https://youtu.be/HVWVlcj20kghttps://youtu.be/_UtfCvsaqQ4https://youtu.be/6BoUcL-i9i8
Bailey Fouls Out And Collier And Page Punch Ticket To Final 4
By: Raheem Supreme
Wheeler(GA) pulled off an impressive win in their GHSA 7A state quarterfinal matchup against McEachern(GA) Wednesday night, 79-71. The Wildcats of Wheeler were led by outstanding performances from USC signees Arrinten Page and Isaiah Collier. Both teams are top 50 nationally ranked according to Max Preps, and have several high level prospects. Page led all scorers with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Collier, who was recently named a 2023 McDonalds All-American finished with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Indians of McEachern (23-7) experienced a significant amount of adversity, losing their 5 star big man JD Palm to an ankle injury in the first half. Rutgers commit Airious Bailey who is their scorer also fouled out at the beginning of the 4th quarter! Bailey finished with a team-high 18 points, while Jaylen Hilliard added 17 and Rutgers signee JaMichael Davis had 13 in the loss for McEachern(GA). Wheeler(GA) kept their momentum throughout the 2nd half, extending their lead to as much as 16 points, but McEachern(GA) didn’t give up as they cut the deficit down to five points multiple times in the fourth quarter before running out of time. Iowa State signee also notched 17 points for the Wildcats, improving to an overall record of (25-6). Their focus shifts to Saturday nights game against Grayson(GA) in the GHSA 7A final four at Georgia State University in Atlanta.
USC Commit Isaih Collier had 24 points 6 rebounds and 5 assist in win over McEachern.
Norcross Advances To Final 4 In Thriller Over Newton (58-56)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6LOqEd92cg&t=21s
By: Arvon Bacon
NORCROSS- The Norcross Blue Devils emerged victorious against the visiting Newton Rams in thrilling fashion, 58-56. In the final seconds of OT senior guard, Bilal Abdur-Rahman missed a game winning lay up attempt, but out of no where Mari Jordan followed up with the game winning tip-in layup at the buzzer.
With the victory over Newton, the Blue Devils will face the Cherokee Warriors (24-6) at the Georgia State Convention Center this Saturday at 4 p.m.
The Warriors defeated the talented and well coached Carrolton Trojans Wednesday, 70-66.
The Blue Devils have one of the best well put together rosters in 7A from top to bottom. However, they lack length in the interior which may hurt their chances of becoming back to back champions. It’ll be an even playing filed in the match versus Cherokee, which Norcross is favored to win, but if they make it to the championship, Buford or Wheeler will have the advantage on the interior.
Senior wing Samarion Bond does make things interesting though, he’s a very physical athlete with a high motor that will give any big man in GHSA a battle positioning for rebounds.
Nonetheless, the hypotheticals will be out the window come Saturday, Norcross must continue to play stellar defense and control the glass if they want to knock off the scrappy Warriors.
Expect for Norcross to control the tempo of the game and for Mari Jordan to do what he’s been doing, and that’s scoring the basketball at a high level.
BEFORE YOU GO BE SURE TO WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH MARI ON YOU TUBE. Subscribe while your there and FOLLOW US on Twitter and TikTok @baconnetworkllc @baconnetworkllc
Georgia Signee Erupts In The Second Half As Norcross Boys Reach Elite 8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6LOqEd92cg&t=21shttps://officialbaconnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jordan-27-highlights-quick-clips-.mp4By: Raheem Supreme
NORCROSS- The Norcross boys varsity basketball team won their home playoff game Saturday night against Osborne(GA) (17-13) by a score of 72-60. Senior guard, LAMARIYON JORDAN led the defending state champion Blue Devils (25-4) in scoring with 36 points, 27 of those came in the second half. “We’ve worked and prepared all week with our coaches” says Jordan who recently signed a national letter of intent to play for the University of Georgia under head coach Mike White. His solid 6’6 195 pound frame allows him to see over smaller defenders. His smooth release on his jump shot enables him to score effortlessly from 15 feet to beyond the arc. “My preparation consists of putting up a lot of shots during practice and before games to get in rhythm” says Jordan as he also hit 4 three-pointers and grabbed 12 boards.
Senior forward Samarion Bond pitched in (14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assist) and Bilal Abdur-Rahman finished with 11 points (10 in the first half). Junior guard, Toby Ojukwu went (5-5) from the free throw line in the 4th quarter to prevent Osborne from making a comeback finishing with 7 points. The Blue Devils remain unbeaten in February, and will host Newton (GA) at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the GHSA 7A Elite Eight! https://officialbaconnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jordan-27-highlights-quick-clips-.mp4
500th Win And Not Done Yet‼️
Scoot Henderson And His Sister Crystal Have Memorable Night At Kell
By: Arvon Bacon
Last Friday Coach Flynn crossed another milestone in his coaching career by tallying his 500th win, and to make Friday’s evening even more special the win secured another region championship for the Tigers.
