Preview for Fayette County's second round playoff games

The snow will likely be a memory by tomorrow night, but the players for Fayette County's boys and girls basketball games have ice in their veins as they continue their quest to make their way back to the state championship games.

Fayette County Lady Tigers (28-0) vs. Osborne Lady Cardinals (23-3), Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m.

The Lady Tigers had a tough game with Tucker in the opening round of the Class AAAA state tournament, but turned up the heat on their opponents late in the third quarter and marched on to a win. Once again, every starter for Fayette County had big moments that helped the team achieve their win and the team’s defense was as solid as it has been all year.

Every game from here on out will be a challenge and Osborne, at least on paper, looks formidable. The lady Cardinals are averaging 63.1 points per game to Fayette County’s 57.0, but the Lady Tigers defense is better, allowing 36.3 points per game to Osborne’s 39.0. To reach the second round, Osborne defeated Cedar Shoals 88-47. Their three losses all came in the month of February and two were to region champion Northwest Whitfield.

The winner of this game will play the winner of Marist and Clarke Central on Friday.

Fayette County Tigers (21-7) vs. Clarke Central Gladiators (17-9), Wednesday, March 4, 7 p.m.

Fayette County played an outstanding game against Stone Mountain in the opening round of the state playoffs with nearly six players reaching double digits in scoring. And that was without USC signee Noel Johnson on the court. Johnson may be available to play in tomorrow’s game and head coach Andre Flynn has to be excited about what that might mean for his team, which is playing with an enormous amount of confidence and effort. They have won 14 games in a row.

Clarke Central knocked off Sprayberry 55-54 in the opening round of the playoffs. It was their second straight win as they had defeated Heritage, Conyers in the region consolation game. Players to watch for the Gladiators are senior point guard John Wilson, 6’4” junior forward Taylor Layne and 6’ senior guard Tevin Mgbo.

The winner of this game will take on the winner of Miller Grove and Rockdale County on Saturday.