Hey there everyone.

Welcome in to our 2026 GHSA boys and girls high school basketball state championship coverage.

We're live on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

I'm Nicki Noto Palmer, welcome in to day three of our four day coverage of the state championships.

Now we've crowned so far eight state champions over the past two days.

And four more titles are up for grabs today.

So let's go ahead and get you caught up on what you may have missed yesterday.

It was an awesome, awesome day.

All right so there you have it.

First things first the class two AA girls.

We had Wilcox County win 48-39 over the Tigers.

They are back to back state champions.

Then we had the class two AA boys matchup.

The battle of the Panthers if you will clinch County beat portal by 20.

It's been a 37 year drought for Clinch County.

We know there was a party in Homerville last night and then we had the girls three point contest.

That was so much fun to watch.

Then in the girls class four a matchup, it was Marist versus Cal 58-50 was the final score.

And there was a gal named Kate Harpring that just put on a clinic there.

You see it right there in the highlights.

Oh my gosh.

She dropped 40 points last night of the 58 for the War Eagles.

And in that game she became GHSA all time leading scorer over her decorated career.

She's had 3,435 points.

Incredible win for coach Hickson and the War Eagles.

And then our last game of the night last evening it was St.

Pius versus pace with a final of 54-51 Now we've got another great slate of games.

This is what we have coming up today.

In just a few moments, we're going to tip things off with a single a Division one girls game.

It's East Laurens versus Elbert County.

And then at 3:00 P.M.

We have the single A Division one boys matchup.

Rabun County versus Southwest Macon.

There's going to be a lot of red in Macon Coliseum today.

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

Then at 5:30 we have the five A girls Creekview versus my neighbors, the Milton Eagles.

That's going to be an awesome one.

And then of course, we end the day with the five a boys.

7:30 P.M.

Alexander versus Woodward Academy.

So without further ado, let's go ahead and tip this first game off of the day.

Larry and Kelsey are going to be on the call on the other side of the break.

Keep it right here on GPB.

We've got high school basketball, state championship games all day long.

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

And we've got another thrilling day of competition.

Day three of championships.

And this is game one of four tilts today.

It's the one a Division one girls title tilt the Falcons from East Laurens taking on Elbert County.

The Blue Devils looking for their second title this decade, the last one coming in 2022.

And we say hello and welcome here from right here at courtside at the Macon Coliseum.

Larry Smith here along with Kelsey Rozier.

You know, this is one of those it's Friday the 13th and that means for half these teams today they'll find some luck with the other half.

Not so much.

That's right.

Elbert County being in this place winning in 2022.

They're looking to come back with some Revengeance and win this today.

Yeah absolutely.

Now we have seen a week of superstar play all the way through.

And the password is a competition the same today.

One of the players to watch is the coach's daughter for East Laurens.

That's right.

Deanna Lowther there you see what she's done on the season.

I mean the points are great.

The rebounds are impressive.

131 steals.

That is not easy to do.

She averages 12.8 points per game and 13.1 rebounds.

She is going to have to do a lot in order for them to win this game.

Absolutely.

And then the other side for Elbert County, how about the 16 point per game player?

Audrey Lunsford yeah.

There you see Lunsford was the Region Player of the year.

She's a 1,000 point scorer for this team and coach said she does.

She posts up.

She can handle the ball.

She is a multi-threat athlete.

When she comes out here to play.

Yeah.

Elbert County 22-8 on the season.

Good look there.

And the coach, Daniel Lowther great story.

We'll talk more about her later on today.

Yeah.

I mean she does it all literally does it all.

She is really embedded into this community.

She was the coach of the year in their region and rightfully so.

She has this East Laurens team ready to play.

Meanwhile, we talked with Josh Jones.

He was excited again just to be here and be a part of this, a team that really upset the way to get to the title game.

They certainly did.

And this is his eighth year as a head coach.

He played there and that's a similar thing we've heard all along.

Coach Lowther same thing played there at East Laurens.

So really exciting times for him to be back here in this championship game.

That's right.

His starting lineup.

Audrey Lunsford Kaylen Rucker.

Aaliyah.

Allen.

Tiyah.

Turman and Zy Belcher for East Laurens.

Garyunna Mitchell.

DeAndrea.

Lowther.

Zahmaria Robinson.

Jameria Bing and Deanna Lowther.

And we are off and running now.

It's Elbert County with the ball first wearing their white East Laurens in black and very quickly up and in.

That's how you do it.

Aaliyah Allen gets the first bucket for the Blue Devils.

Coach Josh Jones said that they are going to press the entire game.

They have about four or five different sets.

So let's see if East Laurens can break through that.

Good defense there.

And it was funny too.

He talked about he said, we don't want you to be comfortable.

So if you get used to one press, we're going to change it up.

Just think about the mental capacity of that, though.

As a high school athlete, it's already hard enough to run a couple sets at the college level.

But even as a high school athlete, that switch up of four or five different presses plus your offensive sets, your other defensive half court sets, that's a lot to take in.

Yeah, a lot to process with the emotions already a good crowd.

And again, East Laurens is about an hour away.

Elbert County 2.5 hours.

They left this morning about 7:00 to get here.

Got some breakfast.

Turn now in each possession.

These last two, everyone needing to settle down.

We've seen this in each game.

First couple of minutes.

Always a little jumpy as everyone is trying to settle down their nerves.

And every experience.

Doesn't matter if you've been here before.

Every experience is a little different.

You should have a few of those butterflies.

Absolutely nothing inside of the Garyunna Mitchell blocked away.

It'll stay here.

Falcons ball.

There's another look down low.

Belcher, get that out of here.

That won't go Elbert County.

Ball in the hands of Tiyah Turman the junior.

Patient getting it inside, up and in xAI Belcher with the basket.

Wide open.

Belcher on the inside, feeding it to her for that shot.

She's the one player that has the experience.

The senior.

She was a freshman on that 2023 team that went to the Final Four.

Hard to the basket there and drawing a foul.

That's Garyunna Mitchell.

There's another look down to the corner and then straight into the post where Belcher nice power dribble up strong finishes.

Her body in space, powering and Garyunna Mitchell the 510 freshman.

First one is good.

Good crowd here already.

Coach looking on.

Good.

Form two for two at the line and East Laurens gets on the board.

And now they show press and it works.

The turnover Bing that's a way.

Lowther can't get it back into the hands of Elbert County.

Both teams needing to settle down with the ball.

Point attempt no good by Rucker and it's in.

Take that back.

The ball bounced up and in.

We've seen that a couple of times this week.

We have the Finlay friendly bounce there.

Allen with good hands showing in that press.

That athleticism there you see look again from the side there.

Just a nice friendly bounce.

72 Elbert County early on with the advantage.

Hoban gets it inside.

Mitchell up and in the first field.

Goal.

Down for the Falcons 74.

Scores for up and down here in the opening minutes.

