Clayton News Daily

Photo by Jason Mussell Eagle's Landing forward Chris Davenport (left) and Jonesboro forward Casey Wells will lead their teams into first-round Class AAAA state playoff games on Wednesday.

At this point in the season, past success or failure doesn’t really matter; at least that is what coaches will be telling their teams as the start of the state tournament begins on Tuesday.

“Basically, we are all the same zero-and-zero record at this point,” North Clayton coach Troup said. “If we go in and hard, we can make another run.”

The Eagles have lost their last two games, and dropped to the No. 4 seed in Region 4-AAAA. North Clayton will make the trek to Troup’s hometown of Albany to take on Region 1-AAAA champion Westover.

This is the fourth straight season that North Clayton is part of the postseason.

“We are happy to have the opportunity to play some more games,” Troup said. “In the past, we have played better on the road in the state tournament.”

In all, six teams in the Southern Crescent will host first round playoff games, which have to be completed by Wednesday.

Jonesboro will host a doubleheader on Wednesday with the region champion girl’s team hosting Cairo at 5:30 p.m. and the region runner-up boy’s team taking on Crisp County in the 7:30 p.m. nightcap.

The Lady Cardinals will be without head coach Lamar Harris after he drew two technical fouls and an ejection in the team’s region championship win over Woodland.

Luella boy’s are making their first-ever state tournament appearance after finishing as the No. 4 seed in Region 2-AAAAAA. The Lions will travel to East Point on Wednesday to take on region champion Tri-Cities at 6 p.m.

This will be Tri-Cities first appearance in the state tournament since the 2006-07 season.

“We just have to go in there and play as a team,” Luella senior point guard Nyrryk Evans said. “We have to get our team chemistry back. I don’t think our lack of state playoff experience will be a problem.”

Eagle’s Landing guard Eric Wortham Jr. agreed that records and rankings mean nothing at this point in the season. The last two seasons, the Golden Eagles have reached the semifinals round.

“We feel like we have something to prove,” Wortham said. “Every game counts at this point because one loss and the season is done.”