Hey everyone, welcome to the GPB Sports Studios in Atlanta.

We are live for the 2026 GHSA Boys and Girls State Basketball Championships.

I'm Hannah Goodin joining you for day number four.

It's the final day of championship action.

We've already crowned 12 winners with five more to go today.

Three newcomers for the girls, three newcomers for the boys.

Those are six state championships that were making history for these programs.

We also have one repeat from last year, with more to come today.

Let's take a look on our GPB championship scoreboard so we'll get things started.

Off with the AA girls matchup between Hardaway and Murray County.

This is a rematch from last year.

Then the AA boys matchup will be at 1:00 between Morgan County and Butler.

The Bulldogs trying to go back to back to make history.

Then at 3:00 A Sharks are the best to ever do it.

They've won 12 of the last 13 state titles.

Then at 4:45, we have the Slam Dunk contest.

You're not going to want to miss that.

And the evening Slater six a girls it's Grayson versus North Paulding and six a boys at 730.

Pebblebrook versus Wheeler the Wildcats.

This will be our marquee game of the week.

The Wildcats will have our GPB player of the year.

That senior forward Colben Landrew.

He's going to UConn.

He will be in action.

Let's take a look at yesterday.

If you missed it, we started things off with the single a Division one girls game where East Laurens beat Elbert County 63-55 to win its first title in school history, and a couple more here.

Single a Division one Rabun County won its first title ever with a 52-43 win over Southwest Macon for the Co-Ed 3-Point Contest Walton Raiders won that one.

Ben Holland and Karina Barton taking home the trophy and the evening games last night.

Five A girls Creekview beat Milton, 45 43, for their first title ever.

More of that history being made and the five A boys matchup.

Alexander beat Woodward Academy 81-67 Follow us on social media all week long.

Will you have been and then follow us all day long at GPB Sports.

We are on Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, all the things.

YouTube.

We are live everywhere.

You're not going to want to miss a minute of this action today.

I know I'm just now joining you today, but I've heard these games have been amazing and I think today is going to be no different.

Let's send it over to my friends Larry and Kelsey to get things started.

Off with that double a girls game.

Welcome to this afternoon's GHSA Basketball Championship game presented by Breda Pest Management, the official sponsor of high school basketball.

It's our fourth and final day of coverage here from the Macon Coliseum, and we kick things off with the girls Too-a Championship.

The Indians Murray County taking on the Hardaway Hawks coming in at 23-8 here at courtside.

Joining you now Larry Smith and the great Shaun Golden stepping in here for this morning.

It's a rematch of last year's title game that was won by Hardaway.

But two very different teams as each two teams are very young as they hit the court today.

Well, every season your team changes, they get more mature, they start getting more educated, and this is a revenge game for Murray County.

You know, everybody talks about Hardaway coming in here, but everything is about revenge when it comes to Murray County and this team, this game this afternoon.

That's right.

And Coach Chris Tipton talked to us before the game and said we never really got our bearings together last year during that championship game.

Another shot at that here today.

And they'll be led by their star player Callan Ledford.

Well, this young lady, she plays outside in.

When you look at post players 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, she can shoot the three.

But bigger than that she's a winner.

She plays all five positions.

She wants to lead this team to a victory.

And on the other side this has been a different team since Hardaway got got Rihanna Boynton back in the lineup last month.

Junior forward, six foot one, coming back from an ACL is very challenging right now.

She's averaging 17 points, three rebounds, 13 rebounds, three blocks.

She sets the tone.

She's the MVP of this team.

There's no question about that.

The coaches of both Murray County Chris Tipton good look at him in his fifth year.

And on the other side for Hardaway in her eighth season.

Now it is Kelly Ellison assisted by the way, her mother is one of her assistants.

Her sister one of her assistants.

What's a family affair there for the Hawks?

Our officials for tonight.

Vinnie Rush with Niles and Kendall.

Kendall Benjaminh starting lineups for you.

Murray County coming out in green.

Finley Dotson Aspen Powers Callan Ledford her sister.

Blaklee Ledford and Hadley Dotson for Hardaway.

Jaylah Todd.

Marlana White.

Kamora Lance.

Amerria Crowley.

And of course, we just mentioned Rihanna.

Boynton.

They are in.

White.

Kemp it up.

Hardaway.

The defending champs trying to make it back to back championships here in classy way.

The tip goes to Murray County on the Indians will begin first 1:31 zone.

Larry Blaklee Ledford trying to solve that good pick up front by Dotson.

Ledford Arnold.

Stop and pop.

How about that for a jump start?

Opening up with a bang.

Nice shot fake to get to the corner for the nice two.

Across the court.

Lance for three.

That misses Blaklee Ledford on the rebound.

Ledford again way outside.

Callan Ledford with the first five points.

Well she's had this game marked on her calendar all week long, all season long, and knew that she needed to play big for them to come out with a victory.

White inside that just short second chances up and she'll go to the line.

Look at this.

She's almost at the bench.

She is Ledford just it's one of those things, Larry, when you know that this is a revenge game, that's all you think about.

That is all you think about.

Again, the official rush.

Whitney, Niles, Kendall Zimmerman, all the officials all year long, all the sports.

Anywhere you are that you help out with youth sports, you are appreciated.

And we can't say enough gratitude.

And thanks for all of you.

Laila White.

It's the first 5:10 sophomore.

Second one comes away.

Hadley Dotson a 56 sophomore with the board.

Blaklee Ledford now the Powers.

Sounds like the double team there in the corner.

Nice rejection from behind but called for a foul.

So Aspen Powers will go to the line to shoot two.

Great ball movement by Murray County, especially when the ball goes to the corner.

The trap comes.

Then this extra movement and now you have Powers at the free-throw line.

Azeris that one short.

These two schools could not be farther apart.

Really.

Murray County is up right against the Tennessee state line.

Chatsworth County seat.

Second one is up and good for Powers Hardaway down in Columbus.

These two schools about 200 miles apart.

122 bi Murray County.

Inside for Boynton a little too hard.

Second chance.

And that will go.

Yeah.

She's strong down low.

Great dribble drop step and great follow up.

You know we talked about ACL hitting a little bit.

But she is looking really strong this afternoon.

Fake by Ledford.

Runner won't go offensive.

Rebound is up.

Hanley Dotson with the ball.

Steal and then try to get it to her teammate.

Didn't see it.

Ledford there to pick it up.

Coach Tipton trying to calm down his first.

Early 83 lead for the Indians.

Ball three good.

Finley Dotson for three for the jump shot.

Murray County it's the extra pass.

It's the extra pass, especially against the quarter.

A three quarter court, three half court zone.

Extra pass is very important.

White inside for two and same thing there for Hardaway the extra pass these young ladies are making has been very effective.

Good execution so far.

115 game pass action so far.

Great move inside and that's Ledford again.

Ledford with the early seven points in this game 135.

Murray with the early lead.

Baseline for the reverse.

That comes away.

Rebound to the Indians hitting the boards.

Well.

Ledford.

Gets it back corner for Powers.

Make that Dotson on the travel for 46 on the clock.

And we'll take a time-out as well as action.

So far it's a great shooting by Murray County as they take the early lead here in this class two AA championship.

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Murray County with a hot shooting early here.

Five of six from the field for the 135 lead.

Trying to win their first championship since 1965.

Well it's interesting you say that, Larry, because before the game I was able to meet this young lady that Mr.

Bowers, one of the original OGs, 1965 state champion, and she's very proud of this team and she's giving them pep talks.

She's encouraged them and she's like, I want to be there when we're cut down nets this morning in Macon, Georgia.

So she's here.

Good crowd.

Coming in from Jasperb.

Good tracking in as well from the Columbus area for Hardaway Pretti noisy Murray County bringing their band.

You'll hear them as well at some point here during the afternoon's loose ball picked up.

Gets it in the hands on the side there over to Todd working inside for Boynton just leaves it a bit short.

One more back up and in.

Great control by Boynton down low.

And I do like about the way that Hardaway is playing offensively.

Larry.

They're not putting the ball on the floor as much passing, moving and cutting.

Yeah she is Boynton is really a force foul there on White by the way, just in the game for Hardaway during that time-out.

Number three.

Nicole Baldwin.

And then white comes out.

Crowley comes back in for Hardaway.

Ledford for three.

That's Blaklee Ledford no rebound.

Todd pass a little late and she traveled just a little bit late to throw that pass to the to the the cutter.

Right.

It's a point guard.

You got to make that decision at the top of the key.

Once you get to the top of the key, you've got three options.

Drive, pass or shoot.

Ledford on the runner that goes in.

Blaklee Ledford is on the board.

That's her first basket.

The two sisters are putting on a clinic.

They are.

157 now.

Callan Ledford the ATL trying to get the ball to Boynton focal point of this defense.

Trying to stop her at another travel.

Unforced turnover.

There.

Look at that last basket here.

Sister to sister.

