Georgia State Playoffs: Metro Atlanta Sweep Won't Happen Again

The metro Atlanta sweep of the five boys championships in 2010 won't be repeated. To many, that's a surprise in Georgia's state tournament, which began its semifinals Wednesday in Macon and Duluth.

In Class A on Wednesday, Terrell County of south Georgia defeated tournament favorite Whitefield Academy, a metro area private school, 66-63. Whitefield is a two-time past Class A champion that was runner-up last year.

In the other semifinal, Wilkinson County of middle Georgia beat Greenville 66-48. Terrell and Wilkinson will meet in the final on Saturday, guaranteeing at least one non-Atlanta team to claim a title.

The other final that was established Wednesday was Miller Grove vs. Rockdale County in AAAA. Miller Grove is nationally ranked and the two-time defending champion. Its front line led by junior blue-chip prospect Tony Parker is Georgia's most feared.

Rockdale, led by Tennessee-bound guard Kevin Ware, hasn't been to a final since winning in 1987, only to forfeit the title because of ineligible players.

Finals will be played Friday in the Gwinnett Place Arena in Duluth and Saturday at the Macon Centreplex in Macon.

In the other classes, Milton (AAAAA), Columbia (AAA) and Greater Atlanta Christian (AA) are expected to repeat as champions. Milton is ranked No. 3 nationally by USA Today and MaxPreps.

Georgia schedule:

SEMIFINALS

Wednesday

Class A (Macon)

Wilkinson County 66, Greenville 48
Terrell County 66, Whitfield Academy 63

Class AAAA (Duluth)

Miller Grove 65, Jonesboro 52
Rockdale County 66, Fayette County 64

Thursday

Class AA (Macon)

5:30 p.m. - Buford vs. Laney
8:30 p.m. - Greater Atlanta Christian vs. Swainsboro

Class AAAAA (Duluth)

5:30 p.m. - Norcross vs. Valdosta
8:30 p.m. - Milton vs. Tift County

Friday

Class AAA (Macon)

5:30 p.m. - Columbia vs. Eagle's Landing
8:30 p.m. - Franklin County vs. Butler

FINALS

Friday

4:45 p.m. - Class 4A
8:30 p.m. - Class 5A

Saturday

12:45 p.m. - Class A
4:45 p.m. - Class AA
8:45 p.m. - Class AAA