Welcome to Macon, Georgia and the GHSA boys won a D1 basketball championship game.

It is presented by Breda Pest Management, the official sponsor of high school basketball.

As we step inside the Macon Coliseum, where this afternoon, the 29-2 and second seeded Rabun County Wildcats will take on the 29-6 and fourth seeded Southwest Macon Patriots.

And.

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

And Sean, we got a great matchup today, but from a historical perspective, this is a total mismatch.

This is the first ever finals game for Rabun County.

In fact, they're trying to win the first ever boys state championship in any sport outside of golf.

And that was 1990 for Southwest Macon.

They ran this state 40 50 years ago.

They won a national championship in 1979.

They've won six state championships in their history.

And while this is a neutral site game, this is a home game for them.

We are 3.9 miles away from their campus.

Matt.

This is a game for both teams.

Their style of play is identical.

One wants to shoot threes and play in transition.

The other one wants to press, press and press.

An exciting game to watch.

These players are ready.

We're ready and you better be ready for a good one.

How about the game within?

The game might decide the game, and that's the matchup between Chase Dupree and Huey.

Blalock.

Let's start with Dupree, one of the best players in all of Middle Georgia.

He has offers from Alcorn State and Southeast Missouri State.

Dupree is a 63 guard.

Matt.

He can play all positions on the perimeter, 27 points, five rebounds, four assists.

Has over 2000 points in his career at Southwest Macon.

And how about Blalock?

One of the best players coming out of the North Georgia mountains.

He's committed to Navy and he leads the state in assists.

A five foot nine stud, a guy that can go down and shoot the three.

He's crafty.

He's like a miniature version of Allen Iverson.

The way he plays, he's going to be electrifying.

It's easy this evening.

This afternoon.

This one should be fun.

And there's the head coach of Southwest Macon, a Macon legend.

Since Monquencio Hardnett, who starred at Central Macon.

He was a two time all state went on to Middle Georgia.

Junior College was the Naismith Junior College National Player of the year, then played for two years at UConn with coach Jim Calhoun.

You got to be a stud to play for Coach Calhoun and what they've done up there at UConn.

But what he's done here at Southwest Macon, he's brought a winning mindset.

The way he works his players out there, training what they do on the field, on the court, off the court, in the classroom.

Just a great coach.

And coach David Adcock, in his eighth season as the head coach, his 16th season overall in the program after eight seasons as an assistant coach, he has built this program from the ground up to get him into the state finals, and his son, Trace Adcock, is simply one of the best freshmen in the state.

Yes he is.

He can shoot the three.

Let's go baby.

Let's go.

And here we go.

Opening tip is won by Southwest and they're in the white uniforms.

And that's Dupree.

And here's a look at the Southwest Patriots starters.

Dupree Howard Raglin Hurley and Butts.

Man to man for Rabun County.

Nice patience for Southwest.

As Caron CJ Howard had his shot blocked.

Rabin on the break.

The starters for Rabun County Blalock Burrell the Burrell brothers Free and Adcock.

And there's Trace Adcock in the paint.

It's the first bucket of the game.

Rabun County has the lead.

That was a great offensive possession from Rayvon because the way they want to play, they want to get three, four, maybe five passes in their offense, make the defense shift and get a good shot during that possession.

Here is CJ Dupree takes a long straight on three pointer, offensive rebound and put back up and in by T Raglin.

Raglin is a tough tough guy.

Hard nosed defender and rebounder.

A football guy at his best.

Huey Blalock at 510.

Senior lob inside and pounding it off the legs of the defender is Hayes Free.

You're going to see a lot of backsides, lots Rabun County today.

That's where they play.

They want lobs.

They want dunks.

They want threes.

They want with passion a little pizzazz.

Inside.

It comes to Free.

And Blalock on the dribble working against Dupree.

Spin move elbow extended jump shot.

Gotta love that young man.

A Navy commit.

You ready for a show?

These two teams are going to put on a show.

For two Bukele lead.

Long shot by Howard.

Kicks to the corner and the rebound is chased down by Southwest and Dupree.

Alex Butts now has it directs the traffic being guarded by Adcock Butts on the drive right side of the lane.

Kick to the corner.

Howard corner three rebound Adcock.

And this kid can play.

Look at him with the drive with the spin.

Blalock in the paint.

Left it short with the rebound and the runout.

Kick to the corner.

Butts for three.

Rebound.

Dupree backs up to the corner, pulls it out.

Top.

Dupree drives the left side of the lane.

Scoop shot, missed.

Adcock rebound, gets it to Blalock.

Three yeah.

I'm telling you.

Hayes will.

Be Free I'm telling you this Rabun County team, they're scary.

They can score in transition.

They can score in half court.

Interestingly, talking to their coach an hour and a half a day on shooting jump shots, an hour and a half shooting is a big lead.

Yeah.

Sean, there is no mistake that they're here, Butts takes the three off the iron, rebound off the hands of Rabin.

Southwest controls Howard in the paint, gets it to Dupree and back to Howard.

Howard launches the three and the rebound tipped around.

Southwest controls it.

Tips to Rabun County.

Blalock looks to his coach and gets the sign, brings it across half court.

The drive Blalock all the way to the rim.

Man, I've seen it so many times.

Blalock Blalock Blalock.

He's kind of priceless.

A little everything.

Allen Iverson.

He's all mixed up in one at five foot nine.

Sean He had a triple double in the semifinals against Fitzgerald, 29 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists.

And a foul is going to be called on Southwest opening four 0-5 of this game.

Rabin leads Southwest 92 in the one, a D1 final.

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

Oh hey what's up man?

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

Jacket.

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

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

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Road to the Championship for Raven County.

They've won 17 straight since January 3.

In the playoffs, they beat.

Fitzgerald in the semifinals, the triple double from Blalock Fannin County in the quarters heard in the second and Chattanooga in the first.

And Coach David Adcock says we have a chance to make history.

We came here to win the state championship.

Well, you know, Matt, that's their primary focus and the way he coaches his team, they're very free spirited.

Play your game.

Don't look over your shoulder to be questioned by me.

Get out here.

And he told us this.

Put on a show if you're going to play in the state championship.

Put on a show.

Raven ball coming out of the time-out.

Blalock will run.

The show starts from the logo.

Long three pointer by Adcock off the off the mark, the freshman led the state with 1273 pointers made this season.

Big possession for Southwest.

And what's happening?

Matt Southwest is playing one on one basketball versus team basketball.

They have to get better movement offensively get some better looks, get uncontested shots.

It's not going to happen.

Just penetration from the top of the key.

Burrell with the block.

Pardon me.

Wasn't Free, it was Burrell with the block.

I just noticed.

Would you look at Huey?

Blalock he's not wearing socks.

He's like he's going to go out and run cross country or something.

I tell you, I love everything about that young man.

Unless he's got invisible ankle socks, he's not wearing any socks to play basketball.

He has some footage on underneath.

Yes, he has some footage.

Looks like he's going to go run cross country.

But he plays with that energy and that passion that he's not afraid of anything.

Yeah, he's got some ankle socks on that don't reach his ankles.

Wow.

Extraordinary basketball player.

And out rebound is controlled by Free.

Blalock looks over to the bench and brings it across.

Good defense by Southwest.

They extend the defense and Foul's going to be called on Southwest.

That's going to go against Montese Green.

There's a pro and a con when you have this type of crowd support, because you get caught up in the energy of the game in Southwest versus playing their game.

There was no foul called on that play just to step out of bounds and the rebound up and in.

Landan Bedingfield with his first basket of the game.

It's the little things that wins your championships.

Mat boxing out is definitely one of them.

Dupree straight on three from distance.

Long kick out rebound and a foul in the paint.

And it's going against Southwest.

I haven't, I can't count on my one hand how many offensive sets that Southwest have run here in the first half, with more than two, possibly three passes.

Everything's a quick hitter.

That foul was called on Greene.

We have a 9-0 run here for Raven County over the last close to 4 minutes.

Now.

And coach is frustrated as well.

He knows his team has to have a little bit more patience offensively.

Stop playing to the crowd and play the way we've practiced in preparation for this championship game.

Howard now being guarded by Blalock spin move Howard.

They kick it around and Dupree launches from the three point line and hits well.

The penetration to the paint ball movement.

Some shifting offensively.

And then what happened is Dupree steps in and knocks down the three Dupree.

The region 21 a D1 player of the year had a tremendous career just inside the elbow.

Oh.

That's a. Bad boy.

That is a bad boy.

He's shooting it and talking to the crowd too.

Oh it's going to get ugly this afternoon.

135 lead rebound knocked around.

Southwest has it.

Comes back out to Dupree.

Howard takes the three rebound on the backside.

Comes back out to Dupree.

Takes another three.

And this one's off the mark and the rebound by Bedingfield.

And bad shots.

That entire possession everything was a bad shot.

Bad shot as we spoke about all week long is equivalent to a turnover.

Blalock putting on a show here in the state championship game already steps inside the three point line, shoots up over three and buries it.