Yeah.

Live action now.

Baldwin.

Back to Todd double team in the backcourt.

Almost lost the ball.

Good active hands by this defense.

Knocked out of bounds there by Ledford.

And you can tell that this Murray County team has really put a point of emphasis on deflections with their defense active hands and active feet.

Mikhia Mims now in the 58 junior inbounding the ball back to Mims looks at a three.

Why not?

She's open.

Rebound.

Good box out there by Aspen Powers and a goal the other way.

Fouls on Amerria Crowley.

She's a 510 freshman.

That's her first foul.

Indians up 15-7 Press had no issues with this in fact has led to some baskets on the other end.

Once we do clear midcourt.

Callan Ledford number 12 already with seven points.

Nice pass inside up and in big time.

Pass the gaps in the defense started to open, especially once the ball is reversed and move side to side.

Great ball movement.

Great finish.

Great pass.

Powers gets her first basket.

Now a 177 lead and another turnover.

The official says that Mims stepped out of bounds.

Watch this pass coming right at you.

Exactly.

You're right.

Once you get through the 131 you start playing into the gaps.

Once you get into the gaps, you can see the open teammate Indians off to a great start here.

78% shooting seven of nine at the 225 mark.

Good patience.

Lots of time on the shot clock.

Inside again looking for Finley Dotson through it.

Too high but it was the same action.

It was the right pass, just a little too high.

But that action, once the ball is shifted side to side and the defense shifts, it starts to open up like the parting of the Red sea.

You can pretty much hit anybody down there for a layup.

That kind of sloppy pass there turns into a turnover and a foul on the other end.

As Hadley Dotson was trying to shoot the ball.

You know I tell you it's Tipton.

Murray County coach was telling us that last year we were like one of 30 shooting in the first half.

Just said again, they never led.

He finally got their composure too late.

They look very composed, very comfortable and very confident in these opening minutes.

When you play the entire season with a chip on your shoulder, you play completely different, especially mentally and emotionally, and it affects your game in a more positive way.

And you can see these young girls are making shots, steals, deflections, just playing a very, very good complete first half.

Hadley Dotson hits both free throws.

They're number two.

Brinkley Johnson just came in the game replacing Dotson for the Murray County.

Indians now with a 12 point lead.

Trying to get it inside for the double team.

Knocks it away.

Look who's there.

Crowley takes advantage of loose ball and she puts it in.

That's a point.

What a hurry to get across here.

And they do.

Dotson out to her sister and a three second call.

The one thing that I've learned over the years, the better the intensity you play defensively, the more the ball finds you.

So you can look at the way that Hardaway is starting to pick up their level of play, because they're starting to increase their intensity defensively.

One direction that was Crowley the last basket.

That was right the first time for the Hawks.

That's Crowley again.

Trying to see some gaps along the baseline.

Murray County again, no issues.

Ball is short.

That attempt by Hadley Dotson out of bounds.

And now the tide is starting to turn just a little bit.

No, Murray County is doing it playing effective in the half court.

But Hardaway started to extend their pressure, extend their defense, causing more turnovers and bad shots.

As a result.

That was a missed shot opportunity.

Now let's see what they can do on the offensive end.

A couple of shots as well.

Hadley Dotson back in the game.

Powers comes out missed shot.

They're out of bounds.

Last touch the Hawks Indians ball.

Ca'ron Coach Tipton.

14 years in Parks and Rec got into teaching coaching.

He's always coached all his life, enjoying.

Now coaching his alma mater, Murray County for the team inside Dotson goes down.

For his second.

Foul was on Jaylah Todd.

The 52 point guard.

And that's tough.

That's her second foul.

Zoe Pickard about ready to check in for Hardaway.

Jaylah Todd Fritts about to check in for Murray County.

Finley Dotson this is the first.

Jeh Johnson comes out for Murray and Todd takes a seat as well for the Hardaway.

Hawks.

Look at Dotson.

Indians 26 and for this season she hits both back out to a 2011 lead for Murray County.

Shot clock is off final 30s.

Drive inside.

Can't get that to go.

Great offensive possession.

Great offensive possession.

You know, sometimes people say play for the the last second shot.

But it's so early in the game you play for the best shot in that situation.

Even though there's 0:14 to go and the free-throw line is set, the defense.

Baldwin with her first free throw on the ninth, Blaklee Ledford sits down.

Powers comes back in for Murray County.

We've seen all week just because you get a big lead first quarter doesn't mean anything.

Every team has found their way back into the game.

Second free throw was missed.

Baldwin comes up limping just a bit.

Dotson can't get that to go.

5 seconds.

Sizing up for the half court shot.

Oh my goodness.

Mikhia Mims.

Mikhia.

Mims almost.

But in the half court shot, one quarter of play is in the books.

Murray County with the hot start.

But here come the Hawks from Hardaway 8 minutes down.

Murray up by eight.

Second quarter next here on GPB.

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So.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh, hey, what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

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Second quarter about to begin here at the Macon Coliseum 2012.

Murray on top with some great shooting.

64% from the field.

Seven of 11 Callan Ledford as advertised.

Nearly seven points for her Whitty for Boynton to get on track for Hardaway just two of five.

They've done a great job of denying her the ball.

Yeah, the 23 zone is being very effective against us because now you see they're fronting.

There's weak side.

So basically she's being defended by four players on every offensive possession right.

They're trying to find an open man.

Todd back in the game with two fouls.

Three balls won't go rebound back up and in.

What a great angle.

Marlana White the sophomore with the basket.

And that's how you answer the double team.

Larac the teammates come in.

They start to help her out with offensive rebounds and put backs.

Murray County breaks it with little tissue.

Ledford for three.

Boom.

There she goes again.

Ten points now for Callan Ledford.

And before the game I saw her working on that three-point shot.

She has a very nice stroke shooting with confidence, shooting with Forbes.

Very easy feat set.

Good looking player.

Ledford.

For Murray County drive inside.

Nice move and the foul.

Nicole Baldwin.

Nice drive to the basket and a chance for a three point play.

And I'm sure during the time-out.

Coach Ellison really put emphasis on the other teammates.

Ladies, you have to step up.

You have to step up.

And you're seeing that now over the last two possessions.

Dismissed.

Boynton can't quite get a good box out there by Dotson.

Morgan County wastes no time getting down the court.

Powers.

Ledford.

Dotson trying to get it back to her.

Take it away.

Todd clears the ball now to Baldwin.

Shah has to cut this lead down to five for the Hawks.

Boynton steps up inside and in.

Great move by Boynton.

Great move by Boynton and coach.

Tipton wants to talk about it.

He does not like what he sees along the baseline.

That's back to back baskets and Hardaway has trimmed this deficit down to five.

One of the keys is the way that Murray County is defending their defending space.

When it's a matchup zone, especially in the half court when the ball is in front of you, you're playing that that that ball head up man to man.

You have to move your feet.

Well as a result, Hardaway they're being more aggressive.

They're attacking the rim.

They're defending Boynton so much.

They're defending yeah.

Boynton so much that everyone else has been left open.

So that's great team basketball by Hardaway.

Look at the Hardaway bench right there.

By the way, that young lady right there in the middle that is Coach Ellison's mom, Shari to her to our left there in the screen is Kimberly Ellison.

That's the mother and sister of head coach Kelly Ellison.

She said Mama began coaching there back in 2004.

He's passed it there by Powers when she was a player at Hardaway, and she's been an assistant ever since.

Saw the bench to help her with her second straight title here.

Bucket inside as they're trading baskets now.

Marlana White answers back to a five point game.

DPS pays off for Hardaway.

Boynton wasn't quite sure to pass that or to throw it, and they're going to call her for over the back on Ledford.

That's her first foul.

But they're getting the ball to her in a position to score, which is she's being very effective here in the second quarter.

Yeah, he's a fantastic player again traveling down the other end to turnover for Murray County.

And that's their seventh.

And now that Hawks defense beginning to pay off.

They extended the defense.

Once you extend the defense then you can be more aggressive with steals and back tips.

And that's what's happening.

They're creating havoc for Murray County in the full court.

Bowman on the dribble now to Todd in the corner.

Todd playing with two fouls.

Baldwin inside.

She's fouled on the drive.

Two more fouls, two more free throws.

Finley Dotson is called for her first foul.

Baldwin to the line shooting two more.

That one to fall.

And another thing to consider.

You don't see it yet.

But from here, from the naked eye, you do you see more of the Murray County players starting to put their hands on their hips.

He makes the second quarter, but that long that press is being effective.

Rutte Boynton right there at 6:01, using her height for the put back, it's down to a two point game.

Deflected ball.

Now almost another turnover.

An out of bounds Hardaway much more aggressive here in the second quarter.

Well they didn't want to start that way.

Let the game come to them.

Once they made the defense adjustment.

Instead of playing a 131 half court zone, they extended it to a 221.

Into the Indians have the answer Ledford for three.

