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

As we look inside the Macon Coliseum, where tonight the 32-0 St.

Pius Golden Lions take on the 24-7 Pace Academy Knights.

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

What a matchup we have here in the.

For a final St.

Pius trying to complete their historic undefeated season with their first ever state championship.

Facing a Pace Academy team, one of the best programs in the entire country.

Led by one of the most decorated high school coaches in the nation, Sharman White.

They're going for their sixth state championship, and all of them have come since 2016.

Well, St.

Pius, I'm excited about their season, but were you playing against the Goat or Sharman White?

This man has won at every level at the high school level and at the USA level, but this is going to be a great game.

This is a game of two programs.

Who is starting or starting to do this?

This season?

One's already undefeated, the other one's getting better.

Man.

Sit back, relax, and let's enjoy the ride this afternoon.

This evening.

Should be a lot of fun.

It's been a great season for St.

Pius.

They're led by their four star shooting guard Harris Reynolds, who signed with the Clemson Tigers.

Well this Clemson commit at six foot four, he is special averaging 25 points, six rebounds three assists.

He's quick.

He's athletic.

He's explosive.

I've watched him on tape in transition.

He can flat out get it done from one end to the other.

It's going to be fun watching this man play tonight.

Now for Pace.

They don't have quite the marquee star power they've had in the past.

But led by their 69 post Hayden Clay, who has had a wonderful season, he signed with the Georgia Southern Eagles.

It's great, great footwork.

At six foot nine, a beautiful looking body, first team.

Our region easily could have been player of the year.

Georgia Southern got it still in him.

He can step out shoot it from the three.

He's an all around player.

Going to be a fun matchup.

Pace and St.

Pius for the four.

A state championship game.

Pace has won 19 games in a row after starting the season 5-7 and those first 12 games pretty much all played against higher competition here in the state of Georgia or a national schedule.

They lost to the number one team in Chicago.

They lost two games out in Portland, Oregon, but they have not lost here in the 2026 calendar year.

And we.

Talk about Coach White being the Goat.

He understands you got to prepare for battle.

He's taking his teams outside of the state.

And you go, 0-3 He's okay with that because he knows at the end of the day, we want to be able to go to Macon and cut down nets for the championship.

Will Cloyd, the head coach of the St.

Pius Golden Lions.

It's his alma mater.

He was a player back in 2008, not that long ago.

And there's Sharman White.

I mean, you talk about one of the best coaches in the entire country.

He's going for his tenth Georgia high school state championship here tonight.

His third Pace.

He won seven at Miller Grove.

And the opening tip gets knocked out of bounds.

And let's see what it's going to be.

St.

Pius Ball there in the Navy uniforms tonight trimmed in white and gold Pace and the white.

Pace starting out with the man to man extended pressure.

And there's.

Harris Reynolds.

Let's see how quickly he makes an impact on this game.

Immediately missed the bank shot ball tipped up in the air and coming over the back.

Perhaps we have a foul on Harris Reynolds.

No foul is going to be on Pace.

It's going to be on Jeffrey Stephens.

He got bailed out on that one.

I thought it was over the back, but what happened is on the shot defense, the defender kind of undercut him a little bit.

So they kind of bailed him out on that one.

Inbounds comes the Rogers.

Rogers picks up his dribble to the wing.

And now up top.

Etienne going to drive to the left side of the lane.

Gets stonewalled by three men.

And the three-point shot off the mark.

Rebound controlled by Elliott, the all time rebounder, and St.

Pius history.

But then he loses.

Well, that was a great defensive possession by Pace.

You know, secured the rebound.

This is going to go on the offensive here.

Here's Jaydon Avery the point guard number 11.

Now they get it into the corner.

Now back up top to Avery.

He's played in three finals in his four years with the Knights team in the corner.

The three pointer off the mark.

The miss by Brian Clark rebounded by Clay in the paint.

Clark misses the runner and the rebound.

Elliott clears it to Reynolds.

And this is where St.

Pius is dangerous in transition.

Reynolds misses the long distance.

Three we're still scoreless.

After a minute.

Kayden Avery brings it up, averages 4.5 assists per game.

He was a freshman the last time they won the state championship on this floor in 2023.

They lost it last year on the score against North Oconee.

Inside Clay with the left hand missed.

Stays with it.

Missed again.

Battle for the rebound.

Reynolds and a foul is going to be called on Pace.

Interestingly, I love how both teams are competing here in the opening tip offensively and defensively they're playing aggressive even though the big fella missed those teardrop layups there.

It was a competitive miss and I'm sure he'll capitalize that as the game starts to slow down and he gets into a rhythm.

Gavin Fountain was called for the foul.

Pace has two team fouls here in the opening less than 2 minutes.

Reynolds straight on three.

If the iron bounces up off the backboard batted up into the air and Fountain has the rebound for Pace now Avery will bring it across.

In addition to his 4.5 assists per game, Avery has averages nine points per game.

He misses the runner high off the glass.

I mean that was a really good defense.

Etienne leaked out on the play.

He tried to catch it over his shoulder like a wide receiver.

And now traveling ball on Rogers, who took steps before he put the dribble on the floor.

If you watch the way that St.

Pius is defending on the perimeter, I mean, they're letting the players play.

There's not a lot of hand checking.

They're just moving their feet, keeping the ball in front of them.

And when you play like that, that's a good intensity and that's great coaching on behalf of Coach Coach Cloyd.

Sean, we have a shutout after two plus minutes.

Avery walks to the cross, backing it in against Rogers.

Rogers one of their best on ball defenders.

Ball goes to Clay.

He gets fouled on the play.

Reach in.

Foul's going to be on Rogers and that's going to be a third team foul on Pace.

Well the aggressor is Pace not shooting threes but basket cuts.

So diving to the rim off the ball screen there trying to get to the paint.

Take advantage of their height and their size inside the paint tonight.

Hayden Clay 69, 225.

Senior post 70% free-throw shooter on the season.

And he gets his first point of the night and the first point in the game for either team.

Breaking the tie after 2 minutes and 33 seconds of scoreless basketball.

Keppen gets the rebound, boxing out, making sure Clay didn't move in there and get his miss.

Reynolds rises up, got knocked down on the three.

Say something to you about Reynolds.

He's about six foot four, 4.5, but the way he elevates on his jump shot right here, that's NBA stuff.

I know he's going to Clemson.

Clemson definitely got a steal in him because he you know he's really come back from an injury.

But more importantly the way he elevates when he shoots the ball he's going to get stronger.

He'll get faster.

And you'll see him do some special things in ACC in years to come.

Reynolds ties the game with his first free throw of the night.

You mentioned the injuries last summer.

A dislocated shoulder and then a broken leg, but he's come back strong from that.

A couple of free throws for Reynolds.

Here's the full court pressure.

I mean, just loving the way that St.

That St.

Pius is defending on the perimeter especially.

They keep the ball in front.

They're communicating on the screens.

Rising up for the three pointer.

Jaydon Avery knocked it down.

Nine points three rebounds four assists.

He's a defensive guard but he can shoot the three.

Keppen misses the three.

Long rebound comes to Rogers.

Rogers gets the floater to go.

The thing about playing the team that shoots the three-point shot guards got to check out as well too.

All missed.

All missed shots are going to be free throws and extended, so the guards got to check it on the perimeter.

Tied at four.

Rogers puts it off of Avery's leg and it goes out of bounds.

And we'll have our first time out of the game for 28 to play in the opening quarter.

Pace and St.

Pius tied at four.

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Back in Macon, St.

Pius and Pace Academy tied at for the road to the Final Four for the St.

Pius Golden Lions beat Monday's Mil in the first round, beat Union Grove in the second round, the same team that knocked him out in the second round a year ago in the quarterfinals, hosted the two time defending state champion North Oconee Titans and beat them in a tough Jonesboro team in the Final Four in the semifinals to get the 32-0 and game number 33 here tonight for the state title.

Jumper is good.

Big time shot by Elliott slipped on the screen mat because so much focus was on Reynolds on the flare that he's able to slip and get the shot at the free throw.

Elliott with 12 points per game.

Scorer ball gets knocked away by Elliott and Avery goes back to get it on the logo.

Look at the pressure mat.

Look at the pressure.

Look at the pressure.

Look at the defense.

And Rogers after the steal.

Goes in for the layup and the shot defended a dunk by Reynolds.

That will not count.

But Rogers is the guy that Coach Cloyd says guards with reckless abandon.

Man.

It's unsigned.

Top defender as coach said, averaged eight points, three rebounds a game.

But he's the glue guy when it comes to setting the tone with their defense.

He extends it.

I mean he's up in the grill.

