Southwest boys win region championship, Stratford girls in state semifinals

Two of Macon’s top teams got dominant wins Friday night to advance in their respective tournaments.

The Southwest boys won the GHSA Region 2/Class A-Division I championship for the second consecutive year, defeating Dublin 61-36 in the final game of the tournament at Washington County to once again claim priority seeding in the A-Division I state tournament, which begins next week.

The Patriots defeated the Irish in last year’s region title showdown as well, though this time around the Patriots were in control for most of the game. Now Southwest will attempt to replicate last season’s run to the state championship with the help of a top-8 seed in the playoffs. The Patriots only lost six games this year and were undefeated in the region.

The Stratford girls, who have also been a powerful team this year, defeated St. Anne-Pacelli 69-39 to advance to the GIAA Class 4A semifinals Friday.

Dalaila Lowe led the Eaglettes with 17 points, while star senior Camilah Hudson followed with 15. Stratford got a bit of revenge after last season, as the Vikings defeated the Eaglettes en route to the state title last year in the semifinals.

Stratford will play the No. 3-seeded George Walton Bulldogs in the semifinals at Columbus State University on Thurdsay.

Other results

REGION 2-2A GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP: Morgan County 36, Westside 34

REGION 2-2A BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP: Morgan County 52, Rutland 34

REGION 2-A DIVISION I GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP: East Laurens 52, Northeast 42

GIAA Class 4A GIRLS QUARTERFINALS:
Loganville Christian 66, Mount de Sales 39
George Walton 55, FPD 40