Westside, Butler, Warren County boys advance to state semifinals; Grovetown falls
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Georgia high school basketball state championships are next week in Macon, and four of our local boys’ teams hit the court on Wednesday night in the State Elite 8.
In class 2A, the two-time defending state champion Westside Patriots were on their home floor for the final time this season taking on the Model Blue Devils.
Westside dominated this game from the jump and put on a show for their crowd, winning 78 to 40.
“With the guys that left, these guys here had to take on some burdens. The burden of those guys established a championship culture here, so it was their job to maintain it. They grew up, and they continue to grow up, but they’re starting to accept responsibility and most importantly, understanding ability,” said Head Coach Jerry Hunter.
Demarco Middleton, senior guard, said: “The last home game, it was definitely emotional. I’m going to miss it a lot. The fans, all the environment, you know? Just to go out and play hard, to finish the job at the crib and take it to Milledgeville. They say we lost a lot, a big load from last year’s team, I feel like the seniors this year are going to step up and impose their will a lot more and get the job done a lot more.”
Westside is one win away from getting back to the state championship game with a shot to three-peat.
The Patriots state semifinal matchup with Columbia is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. on the campus of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville.
Also, in class 2A, the Butler Bulldogs hit the road to face South Atlanta in their state quarterfinal game.
Despite trailing heading into the fourth quarter, Butler got the job done on the road once again, 51 to 47.
This is Butler’s third straight road win in the playoffs, and they’re on their way to the state semifinals on Saturday in Milledgeville. Their game will be against Toombs County at 3 p.m.
In class 6A, the Grovetown Warriors were also in Atlanta for a battle with Alexander.
After a great season, Grovetown came up on the wrong side of the box score, 62 to 47, bringing their season to a close.
In class 1A division two, Warren County came out on top in their state elite showdown with Portal, 76 to 74.
This nailbiter came down to the wire with Warren County Junior Cosa Pender sinking the game-winning layup in the closing seconds.
When you add the Josey girls to the mix, we now have four teams playing in their respective state final fours this weekend.
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