Welcome to Macon, Georgia for the GHSA boys three a basketball state championship game presented by Breda Pest Management, the official sponsor of high school basketball.

As we welcome you to the Macon Coliseum as the number two seed.

Cross Creek Razorbacks take on the number 17 seed Harlem Bulldogs.

And good evening, I'm Matt Stewart, joined by former McDonald's High School All-American and Georgia Bulldogs point guard Shaun Golden and Shaun.

We have two teams from the Augusta area, one from Richmond County, one from Columbia County.

In fact, there region four make that region 43 A rivals.

In fact, Cross Creek beat them three times during the regular season.

In fact, the last time these two teams played Cross Creek beat Harlem by 24 points in the region tournament.

That was just 20 days ago.

What do we expect tonight?

Well, tonight's contest, it's going to be very difficult for both teams.

First of all, focus on the first 5 minutes of the game.

It's hard to beat a team in your region.

Rivalry four times in one season.

I've done it as a player.

88:89 at Riverside High School, but tonight it's going to be focused on the first 5 minutes of the game because that will dictate the outcome of tonight's contest.

Razorbacks are led by three star junior for Rashaad Tisby.

He's got ten offers, including South Carolina, Auburn and Florida State.

He's a big time player.

Six foot seven, long, lanky, athletic with handles, averaging 17, 11-5 assists.

He's a scorer.

He's a guy that's exciting from the beginning to the end of the tip.

Bulldogs are led by their junior guard, the coach's son, AJ Williams, who's averaging right at 21 points, five assists per game.

Nickname Magic Johnson, averaging 20 points a game.

But the guy, the kid has vision.

He goes to summer camp and all the other players are calling him magic because when he dishes the ball but can also put the ball into the basket.

They were calling him Magic Johnson.

He had to go ask his dad, who's Magic Johnson.

Google it.

If you don't know.

It's a compliment.

So just about ready to tip off this final game of this Wednesday in the GHSA state championships.

We've had three games so far today, Shaun, and not one game has been decided by more than four points.

It's state championship season.

Everyone here is for that one thing cutting down nets, taking home that trophy.

I love the I love the competition, I love the passion.

These young kids are out here leaving it all on the court.

Jeff Williams, the head coach of the Harlem Bulldogs, suffered a stroke a couple of years ago while coaching New Hampstead, came back to the Augusta area, which is home for his family.

People said, you're crazy for taking the Harlem job.

You know why he's crazy.

You're taking the Harlem job because they hadn't been to the state finals since 1969.

In year number two, Jeff Williams has him in the state finals.

Well, his story is a testimony to his success, hard work and support of the people that's around him.

So Cross Creek, led by their head coach Lawrence Kelly, he's won two state championships there.

They start on offense.

They're all in black tonight.

Dontrell Jackson on the dribble, gives it up to Derrick Shine.

His cousin Ty plays for Harlem.

We got a family rivalry going on in the state championship game here tonight.

That's right.

That's his cousin with the ball.

So be interesting to see them match up.

And they are not matched up on defense against each other.

And there is AJ Williams.

His shot was blocked back at the rim and the bunny is missed.

Rebound controlled by Cross Creek.

Ahead it comes.

Derrick Shine with the bucket.

And we talked about it.

Matt.

The first 5 minutes of the game we're going to see who dictates the tempo.

Who controls the tempo, who does have the guts and the mindset to go out here and fight for this opportunity to win this championship.

So Jackson actually got credit for the bucket and Shine got the assist.

Long three pointer rims out.

Rebound is battled for underneath and put back up and in Christiaan Gandy who averages just 4.8 points per game, gets him started scoring first.

But his coach was telling us, Matt that he's a great fit for the team, averaging three.

He can shoot the three, but he has a big body.

He's young.

He's a perfect fit for what they're trying to accomplish.

Rim run right there in the basket by Dontrell Jackson.

First four points of the game for Cross Creek have been scored by Dontrell Jackson.

The 63 senior guard.

Baseline jumper Shine the miss rebound Gandy back up and in.

Gandy already has his per game average here in the first 2 minutes.

Well again talk about a perfect fit.

It's not about him making jump shots outside the perimeter.

It's him getting that rebound and offensive put backs.

Jackson on the dribble for Cross Creek.

Kicks out to the wing.

Trying to work against this zone.

And the long jumper is off the mark by Leverette.

AJ Williams brings it across puts it on the floor.

Goes at the hoop hard with the left hand and puts it up and in.

Harlem has.

The lead.

AJ Williams is nice.

He's under control.

He's moved.

He has a nice big body, a coach's son with a strong IQ.

He looked really good on that drive and that penetration.

In the first boy's game we called today, Sean.

We saw some jitters from the eventual state champion Darlington in the first couple of minutes.

We haven't seen any jitters here tonight.

No, both these teams have been, I'm sure, communicating with each other.

Social media, friends and family, all everyone's intertwined, intertwined in this contest.

This evening.

Jackson to the hole and puts it in.

Man he had a great burst to get to the lane.

Well he's a floor general averaging almost 16 points a game, seven rebounds three assists.

The point guard, he can run the team.

But tonight he's trying to score and and will themselves to a championship.

Ball.

Goes to Ty Shine pulls up for the mid-range.

Rebound underneath.

Back to Shine.

He'll shoot again.

Miss again.

Rebound controlled by Cross Creek.

Cross Creek 2-1 all time in state finals appearances.

State champs in 2020 1-20 22.

They were state runners up in 2020.

Pump fake, no place to go with it.

Has to go back and get it ten on the shot clock underneath, nobody covering underneath and the blocked shot by Williams.

And the officials are letting these two teams play.

They're out here going at it and having a great basketball game.

Transition three by number four.

JoVaun Napier with the jump shot.

And that's how you got to play.

I better go back the first 5 minutes will dictate the tempo of this game.

And the Harlem is coming out and showing they deserve.

They want to cut down the nets tonight.

Ball loose.

Williams steals it.

Napier gets it.

That's over and back.

Great hustle by Williams and by Napier right there.

Just unfortunate for them.

The ball was loose right there at the half court line and goes over and back.

Our first time out of the game.

342 to play in the opening quarter and a 96 lead for Harlem.

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.

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Here's the road to the championship for Harlem beats Spalding in the first round, then knocked out the three time defending state champion Sandy Creek on the Patriots home floor in the second round.

Got everybody's attention at that point, then beat troop 72 57 and then Douglas in the semifinals.

Every one of the teams that they beat outside of Spalding was rated higher than them in the seeding.

In the bracket.

They're playing for a purpose.

They're playing for their coach.

They're playing for their community.

They knew that the bullseye was on their back, that they may lose.

So embrace that pressure.

Embrace everything.

And look at coach.

Coach has done a great job of just getting everybody to support.

The purpose of this team is to win a championship.

And what he's gone through as a stroke survivor.

Kudos to Heath and everyone else.

Yeah.

And Sean, after he had that stroke he couldn't walk.

He couldn't he couldn't talk.

He couldn't write.

He had to learn to do everything all over again.

Baseline jumper.

He still can't dribble and shoot.

So he says it's made him a better coach actually oddly enough.

And there's the layup by Cross Creek and the bucket by Derrick Shine has made him a better coach.

Because now you know he can't demonstrate.

He's got to tell him and get someone else to demonstrate it for him because he can't dribble and shoot anymore.

And that's what coaching is about.

You just got to put the right people in the right places.

And sometimes as a coach, you've got to back up your assistant coaches, do the work.

And he's mellowed out a little bit, says, I don't yell at the kids as much as I used to.

Down the floor, Cross Creek pitch back to Shine.

Jackson on the drive.

The hop step missed up close.

Was defended at the rim.

Gets it back, goes back hard and tips it up and in.

To stay with it.

Big Luke way to stay with it.

Sometimes AJ Luke.

And sometimes a big player like that.

