Heartbreakers From the 2021 GHSA Boys Basketball Playoffs
We all saw it: Jalen Suggs banking in the game-winning 3 to end 11-seed UCLA’s magical March Madness run. While it was ecstasy for the Zags, it was more heartbreak for the Bruins. That same heartbreak was evident several times in the 2021 GHSA boys basketball playoffs. From buzzer-beaters to stunning upsets, this season had it all. But which ones hurt the most?
Newnan VS Walton (7A, 1st Round)
At 20-5, playoff expectations for the Raiders were high, and they sure seemed like a quarterfinals lock. That was until Newnan’s Jamar Stargell drained a jumper at the buzzer, upsetting 1-seed Walton, who had led all game long.
North Gwinnett VS Norcross (7A, Sweet 16)
In a defensive battle, North Gwinnett led 38-36 with just a couple seconds left when Norcross was fouled attempting a 3-pointer. With almost a free chance at victory from the charity stripe, Norcross proceeded to miss two of its three attempts, falling to the Bulldogs in shocking fashion.
Lee County VS Brunswick (6A, Sweet 16)
A three-pointer at the buzzer? You bet! Lee County dashed Brunswick’s hopes at a playoff run with a dagger at the horn. What makes this even more heartbreaking? The shot defense was extremely good, but luck just wasn’t on the blanks side.
Lee County VS Chattahoochee (6A, Elite Eight)
Two buzzer-beaters in one week? Yes, this time against 22-3 Chattahoochee in the Elite Eight. The defense wasn’t so great this time, but it still hurts to have your season end like that.
Chapel Hill VS Veterans (5A, Elite Eight)
Veterans entered this game with an unblemished record of 23-0. It was set to play 4-seed Chapel Hill, who had already established itself as a Cinderella team. The game wasn’t even close, as Chapel Hill pulled away for a 79-63 win, silencing Veterans and snapping its perfect record.
Cross Creek VS Sandy Creek (3A, State Championship)
It’s March for a reason! Sandy Creek entered this matchup a huge favorite, backed by a 28-4 season and national recognition for star Jabari Smith. Cross Creek was having none of that. Every Razorback played the game of their lives, and stunned the Patriots by a score of 57-49. A state title almost seemed assured for Sandy Creek, but having it snatched in a jaw-dropping upset hits hard.
Hancock Central VS Dublin (1A-Public, Final Four)
Maybe Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs learned something from Hancock Central’s Jamal Taylor. Taylor hit the game-winning half-court shot with one second left to send the Bulldogs to the state championship. Entering that semifinal, Dublin was 27-1 and likely the best team in A-Public, adding to the heartbreak even more.
Mt. Pisgah VS Holy Innocents’ (1A-Private, State Championship)
Holy Innocents’ had the title secured. Two minutes later, they didn’t. Mt. Pisgah mounted a late comeback that ended with a Kash Grady buzzer-beater for the championship. There’s no worse way to end a season for the losing team.
Written by: Dhruv Mohan
