All eight No. 1 seeds advanced to the 2017 DCSD Middle School Basketball Championships semifinals with victories on Saturday in quarterfinal round action.
The Chapel Hill-Stephenson rematch from the regular season had the No. 1 seeded Panthers (13-2) hosting the No. 3 seeded Jaguars (11-4) and coming out on top 61-59 with the help of late free throws to seal the win. Chapel Hill advances to the boys’ semifinals at Cedar Grove on Wednesday at 6:20 pm and with its win over Stephenson assured the tournament of a new champion.
The Panthers’ opponent will be the Region 3 No. 1 seed Lithonia Bulldogs (13-2) who advanced to the semifinals with a 54-36 victory over Region 2, No. 2 seed Renfroe (12-3).
Chapel Hill and Lithonia both lost in the quarterfinal round a year ago. The Panthers lost to eventual undefeated champion Stephenson who they knocked out of the tournament on Saturday. Lithonia lost to Chamblee in the 2016 quarterfinals. Lithonia won the only meet this season between the two semifinalists, 46-42.
Region 2 No. 1 seed Champion (14-1) and Region 1 No. 1 seed Chamblee (14-1) both advanced to a semifinal meeting in the boys’ bracket. Champion dialed up a 45-37 win over Region 3 No. 2 seed Miller Grove (11-4) while Chamblee knocked off Region 4 No. 2 seed Salem (8-7) 52-40 to advance.
Champion and Chamblee play their semifinal at Stephenson Middle at 6:20 pm on Wednesday (Feb. 8). Champion defeated Chamblee 43-40 for the third place trophy in 2016 as both lost in the semifinals. Chamblee won the only meeting this season between the two opponents 54-38 to open the season.
The Chamblee Lady Bulldogs (14-1) got a tough fight from the Cedar Grove Lady Saints (8-7) before the No. 1 seed pulled out a 38-36 win to advance to the semifinals.
Chamblee will take on the defending tournament winners Champion Lady Chargers (15-0) who picked up their 32nd consecutive victory 34-18 over the Stephenson Lady Jaguars (11-4), who were the 2016 runners-up to Champion.
Champion and Chamblee meet at Stephenson Middle at 5:00 pm on Wednesday (Feb. 8). Champion knocked Chamblee out in the quarterfinals a year ago on the way to the championship. Champion won the season opener against Chamblee 37-16.
Undefeated Chapel Hill (15-0) and once defeated Miller Grove (14-1) are set for the other girls’ semifinal to be played at Cedar Grove with the tip set for 5:00 pm on Wednesday (Feb. 8).
Chapel Hill knocked off Henderson (9-6) 40-30 to advance while Miller Grove took a 38-16 win over Renfroe (9-6) to move into the semis. Both teams were put out of the tournament in the quarterfinals a year ago. Chapel Hill defeated Miller Grove 57-35 in January.
The consolation and finals are set for Cedar Grove Middle on Saturday (Feb. 11) beginning at 11:00 am with the girls’ consolation game.
2017 MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Wednesday, Feb. 8
At Cedar Grove
(G) Chapel Hill (15-0) vs. Miller Grove (14-1), 5:00 pm
(B) Chapel Hill (13-2) vs. Lithonia (13-2), 6:20 pm
At Stephenson
(G) Champion (15-0) vs. Chamblee (14-1), 5:00 pm
(B) Champion (14-1) vs. Chamblee (14-1), 6:20 pm
First team listed is home team (white/light jerseys).