Clayton News Daily

Photo by Brian Paglia Drew coach Jarrod Davis watched last week as Henry County shot 37 free throws to his team’s 13 in a loss to the Warhawks. The Titans, who played at Stockbridge tonight, are currently in third place in the Region 4-AAA standings.

Four days removed from a big Region 4-AAAA win at sixth-ranked Lovejoy, North Clayton coach Martisse Troup doesn’t think his team will have a letdown against Forest Park tonight.

“This is a big rivalry game,” Troup said. “They are always a tough group. I’m not concerned my guys will have a letdown.”

With Tuesday’s win, North Clayton forced a three-way tie for the region lead with Lovejoy and Jonesboro, with each team having one loss. Jonesboro defeated North Clayton and Lovejoy beat Jonesboro.

Finishing first in the region during the regular season carries a big reward as the champion gains a berth into the state playoffs.

“I think my guys have good focus,” Troup said. “The team is focused on us, and not so much the opponent.”

Forest Park enters the 8:30 p.m. game in fifth place in the region with a 5-4 record, and winner of its last three games.

STILL HOT?: Drew ended its 21-day layoff last week with a 74-73 loss at Henry County.

However, coach Jarrod Davis wasn’t disappointed in his team’s effort in the Region 4-AAA loss.

He pointed out that the team lost by only a point, despite three players fouling out and Henry County shooting 37 free throws to his team’s 13.

“It wasn’t a loss because of our effort,” Davis said.

TOUGH STRETCH: How good is the Luella boys team?

The Lions are about to find out in the next two Region 2-AAAAA games. Luella lost to M.L. King on Tuesday at home (66-60), but has to travel to Langston Hughes tonight. On Tuesday, the team plays at Newton, a state semifinalist last season.

Luella’s two region losses have come against state-ranked Westlake and M.L.King by a total of 13 points.

The Lions are currently in fourth place in the region standings behind Westlake, M.L.King and Langston Hughes. Luella is two wins away from tying the most wins in a single-season in school history.

TODAY’S GAMES

All girls games start at 7 p.m. with the boys’ game to follow.

Luella at Langston Hughes

Morrow at Lovejoy

Forest Park at North Clayton

Tri-Cities at Jonesboro

Riverdale at Mount Zion

Ola at Dutchtown

Union Grove at Alcovy

Spalding at Eagle’s Landing

Locust Grove at

Henry County

Drew at Stockbridge

ELCA at Landmark Christian

Strong Rock at Our

Lady of Mercy