Grayson beats Newton in Georgia high school boys basketball thriller

LOGANVILLE, GEORGIA – Grayson’s 76-70 overtime win against Newton had its fair share of jaw-dropping moments Tuesday night.

From Jacob Wilkins’s high-flying dunks, to Newton’s unconscious shooting at times, the back-and-forth game against two Region 4-AAAAAAA rivals had it all and then some in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter.

With a chance to ice the game, Grayson’s Gicarri Harris was fouled after stealing a pass with his team leading by two points.

But the Purdue commit was never given an opportunity to attempt his foul shots after Wilkins dunked the ball after the foul - not knowing a foul had been called due to the deafening loud crowd - and was tagged with a technical foul.

That gave Newton two free throws, both of which were made, and it sent the game into overtime tied 66-66 in a rather stunning turn of events.

But in overtime, Grayson regrouped and dominated the four-minute period to win the game 76-70.

With the win, Grayson remains unbeaten in the state of Georgia, and in Region 4-AAAAAAA play. Grayson came into the game ranked No. 23 in the country in the SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25 rankings.

Amir Taylor scored a team -high 23 points and 11 rebounds while Harris scored 18 and dished out a game-high 10 assists. Wilkins also finished with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the win.

“That’s just how rivalry games are,” Grayson head coach Geoffrey Pierce said. You have to come in and be a tough team, mentally and physically. In the overtime period, I thought we played well. It’s good to come out with a win. It’s a big-time region win for sure.”

Three Takeaways from Grayson - Newton

Grayson’s experience paid dividends Tuesday night

It pays to have experience.

When things weren’t going the Rams way midway through the fourth quarter, they had every opportunity to lay down and let Newton win the game. But that wasn’t the case whatsoever.

Harris nailed a huge three-pointer in the waning minutes, as did Anthony Alston, who nailed a go-ahead three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining. Alston, who was held in check for most of the game, came up big for the Rams when the game mattered the most.

“I told him after the game that that was a big-time shot,” Pierce said of Alston’s three-pointer. “They did a good job denying him. He didn’t get a lot of touches tonight, but he’s one of the leaders of the team. One thing about him is he’s going to give you effort the full 32 minutes. We’re lucky to have him.”

The Rams are an experienced bunch with Harris, Alston and Hyland all seniors that started last season for the Rams. Amir Taylor started as sophomore last season and was another big key for the Rams in their victory Tuesday night.

Newton will be a tough out in the playoffs

This is a much different looking Newton squad compared to last year’s that featured the likes of McDonald's All-American Stephon Castle and Jakai Newton.

But so far, so good.

The Rams are off to an impressive 14-4 start, and very nearly pulled off the upset of Grayson Tuesday night that would have given them sole possession of first place in Region 4-AAAAAAA.

Stepping into a starting role this season, junior Zach Harden turned in a brilliant game for the Rams Tuesday night, scoring a game-high 23 points. Bez Jenkins scored 16 and Tim Prather scored 14 in the losing effort.

If we learned anything from Tuesday night’s game, it’s that Newton is going to be a tough out in the playoffs. While Grayson and McEachern are the two clear favorites to meet in the Class 7A state championship, should both win their respective regions, the Rams could play spoiler for someone and make a deep run of themselves under first-year head coach Barry Browner.

Gicarri Harris is everything could could ask for as a high school basketball player

There’s quite simply nothing Gicarri Harris can’t do on a basketball court.

When he needs to score, he scores. When he needs to pass, he pass. When he needs to play defense, he plays defense. All three phases of his game were on full display Tuesday night.

From his clutch game-tying three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, to his game-high 10 assists, including an assist of Alston’s go-ahead score, Harris did everything in his power to help will the Rams to victory Tuesday night.

A Class 7A state championship has eluded Grayson in their program’s history and Harris just might be the guy to finally help bring it back home to Loganville in 2024. 

Photos by Colin Hubbard