And you know the way that he plays he doesn't handshake.

He's just moving his feet anticipating which way the ball wants to go.

And you know, kind of controlling the the point guard Avery and what direction he wants wants to lead him.

Rogers is just a 55% free-throw shooter, the senior guard, but does average right at eight points per game.

He hit the first, missed the second.

Seven for St.

Pius on top.

Under 4 minutes to play here in the first quarter.

Cloyd rather Clay puts it on the floor and has it rolled off the iron as he got fouled on the play.

Hayden Clay is going to be taking foul shots here.

And that was a good move by Hayden Clay with the up and under.

But now I'm going to challenge this young man.

Finish that year in the state championship game.

You're 69.

They've got us defending you at 6-6 five.

Got to finish that down low and get a three point play.

Yeah Keppen was called for the foul there.

That's his first.

And we have two team fouls now on St.

Pius.

Hayden Clay averaging 14.5 points.

Missed them both eight rebounds per game.

He's been a solid almost double double guy.

Reynolds goes and attacks the basket.

Missed.

Rebound out.

It goes on the stoop to Etienne.

Keppen gets it to Reynolds.

Reynolds takes the three.

Reynolds hits the iron.

Tough start for Reynolds.

Tough start for Reynolds but he's playing in the rhythm of the game and once he gets going, I promise you he's going to get going.

Reynolds gets the rebound.

Reynolds has started zero for five.

Now he gets it.

Coach Cloyd says this guy is all about the team.

He's not aloof.

Like a lot of basketball stars tend to be.

Rogers gets it to Elliott now to Reynolds for the corner it goes and Etienne Etienne gets to the paint.

Keppen Mehr drop.

The ball was moving like a hot potato mat.

That possession man you talked about Reynolds he's not a selfish player.

He's a team player because he gave up two shots instead of taking a good pass.

Let's make it make it a great pass.

That was fantastic ball movement on that offensive set for St.

Pius.

They lead by five.

There's a double team.

I mean they are defending St.

Pius.

They are defending very well on the perimeter.

Clay comes out to set the screen and bouncing goes around it and lays it in.

Good move by.

Be patient.

He's the first good player and he's getting better.

His coach says.

You know when he did something we've talked about here in the finals is he went around that screen and he accelerated.

He attacked.

He didn't.

A lot of the guys we've seen go around screens, they hit the acceleration.

They take their foot off the gas and then they're like, I'm going to make a decision with the ball.

Well, you should have already made the decision when you went around the screen.

Yeah, you're exactly right.

Reynolds mid range.

Another miss play another rebound.

Clay misses the three.

Elliott clears another board.

Transition.

Basketball.

Is playing to their strengths.

Rogers runs into the defense.

We're going to reach in foul on Pace.

And so the way that Pace is playing is on St.

Pius is playing.

They want transition basketball.

Pace wants to play more than a half court, try to get the ball inside, be more methodical with their play two shots.

So Rogers back at the foul line with two more free throws.

Four point lead for St.

Pius.

Rim out 106, four point lead.

St.

Pius is Avery brings it across for Pace.

Ball gets batted up into the air.

Fountain comes to get it.

Deflection.

Look at the extended defense, how they extending the defense.

St.

Pius.

You see the 27-20 2% field goal percentages to start this game.

Both these teams really not shooting the ball well just yet.

Rebound up and in by Clark.

That's how Pace has to play.

A missed shot is almost a pass because you got the height advantage against St.

Pius.

Use your strength.

Play inside out.

Elliott will take the three and miss it.

Rebound.

Clark got it.

Had it knocked away.

Goes and gets it under a minute to play in the.

Quarter and probably not the best shot that in that possession.

But it was an open shot and it was the wrong player taking it.

But at least he's putting pressure on the defense to be consistent to set.

The screen and Avery gives it up to him.

Look at the defense, man.

I mean, the way that St.

Pius is defending on the perimeter is something special.

That's been the hallmark of their 32-0 season.

Ball goes inside Dickert puts it in Henry Dickert the 66 junior forward game tied at ten.

Inside out basketball.

Anytime Pace can get the ball inside.

Inside the paint, it's their advantage.

Final 9 seconds of the first quarter.

There's one.

It's actually a 131 defense.

Final shot of the quarter.

And the first mate for Harris Reynolds.

He went zero for six in the quarter until the final second when he belts a three.

And it's a 1310 lead for St.

Pius after one quarter.

How about Harris Reynolds.

Just keep shooting baby.

They're going to go in three point lead.

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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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The road to the championship for Pace.

And you can see why.

Coach Sharman White says this team's been left for dead.

They beat Dalton by 25 in the first round, then they needed a three at the end of regulation from Brian Clark to beat East Side in overtime in the second round, got by southwest DeKalb by eight in the quarters and then they were down 11 going to the fourth quarter in the semifinals against Cambridge and came back and won.

Well he's not the Goat for a reason.

I mean this man can coach basketball.

And more importantly, he relates with his players.

All of his players respect him.

They love him.

He has a strong IQ and and talking to him, being around USA basketball, he said the things that he had to do when he started with USA basketball, he had to listen because he had better coaches than him.

And that's what makes him so special.

He doesn't allow he doesn't allow being the the guy that needs to listen to get better.

Ball on the floor, on the lob inside for Clark and the foul.

I believe it's going to be on Keppen right there.

And that'll be number two on him.

You look at Sharman White 1010 state championships in 28 seasons.

He's won three at Pace won seven at Miller Grove.

And the amazing thing about Sharm is so many of these big time coaches, you know, they got these huge personalities are bombastic.

And he's not that at all.

He's very calm and he's very controlled.

And Clay commits the foul.

And watching the game so far Matt, here in the second quarter I felt that that was a great start for St.

Pius.

St.

Pius is playing really good defensively.

They're putting pressure on the ball.

But in order to finish the play defensively they got a rebound.

And that's exactly what they did in that possession.

That's the second personal foul on Clay.

They keep him on the floor.

So rolling the dice a little bit here.

Reynolds attacks and goes in there and travel.

Yeah they're moving around around around the court now.

He's at the high post trying to take advantage of his quickness against the big fella.

High stakes like this game like this.

Would you have Clay on the floor with two personal fouls 1 minute into the second quarter.

No no.

Keep him out there.

Sets the screen three pointer on the way in the miss.

Rebound controlled by Reynolds and comes with Elliott.

Oh my goodness.

A traveling call.

Not a foul but a traveling call.

As Shaw Tomlinson shuffles his feet before the defender collides and flips over the top of him.

Avery.

I mean, you know, and when you play like this in transition, you got to keep that pivot foot down.

When it comes to making the shot fake.

Look at that pressure.

That's crazy right?

This pressure.

I mean they are up in their grill.

And we have a foul away from the ball.

And it's going to be on Elliott for St.

Pius.

And he was trying to get past the screen.

I saw it and that's okay because when you're playing aggressive defensively you're moving your feet.

That's not a bad foul.

That's okay because it was in the flow of the game.

It's a really good looking athlete.

He signed with Columbus State.

Inside they go to Clark.

Clark spin moves several times and puts it in.

By Brian Clark 11 points a game.

Going to play football right here in Macon, Georgia at mercy.

We're practically on the Mercer campus right now here in the Macon Coliseum.

It's one exit up.

Ball bounces over the top of the backboard.

Reynolds seems a little bit frustrated with himself right now.

It's been a poor shooting.

Game, but the way he's shooting, he's not stepping into the shot.

He's kind of catching and bouncing on two feet without any momentum going towards the rim.

Step into your shot.

Shoot with rhythm, shoot with confidence.

Yeah.

Reynolds is now one for eight shooting in this game and one for five on the three.

And his shot looks good.

He's got to play with the rhythm of the game and step into the shot.

Elevated follow through.

Make a miss get back on defense.

Full court pressure here by St.

Pius and Avery Johnson's going to bring it up.

Fountain now gives it Avery.

Cross court it goes to Clark for the three.

High rebound plays.

Got it knocked away.

Look at the toughness.

You know Rogers is one of those players mat.

He may not be your most valuable player.

But when it comes to defense and leadership he's the most important player.

Well when you hang your hat on defense like St.

Pius does, you're right.

He's not Harris Reynolds, but he might be your most valuable player because defense is how you win these games.

Exactly.

Smiles guy on the court.

But the biggest heart on the court.

See now with St.

Pius needs to do is run some ads and run your man offense.

Get cuts through the defense instead of passing the ball and allowing the defense to rest, move, cut.

Tomlinson calling for it.

Fires.

The quick three tried to bank it in.

Elliott gets the rebound.

And he stepped on the sideline.

And when you play against playing against a team like Pace that's tall, that's big.

