Several local high school basketball teams have secured their places in the Elite Eight of the state playoffs, following impressive victories in the Sweet Sixteen round over the weekend. Among the standout performers are the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams from Christian Heritage, as well as the Lady Colts from Coahulla Creek High School and the Lady Catamounts from Dalton High School. These teams will compete on March 3 and 4, 2025, for a chance to reach the Final Four.
The Lady Colts have made significant strides this season, marking their first appearance in the Elite Eight under head coach Chad Brewer. The team finished the regular season with a 17-12 overall record, placing fifth in the Region 7-2A standings. Their playoff journey began with a close 54-49 victory over KIPP Atlanta on February 25. In the Sweet Sixteen, the Lady Colts narrowly defeated Franklin County 59-55, with Greenlee Lumpkin leading the scoring with 27 points. Coach Brewer expressed pride in his team’s determination, highlighting the leadership of the seniors and the resilience developed through a challenging season.
The Lady Colts will face Hardaway High School in their next matchup on March 3 at 6 p.m. Hardaway enters the game with a strong 21-8 record, having placed second in their region. Brewer remains optimistic about his team’s chances, stating, “We’ve made history here, and with a chance to go and do it again, you can never count us out.”
Also advancing to the Elite Eight are the Lady Catamounts from Dalton High School, who secured a dominant 63-28 victory against Wayne County on February 27. With a 26-3 overall record, the Lady Catamounts previously defeated Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School 72-38 in the first round of the playoffs. Their next challenge will be against Kell High School on March 3 at 6 p.m., as they aim for their third consecutive Elite Eight appearance following a Final Four run the previous season.
The varsity teams from Christian Heritage have also made their mark in the playoffs. The Lady Lions showcased their strength with a decisive 69-15 win against Aquinas in the first round and followed up with a 73-36 victory over King’s Ridge Christian in the Sweet Sixteen. The Lady Lions will play against St. Francis on March 3 at 6 p.m.
For the boys’ team from Christian Heritage, they triumphed in their first round against Fellowship Christian with a score of 90-49. They continued their momentum by defeating Paideia 68-64 in the Sweet Sixteen. The Lions, boasting a 23-3 overall record, will face Holy Innocents Episcopal on March 4 at 7 p.m.
Additionally, the Lady Indians from Murray County are set to compete in the Elite Eight after defeating Pierce County 82-19 and Laney High School 71-48 in consecutive playoff rounds. They will take on Thomson High School, who holds a 23-4 record, on March 3 at 6 p.m. The Lady Indians are eager to secure another championship appearance after their previous season’s runner-up finish.
While several local teams have advanced, others concluded their seasons in the playoffs. The Northwest Whitfield Lady Bruins and the boys’ teams from Dalton, Coahulla Creek, and Murray County all faced elimination in earlier rounds. The Lady Bruins reached the Sweet Sixteen before falling to Heritage High School 59-49. Despite their losses, these teams demonstrated commendable performances throughout the season, highlighting the competitiveness of local high school basketball.
With the Elite Eight matchups on the horizon, local teams are poised for exciting contests that could lead to state championship opportunities, showcasing the talent and determination of student-athletes in the region.