Time-Out: The Championship Push Begins!

Basketball fever has taken over the city as middle school playoffs and high school region tournaments bring intense matchups, thrilling finishes and championship dreams to life! The hardwood has been buzzing with non-stop action, as teams battle for supremacy and a shot at the title. Let’s dive into the latest from the courts and beyond!

The middle school playoffs reached an electrifying stage with the semifinals taking place at Carver High School. On the girls’ side, the Fort Lady Patriots dominated the Richards Lady Warriors with a convincing 52-33 victory. Amerria Crowley was unstoppable, dropping 10 points and earning the Double Coverage Player of the Game honor. The Lady Patriots are now set to face the Aaron Cohn Lady Bulldogs, who remain undefeated after surviving a nail-biting 37-36 win over defending champions Double Churches Lady Wildcats. Zoe Pickard was a force in the paint, finishing with 11 points and an incredible 17 rebounds to lead the Lady Bulldogs to the finals.

Now, two unbeaten powerhouses will collide for the Middle School Girls Championship at Columbus State University on at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13.

On the boys’ side, the Richards Warriors are back in the hunt for another championship, storming past the Midland Jaguars in a commanding performance. Skylar Crenshaw, who seemed to do everything but sell tickets and run the scoreboard, dominated the floor and was named Double Coverage Player of the Game. Awaiting them in the finals is the Aaron Cohn Bulldogs, who flexed their strength in a dominant win over the Fort Patriots. Marte Sears Jr. was on another level, leading the charge with a stellar performance to push the Bulldogs into the title game.

The Middle School Boys Championship will feature the Richards Warriors vs. Aaron Cohn Bulldogs at 7:20 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13 at Columbus State University. Expect nothing less than a battle for the ages!

High school basketball playoffs also tipped off this week, turning up the intensity as teams fight for a spot in their respective championship rounds. In the Region 1-AA Tournament, the Shaw Lady Raiders breezed past the Kendrick Lady Cherokees 47-15 to advance. They’ll face the Spencer Lady Greenwaves next, a team that has been surging with an 8-6 regional record. The Columbus Lady Blue Devils delivered a strong performance in a 53-34 win over the Jordan Lady Red Jackets, setting up a showdown against the Carver Lady Tigers. Carver enters the game with an 11-3 regional record and is looking to defend their home court.

On the boys’ side, Kendrick Cherokee rolled past Hardaway 60-28, punching their ticket to a high-stakes matchup against Sumter County at Carver High at Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Sumter County, boasting an 11-3 region record, is expected to provide a formidable challenge. Columbus Blue Devils took care of business with a 67-51 victory over Jordan and now prepare for an intense battle against the Shaw Raiders at Spencer at 7:30 p.m. Shaw sits at 6-8 in the region and will be looking to pull off a statement win.

In the GIAA District 5 Regional Tournament, the Calvary Christian Lady Knights cruised past Strong Rock 43-33 and now prepare for a marquee matchup against the Pacelli Lady Vikings on Feb. 13 at 3:30 p.m. at Brookstone. Pacelli’s boys' squad will hit the court at 5 p.m., followed by Brookstone Lady Cougars vs. Westfield at 6:30 p.m. and Brookstone vs. Calvary Christian at 8 p.m.. Round 3 of the tournament continues Feb. 14 at Brookstone, starting at 3:30 p.m. with the girls’ consolation game, followed by the boys at 5 p.m. The championship games will tip off at 6:30 p.m. for the girls and 8 p.m. for the boys.

Switching gears to the wrestling mat, the Pacelli Lady Vikings Wrestling Team made history with a remarkable performance at the state championship! The team crowned three champions and a runner-up in a dominant showing. Sophia Chervenak became the GIAA’s first-ever three-time state champion, while Grace Rogers pulled off a shocking upset with a third-period pin over a two-time state champion. Jackie Ringrose, a freshman sensation, captured her first state title, while Jameson McWilliams finished as runner-up in a highly competitive weight class. Additionally, Grace Rogers was named the Outstanding GIAA Girls Wrestler of the Year!

In boys' wrestling, Columbus Blue Devils' Mason Persons etched his name in school history, breaking the all-time wins record with 177 victories and counting.

Moving over to the football world, G.W. Carver High School’s Jakobe Caslin was named AA Region 1 Player of the Year! Caslin put together an unforgettable season, tallying 1,385 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 766 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. His all-around dominance played a key role in Carver’s success and solidified his reputation as one of the most electrifying athletes in the region.

Looking ahead, the city is buzzing for the Georgia/Alabama Middle School Basketball Showcase presented by PorterSports SE and Double Coverage. This must-see event takes place this Saturday, February 15th, at Shaw High School. Some of the most talented young hoopers from Georgia and Alabama will take center stage in an electrifying display of future stars.

With playoffs in full swing, championship dreams on the line, and records being shattered, the action in the Tri-City area has never been hotter. The stakes are higher, the competition fiercer, and the moments unforgettable. Stay locked in for more game-changing plays, historic milestones, and future champions—because the season is just getting started! That’s all for this edition of Time-Out—but the story continues on the court. See you at the next tip-off!