The GHSA released the Class A playoff brackets on Wednesday and for the first time in a while Region 8-A was rewarded handsomely after a rugged region schedule for northeast Georgia teams.
The Class A tournament takes 24 teams in both Private and Public based mainly, but not entirely, on the season-ending power rankings. The Lakeview boys were No. 2 and the Lady Lions were No. 3 in final rankings.
Four Region 8-A boys teams -- Lakeview Academy, Athens Christian, Towns County, Riverside Military Academy -- were selected. Four girls teams -- Lakeview Academy, Athens Christian, George Walton Academy, Athens Academy -- made the field.
The Lakeview Academy boys were awarded the No. 2 seed in Class A Private and got a very favorable draw. The Lions will receive a bye in the first round and will take on the Savannah Christian-Wesleyan winner in the second round. Greenforestr i the No. 1 seed in the Private boys playoffs. Truetlen is the No. 1 seed in the Public boys.
For the girls, Lakeview Academy will get a first round bye as the No. 3 seed. The Lady Lions will get the Greenforest-Our Lady of Mercy winner in the second round. The potential for a deep run for the Lady Lions as well with only No. 2 seed Wesleyan on their side of the draw. The two teams would meet in the semifinals if both get that far. St. Francis is the No. 1 seed in Private girls.
The Riverside Military Academy boys also made the tournament as the No. 23 seed and will travel to First Presbyterian on Friday in the first round. The winner will take on Athens Christian in the second round.
The Towns County boys are the No. 15 seed in the Public bracket and will play host to No. 18 seed Schley County in the first round. The winner will get No. 2 seed Calhoun County in the second round.