I mean, streetball, streetball, streetball.

Just calm down, young fella.

Blalock pulling up for the mid range.

He's got nine of Raven's 15 points.

Iverson pass is intercepted by, you guessed it, Blalock.

Body on the floor.

That means there's a man open and they take advantage of it.

Burrell underneath.

175.

Raven leads by 12.

Final 28 seconds of the quarter.

He's a. He's a version of J.will Jason Williams that played for Sacramento Kings.

Oh, this young kid is nice.

He's unbelievable.

Talking about white chocolate.

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

10 seconds to play in the quarter.

Our dribbling at the logo.

And I understand the patience right here, but I'm trying to run the offense.

I'm trying to get movement.

Scoop shot.

Howard bounces out, and that's the end of the quarter.

World meet Huey Blalock Huey and the news making headlines here in Macon.

Eight of their 17 as Rabun County leads by 12 after one quarter.

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So.

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

Oh, hey, what's up man?

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

Jacket.

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

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

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

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

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Start of the second quarter in Macon.

The one a D one final and Rabun County leading Southwest Macon 17-5 Matt Stewart joined by Sean Golden.

Here's the road to the championship for Southwest Macon.

They have won 20 in a row.

Beat Vidalia in the semifinals model in the quarter.

East Laurens in the second and Woodville Tompkins in the first round.

They have not lost a game since December 30th against Coral Gables, Florida, but they're in trouble here after 8 minutes.

In trouble, Matt, because they're not playing team basketball on the offensive end.

Everything's one on one.

Everything's a show.

They're showing out for the crowd versus playing team quality basketball.

Let me tell you, Rabun County brought a crowd down from.

Did they did they supporting this team very well.

Representing them very well this.

Afternoon.

Trying to make history for Rabun County Blalock pass back out to Adcock.

Adcock flicked back to.

Blalock going to drive and pull up in the mid range in and out and a foul is going to be called on Rabun County.

That will be on Bedingfield.

No foul, no foul call.

But interestingly Bedingfield he's the shortest guy on the court, but yet he's still got his hand for offensive rebounds.

That shows me that Southwest isn't handling business now.

The defensive end.

Slow to react right.

Yeah.

So thing is they're they're kind of in their feelings the way they're playing.

Look at it.

It's kind of lazy here on offense.

There's no continuity no ball movement balls just sticking with one player.

Everyone's standing around and watching.

Dupree hits.

The three pointer.

Might they be just not panicking?

It's not panicking.

It's showboating.

And I mean, when you're at home, you got over 8,000 people here waiting for you to win.

It happens to young people.

They want to they want to put on the show even when they haven't done it all season long.

They want to be the hero tonight as well.

Adcock takes a long three and air balls.

It.

This opens the door for brass Southwest to begin a run here.

, and I'm not taking away from Dupree three.

He's a shooter.

He's a guy that can score, but for them to be more effective, they need ball movement.

They need player movement.

They need communication offensively and defensively.

More team unity.

Tremendous crowd here at the Macon Coliseum.

I don't want to be hyperbolic, but Southwest Macon here in March.

This is like Macon's NBA team.

Yes it is.

And they've had some NBA legends come through the halls of that school.

Guys like Mark Malone, Blalock misses the three Norm Nixon, Sharon Wright and Chase Dupree is just the latest.

And I'm Terry Bowen looks good.

Now they may be the ones that's kind of overdoing it.

Playing to the crowd.

Both teams have to settle down and start playing quality basketball.

Dupree in a trap in the corner, steps out of it, gets it up top to Howard now, gets it back.

Dupree averages 26 points per game and Howard 20.

And that's going to be a blocking foul.

Let's see if they're going to do continuation here and give Howard the points.

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

And they will count the basket.

Continuation.

That's a first high school level.

Well was he in the act of shooting with the foul.

He had gone into that first step that you get.

I like the rule.

I believe in continuation.

Right there.

One, two.

See the foul was right before the.

One on the floor.

You're right.

So they gave him continuation.

That's in the NBA and college.

That's called continuation.

Yeah it's got home court advantage as well to.

I like the rule book.

They want to adopt it here for this game.

There you go.

Let him play.

Blalock spin move bucket.

And he came right back.

He came right back.

I love him.

Nathan's got a nice one.

Navy.

You've got a nice one with Blalock.

Howard back the other way.

Misses the runner outside.

T Dupree straight on three.

Buried it.

Three for three.

Now he's starting to get at it.

Rhythm game.

Rhythm game.

1914 Southwest has cut it to five.

Blalock right back at him.

Spin cycle ball knocked away.

Free picks it up.

Stolen away.

And a jump ball is going to be called possession.

Arrow belongs to Southwest.

And I just saw something.

Just a moment.

55 Adcock.

He went to his teammates.

Calm down.

Here's a freshman out here taking on a leadership.

Coach's son.

The coach's son.

Five point lead for Raven.

Howard three pointer on rebound.

Adcock.

The freshman Trace Adcock coach's son, 64, 135.

Better tie up that drawstring a little bit tighter on those pants.

There he is.

One skinny kid.

He's going to be a big time player already right at number 12 freshman by prep.

He's ahead.

It comes for the dunk.

No layup.

No foul is going to be called.

However on Raven and three gets called for the foul.

And three is a little bit out of his emotions right now.

And a time-out on the floor with 4-28 to play here in the first half.

Ravens lead once 12 is now five.

I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

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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.

We talked about the game within the game.

Blalock versus Dupree through the first 11 minutes of this game, Blalock has ten.

Dupree has nine.

We talked about them at the beginning.

Matt.

These two young men are going to put on the show, and that's exactly what they're doing.

Dupree shooting threes and Blalock has everyone on ice.

The way he's handling the ball, he's playing with a lot of flair, a lot of pizzazz, just playing the way that he knows how.

What we haven't seen Dupree do yet is get downhill.

This young man won 90 for 276 shooting free throws this season.

That means he's been to the line 276 times in a 31 game schedule, 35 game schedule for them.

And he hasn't done that yet.

Hurley at the line.

Hurley is the guy that stepped in after they lost Rinaldo Callaway, one of their top players, also one of the top football players in the state, a four star edge who signed with Rutgers.

He's already started his college career with the Scarlet Knights.

He's the guy that Coach Hartnett believes will play on Sunday one day.

He's really good.

He's really good football player and it would have been a really good basketball player, a much needed help for Southwest this afternoon.

Hurley is the guy that stepped in in his absence.

It's those two free throws and now that's a three point game.

So Southwest kind of got their legs under them.

Now after a slow start in that first quarter.

But they're playing better team basketball man.

The ball is moving side to side.

There's more than just one.

And done passes.

You may get three possibly four movements before there's a shot taken.

In the paint.

And the miss that was Burrell, Reed, Burrell and a foul is going to be called on Raven.

And this is going to be against RI, who is getting more and more agitated with each call going against him.

He needs to be careful.

He is.

He is, you know, he hasn't been able to show his athletic ability Free and to really get loose because of the physicality of the game, especially with Hurley is defending him in the half court, so he's a little more frustrated this afternoon than anything else.

1916 A chance to cut it to one or tie the game on this possession.

Dupree stops, elbow extended, hit 1918.

Now that's the strength of his Dupree.

That's a strength match.

The way that he can have great body control for the mid range.

Pull up.

That's a strength.

Blalock three pointer off the iron.

Gets his own miss, scoops it back to Adcock.

He's at the corner of the Brad Delp and fired it.

Dupree knocked down on the three-point shot.

He'll get three free throws to try to extend their 7-0 run.

And.

And the thing about, you know Dupree, he's maybe a little push off, but besides gave him that advantage there.

But this last three point attempt with the foul man you can see Dupree starting to get that confidence.

I can score the ball a little bit more at will.

And he's starting to settle into his own.

First free throws of the day for Chase Dupree.

Missed the first.

He's not a great free-throw shooter given the amount of time he goes to the foul line.

Just 69%.

Averages 26.6 points per game.

He's got to learn those free throws and that's easy points.

That's easy money.

Yes missed the second.

But I'm watching his rhythm and watching his what he's going to the free-throw line.

He needs to pretty much just be more stationary and take the dribbles versus walking into the free-throw line like it's a jump shot.

I think a lot of players who score like he does really have to shoot in movement.

A lot of times the free throws a tough shot because they're standing still.

Great point.

That is a. Great point.

It's a tough shot for him.

Sometimes.

As hard as that is to believe.

Give the ball to Blalock under 3 minutes to play here in the first half.

Blalock taking on Hurley gives it up to Free.

Free launches the three and missed it.

Rebound.

Southwest comes down the floor.

A chance to take the lead.

Now there's too much razzle dazzle.

Guys, move the ball!

Move it, move it!

Southwest!

Stop playing to the crowd.

Everyone wants to be one on one.

I want to come out here and show what I can do.

The ball should be moving like a hot potato.

Alex Butts goes to the foul line.

A chance to put Southwest on top for the first time today.

