The Road to Macon tightens: 6A Sweet 16 preview

The Road to Macon tightens: 6A Sweet 16 preview

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

The Road to Macon doesn’t widen this weekend — it narrows.

Survivors of the first round of the GHSA State Basketball Playoffs now find themselves one win from the Elite Eight, where talent meets tension and reputations are either cemented or shattered. Some programs already tasted Final Four-level intensity in Round 1. Others barely broke a sweat. That luxury is gone now.

Here’s a look at the Class 6A matchups that will define the weekend.

Class 6A

Wheeler vs. South Forsyth
Wheeler remains the measuring stick. The defending state champions overwhelmed their first-round opponent and now welcome a guard-heavy South Forsyth squad into territory the Wildcats dominate. Junior Kevin Savage, senior Lamarrion Lewis, and sophomore Shamar Madden give Wheeler a lethal blend of depth, speed, skill, and athleticism — a combination few rosters statewide can match. This matchup plays directly into Wheeler’s strengths. Advantage: Wheeler

North Gwinnett vs. Buford
Instant classic alert. Two battle-tested programs, two underappreciated tacticians in Matt Garner and Wes Walker, and contrasting styles that collide in the paint. North Gwinnett junior Max Patterson is a problem inside — strong, skilled, and relentless. Buford will counter with senior Dream Rashad and help defense by committee. On the perimeter, Wolves junior Carmelo Williams and Bulldogs senior Micah Jones could turn this into a highlight reel. Ultimately, the interior edge gives North Gwinnett the nod. Pick: North Gwinnett

McEachern vs. Chapel Hill
Defense travels — and McEachern brings it in bulk. Allowing just 55.6 points per game, the Indians morph defenses on the fly and turn pressure into points through junior Chase Lumpkin and senior Emmanuel Alofe. Chapel Hill’s veteran trio of Trent Dean, Donovan Petidos, and Joseph Taylor can score, but sustaining rhythm against McEachern is another story. Edge: McEachern

Peachtree Ridge at Lowndes
Size matters here. Lowndes boasts twin 6-foot-7 seniors Kaiden Brown and Kaden Brown, a pairing that has powered a rare postseason surge. Sophomore Ar’Tavian “Bubba” Brown adds explosiveness on the perimeter, but Peachtree Ridge’s aggressive, tempo-pushing defense — led by Tyler Barnes, Micah McMorris, Duan Day, and Daniel Hollis — will try to speed the Vikings up. At home, with size and confidence, Lowndes holds a narrow edge. Lean: Lowndes

Grayson vs. Central Gwinnett
These teams met back in November, when Grayson controlled the game on Central Gwinnett’s home floor. The Black Knights have grown since then, but slowing Malik Rideout, MJ Curry, and the Rams’ deep rotation remains a tall task. Expect more resistance this time — not a different result. Pick: Grayson

Hillgrove vs. Westlake
Talent is everywhere in this matchup. Hillgrove counters junior Asa Montgomery and sophomore Bryson Jatta with the versatility of Landon Grundy. Westlake leans on sophomore Johnquell Garner and senior Ramarcus Bowden to fuel the offense. For the Lions to advance, senior Johnson Besong must elevate his impact. Defense, however, is the separator — and Hillgrove’s is suffocating. Advantage: Hillgrove

Pebblebrook vs. Lambert
Pebblebrook is no stranger to March. Senior Zyree Brown, a Kennesaw State signee, brings poise and scoring bursts that can flip a game in minutes, supported by two-way standout Anthony Moon. Lambert counters with record-setting scorer Will Dopfer, but he’ll need consistent help from Patrick Blanchard and Ryder Grinnell to withstand the pressure. Pebblebrook’s postseason pedigree shines late. Pick: Pebblebrookj

Meadowcreek vs. Valdosta
History is already being written at Meadowcreek. The Mustangs captured their first region title in 20 years and followed it with a commanding first-round win behind seniors Sean Alicea, Jayden Beckham, and Enzo Wea. Valdosta, led by junior Shawn Evans and senior Terrell Walker, faces a deep, experienced roster playing with house money — and momentum. Call: Meadowcreek

Final Word:
Every dribble now echoes louder. Every possession carries weight. The Road to Macon is paved with resolve — and by Sunday night, only the toughest will still be walking it.