the year 16-2. Cassius Watkins and Yusef Bowyer have been great all season while Cam Dover has emerged as a major piece as well. They’ll have their hands full with Eagles Landing though who’s been a different team since adding John McQueen in January. I expect a physical, hard-nosed game with the tougher team coming out on top.

Kell vs. Winder-Barrow

March 1^st 7:00 PM @ University of West Georgia

It’s hard to see anyone taking down Kell as the Longhorns ride a 26-game win streak into the Final 4, their last loss coming to Grayson back in November. CJ Brown is playing on a different level right now and he’s surrounded by some lethal shooters, making it very hard to scheme against him defensively. Winder-Barrow has some weapons and they’re playing well right now, but it’ll be tough for them to advance past Friday night. If they can pull off the win, it’ll be the upset of the year.

4A

Baldwin vs. North Oconee

March 2^nd 3:00 PM @ Fort Valley State University

Baldwin and North Oconee each come into Friday’s game with very impressive records, Baldwin at 27-2 and North Oconee at 28-3. Baldwin is the scrappier team and if it comes down to who can get a stop, I think it’s Baldwin. North Oconee, however, is well-coached and plays together. If they’re making crisp passes and hitting shots, it could definitely go their way. This should be one of the best games of the weekend.

Benedictine vs. Holy Innocents

March 2^nd 7:00 PM @ Fort Valley State University

Two of the best players in 4A will square off on Saturday night, Caleb Wilson and Caleb Jones. While Caleb Jones has been nearly unstoppable all year, he’s never had to face guys like Caleb Wilson and Devin Hutcherson. Jones will still get his points but he’ll need a career night to pull this one off. With Pace Academy and McDonough out of the picture, Holy Innocents looks like the favorite to win it all but they’ll have to go through Benedictine first.