It's hard to go over the top of the of the zone.

So what do you do?

You cut through the zone.

You make the defense kind of commit to shrink.

And then you're able, you'll be able to get more open shots.

Like we talked about this Pace team, they're playing without their highest rated prospect.

And that is their sophomore point guard.

Brielen Craft, who's ready to his number five point guard in the country.

He's been out with multiple foot injuries and missed most of the season.

He's only played in 21 games.

Corner three bingo.

Time shot.

Big time shot by Avery.

Pace Academy up by two.

Pass thrown away.

Dickert three with the mark.

Rebound.

Elliott looking down.

Floor getting it to Rogers.

Rogers goes by the defender and puts it up and in.

Rogers has a big heart.

He's the smartest guy on the court, the biggest heart.

He's playing tough.

He's got six of their 15 points.

We're tied.

Down low.

Look at.

Look at the fight down low.

Look at the fight.

Look at Rogers come over from behind and steal it from Clark to Reynolds.

Try to spin, move and got swiped by Stephens ahead to Fountain.

Fountain with the step through and a foul on the play.

Unbelievable defensive effort here by Thomas Rogers.

We'll have foul shots when we get back.

422 to play in the half and it's 15 15.

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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.

St.

Pius and Pace tied at 15.

Even though Harris Reynolds the highest rated player on the floor here tonight is one for eight shooting, one for five on his threes.

What have you seen from him so far?

He's playing very cool.

When you miss the shot.

Oh wow.

When the shot doesn't fall he's on the floor.

He's playing very cool.

You know when you're trying to win a championship it's not about being cool.

It's about getting out here and doing little things.

And when you start getting involved in the small things on the court, the big things will happen.

He's got to get out of trying to score and just start playing the game without putting the ball in the basket.

That's screening, that's defending, that's rebounding, that's passing, that's talking.

There's so many more things, more action that he can do to make himself more effective in the game.

To his credit, he is the top rebounder in this game right now.

He has six boards to go along with which.

Is great, which is great.

But if you're the top player on the court, then you got to do more.

Fountain missed the first and then hits the second.

Pace up one coming up on the four minute mark here in the second quarter.

She's a 32 zone.

Prohibits that shot at the top of the key the three point line.

So you need cuts and movement through the zone.

See that's going to be a bad shot if you attempt it for 25 feet.

But nobody's moving.

Whistle and fouls going against Dickert and Pace holding call.

Seven.

So two team fouls on Pace.

Rogers comes off the floor.

The drive by Etienne up and in.

Oh my gosh.

Max Etienne the 59 junior guard gets to the rim.

The heart of a lion.

He took it to the lion's den and decided to get him a heart and a hard basket.

One point lead St.

Pius here in the four.

A state championship game.

Look at that defense.

How was extended on the perimeter.

Avery being marked by Etienne.

Avery going to try to take him to the lane.

Dickert steps inside the three point line.

Gives it up four on the shot clock.

Got to go and do something with it.

Rebound.

Dickert stepped out of bounds.

I mean they're just scrappy.

You think about St.

Pius when it comes to their defensive effort.

They're scrappy.

They don't mind boxing out, shaking out, getting the floor for the loose balls.

But I hope that on the offensive end, they'd be a little bit more creative.

Cuts, moves.

That's a three man.

It's a three out, two zone.

So you should have a two man front.

Oh there you go.

Keppen with a two man front.

Ended up with a nice dump in the backside.

Great lob.

Great finish by Reynolds.

Keppen with the assist and the slam dunk by Reynolds.

Maybe that gets him going.

Coach Cloyd calls Keppen the Greek God of assist.

Inside they go to Fountain.

Fountain answers back.

Quite as noisy.

A basketball.

It still counts.

But it's a high low action mat.

It's to their strength.

It's not an outside shot.

They're playing inside out.

Keppen corner three and it goes down.

The rhythm.

It's a rhythm game.

It's a rhythm game.

You make good plays on defense.

Great plays to come to you on offense.

Keppen is just a 31.5% three point shooter.

That was a big one right there though.

Four point lead for the Golden Lions.

Lob inside for Fountain.

It's denied by Reynolds.

This is the way he can capitalize right here in transition.

Going all the way.

He got tied up by Avery.

They blow a whistle on the play.

Let's see if it's going to be Avery or somebody else.

I mean you talk about getting up.

That young man is letting.

Flynn Keppen who had the assist on that dunk got the roll around three.

But the rhythm match starts on defense.

That's the way that St.

Pius wants to play, defend and then reward yourself from the offensive end with good offensive plays.

You got alley-oop dunks.

You're shooting threes.

Now you're talking more.

You're moving more.

You have more bounce.

When you defend the way they defend.

And you get turnovers and steals.

Take advantage of that.

Reward yourself with good offensive play.

Reynolds hits both free throws and of course he would.

He's an 83% free-throw shooter.

His extended pressure.

Six point lead for St.

Pius Avery they break the pressure, gets the Fountain.

They got a two on one.

They go inside for Clay.

It rolls off the rim.

Clay gets it back and got fouled.

Can't miss those bunnies.

Know you can't miss those bunnies.

You know.

We questioned with his height and size.

You know he looks like he could be going to a UConn.

But you know he's still developing as a player and that's why he's at Georgia Southern.

Georgia Southern just had his fourth run in the Sun Belt tournament.

Won five games in five days.

You mentioned UConn, the only team other than Georgia Southern ever to do that in college basketball history.

The Georgia Southern Eagles and UConn and Hayden Clay is signed with the Eagles and coach Charlie Henry.

Looks like he'll be a good fit there.

High bounce, no good.

Elliott got the rebound and got rid of it before he traveled.

See the transition offense is a strength of St.

Pius.

They need better spacing, but that's your strength because they're capitalizing off their steals from the defensive effort they're putting out.

Six point lead for St.

Pius.

Under 2 minutes to play here in the first half.

Here's the cut to man front.

He needs to cut.

Good slip good slip good basketball.

Elliott right to the.

Rim.

Two defenders good basketball.

D’Marley Elliott the big basket eight point lead for St.

Pius.

It is their largest lead of the game.

Defense up front.

I mean they are all over.

Avery not giving him any space to feel comfortable trying to start the offense.

Avery dumps it in there to Clay Clay backing down, tries a drop step and they call it traveling on him.

106 to play in the half 26:18 lead for St.

Pius on the line.

Their first ever state championship and an historic 33-0 season ball nearly stolen away by Clark.

Now Etienne being guarded by Clark gets it to Elliott cross court.

It goes to Keppen to the corner.

It goes for the three pointer.

Off the mark.

Rebound.

Fountain.

Pace needs to score going into halftime.

You need a bucket.

Avery tried to give you one right there.

Elliott snags another rebound.

Elliott already has seven rebounds here in the first half.

He averages nine a game.

And like I said earlier, he is the all time leading rebounder in program history.

16 seconds left in the half.

Reynolds take the final shot.

He buried a three at the buzzer at the end of the first quarter.

Then a drive and go in and down.

Wow.

You see?

That was a huge play offensively for St.

Pius because St.

Pius is going in with confidence and Pace is going in with a big question mark, big time play going into halftime.

Half in Macon St.

Pius, leading 28-18 Harris Reynolds the Clemson signee starting to come to life.

He has 11 points and six rebounds at the break.

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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.

Pest management knows it's the bugs inside that you want gone.

That's why Breda works to protect the inside and outside of.

Your home.

Welcome into our GPB halftime show.

Georgia is your home for the 2026 GHSA boys and girls high school basketball state championship coverage.

If you're just now joining us, we're currently in the half of our last game of day two.

We have four days of wonderful coverage for you.

That's going to go all the way to Saturday.

Let's go ahead and take a look at our scoreboard and get you caught up.

There you have it.

St.

Pius is over Pace Academy right now.

By ten.

Halftime score right now is 28-18.

And the score a boys title game.

Jon Nelson you and I both know that these two schools well, there's more to them than just basketball.

And I hear you have representatives of the two schools with you right now, live from the Macon Coliseum.

Yes, that is a check mark in a box.

Nikk.

That is correct.

We catch up with the athletic director of St.

Pius, and he's been there less than a year, so I can't quite give him paper as an anniversary present yet.

And then we also have the head of upper School from Pace Academy, Michael Gannon.

Gentlemen, it's great to hang out with you.

I'm going to go over here.

I want to get the athletic perspective from you in a sec.

Pace has a a storied head coach in Sharman White, a historic program.

Charm has won, I think, four titles at Pace in his career there.

I think he's in double digits now.

What has it been like to to see the program grow and evolve with him in charge to once again, you're chasing after another title?