It's that second rebound, that put back opportunity that gives him confidence to finish around the rim.

109 lead for Cross Creek.

Williams stops, goes up and one for AJ.

Williams.

AJ Williams looking good.

He's got a strong body.

Plays under control.

Has a great mindset.

See whenever you're able to come to the paint and maintain balance, that's a lot of times young players want to go to the to the cup.

So out of control where they get the charge.

That's a coach's son.

He's been around basketball for a long, long, long, long time.

So he studied the game tremendously.

Yeah, he looks good.

He's played all the all star circuits.

The e b l. Yeah.

And his dad says he's gone places I've never been.

Yeah.

Playing basketball.

2 minutes to play.

Opening quarter.

Harlem up two.

Under 2 minutes to play.

Opening period.

Jackson kick out to the high wing and the shot was rejected.

Man goes down.

He might be hurt.

He is.

Shine is injured on the play.

I think they're going to blow the play dead.

As soon as he came down after that block.

Shine fell awkwardly to the floor.

Ty Shine let's see what happened.

Did he come down on somebody's foot?

I think he just kind of tripped on his own feet.

He was so high to contest that shot.

I think he came.

I actually think he came down on his teammates foot, on his leg and landed awkwardly.

They'll take him to the end of the bench.

But the.

Way JoVaun Napier will come in for him.

But Matt, the way that Harlem is playing offensively and defensively, they're in attack mode offensively, they're going to the cup.

Defensively, they're trying to attack the ball to contest every shot, every pass, every opportunity to show that they are here to win.

So they'll see if they that's another over and back violation on Harlem Jeffrey Williams man.

He can still get up there and get after you.

He was up there, right there letting his players know he was not happy with that sloppiness on that pass.

Two point lead for Harlem.

So you were thinking here opening 5 minutes of the game.

If Cross Creek doesn't blow him out, opening 5 minutes, we're going to have a game.

We're going to have we're going to have a barn burner.

I mean, both teams are playing with great confidence and Harlem is basically, you know, maximizing their ability mentally and physically with a two point lead here in the first quarter.

Slipping to go down.

That's exactly where the player where Shine went down a few moments ago.

So they got to wipe that up.

They still had sweat on the floor that they hadn't gotten up.

Both teams in the zone, right.

They're playing a. Triangle in two or boxing one on AJ.

Williams runs into trouble, gets rid of it.

There's the drive and the layup.

Miss by Hatcher.

And now a foul on the floor is going against Cross Creek.

Foul is going to be called on Leverette.

That'll be number one on him.

Team second.

I like Nikk Gandy here.

Number 23.

He gets some baskets around the rim.

He's got a great body great size and a nice presence.

Long three pointer in the corner.

He's got it.

Puts it up and in right on cue.

Picked up the offensive rebound and stuck it in.

And being in the right place at the right time.

A lot of times post players, you're focusing on the jump shot, get the rebound.

That's a pass to you.

Great catch.

Great finish.

Great put back.

14 12 lead for Harlem.

Leverette pump fake now jumps inside the arc and misses.

Rebound chased down by Jackson.

Shine on the drive.

Kick to the corner.

1 second to play in the quarter and that is the end of the first period with Harlem on top of Cross Creek trying to beat the Razorbacks for the first time this season.

If they do, they'll be state champions.

We'll step aside in a moment.

Great start to this.

Three A state championship game Bulldogs lead the Razorbacks 14 12.

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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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They got the second quarter started a little bit early on his back the other way.

Cross Creek and we'll have a foul called on Harlem.

So your thinking on that five minute discussion we were having a few moments ago is because Cross Creek beat by 24.

20 days ago that they would come out and try to get him, get him on the ropes early.

And that hasn't happened.

Once, once Harlem realized they were playing Cross Creek the mindset, the focus was there from day one.

It's a mental thing.

You go in here and you be very aggressive.

You don't play passive.

You're not.

You don't have anything to lose.

Cross Creek has everything to lose.

And that's how they're playing.

They're not playing to win the game.

They're playing not to lose it.

Very laissez faire, very comfortable.

Not on the floor for the loose balls.

It's the little things.

It's the small details.

You can see which team wants to be aggressive, which team wants to win.

Tied at 14, opening 30s of the second quarter.

I think it's only natural that beating a team three times in a season, and by 24 you would think, well, just come out and do what we've always done.

It worked the first three times, right?

Well, it's a different thing.

It's a different mindset.

Think about this.

There's nothing on the line in the regular season.

A small trophy on the line in a region championship.

You're playing for the state championship.

Everything's on the line now.

716 to play here in the first half.

Harlem and Cross Creek tied at 14.

Harlem a true Cinderella story as a number 17 seed playing in the state finals.

They've never won a state championship the last time they were in the state finals, 1969.

That was before Nir Armstrong walked on the moon.

Is that long?

Long ago.

Rebound knocked out of bounds off of Cross Creek and it will be not.

It will be Cross Creek ball.

Apparently Harlem touched it last.

There's no action.

There's no no no hair on fire for Cross Creek.

They're not coming out here fighting the way they should have fought early in the first quarter.

So they're in a battle for the entire evening.

And we have not even called Tisby name yet.

He is zero for two from the floor, but has had no kind of impact on this game through the first quarter.

Third.

So we can see, as we've seen in our games already today, those things can change as the course of the game rolls on.

Tisby now touches the ball, gives it right back.

They got Williams covering Tisby.

Everyone thinks it's going to come easier to them, and Harlem is doing a great job of playing the matchup zone.

See the tempo of the game now is good for Harlem.

Jackson with the left hand.

But you still have to defend in the 23 zone to take away penetration.

Great job of getting to the Cup.

Dontrell Jackson has eight of their 16 points.

Three pointer on the way.

And there it is.

It's good.

Darrien Hatcher who averages just three points per game, gets his three right there.

And so the way that Cross Creek is playing, they're playing the triangle in two.

Jackson remains red hot.

So here's the two.

They're going to extend the pressure.

They're defending Williams and then defending Shine.

Now they're straight to a man to man back to a man to man.

Dontrell Jackson is the first player to get double figures in this game.

He has ten of Cross Creek 18.

Screen collision, no whistle and the three pointer by Williams.

He's playing.

He's playing like his hair is on fire.

Magic is his name.

Not just passion, his vision, his ability to come off that screen under control saw that the defense goes under the screen, shoots the three.

He's playing lights out tonight.

Williams has scored a big three pointer from AJ.

The coach's son.

I said I never joined.

Never knew how strong I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

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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.

Heads up Georgia.

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20-18 Harlem leading Cross Creek in the opening 2.5 minutes of the second quarter road to the Championship Cross Creek.

They were the number two seed in the three A bracket, so not a surprise that they're here.

Wiped out Whitewater in the first round, then beat Westover.

That was a tough second round matchup.

A lot of people thought Westover had a state championship caliber team this year, and they beat Westover by seven.

Baldwin, another region opponent in the quarterfinals and then finished it off by beating East Hall in the semifinals.

And here we are tonight.

Two region teams out of region 43 A. It's a 32 zone by Harlem.

Take away perimeter play.

Gandy inside he plays from the free-throw line up and down the lane to take away middle drive penetration.

Now he gets to the top of the peak.

And there's Jackson spots the three pointer now sidesteps to one.

Passes it up straight on three.

And the miss right there by Leverette.

Harlem comes down the floor with a two point lead.

AJ.

Williams calls for the ball and a quick foul is going to be called on.

Mekhi Brigham.

Nakhai.

Brigham number zero who committed the foul right in front of us.

He has offers, college offers.

All of them are track offers.

Sean from South Carolina State, Brewton, Parker and Augusta University.

And he just started track two years ago, but he finished fourth in the triple jump in the state.

He looks like an athlete.

He's going ISO on Williams.

No help.

Gandy over there holding the ball.

He picked up his dribble, got to get rid of it and does to Williams.