72% free-throw shooter.

The junior wing averages 10.3 points per game.

Southwest having trouble with their foul shots right now.

They're now four for nine from the floor from the free-throw line in this first half.

Missed them both.

Rebound.

Chased down by Burrell.

Good switch Southwest.

Blalock pulls back the dribble goes inside for Bedingfield and the shot blocked by Hurley.

Oh I wouldn't have called that text.

I understood why I thought it was a great block.

Fantastic block.

Yeah, I don't know about that technical foul.

That was a that's a question mark.

And the reason why I say this mat, it's a sold out arena.

Your friends and family are here.

There's an energy going both ways.

There's going to be some.

I didn't see what he did.

He just kind of just.

Flexed a little bit.

Exactly.

Made sense.

Some things get it out of here.

Something like that.

But that happens in a game of this magnitude.

It happens.

Like I said, I didn't see anything.

I take your word that it was deflection.

He said some things.

This is the state championship game.

It's a state championship.

I mean let's face it, for most people this is a moment of a lifetime.

Athletically, how many state championship games do you get to play in.

Well you got to play in four of them.

But aside from you.

Decide for myself and some of my teammates, you know, again, Matt, it's these young men have sacrificed a lot to get here.

So you have to reward them for their sacrifice for being here and reward the fans for seeing a good game.

Yeah, I don't advocate letting things go, but what I saw on the replay did not warrant one, but it was called nonetheless.

And a one point lead for Raven.

They got the ball.

Good defense, good.

Defense.

Still playing time.

Plenty of time on the shot clock.

Blaylock takes the shot.

No look.

Pass the Free.

How about that.

Nice job.

Nice rebound and no look.

Pass by Blaylock all in one motion.

The kid just has it man.

An undersized point guard with.

He's crafty.

He's quick.

He's speedy.

But he has great vision as well.

If David Robinson was the Admiral, what is Huey Blalock.

I don't know, but he's going to be special for Navy.

I don't know my ranks in the Navy.

Could he be a colonel?

He could be whatever he wants to.

If he's shooting and passing it like this.

My apology to our viewers who are in the Navy.

I don't know their ranks.

I know Admiral and David Robinson was the Admiral.

Huey Huey Blalock committed to Navy.

He's going to be something.

Rebound controlled by Southwest.

A minute to play in the half.

Three pointer off the mark by Butts.

Rebound.

Free.

Maybe a two for one.

Maybe a two for one.

Right here.

And a foul is called on the dribble.

And this is going to be against number ten Nico Iverson.

Missed shot.

Always taught to follow your shot on the miss.

And the young man just has great court vision.

He can see it all man.

He can see it all.

His coach, Coach David Adcock says that Huey gets overlooked because he doesn't pass the eye test.

Yes, he doesn't, but see him up close.

He will.

Three pointer straight on.

Nothing but net.

Nothing but the bottom.

He's competitive man.

I mean, the kid has a heart of a of a lion, of a giant.

You know, he's very competitive.

Final possession perhaps.

Shot clock is off for Southwest.

They're down six after pulling even.

Dupree being guarded by Burrell.

If I told you Burrell played football for the Tigers, for the Wildcats, would you be surprised?

No.

He's a free safety on the Tigers team.

He's tough, he's tough.

He's going to get to the rim.

Very athletic.

Did not get the shot off in time.

Doesn't matter because it didn't go anywhere.

And that is the end of the first half.

Rabun County leading Southwest 25 19 as the Wildcats seek their first ever state championship in boys basketball.

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.org.

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.

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.

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

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

Your home.

Welcome in to our GPB half time show.

GPB is your home for the 2026 girls and boys high school Basketball state championship games.

I'm Nicki Noto Palmer, if you're just now joining us, we're currently in the half of our second game of the day.

Right now we're watching the single a Division one boys matchup, the Wildcats over the Patriots at the half 25-19 Rabun County versus Southwest Macon Jon Nelson is live at the Macon Coliseum now.

Nelly, I'm curious of the fan turnout.

Now, I know you have the principles with you, but real quick, one school only had to drive 5 miles from the Coliseum.

Another school had to drive 184 miles.

So what's the fan situation looking like where you are right now?

If you didn't get here at 11 30 this morning Nikk you weren't going to get a seat.

That's the bottom line.

Okay?

And it is it is jam packed.

And as we figured, the fire marshal here in Bibb County in the city of Macon was going to be the most important individual for this afternoon.

That is no lie.

All right.

It's time to go into the principal's office and catch up with our principals.

Mr.

Young, as always, first name.

Mr.

Mr.

Young, I know Bernard.

I know how this works.

And, Justin Spears, good to see you, my friend.

Yes, sir.

Good to be here.

All right.

So, since you've been here.

Yes.

Let me start with the new guy.

Awesome.

Okay, so when did you leave?

This morning.

To bring the entire county down here.

So we actually was down here last night, but we left.

So you cheated, is what you're.

Saying I did cheat?

Yes, I did, but we left out with the student bus at 930 today.

So we got here a little bit after lunch time.

What is this run been like top ranked and everybody gunning for this squad with Coach Adcock.

You know it's been incredible.

But the thing is we've known that this team was special since they were in kindergarten and they've been playing together this whole time.

And to see them build towards this moment has just been incredible.

Please hold.

I'm gonna come over here and catch up with the veteran of this conversation.

Yes, sir.

We look, we knew that you guys were going to ball out when it came to to clocking in here today.

Once again, it's a reinforcement of what Southwest means to Macon and what athletics means as a part of Southwest.

Absolutely, absolutely.

It's been.

Amazing just to see this run this year.

The girls, the guys that work hard from last year, this devastating loss that we had and it's just actually worked together.

So I've just been very proud of them and the entire community.

And I love to see Macon come together.

When you and I know that this is just a part of the whole thing, but what else is going on at Southwest folks need to know about?

Oh, there's a lot of things going on with Southwest, you know, not just athletic, but academics.

And so I tell people a lot that it's so easy to root for this team.

You know, all the seniors on here are honor students, carry a lot of college credits and they're just nice kids and good representation of what we stand for.

Okay.

I have one more question for you, but I'm going to hold it.

I'm gonna come over here and catch up with Justin real quick.

What else is going on at Rabun County folks need to know about?

Yeah.

So we're, we're kind of like the best kept secret in Northeast Georgia.

We're doing incredible things academically, doing incredible things athletically is just a great place to be.

And what a community to be a part of.

They have shown up and supported these kids, and they do that for everything that we do.

No doubt about it.

Rance Gillespie, your head coach, he's over there, he's off camera, and I wanted to drag him into this conversation, but he's he's just he's styling over there.

He's wearing the white golf shirt.

He's ready to go.

My last my last question.

All right.

Nikki loves the hardware.

Where did this come from?

Oh, I found this at a shop in Atlanta.

They just my my good my good luck charm there.

My good juju beads.

Are.

Okay.

So.

Break.

That is that man.

I'm not.

So you got to tell me where you got it.

So, Nick.

Well, for those who don't understand, we follow the creed of a South African philosophy.

It's called Ubuntu.

Which means I am, because we are.

Right.

And so being being an Southwest high school I implemented at the high school and it's really galvanized the community.

So we talk about one bid from each school, high schools, each of the elementary schools, all the bids come together under one umbrella, which is Ubuntu again, which means I am because we are.

C Nikk.

That's the answer that you were looking for, because I know that you were just you were commenting about the hardware here with Mr.

Young.

That's that's the back story.

I wanted to get that in.

But it's always great to be here in the principal's office.

Tiger is represented.

Last person in Tiger turned out the lights.

Yes, yes, that's what I figured.

So great to see Rabun County here.

Southwest is here in droves and it's just a packed house.

And we cannot wait for the second half.

Yes.

Thanks so much, Nelly.

You're always getting the hardcore stories for me, so I appreciate that.

I like his specs too.

Those glasses man.

Stylin.

I'll ask him.

I'll ask about the glasses when we get back, okay?

Yeah, I love it.

I just need, like, you know, I think going forward, I just need a list of everyone's fit because those are my questions from the past few days, apparently.

So thanks so much for your for your time.

Both of both of the principals.

Nelly, as always, we know there's more than basketball going on around here.

All right, so here's the rest of the what the day looks like after the single a Division one boys game.

We're going to have a Co-Ed 3-Point Contest can't wait to watch that go down.

And then at 5:30, the five a girls Creekview versus my neighbors.

The Milton Eagles can't wait to watch that game.

And then our nightcap tonight it's going to be the five A boys at 730 Alexander versus Woodward Academy.

Now we know life happens.

It's a Friday night.

You might not be able to sit in front of a TV and watch these games, but don't worry, you can follow us on social media.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, and of course, we're live streaming the games as well.

You can look on your phone or whatever device at gpb.org slash.

You can also follow along our GPB sports app.

So there is no reason why whatever you have going on on Friday night that you can't be watching our games, we'll have more of our countdown to tip off coming up on the other side of this break.

Keep it right here on GPB.

