Clayton News Daily

By Doug Gorman

In college basketball, it's called "March Madness," the time of year when teams compete for a national title.

It's not March, but for high school basketball fans, the month of February brings about the same amount of passion, as local teams seek to bring home state titles.

On the local front, Clayton County is well-represented as seven teams begin play today and Saturday in the Georgia High School Association state tournaments.

On the girls' side, the Jonesboro Lady Cardinals play host to Rome tonight in a first-round game. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

"We are excited to have a chance to play at home," Jonesboro head coach John Kovzel said. "This is the second season, and we know we are going to have to be ready to play."

There's also plenty to celebrate at Mundy's Mill. The 3-year-old school is sending both its boys' and girls' teams to the state tournament for the first time in school history. Both teams play at Stephenson. The girls' game is tonight at 7 p.m., while the boys play Saturday at 7 p.m.

North Clayton is also sending both of its teams on to the state tournament. The girls play tonight at East Paulding and the boys play Saturday at Gordon Central.

In two other girls' games, Morrow plays at Starr's Mill tonight and Riverdale plays at Fayette County tonight.