Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Basketball Classic Preview - Marietta vs. River Ridge (Girls)

To begin the Saturday afternoon slate, the defending Class 5A state champion River Ridge Knights square off against Marietta Blue Devils in the seventh matchup of the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Basketball Classic. Saturday’s matchup will feature elite talent on both squads, including two top players in their respective classes.

River Ridge is the defending Class 5A state champions. Last year, the Knights went 31-1, with their lone loss coming against Bradley Central (TN). River Ridge went a perfect 14-0 in Region 6-5A, defeating Langston Hughes 52-47 in the state title and ending the year ranked as the #1 team in Georgia. Marietta ended last season just above .500, going 15-14 (7-5 Region 5-6A). Marietta was extremely young last year, having no upperclassmen on the roster.

Marietta has turned things around, starting this year with a 4-1 record. The Blue Devils four victories have all come by at least 15 points, including a dominant 99-19 victory against South Paulding to open the year. River Ridge, the defending state champions, have taken a slight step back. They opened the year 3-2, winning their previous game against Sprayberry 67-42.

Marietta is led by one of the best players in the state, regardless of class. Leah DeWitt, a 2028 prospect, is averaging nearly 30 ppg while also leading the team in assists. The youngest DeWitt, Alana, has started her freshman year averaging 8 PPG and 6 RPG from her shooting guard position. Kyann Senior, a junior guard, is averaging a double-double, posting 14 PPG and 14 RPG thus far.

Finley Parker, a star in the 2027 class, is the leading scorer for River Ridge, averaging over 20 PPG on nearly 50% from the field. She has also added 11 RPG this season. Defending Parker will be a tall task for any opponent. Parker can score from all three levels, shooting 44% from behind the arc this year. Makayla Roberson has been a do-it-all guard for the Knights, leading the team in assists, blocks, and steals. Roberson adds over 18 PPG.

The size advantage in this matchup belongs to River Ridge. At 6’3”, Finley Parker is a mismatch no matter who guards her. The Knights are underdogs in this matchup, but Parker can turn a game on its head quickly. Roberson will also be crucial on both ends of the floor. Her versatility will be needed as she guards one of Georgia’s best players in DeWitt. Led by DeWitt, Marietta has a big advantage with their guard play. The Blue Devils’ quartet of guards scores over 60 PPG and their ability to score from all over the floor will be key in taking down a big River Ridge squad.

Marietta is very young this year, having zero seniors on the team. River Ridge holds their opponents to 67 ppg, but Marietta can score on anyone, averaging 83 ppg. Marietta is more than capable of making a deep playoff run and this matchup against the defending Class 5A state champions will be a good litmus test for the potential of this Marietta squad.

RIVER RIDGE ROSTER

Head Coach: Jason Taylor

3, Kyla Cantey, G, 12

5, Reagan Mulligan, G, 10

10, Myles Mansell, G, 10

11, Kennedy Boughton, G, 9

14, Makayla Roberson, G, 12

15, Hadley Hooks, G, 10

20, Lizzy Prusa, F, 11

21, Annabelle Mize, G, 9

22, Finley Parker, F, 11

23, McKenna Cavanagh, C, 10

24, Gracie Lovelace, F, 11

25, Bella Melo-Moreira, G, 9

30, Enna Doko, F, 11

32, Whitley Coleman, F, 12

33, Mary Dalloul, G, 10

MARIETTA ROSTER

Head Coach: Derrick DeWitt

0, Alana DeWitt, SG, 9

1, Kandyce Thomas, G, 11

2, Leah DeWitt, PG, 10

3, Julia Ham, SF, 10

12, Lyric Turner, G, 11

13, Kaylee Wang, G, 11

21, Zoë Williams, PG, 9

22, Kennedi Cox, W, 11

23, Mckenzie Everett, SG, 10

25, Kyann Senior, G, 11

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