Rucker gets it across now back in the hands of Turman.

Thinking about.

It, she's thinking about it.

It looks good.

It is.

Are you gonna give me that?

I'll take it.

Allen from downtown.

East Laurens not wasting any time.

And that's a huge foul.

Foul?

Wow.

Belcher going to be called for her second foul there.

It's the correct call.

Yeah.

She thought about it.

Allen waiting.

Looked good as soon as it left her hand.

So Mitchell shooting two again.

But once again.

xAI Belcher two quick fouls in the first 3 minutes.

That rolls in.

Coach Jones going to his bench.

Bryleigh Dickerson freshman comes up.

Started a couple of games this year and he had some injury issues.

So she's no no stranger to this lineup.

You know she's only a freshman.

And she's going to have to put up some big minutes now with with Belcher picking up her second personal foul early here in this first quarter.

Mitchell now with four points off the free-throw line.

And now again seen both teams press.

Lunsford gets it across the Rucker on the drive.

Knocked away by broken.

Deanna Lowther with a big blocked shot on the other end.

These young ladies have come to play.

Three ball attempt again.

That's off by Rucker.

Back up and rolls off for Allen can't get it to go.

Belcher inside.

And count the basket.

With the free throw coming, we will stop as well.

439 it's been a great matchup so far.

These two great defense.

Got a little offense.

Got a two point lead for Elbert County.

We'll continue after this.

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.

You've seen what your electric cooperative can do for your home, your workplace, your weekend.

What lights us up is empowering your local community and economy.

Georgia's E-m-c support 15,000 jobs and invest $16 billion in infrastructure annually.

And because we operate at cost, any extra revenue is reinvested into your co-op or return to members investment with impact.

That's the electric cooperative difference.

Georgia's EMC is so much more than electricity.

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.

Now good look at Josh Jones eighth year as a head Coach here at Elbert County.

As you mentioned, off the top won it all back in 2022.

So this is a very different team.

It was you know, a lot more experience, a better scoring team.

They rely more on their defense here this year.

Yeah.

You know things have changed.

And I feel like every year year to year you really do have a different makeup of your team.

You might have returners, you might have a leading scorer.

But other players coming in, you still have to make that work as a nucleus.

And so these coaches are tasked like my hat goes off to these coaches.

They wear a ton of hats.

It's not just the X's and O's.

They are parental figures.

They're counselors.

They're everything across the board.

So trying to get the new team every year to mesh is a task in itself.

Absolutely.

Nice reception there.

By Jamarion Bing.

By the way, hitting the free throw to complete the three point play.

So already we're looking East Laurens there.

Five of five from the line here in the opening minutes of this contest.

Allen now to Turman for Elbert County.

Turman.

The hierarchy shot off the glass.

It in.

Tiyah Turman with the bank shot there.

East Laurens pass this press.

Nice move inside.

Can't get it to go for Mitchell.

And a foul on the rebound.

Look at this.

Tiyah Turman.

They're turning the corner.

Pull up!

Bank shot.

I love what East Laurens is doing right now.

Right.

So they're not wasting any time getting the ball in and pushing up the floor.

Even if they get scored on they're getting it out and we're in a next play mentality right away.

On the ground.

And he's going to go out of bounds off the Dickerson touched it last.

But you're right.

I think that's one thing about the press.

Don't give them a chance to get set.

Get it back and play immediately.

And by the time Elbert County turns around, they're already into their their attack.

That's right.

Good defense here.

Ball back in the hand.

Still, loose.

Lowther has it.

Heads up.

Lowther.

Right side.

That's right.

Dickerson nice look.

Can't get the basket.

Rucker was too hard off the glass.

Rebound to Zahmaria Robinson good hands by Turman foot.

Race to the basket.

Oh, she put it over the backboard.

They're going to call a foul.

Foul on DeAndrea Lowther.

The freshman.

The youngest daughter of Coach Lowther.

Three girls in the family.

She looked like she.

Turman high arching shot.

Another substitution.

Now.

Ansley Harris a sophomore in.

For the first time for the Blue Devils.

Turman good with both 14 11 Elbert County.

Both teams good free-throw shooter with seven of seven combined so far.

Lowther.

Nice dish inside her.

Sister pass.

Absolutely.

And a steal.

And a steal.

Back up and in by Mitchell and East Laurens takes the lead.

Mitchell with back to back plays at the basket.

Lunsford into the corner.

Air ball.

By Allen.

Robinson quickly now into the frontcourt.

Three ball.

Bing good.

East Laurens waking up on offense and the defense creating offense.

They got Mitchell too aggressive.

Should have called for the foul there.

Unlike some of the teams who have struggled from behind the three point line there there you see Bing again in the replay.

Not shy or hesitant at all.

I was going to follow up with that.

No hesitation.

She got the ball and put it right up.

7-0 run now for the Falcons.

Got a hurry.

Ten second call.

Didn't make it across the turnover.

We talked a lot about the Elbert County defense coming in this East Laurens full court press has been impressive.

They are giving it right back defensively right now.

And that's really what's catapulting them to where the score is right now.

Five turnovers now for Elbert County.

They're down by four.

East Laurens trying to build on the advantage.

Bing again that comes off.

Lowther right back up.

What an effort on the second chance.

Lowther the great.

Effort put back.

Nice job there by Harris letting that loose ball.

Got to get back on defense though.

But to your point once again East Laurens already into their offense.

Not fazed by that at.

All.

Bing.

First team all conference Bing.

And she is showing up right now.

Lunsford.

That's in and out.

Follows the shot, puts it right back up and in.

What a move by Lunsford going after her shot.

Power dribble up strong making sure she finishes.

Getting a foul there on Ansley Harris.

That'll be her first.

Look at this.

Love this effort by the veteran.

Pushing it up the floor.

The first shot is not good, but following your shots power dribble.

Make sure you go up strong.

Back to life.

Play.

Now Harris the rebound off the miss.

Down quickly to Rucker.

Can't get the layup to go loose ball in the hands of the Falcons.

Rucker now with.

Two missed layups.

Right there.

Right around the basket.

I mean that was a touchdown pass by.

Right.

Bing on the drive.

The runner short right back up and get a foul.

That was Robinson with the offensive rebound.

And she'll shoot a couple.

Harris is going to be called for that.

Her second personal foul.

Very quickly now.

So two players on Elbert County with two fouls.

Coach going to his bench again.

Washington 55.

Freshman coming in.

Kailyn Rucker will have a seat.

Jameria Robinson a 48% free-throw shooter this East Laurens team is not great from the free-throw line.

But you see they get downhill a lot.

They do missing both.

And how about Elbert County now with two freshman and sophomore on the court, with junior Aaliyah Allen and junior Andre Lunsford makes that pass to Harris.

That three is in and out.

Good offensive board right there.

If they're going to get Allen too aggressive on the rebound that's a good call.

