Maurice Dixon
@WriturRece | mdixon27@gmail.com
Former boxing referee Mills Lane used to say “LET’S GET IT ON” before a bout, and not for a first time like many GHSA state finalists or second or third but for a fourth time, Norcross and Meadowcreek will be crossing paths with this famous statement in mind.
This final meeting on the hardwood won’t be at either of the gyms in Norcross or at Central Gwinnett High but at McCamish Pavilion on the campus of Georgia Tech on March 10 for the Trophy of all trophies, which is officially known as the GHSA 2018 Class 7-A championship.
After what occurred in the Blue Devils and Mustangs’ latest two meetings, we all hope this final encounter will be just as special. Encores or sequels can be tricky sometimes because they run a high probability of not being as good as the first or second, or uniquely in this case the fourth time.
With so much athleticism in both lineups, it is safe to guarantee a healthy serving of dunks and blocked shots. Joseph Toppin (Norcross) and Jamir Chaplin (Meadowcreek) are sure to take care of this since their search history says so. Meadowcreek’s Amari Kelly and Corey Hightower will probably help out in that department as well.
And big shots? Kyle Sturdivant will definitely have the Blue Devils covered if necessary.
After stunning Meadowcreek with a game-winning shot for a 64-63 win January 26, Sturdivant proved his value in the clutch once more in the region championship on February 9 against the Mustangs.
With 4.4 seconds left, Kedrick Green appeared to redeem Meadowcreek of that final second loss but Sturdivant banked in a 3-pointer from the wing no time left. If commentator Mike Breen was calling the game, his signature statement of “BANG” would’ve been heard.
“We work on that play everyday in practice and it worked,” Sturdivant said. “I always scream out ‘Kobe’ when I do it. I didn’t think it was going glass but I will take it.”
Norcross fans will also take another win this season over Meadowcreek especially a blowout like in the first meeting but that is highly unlikely since the Mustangs will probably enter the contest extremely focused.
However, Meadowcreek doesn’t want to be driven by vengeance but a relentless desire to make history while the Blue Devils can’t get caught up in their past success.
Hopefully, the final game of the 2018 high school basketball season in Georgia will be competitive from beginning to end and free of controversy.