That one comes off ball out of bounds.

Last touched by Murray County 448 Mark here in the second quarter.

It's a media time-out.

He will step aside with the early ten point lead.

But Hardaway has come back and closed within two.

Aggressive play here at Macon.

We're back with more after this.

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So.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Back here at Macon at number 33 is a player we're watching for.

Hardaway Rihanna Boynton.

She tore her ACL back in July.

Returned very quickly on February third.

This team has not lost since she returned to the team.

Well, she's the backbone of this program with what she does on the court at 8/18 points.

A game is very impressive.

But the thing that I can personally attest to this, because my daughter tore her ACL in high school her sophomore year, she bounced back.

Then she goes to Vanderbilt on ESPN and tears it again.

And to see the fight, the struggle, the valleys, the ups and downs.

And for this young lady to come back in seven months.

Yeah, kudos to her.

She's been outstanding.

For them 32 points 15 rebounds in the final Four game.

And she scores again.

She all of a sudden has ten points just like that.

It's a tie game.

And so when you're a have more of a height advantage over the defense, especially press, you just pass the ball over the top.

Yeah.

She's the tallest player on the court.

Arguably the most athletic player.

Indians beat the press.

Ledford gets it across.

Hardaway has a ten point deficit, almost another steal.

Dotson on the drive off the backboard.

Boynton the rebound.

Here come the Hawks chance to take the lead.

Todd.

Lost the ball underneath, but they get it back.

Baldwin inside.

No.

Murray escapes.

Competitive basketball at its best.

Threw the ball off her teammates head turnover their.

Jaylah Todd trying to slow things down for the Hawks tie game at 25.

Three ball in the corner.

Boynton is there for the rebound.

Back up and in and Hardaway takes the lead.

You see.

She called a pass, but that's the right action you need versus this 131 half court trap by Murray County.

Stolen away.

Great job by Baldwin.

Mims gets it back to Baldwin foul on the drive.

Everything going Hardaway's way right.

Now, but the speed of the game picked up with the full court pressure.

Once they started to extend their pressure, you're starting to see a lot more fatigue for Murray County, so the shots aren't falling.

The passes are a little short and they're coming in waves from from Hardaway.

They're bringing one, two, maybe three players off the bench at a time to keep the rotation, to keep the team fresh, their legs fresh.

Issue with the clock.

Right now they're trying to get this worked out.

Nicole Baldwin two shots.

They do.

It'll be Baldwin shooting two.

This was a 197 lead for Murray County.

Just inside the two minute mark of the first quarter.

Since then, it has been all Hardaway.

196 run.

Second free throw misses.

Boynton grabs that board and back up and in.

She's playing big offensive rebounds, put backs, defending.

She's the back of the press.

She's talking.

She's doing it all.

All of a sudden a five point lead now for Hardaway.

Ledford loses the ball.

Knocked away stolen.

Todd quickly up court on the fast break, weaving her way through.

Throws up the shot.

Bodies going everywhere.

Back the other way.

Stolen.

Lost out of bounds.

It'll be Murray County ball.

But this is to the advantage of Hardaway.

The way they're playing.

This is to their advantage.

The speed of the game.

And I'll tell you right now that time-out was not.

It was more of a time-out by Coach Tipton just to calm his players down so they can get a breather.

Yeah.

Murray County calling the time-out.

It's Tipton they said, let's slow down this and talk about it.

Well, to your point Hardaway now Hardaway band is playing.

We haven't seen many bands here this week, but both bands bringing their other instruments here today.

When you talk about the Hardaway Wright now again, the speed has taken it taken over.

And the height of Boynton.

She's 61 long arms.

She's just reaching over on those free throws and taking the ball away from the player in front of him.

As a good coach.

Once told me, it's not about the first quarter because the first quarter is basically about emotions.

Murray County comes in here with a loaded gear, a loaded year of emotions.

But once you settle down and players start making plays and things start looking more even, you'll see the team with the better players, the better mindset, the more physicality starting to rise to the top.

And that's what you see in this beautiful day.

Yeah.

How about this in the second quarter Hardaway has outscored Murray County 18-5 Eight field goals here by the Hawks in the second quarter with 2:51 to go.

And that's what Coach Tipton wanted to talk about.

Let's slow this down.

Let's run a play.

They've sped up Murray County and that is not been to their advantage.

Murray County trying to figure things out now.

12 point lead has gone now down by five.

And the press has caused problems for the Indians.

23 zone by Hardaway mixing up the defenses.

Dotson with the jump shot bounces off White the rebound and she was fouled.

Hadley Dotson called for her foul.

That's her second.

How about Jaylah Todd for the Hawks 52 point guard playing this whole quarter right here with two fouls.

And I like what she's doing because she's being a leader on the court.

She's not turning the ball over as much.

She's communicating with her teammates.

But she's getting the ball to the right players at the right time, at the right place.

Yep.

30-second time-out called by Kelly Ellison set her troops here for the second quarter pick.

Mikhia Mims set to check back in for Hardaway first in five championship tilts here for the Macon Coliseum on this Saturday.

Thought that was a great time-out by Coach Ellison and her staff because once they realized there was going to be some pressure, let's communicate with our players so they'll be we'll get everyone in the right spots.

Kierra Clark and she traveled.

Nice job on the Murray County defense to force that.

Coach Ellison not happy.

Indians ball.

Can they turn it into some offense?

Baldwin too aggressive.

Knocks down Powers and called for the foul.

But understood her mindset because when you see a lot of success with the full court pressure, you try to add that type of energy into the half court, which was a good thought process, but a bad decision.

Trying to go for the late steal.

And I believe that's the third foul on Baldwin.

So she takes a seat and it is three fouls for her.

Got a foul the other way.

Dotson called for the foul.

That's her second.

Hardaway Hawks 2025 champions.

They beat the same Murray County program a year ago here in Macon trying to win back to back championships under Coach Ellison.

Baseline try to get it off to Boynton.

Todd retrieves it.

Crowley for three off the backboard, rebounds and Ledford.

Blaklee Ledford.

Setting the offense here.

Solid basketball Murray County solid basketball.

Being patient.

Not getting rushed.

Taking your time in the half court.

Ledford on the runner that goes in.

Blaklee Ledford ends the drought for Murray.

Well, the two sisters have been playing well.

Well this afternoon, but that was a great team effort.

By being more patient offensively, move the ball side to side, be patient and see what the defense can give you.

Coming up on the 1 minute now Mark now until halftime, Boynton has that ball taken away by Ledford.

Dotson now Callan Ledford has been quiet for a while, stuck on ten points in the game.

Loses that off her knee and Dotson tripped up by Crowley on the drive.

Second team for.

That brings Kamara Lance back in the game.

Crowley gets her second foul in the game.

Under a minute to go now.

Blaklee Ledford the sister tailored.

Sophomore to senior.

Shot clock down to eight.

Ledford for three.

No.

Todd shot clock off.

Looking to push.

Now.

Lance back to Todd.

Boynton inside.

Double team comes trying to get it to White knocked away.

Fritts Brinkley Johnson in the game.

10 seconds to go.

Callan Ledford for three short.

1 second left.

I don't think she realizes it.

And she doesn't.

And that's the way we're going to end here in the first half.

Hardaway with the big second quarter for Coach Ellison.

18 points in the quarter, they were down 197 at one point, but they have come all the way back now and take the 32 27 lead here at halftime.

Can they win a second straight title.

And can Murray County come back and get some revenge?

Halftime is up next with Jon Nelson.

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You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey, what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

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Home.

Welcome into the GPB Sports Studios in Atlanta.

We are live from the 2026 GHSA Boys and Girls State Basketball Championships.

I'm Hannah Goodin.

We are in the first half of the first game of the day.

It is day number four of championship action.

It's the double a matchup between Murray County and Hardaway.

Let's take a look at what you missed in the first 16 minutes of action on the GPB Championship scoreboard.

Indians had an eight point lead at the end of the first.

Got off to a hot start, but the Hawks got momentum in the second quarter, closing the gap and then taking the lead.

There you see it Hawks 30, Indians 27.

And I'd love to get the principles of each of these schools.

Thoughts on the first half.

We got to go to my buddy John Nelson there at Macon Coliseum.

John, it's great to be back on air with you after a long year.

I've missed you, buddy.

How are you?

And you're in the principal's office.

There I am.

It is day number four, being in the principal's office.

And it's great to see you, Hannah.

As always, we're going to catch up with Miss Morrow and Mr.

McNeil and find out what is going on in this rematch of interviews from 2025.

So they get to hang out with us here.

We believe in chivalry here.

So we're going to start over this way.

Well, thank you.

Chatsworth and everybody well represented at once.

Again, it's great to see a whole lot of green behind in front of us behind Stosh over there on Kamora.

What's it like to see the support once again for the last game of the year?

Oh it's awesome.

You know, the support is what helps the players and the coaches stay determined and dedicated.