Absolutely the right call.

I love the pace.

Right now both teams are playing at.

And that's going to put them into the bonus.

High scoring game right there.

22 18 still almost half a minute to go here in the first quarter.

Neither team.

The shot clock is not a factor in this game.

Both teams pushing the tempo.

Both teams pressing full court.

So I don't know if that's speeding each team up or right now.

For the most part, they're connecting on most of their shots.

Elbert County shooting 44%.

East Laurens shooting 53%.

Robinson with the miss should get a second.

Trying to add to this four point lead for East Laurens.

That one rolls in.

Robinson now with three points very quickly to get up.

Allen now to Harris.

Three ball bounces away.

Rebounded the Falcons 0:14 to go.

Shot clock is off in the first quarter.

Robinson trying to get it to Lowther.

Bing way outside off the backboard.

One more shot.

There it is.

And that won't go.

Alasia Wiggins and the 56 freshman with her first shot of the game and East Laurens 8 minutes in and it's Coach Lowther the very busy Coach Lowther.

Mrs.

Coach is what they call her over there.

We'll talk about that as we come up.

One quarter in the books here on the championship tilt as the Falcons by five.

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.

Georgia's 41 electric cooperatives are anything but static.

Since the flip of the first light switch, we continue to innovate as the demand for energy increases.

MCs draw from a wide variety of resources to generate electricity, from natural gas to nuclear power and renewables, so that we can reliably power tomorrow.

We're harnessing the current to satisfy the future.

Georgia's EMC is so much more than electricity.

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

Breda Pest Management.

They handle bugs and critters.

Today's game is brought to you by Breda Pest Management.

With Breda, you don't have to be afraid of bugs.

No one's afraid of good full court defense.

No one's afraid of putting the ball up either.

23 18 we've got for a defensive game.

We've got a lot of offense here for this class one, a division one basketball game.

Yeah.

Again, both teams doing a great job defensively and offensively pushing the tempo getting those high percentage shots.

East Laurens five point lead in the second quarter now Bing not afraid to shoot when she has a quick trigger and it goes in.

Bing with seven points.

Dunson trying to get his Dickerson stolen away.

Robinson the quick hands three ball.

Wiggins.

Three for five.

Now for East Laurens from behind the arc, wasting no time in that shot clock.

Very quickly.

Ge'Nasia Wells the freshman coming back in so youth being served by this Blue Devils team.

Wasting no time.

Calling for some time.

Robinson on the drive.

Puts out for Bing way outside.

Does it again.

Let's go.

Ten points.

For Jameria Bing.

Well, look at this.

Great kick out.

I mean, she's four or five feet behind the actual high school three point line.

Good awareness to know where your shooter is once you got into the paint and had a couple stops in there.

Absolutely.

Just like that.

An 11 point lead right now.

Good defense by East Laurens a steal by Robinson.

Wiggins takes it down.

Falcons trying to add to it.

Shot is no good.

Pulled in by Wells.

Tiyah Turman reaching there by Mitchell.

But she can't get it.

Turman going all the way up.

Bing going to be called for that foul.

There.

That's her first foul.

To the line is already 22 today.

She is their point guard.

She is their leader on defense.

She is making sure that they break this East Laurens press.

Three for three at the line.

So far.

East Laurens for the bench right now.

Ella Harris comes in the sophomore replacing Bryleigh Dickerson.

Again, if you just joined us.

xAI.

Belcher the top inside threat for Elbert County two fouls in the first 3 minutes.

She has sat ever since then.

Elbert County trying to get it done without her.

Both free throws.

Good by.

Turman puts that lead down to nine.

Wiggins the other side.

Ella Harris grabs it, clears to Lunsford.

Blue Devils on the push.

Lunsford stop and pop from 12.

It's in and out.

Harris.

Clutching the rebound, knocked away.

Stays here.

Elbert County ball.

Love the effort on the offensive boards there by Harris.

Active here.

Just coming into the game a moment ago.

Harris again falls short steps out of bounds on the rebound.

From the six minute mark East Laurens hasn't had much issue with this press Elbert County.

Then again, when they press, they know how to do it.

Mitchell on the drive.

She was fouled and she'll shoot a couple.

Wells going to be called for that foul.

Her first personal foul.

Gotta beat her to the spot.

Rihanna Mitchell just a freshman five foot ten mentioned All-Region performance.

A lot of upside to her game with her height, her length, her athleticism, her aggressiveness to the basket.

Even in this game, just as a ninth grader, a lot of upside for her.

East Laurens team.

Offensively, they're very aggressive.

They don't.

The ball doesn't stop very long and their vertical with it.

So Mitchell makes one of two back to a ten point lead.

Now for the Falcons.

Turman working on Robinson gets a pass trying to kick it out.

Trying to hit Harris.

Behind her and another turnover.

Maybe sped up a little too much on that turn there.

Turman doing a great job breaking the press, but really needs to slow down when she gets in the front court.

If it's not a wide open layup.

Nice turnover now for Elbert County.

Very quickly back now it's Lowther that's up and in.

The senior region two Co-Player of the year and the largest lead of the game for East Laurens.

And another steal tenth turnover of the game.

Mitchell on the drive stopping in.

What a move their looks like a eurostep but a jump stop at the end of that.

Great presence and awareness.

She's in.

Double figures with 11 points and Coach Jones has seen enough.

Josh Jones calls a time-out.

Look at that.

Glanced off that last basket here.

Here's another look up over the defense.

Jump.

Stop.

Kiss off the backboard.

Good balance to do that.

Let's get that in there.

See the turnover count there.

Again we talked about Elbert County saying we're impressed the entire game.

Well so is East Laurens.

And they've had a lot of problems right now with that press.

Yeah they certainly have.

I'm waiting to see a different press from Elbert County because the one coach said they've got four or five different sets.

The one that they're showing right now, East Laurens is having no trouble getting past that.

They figured that one out.

Yeah.

Elbert County County seat there.

Elberton granite capital of the world.

They had the football stadium there called the Granite Bowl they built back in 1952.

The scoreboard in that stadium is the scoreboard from Sanford Stadium in Athens.

Georgia won the national championship in 1980.

Trivia for you there right now, trying to dent the scoreboard here at Macon.

Down by 14.

Beat the press easily this time.

Herman looks at a jump shot, drives in instead.

Can't get that to go.

Ellis.

The rebound Ella Harris to leave, I should say.

Lunsford nice move inside.

Oh, for the bucket.

Lunsford with the finish to the basket there.

Weaving in between East Laurens defenders.

Gets his second basket, averages 16 points a game for these Blue Devils once again Falcons no trouble at all.

Bing shoot to shoot from the parking lot.

Hoban trying to save it, but she stepped out of bounds.

And that brings us a time-out here on the floor.

No shortage of offense in this game.

Audrey Lunsford the junior trying to will the Blue Devils back into it down by 12.