Yeah, I think the key is charms a great man and a great leader.

And the championships follow a process of being a great leader to the kids at Pace and helping them face adversity and challenging them to grow.

Where our school motto is to have the courage to strive for excellence and charm lives that and the kids embrace that K through 12 so then striving for excellence in the other A's arts, academics instead, in addition to athletics.

What else is going on there at Pace folks need to know about?

Yeah, actually, I'm super proud of our Isdell center for Global Leadership.

We have a program that's built to, to, to allow kids to become globally minded, to think through that lens.

And in the last ten years, we've sent almost 2000 kids to 57 different countries and Antarctica.

And so we're helping kids see the world is bigger than the four feet they occupy Antarctica, man.

Did they bring back pictures with like penguins.

Hopefully you gotta like penguins, man.

That's that's cool.

All right, we're gonna go to the flip side here and catch up with Joe McCurdy from St.

Pius.

Joe and I, we can talk soccer all day long, but we're here to talk about St.

Pius and chasing after that first state championship.

On the basketball side of things, 32-0 there's a lot there's a lot of superlatives when it comes to this program.

And this year, what is this run been like?

It's been unbelievable.

John.

You know, eight years ago.

We went to the finals twice in a row.

We went to Mccamish Pavilion.

We faced an incredible UPS and Liège team and we lost twice.

This time feels different though.

That was a special team.

Then.

My own son, Finn McCurdy, played on it.

We had some great players.

Everett Lane Nico Broadway, the Gonzalo Twins.

There's a fight.

Is who the better team is, who the more special team is.

And this team right here that we have on the on the court tonight will give them a run for their money, I think.

I think those people would say it's all this team.

And he's a father of four that have come through St.

Pius.

So he knows what it's all about there at St.

Pius, I do as well as a kid from DeKalb County.

Joe, it's great to see you, my friend.

Enjoy the second half.

Mike.

Good to see you, my friend.

Thanks for hanging out with us.

Let's send it back to Midtown for the rest of halftime.

Nicki Noto Palmer, it's all yours.

Thanks so much, Nelly.

Well, we've got more coming up for you.

It is our last halftime show of day two of our four day championship coverage.

Keep it right here on GPB.

We'll have more for you coming up after the break.

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Storm or shine.

Thank you for being our lifeline.

Georgia's MCs so much more than electricity.

I said I'm never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

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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Welcome back to our GPB halftime show.

If you're just joining us, we're currently at the half of our boys for a title game right now.

St.

Pius is leading Pace Academy.

We've been able to watch some incredible basketball all season long of course, but there are other student athletes across the board in other sports that deserve a little recognition.

And thanks to our friends over at U-save at pharmacy, we'd like to highlight a few of those players.

And right now we want to introduce you to Kai Allen.

He's a football player out of Westover High School.

Take a look at.

Kyson.

He's 67, 320.

That can run.

That's agile, that can get around.

So that's the biggest thing that we see.

And the college season as well.

When you put in the work the scholarships will come.

You know the coaches will find you.

It actually pushes me to work even harder than when I'm working.

I always do an extra rep or extra set just to try to get that edge on my opponents, because I know nobody works like me.

I think what sets them apart is the motivation to be great.

You know, the motivation to be the best lineman that he can be.

Once I got that mindset that I got to be the best, I got to.

Another great you save at pharmacy story.

Well, we're almost finished with day two.

This is our last last halftime show of the day.

Why don't we go ahead and take a look at what's coming down the pike tomorrow for day three of our four day coverage of the state championship games.

Tomorrow's Friday.

And first up, we've got the single a Division one girls game at 1:00.

To kick things off East Laurens versus Elbert County at 3:00 P.M.. The Single-A Division one boys game.

It's going to be a sea of red when Raymond County comes to town against Southwest Macon.

And then we've got the the Co-Ed 3-Point Contest.

Those are always so fun to watch.

In fact, the boys three point contest winner from our day one.

He plays for Raymond County and Tracy Adcock.

So that'll be cool to watch.

And then at 5:30 we've got the five a girls game.

Creekview versus Milton.

That'll be a great one.

And then to close out day three we've got the five a boys matchup coming on at 730.

That's when we'll tip off that game.

Alexander versus Woodward Academy.

So that's your schedule for tomorrow.

And don't forget if you're not watching these games right now and you got to go somewhere we understand life happens.

Be sure to follow us on social media.

You can follow us along at Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, GPB.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

We stream the games there.

And then of course, don't forget about our GPB sports app.

Now here's the scoreboard from the game you're watching right now.

We've got 16 more minutes about to come up.

St.

Pius is leading Pace Academy 28-18 We'll see if Pace can close that ten point gap.

16 more minutes of for a boys basketball is coming up.

Let's go ahead and send it over to the Macon Coliseum mat.

Shawn, take it away.

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Wherever you go, there we are.

Here's our story by the numbers.

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Our network of electric lines traverses 73% of Georgia's land area, with operations in 157 of 159 Georgia counties.

We meet our members right where they live, work and learn.

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Georgia's EMC is so much more than electricity.

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Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.

A massive crowd of St.

Pius fans, most of them students, have made their way down from DeKalb County to Macon for this.

For a state championship game and their teams winning right now.

28 18 Matt Stewart joined by Shawn Golden.

Your thoughts on that first half?

What a great defensive performance by St.

Pius.

The way they're defending, putting pressure on the ball and we call it BBR box board and run.

And when you defend well offensively you're starting to get confidence.

The shots are going to fall.

Your rhythm is going to be there.

And it's just been exciting to watch how that team has matured in the first half.

Be excited to see what they're going to do in the second half.

And the same thing with Pace Academy, what they're going to do because they're not shooting the ball well.

Seven for 22 from the field and they need to start scoring when the ball goes inside the paint, the big fella needs to finish inside the paint.

You saw the stats.

You saw the highlights.

On Harris Reynolds 11 points, six rebounds in the first half of action.

Anything jump off the page at halftime?

Stats.

Like I said, it's just shooting Pace Academy seven for 22.

The big fella he's missing point blank shots.

He's got to be more effective in finishing down low getting some three point opportunities.

That big fella you were referring to is Hayden Clay, who has only 1.1 for six at the free-throw line.

And for 3-0 for three from the floor.

Most of them put back and opening the half is Clark with a reverse layup.

And inside the paint.

That's what he talks about.

And if you want to take it one step at a time, eat one piece of the pie.

It's going to be layups, post touches.

Foul going to be called on Clark and Clark will touch foul there on Harris Reynolds.

That's going to be number one on Clark.

And the thing about we talked about with Clay Harden, he's got the body, he's got the size, but he has to have the mindset and the will.

Inbounds comes to Elliott handoff goes to Keppen back inside it goes to Etienne.

Etienne just inside the oh nice job.

What a nice shot.

Etienne what a nice shot.

Coach will talked about how Etienne is one of those solid players.

That was just a solid, basic, simple move.

Trying to do something his brother couldn't do.

His brother was on the 20 17-20 18 state runner up teams, and Max is trying to get the big championship.

I mean, Etienne just using his body, just being skillful, but very simple.

There wasn't a lot of, you know, showboating, just very simple pull up, jump shot at mid range.

It is a ten point lead for St.

Pius.

Keppen for three.

Hit the iron rebound snagged by Fountain.

That was a shot to Avery.

That was a quick shot in that possession Matt probably not what they wanted.

Clay inside missed up close.

He's zero for four.

Little on the basket for that guy.

And he keep playing.

I mean you missed it.

So what?

Get to the next play.

Get to the next play.

You know Coach White's not going to take him out of the game.

But sometimes post players will it be to finesse with their moves and their finishes.

Put it on the glass, make the layup.

Get back.

Avery smacks the three.

Now he needs to step up this half.

Avery nine points three assists.

He needs to step up.

He leads the team in assists but he might need to score a little bit more here in the second half.

Reynolds being guarded by Clark in the paint.

Reynolds banked it in big time.

Play big time.

Play great ISO play for Reynolds.

Four star shooting guard signed with the Clemson Tigers.

Avery rim out on the three rebound controlled by Stephens.

Gets it back to Fountain.

Fountain on the drive with the left hand.

Missed it and there it is.

Clay finally knocked that lid off the basket.

First field goal make of the night for him.

But he wasn't hesitant.

He got it right back up.

Kissed it off the glass for the layup.

Foul's going to be called on St.

Pius.

No, it's going to be called on Pace.

Pardon me.

And that's what Reynolds has to do.

I mean, excuse me if that's what the big fella has to do.

Talking about Harden finish down low.

Keep it simple.

Got his jersey ripped inside.

They go shot, blocked.

And a foul was called Warnock.

No foul call.