With an overall record of 23-5, they have earned the right to host a playoff game. Hosting New Hampstead this past Tuesday, the home Tigers won convincingly, 98-73. Advancing to the Sweet 16, the next challenger on the road to Macon, Fayette County will battle the Bainbridge Bearcats (26-2) to advance to the Elite 8.
The Fayette County Tigers are led by senior RJ Kennedy who is averaging 24 points and 4 ast. per Maxpreps.
Scoot and Crystal Henderson During Jersey Retirement Ceremony At Kell High School. Photo Courtesy Of RYZE Hoops
By: Arvon Bacon
Last night, Scoot and Crystal Henderson were honored by having their jerseys retired at Kell High School. Younger sister #30, Crystal became the first player to ever have her jersey retired as an active player. The #4 player per, Ga Prep Hoops also surpasses her brother this season as the all-time leading scorer in the schools history.
Leading a very successful seasons, the brother and sister combo are no stranger to being the talk of the town. Scoot is averaging 19 points and six assist, while being selected to represent the G-League in Salt Lake City for the 2023 Rising Stars Game. Henderson talents will be on display, Friday, February 17. That Friday will be an electrifying testing ground to see how the young trailblazing guard competes with last years top two draft picks, Palo Banchero and Jabari Smith. Crystal, has been nothing shy of spectacular, leading Kell’s girls team to be the girls 5A state championship favorites with a 17-5 record.
“I know confidently that we will make it to state, my team and I work hard on and off the court to build chemistry,” said Crystal Henderson.
While being on the topics of hoops, we had to talk to the senior point guard about the heat in the class of 2023. So we asked her who’s in her top 5.
Excited and a little aghast she gave us her five.
1. Herself (Of Course)
2. The Diana Collins Brookwood
3. Bryanna Preston Lovejoy (C/O 2024 But We’ll Let It Slide)
4. Courtney Ogden Westminister
5. Mataya Gayle River Ridge
Stat tapped in with Crystal and Lady Longhorns and see if they reach their goal of becoming state champions as the regular season winds down.
You can also catch Scoot Henderson in action, March 8 and 9 at the Gateway Arena in College Park versus the College Park Sky Hawks; both start times at 7p.m.
You can keep up with the two stars on their social media
Instagram:
Full Interview With Crystal Henderson Below
https://youtu.be/o7osjwlJ0fg
Back On The Good Foot College Park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4qjvDhNJV8
B: Arvon Bacon
-College Park
Ebb and flows are the perfect words to sum up the Sky Hawk’s season eleven game in. Dealing with nagging injuries and players going and coming from the NBA, they remain a steady force in the East standings, just 1.5 games out of first place.
Next challenge on the list for the Skyhawks were the 905 Raptors who struggled scoring the ball against the Skyhawks swarming defense. However, crashing the offensive glass, converting on second chance baskets paid dividends for them. Even making the game interesting with minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the home Skyhawks prevailed, 125-121, cutting the first place Maine Celtics East lead to 1 game.
Forward Chris Silva, an early spark, exploited the interior weakness of the Raptors. He added 8 first quarter points on (4-6 FG) shooting with 3 rebounds. The athletic wing was also very active on the defensive end, racking up three first half blocks. Unfortunately, the hot start did not continue. Silva was in and out of foul trouble; he finished the night with 12 points, 3 blocks and 7 rebounds. No worries for the College Park club as six out of eight players finished with double digit scoring. Brandon Williams, the game’s highman finishing with 30 points and three assists, who seemed to be unguardable Saturday night.
“The game plan coming in was to be aggressive, they didn’t have any good shot blockers; especially with Kenny Wooten out”, said Willams “ I gave Brandon our dog award because he controlled that game, he knew when to make reads and attack the basket,” said Skyhawks head coach Steve Gansey. “Especially when you have eight guys out there for 40 minutes.”
Rookie,Jared Rhoden who started for the first time played an exceptional game tallying a double-double, 21 points and his career high 15 rebounds.
As a team the Skyhawks excelled at beating their defenders off the dribble forcing them to foul. Scoring a record of 21 points from the free-throw line was a huge difference maker for success in the matchup.
“Thats alot of free throws especially when you’re shooting one for two”, said Coach Gansey
Now onto another series Sunday as the Maine Celtics come into the Gateway coming off a three-points loss to the Greensboro Swarm. Sunday night matinee will most definitely be a treat as the top two square off in the East for first palace.
-Brandon Williams scores 30 points in win against 905 Raptors
Skyhawk’s Collapse Grants Westchester It’s First Win Of The Season
By: Arvon Bacon
-College Park
Just five days removed from a 22-point loss to the Go Go Caps, the Skyhawks return home where they’ve been perfect in the sun rise of the season. For over half of this game the Hawks were without a doubt very much in control leading by as much as 20 points, but the Westchester Knicks did not go away.
