Allatoona's Playoff Run Comes to an End

The faced a tough task in the second round of the Class-AAA State Playoffs. After defeating Grady by one point in double overtime, an exhausting contest both mentally and physically, they faced the fourth-ranked Carrollton Trojans on Wednesday.

Both teams started the game very tentative on offense and aggressive on defense. This led to a first quarter that featured more turnovers than points as the Trojans led 9-7 after the first eight minutes.

In the second quarter Carrollton took control with a 6-0 run to help extend their lead to nine. The Trojans defense also stepped up and held Allatoona to only six points in the second. Carrollton led 22-13 at the half.

“We never got anything going offensively,” said Allatoona head coach Markus Hood. “We forced some things.”

In the second half, Allatoona junior Dimychael Ross took his team on his shoulders and tried to bring them back. Ross, who had committed his third foul late in the second quarter, didn’t lose any of his offensive aggressiveness scoring 12 of his 16 points in the second half.

“He’s a leader, he’s a warrior, he came out and gave it his all in the second half,” said Hood. “I’m proud of him.”

Despite the spirited play by Ross, Carrollton continued to build on their lead in the third quarter going into the final eight minutes up 39-25.

In the fourth quarter Carrollton was able to put the game away at the free-throw line going 10-of-15 at the stripe. In the waning minutes of the game, coach Hood began to pull his starters who were recognized by the Allatoona faithful in attendance.

The Buccaneers’ season ended with a 57-40 loss at the hands of the No. 1 seed. “They've got a good shot of being in the final four,” said Hood of the Trojans.

Allatoona ended the season with a record of 18-11.