We're back with more after this.

I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was.

Joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

Brad Delp pest management works to protect the inside and outside of your home from pests.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.

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 futures.org.

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.

You know, it's one thing to be a coach, a spouse, but this coach's spouse is so much more a good shot there of Dwayne Lowther, who, by the way, not only is he the coach's husband, he's the head basketball coach at East Laurens.

He's the assistant softball coach to his wife.

And here they are back in high school.

Both star athletes, Dublin High School.

And now, of course, staying there.

And they're Mr.

And Mrs.

Coach is what they're called.

They're in the community.

That's right.

They've truly embedded themselves into the community there.

Mr.

And Mrs.

Coach, they have embraced that.

They're in the community, you know, and I think about just the countless hours that coaches put in to helping build up these young men and women.

Right.

And so men's basketball, women's basketball, softball, whatever it is, just the what they're putting into these young people right now just goes far beyond what the court and what the field is.

Absolutely.

So excited to talk with them this week.

I talked with Dwayne here earlier and he said, yeah, we got about three weeks off with all the softball, basketball, three daughters all active.

There are two girls on the team right now.

Another older daughter played softball at South Carolina State before she recently graduated.

They take turns getting dinner made.

You know how it is.

You got a busy household with your kids.

Yes.

I just again, kudos to all these coaches coming through here.

It is a lot of extra work that they're putting in what people see right here on the floor is not even a quarter of what they're actually putting into these young people.

The time that this goes in and a community like this, a smaller community they are royalty.

Like you said, we appreciate all the time that they give the community.

And to the kids here, good defense here by Lunsford back to action.

And she's going to start the break right now.

Good job.

By Wiggins to rush up and block her path to the basket.

Yeah.

She realized she had a disadvantage.

A two on one there was going to pull it back out but just dribbles it off of her foot.

No problems here.

Bing again.

Jump ball inside.

Coach Coach Lowther she did not like that shot.

You get.

She had a few early on, but air balls.

We don't need that.

No.

No, they say just take it to the basket.

Check that one off the side of the backboard.

And collected here by the Blue Devils Turman going to push now for a 12 point game.

Turman collects it.

That ball was knocked out of her hands.

Nice job just to get that up.

And Turman has one speed and that is fast.

Yeah she is quick.

Once she gets going there's no stopping her.

Coach pulling Bing out of the game is DeAndrea Lowther the 57 freshman coming back in.

She started and took a seat Lunsford for three.

That's off.

Great job crashing the boards.

That's Allen make that Rucker back to Lunsford and she's fouled before the shot attempt.

That's going to be on DeAndrea.

Lowther the ball out of bounds for Elbert County.

That is her second personal foul.

Elbert County oh for the last four field goals.

Just six points here in the quarter for them.

They've fallen behind as much 14 12 right now Dunson trying to make things happen.

Goes to the left hand that won't go Lowther the rebound.

The senior quickly to the freshman.

Mitchell.

Follows back up again and she was fouled.

That's my Lunsford.

That's her first foul.

Mitchell right now five of six already at the line.

Mitchell is attacking right around the rim.

That is where her bread and butter.

I mean she can catch and put it down for one or two dribbles as well.

But just adds to her versatility.

Nice form.

Mitchell now with 12 points.

Leading scorer just a freshman.

Second is in as well seven and eight from the line.

Now for Garyunna Mitchell.

13 points.

It's back to a 14 point lead for the Falcons.

Here goes.

Turman nice job.

Great dish to get it to Aaliyah Allen for the basket.

Blue Devils no problem there.

Breaking that press.

Mitchell again too hard off the backboard.

Lunsford trying to get out of there.

A lot of active hands by East Laurens.

Kick out to your shooter.

Turman.

She hits again.

Turman now with nine points.

Kamryn single digits.

Now 38 29 5-0.

Run for Elbert County Mitchell no, but she's fouled again and she'll go back to the line.

Great drop off pass there.

Here you see the look.

The other end.

Pass off to Allen.

Lunsford out to a shooter for Turman for three.

Holding that follow through.

With her first assist.

Feels like she has more in this game.

She's had a lot of good passes.

Some of those they just haven't been able to finish on some of those layups.

This is the first free throw.

Meanwhile, Lunsford comes out of the game for Elbert County Dickerson back in.

Alasia Wiggins takes a seat and Jameria Bing is back in, talking to her coach about her shot selection, if you will.

Bing already a couple of threes for the Falcons Mitchell gets that to bounce around but won't fall in.

Lowther there for the offensive board.

That won't go high ball here on the jump ball.

And it will stay with East Laurens and the crowd.

Good sized crowd.

Sparks they approve.

Excellent effort on both sides of the ball.

Deanna Lowther to trigger the inbounds.

Nine points for her on the night, eight rebounds as well.

She has a double double here in the first half.

Now it's Bing with a trigger in Bing with ten points.

Mitchell 13.

Deanna Lowther has nine.

And there's a question here at the scorer's table.

They're working out.

Termination of was East Laurens ball which it is.

We got a great table crew over here.

They knew the exact time that last jump ball was.

Had great job.

Audrey Lunsford back in very quickly now.

Region player of the year for Elbert County.

That's runner there by Robinson.

Lunsford with the rebound.

Digging it out of there.

Has it poked away out of bounds.

It'll stay with the Blue Devils.

Good job by Robinson there slowing Lunsford down.

Just active hands.

Really impressed with this Falcons defense.

94 feet of Turman inside for Lunsford.

Couldn't handle that pass.

That's a jump ball.

Stay here.

Literally 20 jump balls in the game.

In the first half.

In the first half.

I'd like a little bell little cowbell every time there's a jump ball.

Something a lot of noise.

Yesterday's game East Laurens in control.

Nine minute lead.

Mitchell had it knocked away from behind by Lunsford to stay here.

Mitchell on the drive.

East Laurens has not made a field goal shot.

And just under 4 minutes.

We've seen a couple free throws go in but no field goals.

And there's one right there.

Lowther Deanna Lowther.

She's now in double figures with 11 ball knocked away again almost a turnover and it will be jump ball.

It's going to go to East Laurens.

Two players getting tangled up.

No Malintent there.

Just a scrappy play by both players getting after it on the floor for that jump ball.

A little frustration there by Elbert County now 13 turnovers here in the first half.

Inbound to Robinson.

Seven point lead.

Now under a minute to go until halftime.

Robinson that bounces around no.

Lunsford the rebound knocked away into the hands of Allen.

Back to Lunsford.

Turman calling for it.

Trying to hurry.

Get something going.

The other end into the corner.

Three ball Rucker in.

Kailyn Rucker with the Ansley.

The senior Hegseth Blue Devils to eight within eight.

30s to go.

Shot clock 1 second short.

Robinson inside for Mitchell.

It's in.

Great.

Look.

What an unselfish play by Robinson right there.