And so it's great to come from a community where you have everyone's support from businesses to families, students.

And so it's just it's great, it's exciting.

What else is going on up there in Chatsworth folks need to know about these days?

Well, we have a lot of exciting things.

We have our boys basketball team were regional runner up and won 20 plus games.

We also have our place third in state in jazz for dance.

And, we had, you know, just some exciting times, really.

It's a good place to be.

And.

And when did everybody leave Chatsworth, by the way?

Did you leave this morning or did you come in yesterday?

I left this morning.

Okay.

What time?

I left at seven.

Whoa.

You got breakfast on the way?

You good?

I'm good.

Thank you, though, I appreciate it.

Just checking.

All right, let's go over here to the flip side and the defending champs and Mr.

McNeil.

McNeil.

They were chanting your name as you were coming in here to sit down for this particular segment.

Yes, sir.

What's it like?

Obviously with Coach Ellison and everything with the sea of red that's over there, with everything that she's been able to do, getting that first ever state championship last year, what's the environment been like getting ready for a repeat?

Great positive culture we have right now.

Coach Ellison is leading the way.

We have a great fan base, great parents, great community.

Our superintendent is here as well as our citywide athletic director.

And once the Lady Hawks were the only team playing the rest of the city.

So they got behind us to support us.

So we thank Hardaway and also thank the Columbus, Georgia community.

And there are three Ellison on that staff.

So can you just sit there and you yell at that bench and you go, hey, Ellison, three people come and turn at you, right?

Correct, correct, correct.

Actually, Forbes when you consider Coach Ellison's daughter.

Okay, so there's four Ellison's.

Okay, that's one more than I thought.

All right.

What else is going on at Hardaway?

That folks need to know about these days?

Well, a lot of great things going on.

We're a melting pot of excellence.

Our chorus program is doing great.

Melting pot of excellence there.

You have to remember that one.

Our band is growing and increasing.

We have an IB program that is increasing and growing.

Dual enrollment is growing.

So just a lot of positive vibes academically and athletically here at Hardaway High School.

All right, one more question for you then I'm going to come back over here and wrap things up.

What did you think about the first half?

Nerve racking.

Nerve racking.

I'm just glad that we're sort of back in the mix and looking forward to the second half.

All right, so you can't use the word nerve wracking.

So what did you think of the first half tense?

Okay.

Very tense.

I'm looking over there.

I see one of the 1960 fivers over there.

That is representing.

I mean, obviously it would be very, very special.

But once again, to have those ties back to 1965, obviously very, very special too.

It is.

And that's been something that we've recognized this week.

And just the fact that that's when we won it last.

And you know, we're moving forward and we know we can do it and we're excited to give it a go here.

Absolutely.

So we're going to keep an eye on these two.

They can hang out here if they wish for the second 16 minutes.

But we're going to send it back to Hannah in Midtown.

It is Andrew Morrow, principal at Murray County.

Marjorie McNeal, principal Hardaway.

And the fact that Hannah, the entire Columbus area, has embraced Hardaway.

That's.

That's special.

Normally it's like, well, if it ain't us, then it's not you.

But apparently all of Columbus and all of Chatsworth.

They're here.

It's great to see you and great to see them here.

Getting ready for the second half.

No, that is so special.

Wait, John, you have to ask Andrea about her shirt.

Do they sell those?

Those are so cool.

Okay, Hannah is asking about the shirt and silly me for not asking about the shirt.

Hannah loves that.

Where can we get those?

So actually, one of the assistant coaches, Ben Oliver on the girls basketball team designed it.

And so we sold them at school and out, you know, on social media.

So it's great.

It's very exciting to have them on this.

And you know, everybody buys into it.

So do they still exist?

Are they surplus?

Sweet.

Hannah, you got your Intel.

They still exist.

And we're probably going to be buying ours.

Let's send it back to Midtown.

I love that.

Yep.

I'll have to find it there on the internet.

Okay, guys, thank you so much.

John.

We have more to come in the second half of this break.

Stay with us right here on GPB.

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I said I'm never joined.

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You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

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Welcome back.

We're at the half of the two a girls game Hardaway versus Murray County.

It's day four.

We have crowned 12 title winners with five more to go today.

But all season long, the GHSA is loaded with talent across all sports and our friends at USA pharmacy love to spotlight those talented student athletes.

Let's take a look at a very special soccer player from Cedar Shoals.

She's a very instinctual player.

It just pops into her head and she goes.

She knows how to move and how to place herself while the ball is moving up the field, so that she's in the best position to then receive the ball and score.

Hitting 100 goals as a junior is like a crazy stat to have.

She led the state in scoring last year.

So she scored 58 goals last season.

So that's a hat trick, a game which to even hit a hat trick in a game is insane.

But to hit one nearly every single game is phenomenal.

I think she will not only do well, but exceed at the next level.

Thank you to our friends at you.

Save it and more talent to go here in the second half.

There you have it.

Hardaway leading Murray County 30-27 They're at Macon Coliseum.

We will see what happens in the next 16 minutes of play.

More from Larry and Sean right after this.

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Welcome back.

Inside the Macon Coliseum Hardaway with a three point lead here.

As we're about to begin the second half of this class two, a girls state championship here on GPB.

Larry Smith here with Shaun Golden.

Now we saw Murray County start out hot right away.

Five of six from the field.

But since then only five of 13 has at Hardaway defense beginning to pick up there in the second quarter.

Well we talk about tempo of the game.

Both teams want to play their style of play.

Hardaway wants to extend the pressure full court and Murray County wants to play half court.

We got to see which one prevails this afternoon.

And you can see there again Murray County still shooting well overall Hardaway with the big second quarter behind again the play of Rihanna Boynton boy, she's a double double machine already 14 points, eight rebounds.

And she was outstanding there in that second quarter scoring ten of her 14 points there in the second period.

Rebounding as well.

She's got eight of those 15 rebounds as you saw for Hardaway.

As we begin the second half here.

Murray County trying to come out and see what they can do quickly.

Double teams everywhere they go.

Well there's a way that you can mimic the full court pressure in the half court is to trap as well too.

So that's what Hardaway is doing now.

Let's go ahead and mimic that defensive pressure and get some half court traps.

Nice runner there by Powers.

They can't get it to go and travel.

Turnover is not a huge problem right now.

That's the ninth.

For Hardaway gives the ball back to the Indians.

Aspen Powers Blaklee Ledford looks at a three ball.

Can't get that to go.

Boynton with the double double and her tenth rebound.

Jaylah Todd.

52 junior coach says she's lightning fast and we've seen that good steal there by Callan Ledford three on one break.

Back to Ledford up and can't get it to go.

But a blocking foul.

And she'll shoot a couple of free throws.

Well executed there by Murray County.

Great execution by Murray County but unfortunate foul because now you have Nicole Brown with Baldwin with four fouls and she's kind of the MVP of that game.

That team.

Have you noted that at the end, as we were discussing at halftime when she went out of the game, things changed for this Hardaway.

Team because she's the penetrator that can score the basketball versus penetrate to facilitate.

There's two different mindsets.

And when the guy, the person that goes out, they can score, then you have more of a problem.

Callan Ledford hitting both free throws now.

So she has 12 points.

She started off early seven points there in the first quarter.

This is confusion on the inbound with Hardaway in terms of who they want to take the ball out.

Again Baldwin coming out of the game.

So.

Todd beating the press.

Inside for Boynton that gets away.

Finds his way into the basket rolling in.

You get it back to your bread and butter.

And that's the one thing that Boynton does.

Her presence in the post, especially against the press, is very effective.

And Blaklee Ledford coming back with two on the other end teams going back and forth.

Now Hardaway back on top by one.

Bodies flying everywhere.

Let me tell you something.

Both teams aggressive.

Well it's the state championship game.

And so you know I'm sure both coaches use that as an inspiration.

We want to win a championship.

You have to play aggressive.

The first 3 minutes of the second half is the most important 3 minutes of the game.

You played there with those baskets by Boynton for Hardaway, Ledford for Murray County, Hawks up by one class two AA championship Boynton stripped by the defense.

Gets it back.

Another good strip.

Callan Ledford with the steal.

She's got it in the corner.

Good ball movement.

Good patience by Murray County in this possession.

Plenty of time on the shot clock here.

Coach Chris Tipton in the Indians.

Coaches calling out plays three ball in the corner.

Might have been partially touched.

Follow up shot by Aspen Powers won't go, but she was fouled.

And and against the zone.

The ball movement was effective.

But the way that it's set up, Larry, it's what we call an overload action.

When the ball is overloaded on one side of the court.

Now that Ford has to make a decision, do you cover the guard or do you cover the corner?

Aspen Powers hits the free throw.

That ties the game here at 32.

Coach Tipton turning points when his team lost at Sonoraville back in January 16, said the team refocused, rallied at that point, just refused to lose.