Just out of bounds.

Oh.

Good basketball play.

Great basketball player.

Seven point lead Matt.

And you're still early here in the second half.

But Pace has come out and show what they could do defensively as well.

Getting some stops.

Let's see what they do in this offensive possession.

Avery trying to spin back into the paint and a reach in foul.

Going to be on Rogers.

Rogers picks up his third personal foul.

And the two times down the floor.

Jaydon Avery has been the one to ignite the offense, scoring from the three.

Now getting the foul on the penetration instead of being the assist guy, he's going to be the guy that has to score the points.

So Rogers with those three personals comes off the floor.

Zach Yimtatu comes on the floor for the Golden Lions.

Fountain nearly lost the dribble as Reynolds nearly swiped it away from him.

Clark going to drive right down the middle and push it up there.

And a foul offensive foul can be called on Clark.

There's that guy Etienne.

I mean this kid is making baskets.

He's taking charges again.

He may not be the most valuable player, but his presence on the court makes him the most important player.

He's a big play right there.

Seven point lead still for St.

Pius.

Look at that.

Pass inside.

Yimtatu had a shot blocked but he got fouled.

Look at that pass.

Fundamentals just fundamentals man.

You know and his frame of five foot nine.

He's playing like a big time six foot four guard.

And a time-out on the floor before Yimtatu takes the free throw.

444 to play in the third and a 32 25 lead for St.

Pius.

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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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Georgia's EMC is so much more than electricity.

This is our final of four state champions crowned here on this Thursday.

You missed the game prior and Marist victory over Kell 58 50 and missed great, a show by the GPB sports All-State player of the year.

Kate Harpring, who broke the state scoring record that was held by.

You might know the name Maya Moore just broke the state career scoring record, scored 40 points in Marist 58 50 victory over Kell.

She's good.

She's really good.

She's special.

And you look at the way she's built her body, her legs.

I mean, it's like she could just keep playing on and on and on and on.

She stops in time.

She elevates on her shot.

She's in good rhythm and she's just fearless on the court.

Let me tell you right now, if we can get a shot at it, the the St.

Pius students are just going nuts right now.

They are having a party.

When you're undefeated, Matt, you're accustomed to winning, especially this season.

They know this is a special season.

You need to be here for this team.

If we can capitalize and get a W tonight in the state championship game and be undefeated.

Very reminiscent of the Cameron Crazies.

Oh yes they are.

Yes, they are.

Having a good time here trying to pull their team into a state championship.

It would be the first in St.

Pius Golden Lions history.

I thought it was great.

Coach Cloyd he played.

He was a he was a player back in 2008.

They were 3-21 back then.

Yeah, they have flipped the script under him.

Got to the state championship game in 20 17-20 18 and didn't win.

So this is the third time they've been in the finals.

Inside they go to Clay.

Clay left it short and try to tip it back in.

He's getting there.

He's getting there, he's getting there.

I see the frustration with with with with coach.

And you know, coach White is one of those.

He's going to give the kid confidence.

He's not going to yank him out of the game because he knows that in order to win tonight, he's going to have to start finishing those.

I think he wanted to dunk there.

And then the contact with Elliott kind of slowed him down a little bit, threw him off the game.

But it gets to you Matt.

Mentally it gets to you because if you're not hitting those easy point blank layups, then you got to shoot free throws.

And so you're still thinking about the miss and now you got a chance to get two points out of it at the charity stripe.

And he's not shooting the free throw.

Well he's a 70% free-throw shooter.

And with that make right there.

He's two for eight in the game.

Reynolds nearly got knocked back caught as Clay was out there to defend him.

Underneath they go to Elliott.

Elliott muscles it up there.

Miss Reynolds grabs it, blocked by Clay.

Ainsi Clay presence.

You know those are the things he has to do.

You keep focusing on your offense, but they need you to defend.

They need you to block shots and protect the paint.

Great block inbounds comes to Elliott.

Under 4 minutes to play in the third quarter.

Elliott misses the jumper.

Rebound.

Fountain.

Down six.

This is a walking transition for Pace.

They should have been pushing the ball a little bit more aggressively in this position.

The Helpside defense comes from Reynolds and he knocks it into the front row.

And when I say by transition they were very methodical offensively.

Be aggressive.

Get to the rim.

Rim run.

If you're Hayden Clay.

If you Clay Harden get down the court.

Put pressure on the defense.

Yet you didn't get a block.

Ball goes off of Hayden Clay Harden turnover.

What you didn't see there is the ball went off of him like you said.

And so it is ball for St.

Pius here.

Keppen three straight on hard off the back.

Iron rebound.

Pace friendly fire.

Fountain picks it up.

Avery down the floor.

Ball shouldn't stop.

Ball should be moving.

Goes to Clark.

Clark sidesteps to the three rebound.

Battled for and won by Pace.

Stephens comes out of there with it.

First of all quick, reversible, quick.

To the three ball in the corner.

Missed by Clark.

And now run out.

Opportunity to Keppen.

Nice feed.

3-0 221.

I mean that was great.

Textbook basketball in transition.

And that possession mat you're talking about a three on two.

This is textbook.

This is textbook.

The wings were wide angling for the layup.

Look at that.

Three on two.

Textbook action there by Etienne to feed Keppen for the layup.

Eight point lead St.

Pius.

Now here's some movement by St.

Pius pass cut off the high post diagonal screen.

Rogers behind the back gets to.

The rim.

Come on Matt.

Come on Matt.

How about.

Thomas Rogers this young man dribble.

I'm telling you unsigned senior eight points.

But the thing is, if you look at the way he's playing defensively and the way he's running the team offensively, you want him on your team.

Avery answers back with the jumper and a time-out, it's going to be called by Sharman White and Pace with 2-0 seven to play in the third.

And that jumper by Avery cuts the St.

Pius lead to eight.

And I'm going to give a kudos to Coach Sharman White.

I thought that was a great time-out.

That was one of those time-outs that I need my team to get a little rest.

Because you feel you can feel that run.

St.

Pius is trying to build on that run and you get up by double digits going to the fourth quarter.

It's going to be challenging for Pace Academy.

Avery right there.

The first Pace player to get to double figures with that jumper.

He's four of ten from the floor.

Has 11 points three of five on his threes.

Only two turnovers which is a great low number because he's got his hands on the ball nearly every possession.

But when he plays he's very fearless.

He's fearless defensively.

He's fearless offensively.

He's the shortest person on the court.

But he has a heart of a lion.

He's athletic.

I mean this young man is really doing a great job this evening on the court for St.

Pius, for the Golden Lions.

What's crazy is he has no assist.

What's crazy is that Pace has, as a team, only three assists in the game.

But watch the way they move.

Here's the ball.

Reverse.

There's a back.

Goes to Reynolds.

Reynolds defended at the rim by Dickert.

Oh that was a great no call by the official.

Avery play in the paint.

Dumps it off for Fountain 36 30 Pace back to within six.

A great defensive stop.

Way to contest.

The backdoor was set up.

Brian Clark was there to meet him at the rim.

Etienne stops, pops blocked from behind by Clay rebound.

Elliott.

Elliott challenged by Clay and he gets the rebound.

Great defense by Hayden Clay right there.

And see that's one of the things that Hayden Clay needs to do.

Don't get frustrated with your offense.

Defend the post, defend the paint and rebound.

Shots coming up for Avery as he's trying to take over this game a little bit.

They need the offense.

They haven't had a big offensive jolt from anybody here tonight.

And Avery's trying to be that guy.

He's going to the foul line shooting two.

And I promise you Matt if we were in that time-out with Coach White, he challenged his players to do a little bit more, to dig a little deeper.

Guys, we're only down by six points.

We've got a chance.

But it's on.

It depends on how you want to play.

If you dig deeper, do the little things.

We can't win a championship tonight.

Avery came up one final shy of the Golden Award.

Sean, my partner here, played in four straight state championship games, didn't you?

Yes I did, yes, I did.

Riverside High School.

Go Warriors.

Avery played in three.

This is his third in four years.

Here's the wheel action.

Look at the open paint.

The paint is there for the drive and the slip.

Reynolds rises up for the three.

Dickert brings it across for Pace.

Now.

Clark they're down five with 39 seconds to play in the quarter.

Avery being guarded by Rogers tightly.

Clay comes to get it out on the wing.

High ball pass.

Fountain that's going to be an offensive foul or a blocking foul.

It's going to be a blocking foul on St.

Pius and Reynolds gets whistled.

Third personal foul on Reynolds.

That was.

A good call.

That was a good call.

I believe that Reynolds tried to sell with a little bit more than the contact.

Is there, but it's a good call by the official.