Giving up that basket for an easier two.

5 seconds on the clock.

Now Turman takes it herself.

The runner off the glass.

Can't get that to go but runs into the senior Lowther who commits the foul.

Turman will have another shot.

Two free throws here.

She's already four for four today.

That's Dion Deanna Lowther first person.

That's big.

Again Blue Devils down ten.

They can close it here to eight with 2.6 left.

And they'll get xAI Belcher back after halftime.

If you're just joining us two quick fouls and the rest of the half.

Five.

She's got ten points now.

And misses that one.

And that's the way the half is going to end.

What a job by Danielle Lopez East Laurens forcing 13 turnovers in this contest.

It's been outstanding.

Points off turnovers 14 in the game.

East Laurens making their move to Falcons soaring at halftime up by nine.

The halftime show with Jon Nelson is up next here on GPB.

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.

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 halftime show.

GPB is your home for the 2026 girls and boys high school Basketball State Championships.

I'm Nicki Noto Palmer.

Welcome in.

It is our first official halftime of the day.

Right now we're watching our single A Division one girls matchup between East Laurens and Elbert County.

And there you have it.

The Falcons soaring over the Blue Devils 42-33 with that early 11 point lead.

Now we've got some great games going on today.

But hey John, these two schools they're here for basketball.

But you and I both know they're known for so much more.

I hear you have some special guests.

The esteemed principals of these two fantastic schools.

Indeed I do.

It is Buddy Winbourne, the principal for Elbert County over here off of my right.

And then it is Keldrick Burke over here to my left.

I'm going to go to the guy who hasn't won a title yet for for the school.

So let me start over here with East Laurens and talk about Mr.

And Mrs.

Koch and what it's been like.

I figured everybody from the east side of Lawrence County was going to be here, and you guys have represented really well today.

We are we are we're excited about this opportunity to just chase this championship for the first time ever for our for our school.

So what else is going on that folks need to know about over there at East Laurens?

Oh, we got tons of things going on.

We have this thing that we call trying to get 3% better in every aspect every single day.

So we're excited about just being here.

You know, we're getting ready, wrapping up basketball season, getting ready for the spring sports season.

But really, really, we're just trying to get our students where they need to be to prepare for this, for this EOC assessments.

And we were looking forward to that.

And hopefully that 3% turns into 30%.

Just keep moving the decimal place over and over and over.

All right, we're going to come over here to the flip side.

I have halftime stats.

Good.

That's cool.

I'm going to hang on to that for a bit.

Mr.

Mr.

Wimbourne, I want to I want to ask, I mean, when did everybody leave Albertson?

This morning.

We started leaving about 7:00 A.M.

This morning, so I figured, yeah to see the support.

I mean, you're in that corner, you're behind the bench to see all the blue and the blue Devils here.

It's really cool to see.

What has this run meant to the to the school in the program.

It's been huge.

We started the season off not the highest expectations, but they have persevered throughout the year and they have led all the way to here.

And we're proud of them, proud of what they do in the classroom more than the basketball court.

But they have been awesome.

Okay, so you read my next question on my notes.

What else is going on folks need to know about?

We got some great things happening.

We're expanding all of our dual enrollment programs, partnering with our colleges and universities next to us, adding some CTE courses for students that have different interests in what may be in the school, diesel mechanics, welding.

We're the only granite pathway in the state because we are the granite capital of the world.

And so that's a big draw for us.

And so we're expanding our academic pathways as well.

So just having a great expansion throughout the building.

And we like to hear expansion brought to us by the letter E and Elbert County.

All right, one more time over here and find out what's going on with East Laurens.

You know, you mentioned getting that 3% better with the the academic aspect of it.

How has that been growing?

What's what's the process been like to get that 3% to make sure that everybody's on message?

Oh, it's just changing the mindsets of everybody that's involved with, with, with our students, whether that's community, you know, teachers, all staff members, we just, we really talk about it every day.

Our kids hear that from us every day before we get started in the morning.

So we really try to attack that with every aspect of our lives, whether they're out of school or in school.

And with all of our athletic programs, we're really just trying to be overall 3% better every single day.

All right, so let me come back over here.

Granite Bowl.

I'm going to I'm going to ask a non-basketball question.

And this is this is the travel part.

If you've never been to the Granite Bowl to see a football game, recommended because it is one of the venues in the state of Georgia.

You mentioned granite.

That's what it triggered in my head for what granite means to that particular part of the state.

Granite Bowl means to the fabric of all of this.

What does Elbert County athletics mean to Elberton and Elbert County?

It is.

It's the glue.

It really is.

It's what binds us all together, whether it's football, basketball.

But we're all there all together, all in one.

And it's a fantastic venue to watch any, any sport that's going on.

There it is.

I'm in the midst.

I'm in the principal's office.

It is Mr.

Burke, it is Mr.

Winbourne.

I'm in the principal's office all day long.

Nikk.

Let's send it back to you in midtown with what else is going on?

Thanks, Nelly.

You and I both know you belong in the principal's office.

Thanks so much for keeping us up to date with those two amazing schools and communities.

We'll have more of our GPB halftime show for you right here on GPB.

Coming up after the break.

We'll be right back.

With boots on the ground and suspended mid-air, our line workers are everywhere behind every turn switch are those who put it all on the line to illuminate lives down the line.

Their job is as honorable as it is rigorous.

As we look on with admiring eyes, we want them to know we are grateful.

Georgia's electric membership Cooperative celebrate the life sustaining contributions of our line workers.

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.

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.

Welcome back in to our GPB halftime show, your home for the 2026 girls and boys high school Basketball State Championships.

We've seen some incredible basketball over the past two days.

Today is our third, but we know there are some incredible student athletes across the state of Georgia, across all sports, if you will.

And thanks to our friends over at You Save at Pharmacy, we want to highlight a few of those outstanding student athletes.

J Lamar he's a football player out of Colquitt County and this Packer can do it all.

Take a look.

I got shot in the ninth grade.

I mean, I was 1 " away from my main artery.

Obviously, I was headed down the wrong path.

They just needed a little guidance at the time.

But he's turned out to be a great kid.

Because only his.

Second year of playing high school football, he's got a lot to learn about the running back position.

And I tell everybody his best football is ahead.

He's not a finished product.

J can do some things that that that a lot of kids cannot.

And he's blessed.

And obviously us having him on our team, we are blessed in that same sense.

Jake and Flat Daggum run when he gets vertical, he's really hard to catch.

I'm determined to get a touchdown every time I touch the ball.

All right, another great story from our friends over at You Save at Pharmacy.

Well, right now, if you're just now joining us, we're finishing up our GPB halftime show.

It's currently half of our single a Division one girls game.

East Laurens the Falcons soaring over the Blue Devils up by 11.

The score at the half is 42-33 Now we've got three more games after this game.

