Both the Eagles and Lady Eagles of Milton are set to play in the Class-AAAAA state semifinals this week. Below is a sneak peek at what the teams can expect...

AAAAA BOY’S FINAL 4

When/where: Semis Thursday and finals Friday at Gwinnett Arena (13,000).

Field: Region 6 No. 1 Milton (27-4); Region 2 No. 1 Newton (30-1); Region 4 No. 1 Westlake (29-2); Region 8 No. 1 Central Gwinnett (29-2).

Milton’s road to Gwinnett: def. Collins Hill, 63-55; def. Marietta, 78-51; def. Norcross, 53-52.

Eagles’ outlook: Julian Royal hit the two biggest free-throws of his life on Saturday, knocking down the deciding charity tosses with no time left on the clock in a thrilling, yet controversial, state quarterfinals win over Norcross. Now, the Eagles are set to face a Newton Rams squad that loves nothing more than to grind it out in the halfcourt and force the opposition into its tempo. The Rams possess an array of dangerous offensive threats, led by senior guard Tevin Bradley (25 points per game), and are allowing just 46 points per contest with their matchup zone. The proven Eagles will have to be patient against a team that has lost just once this season, against Class-AAAA semifinalist Richmond Academy.

Coach speak: “They’ve been very much underrated all year, especially on the state level. They’re just very maddening to play. They’re gonna take their time, take the shot they want, and make it hard for you to score.” – MHS head coach David Boyd.

AAAAA GIRL’S FINAL 4

When/where: Semis Thursday and finals Friday at Gwinnett Arena.

Field: Region 6 No. 1 Milton (24-5); Region 2 No. 1 Redan (30-0); Region 4 No. 1 Westlake (24-3); Region 7 No. 2 Norcross (26-4).

Milton’s road to Gwinnett: def. North Gwinnett, 63-43; def. North Cobb, 45-31; def. Mill Creek, 54-47.

Lady Eagles’ outlook: Milton has simply gotten the job done, clamping down on defense and receiving clutch play from guards Nikki Dixon and Kris Puthoff-King to advance. But the biggest obstacle in recent memory now stands in the way in the form of top-ranked Redan, the defending state champs who have won 57 consecutive games. The Lady Raiders are uber-athletic, and are led by lightning quick point guard Alisha Andrews and 6-foot post Nia Evans.

Coach speak: “You always feel good at this point that what you’ve done is what’s gotten you here. Our girls just have to believe in themselves. [Redan is] extremely good. It’s gonna be a challenge, but you never know what can happen at this point.”- MHS head coach Craig Bennett.