Gavin Fountain 78% free-throw shooter hits the first.

Yes, seven points tonight and five rebounds.

Bucket back to back.

You always asked this question how do you eat a dinosaur?

One bite at a time.

This is exactly what Pace is doing.

One possession at a time.

Get one stop.

Make one basket.

Etienne misses the three Elliott missed the reverse.

Good defense by Clay.

I was going to ask you 9.2 seconds.

Where are you finding these dinosaurs?

They're pretty hard to find.

They're not at my grocery store.

32nd time.

Time-out called by St.

Pius with 9.2 seconds left in the third.

Not a bad time-out.

A little curious, though.

I'm curious, but not a bad time-out because you've got four to go going into the fourth quarter.

You can spread them out, you can use them.

The dead ball goal also can be a time-out as well too.

For media, you get two medias in the second half.

In the fourth quarter.

Yeah.

In the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter.

So not a bad time-out.

So 9.2 inbounds on the baseline.

They want to set up this final play.

Make sure they get a good look at the basket with 9.2.

Keppen will be the trigger.

Man comes in for Reynolds right off the inbounds.

Drawn up perfectly.

That's why they called the time-out.

They called the time-out.

Avery at the horn air ball into the third.

Great job by Coach Cloyd to draw up that last play with 0:09 to go.

Got him an extra bucket and will go to the fourth with the Golden Lions 8 minutes away from the first state championship.

They lead by five.

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Heading to the fourth quarter in the four.

A state championship game, St.

Pius leading Pace Academy 38 33.

Do we have somebody we've seen in some of our finals where one guy takes over?

Is there one guy who's going to take over this thing?

Is it going to be Reynolds for St.

Pius to seal the victory in the championship?

Is it going to be Avery for Pace Academy to bring them back and win the championship?

Matt, the same questions I have here in my notes.

What what player is going to wake up and will his team to a championship?

Remember this Pace team was down 11 heading to the fourth quarter in their last game.

The state semifinals against Cambridge.

That's back to back Airballs there by Avery.

And it comes to Reynolds Reynolds.

Nice pass to Etienne doesn't get the payoff.

Great transition.

Bad shot by Avery again.

The bad shot is just like a turnover.

So you know if I'm Pace run some offense.

These kids run some offense.

Let's check the foul here.

Reynolds already has three personal fouls and it's going to be number four on him.

So a big developing story here is Harris Reynolds just picked up his fourth personal foul.

Let's see if Coach Cloyd Cloyd leads him on the bench here.

Leaves him on the floor here and doesn't get him off the floor.

Surprised that they don't take him off the floor with the four personals inside.

Clay rebound pulled down by Reynolds still very aggressive despite the four personals.

Reynolds fakes gets inside and puts.

It in.

He has hangtime.

He has Khork vision.

He is doing it with his athletic ability.

But you're right Matt.

Don't pick up that next foul.

That was an airball miss that turned into a pass for Clay.

40 35 St.

Pius up by five.

Turnovers.

Now if I'm Pace and Sharman White calls a time-out with 6:35 to go.

If I'm Pace, I'm going offensively right at Harris Reynolds.

Definitely, definitely.

Harris Reynolds with a game high 17, but he's picked up four personal fouls.

I said I never joined.

Never knew how strong I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

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Sean.

What were the chances that Sharman White spent that time out communicating to his players and drawing up a play to take the offense right at Harris Reynolds and try to get that fifth person?

I'm saying there's a 99.9% chance that was the primary topic of that conversation and that time out.

Go at Harris Reynolds.

Don't back up from him, attack him, make him defend.

Make him pick up that fifth foul.

Ball comes into Avery.

We'll see the set.

The down screen, the ISO post at the high.

Fountain goes in there and he got fouled.

But not by Reynolds got fouled by Elliott.

But see the action was the down screen.

Get it up top to Fountain and to attack Reynolds.

That was the action.

There was a switch that happened, but that was the actual action.

So Fountain at the line shooting here.

That's his second miss at the line.

Pace Academy is just six for 15 at the foul line tonight.

They are you.

Know, you need this free throw if you Pace Academy.

And it's a four point game.

Very important possession because you know you don't want your best player to pick up a fifth foul.

It could be an offensive charge or over the back.

Keppen was standing on the sidelines when he took that pass.

That's a turnover on St.

Pius.

And here's the fear factor right now.

Matt your best player with Reynolds has got four fouls.

Now you're on defense.

There's a stoppage.

That was a great time to get him out of the game.

Maybe for a minute or two so you can get within the four minute mark and get him back on the court.

Avery going to attack the basket now.

Retreat a little bit.

They give it to Fountain.

Fountain being guarded by Reynolds.

They were trying to go at him and that was a foul turnover.

They didn't call it, but that was a foul.

Reynolds all the way.

Missed the layup.

Rebound underneath Rogers shot blocked by Clay.

Pace has it ahead.

It comes to Avery.

Avery all the way through.

Got stripped got fouled.

Keppen commits the foul.

Third personal on him.

And you see coach White having a conversation with Fountain attack.

Reynolds what are you waiting for?

Attack.

Reynolds three team fouls now on St.

Pius two away from the bonus.

Avery hits the first free throw.

But what's happening now?

Pace is the one being.

Offensively they're being more aggressive offensively.

They're attacking the rim.

They're getting to the free-throw line.

And now we've got a two point game.

Avery made it a two point game with consecutive free throws.

Reynolds gets it across going to attack the basket drives in there.

Missed ball battled for and flipped into a crowd.

And last touched I believe by St.

Pius or by Pace.

Apparently so it'll be side out of bounds for St.

Pius over by the media table.

And Etienne will be the trigger man.

But mat, the action offensively that put St.

Pius in a position the first half and then the third quarter.

Now they're going to ISO basketball stare, stare you down and try to get to the rim.

They're going to put 35 25 on the shot clock because it'll be the second shot of the possession.

They're going to say that the ball did hit the rim.

I'll take their word for it.

And so the shot clock resets to 25.

Keppen comes around and gets the handoff going downhill.

Cross court pass goes to Etienne.

Etienne stops on the baseline.

Back out to Keppen.

Clay flies out there big.

Time shot, big time shot.

Big time shot by Keppen.

Big time shot.

43 38 time-out I believe was called.

60s no, no time-out was called.

Or did they.

Yes.

Yes.

St.

Pius called the time-out on the make.

Not a bad time-out because you want to talk strategy.

Huge shot.

This is the time.

If you're the coaching staff for St.

Pius, get Reynolds out of the game on a defensive possession.

You've got a five point lead.

Get him out of the game.

We'll see if they do that.

Reynolds has played every second of this game.

The four star signed with the Clemson Tigers has 17 points in 27 minutes of work, seven rebounds.

And the St.

Pius fans the students in particular, have brought the energy tonight.

They have I mean the entire fan base for St.

Pius is here.

And and they know that this is a special team.

And and their presence is special as well, too, man.

Trying to win their first ever state championship and go 33-0 in the process.

Full-court pressure from St.

Pius with five 0-3 to play in regulation.

This is a very interesting strategy to defend in the full court to apply that type of pressure, and your best player can pick up his fifth foul.

Yeah, they go with the ISO, they.

Go to Fountain who missed up close and a put back up and in.

So the last two possessions for Pace Academy was to screen for Fountain so he can isolate on Reynolds for Reynolds to pick up that fifth.

So the strategy is there.

It's just not happening.

It's a three point game.

Reynolds gets around the defense and miss tips.

Miss Elliott stick in.

45 40 Avery gets in the paint, shovels it up there and miss Clay the rebound.

Miss got fouled.

Sees the foul on.

Fouls on Etienne.

Foul's going to be on Rogers.

Rogers on Rogers.

It's going to be number four on him.

So now Rogers and Reynolds both have four personal fouls.

And there's four team fouls on St.

Pius and none on Pace Academy right now.

Be interesting to see if you know St.

Pius can switch to a zone just to change the tempo of the game defensively to protect the players.

Or they can stay in more of a soft, sagging man to man, and you don't have to defend penetration as much.

Hayden Clay on the verge of a double double.

He's got nine points and nine rebounds.

That's well didn't get the tenth point right there halfway through the fourth quarter.

Four point lead for St.

Pius.

Behind a screen from Elliott.

Two man basketball.

Rogers the penetration Foul's going to be called on Fountain.

That's going to be the first team foul on St.

Pius here in the quarter.

But Rogers is doing a lot tonight.

He's defending.

He's leading.

He's penetrating, he's driving.

He's getting paint touches.

For personal fouls.

Now on Fountain.

And he steals the inbounds.

Try to run the lob.

Play.

And it just didn't work that time for Reynolds.