We also have a Co-Ed 3-Point Contest coming up, so we've got a lot more basketball to be played today.

On our day, three of our four days of championship coverage right here on GPB.

Coming up after the break, we've got 16 more minutes of the single a Division one girls game between East Laurens Elbert County, Larry and Kelsey.

They're on the call when we come back right here on GPB.

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.

Wherever you go.

There we are.

Here's our story by the numbers.

Georgia's 41 not for profit member owned Dmcs deliver electricity to 5 million Georgians.

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.

Strength in numbers to be where you need us.

Georgia's MCs so much more than electricity.

Brad Delp pest management works to protect your home from termites with a liquid barrier.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.

Live here at the Macon Coliseum for the.

Again, the girl's class won a Division one championship East Laurens with a nine point lead here at halftime.

Larry Smith and Kelsey Rogers were talking about.

Boy this ball game right now again 14 points off turnovers right now.

East Laurens how are they going to attack the second half here.

The same way they did the first half here.

Don't change anything up.

They do know that Elbert County is a good second half team.

But they've got to keep their foot on the pedal right here.

I like that they came out and had that pressure defense full court.

I think that has helped them.

But if they can keep that same pace, get the scoring from the inside.

But then Bing let it fly girl.

Let it fly from the outside.

That's right.

The big number here right there in the bottom right hand corner.

13 turnovers by Elbert County.

And that has really killed them.

But again they get xAI Belcher back.

As we talked at the end of the first half there she had the two quick fouls.

And number 23 is back on the court in white as Lunsford misses her jump shot to start the second half here for Elbert County.

Bing looked at a three.

She's been outstanding so far from outside now working inside that shot won't go.

Rebound is pulled in by Allen.

Now the Blue Devils trying to cut into this lead.

It's been as much as 14 for the Falcons Lunsford a jump shot that misses the mark and goes out of bounds.

And it'll go over to East Laurens.

Elbert County showing a press again.

Now a 1211 earlier they win a 122.

So again switching it up seeing if maybe this press can help slow down.

East Laurens.

Good.

Look there at the coach.

Josh Jones you were saying that he told us before the game that they have four or five different presses, and he said if one's not working, they use the one will change it up.

Well, like you said, there's a change.

If it makes a difference, no problem.

There.

Lowther the senior up and in.

13 points now for Lowther.

She had 11 in the first half.

What a three East Laurens players in double figures in the first half.

Mitchell, the game leader with 15 and Bing, has ten.

Now showing a man to man defense here.

Kailyn Rucker.

She's three of four outside the arc.

That's right.

Those outside shots and a steal and a putback right there again by Rucker for.

That press working now and a time-out.

Coach Lowther she does not like what she's seeing right now.

Five point run here all by Rucker Rucker.

From the outside.

Quickly get into that press.

Defense there you see the steal.

Just a miscommunication there for East Laurens.

Jon Nelson talking to him at halftime and he was letting us know.

It's one thing that Coach Lowther warned her East Laurens team.

She said, listen, we know they're going to make a second half run and we can't let that happen.

Well, there's a run right now.

All of a sudden it's a six point lead.

You're absolutely right.

And you know, on the other side, Elbert County, they wanted to keep it close in the first half.

And they know we always have been a good second half team.

Good look there at Josh Jones.

His family is in the house as well.

This is a team that was a 12 seed.

Didn't think it would be here.

Upset their way.

That's Josh's wife right there.

His daughter is also in the house and she's going to tell her, look up.

She's on the big screen here in the Coliseum.

See?

Don't say hi to the announcer.

Don't wave at the announcer.

You're talking to your when he's talking to your husband before the game, because we will then find you on camera.

So lesson learned.

And coach.

Coach saw her, too.

He's.

He's reacting in a good mood right now because his team is on a 5-0 run.

They've cut this deficit almost in half.

It's March Madness.

And there's a daughter as well.

She's on the big screen as we see Turman go down hard.

Hard foul there by Mitchell Turman is.

She is.

Actually not going to put that on the show.

They're going to put that on the DeAndrea.

Rozier.

Walking this off she is a tough competitor.

Quickly to the bench.

Now.

Alasia Wiggins coming in and DeAndrea Lowther coming out.

Said that foul on Lowther her third foul.

So they've got a game here all of a sudden outside for Turman.

Belcher now inside spin move.

That won't go.

Nice effort here by Robinson on the rebound.

Ball knocked away.

Turman collects it.

Back to Lunsford working inside.

Dish to Belcher blocked the 510.

Freshman.

Mitchell what an effort there to stop that.

And I would have thought Belcher had that easy layup.

Mitchell coming through now on the offensive side.

So big block on the defensive side and a nice little shot in the corner there.

And how about Zahmaria Robinson six assists.

She's a game leader in that category.

And back to an eight point lead for East Laurens.

Now the intensity picking up here 2 minutes into the second half.

Belcher working on Mitchell.

He rejected again.

Mitchell putting in work defensively there.

You see I thought it was a wide open layup there for Belcher.

And here comes Mitchell out of nowhere.

Naim Qassem live action got a turnover.

No basket there by Elbert County ball out of bounds for East Laurens.

Senior Lowther to trigger it.

And again this full court press it is paid off.

The change in the press for Elbert County Lowther beats it this time.

Mitchell Belcher nice hand there by Mitchell.

Rejected by Belcher.

I got you one back.

That's right.

Certainly with a big blocked shot right there.

And then trying to get it to Lunsford but throws it out of bounds.

And so again the turnover problems again now 15 turnovers for Elbert County.

This press has been something else.

Bing getting bumped there by Lunsford.

That's her second foul for Audrey Lunsford.

Not a smart foul.

Lunsford just a little body contact as the Region Player of the year a junior, you got to have better quality fouls than that.

By the way, Lunsford hitting on the thousand point mark in her career earlier this season.

Falcons looking to add to their total ball knocked away by Turman.

Who else?

She's everywhere.

Nice dish on the break.

Back to Turman up and no.

Then everything would go in.

We've seen a handful of those layups missed right there at the basket.

Sure have Lowther and she was found by Lunsford.

That's her foul.

Two shots now for Deanna Lowther.

Great job by Lowther there getting downhill to the basket drawing that foul against Lunsford.

She does everything for this Falcons team already with the 22nd time she scored in double figures this season.

Free throw was off.

Substitution is Bing comes out DeAndrea Lowther the freshman comes back in.

Aaleanna 57% free-throw shooter.

And both of them.

Miss Belcher pulls down the rebound.

They really miss that presence on the inside.

Lunsford had to do a lot of that rebounding in the first half with Belcher on the bench.

He did.

Belcher slides up for three.

That won't go.

Rebound is tracked down by Robinson into the hands now of Lowther.

She'll bring the ball up.

Still an eight point lead now nearing the halfway mark in the third quarter.

Robinson.

Now Wiggins.

10 seconds on the shot clock.

