North Gwinnett Girls Seek a New Tradition in AAAAA Semifinals

"This is our last dance," Coach Bryan Sellers told his team before Wednesday's practice in Suwanee.

He was referring to the pratice itself, since the girls could have two games remaining in their season, beginning with Thursday's AAAAA semifinal vs. Hillgrove in the Gwinnett Arena ( 7 p.m.).

But since the practice was special, Sellers sought to add an extra touch, bringing in former coach Phil Hall for a special pre-practice talk. (See the attached video.) The idea was extra motivation. The North Gwinnett girls already have something of a winning tradition in basketball, but this is their first trip to the Final Four since 1963.

They've done it with stars and role players. North is led by junion forward Peyton Whitted, already in the sights of college recruiters, and point guard Lexie Brown (son of former NBA player Dee Brown), who has committed to Maryland.

Sellers also praised role players such as Baylee Rexing and Jordan Hyatt as keys to his team's success.

"Overall as a team, they've bought into their value to the team," Sellers said.

He noted from the banners hanging in the North gym that the team has had winners before, but the changing dynamics of the state tournament did not always favor North. In some previous years, only two teams from each region were selected.

There are only two left from 7-AAAAA. Defending state champion Norcross is in Thursday's other semifinal, taking on Milton. Thursday's winners meet for the state title Friday at the Gwinnett Arena.

"You're building," Hall told the North players in his pre-practice talk. "Younger kids will see this as something to build on."