Williams running a trap at him.

Low post pass and a trip and a travel Jayden Futrell is called for the travel.

That was a great defensive possession by Cross Creek.

They were full denial on AJ Williams and so he didn't get a chance to touch the ball that much in that possession.

Great defensive stop.

Go back to the 32 zone.

Approaching the four minute mark here in the second quarter.

Jackson three pointer kicks hard off the iron to the corner and it's saved.

And it's caught by Cross Creek in the paint.

Leverette got stripped out of bounds off Harlem.

What a tremendous hustle job by AJ.

Luke crashing into the table on the far side to save.

That ball.

But Matt, you said the most important word hustle play.

Those are very important when you're trying to win the championship.

The hustle plays the little plays the steals, the deflections.

Hatcher down the floor, had a shot blocked by Tisby and then Williams had it knocked away.

And he gets it back.

Futrell on the dribble.

Gets to the other side of the rim and toss it up there and missed.

And a foul is going to be called on Harlem in the backcourt.

That's going to be on Hatcher.

And Matt we talked about Brigham and what he does with his athletic ability and track and field.

But defensively he's just isoing on Williams wherever he is.

No help, no anything.

Just make sure you mirror every move that he makes here off defensively to make sure he he's not the one to beat us this evening.

Now Harlem continues to play without their junior star Ty Shine, who went to the bench with what appeared to be a leg injury, maybe an ankle injury in that first quarter.

He has not returned.

So this is a guy waiting for Chris Carr Tisby.

He's got to do something.

He's got to be more aggressive, more assertive.

He's just some urgency.

Yeah, he's just over two now.

He's going to drive and he's going to kick to the corner.

Corner three.

Look at the block by Williams.

It's into the hustle play.

You win championships off hustle plays.

You don't win the championship.

Being cute and being pretty.

If it's an ugly game I'm getting on the floor for a loose ball.

I'm taking charges.

Here I am flying to get the blocked shot.

That's how you win a championship.

Williams with the block on the corner, three.

Man, this guy has been the worth the price of admission so far in this game.

He's got eight points four rebounds two blocks an assist.

He's getting it done.

A lot of times as a coach's son you kind of see it all.

And sometimes as a coach's son you see the things that need to be done.

And you may overcompensate yourself during the process if there needs to be some blocked shots, rebounds, whatever needs to happen.

Because you think about you hear that conversation when you're eight, nine, 10-years-old all of your life, and now you're playing in a position and you start thinking about the things that you remember.

Your dad talked about speaking to other players.

So he's been around basketball all of his life and he's tonight he's playing a complete game.

Dad gave him a little tap on the chest as he walked back out on the floor.

62.

Junior dad says he's a natural born leader and he's totally transformed his body.

He's got a good looking frame.

He is a nice prospect for this.

Harlem Bulldogs team and looking forward to the future in his college basketball career.

Jackson takes it out of the backcourt, brings it into the frontcourt and takes a long straight on three and missed it.

Every loose ball Harlem is there.

Now.

Jackson's had the hot hand.

He's had the hot hand.

He's got ten points.

But that was not a good shot.

You're right.

It's way too early in the shot clock.

See this is the person that needs to step up.

Tisby needs to step up.

Be assertive.

Get a put back.

Do something.

Drive to the basket, even get a defensive foul.

Just don't be a ghost on the floor.

It was way too early in the shot clock.

Now early in the shot clock doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad shot.

But when you don't pass it and swing the defense and try to get the defense out of position, they get an open lane to the basket or a better shot than that than it's a bad shot.

There's Tisby rolled off the rim and the dunk followed by Jackson.

That was an athletic putback six foot three combo guard.

Been able to do that.

That is huge.

Yeah so much for your criticism Mr.

Stewart.

I got a dunk for you.

Williams at the elbow.

Nice shot man.

He's really good.

Poised under control.

Just a guy that can get it done.

Very a very strong guard as well too.

We got a real battle going on between Williams and Jackson right now.

Back the other way.

Cross Creek ties it up 22 22.

Under 2 minutes to play.

Now here in the first half.

Right there in the paint and the miss.

I'll take that shot from the big fella.

He's been working hard.

Yeah.

Reward yourself every now and then.

Running the baseline Tisby puts it in great feed by Jackson.

And see that was him attacking the rim.

If he can continue to play like that then he'll start getting into the flow of the game.

We'll start seeing a better output from what this young man can do.

Foul's going to be called on Cross Creek.

That's going to be on Brigham reaching foul, trying to swipe Williams as he was going by him.

Good penetration, but a follow up dunk by Jackson.. And Jackson 12 make that 14 points two rebounds here in the first 15 minutes of the game.

Fair critical possessions by Harlem down two.

You're playing well.

Just want to get a good shot.

Is that a good shot.

Rim out.

Rebound controlled by Cross Creek as Luke grabs it gives it to Jackson.

I would say that's a great shot.

Just a miss.

Rimmed out on him.

47 seconds to play in the half.

Luke and a trap.

Has to get it out of there.

And he does less than 40 now in the half.

Tisby on the drive reaching foul.

Flipped it up over his shoulder and a foul coming up here on Harlem.

And that's going to go against Hatcher.

At six foot seven, the way Tisby frame is built, he should be able to drive to the mid range each and every time you got a five, ten, five, nine player again defending you pull up.

You know you should be able to hit five or six of those shots.

Driving to the paint.

Just pull up for the jump shot at 15 feet.

So Cross Creek is now shooting bonus.

That's the fifth team foul on Harlem here in the quarter.

So Tisby is at the line.

Tisby Wynn been with Coach Kelly since the ninth grade.

And Coach Kelly says this young man really works hard despite all the talent he has.

He was working out before their semifinal game the other day.

That's right.

And their victory against East Hall.

Missed on the free throws though.

And that's a mindset with him.

I'm looking at his body language.

I'm looking at his aura, his eyes, everything.

It's more of a mindset.

Williams straight on through.

And the layup AJ Williams.

AJ Williams is getting it done.

AJ Williams is getting it done.

Impressed with him and this guy too.

Dontrell Jackson what great first half these two players have had.

Jackson on the dribble.

Ten on the clock.

Now down to six on the clock.

Jackson being guarded by Williams.

Slips and falls down loses the dribble shoots anyway.

Way off the mark.

That's the end of the half 24:24 at the break.

Sean said the first 5 minutes of the game and it was established by Harlem.

Now we got a tie game going into halftime.

We're going to have a big second half.

Y'all.

Dontrell Jackson has gone for 14 and Williams12 halftime coming up.

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Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

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Learn how to protect your family from opioid overdose at opioid response 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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And welcome into our GPB half show, Georgia Public Broadcasting is the place for all of your girls and boys.

Georgia high School basketball state championships.

We're almost done with day one.

We've got 16 more minutes to play a basketball.

But if you're just now joining us, it's currently halftime of the three a boys state championship game.

Let's go ahead and take a look at our scoreboard.

There you have it.

We've got a tie ball game right now between Cross Creek Razorbacks and the Harlem Bulldogs Jon Nelson.

These are friendly foes, if you will.

Two teams that know a whole lot about each other, but you and I both know that these two schools they are are known for far more than just basketball.

And you have two principals with you now that are principals of the respective schools playing in this three a title game right now.

So we would love to hear about what else is going on at Cross Creek and Harlem.

Time to go into the principal's office and catch up with Casey from Harlem, Justin Durham from Cross Creek, and we'll find out what is going on.

And let me go this way.

And I will ask the first question.

So what else do folks need to know about Casey that's going on at Harlem these days?

We've got so many good things going on.

You know, I'm really pleased with turnout.

We have a great crowd.

Anything from our fine arts programs or our CTE programs, just really solid and just the overall family feel of our school and our community.

This community pulls behind our school like no other.

And it's really, really fun to be a part of.

