"Time-Out: Hoops Heating Up as Playoff Push Begins!"

As we enter the thick of regional play, the high school basketball action in our area is reaching a fever pitch! From milestone achievements to thrilling buzzer-beaters, teams are pushing their limits as they gear up for the postseason. Let’s break down the latest highlights from across the region.

The Central Red Devils are on a tear, adding two more victories to their stellar season. With a commanding 77-56 win over Opelika and a nail-biting 61-60 triumph over Carver Montgomery, Central improves to an impressive 24-4 overall and remains perfect in the 7A region at 5-0.

A special round of applause is in order for Bryce Dawson, Desmond Williams, Jayddence Ford and Jonah Jones, all of whom joined the prestigious 1,000-point club! Meanwhile, Jackson State University commit Jacoby Hill reached a staggering 2,500 career points—a remarkable feat for a truly special talent. These Red Devils are making history, and with their current momentum, they are proving to be a major threat heading into the postseason.

Next up, the Red Devils face off against the Smiths Station Panthers on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at Smiths Station. But don’t count the Panthers out—Cam Williams is fresh off a jaw-dropping 32-point performance, including a buzzer-beater that stunned Auburn 73-71, earning Smiths Station their first regional win of the season. This matchup is shaping up to be one for the books!

Across the river, the Jordan Red Jackets defended their home court in a thrilling 50-47 victory over the Hardaway Hawks, notching their first regional win. Next up, they face the Shaw Raiders, who are eager to bounce back after a tough 56-49 loss to the surging Spencer Greenwaves. The intensity is heating up as these teams fight for every crucial regional win.

Speaking of Spencer, the Greenwaves are proving to be a powerhouse, improving to 14-5 overall and 7-2 in the region. Their next test? A colossal showdown on Jan. 31 against the 15-2 Carver Tigers, a battle that will have serious playoff implications. This clash of titans is one that fans won’t want to miss.

The Pacelli Vikings continue their undefeated march, improving to 18-0 overall and 4-0 in the region with a dominant 60-34 victory over Calvary Christian. Their next challenge comes on the road against Strong Rock Christian, where they’ll look to extend their perfect run. With their electrifying style of play, Pacelli is turning heads and proving they are the real deal.

On the girls’ side, the Sumter County Lady Panthers made history by holding the Kendrick Lady Cherokees scoreless in a stunning 67-0 win. Now riding a five-game winning streak, Sumter County improves to 7-1 in the region, led by standout senior Jesstynie Scott, who’s averaging 13.6 points, seven rebounds, and three steals per game. They’ll face Kendrick again on Jan. 31 in what’s sure to be a fiery rematch.

The Hardaway Lady Hawks delivered a statement win, overwhelming Jordan 107-20 to improve to 14-6 overall and 8-0 in regional play. Next, they travel across town for a showdown against the Shaw Lady Raiders on Jan. 31. With their fast-paced offense and relentless defense, Hardaway is looking like a true championship contender.

Meanwhile, the Harris County Lady Tigers continue their strong campaign, defeating Northside 58-29 and Starr’s Mill 58-43 to improve to 15-5 overall. They hit the road next to take on Mundy’s Mill in another pivotal contest. With momentum on their side, the Lady Tigers are poised to make a deep playoff run.

As we near the season’s end, the intensity only rises. Here’s a look at the must-watch matchups:

January 31st:
6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B): Northside @ Central (Carroll)
6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B): Hardaway @ Shaw
6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B): Jordan @ Columbus (Senior Night)
6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B): Carver @ Spencer
6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B): Sumter County @ Kendrick

February 1st:
3 p.m. (G) / 4:30 p.m. (B): Northside @ Harris County
4 p.m.(G) / 5:30 p.m. (B): Kendrick @ Spencer
5 p.m. (G) / 6:30 p.m. (B): Hardaway @ Carver
6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B): Shaw @ Columbus
6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B): Jordan @ Sumter County

Mark your calendars! PorterSports SE and Double Coverage present the Georgia/Alabama Middle School Basketball Showcase on Feb, 15, 2025, at Shaw High School. This highly anticipated event will feature the region’s top middle school talent from both states, competing in an electrifying cross-state showdown. Come witness the future stars of high school basketball in action!

In other exciting news, Red Devil Flag Football standouts Natalyn Lumpkin and Gerritt Griggs are set to showcase their skills at the NFL Pro Bowl High School Girls Showcase! With Coach Mitchell Holt and Coach Troy Jackson leading the NFC squad, expect big things from these rising stars.

Lumpkin was a force this season, racking up 68 receptions and 33 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Griggs put up video-game numbers—3,284 passing yards, 217 completions on 315 attempts, 82 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. Now, they’ll get their shot on the national stage.

Catch them live on ESPN, at 1 p.m. Feb. 2, 2025 as they represent the best of high school football!

With the postseason looming, every game carries weight, and every performance has the potential to become legendary. Stay tuned for more thrilling action, game-changing plays, and unforgettable moments as teams push for championship glory!

That’s all for this edition of Time-Out—but the season is far from over. Keep grinding, keep cheering, and keep the energy high. Until next time, hoop fans!