THOMASVILLE — Thomasville’s twin towers experienced growing pains Saturday.

How Willie Clayton and Robert Carter respond today against Jefferson in a Class AA semifinal game could be key to the Bulldogs’ chances at advancing to the championship game.

The Bulldogs’ quarterfinal matchup with Henry County was a tight game most of the second half with the Warhawks leading early in the third quarter. Clayton and Carter combined for just 12 points through the first three periods. At one point in the third quarter, both were pulled from the game because of ineffectiveness and frustration. Both weren’t getting calls they were expecting to receive in the paint. Both were forced to sit much of the quarter.

“It was a frustrating game because we really didn’t know there was going to be that much contact involved in the game and how the referee’s going to call it,” Carter said.

Clayton added, “It was mental. We were just throwing up shots, basically. But we’ve got it under control.”

The two were instrumental in the fourth-quarter rally, however. Carter scored five points and hit three critical free throws. Clayton had a pair of field goals off offensive rebounds and drew a key charge late in the fourth quarter.

Thomasville coach Ben Tillman believes his two post players matured a lot during the comeback.

“I think the kids kind of understand you have to play the game. You can’t allow the referees or the other team dictate how you’re going to play the game. You play your game and stay focused and continue to do those things that you are capable of doing and not try to worry about anything else,” Tillman said. “That’s one thing when it comes down to team concept, everybody has a part. Even the coaching staff has a part.

“That’s one of the things we’ve really tried to focus on these last couple of games, the last week is everybody do their part.”

Carter echoes Tillman’s sentiments.

“It’s helped us grow up a lot. It’s helped us know what we’re getting into this week right here,” Carter said.

The Bulldogs should have another size advantage against the Dragons today. Jefferson’s starting center is 6-foot. It has no players on its roster over 6-foot-3. Matching up against the 6-7 Clayton and 6-8 Carter is a major concern for Jefferson coach Bolling DuBose.

“Teams that have a lot of size have given us problems this year, as far as getting to the basket and scoring,” DuBose said. “I don’t know that I’ve seen a team like Thomasville that not only has guys that are big, but they’re very long. Their wing span is long. Just get past the two 6-8 kids, a lot of their other kids are really long kids. They create all kinds of problems on defense, especially that 1-3-1 half-court trap they run.

“I don’t know that we’ve seen a team that big be that athletic at the same time.”

A key matchup for the Bulldogs might be at point guard. Sophomore Trey Gosier has emerged a go-to-scorer in recent weeks. He tallied 20 points against Henry County. That followed a 24-point outing against Benedictine in the second round. He’ll be matched up against one of Jefferson’s most experienced players, senior point guard Darius Minor. In his third year running the offense, Minor is averaging 17 points per game. He was also the quarterback on the football team the past two seasons.

“I’ve been here a long time, and he’s one of the best point guards I’ve had. He handles the ball well and is a good shooter. He distributes the ball to people,” DuBose added. “I think he wants to play college basketball. I think he’s definitely a college prospect.”

Tip-off for today’s game at the Macon Centreplex is at 5:30 p.m. The winner will play the Laney/Greater Atlanta Christian winner on Saturday at 4:45 p.m.

“It’s very exciting,” Clayton added. “It’s my first time playing in the Final Four as a sophomore. Hopefully, we can come out with a victory. It’s very exciting.”