What a block here by Boynton after the miss takes it herself all the way down, up and in for the basket and a chance for a three point play.

Rihanna Boynton and her impact on this game is immeasurable.

I'm impressed by the way she's playing, because to bounce back from an ACL and to be this athletic, that quick and be that effective and handle the ball like she is like a point guard in transition.

That was just a big time play for a big time player.

Can't get the free throw though to go and a foul and it'll be out of bounds.

Foul and Murray County talking with some of the the Hardaway staffers here.

They were saying that not only did she come back quickly, they had to hold her back to keep her off the court during her rehab.

She was trying to come back sooner.

I've seen that many, many times.

When you're a competitor, if you're athletic and you're competitive, you want to compete.

Your mind is saying one thing, but your body may be saying another.

At 55-years-old, a bad back.

I want to compete.

My body is saying, nope.

Get Boynton on over the back.

Good position there.

By Callan Ledford Mindab Blaklee Ledford.

By the way, just saw a moment ago Finley Dotson her third foul for Murray and then Boynton now with her second foul.

Callan Ledford shot is up.

Good box out but they may get her for the foul.

Brinkley Johnson the 57 freshman working on the 61.

Boynton on the.

She was too aggressive, took her legs off the box.

That was the right call.

It was the right call.

But the thing that I'm.

I'm seeing, you know it's the guard drop in the zone.

Defensively we're talking about how Hardaway is playing.

Extending their defense.

And they're doing a really good job of dropping.

Once the ball gets past the free-throw line, the half court which takes away that easy pass.

Number 23 Hadley Dotson had blood dripping out from her leg.

And so she comes out of the game.

No problem there on the break.

It's Boynton yet again.

Hardaway just like that.

Back out to a four point lead.

Two Hardaway players hit the ran into each other, not themselves on the ground here in the backcourt.

It's a five on three for Murray, but they couldn't convert.

Brinkley Johnson in the game.

Jayden Fritts in the game.

Two reserves for the Indians.

Johnson left handed shot is up and in.

Nice stroke by the young lady getting into the game, being effective, showing how she can be successful on that small, sharp corner, that corner in the short gets shot in the corner.

Excuse me.

That's her first basket.

Indians pulled back within two.

Steel Ledford all the way in.

She's fouled.

And a chance to tie the game up at the free-throw line after a break in action here in Macon g Championship on the line.

Rihanna Boynton showing why she's one of the top players in the state of Georgia.

The Murray County says we got something for you to back with.

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All set.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

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Right back here.

Class two A championship.

Larry Smith and Shaun Golden take a look at the Murray County bench.

And again, if you're just joining us huge lead 12 point lead in the first quarter.

They have fell behind.

Then later as Hardaway made a great run in the second quarter.

Give them credit for coming back here and making this a game.

Great adjustments by both coaches throughout this.

Game.

We talked about what happened at halftime.

You know both coaches had to have that halftime speech and Murray County.

I think they focused on they fell into playing the role the same.

The style of play that Hardaway plays.

And they played like they were in foul trouble.

But Hardaway, we saw them come out early.

Their key is nowhere.

Number 12 is.

Blaklee Ledford missing both free throws.

By the way, number 23 Hadley Dotson got that to that cash taped up.

And so she's back in the game there and the green uniform for the Indians.

So empty trip with the free throws.

They're for Murray County now.

Hardaway back on the attack.

Crowley back to Todd.

Shot clock at ten.

Trying to get it inside the Boynton.

She's double teamed at every turn.

Crowley with the air ball three.

And that's where you miss Nicole Baldwin because she is effective for shooting the outside shot.

Shooting at three.

Tried to change their press.

Boynton is going to come up at the point of the press very front of that, but got there too late.

Jumper missed.

Backed up no Boynton another rebound.

13th in the game to go with 20 points already.

Make that 14 rebounds for Boynton.

Trying to get it to her inside.

Knocked away.

Good defense there by Brinkley Johnson giving up a half foot to Boynton.

But she's scrappy.

23 Coach Ellison trying to get her point across.

She's intense.

She is intense.

Eight years a coach, former player there.

She's, by the way, still the all time assist leader at shorter.

Now a foul on Mikhia Mims and.

And it looks like in the half court set Hardaway team is a little lost because they're not accustomed to playing and I'm not using the word Amirah disrespectful.

Way slow.

They're accustomed to playing more of a up tempo type of basketball, and now they're having to be forced to play half court.

Yeah, the free throw is no good.

That's something to with.

And that's where the first quarter they had the advantage.

They played more at their pace.

Yes.

Once Hardaway got settled in sped things up got organized.

That's when the game changed.

Second free throw is good by Powers back to a one point game.

Now the three minute mark in the third quarter for more games coming up.

The boys Too-a Championship.

After we're done here.

Trying to get inside.

Stryker Boynton she's double teamed.

Kicks it out for the three ball just off the mark.

Blaklee Ledford with the rebound.

Murray a chance to take the lead once again.

Ledford for three in the corner.

Juanco Boynton the rebound.

Todd working on Blaklee Ledford.

And they're going to say she stepped out of bounds.

I think that both teams are playing not to make a mistake.

I think everyone's trying to be a little too cautious.

And sometimes when you play cautious, you turn.

You turn the ball over more.

Murray County credit.

They have taken this blow by Hardaway and still standing.

Jump shot would have been for three had it gone.

Crowley got the rebound, but then she turned the ball over.

That's her second time.

And you know, so accustomed to playing so fast.

And when the outlet's not there, you know there's a turnover.

So the old adage be quick but don't hurry.

Yeah.

Already eight turnovers here in the half in this quarter for Hardaway.

They handled the eight in the entire first half 16 in the game.

Now Blaklee Ledford for three.

That won't go Crowley the rebound.

Now to Mims.

Todd going to set things up.

Hardaway trying to find some consistency some offense here.

So this is a nice adjustment.

Trying to get it to White double teams.

Todd on the runner gets that to go.

How about Jaylah Todd her first basket of the game.

Well they cleared up the space because Boynton decided to go to the top of the key, which opened up the middle for penetration.

Good job there.

By Boynton denying Ledford.

That's a great matchup.

Callan Ledford and Rihanna Boynton travel before the shot.

11th turnover for Murray County.

You're starting to see subs coming in for Murray County and you start questioning fatigue.

You start thinking about fatigue.

And how does this work.

The cat and mouse which which which which type of tempo is going to prevail?

Aryella Dodd number 20 in the 57 freshman for the first time for Murray.

Johnson's also back in going now to a zone changing up that look on defense.

Nice hands there by Callan Ledford 17th.

Turnover here for Hardaway Ledford.

Smart move by coach Ellison putting Boynton on Ledford Ledford misses that three shot.

Rejected the attempt there by Hadley Dotson and they're going to get Callan Ledford on the block.

Trying to keep Todd from going down the baseline sideline.

Leilarah the defense changed.

And what happened is you know they got bigger defensively on the back end.

Boynton with Hardaway Boynton now she moves from the five to the four.

And so now the zone can extend more versus a three-point shot versus her just in the inside.

And then focus on primarily post defense.

Todd is the first free throw.

27 seconds on the clock.

For Ledford, that was her first foul of the game.

This is both Dodd the rebound.

Comes Callan Ledford the 58 senior can hold for one shot near the end.

The third quarter.

It's a big.

That back line is.

It's long now.

That's better defense on the perimeter.

Down to 6 seconds up and in.

Went right into the chest of Zoe Pickard.

They can't get a shot off in time.

Great defense in that sequence there by the Hawks.

Coach Ellison applauding the effort.

Rihanna Boynton with the monster game so far for Hardaway trying to bring home another title, 20 points, 16 rebounds and Hardaway up by three.

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Dot info.

So.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh, hey, what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

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We've got a great game here.

Boy, what a way to tip off our final day of competition here on the Georgia High School Association Basketball Championships for Macon Coliseum.

Larry Smith's Golden.

The entire GPB team.

Happy to be here with you for this one.

For more championships on the way.

Hardaway will be three point lead coming in and Coach Ellison trying to repeat as champions.

Looks like she's got that 2025 ring on her right hand.

Yeah.

And sometimes you know you want to show your players this is what we're fighting for.

That's why she's wearing that ring.

White Boynton at the high post.

Both teams scoring eight points there in the third quarter.

It's a very even.

Player to watch there in the middle 61 forward Rihanna Boynton monster game for her.

A double double in this one.

That's a high pass.

Knocked away.

Ball is loose.

Boynton picks it up gets it inside and nice job by White.

Boynton at the high post.

She's very effective.

She plays in a triangle the entire possession high low, good passer and a teammate for the easy two.

Ledford for three off the front iron on the ground.

Somehow that's Dotson.

He gets it out and.

First possession here for the Indians calls.

Almost knocked out of bounds.

Great job there by Mims in the backcourt being disruptive.

Shot clock under ten.

Ledford on the drive.

Works her way in and scoops and scores.