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Welcome back to the Macon Coliseum.

Halftime in the boys won a D-1 state championship game and Rabun leads Southwest Macon 25 19.

Matt Stewart joined by Sean Golden.

What did you like in the first half?

Well, I like the energy of Rabun County.

They came out just not intimidated.

They played aggressively downhill.

They made creative shots.

They were crafty.

They played with confidence.

At the same time, Southwest Macon came out, I think trying to play to the crowd.

Once they settled in, they started to play better and towards the latter part of the second quarter they came into their own.

Well, credit to Rabin coach David Adcock, he said I told our boys, we're not going to be intimidated.

We've never played in a Coliseum as big as the Macon Coliseum.

In fact, he referenced Lakepoint Sports, which is a great sports facility, but nothing like playing in a big arena like this.

Well, it's more about the arena here.

It's also the crowd, the intimidation, the the fans are here.

It's loud and it's energy.

So you're right, this is new for Rabun County.

But they stepped up and I think they passed the test as far as intimidation.

Now that it's gotten finished the drill.

We talked about the game within the game and the matchup of Blalock versus Dupree.

Let's look at that here.

After one half of play.

How about the job that Huey Blalock has done with 14 points?

Players are making plays.

Blalock is one of those players just comes down.

It's crafty.

Here we go inside out shooting at mid range and he's a leader on the court and just doing it in all kind of ways.

And Dupree is going to shoot the three.

He can score.

This second half is going to be big for both of them to step up and be more leaders and score some points.

And the second half is underway.

And it starts with a shot by Free and a block by the Patriots Jonathan Hurley.

Good ball movement by Rabun County.

Instead of coming out and making it quick, they're being patient.

You got movement, you got cuts.

Blalock.

Elbow and you got Blalock.

And he is extraordinary.

All the ingredients to make a two point basket.

Everything needed to happen there.

And you got the ball into the right person's hands for the pull up.

You know, when the admiral was at Navy, he got out of service because he couldn't fit in the submarine.

Huey he's not going to get that same excuse.

He's only 510 listed on the roster, maybe shorter than that in real life.

Dupree takes the long three pointer, bounces high and the rebound controlled by Free, and.

It's the same thing with Southwest.

They're going back to how they started the game.

Quick shots and little ball movement and player movement.

Blalock getting to the rim.

Scoop, shot rebound controlled by Butts and Southwest.

Macon ahead it comes to Dupree all the way through with the layup.

Great transition basket from Dupree.

It's a three on two opportunity that was stellar.

Players attack the rim to score in transition.

And that's exactly what he did.

Dupree has 14 of their 21 Blalock kicked to the corner.

Free pump fake steps inside the line.

Gets it back on the feed and the assist by Blalock in the basket by three.

Free is long.

He's lanky at six foot seven, but he's athletic.

He went up to dunk that kind of controlled his body at the end with a chance for a three point.

Play and another spectacular no look pass from Huey Blalock, who leads the state in assist and has four here in this game.

You know, a lot of people when it comes to playing with small guards, there's something special about them.

And I'm talking about Blalock.

He's very special.

Free misses a chance at the three point play.

It's an eight point lead for Raven.

They've led the entire game.

They've led by as many as 12.

Southwest has never led Dupree the miss Butts over the back commits the foul.

And that's part of the defensive game plan for Rabun County.

Boxing out is very important because they understand that Southwest is going to attack the offensive glass, put a body on someone to eliminate their second chance scoring opportunities.

I'm wondering if there's anybody left in Tiger Georgia today.

If they are, hopefully they're watching GPB.

I think so.

Foul on Southwest and this is going against Dupree.

That'll be the second team foul here on Southwest and the third team foul.

Pardon me on Southwest in the opening less than 2 minutes.

The quarter.

Blalock being guarded now by Hurley on the switch.

And Blalock takes him to the rim and missed the layup.

Got his own.

Miss.

Comes out to Burrell who missed the jumper.

Now that's a competitive fight.

On behalf of Dupree on the defensive end.

Oh Free was able to come in matte and definitely try to keep the ball alive offensively.

But it shows you there's some fight and Chase Dupree not just scoring the basketball, but doing some of the little things to try to get a W in the championship here this afternoon.

And the foul was called on Hayes Free.

That's number three on him.

First player to get into any kind of significant foul trouble in this game.

Handoff goes to Howard.

Howard hasn't really gotten going here today.

He averages 20.6 points per game.

Has only three on the drive.

Now he has five 0-2 On two.

Good call Matt.

Great call.

They needed some extra buckets from other people and other players.

Raven Lee cut to six.

Great pass by Blalock and the miss by Free.

But we have a foul called on the Patriots and that'll be their fourth team foul here in the third quarter.

Not yet.

3 minutes in.

And Southwest had the press set up.

But the way that Raven plays, it's like water through a barbed wire fence, diving, cutting.

So in a full court situation, Free dives to the rim with a chance to hit two at the free-throw line.

Iverson was called for the foul.

And Free hits the first free throw to rebuild a seven point lead, and Bedingfield is at the scorer's table.

He'll be coming in for free after the free throw makes.

And here he comes.

Good substitution of the bench with three personal fouls.

Exactly.

That was a great substitution.

He was able to get him out, give him a breather and also protect protect him as well too.

As you said he has three fouls.

Eight point lead.

After the three make that two free throws by Free and Howard trying to initiate the action.

Drives left side of the lane.

Missed the layup and he got fouled.

He's going to the line.

It's two possessions in a row where Howard was able to get to the rim.

And that's an adjustment that's going to have to happen.

Because the way that Raven is playing defensively Matt they're going over all ball screens and how it's not that strong of a three point shooter.

You might have to go underneath and cut him off on the drive.

So Howard at the free-throw line he's a 77% free-throw shooter.

The foul was called on Bedingfield.

And Howard misses the first free throw.

One shot.

Raven leading this 13123.

3 minutes into the third quarter.

Howard gets the second free throw and it's 31 24.

Is this kind of pressure a 221 a Southwest by the Patriots.

Signature.

Jim Calhoun back to a man to man.

Blalock being guarded by Dupree gets the screen missed the pick and roll opportunity right there.

Burrell wasn't rolling on the play.

Now his brother Reed kicks to him in the corner.

Now it goes to Adcock for three and he airballs it.

The young freshman's had a trouble troublesome day at that three point line.

He is zero for four and a time-out on the floor with 443 to play in the third and Raven up by seven.

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For Trace Adcock, who averages 16 points per game and the number 13 point shooter in the state won the three point contest a couple of days ago.

And dad not happy with him after he went zero for four and comes off the floor at that recent airball.

Let me tell you something about Coach Adcock.

Man, I got tears of joy because it shows you his intensity.

It doesn't matter who's on the court.

My son, my daughter.

When we're as a team and we're as a unit, it doesn't matter.

You're focused on the team.

And he knows his son.

He understands his son.

And he's an intense coach.

So when he saw that his son was more focused on the shots, he said, hey man, we're not going to have that.

That's not that's unacceptable.

We're trying to win the game, get over it and get to the next play.

And if you don't get over it, you're sitting on the bench, been there, done that.

Your dad Louis never did that.

Yeah right.

Yeah.

You told me how he chewed you out when he didn't take a charge.

Foul on Shaq.

Yeah, that was a business call.

That was.

A business decision.

So I'm protecting my future.

And see, that's kind of what happens.

I'm thinking about what trace.

Now you're missing the shots.

And then defensively you're making bad decisions on the defensive end.

And you're not even thinking about the game.

That's what happens to young players.

He's a freshman people.

He's a freshman.

But this is a time where there are opportunities for him to grow up and mature.

And this is one of those opportunities right now.

Yeah.

Let's stress that dad wasn't upset that he missed the shot.

Dad's upset that he's letting that missed shot bleed into the rest of his game.

Exactly.

And that's what any player get to the next play.

Howard hits the free throws and it's 31 20 6221.

Back to man defense.

Blalock left side of the lane scoops it up and in.

Man let me tell you about this young man.

He doesn't stop.

His motor just keeps going and going and going.

He's going to put this team on his back.

He's going to wheel them to a Rabun County for a championship.

The legend of Huey Blalock continues to grow right in front of your eyes.

He's got 18 of their 33.

Hurley misses the jumper.

Battle for the rebound and Butts sticks it up and in.

Got to secure that rebound.

Hurley that was a great pull up jump shot.

He was very good.

And he's got he's got he's going to be okay.

He's a junior.

He's going to be fine.

He did everything right.

But the basket didn't go in.

Ball didn't go in the hoop.

Here we go.

Isolation.

Two stars against each other.

Dupree right here.

Takes him left side of the lane.

Stop.

Farsis out.

Nearly intercepted.

Bedingfield saves it.

Still plenty of time on the shot clock.

Here we go.

One on one.

Basketball, one on one.

Bedingfield.

No rebound.

Baseline.

Southwest gets it to Howard.

Chance to get it down to three or two with a three.

And he barely hit the iron.

