The GHSA boys tennis playoffs are underway in every classification. North Gwinnett claimed the 7A title last season, winning dominantly over longtime power Lambert 3-0. The Bulldogs dropped only one set in the entire playoffs, demolishing opponents as they had done all season long. This season, North Gwinnett will face some obstacles in its quest for a repeat. These competitors arise from several different quadrants of the bracket, making for an unpredictable and exciting playoffs. With the first round of the GHSA 7A boys tennis playoffs already completed, here are my predictions for all remaining matches.
Top Left Quadrant
In a matchup of last year’s losing semifinalists, I predict Alpharetta to defeat Harrison in the second round. I also believe Peachtree Ridge will knock off Newnan to reach the quarterfinals, where they’ll fall to Alpharetta, 3-2.
Bottom Left Quadrant
Dunwoody and North Paulding might provide a solid match, but I predict that North Paulding will advance to the quarterfinals. In the other second-round matchup between perennial contenders Brookwood and West Forsyth, it may be the Broncos eking out a victory. This sets up a massive quarterfinals match between Brookwood and North Paulding, which I see Brookwood winning.
Top Right Quadrant
It’s difficult to stop a perennial power like Lambert. Parkview is unfortunately in the way, but I predict that the Longhorns will face Milton in the quarterfinals (who will defeat Walton in the second round) and win, 4-1, to reach the GHSA boys tennis state semifinals.
Bottom Right Quadrant
Unsurprisingly, I’ll pick the defending champions, North Gwinnett, over Campbell in the second round. Norcross defeating North Cobb would set up a rivalry rematch, which I believe North Gwinnett will win with ease, 3-0, just as they did earlier in the season.
Final Four and Championship
Hopefully, this year’s Final Four will be less lopsided than in 2021, when both North Gwinnett and Lambert won in straight sets. Alpharetta will take on Brookwood on the left side of the bracket, while a heavyweight matchup between North Gwinnett and Lambert highlights the right semifinal. On the left, I predict that Alpharetta will defeat Brookwood, 3-1. The matchup between the Bulldogs and Longhorns is a rematch from earlier this season, when Lambert took down the Bulldogs, 3-2. In similar fashion, I expect Lambert to win 3-2 and move on to face Alpharetta in the finals.
If the Longhorns can take care of the defending champions, they shouldn’t have much trouble with Alpharetta. I believe that Lambert will be your 2022 GHSA 7A Boys Tennis state champion with a 3-1 win over the Alpharetta Raiders! Lambert’s win would continue the trend of a different champion in every season since 2014. It would also give the Longhorns only their second title ever, making history for a budding program. Can anyone prevent Lambert from winning this season’s 7A championship?
