Updated May 4th…

Video provided by my friends at The NFHS Network

The last couple of state semifinals called by yours truly have been ultra-dramatic and borderline historic.

Last season, Rutland outscored Jenkins by 17-points in a four-minute stretch to take a one-point lead in the final minute of the game; only to lose. Morgan County’s multiple time “All-Stater” Tookie Brown scored 32 second-half points and the defending champs took down number one. Jenkins went on to win their first state title the next week in Macon.

Two seasons ago, in Carrollton on the West Georgia campus, was perhaps the best two guy’s basketball games I have ever seen. Columbia, who had appeared in four straight title games and won three straight at one point, defeated the legends from Westover (six titles and three runner-up) with a layup right at the horn. In the second game, Alexander took the eventual state champions, Jonesboro, to overtime via Hassani Gravette’s eight three-pointers and 47-point night.

This year, returning to Carrollton, didn’t quite provide the same level of dramatics; although we witnessed some tremendous individual efforts.

Ladies- Tucker vs Douglas County

The 2014 5A State Champions advance to their second title game in three years, this time in the state’s highest classification, with their 79-66 win over Douglas County.

Tucker blew open a relatively tight contest mid-way through the third quarter and ended with four young ladies in double-digits point wise. Bria Bass delivered 19-points and Kierra Johnson-Graham put together a double-double night as DC finished the year 29-2; with each loss coming to Tucker.

The entire game broadcast can be found here:

http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/ghsa/6e806b765c

Ladies- McEachern vs West Forsyth

West Forsyth’s Jenna Staiti, perhaps the most dominant player in the state, delivered 51-points for the Lady Wolverines. In the end, the team game for McEachern turned a 41-35 halftime deficit into an 81-70 victory.

The Lady Indians overall athletic advantage led to defensive stops and continual run-outs; and Jada Lewis was the beneficiary. The Lady Indians senior leader dropped 12-points in the decisive fourth quarter and finished the night with 36-points overall.

McEachern will now hit Macon next week with a chance to win their fourth state championship in the last five years.

The entire game broadcast can be found here:

http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/ghsa/1e7ae21669

Gentlemen- Westlake vs Newton

From 1999-2010, the Westlake Lions played in seven semifinals and four state title games, winning twice. Since that 2010 runner-up finish, the Lions had not advanced past the Sweet 16. Saturday night in Carrollton was, as one long time Westlake administrator explained, “a moment where the entire school could finally exhale.”

Down 54-52 with just under four minutes remaining, Chuma Okeke and Ronald Bell took over during a 12-5 run and the Lions won 64-59. Okeke finished with 22-points and James Lewis dropped in 18.

The entire game broadcast can be found here:

http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/ghsa/d3eebc5006

Gentlemen- Pebblebrook vs Milton

For old Cobb County natives, the success of the Pebblebrook basketball program is something to behold. With their 77-70 win Saturday night over Milton, in their third consecutive Final Four, the Falcons will return to the state championship game after last year’s dramatic loss in the final to Wheeler.

Collin Sexton showed why he could be a top five guard in the state with his 35-point performance versus the Eagles. The Hillgrove transfer, who dropped in only three points in the first period, exploded in the second quarter as the Falcons took the lead they held the rest of the night.

The entire game broadcast can be found here:

http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/ghsa/5c19b97310