That was a long shot.

That's out of his comfort zone.

That was a crowd shot.

That was a crowd shot.

Everyone wants to be the hero versus making it simple.

Blalock that's going to be a body foul.

On Dupree on Howard.

Pardon me, that's Howard, not Dupree guarding him that time.

But see, here's what happened with Howard.

You're playing solid.

You can't make a good defensive stop.

Then you come down here.

You want a heat check from the logo?

You're not getting paid for it.

It's no n I l in high school for the heat check.

And then you go down here, you can make a defensive.

You know of.

By the way.

Well, not that I'm aware of, but the thing is, good players at the time when it needs to be a crucial decision to be made, you make good decisions.

Blalock hits the free throw you knew he would.

He's an 86% free-throw shooter.

He's just a tough kid.

He's a tough young man, very tough.

34 28 what an extraordinary game for Huey Blalock committed to the Naval Academy.

He's the first guy to get the 20 points.

Seven point game 2:50 to go in the third.

Let's see what happens offensively with Southwest.

How much can they move the ball?

Dupree had it knocked away by Blalock runs under it and gets the layup.

My lord.

And I'm telling you, that is exactly what coach is talking about.

Defense.

Defense score of transition forced a turnover.

Play our game as the Wildcats come out with a nine point game.

A nine point lead.

That was Adcock getting the feet ahead for Blalock and Blalock getting the layup 22 for Huey 22 of their 37.

And I like the fact that he calls the transition steel.

He's got the deflection.

His teammate gets it.

And quick outlet quick finish.

Nothing flashy just simple solid basketball.

Nine point lead for Rabin and Sean.

We're down to ten plus minutes left in regulation.

What can Southwest Macon do to get back in this game?

Make a push for the title.

One possession, one possession at a time.

But you can't heat check every time down the court.

You can't come down one pass shot, one dribble shot and you're shooting it from almost half court.

They're playing to the crowd.

And that's a maturity.

That's a mindset.

You got to block the crowd out.

And especially understanding what their coaches are second time going back to that time, going back to back to the state championship, we can't let our fans down, but you got to play solid offense and solid defense.

Matt.

You know, Coach Hardnett told us that Raymondh really sticks to their stuff and they've done that now for almost three quarters.

They've played well this afternoon so far.

Dupree can get going here.

He has not scored any points.

I don't think here in this third quarter.

If so, just one bucket.

They need him to get going.

That's a long three pointer off the back iron.

And Blalock gets the rebound.

The smallest player on the court just getting the defensive rebound.

That tells you the mindset of Southwest not attacking the offensive rim.

Blalock misses this time.

Someone's got to get it and that's going to be out of bounds.

On Southwest.

T Raglin got the rebound and passed it, and there was nobody there.

And then he couldn't touch it.

And see mental mistakes mental mistakes.

That's a mental mistake.

Just pick it up.

Just pick the ball up.

That's okay.

Someone needs to clean this area up.

So that no one gets hurt.

There's going to be.

Yeah, perspiration all over the floor right here.

Hopefully they'll wipe it up.

So they reset the shot clock to 35.

Since the ball goes over the Rabun County here.

And Adcock just fumbled it out of bounds right in front of the media table.

Day he's just mentally he's not there.

You know, he's so focused on getting his shot off that he's not playing the game that his dad wants him to play.

Play solid.

Don't worry about the shots.

Play solid basketball.

Learning experience.

Yeah, but first unforced turnovers.

You can't win a championship Howard.

And one.

Fouls going against Blalock.

And Howard gets a chance at a three point play right here.

You see Howard is kind of starting to take over the game a little bit.

Let's remember this moment a minute.

And 40s left in the third Rabun County with a seven point lead.

Let's remember this about 4 minutes from now because this could be the turning point of the game.

Free throw right there would have helped make the argument, but he missed that free throw in the three point play back the other way.

Here comes Rabin on offense.

To the corner it goes.

Adcock misses the three and Butts gets the rebound.

Dupree turns the corner, gets fouled and takes the shot at the same time.

Let's see if they call it on the floor or a two point shot.

They're going to call it now.

They're going to call it shooting foul.

Foul.

So Dupree is going to get shots right here.

So now you got a minute and 9 seconds in the third seven point game.

Easily a five point game before we go to the fourth.

Got to make those free throws.

And his rhythm is off.

He's only one for four in.

The game.

He's shooting his free throws man.

It's like I'm stepping into it and walking into it.

Maybe slow down on your technique.

He'll take his time.

Scores got to be able to score.

And that includes free throws.

And that was a good that was a good pace on that free-throw routine.

Six point lead after the free throw made by Dupree.

They run a trap here at Blalock.

He throws it across half court to burrow.

Burrell giving it off his foot and knocked out of bounds.

Apparently touched last by Rabun County.

And it's going to be Southwest ball right in front of us.

I think he caught a foul.

Matt.

Yes he did.

And the foul is going to be on Burrell.

It was a loose ball.

And what Burrell did I believe that green was trying to advance the ball before he grabbed his arm while he was on the floor.

So both teams are now in the bonus and Montese Green is going to be taking the free throws right here.

Remember what I said Matt a minute and 40s to go in the third quarter seven point game.

Now we've got a five point game.

Greene, the six foot senior wing.

This is the third Southwest he's going to kick themselves when they look at the final stat sheet.

They've now missed ten free throws in this game.

They're eight for 18.

Up and in on the offensive rebound by Dupree.

And it's a four point game.

And Matt mistakes comes in all kinds of ways.

When you mentally start to fatigue and get frustrated with the process.

Ball batted up into the air.

Stolen by Southwest ahead to Dupree inside, Butts gets fouled on the play.

He's going to the line.

You can see the frustration because the little things aren't going their way because the energy isn't there.

It's more frustration because I'm not hitting my shots versus playing through the missed shots and playing with some energy and some passion.

Southwest is starting to defend two, two, one press.

They're going to track Blalock try to force the tempo and force some turnovers.

Butts will try to make it a two point game.

Gets one more free throw right here.

And it is a two point game with 40s to play in the third quarter.

Crap on Blalock.

He calls a time-out.

Had to call the time-out to avoid throwing the ball away.

And times two.

Andriy Yermak.

And now the way the crowd has responded has not been there all afternoon at the start of the game.

Yes, but as the game started to grow, Matt first, second and now the third quarter, it's taken a good 24 minutes for this crowd to get involved.

Yeah, they've been waiting for the Patriots to do something and now that they have they're feeding them.

Yeah.

And this is the thing Matt, that Rabun County they have not witnessed nor have experienced the crowd of this magnitude with this type of, you know, loudness here in the third.

So how they respond, especially here on this possession, you still got 30s 37 seconds left in the third.

How they responded.

This possession is very important.

And the Rabun County crowd, to their credit, trying to counteract the loudness of the Southwest crowd.

Two point game 37.5.

And they're going to have 6 seconds to get it across, because they already burned 4 seconds on the shot clock.

So 6 seconds to get it across the half court line.

Keep that in mind.

Reed Burrell will be the Inbounder.

So they're double teaming.

They see the double team.

Here it comes.

Gets it back to Burrell and they get it across in time.

No problem.

There's a trap rotation.

Blalock splits, the defense goes to Adcock.

Open three hits the iron.

Long rebound.

Adcock got it back.

Dumps it off for Blalock 22 seconds to play in the quarter.

Burrell into the paint out to Bedingfield 15 seconds to play in the quarter.

Blalock being harassed by the defense.

Burrell steps inside the line and misses the shot.

Rebound is controlled by Southwest chance of a final shot.

Howard down the floor.

Shot defended by Adcock.

And that is the end of the third quarter.

Frantic baseline to baseline action as we head to the fourth.

Raven leading Southwest 37 35.

Can they hold on and make history or will it be Southwest Macon?

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Heading to the fourth quarter here in Macon.

In the one a D one final and Rabun County leading Southwest Macon 37 35 Matt Stewart, along with Sean Golden, we got a fantastic 8 minutes of basketball remaining here in this championship game.

Yeah, well, coach has done he's done a great job.

Coach Hardnett he knew that.

Let's get him to a point where we have impressed him with the 221 all night long.

They add that in the third quarter added the tempo defensively.

Created some turnovers.

Right off the start, Howard misses a three in.

The corner again a hero shot.

A hero shot down by two points.

Let's make a good offensive play.

Move the ball.

Be patient and get a good shot.

Blalock being guarded by.

Hurley gives it to Free.

Free back in the ball game after sitting for a while.

That's going to be a blocking foul on Southwest.

That was a great decision by Free because it wasn't about the three-point shot.

Matt.

It was like hey, the shot fake, let's drive.

Let's get to the rim.

You got size advantage, you got the length.

Use it to your advantage in the fourth quarter.

So Hayes Free at the foul line.

He's now two for four at the line.

And Ravens five for eight at the line.

As a team collectively the foul by the way was called on Greene.

He goes out of the game for the Patriots.

Two misses at the foul line.

