Undefeated Alllatoona is headed back to state championship game for the second straight season.
Guards Michael Johnson and Kevin Perry each hit a pair of free throws in the final 30 seconds, helping the Buccaneers hold off Cedar Shoals 48-46 Saturday in a Class AAAAA semifinal thriller at Columbus State University.
The Bucs improved to 31-0. Allatoona will face the Miller Grove-McIntosh winner in the championship game at 8:45 p.m., Friday in Macon.
Perry finished with 15 points, and sophomore guard Trey Doomes added 13 points before fouling out with two minutes to play.
Allatoona took a 34-32 lead into the fourth quarter and tried to pull away Sophomore forward Rolan Wooden hit layup to put the Buccaneers ahead 44-37 with five minutes to play. ButCedar Shoals fought back, with Phlandrous Fleming intercepting a pass and converting and up-and-under reverse layup to give the Jaguars and 45-44 lead with 1:47 to play.
The Jaguars’ lead grew to two after a free throw from point guard Jerrick Mitchell. Perry drew a foul on a drive the basket on Allatoona’s ensuing possession and calmly knocked down both free throws.
Cedar Shoals came up empty on its next trip, and Johnson drew a foul and hit two more free throws that turned out to be the difference.
Fleming had 13 points, and Mitchell had 15 points for the Jaguars.
The Bucs lost seven seniors off last year’s squad, which lost to Brunswick in the state championship game, but have a chance for redemption Saturday.
About the Author
