Georgia/N.C. Challenge to showcase area talent

GAINESVILLE -- The first Georgia/North Carolina Challenge is scheduled to begin Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Walters Athletic Center on the campus of Lakeview Academy.<br /> <br /> The tournament will feature some of the area's best teams, including the Johnson boys, fresh off their second consecutive Lanierland Tournament title.<br /> <br /> The Class AAAAA Apalachee boys feature Kamar Baldwin, the No. 9-ranked junior in Georgia by Georgia Hoops with scholarship offers from George Mason, Richmond, Middle Tennessee, Chattanooga, Charlotte and Furman. Seniors Kent Knowles and Alante Billings have also gotten college interest for the Wildcats.<br /> <br /> The undefeated Blackhawks of North Buncombe (13-0) are led by Daniel Burchette, the school's all-time leading scorer, who has multiple offers from colleges ranging from mid-major FBS to high level Division II, and returning All-conference junior forward Brendon Hockaday.<br /> <br /> Johnson (13-0) is led by Lanierland MVP Ty Cockfield, who is also getting a lot of attention from several colleges, and Rod English, who is off to an outstanding start this season and is considered a college prospect as well. <br /> <br /> Hayesville (N.C.) is 7-3 and coming off a championship in the Battle of the States tournament at Towns County, beating White County, Hokes Bluff (Ala.), and Piedmont, (Ala.) and is a favorite to challenge for their conference championship. The Yellow Jackets are led by 6-5 junior guard Zach Cottrell (offers from App State, Charlotte, Mercer, Western Carolina, junior guard Braxton Cox, and 6-4 senior guard Grant Arencibia, (each recieving college attention).<br /> <br /> Franklin, (N.C.) is getting hot at the right time, with several key players getting into basketball shape after playing in the North Carolina state football semifinals. The Panthers are led by 6-6 senior center Devin Doty, senior guard Cory Fox and sophomore guard/forward Silas Raby. <br /> <br /> Lakeview Academy is led by junior point guard Tae Turner (gaining college interest) and sophomore forwards Tre Gober and Josh Randolph. <br /> <br /> On the girls side, Apalachee and Johnson tip off the event, which should be a very interesting game, as the teams are very evenly matched.<br /> <br /> The 5:30 girls matchup features Hayesville (7-3) coming off a Battle of the States championship as well, led by Mercer-signee Amanda Thompson. Lakeview, Academy will counter with senior Skyler Miller and sophomores Hannah Grogan and Christen Copeland.<br /> <br /> Saturday's schedule of games:<br /> <br /> Johnson girls vs. Apalachee, 1 p.m.<br /> North Buncombe boys (Weaverville, N.C.) vs. Apalachee, 2:30 p.m.<br /> Hayesville, (N.C.) boys vs. Johnson, 4 p.m.<br /> Hayesville, (N.C.) girls vs. Lakeview Academy, 5:30 p.m.<br /> Franklin, (N.C.) boys vs. Lakeview Academy, 7 p.m.

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