So then for those that don't know, and I'm going to ask, obviously, Justin, the same question, but I want to ask you first for someone that doesn't know about this rivalry and about these two schools, how would you break down what this rivalry is?

It's it's very competitive to say the least.

I mean, you can see that in the first half.

And hats off to them.

I mean they've had a great season.

Just been some battles all year long.

It's one of the toughest regions I've ever been a part of.

Even back when I coached.

I mean, it's really tough.

And just to see the level of athletes that they have and the way they work, it's a testament to what they do.

17 seed coming in.

Let's go over here and focus on the other side of the bracket.

All right.

What else is going on over Cross Creek folks need to know about Justin.

Well, this year we're in our bag.

That's our acronym.

It stands for great behavior, a good attendance and better grades.

That's what our students are focused on through all the curriculum that we offer.

Students are really, they get an opportunity through dual enrollment, whether it be through our ROTC, our award winning ROTC program.

It's a great, it's a great day to be a Razorback.

That's what we say every day.

Kids are excited.

Teachers are excited.

And the community is excited not only about basketball, but just about what we're doing at Cross Creek and the opportunities that kids are going to get in the future.

That's the principal's office.

It's a quick visit, which means that my, my my time in the principal's office is done for one day out of four.

We're going to come back.

Niki, send it back up to you in Atlanta.

Find out what else is on your mind.

I have I'm out of the principal's office.

That means, I guess maybe I can check out in D lunch and not have to worry about it for the rest of the day.

Nelly, you and I both know you belong there, so it's fine.

Well, yeah, I know, but just.

I didn't want them to hear it.

Come on now.

All the all the people just heard it.

It's fine.

Thanks for holding down Macon Coliseum, Nelly.

We've got more basketball, and we'll get you catch up on what has already happened today.

And then what's to come.

We've got 16 more minutes of basketball coming up with our three.

A boys state championship game.

We'll have more for you on the other side of the break.

Keep it right here on GPB.

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

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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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Welcome back into our GPB halftime show.

Right now it's halftime of the three, a Boys State title game between Cross and Harlem.

We've got a tie ball game.

They're tied at 24-24 So that is our scoreboard for our current game.

Now we're closing out day one.

In just a few minutes we're going to have 16 more minutes of basketball to play.

But here's what's here's.

All right.

So here is the schedule from today.

As you can see these are the final scores.

What a day it's been.

We can only imagine how tomorrow is going to pan out.

But let's go ahead and take a look at the schedule for tomorrow.

Thursday.

We've got day two coming up.

Tomorrow we're going to crown four more state champions.

There you have it.

All right.

At 1:00 P.M.

We've got single division two girls.

Washington-wilkes and Wilcox County.

At 3:00 P.M.

We've got the single A Division two boys portal.

Panthers versus Clinch County Panthers battle the Panthers with that one.

And then we've got the girls three point contest at 5:30 for a girls.

We've got the Marist War Eagles against Kell Longhorns.

And then our nightcap of the night.

The for a boys 730 St.

Pius Golden Lions versus Pace Academy Knights.

So day one is almost over.

But don't worry, we've got three more days of championship coverage for you.

Again, the best of the best when it comes to the girls and boys high school basketball state championships, it's happening right here on GPB.

Coming up, we've got the final minutes of the three, a boys state championship game.

Matt and Sean, they're on the call.

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Back at halftime, we're tied at 20:04.

Matt Stewart, along with Sean Golden and the message from Coach Williams to his team at halftime was it's been a long ride.

Finish the drill.

Yeah, it's part of the journey.

The journey is tough.

It's gruesome.

But guess what?

You got 16 minutes and these next 16 minutes are very important from both teams.

Here we are with the highlights.

Here's Williams going to the rim.

A guy can attack the rim and score.

And here he is now with the put back dunk.

That's showing his athletic ability.

He's in attack mode.

I like the way he's playing.

But my guy AJ Williams getting it done.

The three the drive under control.

I mean these two teams have seen each other.

This is their fourth time this season.

Now it's about executing the game plan.

The second half is a very important and many coaches always say Matt, the first 3 minutes of the second half, we talked about the first 5 minutes of the first half.

Now we're talking about the first 3 minutes of the second half to see the tempo and the speed of the game.

Halftime stats, anything an indicator for you looking ahead to the second half?

Well it's about turnovers and making great shots.

Both teams are shooting pretty much equal.

And you know the rebounding just the one here or there.

But it's about just making shots.

Shine or make that Futrell.

No that was Shine.

Derrick Shine back in the game opened up the open up the half with a big three-point shot that gives Cross Creek a 27 24 lead.

That was Derrick Shine and Ty Shine still not on the floor for Harlem as far as I can tell right now.

He went to the bench with an ankle injury in that first quarter, has not returned.

Williams on the drive, missed the layup and the follow by Futrell.

The tempo of the game, exactly how it finished in the first half, blocked shots, contested shots, threes, transition layups.

The tempo of this game is really good and if Harlem can keep this up, this is exactly what they need going down the stretch.

Dontrell Jackson their leading scorer with 14 points in the game on seven of 12 shooting and that's him with the ball.

Now Jackson is zero for four on his threes.

He thought about taking another one right there.

And there's the drive with the left hand scoop shot.

Derrick Shine the heart and hustle of the team.

And he didn't play that much the first half.

But he's making up for it here in the second half by five quick points.

He's got nine points in 13 minutes of work inside they go to Gandy had a shot blocked by Tisby.

You mentioned the first 3 minutes of this third quarter.

So far the momentum swing has gone Cross Creek way.

Tisby passes out to the wing.

Now.

Jackson will attack and go back to Tisby for the corner.

Three bang!

Well, it was a rhythm.

Shot.

The ball was moved.

Motion there was no rush shot.

He wasn't there from the corner and Tisby with a nice stroke for the three.

Cross Creek has opened up a six point lead.

Williams getting a screen from Gandy will use it, go around it and a foul is going to be called on Cross Creek on the floor.

And this is going to go on.

Jackson.

Shine is that energy guy.

He's that guy that gets things going.

He's like the oil of the engine.

Without him, the engine doesn't work and his presence also opens it up for everyone else.

And there's Tisby benefiting from it with a three-point shot.

Williams gets into the paint and scoops it up and in.

It's a one man show for the Harlem.

Bulldogs AJ Williams.

Williams now has 14 of their 28 points, 50% of their points, 5 minutes left here in the third quarter.

Shine corner three hit the top of the backboard.

Rebound controlled by Luke.

They try to go back to Luke had the pass batted away.

Now Williams in the open court.

Run and break.

They got some numbers here.

Williams going to take it himself and the shot was rejected by Leverette.

And that's the moment.

If you're AJ.

Williams.

If you're trusting your teammates just a little bit more, it's a three on two opportunity.

You're kind of dish it off to one of your teammates.

But he's like, hey, I've been doing it by myself.

I'm going to keep doing it.

By myself.

Yeah.

Sean, they had numbers on that break.

Yeah.

And came up empty.

32 28 Cross Creek in the lead.

This is the three a state championship game.

Jackson holds it above his head back out top to Shine.

That's a 23 zone by Harlem.

Yeah.

Tisby is going to plant in the middle of that zone and then run through it.

Leverette has it pitch out to Tisby for the three and the rebound controlled by Harlem.

Futrell gets to the other side of the lane, gives it to Gandy.

Gandy steps into the shot and puts a. Nice touch.

Nice touch by Gambit.

He's defending on the defensive end.

He's contesting shots.

Rewarded himself with a nice teardrop there within the paint.

32 30 Cross Creek jumped out to a six point lead.

And now it's been cut back to two Leverette in there with the trees.

Gandy they're going to call traveling on Leverette there was contact with Gandy.

They chose the traveling on Leverette.

As well.

It could have been a charge as well too.

So easily.

You take the you take the turnover but not the foul.

And a time-out on the floor with 4-0 three to play in the third quarter.

In the three a state championship game.

