Only seven teams left carrying the Central Georgia GHSA hoops banner

          If it feels like the Central Georgia high school basketball GHSA quarterfinal pickings are a little slim this year, they are.

          A year ago, three girls teams and seven boys teams were in quarterfinal play.

          The only returnees? Warner Robins boys in 5A, Wilkinson County’ boys in A Public and Stratford’s girls in A Private.

          All three won their quarterfinal games a year ago, Warner Robins 67-64 over Lithonia on the road and Wilkinson County 67-63 over visiting Manchester, and Stratford 37-31 over Prince Avenue Christian.

          Stratford then lost 51-32 in a semi at Columbus State to eventual state champ Holy Innocents. Warner Robins and Wilkinson County went on to win state titles at the Coliseum.

          But Upson-Lee was shocked at home last week, 2018 semifinalist Baldwin was stunned in the first round by upstart Howard while Central was one-and-done at home.

          While crowds have been down this year for the Knights, Upson-Lee’s loss will cost semifinal host FVSU some money, as well as the GHSA. Of the eight 4A boys teams left, only Carver-Columbus has a decent drive to FVSU and is also the closest 4A boys team to Macon.

          Westside and Macon County went out in the second round this year.

          The other girls quarterfinalists from a year ago were Peach County and Dodge County. Dodge County was upset at home in the second round by Josey, and Peach County fell at Tattnall County.

          Rutland’s girls are hoping to reach the semis for the first time since 2009. Veterans was the state runner-up in 2016.

          Hancock Central’s boys last made the semis in 2015, and Northeast’s boys are in the Elite Eight for the second time under head coach Kevin Grooms, the last trip coming in 2014.