Fountain trying to set a screen for Avery.

They turn it down.

Ball goes inside for Clark.

Great feed by Avery.

And there's really nothing you can do.

You talked about Rogers and you talk about Reynolds.

You can't extend the pressure now because they both have four fouls and you know everyone else on the team has to step up and help defense versus an isolated man to man defense.

Elliott in traffic trying to get it out of there.

And he does.

Etienne driving the baseline.

Whips it into the corner.

Keppen falls down on his three ball.

Batted around.

Elliott got it.

3 minutes to play.

Heavy traffic time-out called by St.

Pius.

Good time-out.

Good time out.

And a time-out on the floor.

258 left in the four a state championship game.

We're going down to the wire and Macon.

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Here are four state championship games coming up tomorrow.

Friday the 13th.

That's right, one a D one girl's East Lawrence and Elbert County.

The one a d one boy's Rabun County looking for their first ever state championship in anything other than boys golf playing southwest Macon in this place will be nuts.

It is going to be electrical tomorrow.

If you're in the Macon area, get here early.

They will lock the doors.

58 girls, Creekview and Milton in the five A boys.

Alexander and Woodward Academy.

Woodward Academy with Bentley the number one power forward in the country in the class of 2028 and a transfer from Pace.

Yeah, he's good, he's smooth, he's long, he's athletic.

He can shoot the ball deep from the three.

He's a really good player and a really great prospect.

Here we go.

St.

Pius on offense they go inside.

Reynolds Reynolds working against a double team.

Gives it up to Keppen.

Keppen steps inside.

That's still a three.

And the rebound controlled by Pace.

They call it traveling.

Wow.

After Avery got the rebound and fell down.

And I want to applaud the officials.

They're letting the players play.

I don't know how he got off balance, but a good no call there from the official.

Here's a shot.

Here's the rebound.

Yeah he just fell on his own.

Move his pivot foot.

He came down on was still there.

I thought.

Now I'm going to I'm going to make this statement.

If St.

Pius scores on this possession.

I think they need to call a time-out.

The big time out for them to make.

Maybe make a defensive change or defensive switch.

But it's a very big possession for St.

Pius.

Keppen for three this time.

Barely hit the iron rebound saved by Dickert.

And here comes Pace.

They're down.

Two 2:26 to go.

Chance to tie or take the lead.

There's a 122 zone.

We talked about.

Oh, now they're in a man to man.

They just isolated and switched.

So now Reynolds Reynolds is playing Brian Clark on defense.

Now everybody's switching.

So that's good.

Good call.

Ten on the shot clock Sean.

Now under ten.

Avery Stonewall Dickert pump fake Avery for the lead off the iron.

Dickert flies in, tries to get the rebound.

And St.

Pius.

Saved it for the wrong guy.

Dickert got blocked by Reynolds and they call a foul on Reynolds and he's done.

Oh my goodness.

A disastrous play for St.

Pius Etienne saved it to the wrong jersey.

Better to eat that and let it go out of bounds.

And then Reynolds blocked Dickert shot but fouled him in the process.

Well, we may have been calling something wrong because I think that may have been his fourth foul.

I don't know, if.

The scoreboard said he had four.

And the scoreboard says our score monitor says he has five personal fouls, but he's still on the floor, so I don't know.

I guess he still has just I guess he still has four, despite.

And the bucket.

By Dickert.

It's 45 44.

Well, he's still in the game so we'll keep going and we'll get it right.

But now Reynolds and the Golden Lions have a very important offensive possession.

Oh, Reynolds drives and dunks.

47 44 stolen by Keppen ahead to Reynolds.

Reynolds goes in and lays it in.

Reynolds comes to the rescue.

I was hoping he'd call a time-out to make sure his team gets more under control.

He's going to let him play.

123 to go under that now.

Avery on the drive dishes and the put in by Clay and a time-out called by Pace.

And it's 49 46.

And man, the reason why I was calling for Coach Cloyd to call that time-out.

You've got two great offensive possessions off steals and once now you got your team in a rhythm.

You call the time-out so you can set your defense.

It's good to call a time-out.

Only make shot like that so you can set your defense.

And now they got a score.

Talking about Pace Academy on your defense that you have called.

But you know you talked about Reynolds making big plays.

And down the stretch he's starting to step up and show why he is that top prospect going to Clemson.

He's athletic.

He's got great court awareness.

He attacks him under control, steals in transition.

49 46 the Golden Lions fans their student body sensing their first state championship.

They've got 115 to protect a three point lead.

We started the broadcast saying this it's hard to win against the Goat.

Coach Sharman White has something on over his sleeve.

A man has won a lot ten state championships.

You don't think he understands what's at stake and know what he needs to do?

Time and score.

I know he understands.

But can his players execute what he understands?

I believe they can, Matt.

I believe they can.

We'll see.

It's only a three point game.

It's certainly very manageable at this point, but it is St.

Pius Ball full length of the floor, 35 seconds on the shot clock.

Long pass down the floor.

Elliott runs under it and missed it.

Blocked by Clay.

They wanted a goaltending and don't get it now down the floor.

Chance for the tie.

Fountain ties the game.

Matt.

I'm telling you, it's hard to win against the Goat.

Is very tough.

It's very difficult.

49 49 under a minute to go.

Reynolds has his hands on the ball.

They run a double at him and a time-out called by St.

Pius with 50-1 0.2.

60s.

For him.

And I understood the reasoning behind the long pass, but it was a little too early, Matt, because the defense wasn't playing 94 feet.

They were being a little bit more passive on the press.

And you didn't catch him off guard.

So instead of you up by five points, you come down three point play from the corner and we have a tie game.

, 51.2 seconds.

So let's see if this was a goaltend right here.

St.

Pius thought that it was it's still on its way up.

It's still on his way up.

It's a good no call.

He didn't pin it on the backboard.

So that's a good no call.

You're right.

It was not a goaltend.

But that wasn't the time to run that play.

I would say with 0:32 to go you're up by five points.

When they're down.

Now you got Pace being a little bit more aggressive trying to get the inbound steal.

That was the time to make that play.

So 51.2 tied at 40:09.

Well they were going for the knockout punch well.

But you can't knock them out too early Matt because your defender has a chance to get up.

And that's exactly what Pace has done.

You've you've awakened the Pace Academy Knights to now give them some confidence and a chance that they can win this game, especially if they get a defensive stop on this possession.

Inbounds Keppen right in front of the St.

Pius bench.

There's a difference of 28 seconds, game clock and shot clock.

So they can't play it all the way down.

And now a foul.

They got fouls to give here.

So it's no big deal.

It's a foul on Avery.

It's a big deal from a personal standpoint.

Avery picks up his second personal.

It's just the third team foul on Pace.

They have another foul to give.

Wow.

Big time shot.

Big time shot by Keppen.

Can they get a stop?

Three point lead for St.

Pius?

Coach White is going to let him play.

Avery and a foul is going to be called on.

Elliott.

And this will be a shooting foul for Avery.

While.

Keppen just outside the three point line buries a big one.

He's stepped.

Up all night and his big hit big time shots.

And Rogers is fouled out of the game.

That's the foul that put Avery on the line.

So right now it's about securing the rebound off a missed free throw.

That's the most important thing.

If you're the St.

Pius Golden Lions focus on securing the rebound.

If there is a miss, if not, set your press offense up and be patient and take your time.

17.2 seconds now less than that one point lead St.

Pius.

And there's going to be a foul.

That's a foul to give.

It's not a shooting foul.

11.7 on the side.

Out of bounds for St.

Pius.

And a time-out is going to be called by Pace Academy.

So 11.7 let's talk strategy here Sean.

Let's talk strategy.

First of all for St.

Pius.

St.

Pius.

Their inbounds.

You want to get it to your top guys from the free-throw line.

I'm thinking about Reynolds and I'm thinking about Keppen.

They need to have the ball in their hands Rogers as well too.

But if you're a Pace Academy, you want to be aggressive on the inbound.

If you get a five second call, you can get a steal, whatever.

And if not, quick foul, put them to the free-throw line.

Make or miss.

You still got a chance to attack and transition.

If they make it.

You got a three point game and make it three.

You got a four point game.

It's still a two possession game either way, but if you get a stop you got to attack the rim and just go hard to the basket.

52 51 St.

Pius Up.

111.7 seconds away from their first ever state championship.

And to do it with a perfect 33-0 record.

If they get the win here tonight, the Pace Academy, they've been down this road before.

They've won five state championships all since 2016, and trying to make it number six.

They've been in so many big games like this.

But this is the state championship game.

Anything can happen.

Anything can happen.

But be prepared.

St.

Pius scores.