We got a good one.

Cross Creek on top by two.

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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.

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Back with four 0-3 to play here in the third quarter.

And Derrick Shine has been big for Cross Creek here in this second half.

He scored five of their eight points in the third quarter.

Sean.

Every engine needs gas.

And he's the gas.

He's the he's the thing that makes the engine go.

Since he's been in the game.

He's got the five points in the second half.

But then more importantly, he's deep.

The defense has picked up from Cross Creek.

They're moving the ball offensively.

His presence is opening up the opportunity for everyone else on the court.

Meantime, his cousin Ty Shine, who plays for Harlem, suffered an ankle injury earlier in the game.

He averages 20 points per game and he hasn't been back on the floor.

Yeah, that's that's a challenge for Harlem and it puts a lot on AJ Williams back to kind of be a one man show, but right now down two points.

I think AJ Williams is doing a great job of that so far.

32 30 Cross Creek on top.

Harlem brings it down the floor.

A chance to tie or take the lead.

Futrell trying to go around the defense and Jackson's going to be called for the foul.

And Dontrell Jackson picks up the foul on Cross Creek.

And that's going to be number two on him.

Second team foul on the Razorbacks here in the third quarter.

AJ Williams rattles it home from the baseline.

And Harlem has the lead.

You know you think about Magic Johnson.

You think about his rookie year in the NBA with the Lakers when he played all five positions.

That's exactly what AJ Williams is doing right now.

He's playing all five positions.

He's defending, he's scoring.

He's assisting.

He's doing it all.

Tisby has it knocked out of his hand.

AJ Williams getting it done here today.

Williams with a game high 17 points.

He's two of four on his threes and has five rebounds.

He's been a fun watch here in the three.

A state championship game.

Tisby dribbling up top.

Gets it off to Jackson.

And now Leverette comes to get it.

Tisby three pointer thuds between the backboard and the rim.

Offensive put back and a foul is going to be called on Harlem.

AJ Luke the center.

The 67, 225 junior center.

Got that offensive rebound.

He got fouled.

He's going to the line.

He's athletic has a nice presence inside the paint.

Big body.

The one thing his coaching staff was taught was saying about him is his leadership on the court.

He communicates with his teammates.

He gets everybody in the right spots and does a fantastic job of playing well inside the paint.

We're being told right now by one of our producers, Steve Graham, that Ty Shine, the junior who went to the bench with a leg injury.

It is an ankle sprain and he's probably out for the rest of the game.

Oh, that's not good.

It isn't.

That's 20 points per game right there.

That's one of your leaders right there.

They're going to try to beat Cross Creek a team they haven't beaten in three tries this season and try to beat him without him.

Tough call time-outs going to be called by Harlem with 257 to play in the quarter 33:32 What Harlem is doing here tonight after getting beat by Cross Creek by 24 points 20 days ago, and doing it without that guy right there is absolutely amazing.

It's amazing.

But the way they're doing it, they're doing it methodically.

They're not out of control.

There's not a lot of turnovers.

It's simple.

It's easy.

Plays make the easy play.

I think a lot of players focus on the big time play.

Everyone wants to hit a home run, but it's the ones that hits the doubles and the singles and the triples that are the ones that are getting it done and winning the MVP.

So be the MVP by making the easy, easy plays.

You saw Ty Shine hobbling along over there.

He wanted to get in that huddle man.

He's doing it on one leg.

Well he's trying to do it all yeah if I can't play I'm going to be involved somehow.

I'm going to be a cheerleader here.

Got that left ankle iced up.

And he was playing so well.

I hate that for the young man.

But he'll bounce back.

Tough to get hurt in the championship game.

As Williams on the drive he gets knocked to the floor.

No whistle.

Cross Creek has it.

Leverette in the paint.

Going up against Gandy right there.

And they're going to call traveling.

Gandy with the big presence inside.

That's the second time Gandy forced him into a travel just by being there.

And that's important.

Things like that.

That doesn't show up in the stat sheet of very important in the outcome of the game.

Ball nearly thrown away and Hatcher went back to get it under 2.5 to play here in the third quarter, our final state championship game of the day here from the Macon Coliseum.

Every one of our games has been decided by four points or less, and we've had an overtime game.

Williams gets to the rim.

Let me tell you something.

That's water through a barbed wire fence.

The way he went to that 23 zone, very methodically, very decisively.

I mean the things that he did between the legs under control, smooth.

I mean this young man can really play the game.

Putting on a show 19 points for AJ Williams 19 of Harlem 35.

Bulldogs have a three point lead.

2 minutes to play in the quarter.

Great defense right there.

By Futrell who sends the ball back.

And see if you were to look at body language right now, the shoulders are sticking out from Harlem.

They have more bounce in their step Cross Creek they're playing with a big question mark in their eyes.

The eyes are wide.

They're not, you know, nobody's talking and communicating and things like this.

We talked about the first 3 minutes.

This is why this game is coming down to the wire, because the way the Harlem is playing.

They definitely played with a big bounce in their step from the get go.

And AJ Williams has had a big part of that.

They're looking to Tisby can't get it to him now.

The three ball from Shine off the mark.

Williams has it 1:30 to go in the quarter now.

Less than that long pass gets into the front court.

And down goes Futrell on the play.

And there's going to be a whistle.

Foul is called on Cross Creek.

Just their second team foul.

Just two team fouls for each team in this third quarter.

Well both teams are playing zone.

I mean when they're playing zone they're like we're going to force you to shoot the outside shot.

We're not going to put defensive pressure on you to get you to the rim to create those foul opportunities.

123 to play in the quarter.

We're headed toward a fantastic finish here in the three.

A state championship game.

Our first boys championship game of the day.

Darlington won their first ever state championship.

And Harlem is trying to win their first Leverette on the step through and gets it back underneath.

He's in the trees in trouble.

Shot, blocked.

Whistle Foul's going to be called on Harlem.

And see.

AJ Williams coaching on the floor.

And the thing is, he gets into him, claps his hands.

Hey man, we got we need you.

We need you.

We need you.

See that's leadership.

That's okay.

A lot of people don't like leadership when it's an aggressive leadership to win.

And you're in competition.

We're in battle.

Williams being an extension of his dad.

Coach Jeff out there on the floor.

And he's a cheerleader as well, too.

Hey, guys.

Hey, I got you.

Come on.

We have to be together.

We have to stick together.

Let's be intense.

Let's stay focused.

But we've got to get it right.

LeBron free throw off the front iron.

Gandy grabs that easy rebound three point lead.

Harlem they got the ball.

Final minute of the third quarter coming up.

Be patient.

Take your time.

Is a boxer one.

Williams bullet pass to Gandy shot blocked by Tisby.

Tisby saves it.

Cross Creek comes down the floor.

A chance to cut it to one or tie it.

Tisby behind the back.

Gets in the paint.

Bigger role.

And a charge.

No basket.

No basket.

Let me tell you something.

Gandy big fella on Tisby.

He saw that develop.

He was standing there.

That was a great call.

That was the right call.

That was the right call.

Great job.

By Gandy who has provided the defensive support and a little bit of offense as well here in this game tonight.

A presence in the paint doesn't always mean you have to score.

If you have a big body, sometimes all your presence can be as effective.

Be present in the paint, taking charge, contesting shots, rebounding.

He's a big 65 to the roster.

Says he's 65.

He looks bigger than that on the field because he's got some.

He's got some mass to him.

Williams 3-0 my goodness a J. Williams that he shoots the ball.

He shoots it in sync in rhythm.

The rotation of the ball is beautiful and he's just playing a perfect game.

You see.

Final 7 seconds of the third quarter.

Tisby has it.

Let's see if he's going to take it.

Runs into Williams to the corner and the three rim off.

Williams fires it down the floor.

Harlem is 8 minutes away from a state championship.

They lead Cross Creek by six at the end of the third quarter.

AJ Williams.

