Lithia Springs reached the quarterfinals of the Class AAAA tournament for the first time since 2008, winning 24 games this season. Part of the Lions’ success can be attributed to the play of shooting guard Justin Champion.

The senior has provided a solid scoring presence, and is counted on to keep ball possession in the Lions’ hands, head coach Jason Slate said.

“He has done a good job of hitting open shots for us,” he said. “That is what we need him to do. When people sag off on plays and Deionte [Griffith] penetrates, we need him to knock down open shots. We need him to defend. He has really been doing a good job the last few of games, and we need him to be a steady ballhandler.”

Champion said in a 77-67 upset of Region 7 champ Hiram, the Lions were lying in wait to dictate the pace of the game.

“We came in prepared. We came in big,” he said. “D.J. David Taylor played big and had 24 points. Trey Bussey came in hot and had 13 in the first quarter. I think everybody just played their role. Malcolm [Burkhalter] and Deionte played great defense. We came in excited and ready to play.”

Slate added that Champion’s work ethic is one of the things that make him a valuable member of this team.

“He comes ready to work every day,” he said. “He has a positive attitude, and is just really good kid to be around.”