Yeah one of my notes I said you know instead of focusing on the three-point shot I thought it was great that they tried to penetrate and get to the cup.

Good hands on defense there.

Forcing the turnover.

Knocks it out of Boynton hands.

Dotson now to Ledford.

6.5 to go.

Ledford on the drive.

She'll shoot a pair.

See who the foul is on.

We will check and see.

Let's take a look at the offense here.

Great ball movement.

Diallo action is there for Hardaway, but on the defensive end.

Gotta stay in front of the ball.

Just great ball movement, great footwork.

I mean that young lady can really play Ledford.

She is a nice basketball player.

One.

First free throw.

Miss.

The second is.

As well.

White gets the rebound quickly in the hands of Todd trying to go down and find Crowley, but she can't save it for another turnover for the Hawks.

Well coach Ellison is going to have to make a coaching decision.

How long do you keep Nicole Baldwin on the sideline?

Second ball handling would be very helpful and beneficial here, and it wouldn't have had that turnover.

Hardaway in the two.

Three zone.

Leslie trying to take advantage and she does.

That's Blaklee Ledford with the score 56.

Sophomore averaging 18 points per game.

Balls out of bounds.

Murray County says it's off.

Hardaway.

And it is.

Referee.

Stop and discuss.

Murray County wins that argument.

Watkins Indians defense.

Now this full court press here in the fourth quarter paying off and we've got two time-outs.

Will step aside as well.

One more look at this on the replay.

Murray County ball the Indians within one and the ball.

When we come back.

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Hardaway.

Working hard to hold on to the championship they won in 2025.

40 points in the game, a one point lead, but the Hawks 34 points shone, coming from in the paint.

The paint is the most prized possession of any basketball you want to score in the paint, you want to penetrate the paint.

Anytime you can get inside that box area, you're very you have a high percentage of making some shots.

Ledford for three and the lead for Murray County.

Callan Ledford 17 points.

The Indians back on top.

Todd inside for White gathers herself.

Jump ball possession goes to Murray County.

Penetration.

Anytime the ball gets inside the paint, regardless of what team is.

You have a really good outcome.

That was a great.

Play call by Coach Tipton coming out of the time-out.

By the way, we talked about the points in the paint for Hardaway 11 steals for Murray County 7-0 run here, 21 turnovers forced against Hardaway.

Shahed is away.

Boynton another rebound.

On a 2020 game here.

She's not careful.

Five minute mark.

Tom Barclay find themselves back down by two.

Back to the zone for the Indians shot is up and away.

White can't collect the rebound.

Indians come back the other way.

Ledford the senior up and gets it to fall.

She's playing big time basketball.

Callan Ledford putting this Indians team on her back.

19 points, four point lead.

4.5 minutes left here in the fourth quarter.

Boynton to White.

That goes.

And that's freaking Boynton up in the press offense because she can pass over Murray County.

Just a fantastic athlete.

Rihanna Boynton doing it all right now.

Blaklee Ledford for three.

Murray their fifth three pointer of the night.

47 42 to run top.

And a time-out action down here.

Boynton hit the floor before that.

Kelly Ellison calling a time-out to talk about it.

Time-outs for Rossi.

Roswell on GPB four 0-1 to go.

How about Murray behind Callan Ledford her final game and she's got her Indians on top by five.

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Both teams traveling very well here to make it a good look at the supportive crowd behind us right here.

The Indians of Murray County celebrating their great 122 run to start this fourth quarter and on top right now by five, just at the 41 mark during the fourth.

I'm sure everyone in that crowd is focused on one word revenge, revenge, revenge.

Murray County team that lost to Hebron 56 championship on Wednesday let them go 26:24 at the half, coach said.

If we can contain Hebron, we can contain Hardaway.

Right now, coming on strong in the fourth quarter with the lead shot clock inside ten Boynton, they finally get it inside with that double and triple team isn't hard to get to the ball.

But the thing is that possession, it was really good because also with the Baldwin Baldwin back in the game and when Baldwin is in the game, you have another ball handler.

She's effective and she can shoot the three.

So everything's just not focus on Boynton.

Boynton is there and that's Baldwin with the number three.

She's playing with four fouls.

She picked up that fourth foul at the 659 mark in the third quarter.

Came out of the game.

And it's been out ever since.

Putting it back in and try to spark something here.

So Boynton hits one of two free throws back to a four point game.

No full court press for the Hawks this time.

23 zone.

Blaklee Ledford back in the hands of Aspen Powers Callan Ledford.

Great matchup with the two stars.

She's on Boynton driving and going in.

Gets the rebound back pass knocked away, taken away by the Hawks.

And look who's there.

Baldwin.

White was open.

Mims didn't see her.

Baldwin with the drive.

And we talked about Baldwin her lack of presence was a struggle for Hardaway.

Now her presence on the court, she's doing what she can do.

She's getting to the rim.

She's making plays.

Two shots.

Misses that, by the way, was Callan Ledford her second foul.

By the way, 19 points four steals.

Baldwin that's rims in and out but then Boynton with the rebounds.

18th of the game.

She's averaging 13 for the year.

She knows she reads the ball well when it comes off of that rim.

And she really goes and gets it.

She just joined this season for ACL back in July.

Came back already February third.

This team was 14-8 without her while she was rehabbing nine.

And oh since trying to make it 10-0 and a repeat state championship here.

Made the first misses.

The second.

She's two of four in her last four attempts, but she pulled Hardaway back within three under 3:00 to go here in the class two AA championship.

Mentioned Ledford with 19-15 on the shot clock, three ball in the corner comes off Powers back up.

That's too hard.

Rebound to Hardaway.

Todd to White fouled and shows you the pair.

One of the best defensive plays I've seen by Hardaway because what they did Larry we call it boxing board run a contested three weakside rebound outlet run.

And now they got a chance to hit two from the stripe.

This is the first.

Scoring drought now for Murray County.

It's almost 2 minutes without a point.

Second one is good.

30-second time-out here by Hardaway.

Well we all know the pressure is coming.

We know the full court pressure is coming.

But it's what type of pressure is it a diamond press.

Is it a 221 press?

Are they going to type in the full court or are they going to trap in the half court?

That's the decision that's going to be made by Hardaway Hawks Murray County on the other side, how are they going to handle it, Larry, offensively you pass through it, you move it.

Do you pull it out or do you attack it?

There's an opportunity to score.

Murray County.

We talked about the crowd coming in.

You know.

Coach Tipton said.

We had a good crowd last year.

They had a better crowd this year, and both these teams had a distance.

Both teams coming in.

The Murray County team coming in last night.

A little farther to go.

Hardaway driving over this morning from Columbus, but a good, good sized crowd from both.

It's been great crowds all week long.

Yeah.

Centreplex has done a fantastic job of hosting the tournament this year.

And when you get good crowds come in, it makes the atmosphere and the games that much better.

Great community support both these coaches, by the way, coaching their alma mater.

We talked about Coach Ellison, played basketball for Hardaway.

Coach Tipton said.

He was a runner.

He actually ran it West Georgia.

Getting his degree there.

Murray County breaks the press and Shawn predicted what's coming from the two minute mark, holding onto a slim two point lead.

It's been back and forth this entire game.

Shot clock at ten for Blaklee Ledford getting it inside.

That's Dotson can't get that to go.

Boynton the rebound again.

That's her 20th of the game.

Passed down to Baldwin.

No.

And the Indians hang on to the lead.

That was a tough possession.

You just can't be quick all the time.

Sometimes you have to slow down and take your time.

Be a little bit more precise.

Okay, so attempted.

Sorry.

Take that.

Murray calling a time-out.

Coach Tipton.

We talk about Hardaway and what they're going to do defensively on the full court.

Now we talked about the half court.

They've been playing a 23 matchup zone with Boynton on the wing.

But because of the shooting and the penetration by Ledford and her sister and others, man to man may not be a bad decision because you don't want to lose shooters and you want to be more protective of the paint with a man to man versus a matchup zone.

But in 23 seconds on the shot clock, what happens with Murray County?

Well, I would say that they want to get the ball to the best players so they can make the best decisions.

The ones that shoot threes spot up.

You're going to have Callan Ledford winning the ball in her hand to finish the shot clock.

Murray County 26-4 on the season.

Coach talked about they had a giant target on their back all season long.

As last year's runners up.

Lost only to Hebron and also lost to heritage.

Kentosa also was a state champion here this week.

Earlier on.

Baldwin just can't pick up the third one because they need you.

Hansen Ledford shot clock at 15, trying to find a way past the athletic Boynton that long wingspan.

Another time-out, 30-second time-out.

Coach Tipton saw his player in trouble here in the corner.

9 seconds on the shot clock.

1:13 to go.

Murray County with one time-out left.

Hardaway has two.

But that was a great defensive call by Hardaway and Coach Ellison know what 12 is, and then whenever she gets the ball, especially in the corner, we need to trap, we need to double team her, eliminate the drive, eliminate the pass out of it.

