(Photo Courtesy of Lovett Lacrosse)
In many states in the South, the regular season is coming to an end or has already ended. That means, it’s tournament time.
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) 5A and 7A State Tournaments will get underway on Wednesday April 27th. A champion in both classifications will be crowned on May 14th.
A-5A State Tournament
In the 5A State Tournament, there are two teams that stand out among the rest: Lovett and Blessed Trinity.
The Titans of Blessed Trinity were the undefeated state champions last season and have remained one of the top teams in the Peach State this season, however they have faltered five times with a 13-5 recording heading into the playoffs. One of those losses came to the Lovett Lions, 16-9
Sporting a 17-0 record, Lovett is very much the team to beat in the 5A class this season. The Lions come into the playoffs off a regular-season finale last week in which they defeated 7A powerhouse Lambert 11-10. The Lions are highlighted by the Overly twins. Russell Overly (Denver) roams on the back end as the Lions’ top pole while William (Utah) sets the tone on the offensive end as a quarterback attackman who runs the show from behind the cage.
On opposite sides of the bracket, Lovett and Blessed Trinity could very well meet in the state title game. The two met in the quarterfinals last season.
6-7A State Tournament
In the 7A State Tournament, what is old is new as the Lambert Longhorns come into the playoffs as one of the teams to beat. Lambert sports a 15-2 record with both of their losses coming over the past few weeks, falling to Pope 6-5 and Lovett 11-10.
Pope fell to Blessed Trinity and Walton in late/mid-March. Since that Walton loss, the Greyhounds have found their stride and have rolled through their final seven games of the season, which included that one-goal win over Lambert, and comes into the postseason with a program-best 16-2 record. Senior attackman Rigdon Greene (Grove City) has been a focal part of the Greyhounds’ offense this season.
The two aforementioned squads will likely meet in the second round in what is likely to be a high-profile rematch.
Also on that same side of the bracket, Roswell and Lassiter will meet in arguably the best first round matchup. The pair met last month in a contest that Roswell won 15-10. The attack duo of Alex Lobel (Michigan) and Hill Plunkett (Army West Point) that highlights the Hornets’ squad is one of the best in the Peach State.
Sitting on the other side of the bracket, Walton is another team to watch during the playoffs. The Raiders come in with a 15-3 record and on a five-game winning streak, which includes a win over Pope. Their only since early March came to Roswell, 13-12. The Raiders have seen senior attackman Lee Butler (Vermont) take charge and help lead things through the season.
6A-7A State Tournament Bracket
Five Players to Watch
William Overly, A, Lovett (Sr., Utah signee) – 5A
Danny Kesselring, A, Lambert (Sr., UAlbany signee) – 7A
Hill Plunkett, A, Roswell (Jr., Army West Point commit) – 7A
Wilson Van Buren, FO, Blessed Trinity (Sr., Georgetown Signee) – 5A
Russell Overly, D, Lovett (Sr., Denver signee) – 5A
Lacrosse Bucket 