Freshman Mitchell coming outside.

Five on the shot clock.

Time out.

East Laurens Mitchell dribble that ball off her knee.

Shot clock was down to 3 seconds.

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

Four 0-6 now here on the clock H Lawrence has seen their half time lead shrink down to eight.

Coach Jones trying to take it down even further.

We'll continue after this.

The season Breda works to protect the inside and outside of your home.

Breda Pest Management.

They handle bugs and critters.

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.

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.

Heads up Georgia.

You've seen what your electric cooperative can do for your home, your workplace, your weekend.

What lights us up is empowering your local community and economy.

Georgia's EMC support 15,000 jobs and invest $16 billion in infrastructure annually.

And because we operate at cost, any extra revenue is reinvested into your co-op or return to members investment with impact.

That's the electric cooperative difference.

Georgia's EMC, so much more than electricity.

Right back here at the Macon Coliseum.

And it is a great crowd tonight.

Now the next game coming up is the boys class a division one between Rabun County and Southwest.

Macon.

The folks here in red coming in from Rabun County Clayton.

That's about a three hour drive.

They began showing up about a half hour before tip off of this game.

That's right.

As soon as those doors open and and one of my colleagues in the stands right now, he said, they're out there tailgating as well.

Wow.

Well, the fire marshal is here with the Macon crowd.

East Laurens here as well.

They know a lot of local fans and they're getting ready.

Last year for a moment.

As that shot clock expired, just 3 seconds left.

H Lowther is upset that it didn't play, didn't go the way they wanted.

But last year because we had a Macon team, so many here in the house, the fire marshal closed the doors momentarily until everyone getting their seats.

They can count how many seats they had left, let more folks in packed house for that one.

It's about the same here this afternoon for these two ballgames.

As we begin day three of our competition.

Collection there by DeAndrea Lowther.

Eight point lead.

It's the closest they've been since early in the second quarter.

Belcher going high.

What a matchup.

That's her between her.

And Mitchell.

Great pass from Belcher to Lunsford and a chance for a three point play.

And a bit further down to five.

Your two leading scorers on this team working off of each other.

It's nice to have Belcher back in the game.

Nice wraparound pass to Lunsford finishes the contact.

That was a nice dish for a big Lunsford makes it happen.

Closest they've been since it was 22 18.

Toward the end of the first quarter.

Here come the Blue Devils Falcons the other way.

Now.

Mitchell.

Too hard off the glass ball out of bounds.

Elbert County ball.

Good job by Belcher there.

She stayed away from trying to block that shot at all costs.

She was not trying to pick up her third foul.

That's right.

New life now for Elbert County chance to make it a single possession game.

Lunsford lost her footing there.

Gets it to Allen.

Now back to Lunsford.

Plenty of time on the shot clock.

Allen the runner in and out.

Mitchell tipping the ball out.

Robinson gets it double teamed in the backcourt.

Wiggins free-throw line guarded there by Lunsford.

Shot clock down to 12.

Falcons trying to get some offense going here.

Mitchell the freshman.

Oh it's up and in and back out again.

I just love what I've seen from Mitchell as a freshman.

She really has a lot of tools in her tool bag and she's showing her versatility.

Turman loses out of bounds.

Thought it was poked away.

Yeah, Mitchell's been very.

I can see how she made the all region team.

She has been incredibly impressive tonight.

510 freshman had a shot from the outside.

Didn't fall no problem.

But able to put the ball on the ground as well.

Yep 17 points six rebounds in this one.

A couple of blocks two steals as well.

Very active.

This change of Pretti by the Blue Devils has really paid off.

Almost stolen there by Lunsford forces.

The turnover Lowther trying to get the ball over to Wiggins throws it out of bounds and that's the tenth turnover now for East Laurens.

Sixth of this quarter.

2:00 to go.

Turman that pass knocked away.

Stolen but out of bounds.

Almost a successful steal there by Deanna Lowther.

But it will stay with the Blue Devils.

Great defensive effort there by Diana.

Right there 28-26 Both teams getting after it on boards.

Wiggins the rebound to get coast to coast up.

And that's short.

Mitchell can't get it to go in.

The follow ball is on the ground.

Jump ball.

Stay here with East Laurens.

But I think Lunsford got a piece of that on Mitchell's on a blocked shot on the backside.

She did.

Bryleigh Dickerson coming back into the game.

The freshman Lunsford will take a seat.

137 can only be a quick seat.

Yes, they can't afford Lunsford to be out of this game long.

Robinson on the runner.

Turman the rebound.

Blue Devils trying to push.

Three ball.

Rucker yes.

Caleb Rucker does it again.

And the Blue Devils are within two.

What a kick out there for Rucker who has been lights out from behind the arc.

Four for six.

She now has 14 points.

There you see the kick out from Turman Rucker knocking it down again four for six from behind the arc.

Just a smooth rotation.

Once that ball leaves her hand.

And that was beyond the college arc.

Again they don't mind stepping back.

Robinson with two free throws.

She puts in the first.

Robinson now with four points to go with seven rebounds, six assists.

Bing comes back in the game.

DeAndrea Lowther steps out.

And that free throw stops a 6-0 run by Elbert County.

Belcher also out of the game now for both of the veterans Lunsford and Belcher.

The senior Lunsford and junior out is the second free throw goes in back to a four point advantage.

Now.

Justice Banks the junior number 14 in the game for the first time for Elbert County stolen away Wiggins leaves it short.

Lowther back up and in on the second chance.

Lowther in the right place at the right time.

That is why you always run the floor.

Her ninth rebound of the game, 15 points.

Her eighth straight double double here.

What a run she has been on the end of her career.

Rucker off the mark there behind the back by Bing.

Coach is not even telling him last shot there like that's the game.

Let's run.

Yep.

Lowther was trying to save the ball in bounds off that rebound, but she stepped out of bounds.

It's stuff like that for Deanna Lowther.

Why she was the Co-Player of the year in their region.

Because that stuff is not showing up on the stat sheet.

Her hustle and effort into this game right here is certainly why she was that co-player.

Yep.

She comes out replaced by her sister.

Meanwhile, Turman gets a breather.

A little bit of pain right now.

Wells back in the game.

0:18 to go.

Time out.

Jones 32nd.

Time out.

We'll keep it here.

Six point game.

What a quarter this has been again.

Remember East Laurens second quarter up by 14.

Bradyn Elbert County for Rucker back in changing their defensive efforts.

And that's where the difference.

They did.

They changed up that freshman 22 to something different.

And it's worked Turman back in right now so she can go downhill and kick it out to Rucker for a shot.

Let's see if there's any lineup changes.

Lunsford coming back in though.

They took out well.

She's a veteran ball handler.

They took Turman out.

Belcher was out.

Belcher is back in.

Rucker to bring the ball up 8 seconds.

In the hands of Allen on the runner and she's fouled as well.

