Region 7-6A title showdown setup

Region 7-6A title showdown setup

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Suwanee, Ga. — In February, style points disappear. Possessions tighten. Seasons hang in the balance.

On Wednesday night, Peachtree Ridge didn’t chase perfection. The Lions chased survival — and earned another chance to play for a championship.

Behind timely stops, clutch shot-making and a game-sealing alley-oop that rattled the gym, Peachtree Ridge outlasted rival North Gwinnett 70-65 to advance to the Region 7-6A title game for the fourth time. The back-to-back region champions will host Meadowcreek on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The Lions have beaten the Mustangs twice this season — including an overtime thriller on Feb. 4 — but nothing about a third meeting in championship week promises comfort.

Wednesday’s semifinal demanded everything Peachtree Ridge had.

Trailing 63-60 inside the final two minutes, senior guard Tyler Barnes seized control. He attacked the lane through contact for a tough three-point play to tie the game, igniting a closing sequence defined by poise and pressure.

A defensive stand produced a go-ahead layup. Moments later, Barnes delivered the night’s signature play — jumping a passing lane near midcourt and lofting an alley-oop to Daniel Hollis, who hammered home his fourth dunk of the night and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

From there, the Lions closed the door.

Peachtree Ridge placed four players in double figures, led by Micah McMorris’ efficient all-around performance: 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 5-for-7 from three-point range. Barnes added 17 points and five assists, while Hollis and Duan Day scored 16 apiece.

North Gwinnett matched the Lions’ intensity for 32 minutes and refused to yield.

Junior Max Patterson controlled the paint with 25 points and 13 rebounds, repeatedly challenging Peachtree Ridge’s interior defense. Micah Jones contributed 16 points and seven boards, and Tristan Alusma added 14 as the Bulldogs kept the game within reach until the final minute.

North Gwinnett will face Norcross in Friday’s consolation game at 4:30 p.m.

Earlier in the evening, Meadowcreek earned its spot in the championship with a 66-56 win over Norcross.

The Mustangs established control early and never allowed the Blue Devils to mount a sustained comeback, leaning on interior presence and balanced scoring. Sean Alicea led the way with 19 points, while Enzo Wea added 12 points and five rebounds. Jayden Beckman scored 13, and Rodney Rivers chipped in 10. Mason Houston grabbed 11 rebounds.

Norcross, powered by a young but relentless roster, repeatedly trimmed the deficit but couldn’t close the gap. Josh Smith Jr. finished with a game-high 22 points, while Fulvio Dos Santos scored 12 and LJ Byrd added 10.

Now the stage is set.

Peachtree Ridge, battle-tested and still standing, will defend its crown Friday night — with another region championship and postseason momentum hanging in the balance.