Top 10 games of the week

You thought last week was interesting? Wait until this week. There are a number of quality match-ups in the state this week. We picked the top 10 and give our thoughts on each.

No. 3 Centennial at No. 1 Wheeler, Friday, Dec. 7

Another week, another big game at Wheeler. The Wildcats have an even bigger challenge after picking apart McEachern in last week's match-up of top 10 programs. This week isn't looking any easier. The region rivals square off in a great match-up. Centennial brought its entire team to Wheeler for the McEachern and Whitefield scrimmages while Wheeler is playing better than any team in the state. If the Wildcats can shoot like they did against McEachern, watch out. If Centennial can utilize of all it's tools, watch out. Buckle up, this one will be a lot of fun.

Georgia Hoops pick: Wheeler

No. 5 Columbia at No. 6 Miller Grove, Tuesday, Dec. 4

Hiding in the shadows of the Wheeler-Centennial game this week is this game of a game on Tuesday night. The two Dekalb County powers will grind it out in what should be one of the best games of the year. No one is playing better individually in the state right now than Mfon Udofia. And there might not be a better overall team from top to bottom in the state than Columbia. This one will be fun and it will be close.

Georgia Hoops pick: Columbia

No. 2 Westlake at No. 16 Fayette County, Friday, Dec. 7

This is one of the best rivalry games in the state and this year's series could be at an all-time high. Fayette County won the battle last year, winning two of the three games. Westlake is hot right now but Fayette County's Noel Johnson might be just a little hotter. We will be there for the match-up and expect to see this one go down to the wire.

Georgia Hoops pick: Fayette County

No. 6 Miller Grove vs. No. 15 Wesleyan at Mt. Zion-Jonesboro, Saturday, Dec. 8

Both teams have had major tests early on. Miller Grove will be coming off of a tough game against Columbia and Wesleyan will be ready for this one. The question has to be how much will the Columbia game take out of Miller Grove and how will Wesleyan defend Mfon Udofia?

Georgia Hoops pick: Miller Grove

No. 10 South Atlanta at North Clayton, Tuesday, Dec. 4.

If it weren't for the airport nearby, the noise from the gym in this one would echo through the south side of the city on Tuesday night. We are going to be in the building for this county border war. South Atlanta's Derrick Favors is off to a hot start and North Clayton is coming off a big win at Phillips Arena. Last year's match-up at the same time came down to one bucket. We don't anticipate this one being that close. South Atlanta's defense is just too strong thanks to Favors inside.

Georgia Hoops pick: South Atlanta

No. 8 Dunwoody at Rome, Saturday, Dec. 8

Dunwoody beat the brakes off of Rome last year at home. This year a trip to North Georgia has a different feel. After losing the season opener, the Wildcats should be playing with more fire and more determination to prove themselves. Rome matches up well with Dunwoody inside, especially with Wake Forest bound Tony Woods holding up the middle. It should be a close one for the first half. Dunwoody will likely push the gas down and floor it until the final buzzer.

Georgia Hoops pick: Dunwoody

Baldwin at Hancock Central, Saturday, Dec. 8

Hancock Central could crack the power poll this week if they can string together a nice run of victories. This game against Baldwin could push the class A team over the hump. No one is hotter right now in single A than Hancock Central. This game will have the gym rocking. If you ever have a chance to see them at home, do it. The folks at both schools know how to get a gym loud.

Georgia Hoops pick: Hancock Central

Turner County at Tift County, Saturday, Dec. 8

Keep an eye on both of these teams. Turner County, a class A program, is young and big while Tift County, a traditional power, always has a team ready to play. Turner County travels to Tifton and will be met with a hostile crowd on opening night for Tift County within the state and too much speed to deal with.

Georgia Hoops pick: Tift County

Tri-Cities at Mundy's Mill, Friday, Dec. 7

Mundy's Mill cracked into the coaches' poll on Tuesday, checking in at No. 5 in AAAAA. We'll admit it, we probably slept on the Tigers. Tri-Cities is a big-time defensive team but a game on the road with a hot team might be too much. Keep an eye on Todd Salters, he's a sleeper at the point and playing to win and earn a scholarship this year for Mundy's Mill.

Georgia Hoops pick: Mundy's Mill

Pebblebrook vs. Jonesboro at Mt. Zion-Jonesboro, Saturday, Dec. 8

This will be a track meet. And we can't wait. Georgia Hoops will be on hand for this one. Both clubs enter the week undefeated and could very well be come Saturday. Jonesboro guard Brandon Hosley is off to a hot start, putting up big numbers. His counterpart, Chris Beasley, is off to a similar start.

Georgia Hoops pick: Jonesboro

Note: All of the rankings for teams are from the preseason power poll. This will be updated on Monday. We went 6-3 in our picks from last week.