Both these teams have missed some really big free throws, especially here in the second half.

Big time possession, big time possession.

The missing by Hurley.

And it's like.

To start.

The quarter.

But well it went back to what they started the game off one pass one shot.

You know the zero ball movement.

Pass back into the paint and Free gets fouled on the shot.

He'll be going to the line for two shots.

That's frustrating for Coach Hardnett and his staff because I'm sure they've communicated on their time-outs and the huddles.

Guys need better ball movement.

We need better player movement from Southwest and then you got to defend as well too.

Everyone wants to look for the ball and once you get lost looking defensively, the backups come and this is what happens.

And here we go with Free for free-throw line.

Again.

He missed his last two and now he hits this one.

38 35.

Missed the second and the rebound is controlled by Hurley.

It is a three point game with 7 minutes left in regulation.

Let's see what kind of offense.

I actually like the patience.

It's not going to happen overnight, but the patience is good.

But mid range jumper.

Let's see if they'll count it.

But that wasn't a bad possession Matt you're down to 11 seconds on the shot clock.

The ball was reversed about two or three times.

It was shifting the defense.

You got isolation drive and Butts was able to get the foul.

In Dupree.

On the dribble.

Weaves through the defense and he gets fouled on the shot.

Now Dupree will get free throws.

And he wasn't settling for the jump shot.

Smart move by Dupree.

He weaved himself through the defense.

Got to his spot.

Let's see what he can do.

Knock down his free throws and cut into the lead.

So Reed Burrell becomes the first player in this game to get four personal fouls.

He's rushing again.

He's got to slow down.

Maybe take an extra breath or something on the free-throw line.

But you're right Matt.

The way they're shooting their free-throw percentage is not helping.

The calls for a win.

This afternoon.

Yeah.

Dupree is.

Now two for six in the game.

Misses another.

And Southwest is ten for 22 on their foul shots.

You simply do the math.

If they just hit 50% of their shots, they'd be leading right now.

Blalock being guarded by Butts way out there on the left side.

Gets in the paint, steps in, dumps it off for Free.

Free shot it too hard and the rebound by Howard.

Down the floor from Southwest.

A chance to tie with a three or cut it to one.

Now the ball needs to move.

No isolation.

Power up and in.

Bohatch was strong enough.

He's quick enough.

And a time-out on the floor.

383-07-5507 left in regulation.

We're going down to the wire and Macon Rabin on top by one.

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East Laurens already crowned.

The girls won a D1 champion earlier today with their 63 55 win over Elbert County, and two more games coming up this evening in class five A, the girls Creekview versus Milton and the boys game Alexander taking on Woodward Academy and Sean and I will be back for that one.

Here.

It's 38 37.

Rabin leading by one in the state finals.

For the first time ever.

They felt like last year's team might have been able to get here.

They got beat by eventual champion best in the second round, the same best team that ended up beating Southwest in the championship game a year ago.

And now these two teams are playing for the championship here in 181, Blalock picks up his dribble, passes out to Adcock and it's knocked away, poked ahead and a foul is going to be called.

Oh my Southwest.

That was a loose ball.

That's a tough foul right there on Alex Butts.

Take another look at it right here.

Good deflection.

Hand on the ball.

Oh yeah I don't understand that one.

I don't know.

I don't understand that call.

Yeah.

Butts was diving for the ball.

And then the Raven player fell on top of him.

Burrell on the drive gets the Free.

He can't hold on to it now.

Southwest has it like they say.

Ball don't lie, ball don't lie.

But the way that Southwest is playing, their defense is their offense.

Forget the sets play on defense and scoring transition.

That's been their biggest strength here in the second half.

Howard spin move triple team gives it up.

Shot blocked by Free right watch out.

Goes in.

Missed the layup.

The putback by Bedingfield three point lead for Raven.

Great basketball play by Free.

Great basketball.

I mean you can't get any better than that.

Matt Steele deflection put back by your teammate.

He got sped up on that play.

He was thinking about a dunk instead took the layup and missed it.

But it doesn't matter.

They still got the bucket.

Howard going around.

That's going to be a foul on Free.

And Hayes.

Free just picked up his fourth personal foul.

I mean Free is long.

I mean he was going to tear the house down as his teammate following up this Raven County team.

They got a lot of fight.

They've got a lot of fight.

And out of bounds off Southwest.

For 24 to go in regulation.

Raven leading by three.

Blalock just decided where's that crevice I can get to?

Where's that spot.

Where's that spot?

Stepped back passing the bank for Free and he puts it in and see.

So much focus, so much attention was given to Blalock Free.

Just ram into that wide open space.

43 now with 12 and Blalock has five assists.

Long three pointer by Dupree.

You didn't need that.

You didn't need that.

You didn't need that Dupree penetrate.

Move that your teammates involved.

Instead of it being a three point game.

Now five point game could easily be a seven point game.

Just that fast.

Five lead for Raven, 3.5 to go.

They run a double team at Blalock.

He quickly calls a time-out and now he barks at his teammates, telling him you're not in the right spot.

That's leadership.

That's that's leadership.

I love it.

329 left in the one a d one final.

We'll step aside.

Raven leading by five.

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329 left in regulation the one a D one state championship game Rabun County trying to win their first ever championship, their first since the 1990 state golf title.

Never wanted in boys basketball.

Never wanted in football.

They're best known for their football.

Of course, a guy named Gunner Stockton.

You've heard them, but they've never won it all in football.

Got to the semifinals.

They've never won the state championship.

And trying to do that here in boys basketball this afternoon.

2.5 minute scoring drought for Southwest Macon.

They're on defense right now.

Shot clock down to three.

Blalock rises up and hits Blanche are you kidding me?

Are you serious?

A five foot nine?

24 for Blalock back the other way and Free may have just picked up his fifth personal foul.

And Free has just fouled out of this game.

I mean.

This kid.

O m g Huey Blalock for three.

Man, this this kid is exciting.

Blalock.

I mean there's so much he has so much potential.

And tonight he's he's using every little bit of juice he can to succeed.

And there you saw the fifth personal foul on Hayes Free.

So now the guy who's been their second scoring option here in the second half outside of Blalock is now on the bench for the rest of the game.

So we've talked about this all afternoon long.

It's a eight point game.

But if Southwest making the Patriots hit their free throws, they're probably about five or six.

Yeah, right now they are ten for 22.

So if they hit just 50% of those.

50% would be 11.

For 22.

They would not be up.

But if they hit 70%, which is a reasonable number, they would be.

The point is well made.

They've missed too many free throws for a state championship.

Point blank, point blank.

Now you're up seven down, seven.

So Greene hits the free throw and 5393 0-2 left in regulation.

It's a two possession game.

It's a two possession game.

It's a game of home runs.

It's a game of singles.

Always double play, always double play.

Lock in defensively.

Don't let him go one on one and ISO Greene is going to be the guy that takes him right here.

He goes by Greene spins into the paint, pulls up left it short.

Rebound controlled by Raglin.

And here comes Southwest spin move by Howard in the open court to beat the defense.

Another spin move to get near the lane and a shot missed.

That shot right there.

A bad shot that was a wild shot.

He didn't even see the rim.

He was trying to go one on one from the get.

Get your teammates in position.

It's too much ISO basketball this afternoon for the Southwest.

That's going to be a ten second violation.

They did not get it across half court in time.

That's the pressure that is needed.

Has been needed all afternoon, afternoon and Greene is a great guy doing it.

Sean, I would say it wasn't so much the pressure as it was just a lapse in concentration right there by Blalock.

Well, it also meant think about it.

You know, Blalock has played the entire game and I'm sure fatigue is a factor as well.

He's tired and so he walked it up a little bit slow, played it a little bit, a little bit too much.

All right.

And coach told him we need better action.

We need movement.

Dupree in rhythm.

Hit the three-point shot.

Chase Dupree makes it a three point game.

That was ball movement.

That was ball movement.

Here's the steal.

Stolen.

Howard's got it.

Stop being nice.

Not one on one and a foul on the floor is traveling.

What's the call?

It is a foul on the floor.

And it's going against Raven.

It's two people up that I trust and basketball team.

If I'm Southwest, it's going to be Dupree and it's going to be Howard.

Those two guys got to do a better job of seeing each other.

Reed Burrell just found out of the ball game for Raven.

He comes out and now Colton Crane, who has not played at all today, comes on the floor for the first time.

Missed by Howard.

There's one more free throw coming here.

Everybody reacted like it was a one shot deal.

Everybody on edge right now with Raven leading 45-42 They got to fix the shot clock.

They initiated the shot clock on that free throw miss.

So they put a second back on.

And I wonder if they need to put a second back on the game clock.

Because it ticked down from 35-34 But what about the game clock.

It's sitting on 150 right now.

They don't change that.

One shot.

Stands to reason.

If a second came off the shot clock, a second came off the game clock too, right?

The made by Howard 45 43.

Pressure.

Check the ball.

Check the ball.

Check the ball.

Trap the ball.

Blalock gets it ahead.

