GA Interstate Hoops Classic Notebook

GA Interstate Hoops Classic Notebook

By Robert Alfonso Jr

ATHENS, Ga. — The Georgia Interstate Hoops Classic has never been about preseason hype. Four years in, it has become a measuring stick.

Saturday’s slate at the fourth annual event delivered exactly that, as teams used playoff-level intensity to test identities before the grind of region play begins. From overtime thrillers to statement wins, the Classic once again lived up to its reputation as a proving ground.

Baldwin 63, Cedar Shoals 62 (OT)
The nightcap saved its best drama for last.

Baldwin and Cedar Shoals traded blows like seasoned prizefighters, neither willing to blink as momentum swung repeatedly. When the dust settled, it was Baldwin escaping with a 63-62 overtime victory.

Southern University signee Karez Demory authored the final chapter, scoring all five of Baldwin’s points in the extra period and finishing with a game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining. Demory poured in a game-high 21 points and earned MVP honors. Jared Mudie added 13 points, while Qua Gibson chipped in 12.

Cedar Shoals showed its resolve early and late. DJ Hubbard sparked the Jaguars from the opening tip and finished with 18 points. Deston Foote delivered all 15 of his points after halftime, while Elpacio Lattimore added 12 as Cedar Shoals forced overtime but came up just short.

Woodward Academy 73, Greenforest 48
In a matchup of two Top 10 programs, Woodward Academy sent a message.

The War Eagles overwhelmed Greenforest with depth, shooting, and pace in a dominant 73-48 victory. Fully healthy, Woodward showcased its ability to score from anywhere on the floor and punish teams in transition.

Jarvis Hayes Jr. led the charge with 18 points. Myles Hayes followed with 16 and earned MVP honors, while Bentley Lusakueno (13) and Bradyn Elder (12) added balance.

Greenforest was paced by Kyree Taylor, who finished with 15 points. Alyko Raphael and Agei Aguelet scored 12 apiece, but the Eagles’ pressure proved too much.

Morgan County 45, Miller Grove 27
Defense defined this one.

Morgan County clamped down after halftime, turning a tied game into a decisive 45-27 win over Miller Grove. The Bulldogs outscored the Wolverines 29-10 in the second half, breaking the game open with a 16-point third quarter.

Zeki Locus steadied Morgan County throughout, finishing with a team-high 14 points and earning MVP honors. Kobi Jefferies added 11 points. Miller Grove’s Carlin Cobbil led all scorers for the Wolverines with nine.

Etowah 53, South Atlanta 48
Etowah continues to own the Georgia Interstate Hoops Classic.

The Eagles improved to 4-0 all-time at the event behind a dynamic performance from Will Myles, who controlled the game as both scorer and facilitator. The Clark Atlanta University commit finished with 17 points, carving up the Hornets with timely jumpers, strong finishes, and precise passing to earn MVP honors.

South Atlanta’s Dour Dour, a North Carolina Central signee, delivered a game-high 25 points, while Bol Deng added 11, but Etowah’s poise late sealed the win.

Greene County 67, Paideia 63 (OT)
Greene County survived a classic.

The Tigers edged Paideia 67-63 in overtime, punctuated by Corey Brown’s emphatic, game-ending dunk. Brown finished with 18 points and MVP honors.

Greene County’s Ethan Wright caught fire, drilling four three-pointers en route to a game-high 21 points. CJ Harper, an Old Dominion signee, led the Pythons with 22 points, while David Oglesby Smith added 18 in a losing effort.

Sugar Hill Christian 57, Monsignor Donovan Catholic 49
Sugar Hill Christian closed strong to secure its second consecutive victory.

The Stallions leaned on CJ Britt, who attacked the rim relentlessly in the fourth quarter and finished with 22 points to earn MVP honors. Tyler Veugeler added 16 points, while Gabriel Espin chipped in 12.

Donovan Catholic was carried by Jaiden Foot, who erupted for a game-high 29 points, nearly willing his team back into contention. Kade Evans added 15, but Sugar Hill’s composure down the stretch proved decisive.

By night’s end, the Georgia Interstate Hoops Classic had once again delivered its verdict: when the lights are bright and the margins thin, the teams that thrive here are often the ones built for March.