The Varsity Boys Basketball team traveled to McDonough on Wednesday, February 22 to play Eagle's Landing in the Sweet 16 round of the 2017 State Class AAAAA Tournament. The Golden Eagles held the #1 seed from Region 4-AAAAA while the Raiders finished 2nd in Region 6-AAAAA.
The Golden Eagles dominated the first half. While each team played cautiously in the first period, Eagle's Landing had the 12-7 advantage when the buzzer sounded. Unfortunately, the Raiders' poor shooting and rebounding in the second period allowed the Golden Eagles to extend their lead. The Raiders entered the locker room at halftime trailing 31-22.
The Raiders settled down in the second half and began methodically chipping away at the lead. By the end of the third period, they were within three points (47-44). With less than two minutes remaining, the Raiders finally tied the game, 57-57 (1:33 on the clock). With only six seconds to go, and trailing 63-61, Senior Charnchai Chantha launched a successful three-point shot to win the game, 64-63.
The thrilling 64-63 victory propels the Raiders to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year. They will play at Miller Grove (#1 seed, Region 5-AAAAA) Wednesday, March 1. Game time 6pm.
The Wolverines are the defending Class AAAAA State Champions. In addition to winning the 2016 State title, Miller Grove also won the Class AAAAA championship in 2013 and 2014. Prior to moving up to Class AAAAA, the Wolverines were the Class AAAA champs for four consecutive years (2009-2012).
NOTE: Thanks to Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach Michele Finley for her in-game updates and to Principal Dr. Robert Shaw for his photograph
2017 State Class AAAAA Boys Basketball Tournament Brackets (link to GHSA.net)