Anything can happen in a post-season tournament and nobody knows that better this week than the McIntosh Chiefs.

McIntosh’s boys had a 10-14 regular season record and they had lost to their first round opponent, Creekside, on Feb. 2 by 58 points. The slate was clean on Wednesday night though and the Chiefs hung tight with the Seminoles and walked away with an upset victory 54-47. Using high percentage shots, terrific defense and their home court advantage, McIntosh had a 12-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and only trailed Creekside by three, 27-24, at the half. Seniors KC Erickson and Vaughn Page did a tremendous job of finding the basket and nearly every player contributed to the team’s biggest win in recent history.

“The team’s defensive effort was unbelievable,” said Coach Jason Eisele. “Robert Chubb played huge, holding one of the top big men in the state, Fabian Wilson, to six points.” Page led the team in scoring with 14 points.

McIntosh has guaranteed themselves a spot in the state tournament for the first time in school history and will take on Fayette County at 5:30 p.m. Friday for a trip to the region championship. The Chiefs lost all the tree times to the Tigers this season.

Fayette County (21-5) made the region semi-final by beating Banneker 76-73. Noel Johnson led the Tigers in scoring with 34 points. Quincy Carruthers scored 12 points, Derrick Walker scored 11 points and 11 rebounds and Terrance Turner scored 10 points and pulled in eight rebounds in the win.

Whitewater’s boys (16-10) have made the state tournament as well, beating Woodward Academy 78-67 on Wednesday afternoon. The Wildcats had a 22-5 lead by the end of the first quarter and then held off the War Eagles as they made runs in the second, third and fourth quarters. Whitewater was led by outstanding performances from Kevin Lewallen with 24 points and five rebounds and Trey Scales with 22. Zach Scurry also dominated with his inside play, scoring 14 points and getting 10 rebounds, while Jay Bright recorded seven assists and Stephen Sargent added 10 rebounds.

“We are very excited,” said Coach Brent Jackson. “Making the state tournament has been our goal all year and our senior leadership really stepped up and helped us out.”

The Wildcats will take on Westlake Friday at 8:30 p.m.

Starr’s Mill’s Lady Panthers (11-15) also have made the state tournament. They had lost to the McIntosh Lady Chiefs twice in the regular season but won on Tuesday, 22-21. Starr’s Mill had a 13-2 lead after the first quarter and a 13-9 lead at the half. McIntosh had a chance to win in the final seconds but their shot missed and Starr’s Mill grabbed the rebound and the rebound after missing their second foul shot seconds later to hang on for the win. Alexis Shaffer scored 13 points for Starr’s Mill in the win, while McIntosh was led by nine points from Erin Justice. The Lady Panthers will play Westlake Friday at 7 p.m. for a trip to the region championship. Starr’s Mill lost to Westlake twice in the regular season.

On the other side of the girls bracket, Fayette County will take on Woodward. The Lady Tigers made the region semi-finals by defeating Northgate 52-46. Tessah Holt led the Lady Tigers with 17 points, while Chasity Welch added nine. The teams have split in their two meetings this season.

Sandy Creek’s boys faced Cass Thursday night after the paper went to press and the Lady Patriots will take on the winner of the Central, Carroll/Cartersville game Friday at 4 p.m. The boys must win to qualify for the state tournament, while the girls have already secured a spot.

In the region 5-A tourney, Landmark’s boys (8-17) made the state tournament by defeating Providence Christian 70-61 on Wednesday night. It was the second win in a row for the War Eagles. They will take on Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy Friday at 5:30 p.m. for a trip to the region finals. Our Lady of Mercy’s boys were eliminated by St. Francis, losing 61-51 on Wednesday.

On the girl’s side, Landmark’s Lady War Eagles played their first region tournament game Thursday night against W.D. Mohammed. They will make the state tournament with a win. Our Lady of Mercy’s girls faced St. Francis and will also make the state tournament with a win.