Be prepared.

There is going to be a time-out by their coach and if not, there's a turnover.

Pace is going to attack the rim.

And there.

Is a quick foul right there.

And that puts it in the bonus.

So Reynolds will be taking the free throw.

Two foul shots.

Reynolds with 21 points tonight.

And he's four for four at the foul line.

Coach Cloyd calls his entire team over outside of Reynolds to talk strategy here and now it's a 53 51 lead.

The strategy is defend the penetration.

Defend for the paint on the miss.

It's a two point game on the make.

You're going to get a time-out.

Get them both 54 51.

To set the defense.

So here we go.

Pace needs a three.

Stephens gets it across.

And a time-out called by Pace.

Now with 6.6.

So you cut the floor in half.

You get the inbounds side out of bounds near midcourt.

What's the strategy going to be here to try to get that three.

And who's going to take it.

Well the best shooters on the team for Pace Academy.

You've got Jaydon Avery you've got Clark.

Hey anybody can step up and hit a shot right now.

You want someone to get the ball with confidence to shoot it.

But the key mat, because I've been in this position before, I'm coaching at Georgia against Syracuse and the.

And the pass goes over top of Shannon Anderson and all of a sudden we get beat.

Could have gone to the Final Four.

The Inbounder how are you going to defend the Inbounder?

Because you don't want to give the Inbounder a clear path to make the pass.

The pass.

Excuse me?

You want the Inbounder to take maybe 4 seconds and panic to pass the ball in versus being comfortable on the pass to the wide open teammate of his for the shot.

So statistically, their best three point shooter is Dickert at 40%.

And he's zero for two on his threes here tonight.

That's number 12 right there.

And he will be on the floor.

Yeah but I'm okay with Avery because he's a rhythm guy.

And sometimes percentages and heart are two different things.

Give me the guy with the big heart with the confidence to make the shot or to take the shot.

Here you go for the state championship.

Avery will be the inbounder.

The pressure on the ball's got to be there.

More pressure.

Let's see if Avery on the inbounds.

Gets it right back, goes to Clark.

He slips, picks up the dribble.

Clark fires the three and gets the bounce high in the air.

Rebounded by St.

Pius for the first time ever.

The Golden Lions are the state champions at 33-0 Coach Cloyd overcome with emotion as his team celebrates.

What a game.

What a game.

Matt.

Talking to Coach Cloyd, one of the things he spoke about in our conversation with him was the retreat.

Bless the jerseys.

And I'm telling you, it's Pastor Robbie Qatar.

Congratulations.

You blessed the jerseys for undefeated season for the St.

Pius Golden Lions to win their first state championship.

54 51 the final St.

Pius knocks off Pace Academy in a whale of a for a state championship game.

I was proud of both teams.

It was a great basketball game from the finish, from the beginning to the end.

Coach White the Goat.

This isn't his last state championship.

He'll be back next year and the year after that and the year after that, because he's that good of a coach and he'll have great players coming in and out of his program.

So, you know, but kudos to St.

Pius and the Golden Lions.

Did you see the emotion of the Pace Academy players?

Too many of them in tears because they know it is a great program, especially for the seniors.

This is the last run, but even for those that aren't seniors, you can't take it for granted that you're going to be there.

Matt and I say this the road that you travel with determine the value of the prize to go undefeated, to fight each and every night from the beginning to the end.

That's why the emotion is there.

The unlimited hours before practice, after practice, the preseason, the postseason, the parents, everyone was involved in this W this is a St.

Pius community state championship.

We've got St.

Pius players crying tears of joy.

Yes, yes, and I'm so happy for those young men because it's an experience.

This is something that will last with them forever.

The understanding, the will they had to have, the commitment they had to have to win a state championship.

So now the.

Players are making their way to center court to accept the trophy.

The first time they've ever had the opportunity to raise the boys basketball state championship trophy.

And let's send it to Jon Nelson.

Thank you very much.

Matt Stewart.

Time to give away.

The last championship is day number two.

It's the first time for everything.

We're going to be able to do that with the executive director of the Georgia High School Association, Dr.

Tim Scott, and our friends from Brad Delp Pace management.

Hey, what a great game.

Congratulations to Pace.

Give them a big round of applause.

And now from Brad Delp management, on behalf of the Georgia High School Association, will present the state championship trophy to St.

Pius High School.

Steal it.

I wish I had an apple.

Box.

An alum.

Gets the.

Coach his way up the ladder and be able to be the first coach ever to get that home to St.

Pius.

How does it feel as a coach and an alum to take it home?

There aren't any words, man.

This is I mean, it's all about these kids behind me and these fans in the stands.

They've been here for years and years and years and years and years and years, rooting for us and having our back.

And we, you know, we, we, we wanted this.

And it's just, it's hard to, to express because it's been just so much, so much love, so much work, these kids showing up at all hours of the day and night, these fans coming to every game supporting us, making sure that they knew that they loved us.

And we just we figured it out.

And to run the table 33-0 that is not the easiest thing in the world to do.

How difficult was it to go from win number one to win 33.

With this group?

It was actually relatively easy.

There were so mature, they did everything I asked them to do.

They were so coachable.

They were so locked in.

They understood that we had bigger goals than just any individual game or any individual achievement.

It was about not only winning basketball games, but being men of faith, men of integrity, and they did everything.

I mean, there's no words.

You I mean, as a coach, what I mean, what can you say?

What can you say?

Can't.

We did it.

We did it.

Harris Reynolds.

Where is Harris Reynolds at you, sir.

Craft with 23 tonight.

What was it like out there for you and coming home with the state championship?

It was crazy.

Nobody believed we could do it.

And we came out here and got it done.

With this group behind you.

Very special group of teammates.

You realize now that you're in the history books at St.

Pius for the first ever.

What has it been like with this band of brothers for you this year?

To win every game, all the way through and finish with that trophy?

This has been amazing.

We worked so hard for this and we had to get it done.

Man of many words, but a lot of points.

St.

Pius first time ever.

It's right there.

State champs Matt Stewart, Sean Golden, take us home.

Congratulations to the St.

Pius Golden Lions the.

For state champions.

Harris Reynolds our player of the game going for 23 and the coach's interview presented by Pest Management, the official sponsor of high school basketball.

Wow.

What a game.

Harris Reynolds capped it at the end.

Matt.

It has been a beautiful Thursday.

Basketball.

At the beginning of the day and now great basketball at the end.

Again, I say this every every podcast.

If you're a basketball junkie, you better be watching these games here on GPB.

54 51, the final St.

Pius the champions beating Pace Academy will come back and wrap things up for Macon in just a moment.

No matter the season, Breda works to protect the inside and outside of your home.

Breda Pest Management.

They handle bugs and critters.

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.

Half of the nation's opioid overdoses happen right at home because people don't understand the dangers of taking an oxy or perk with a glass of alcohol for stress or to sleep.

Learn how to protect your family from opioid overdose at opioid response dot info.

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 dot.

I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

St.

Pius Golden Lions 54 51.

Winners over Pace Academy to cap a 33 zero.

A magical season and their first ever state championship.

Harris Reynolds leading score of 23 points.

But the big basket down the stretch comes from Keppen with 30-8 seconds left and Harris Reynolds assisted on that basket.

It separated the 44, 49 49 tie, broke the tie and gave them the three point margin, which ultimately ended up being the margin of victory.

And you think about Michael Jordan and Steve Kerr.

That's what it was.

Steve Kerr was the guy that hit the shot and that's what Keppen did.

He stepped he stepped up when he was wide open for the rim.

He took it.

It was all net and he shot it with confidence.

Congratulations to to St.

Pius and their community.

And here's our four games on tap for Friday the 13th.

We'll start in one a division one with the girls East Lawrence and Albert County.

And then Sean and I will be back for Rabun County versus Southwest Macon that promises to be crazy in this place.

Packed out to the gills, and then the five day takes over in the evening with the girls, Creekview and Milton, and then Alexander and Woodward Academy at 730.

For more fantastic state finals coming up here on GPB on Friday.

So be sure to join us.

Meantime.

54.

51 this celebration for St.

Pius is going to continue for quite some time as they defeat Pace Academy.

Our director has been Vincent Early and our producer has been Glenn Diamond.

And now for my partner Sean Golden and the entire spectacular GPB sports team.

I'm Matt Stewart, so long until tomorrow.

I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

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.

Half of the nation's opioid overdoses happen right at home because people don't understand the dangers of taking an oxy or perc with a glass of alcohol for stress or to sleep.

Learn how to protect your family from opioid overdose at opioid response.

Dot info.

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 dot.

Breda.

Pest management works to protect the inside and outside of your home from pests.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.