You force the time-out and they got 9 seconds on the shot clock.

Hardaway needs to be effective defensively.

Stay solid.

Murray County with other hand, be aggressive attacking the rim when the opportunity comes, shoot the open shot.

9 seconds on the shot clock.

Ledford to inbound to her sister.

Callan Ledford gets it back in the corner, pulling out some space.

No, but back up and it is.

Yes.

Finley Dotson the rebound.

Two possession game approaching the 1 minute mark.

Todd trying to get inside the Boynton.

That pass takes her out of bounds.

White actually one more look at it.

Sometimes the unsung hero is not the one you think it would be with Finley Dotson cleaning up the missed shot.

Powers missed everything, worked out to their advantage.

Hadley Dotson now Blaklee Ledford being chased under a minute 19 on the shot clock.

Two possession game for the Indians.

Dotson out to Powers eight on the shot clock.

Ball knocked away by Todd steal.

Dotson on the foul.

Shoot two.

Now the one thing about this Hardaway team Coach Ellison told us we are not a good free-throw shooting team and they have gone seven of 20 from the line today.

Well, it's interesting on that last defensive possession and that was Todd Ashlyn looking to foul.

But she ended up deflecting the ball so it really saved them.

And now you've got a three point game.

One possession game second free throw coming for Todd.

This is the second one.

Boynton back up in.

The time out.

Rihanna Boynton 23 points, 21 rebounds.

Just too strong.

And I'm sure she's been taught this.

You're bigger.

You're faster than stronger.

All missed shots are like a pass to you.

So whenever a shot goes up you just focus on getting that offensive rebound.

And think of it as a pass.

Yeah the great reach there the great wingspan just reaching over and the strength to pull that ball in and put it right back up again.

She has been so impressive.

But that's one of the things that young people you know, that's one of things as coaches we focus on free throws and we call it there's a pinch opportunity when there's the top rebounder, you need two players looking to pinch that person.

The other person who's checking out the shooter and the other person should be isolated one on one.

So if you're on the right or left side of the free-throw line, Larry, you want your biggest player down low and your second biggest player right there to pinch the best rebounder.

What a job Boynton is that we mentioned 32 points 15 rebounds in the final four games.

Earlier against Coila Creek.

She had 15 points 15 rebounds five blocks in that win earlier in the region.

Play 23-21 here.

She's got Hardaway back within one.

On the full court press.

Ledford keeps it in the foul here in the backcourt.

Mims with the foul that sends Callan Ledford to the line.

Not the bonus yet.

Hardaway gets the two fouls so they have some fouls to give.

18 seconds left.

Massie Baldwin can't foul because she doesn't want to foul out, which is you know you might want to take her out of the game and get someone who can be more effective aggressive.

But that's smart.

Putting her on the ball to be, you know, hopefully she'll get a deflection on the pass or something.

15.1 left three fouls now for Hardaway.

Van Hollen.

Balat.

Jaylah Todd.

Before the ball was inbounded.

That's her fourth foul.

So Todd and Baldwin both with four fouls for the Hawks.

Trying to inbound.

And she does.

Looking for the steal.

Got a foul.

White with the foul 8.1 left.

And the sophomore Blaklee Ledford at the line.

And you saw you see the frustration by the coaching staff of Hardaway.

But at the same time as a player they don't want to foul out.

No one wants to foul out.

You know, you want to be the sacrificial lamb of the team.

But at the same time, they want to be on the court too as well.

Colben in the game.

She's limping.

She may come out and Ledford misses the free throw.

So.

Baldwin limping, goes to the end of the bench.

She's out.

Crowley comes back in crucial free throw here for Ledford and she misses that one.

Rebound by Dotson time out.

Murray County.

Miscommunication and we talked about it Larry about free throw checkouts.

That's something that I'm telling every high school coach, college coach, professional coaches, but high school coach, if you don't promise, if you don't practice free throw checkouts, it's going to bite you more sooner than later.

You got a bigger team on the court and the smallest person gets the offensive rebound on a free throw put back.

That could have been the game.

For Hardaway because you go down, it's a one point game.

You score, you win it.

Yeah.

And there she is.

1965 Murray County their only other championship in team history.

And she was a part of it.

I called the OG.

And she was telling you that.

Would it be where they cut down the net.

When they cut down.

Their.

And when you got someone that has that type of history type of knowledge about the team and the program, you want to keep them close to what you're doing and you know, Coach Tipton definitely understands the magnitude of this game and what they mean for the what it means for the community.

Absolutely.

Everyone watching now, these final 7 seconds Callan Ledford gets it into Blaklee Ledford no foul.

Time is running down.

Finally, Crowley chases her down.

3.2 on the clock.

Murray trying to hold on.

Free throws have been tough for the Indians as well.

They're only eight of 18 from the line, so no guarantee here.

Blaklee Ledford zero for four today at the charity stripe.

Gets that one to go.

And see if I'm watching the free throws right now.

Who's got the shooter.

Who's checking out who's pinching.

Who's doing this.

You can communicate at the free-throw line to make it more effective for you as a defense.

Hardaway has one time-out left.

Ledford makes them both and Hardaway takes it.

The final time-out down by three.

Full time-out.

It's going to come down to the final seconds here in the class two A championship.

And you think about it 20s earlier.

If you're Hardaway could have been 8.8 points.

Excuse me.

8 seconds left on the clock.

Yeah.

You're down by one point.

You can call it advance the ball and call a time-out.

You probably got 0:05 to go to make a play from half court.

And you're only down by one.

And you're only down by one.

Now you got to go the full length on the court and it's three point 0:02 to go.

Yeah.

And you know the one thing that Hardaway has not done this entire game hit a three-point shot.

Exactly right.

Zero for seven from outside the arc.

As we always say, the little things make a big difference.

Everyone wants to look at the points and assist, but the things that are more that makes champions, that wins games, they're not in the stat book.

Nicole Baldwin still not in the game for Hardaway.

Boynton is going to take it.

Doesn't get it off in time.

Murray County state champions first time since 1965.

What an effort.

And she gets her wish.

61 years later.

How about that?

Wow.

How about that?

What a blessing it is to have someone that she can celebrate this from 1965.

And that's a lifetime memory that she's going to hold in.

These young women are going to hold the same thing.

Absolutely.

Hardaway great season for them.

23-9 as they follow up last year's state championship with a runner up trophy.

It's reverse for Murray County.

The Indians falling short in this game a year ago.

Coming up big today.

Sure, it's worth the wait one year later to get the state championship and the party begins in Chatsworth.

Davis Jon.

Nelson.

Waiting for some pictures to be taken.

Let's get her over to Jon here in a moment.

Get them to center court.

Jon patiently waiting.

The hardware is waiting as well and Chris Tipton oh, enjoyed talking to all the coaches and he was saying, you know, we can get this done.

We're pretty confident.

He's got a great team.

Yeah.

He's got a really good team.

And they they played really well.

They took the very best in the champs and took the title away.

Our coaches interview presented by Breda Pest Management, the official sponsor of high school basketball.

And now to Jon Nelson.

Thank you very much, Larry Smith.

Let's start off day number four with another first and to introduce it, it is the executive director of the Georgia High School Association, Dr.

Tim Scott, and our friends from Brent Peaster management.

Hey, let's give both these teams a big round of applause.

What a great job today.

Congratulations to Hardaway on a great season.

And now on behalf of Georgia High School Association, we're going to present the championship trophy to be presented by Breda Pest Management to the Murray County 2026 state champion.

I see you let the ball handler hang on to the trophy.

Chris.

First time since 1965.

This is going back to Chatsworth.

Sure is.

Look at these fans.

They show up for these girls, but none of it's possible.

Without giving all the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

After last year and the loss to Hardaway and the road all the way back, what is this last 360 plus days been like to get back here?

It's hard, you know.

I promised them it'd be hard, but it'd be so worth it.

And I think they they get to enjoy that now.

You thinks it's worth it?

I think a Ledford holding that trophy is all the information you need to say that it is, in fact, worth it.

Heading back to Chatsworth, say champs.

Let's send it back over to Larry and Goldie to wrap this one up.

We'll talk to the coach and a Ledford in a bit.

Thank you so much.

We will see you here in the post game in a moment.

As we wrap up this class two AA championship.

What a way to start.

You know this Murray County team again, the heart of a champion.

And you never ever give up.

As we talked about again, they come up short here.

He said.

Really never got their composure.

A year ago, 365 later they fight back.

And how about a microcosm of that spirit?

Blaklee Ledford we mentioned zero for four from the charity stripe and the entire game drains the two free throws.

They're in the clutch to bring home the championship.

Well, they were focused on the one thing that prized the championship.

You miss a shot, miss a free throw.

Ladies, we're trying to win a championship.

So that drive, that energy.

And that's something that they've been communicating from last year.

