The student news site of North Forsyth High School

The Raider Wire
The student news site of North Forsyth High School

The Raider Wire
The student news site of North Forsyth High School

The Raider Wire

North Forsyth vs Archer Sweet 16 State Playoff Preview

Preston Anderson, Staff Writer • February 21, 2025
Nicholas Sullivan
Senior forward London Weaver surveys the court in Round 1 matchup vs Archer

North Forsyth Girls Basketball takes on the Archer Tigers this Friday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m. in the Sweet 16 following their Round One win over the North Gwinnett Bulldogs 70-53.

 

Coming into this matchup with a perfect 28-0 record, the Raiders aren’t looking to hold back as they face an accomplished 23-5 Archer Tigers team. 

 

Both teams represent their region well, with North sitting atop the AAAAAA Region 6, recording a 14-0 record in region play, and Archer finishing second in the AAAAAA Region 4, winning 9 of their 12 region games. This matchup promises to be a competitive second round. 

Senior forward Sophia Parks said the team is staying focused on one game at a time in the playoffs.

“Being on a team that fell short at the very end last year helped my teammates and me realize the importance of not looking ahead,” Parks said. “This is a very talented and experienced Archer team that we played earlier this year. We are prepared, and I believe we are ready for the challenge.”

The two teams faced off earlier in the season’s second game, where the Raiders found themselves victorious 64-31. North will look to replicate that performance and sweep Archer but will need help from Junior guard Gabbie Gliatta, who scored 23 Points in North’s recent Round One win over North Gwinnett. “It was a tough, gritty win, and everyone did their job,” Gliatta Said following the team’s performance.

 

On the other hand, the Tigers are hoping to spoil the Raiders’ State Playoff run and even the season series at 1-1. 

 

The winner of Friday’s matchup will advance to the Elite 8 to take on the winner of North Paulding vs Carrollton for a spot in the Final Four.

 

North Forsyth Players To Watch: 

  • #23 London Weaver (Sr. Forward) – Region 6-AAAAAA Player Of The Year
  • #12 Gabbie Gliatta (Jr. Guard) – 1st Team All-Region (AAAAAA Region 6)
  • #14 Emma Rose (Sr. Guard) – 1st Team All-Region (AAAAAA Region 6)

 

Archer Players To Watch: 

  • #5 Mearah Whitehead (Sr. Guard) – 1st Team All-Region (AAAAAA Region 4)
  • #23 Saniya Sharper (So. Guard) – 1st Team All-Region (AAAAAA Region 4)
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About the Contributor
Preston Anderson
Preston Anderson, Sports Editor
Hey it’s me Preston! I am now a senior which is ayymazing. This is my 3rd year as a part of the Journalism program. When asked who their favorite person in the school is, 70% of the students voted for me so I take that with high honor. The teachers had the same opinion as 87% of the teachers voted me for the brightest future with the most motion which is true too. I enjoy everything that requires hard work as I am a workaholic myself. This message is for everyone and anyone who lacks the motivation that I carry. Trust in God is the best advice I could give you. Have a great day and stay blessed.