Near the end of the third quarter the Skyhawk’s found themselves in a tight ball game with their 20 points margin now 14. Shooting woes plagued the College Park team in the second half, while the visiting Knicks surged to a more efficient 48 percent mark, that led to them taking the lead with five minutes remaining. Widening the lead to six points, Hawks guard, Trent Forrest found the ball is in his hands as the shot clock dwindled with one minute 45 seconds on the game clock and drilled a trey ball from the wing giving the Skyhawk’s faithful hope, 95-98. Nonetheless, lack of execution and turnovers sealed the deal for the home team suffering their first home loss of the season.
“We’ve got to get this out of us – regardless of who’s with us these guys got to continue to trust it and play for each other because they’re out there playing. I’m calling timeouts and calling some plays, but they are the ones that are out there playing and getting after it”, said Skyhawks Head Coach Steve Gansey. Obviously, we have a sour taste in our mouths giving them their first win of the season, but it’s another learning lesson”, he added.
Despite losing, the Skyhawk faithful welcomed back Tyrese Martin and Jarrett Culver back to the G-League squad after an extended stint with the Atlanta Hawks. Both had solid performances, Culver led all Skyhawk scores with 25 points and 8 rebounds on 50 percent shooting (8-16)FG. Martin also had an exceptional night finishing with an impressive double double, 12 points and 12 rebounds on 45 percent shooting (5-11)FG. “My performance was alright, but definitely wasn’t enough to get the win, so I have to be more consistent”, said Martin The young guard also shared his thoughts on being sent down to the G-League after time with the Hawks. “I down here to help them win, stay in shape, and keep my confidence up, you know.”
Veteran guard Armani Brooks who a week ago had a career high 40 points on a perfect FG percentage shared his thoughts on the fourth quarter collapse. “We made too many mistakes, and we couldn’t control the run and they ended up beating us”, said Brooks “When teams go on runs we got to do a better job at staying composed and staying together.”
For the visiting Knicks, forward Feron Hunt was the game’s high man with a double-double line of 29 points and 11 rebounds.
Without a doubt, Sunday’s game was definitely a tale of two halves, one which the Skyhawks turned defense into easy offense in transition while excelling at attacking the basket, and in the second half, Knick’s forward, Hunt settled in finding his stride as well as flipping the script on the home team, turning their strength against them by forcing mental mistakes in crunch time.
The Skyhawks will return back to action this coming Tuesday to complete the two-game series against the Westminster Knicks at Westchester.
Why Are The Hawks Trending In The Right Direction?
By: Arvon Bacon
Just a few weeks into the NBA season and the Atlanta Hawks are top three team in the East with a 8-5 record. Hawks G-League affiliate, College Park Sky Hawks have also sipped from the cup of early success sweeping opening series against the Long Island Nets, (135-93, 129-119); however since their undefeated start the College Park teams has hit early adversity experiencing their first loss of the season to the Greensboro Hornets. Losing their most recent game to the National City Go Go’s the Sky Hawks have still maintained a winning record of, 3-2.
Some may see the early success of the Hawks organization as beginners’ luck and may also draw similarities to the Portland Trailblazers who fissile out over the course of 82 games. But this years Hawks are no fluke, the roster GM Landry Fields has put together one of the most talented and deepest roster the organization has had in years.
During a media day interview, Sky Hawks F Chris Silva gave his opinion on the comparison between the Miami Heat organizations vs the Hawks.
“Being in the league you get to see different ways organizations run; -the Hawks are transitioning into being a championship caliber team as of the summer, ” said Sky Hawks forward Chris Silva to reporters.
Becoming a more well-rounded team with exceptional depth which the Hawks have benefited from the efforts of Sky Hawk’s head coach, Steve Gansey and his staff, grooming, Skylar Mays, Sharif Cooper and Jalen Johnson who have all played significant roles to get the Hawks to the current position. Johnson is the only player out of the group that is currently on the roster.
“Obviously we’re watching Jalen with the big club and he’s playing pretty well, and he’ll continue to develop, but it’s time to reload, ” said Coach Gansey.
Returning only three players from last year’s team that ended the season on an 11-game win streak, the Skyhawks are yearning to build off of last year’s momentum still formidable. Adding the 6th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, Jarrett Culver and recent draft picks, the team is deep, much like the big club. Tyrese Martin, Jared Rhoden and Brandon Williams are players more than capable of controlling the offense this year.
As the grind of the season progress and Hawks players will unfortunately rack up nagging injuries, there should be no fear if the front office decides to make call up from the G-League to fill voids as necessary.
Our New Age Basketball
Bacon Network will provide high quality full game highlights of the best games in the south eastern region as well as providing behind the scenes look at the top players through a day in the life features or short segments. This form of content will allow their fans to hear from their perspective about what makes them so driven, and what they enjoy in their spare time.
A Rivalry Rekindled (Newnan vs. East Coweta)
https://youtu.be/3O5A9DgZwf4
By: Arvon Bacon