Sean has 22 points.

Man, is he putting on a show for the crowd here in Macon.

And they are loving it.

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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.

Heads up Georgia.

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When his camp buddies said he played like Magic Johnson, AJ Williams didn't know what he was talking about.

But AJ Williams is a man unto himself.

22.6 rebounds two blocks in this game.

And the interesting thing is, Matt, the way the Cross Creek is trying to defend him, number one, they try to boxing one, they've done a triangle or two against AJ and Ty Shine.

They've done a full denial.

AJ.

And now out of this time-out going to the fourth quarter watch.

They're going to trap him on ball screens and defend him up full court with full denial.

They're going to just throw the arsenal at him to try to stop this man.

But this young man is on fire tonight.

We are 8 minutes away from history being made.

Jeff Williams came to the Harlem program a couple of years ago from New Hampstead down in Savannah.

He had success at Lakeside Evans.

Before that people said, are you crazy?

Why are you going to Harlem?

It's a doormat.

They haven't done anything since 1969.

That's the only other time they played in the state finals.

Here they are in his second year end of the 2026 season, and they are 8 minutes away from a state title.

There's a switch in the traffic.

Foul's going to be called on the dribble.

And the thing is, this is a time for Ty Shine to step up a little bit to be that Batman Robin combo, that 12 combination.

Because once you can take a little pressure off of AJ and someone else starts to step up, then he can isolate himself one on one AJ and be more effective.

Inside they go pass out and it's intercepted.

There's Ty Shine.

You called his name.

Let's see what he can do here.

He's now dribbling up top near the logo.

Dontrell Jackson a little bit of a quiet third quarter for him.

I like the 32 zone.

I like the zone.

Tisby in the paint.

The floater gets the bounce.

Very smooth.

Tisby is getting to the paint.

Nice finish.

You can see why he's a three star in the junior class and already has offers from Florida State, South Carolina and Auburn.

He's a very smooth player.

His talent is apparent.

AJ Williams the step through got fouled on the play.

You see they get Tisby for the foul.

And see that was and that was great basketball.

We're going to talk about Tisby right here in this possession under control.

Nice floater getting to the paint.

I mean he's got to do more of that so he can be more effective.

Especially here right down the stretch under 7 minutes.

But when we talk about what AJ is doing and you know coach Kelly show the ball screen.

But the way the players do they refuse the ball.

Krish.p because you know either the high hands or the trap is coming.

So you may fake it a little bit, oppose it.

And just like what happened that last possession AJ is at the free-throw line.

Williams with the free throw now has 23 points in this game.

Tisby picked up the foul.

That's his second.

Has had a big offensive game.

He's got seven points.

But he also has five blocks in this game.

Now he gets that rebound off the Williams miss five point lead for Harlem.

So there's 23 zone.

Handles out.

Now's the time.

Don't play hero.

Just stay in front of the ball and don't allow penetration.

Wow what a move by Jackson.

Doesn't get the payoff though.

But then the offensive rebound and put back by Jackson.

And that's hard to box out in a zone.

And that's something that Harlem needs to do a better job as.

Contest box and board in the 23 zone.

Those were the first points for Jackson here in the second half.

He has 16 drive by Futrell and a whistle on Cross Creek.

They're picking up a lot of fouls.

They're going to get Harlem into the bonus here pretty quick.

That's going to be the third team foul on Cross Creek in the fourth quarter.

You see that was a great possession.

AJ didn't have to do it all that time for trail was able to penetrate and get to the free-throw line.

So Jayden Futrell he's committed to play here at Mercer.

We're right around the corner from Mercer, but he's going to play football for the bears.

He's a wide receiver.

And you can look at his physique, his body.

This young man can go to Mercer and have a beautiful career.

May be able to walk and play a little basketball.

As well too.

Planting that seed, aren't you, Sean?

The facilities at Mercer, by the way, right around the corner from where we are right here at the Macon Coliseum are spectacular.

They have tremendous FCS FC facilities here on campus.

Every sport basketball, football, baseball, the whole the whole gamut.

So, Matt, 6 minutes and 22 seconds is a four point game.

Both teams.

There's no rush right now.

There's no panic mode.

Just stay consistent.

It's going to be a seesaw.

It's going to be a battle back and forth.

But just stay stay consistent.

Only one free throw for Futrell.

The lead is four for Harlem Cross Creek across.

Trying to cut into that deficit.

Ten on the shot clock now nine.

It's a containment.

23 zone.

Just keep away penetration.

Stop penetration.

Force the last second shot.

With three on the shot clock.

They had to shoot it right there.

The offensive rebound and put back.

But that is also the the bad part about a 23 zone.

The lack of defensive rebounding.

Jackson with the offensive glass and bucket off the miss by Brigham.

It's 40 38.

Here's the double screen.

See they're switching.

They're trying to double him.

Keep him off balance.

AJ off balance.

Futrell on the drive.

Tries to split the defense and there's contact.

They don't like it.

Luke's going to be called for the foul.

And that'll lead us to a time-out with 5-21 to play in regulation.

And a 40 38 lead for Harlem.

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Here's the schedule for Thursday.

We'll start with the girls Washington-wilkes and Wilcox County.

And then Sean and I will join you for the one a d two boys.

Portal.

GPB sports All-State Girls Basketball Player of the year and quite possibly the top prospect in the entire country, leading Mary's against the Longhorns.

And then Sean and I will be back for the boys for a state championship game.

St.

Pius historical season for the Golden Lions, going up against the.

Been there, done that.

Pace Academy Knights.

That's going to be a good game.

I mean every game tomorrow's going to be really good.

And let's get some rest and get back at it tomorrow.

You bet.

We'll sleep after the 521 on the clock.

5:21 to go in this one and perhaps a monumental upset in the making.

Pretty much by any metric you measure this game.

Cross Creek is the two seed.

Harlem is the 17th seed.

Cross Creek beat Harlem three times in the regular season, most recently by 24 points just 20 days ago in the region tournament.

And the thing is, Matt, we spoke about it at the beginning of the broadcast.

The first 5 minutes set the tone Harlem came out and set the tone.

The first 5 minutes of the game Futrell free throw.

, four point lead for Harlem with 5:20 to go.

Now less than that.

So here's a 23 zone 122 zone match up 1-2 two.

Jackson on the drive hanging in the air.

Got his own miss.

Lost the dribble and a foul is going to be called on Harlem in the backcourt.

And we'll talk about it to the end of the game.

It's hard to defend and rebound in a in a zone.

That's one of the things that Harlem has to focus on.

When the shot goes up, you have to find a body.

Number ten Darrien Hatcher gets called for the reach in here, not there.

But later on in the play it's a 42 38 lead.

Jackson again with the ball in his hands.

He's had a great game.

He's got 16 points 18 points.

Pardon me.

Tisby comes to get it ten on the shot clock.

Less than that dipsy doodle.

Tisby showing off his skills.

Where has that been?

It's like he had a burst of energy.

Gets to the rim, finishes it looks great.

Frashad Tisby starting to show off his skill set.

Harlem's lead is down to two.

Williams forces it up there.

Got fouled on the play and AJ Williams is going to the foul line.

He's just tough.

I mean you can talk about AJ Williams all day long.

Tisby getting to the rim.

He's he needs to do more of that you know great crossover great explosion great finish.

Now he looks like a player.

I mean the young man has a chance to excel to grow his game.

But he's got to want it a little bit more.

I think everyone else sees his potential.

And the one thing that Coach Graham used to say is potential means you haven't done anything yet.

Nine points, five rebounds, five blocks for Frashad Tisby tonight.

So I'm thinking about the keys to the game for 25 to go.

If you're Harlem AJ Williams as he's done.

Got to stay aggressive in the smart way.

Not trying to force it.

But then the key defensively they have to rebound the basketball in the 23 zone.

That was tough right there for Williams when in and out.

And Williams just got whistled for the foul.