Deny him back.

Deny it back.

Girls.

Got it.

Gets it back to Blalock.

And a time-out called by Raven with 1:37 to go.

Wow.

We've got a two point game with 90-7 seconds to play.

Coach Golden going to let you get in the huddles here.

Let's start with Raven.

What they're doing what they're going to do right here.

Well you've.

Got a 22 seconds on the shot clock Matt.

And it's not about a quick shot.

You get a good shot or layup great.

But the shot clock is your friend.

If you Rabun County you want to get a quality shot at the same time.

Southwest there's only one person that can beat you and that's Blalock double him.

Travell triple him whenever he gets the ball directly goes straight to him.

Force him to make other other people, make him play.

Deny him the ball if possible.

Denial.

Full denial.

Face guard, as we call it.

See, right now, that's not face guard.

You're six foot four face guard.

He should never see the ball.

Yes.

That's it.

Giuffre.

Slack off a little bit for some reason.

Give him some space.

And now they make the switch.

Butts takes him.

Now they run a double team on him and Blalock pulls up mid-range and hits it.

How did you not trap him?

Cold blooded 47 43 Howard back the other way.

He's it up there and one.

And and one for Caron.

CJ Howard coming up.

Charge.

Wow charge.

He calls the charge.

How did he call that.

He calls the charge.

Push off.

So 116 and now it is Ravens ball denial.

And the ball got knocked out of bounds by Southwest.

Right now all denied on Blalock.

One person in front, one person behind.

Take your take somebody off the ball because they can't move the baseline.

Cord Burrell tries to get it in and does Crane they get it into the front court.

Trap.

1 minute to go in regulation.

Raven holding on for the lead.

Crane has no Bedingfield.

Pardon me.

Deny the ball.

Dupree ten on the shot clock.

It goes to Crane now.

Crane 8 seconds on the shot clock and fouled on the three-point shot.

With 4 seconds on the shot clock.

Blalock gets fouled on the three-point shot.

Matt Dupree stepped into the motion of his shot.

It's more than that.

It's a mental mindset I'm looking at.

I'm talking about Dupree and Howard and a good bit of the players here on the court.

They're so focused on trying to score, but they're not playing the game.

You need to face guard Blalock you should double Blalock and you just contest the three.

You don't go that aggressive.

He's out of bounds.

He's off balance.

And even right now, if there's a long rebound where's Dupree?

He's out of sync.

He can't get the long rebound right.

And so it's a mental mindset that these young men have to understand.

The game is not just play physically.

You have to think it the entire game.

You got to play it over and over and over.

Situations and situations and situations.

Well, I agree with you.

The aggressiveness needs to come in denial of the ball, not not on the shot, not on the three-point shot.

Be aggressive.

Denying him the ball, not fouling him on his follow through.

Blalock hits them both 49432 possession game, six point lead for Raven.

Dupree takes the straight on three, barely hit the iron.

Crane gets the rebound and he's going to get fouled.

And Crane is going to go to the foul line.

And that was a desperation shot by Dupree.

Just imagine you found a three point shooter.

You come down you shoot an off balance three and then you go and foul on the free throw.

That's just he's got to be more mentally tough than that.

He's got to be, you know thinking better than that.

And as a senior you wanted that leadership from example from one of your captains.

And tonight Dupree scored a few shots but just didn't step up to the plate as leader.

Sean I'm going to get on a soapbox for a moment, can I?

Yes, please.

We got the Southwest crowd filing out.

I think it's disrespectful to these boys who fought to get to the state championship.

No, it's not disrespectful.

And I say that because this is your second time back to back.

You had a better team, but you let one player dominate the game.

And the game's not over.

But I hear the fans behind me.

You let one player dominate the game, and if you don't sometimes focus on your defense versus your offense, it's frustrating for the crowd as well, too.

Now you're right, Matt, getting here to the championship game.

They're not concerned about a runner up.

They want to win.

And when you got a crowd like this a fan base like this, there's sometimes you got to understand hey they want to win as well too.

So yeah, not as much as the players do though.

Players put in the work.

Fans just bought the ticket to watch Crane at the line.

Clutch free throw for Colton Crane, who just checked into the game.

Eight point lead 0:34 to go.

Howard crosses the three point line, drives to the paint, misses the layup and the rebound by Bedingfield and now it's all but over and the foul is going to be called on Southwest.

You might want to give you a secret or something.

You talk about the crowd leaving.

I understand the frustration of the crowd.

Georgia in the national championship game versus Ohio State at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

I was upset and I left.

You missed a great finish.

I missed the great finish.

I got back and I saw Ohio State kicker missing a field goal.

And I got excited.

The fans are involved as well too.

Oh yeah, I don't debate that.

And we don't have a game in this kind of excitement without them.

25.2 seconds and now Bedingfield steps up to the line for Rabin, looking to build on an eight point lead and put this championship game on ice.

Money.

These young men from Rabun County.

You got to tip your hat to them.

Yeah, I mean, you got to give them all the credit.

They've come in here and one of the things is give them no hope.

Meaning Southwest to win this game.

This will be their 30th win of the season.

Howard takes a long three rebound and that should do it.

Rabun County going to dribble it out.

Their first ever state championship.

And what a performance for Huey.

Blalock goes for 29 of their 52 Rabun County champions for the first time ever.

Two.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your attendance and GHSA Basketball Championship presented Andre Dickens Manama.

Please bring your attention to Khork representing GHSA.

And I love this about the high school game.

They still have a handshake line.

You know that's life, man.

You know, you get out here and you compete, you're competitive.

You want to win.

Everyone wants to win.

But at some point in time, you got to embrace and say, great job to the opposing team that won the victory.

And then you go on and find ways to get better.

I respect that, I would think every team should do that because it shows, you know, maturity and respect for your opponent.

Rabun County caps an extraordinary season 30-2 with their first ever Boys state championship in basketball.

Fun.

One to watch as Huey Blalock puts on a show.

Can you believe at five foot nine, 130 pounds, dripping wet, speedy, quick as lightning, strong Athletic has a heart of a lion.

He puts his entire team on his back, the entire school on his back, the entire community on his back and Rabun County.

And he is the reason why they're cutting down nets and winning the state championship.

I'll tell you what, one of the reasons I love basketball, they call it a big man's game, but sometimes it's the smallest guy that's the biggest player.

All right, let's send it off to John Nelson.

He's ready to go at half court.

Thank you very much.

Matt Stewart you've been a lot of firsts so far here in Macon with the Macon madness and the Macon Coliseum and the Macon Centreplex for another.

First, let's give it over to the executive director of the Georgia High School Association, Dr.

Tim Scott, and a friend from Pest Management.

Hey, let's give these two teams a great round of applause.

What a great game.

We'll say congratulations to Southwest on a great season.

And now on behalf of Georgia High School, right up pest management will present the state championship trophy to Rayburn High School.

Don't drop that.

As a legacy, I have to ask.

You're the one that gets to be the part of history up there in Tiger.

And do it in front of a lot of red that was here today.

They left here in the middle of the morning.

They were here overnight.

How does it feel to bring that first title home as a legacy for Rabun County?

Oh it's amazing.

Most importantly, man, I want to give glory to God first.

But I mean, Rabun County rise up.

I'm proud of these boys, man.

They put in all the work.

It's all about them.

I mean, they've done everything.

They've been in the gym day in and day out since we've been working on this, since they were all 5-6 years old.

I mean, that's just what they do.

They hoop, they love it, and they have fun doing it.

The group that you've known since kindergarten, they're seniors now, and they get to leave as state champs.

When you mention these seniors going out as champs, what sticks in your head?

I mean, they just love the game.

I mean, that's all they do.

They come to work every single day.

I mean, we got Huey, Hayes and Colton.

Y'all going out.

State champions boys state champs.

That's the only way to say it.

There's a first time ever once again for a lot of red in this crowd.

And there's a lot of red behind the coach right there.

Rabun County state champs will catch up with the coach and our player of the game coming up in just a little bit.

Let's send it to Matt and Goldie.

Wins the one a Division one championship.

What a performance by Huey Blalock to.

What more can I say about you?

Got to call him a champion.

I mean, this young man from the start, he played hard.

He played with passion and even kind of talked to the crowd, taunted the crowd.

I'm here.

I'm not going anywhere.

And he stepped up to the spot.

So congratulations on that young man and his entire team.

Winning the state championship.

Goes for 29 points.

An all around great game for him.

And he was the biggest player, the smallest player, biggest player on the floor.

I mean just pulling up for the mid range jump shot.

He kept the defense on skates.

The defense couldn't stop him penetrating.

And any time if he needed to stop and pull up.

I mean that's just a skill.

And you know his coaches they talk about his heart but his skills as well too.

He's going to Navy next year and I'm sure he'll have a great collegiate career there.

What a fun game.

As they celebrate their first ever boys basketball championship in the Georgia High School Association.

That was fun.

52 43 The finals.

Raven defeats Southwest Macon.

That'll do it for the day.