This time we want to get back.

We want to get back to Macon and we want to cut down nets.

And that they did.

And they will do metaphorically.

Can't really cut them down because we have four more games to go here and we run out of nets at some point.

But they are the heart of a champion and now they are the champion.

The Indians for Murray County.

What a way to start off this day of coverage here on GPB.

They took on the champs, the Hardaway Hawks.

They flew in from Columbus looking to repeat as champions.

But the Indians on the warpath today coming through big.

The Ledford sisters bolt in double figures, 32 points combined, hitting shots inside and out and taking the championship trophy back up north to Chatsworth.

What a day.

Congrats to Murray County.

We heard more from them in the post game with Jon Nelson next here on GPB.

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I said I never joined.

Never knew how strong I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

Welcome into the GPB Sports Studios in Atlanta.

We are live from the 2026 GHSA Boys and Girls State Basketball Championships.

It's countdown to tip off time, which means we're going to get you ready for the next game soon.

But first, we are celebrating with Indians fans.

We had our first champion of the day.

There you have it Murray County beat Hardaway 51-48 to earn their first championship since 1965.

That is 61 years and avenged last year's loss.

This was actually a repeat game from last year as well, and I don't want to spoil it too much.

Let's get right to Jon and Macon Coliseum, who is with Coach Tipton, our player of the game.

I'm guessing one of the Ledford sisters.

Jon take it away.

It is Ledford Carr Mcmillan that is our player of the game, finishing up with 19 on the on the on the night.

Wow.

He shows you where my brain is on the afternoon.

Technically, because it's a little after lunch.

Have you caught your breath yet?

I think I have caught my breath, but I don't know.

I'm still just riding that cloud all the way on top right now.

I mean, as an alumnus, I mean, you were in a different sport when you were there.

I think it was running right.

I was a runner, but I also played basketball.

So you knew what all of this history was.

You took the gig and you kept working your way back and working your way back and working your way back.

For those of us not in Chatsworth that don't live this every day, what does this mean to get back to here and win it for the first time?

And so on?

I mean, if you if you just see the community like, you know.

Exactly, you know what it means when they show up and drive three, 3 hours or over 3 hours just to watch a bunch of teenage girls have success, there's not many communities like that.

And so to be able to have the pride in your own school is just something special.

Jon.

You get the pin?

Yeah.

Who who took the trophy?

Because Callen had the trophy for a second.

I'm sure.

Is it on it's way back?

They're probably drinking Gatorade or something out of there.

I'm sure.

I gave it to Hadley.

All right, well, there you go.

I mean, you give it to Hadley Dotson.

I want to I want to come and talk to you for a second.

What was it like out there?

Because it was a game of runs at points.

You start out hot, you get the shooting from the outside, then they ramp up the pressure outside.

Shooting goes cold.

Then it's that back and forth in the third and fourth quarter.

I didn't play it.

You played it.

What was it like out there?

Well, it really was just like if we like I feel like we got out hot and they did it and we kind of shut down a little, which we normally don't do.

And I feel like in the at halftime we got a great speech.

And then after that they went on another little run.

But then when we came back it was just kind of like trusting your teammates and trusting yourself because we knew they were going to get the job done.

So what was the speech?

Can you, can you divulge.

Can you divulge?

Is it okay?

Yeah, yeah.

Okay.

It was pretty much just like you were made for this game.

Like we didn't come this far just to come this far that this was our game and we, we had to go out there and take it.

What's it like sharing it with your sister?

Oh, I love it so much.

I'm going to be probably going to tear up, but it's just such a great opportunity being able to play with her for the past two years.

She's such a great player and I just can't wait to see what she does for the next two years.

Were you going after this?

I don't know yet.

Okay, good.

Well, hang on to that.

Let me come back over here.

She's your only senior.

I know how I'm going.

You know, you don't replace a Callan Ledford.

I think I'm gonna have to have her FaceTime me when you know, first day of practice.

Just so that I can see her face because she.

I feel like she's been there for six years and she's kept me calm at times.

Sometimes I've probably been a little too rough on her, but man, look, look what a player I've got.

And I just have a winner.

And I'm just I'm just so grateful to have been able to be her coach.

How has 12 grown and evolved to the student athlete that she is right now?

Oh.

It's just incredible.

You know.

Go ahead and break the fourth wall.

Bring the book in here.

We'll see what it looks like.

Okay, so final number.

So Cael, let's say 12, 7-16 19 points total.

And obviously you could look down here 15 points in the second and third quarters alone.

That was when the defense ramped itself up 3.1 for Murray County.

So by the way, you know when you look at this final book, because it's a final book, you look at the the boldface numbers right there.

What's that say?

51 48 Murray County.

Yes, it does.

So you can hang on to that.

And we're going to send it back to Midtown because 51 48 means it's a three point win.

The trophy is somewhere on its way back to Chatsworth.

Hanna will try and track it down, and we'll see if the Ledford or if Hadley Dotson has had any power in said cup.

We'll send it back to you.

Thanks, Sean.

Congratulations to Indian Nation, who I know is supporting those teams and Madden Callan Ledford to be playing with your sister.

That's my future with my twins.

And that was so special to watch that bond.

All right, we have more coming up on countdown to Tip off.

We will have our GPB girl's All-State team and get you ready for the double.

A AA's boys matchup.

It's all right here on GPB.

Stay with us.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man.

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

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So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

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Welcome back to Countdown to Tip Off.

We are celebrating our first champion of the day in 13th overall this week.

Congratulations to Murray County for taking home the trophy.

Back to Chatsworth.

Now we saw major talent in the Ledford sisters just now if you missed it, but there has been a ton of talent all season long.

We voted on our GPB All-State team and we will be showing you the girls.

We'll be showing you the girls All-State team here.

Coming up in just a minute.

Let me brag on Murray County one more time.

They got off to a hot start, but Holloway Hardaway battled back.

It was not enough.

The Indians won it for the first time since 1965.

That was 61 years.

And if you were joining with us, there was some of those players from that 65 team cutting down the nets.

We'll have to show that footage coming up.

Okay, we are ready for our GPB all state team.

Here it is.

Time to take a look at the GPB All stars on the girls side, it is Alana Beckham from Hebron.

Christian heading to the University of Georgia.

Arianna Kemp, one of the few juniors on the squad at Dalton for the Catamounts.

Kari Flewellen from Josie.

She's heading to Radford.

Cameron Gholston from St.

Francis, the senior heading to South Alabama.

Morgan Landrum from North Paulding heading to B.C.

Lydia Ledford from Beaufort heading to Tennessee-chattanooga.

Gabby Mina's from Hebron.

Christian heading to Knoxville.

Finley Parker, the second junior on the list.

She has a year to go at River Ridge, Coco Rudolph from Grayson heading to Kennesaw State, and Z Williams from Woodward Academy, the third junior on the list, and the player of the year, Kate Harpring from Marist.

She's heading to North Carolina.

That is the GPB All stars on the girls side in 2026.. And congratulations to our Girls Player of the year Merritt senior guard Kate Harping.

She's ranked the number one point guard in the country.

We'll be taking her talents to North Carolina next season.

She scored 40 points in the state championship win over Kell on Thursday, becoming the GHSA all time points leader with 3,435.

I know her dad, former NBA player Matt Harpring is so proud.

If you have time, go watch some of those highlights because she was lights out.

All right.

We are going to get you ready for the AA boys matchup coming up here in just a minute on GPB.

Don't miss more from countdown to tip off.

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Sir.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey, what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Welcome back to countdown to Tip Off.

We have crowned our first winner of the day.

It's time to get you ready for game number two, which is the AA boys matchup.

And to do that, we're going to go to Macon, bring in Jon Nelson, who is on the sidelines and all the action.

Jon tell us about this matchup between Morgan County and Butler.

Butler trying to go back to back.

Yeah.

And with their head coach, Chaz Clark, he is in very rare air here in the state of Georgia.

He was an alumnus.

He was an assistant last year.

He took the team to the title for the first time since the mid 1960s.

They're going to go back to back Morgan County 13 in the 20 tens, including 2014, 2016.

A lot of folks might remember Tookie Brown, their amazing point guard who was headed to Georgia Southern after his time in Morgan County, was done looking for a big crowd in this one for game number two of five.

We got a slam dunk competition wrapped into that, but I'm looking for a lot of offense in this one.

Of course, I probably just jinxed it.

Hannah.

And thinking there's going to be a lot of offense.

It might be like in the 40s and low 50s, but we'll see what happens.

Someone's going for a repeat.

Someone's going for the first time in a couple of years.

I'm looking forward to seeing how these two communities show out here.

Once again, we're really looking forward to this one coming up around the corner.

Yep, I cannot wait.

Thanks, Jon.

All right, four more games to go.

One in the books.

We're on day number four.

Don't go anywhere.

You're not going to want to miss what's coming up here on GPB.

Thanks for watching.