The Boys Basketball team traveled to Lithonia to take on Miller Grove on Wednesday, March 2 in the Elite 8 round of the 2017 GHSA State Class AAAAA Championship Tournament. The Wolverines, defending state champions and having a trophy case gleaming with state championship hardware from six of the past seven years, built upon a meager three point halftime lead to eliminate the Raiders 59-43.
The Raiders jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead, but trailed by one (9-8) at the end of the 1st quarter. In the second quarter, the host team's precision shooting and lock-down zone defense proved difficult to penetrate. Midway through the second period, the Raiders were down 21-14. They mounted a furious scoring burst and went into the locker room at halftime only trailing by three, (23-20).
The Wolverines found their scoring range in the 3rd quarter and built a comfortable seven point buffer (34-27). Trailing the entire final period, the Raiders were forced to foul to try to get the ball back; however, Miller Grove successfully hit most of their free throws and advanced to the Final Four with their 59-43 victory.
Notes:
Senior standout Elijah Jenkins scored 17 points to put him at 1002 for his outstanding three-year varsity career. Senior Charnchi Chantha scored 9 points to go with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. His career numbers are 709 points, 247 rebounds, 141 steals, and 332 assists. Junior Elijah Dudley added 9 points and 2 assists. Senior Josh Brown picked up 3 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Senior Brennen Suttle scored 2 points, collected 2 rebounds, and had 2 blocks.
The game marked the end of their high school career for five terrific seniors: Elijah Jenkins, Charnchai Chantha, Josh Brown, Brennen Suttle, and Amir Smith.
The Raiders compiled a 72-17 record over the past three seasons. During these winning seasons, they made three consecutive appearances in the State Tournament, making it to the Elite 8 in both 2016 and 2017. The Raiders were Region 6-AAAAA Champions in 2016 and the Region runners-up in 2017.