The Tournament of Champions at Wheeler delivered one of the most anticipated early matchups of the Georgia High School basketball season: Wheeler vs. Grayson. This showdown lived up to the hype and was, as they say, “everything and a bag of popcorn.” Opinions ran rampant leading up to the game, but last night, the results spoke for themselves.
Final Score @ ClassicTOC:
Grayson 77
Wheeler 68
The game began with the high energy expected of two powerhouse teams. Kevin Savage (Wheeler) and Chris McLavish (Grayson) exchanged early blows, scoring their teams’ first five points apiece. The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with Grayson holding a slight edge throughout. However, the game’s momentum shifted during an unexpected stoppage in the second quarter due to a shot clock malfunction. When play resumed, Grayson emerged with renewed energy, sparking a dominant run that gave them a commanding lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, Grayson took full control, extending their lead to as much as 20 points in the third quarter. Wheeler, despite being well-coached and disciplined, struggled offensively and never seemed fully in rhythm. While their defensive effort kept them within striking distance, Wheeler’s inability to score consistently was surprising. Late in the fourth quarter, they clawed their way back, cutting the lead to single digits, but a dramatic comeback fell just short.
Grayson Standout Performers
• Caleb Holt: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
• KJ Garris: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 4 blocks
• Jacob Wilkins: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks
Jacob Wilkins delivered an electrifying offensive performance, and his rebounding was equally impressive. KJ Garris, as predicted on the Friday night podcast with @gymratinsider, was the glue that held Grayson together and made a huge difference in this game. Meanwhile, Caleb Holt played with a smooth confidence, controlling the game’s tempo with poise and precision.
Wheeler’s Bright Spots
Wheeler is a well-coached team with talent across the board, and despite the loss, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Players like Kota Sutton, Colbert Landrew, Kevin Savage, and Ole Miss commit Tylis Jordan will undoubtedly learn from this experience and bounce back strong. Jacob Taylor brought a spark off the bench with his aggressive three-point shooting, which will be crucial during Wheeler’s state championship run.
Looking Ahead
While Grayson took this round, there’s a strong likelihood we’ll see these two teams face off again in the GHSA 6A Playoffs come March 2025. Both teams are loaded with talent and have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
For now, Grayson leaves the Tournament of Champions with bragging rights and valuable momentum. But don’t count Wheeler out—this matchup was just a preview of the fireworks to come later this season.