GAINESVILLE - As the East Hall boys basketball team prepares to open defense of its Class AAA title Friday night against Villa Rica at the Gainesville High gym, coach Seth Vining knows one thing is for certain: nothing is certain.
His Vikings, ranked No. 2 in AAA and winners of 15 straight, are one of the favorites, along with Carrollton, which also plays Friday in Gainesville against No. 12 and host Gainesville. The action begins at 4 p.m. with girls action. The Gainesville game is set for 5:30 p.m. and East Hall (26-2) tips off at 8:30 p.m.
"You can't take anything for granted once you get to the playoffs," Vining said. "We haven't even discussed winning a second straight title. We're just trying to win one game."
It may not be the toughest opening-round game in the state, but it's certainly near the top. The Wildcats beat No. 11 LaGrange in LaGrange and lost to No. 1 Carrollton by four on the road - and blew a big lead in that game.
"(Villa Rica) is a very good team. They have a lot of size and quickness and aren't afraid to play anybody anywhere," Vining said. "Anyone that can go into those places and win has to be taken seriously. But if we just play our game, we'll be fine."
East Hall, usually known for its high-powered offensive attack, can still put up the numbers. But it's been the defense this year that has gotten praise from coaches around the area.
"It's an area that we have worked on. But I think the difference this year is that we may be more balanced 1 through 12 so we don't have a big drop off when we substitute," Vining said.
East Hall dismantled a potent White County team in the region final spark by a 24-11 second half with 6 consecutive steals run en route to a 87-64 win.
"Their half-court defense was as good as I've seen it in my five years here," White County coach Todd Cottrell said after that game.
Playing at home should also give the Vikings a boost.
"We've had to go a long way the last few years so not having to travel should be an advantage. Plus, it should mean we'll have a big crowd to help us," Vining said.
The offense is led by Frank Davis from the outside and Keldrick Coleman and Walter Hill on the inside.
Here are the complete pairings for the first round of the Georgia high school Class AAA basketball tournaments:
CLASS AAA
Friday's Games
At Thomasville
Liberty Co. vs. Thomasville, 5:30 p.m.
Westover vs. South Effingham, 8:30 p.m.
At Washington County
West Laurens vs. Westside-Augusta, 5:30 p.m.
Washington Co. vs. Perry, 8:30 p.m.
At Grayson
Banneker vs. Grayson, 5:30 p.m.
Elbert Co. vs. Southside, 8:30 p.m.
at Gainesville
Carrollton vs. Gainesville, 5:30 p.m.
East Hall vs. Villa Rica, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday's Games
At Thomasville
Swainsboro vs. Worth Co., 6:30 p.m.
Monroe-Albany vs. Richmond Hill, 9:30 p.m.
At Washington County
Peach Co. vs. Richmond Academy, 5:30 p.m.
Josey vs. Dublin, 8:30 p.m.
At Grayson
Avondale vs. Hart Co., 5:30 p.m.
Monroe Area vs. Lovett, 8:30 p.m.
At Gainesville
LaGrange vs. Johnson, 5:30 p.m.
White Co. vs. Cartersville, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday
July 6th, 2025
1:23PM