And that'll be number two on him.

Yes the 23 zone is slowing down the offense.

But the penetration can't come from the top of the key.

You got to play man to man.

A lot of players think because you're in the zone you can kind of display space.

If it's a matchup zone like they're playing Harlem you're playing man to man in your space, not you playing the space.

Miscommunication defensively with his Tisby going to do.

Tisby is going to take a three and rattle it in.

And see.

Cross Creek has the lead.

Whatever motor, whatever happened inside that little engine that thought he could started to wake up and he's showing us why he's at three star prospect.

Tisby now got 12 Futrell gives it up to the wing.

Hatcher gets to the paint, kick out three ball.

Long rebound.

Jackson has it on a run out.

He does not have numbers.

Going to take it himself anyway.

He's a. Player Dontrell Jackson coast to coast.

He's a player.

Cross Creek up three.

Combo guard 15 14 points a game finishing down the stretch.

Williams and one.

And he's a player.

AJ Williams says not so fast.

How about AJ?

Williams?

He's strong.

He can score through contact.

He can shoot the three.

He handles the ball.

He's got great leadership.

If I'm a division one coach, he's going to be my point guard.

I tell you right now, he's good.

Coach Lawrence Kelly for Cross Creek wants a time-out and gets it.

They had confusion about who they wanted on the floor.

So we're going to take the time-out as well while they figure things out.

3:17 to go in regulation don't go anywhere.

We're going down to the final second.

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This is why GPB is your go to for high school sports.

For fantastic state championship games here.

On the first day of the Georgia High School Association state championships, we've had three finals so far.

Sean decided by a total of nine points, and this is a one point game with AJ Williams stepping up to the free throw line.

AJ Williams is a stud now.

This is a chance for him to step up to the free-throw line to tie this game.

Unfortunately, he's missed his last two, so this is important for his team because if he hits this now we have a tied game with 3:17 to go A's.

The basket takes a deep breath, spins the ball.

Game time.

3:17 to go.

It's a 2122 zone.

Now one of the keys.

Also Harlem needs to understand his communication and he talks.

Need the point you know to pass the guy off in the 23 zone.

You don't play the space.

Jackson takes a run at the rim and lays it in, and one.

That should never happen.

There's no way at the top of the key he can go through the zone because the weakside guy just isn't there.

He's trying to play El Matador defense, as we call him to reach, and he's got to get over there to help.

Full body.

Gandy was called for the foul and Jackson Chance at the three point play right here.

Jackson's got a 22 point night working here with six rebounds.

But these are his first free throw attempts.

His first free throw attempts of the game.

And he nails it.

Lead is three again for Cross Creek.

I like Jackson.

He looks good.

He's athletic.

Gets to the rim can shoot the ball.

Now is patient.

Just be patient.

Just be patient.

The AJ be creative.

Good pass.

Inside for Gandy puts it in.

The Gandy.

Big feed by Hatcher one point.

Game under 2.5 to go.

Derrick Shine goes to the corner now gets it back.

And now Jackson playing Keepaway with 2 minutes now less than 10 seconds on the shot clock.

Tisby gets it in the middle of that zone.

Pass out to Shine and the rebound and a whistle on the shot and Tisby is going to get free throws.

And that happens because of the lack of communication, because a lot of times you don't go out to block shots, especially jump shooters, you go to contest the shot because your body's going to take you into the offensive player and you're going to get him at the free-throw line.

Shine at the free-throw line.

Derrick Shine the 510, 170 pound junior guard has been offered by Pain College, drawing his interest from Presbyterian.

He's a two year starter, but he's had to deal with a lot of injuries this season that knocked him out of the rotation.

Yeah, but I love the way he plays.

Yeah, his fierce.

He's you know, has a motor.

Coach Kelly says he impacts winning hit two big free throws right there in the state championship game.

And now Cross Creek up two with less than 2 minutes to play up three.

Pardon me.

See the full denial up top to AJ Williams.

Now it's basically double teaming him forcing him to make plays through the defense.

Inside Gandy what a pass by Williams he just does it all down to a one point game and a time-out.

It's going to be called.

It's a good time-out.

That's a good time out.

A lot of times it's not a time-out to actually call sets.

It's a time-out to give rest.

You better.

You want your players to be a little bit more rested on the defensive end.

There's a great finish by Gambie inside.

Now let's let's what are we going to do defensively.

Give you give this give your team a break.

But decide what you're going to do defensively.

How about Sean the basketball intelligence of AJ Williams.

He's got three defenders right in his face staring at him yeah.

And he bullet passed the ball again.

He's a heck of a player.

I mean he's showing you what he can do with and without the ball.

It's not about scoring.

His dad said he.

He's a guy that knows how to pass it.

They called it magic and Kemp.

So you know he can find players.

But when he needs to score the ball, he can definitely do that.

26 point game for AJ Williams will it be enough?

He has scored 26 of Harlem's 49 points, but they still trail by one with 1-37 left in regulation.

Well, you got to get a stop and the stop comes from the top of the key.

All the penetration for Cross Creek has been Dan Caine Dontrell Jackson.

This Penix from the top.

And that's not what you want.

You want to be able to play the ball man to man.

Play in your area, defend.

But then you have to check out.

You have to box out, secure the defensive rebound.

And you mentioned Jackson.

He's got 23 of Cross Creek 50.

So we got two dudes on the floor who've scored 50% of their team's points tonight.

But what's happening is they're setting a high ball screen at the top of the key.

That's a hard play to defend.

So the change for Harlem could be to trap the ball screen whenever it's at the top of the key.

In this possession.

, clock is rolling under 1:30 to go.

Jackson in attack mode, kicks to Tisby gets it back 15 on the shot clock.

Tisby the baseline.

Keeps it out here to Shine ten on the shot clock.

Now.

Tisby from this wing hits a huge three pointer.

Well that's.

Rashaad Tisby coming up big in the biggest times at the moment.

Hitting big shots big time players hitting big time shots.

Four point lead Cross Creek.

You hit the nail on the head big time players hit big time shots and a three pointer with the clock bleeding down to give Cross Creek a four point lead.

And the way he plays, he's 67.

He's long, he's athletic.

He's seen him getting to the rim with his drives.

But now his shot is kind of taken over.

He's been able to extend the defense with his offense.

He's got 15 now.

Williams at the line.

Hit the first 15350.

Hit the second 53:51.

1 minute.

Sub in for Cross Creek is Mekhi Brigham comes on the floor.

There's a difference of 25 seconds in the game clock.

And the shot clock time-out called by Lawrence Kelly and Cross Creek 41 seconds away from their third state championship.

And all of them will have come since 2021.

So Matt, you gotta look at this through both both lenses.

If you are cross Cross Creek, you want to get the ball into the player that's playing the best and that's going to be Dontrell Jackson penetrate from the top of the key.

Now, at the same time, the player that's kind of made the big shot has been Frashad Tisby from the corner from the wing.

So if you got to put those two players in a high, low situation, and if the penetration comes and the kick the Tisby, that's a win-win.

Harlem on the defensive end.

Got to talk and communicate.

It.

Player's got to be in the position to rotate more, but they've got to box out.

They've got to defend you.

Got it.

If there's a missed shot they have got to secure the rebound.

Qualls Craig playing in their fourth state finals in the last seven years, going for their third state championship in that stretch.

They have a two point lead with 0:41 to go.

This Battle of Augusta area teams playing for the three.

A state championship has been fabulous.

It's been a fun call.

Brigham is going to get it into Jackson.

Now with man to man.

You Harlem your man up.

10 seconds on the shot clock now nine.

You have to do something with it.

Five on the shot clock.

Tisby takes a run at the basket and missed it.

Rebound.

Whistle and a foul is going to be called on Harlem.

Foul is going to be called on JoVaun.

Napier.

Yeah he didn't box out.

All he had to do was put a body on the offense and just secure the rebound.