Session.

Night session starts at 5:30.

We got plenty of time between now and then.

And now for our producer, Glen diamond and partner Sean Golden.

Our entire GPB team.

I'm Matt Stewart.

So long from now we'll continue from Macon and Atlanta in just a moment.

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I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

Hey there everyone and welcome in to countdown to Tip Off right here on GPB.

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

Now we're in day three of our four day coverage of all these incredible state championship games.

And if you're just now joining us, we have crowned our second state champion of the day.

Here's our scoreboard.

The Rabun County Wildcats all over.

Southwest Macon Patriots.

Final score 52-43 of the single A Division one boys final.

Now this score right here is not indicative of how close this game actually went.

It was a really fun one to watch.

John Nelson is live from the Macon Coliseum, and there is one player that was simply electric to watch.

Huey Blalock is sitting right next to you, Nelly.

He dropped 29 points.

The Patriots could not contain him.

However, before you go into all of the stats and congratulate Coach Adcock as well for the first ever title, going home to Raven County, I have the question that the people want to know is he wearing socks?

Yes.

And they're the little ankle socks, the ankle protectors.

Great.

And this was something that was we were all genuinely curious about.

And I was talking to principals about it, trying to get the Intel on it.

Yes, there are socks in there.

It's like me playing golf.

You take the ankle socks.

That's that's what he's got.

And I was like, okay, these kind of look.

And now now Huey these are these are these are basketball.

They're, you know, they're basketball sneakers, right?

Oh, they're basketball shoes.

Just ankle socks.

Okay, so I see everybody wanted to know.

So now we know statewide that you are wearing the ankle socks.

Okay.

I'm going to I'm going to let you look at that for a minute.

Let me come over here and catch up with Coach.

When you got the trophy.

Yes.

And I mentioned that you were a legacy.

Your dad is also a part of this.

Yeah.

He is.

So it is now with trace third generation at Raven.

Yes.

What do you think he's thinking about right now?

I mean.

Yeah.

My dad coached basketball for 31 years.

I mean, I was a gym rat.

I followed him around.

He won a state title at Glenwood, and I. And I was, I was too young to be a, be a part of it then, but it was one of those things that I was always proud of him accomplishing that.

And in my wildest dreams, I mean, I knew my boys were going to put in the work that they needed to do in order to achieve this goal.

But I mean, just to come full circle, after my dad passed away and then my father in law passed away at the beginning of the school, beginning of the school year.

It's just been a kind of rough go, but the boys just, they put in the work and and they just love the game and it's all about them.

I mean, that's the most important thing.

And I just want to make sure that everybody understands that my kids just they love to hoop and they just love to just, just be in the gym.

They love each other.

And the upside about being at Rabun County is, I mean, I talked Huey in pre-K.

I mean, he was in my pre-K class.

That's not a joke.

I've known the kid since he was 4-years-old.

I mean, they've all grown up together.

They've played basketball together since they were 4-5 years old.

I mean, it's just all we do.

I mean, we've we're a family.

And when we say family, we break it down into every game before every game and just say family.

But that's truly what we are.

I mean, they're my kids and I try to be the biggest father, father, father figure for them that I possibly can be.

And I just want them to understand that I love them and I'm so proud of them and everything they've accomplished.

So let me come over here and catch up with the the guy with the ankle socks who went for 29 tonight.

Sir.

What does this mean with everything that has gone on with this family, being with these guys, as long as you have to to wrap it up, what is it?

What does it mean to all of you guys?

To wrap it up this way?

We live in a very special place, you know, great community.

Everybody's here to support us, no matter what sport it is.

And I mean, I've been training with Coach Adcock since I was about 5-years-old.

We always in the gym, just working.

And.

I mean, it's a blessing for sure.

And then, like you said, his father in law passed away.

About September or November or something.

And we got, we got together at the funeral and his wife said there was two things he wanted.

He wanted to dunk the ball one day, and he wanted this team right here to win a state championship.

And we promised her that we'd come out here and win a state championship.

And that's what we did.

And you have certainly done that with this group.

And I know what it means with other sports, and I know to finally get it to this point with basketball, to see everybody back here dressed in red, everybody that came down from Tiger, the investment that the community has in not just basketball today, but across the board.

What's it like to see that kind of support on a game day like this?

I mean, it's beautiful.

I mean, I love everyone out there.

I mean, walking around the town, you know, they're just shaking my hand telling me good luck.

I mean, a small town, you know, we love it here.

And there ain't no better place I'd rather be than Rabun County.

You know, we mentioned all of these seniors that are here.

I mean, this is a relatively young group that you've got.

We have three seniors.

And it's those three seniors.

You've got a lot of ninth graders that are making minutes, including another Adcock that's attached to this.

We've seen him already this weekend and be a part of everything here.

This is that whole kindergarten thing.

It's coming.

It's coming in waves.

How difficult was this year to go 30-2 Oh, I mean, the main thing was my I just wanted to make sure I set them up for success.

So throughout the summer, throughout fall league, I mean, we played the best teams we could possibly play.

When we played Alexander, we played Gainesville, we played the Walker School.

We played Butler.

So I mean, I was just trying to put them in front of the best teams I could possibly put them in front of so that we could be battle tested.

So then when it came down to a game like this, I knew that they were ready.

And no, no moment was too big.

And that was the most important thing was just making sure that that we set them up for, for the, the most success we possibly could.

Huey what was it like out there tonight?

Because it was a game that was back and forth.

It was it was at times just like you're sitting there and you're playing pickup at points, somebody's launching, somebody's driving, somebody's launching.

What was it like out there with all of the back and forth that was out there tonight?

Oh, I'm gonna be honest with you.

I came in with the mindset.

It's just another game.

So, I mean, I just came and came.

Whoop.

I didn't see nothing different besides the noise.

That was really it and I love it.

How did you handle the noise?

No, I love it.

I mean, I like when they come down and hit a three and then I come down and you know what I'm saying?

I like that, so that's what I like to do.

Doesn't faze me, doesn't faze us.

So great team that we have.

Here.

No doubt about it.

And so let me take this from you.

Let me wander over here.

You were kind of analyzing some of the numbers in there.

You had a hot first quarter and just the ebbs and flows of it all eight of 11, then three of 14.

What did you talk to him about at the half?

I mean, just keep defending.

I mean that was the main thing we said.

I told the boys, if we can hold them under 50 we're going to win.

And we did it.

I mean that was the most important thing.

And that's what we ultimately did tonight.

I mean we found a way to get stops.

We just we laid it down on the defensive end and they and they battled.

I mean, every single person stepped up defensively.

And then offensively.

I mean it wasn't our best night.

Huey took over when he needed to Hayes found a way to get some get some buckets in the third and fourth quarter.

But ultimately I mean in Landan hit two clutch free throws at the end.

Colton came in off the bench after not playing for 30 minutes and came straight in and buried two free throws to put us.

You know what I mean?

So just everybody ultimately who stepped foot on the court did did an absolutely awful I mean awesome job and did their role to perfection in order for us to get this first state championship.

For someone who has never seen athletics in Tiger, whether it's, you know, basketball today, football on a football Friday night, what does athletics mean?

And I'll ask you both.

Let me start with you.

What does athletics mean to Tiger and Rabun County?

I mean, like you said, I mean Rabun County is the absolute best place to live.

And there is no better place.

The community support we have, the community backing that we have and, and just the amount of effort and energy each kid puts into each and every sport.

It's not just basketball that our kids are putting in the work in.

I mean, they're putting in work in girls basketball and, and football and baseball and softball and, and soccer.

And our kids just love, they love each other.

And I mean, it's a complete and total family atmosphere and a family.

And it's a community that absolutely loves our student athletes.

And we love the community as well.

So then is there going to be a celebration at Snyder?

Are you guys just going to take you're going to take that and have the big celebration there at Snyder and just hoist the trophy and everything.

Have everybody from Tiger show up.

Oh, I haven't even thought about that, honestly.

I mean.

I'm.

Plotting for.

You, man.

We'll see what happens.

I mean, I'm just ready to go see my family, hug them.

And I'm just very proud.

And I would like to say there ain't no other coach in the state that puts in as much work as Coach Adcock.

He lives in the gym, and it might be a little too much, but.

Yeah, but he puts in the work and it don't matter what time it is.

So we love him.

And I know he can hit the 15 footer too, thanks to you both.

Congratulations.

For the first time ever, it's going to be a great ride home just to be safe getting home.

We're going to send it back to Midtown.

Nicki Noto Palmer and get you ready for everything coming up around the corner because he gets to stay because he's going to see somebody in the three point contest coming up in a bit.

Nikk that's right.

Trace already won the boys three point contest.

So he's a two time state champion.

His son.

Thanks again so much Nelly.

We'll have more of countdown to tip off.

Coming up right here on GPB.

We've also got the Co-Ed 3-Point Contest, so keep it right here.

We'll be right back.

So.

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

Oh hey, what's up man?

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

Jacket.

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

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

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

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

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