The GHSA Class A-DII state title will be decided today when McIntosh County Academy (26-5) and Savannah High (26-4) meet for the fourth time this season. The tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Macon Centreplex.
Fans who can't make the trip down I-95 can catch the action live on the Georgia Public Broadcasting Network (GPB) television. This game and all GHSA championship matchups will be broadcast on GPB (Channel 9 in Savannah) and available for streaming on the GPB Sports website and NFHS Network.
The season series favors Savannah High, which has won two of the three meetings, including a 48-45 victory in the Region 3 Championship on February 14. However, McIntosh County Academy won the first matchup 48-47 on January 7, proving they can challenge the top-ranked Blue Jackets.
The Series:
Game #1 (regular season): January 7, 2025, at McIntosh County Academy, which the Buccaneers won 48-47.
Game #2 (regular season): February 4, 2025 - at Savannah High when the Blue Jackets took game two 56-46.
Game #3 February 14, 2025 (Region Championship) – Savannah High won the region title in a close contest 48-45.
Game #4: March 7, 2025 – They will meet again in the GHSA Class A-DII State Championship at 3 p.m. at the Macon, Georgia Centreplex.
KEYNOTES:
Savannah High
Savannah High is chasing its 12th state championship and first since 1998. The Blue Jackets have dominated their playoff opponents, including a 64-55 semifinal win over Warren County. Maki Joyner (19 points) and Chance Hendricks (17 points) led the way.
On the season, Savannah High's top player is Maki Joyner, who leads the team with 18.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. He is the Region Player of the Year and the team leader. Jermontae Brown is a consistent scorer, averaging 12.9 points per game, and is a member of the 1,000-point club. Zyaire Smart, a senior transfer, has been a key contributor, averaging 11.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Roman Anderson is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, averaging 9.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 53% from three-point range. Deshawn Davis is the defensive anchor, with a career total of 500+ blocks, 1,500+ rebounds, and 600+ points, making him dominant in the paint. Chance Hendricks adds valuable perimeter shooting and defense, averaging three three-pointers per game and contributing with strong defensive steals.
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Savannah High Blue Jackets |
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Head Coach: George Brown |
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| No. | Name | Position | Grade |
| 1 | Ramon Anderson | G | 12 |
| 2 | Maki Joyner | G | 12 |
| 3 | Chance Hendricks | G | 12 |
| 4 | Jeremontae Brown | G | 12 |
| 5 | Shane Ruth | G | 9 |
| 10 | Stephen Fox | G | 10 |
| 12 | Deshawn Davis | F/C | 12 |
| 17 | Zy Smart | G | 12 |
| 24 | Ahmad Hall | G | 9 |
| 19 | Caden Wright | G | 11 |
| 20 | Demari Neal | F | 9 |
| 22 | Laquadre Haynes | G | 12 |
| 24 | Martavies Rice | G/F | 11 |
| 33 | Marcus Reynolds | C | 11 |
| 55 | Renard Jackson | C | 9 |
McIntosh County Academy
McIntosh County Academy is making its first-ever state finals appearance and has built its success on defense. In the semifinals, the Buccaneers held Greene County to just three fourth-quarter points in a 49-41 win. Jayden Ellis (21 points) and MJ Quarterman (14 points, 11 rebounds) have been the key players throughout their playoff run.
Here are the leaders for the Buccaneers. The top scorer is CJ Battle, who averages 15.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Jayden Ellis is another key player, scoring 13.0 points per game. MJ Quarterman, the team's leading scorer last season, now plays a balanced role, averaging 12.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Derrick Irons provides a strong inside presence, averaging 8.0 points and 9.7 rebounds, nearly a double-double per game. Fortune Hicks, one of the team's most talented sophomores, contributes 7.4 points per game off the bench. Neo West is the team's playmaker, averaging 4.7 points and 7.8 assists.
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McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers Roster |
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Head Coach: Marquice Jones |
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| No. | Name | Position | Grade |
| 0 | Craig Battle Jr. | G | 12 |
| 1 | Neo West | PG | 12 |
| 2 | Mekhi Jackson | PF | 11 |
| 3 | Sam Sullivan | SF | 11 |
| 4 | Jayden Ellis | G | 12 |
| 5 | Jalen Drake | SG | 11 |
| 10 | Greg Peacock | SF | 12 |
| 11 | Fortune Hicks | G | 10 |
| 12 | MJ Quarterman | PF | 12 |
| 21 | Earnest McIntosh | PF | 10 |
| 23 | Derrick Irons | C | 12 |
| 30 | Marquise Morning | C | 11 |
OUTLOOK
Both teams know how to win close games. Savannah High has experience playing in last year's state championship game. On the other hand, McIntosh County Academy is trying to make history by winning its first state basketball title. Tonight's game is important because the season series is still undecided, and a championship is on the line. Both teams know each other's strengths and weaknesses so that they will face a tough matchup.
As the saying goes, "Familiarity breeds contempt," highlighting how repeated matchups can lead to teams knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses, intensifying rivalries and competition. This game is a rivalry; you know it will be a battle! So the question is set: Who will take home the "SHIP" tonight to the 912?
NOTE: Statistics via Dennis Knight Savannah Morning News and Derrick Davis The Brunswick News
PHOTO CREDITS: Courtesy Savannah High School Basketball Social Medai Page and The Brunswick News via Joe Redd
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