Both teams in the bonus.

So Tisby is going to get two free throws right here with 26.8 seconds.

Like too much of a foul right there.

I don't know.

I think the players should be allowed to make those plays.

Meantime.

Meantime Dontrell Jackson right here to the right of us is having some trouble with his hamstring.

They keep rubbing it down.

They're putting some heating ointment on it right now.

And during the time-out they were using the roller on him.

So he's having some trouble with that right hamstring.

So he's got 26 point 0:08 to go until the season's over.

It's a state championship game Matt.

Yep.

You get out here you give it all.

You don't leave anything on the court.

I'm not sure what the officials were discussing.

They were over there at the scorer's table.

The call on the floor is Tisby getting two foul shots.

Both teams are in the bonus.

No, you got the wrong shooter.

You have the wrong shooter.

You have the wrong shooter.

No, I mean, Tisby Tisby.

He's taking the shot.

She'd say he's the wrong guy.

He's saying he's the wrong guy.

Tisby the first door stays open for Harlem.

Shine comes off the floor.

Luke comes on the floor.

So getting some bigger defense out there for Cross Creek for this final Harlem possession.

Tisby deep breath.

Makes the second.

It's a three point game.

You don't need a three-point shot.

You need a quick score, but no three-point shot.

Shot clock off.

It's a double team.

Williams gets it across half court.

Going to drive.

Take the three off the iron.

Rebound controlled by Cross Creek.

And a foul is going to be called.

And Harlem upset bid might come up short as Cross Creek comes up with the big plays down the stretch.

Darrien Hatcher an emotional AJ Williams I can understand his frustration, but he can't allow his emotion to cover what he's done tonight.

Young man, there's a lot of basketball to be played.

You got to stay emotionally focused right now, and this is going to be a learning point for him.

Get back in the play.

You're the leader of the team.

And Dontrell Jackson, rubbing his hamstrings, steps up to the line 9.9 seconds.

One free throw will likely put the game out of reach.

Barring a miracle.

And Dontrell Jackson has been their man all night.

Offensively, 23 points, seven rebounds.

He has played every minute of this game.

Hits the first.

Cross Creek up for what?

A run for coach.

Lawrence Kelly and this Cross Creek program gunning for their third state championship.

Dontrell Jackson inches them ever so closer.

It's 56 51.

Now.

This is a time for Harlem.

You want a quick three or quick points because it's a two possession game.

Ball comes into AJ.

Williams got to move fast.

Futrell across the half court line.

Three pointer Gandy off the mark.

Rebound.

Cross Creek and the Razorbacks are champions once again.

For the first time since 2022 and the third time in this decade, the Cross Creek Razorbacks are Georgia high school basketball champions.

Met as a fan, this game had it all.

I mean this game had the drama.

This game had the story line.

This game had the stars.

This game had the players.

This game had the coaches.

This game had it all.

And congratulations to Cross Creek and them being able to win a championship here in 2026.

Dontrell Jackson was strong throughout with 25 points, seven rebounds, five of them on the offensive glass.

Rashaad.

Frashad Tisby got lit late and finished with 16 points and seven rebounds.

He had five blocks.

He was getting it done defensively the whole night and finally got going offensively late in this game to Will Cross Creek to the five point victory over Harlem and heartbreak for the Bulldogs.

What a great run here by coach Jeff Williams in his second season to get them to the finals.

First time since 1969.

Augusta, Georgia.

Listen up, you've got players in Augusta, Georgia.

You've got players in Augusta, Georgia.

Coach them, encourage them.

Coddle them.

Go to these schools.

Support these young men.

You've got basketball players in Augusta, Georgia.

Augusta Georgia might be the number two best area for basketball in the state of Georgia.

Think about that.

I mean it's beautiful.

It's beautiful.

And I love it for these young men.

I love it for that community because I go back to the times with Avery and William Avery that was at Duke.

They've had other players that are there.

Roger Thompson played with me and Winthrop University, Augusta, Georgia has basketball and it's back.

They got three teams in the state finals Cross Creek and Harlem.

Those were two of them just played.

And Butler's going to play in a couple of days for a state championship.

Again, they won it last year.

What a moment for Cross Creek.

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

Listen to Jon Nelson.

Thank you very.

Much, Matt Stewart.

Time to take a peek at someone who's done this before, but they get to do it again.

How does it feel to have that in that left arm with the basketball and the trophy attached to take it back to Cross Creek?

Hey, it's a great feeling and I'm proud of the guys.

All the adversity we dealt with, they kept pushing.

They never gave up.

It's really hard to beat a rival four times in a year.

It's tight.

It was tight then.

It was almost two dozen.

And this time out, once again, it's a five point game.

What did it take to knock them off four times in a row?

Each time through?

We know it was going to be a tough game.

Harlem is well coached by Jeff Williams and they got a great player in AJ Williams, so we just sit there and stay true to us, made sure we kept playing good defense and then my guys got hearts of champions, man.

They got hearts of champions.

I'm proud of him.

What does this say about Augusta basketball?

As I said once before when I was on this platform Elana played basketball.

They got good basketball there.

Savannah got good basketball.

But Augusta got good basketball players, too.

Let's talk to one of those good basketball players.

Where's Dontrell at Dontrell.

If you would please.

Yeah.

Getting the proper celebration here.

He wrapped with 25 points.

Break it down for me.

What was it like out there tonight?

I had to get going.

You know one of my teammates, they couldn't hit shots tonight, so I know we had to pick him up.

Let him get going.

For someone who doesn't understand this rivalry, how would you break it down?

I just want to win.

So win last man.

That's all I'm saying.

What is this season meant to you guys on the whole, to wrap up a state champs?

Are you repeat it.

What does this season meant for all of you guys now that you're going home as a state champ?

It's a hard work, dedication.

Everybody came together and we got it done.

And they did exactly that.

Raquel 25.

Which means that that goes back to Cross Creek one more time.

Let's send it back over to Matt and Goldie to wrap up day one.

All right.

Thank you, Nelly.

While the celebration continues here at Center Court at the Macon Coliseum, we'll step aside.

We'll come back and wrap things up from this exciting day.

One of the Georgia high school basketball championships.

In just a moment.

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From ninth grade through graduation.

Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA Futures.

I said I'm never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

For the third time this decade, the first time since 2022, the Cross Creek Razorbacks out of Augusta are state champions as they beat Harlem 56 51.

Matt Stewart, joined by Shaun Golden.

What a fabulous game we had in individual performance as well.

Dontrell Jackson Jon Nelson just interviewed him.

AJ Williams in a losing effort.

Fabulous performance as well.

It was just a fantastic basketball from the beginning to the end, and the entire day has been fantastic.

All games have gone down to the stretch goals.

Game goes into overtime.

What more can you want if you're a if you're a basketball junkie, this is where you need to be.

Our four state finals today were decided by a total of 14 points.

That's good basketball.

I mean, both these teams know each other.

They understand what's at stake.

And the basketball in the state of Georgia is definitely at a whole 'nother level.

Here are the four games we have for you tomorrow.

Tipping off at 1:00 with the one a D1 girls Washington-wilkes versus Wilcox County, followed by the one A D1 boys, D2 boys.

Pardon me, that's Division two here.

Portland Clinch County at 3:00.

The four a girls at 5:30, Da'Maris and Kelly.

And then we'll wrap things up with the four A boys at 7:30.

St.

Pius and Pace Academy.

What a day here.

On the first day of the four day Georgia high school basketball state Championships at the Macon Coliseum, you couldn't ask for better.

You couldn't ask for more.

But we'll do it.

We'll come back and do better, and we'll do more tomorrow.

56 51 Cross Creek the champions in three A our producer has been Glenn Diamond and our director has been Vincent Early.

And now for my partner Sean Golden and our entire spectacular GPB sports team here in Macon.

I'm Matt Stewart, so long until tomorrow.