Go to the line.

That foul is on Bing.

That's her second.

Elbert County has only gone to the free-throw line a total of seven times.

For as aggressive as they've been, they've hit some outside shots six for 14 as a team.

But they also have been aggressive around the rim.

Up and in there's seven of eight.

To your point as a team.

Chance to make it a four point game.

Quick substitution Ansley Harris coming in replacing Lunsford for his final 2 seconds.

Wells back in for Elbert County replacing Bing.

Confusion of who's coming out.

Okay.

Robinson coming out.

Not big.

Banks a sharpshooter, man.

She's going to jack this thing from half court with 2 seconds left.

That's right.

And she'll do it.

Okay.

Everyone's set.

Allen free throw was good.

That's it.

2 seconds on the clock.

We are through 24 minutes.

And.

Oh, my goodness.

Do we have a ball game here?

Our first of four championship games here from the Macon Coliseum on this Friday the 13th.

Who will be unlucky.

We won't.

We've got eight more minutes of great basketball coming up next here on GPB.

Georgia's 41 electric cooperatives are anything but static.

Since the flip of the first light switch, we continue to innovate as the demand for energy increases.

MCs draw from a wide variety of resources to generate electricity, from natural gas to nuclear power and renewables, so that we can reliably power.

Tomorrow.

We're harnessing the current to satisfy the future.

George's MCs so much more than electricity.

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.

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.

Brad Delp Pest Management works to protect the inside and outside of your home from pests.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.

Today's game, brought to you by Bradyn Pest Management with Breda.

You don't have to be afraid of bugs.

Fourth quarter time here in the one class, one A division one championship in the East Laurens defense.

What a difference it's made for the Elbert County defense in that third quarter.

They changed it up.

East Laurens only three of 12 shooting, six turnovers, just eight points there.

That's allowed the Blue Devils get back in this game.

Once down by 14.

Now down by only four.

And the East Laurens defense now picking up.

Great job there by Mitchell.

Back in the game 17 points six rebounds.

And.

Of course the turnover there.

Nice steal by the freshman.

Even off of a turnover.

You see that Elbert County is pushing up full court off of that press.

Bing back in the game.

Loses the ball.

Allen gets it to Lunsford player of the year up and no she's fouled forcing the action and she'll go to the line.

And for Bing the sharpshooter that's now her third foul.

Yeah and that's a silly foul.

You either got to run through that and try to swipe down or just let it go early into this fourth quarter here.

And two.

Lunsford hits the first.

Trying to resurrect a program that had that great run in the 2022 state champions had a ton of expectations there, started five freshmen, Coach Jones said out of that group and went to an Elite eight championship year and then Final Four in three consecutive years, won almost 100 games with that group, three of them 1,000 points, scores trying to bring a championship back.

Lunsford misses the second.

So just a three point game now.

But again, what a run.

THAAD Blue Devils Falcons trying to answer.

Bing.

And Bing is going to be called for that foul.

That is her fourth, which is why that third foul is so much more important.

Just to let that go.

Tough camera angle there.

Kind of blocked.

But again, she kind of lowered her as she pushed off.

They made the call Elbert County now a chance to close a good one or tie it.

You've seen it hits him three pointers in this contest.

Six of 14 so far from outside the arc.

Turman inside Belcher can't get it to go low to the rebound.

She's got Mitchell out in front, gets it to her.

Mitchell collects.

No tip back to Belcher.

Both teams missing.

Easy put backs right there by the rim.

Had a lot of shots.

Just go off the glass and miss the target.

Six and a half to go.

Turman trying to get it to Lunsford knocked away by Robinson.

Almost a turnover.

Elbert County has 18 already in the game.

Leahw Allen 12 on the shot clock.

Steps in off the front iron.

Mitchell the rebound.

That's her tenth.

She's got a double.

Double.

Nearly knocked away there by Turman.

Lowther stepped out of bounds.

12th turnover of the game.

Now for the Falcons.

Unforced turnover right there.

Again I go back to give yourself a chance to get a shot at the basket.

East Laurens now three of 13 shooting here and seven turnovers in the second half.

Elbert County looking to take advantage.

Kailyn Rucker senior trying to close out with a championship.

Allen on the drive, trying to get inside the Belcher knocked away by Mitchell Robinson trying to go coast to coast and gets it in the falling layup.

Away.

Wow great body control.

Back to the five point lead.

Robinson now with seven points.

Belton trying to get something going.

Knocked away by Lowther.

Great defense.

Picks up the loose ball.

Belcher was too worried about a foul.

Talking to the refs.

Just didn't get that Lunsford with a big block.

Belcher trying to take it in again off the glass.

No Rucker gets that to go in the reverse.

Rucker standing at five foot two, coming up with a big rebound and put back.

For the steal there.

She knocks the ball away out of bounds.

Time on the court.

They will stop and we will stop as well.

Oh don't go anywhere.

It's been good.

It's about to get great.

4:40 to go three point lead.

But here come the Blue Devils.

I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

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.

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 with boots on the ground and suspended mid-air.

Our line workers are everywhere behind every turn switch are those who put it all on the line to illuminate lives down the line.

Their job is as honorable as it is rigorous.

As we look on with admiring eyes, we want them to know we are grateful.

Georgia's electric membership Cooperative celebrate the life sustaining contributions of our line workers, storm or shine.

Thank you for being our lifeline.

Georgia's MCs so much more than electricity.

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.

Elbert County again trying to win their first title since 2022.

Josh Jones talking about that, he said this year didn't know.

Again, a team that was seeded 12th.

But look at what they did here in the road to get to Macon shocked.

The eighth seed, Putnam County 48 45.

That semifinal, he said.

You know, we just keep finding ways to win.

Yeah, he said it was a very physical game and mentally tough.

They were down by double digits.

So they're no stranger to being down in a game and being able to claw their way back out and win.

16 points since halftime.

Meanwhile, for East Laurens and held them to only ten points while forcing eight turnovers in the second half, almost as many turnovers as points make it nine turnovers.

And that 1211 has worked for them.

Coach Jones has stayed with it.

Rucker fouled on the basket attempt, so she will shoot two.

A chance to close this down to one.

Let's make that Turman actually was fouled.

First is good.

Coming six of seven from the line today 11 points for her.

Five steals as well.

Coach said that she is their defensive dog.

It's a one point game.

Both free throws are in.

Robinson didn't see Mitchell Ball stolen away.

Harris has it.

Another turnover.

The tenth of this half.

Turman Blue Devils chance to take the lead.

Time out.

Jones coach Jones wants to talk about it.

Get his team organized.

You hear the crowd here for Elbert County.

They are getting loud.

They like this comeback.

They're down by one.

And it's been about the defensive effort right here.

Turman again with another steal on that press.

This was a 38 24 East Laurens lead at the 249 mark.

In the second quarter.

We saw them make a three point jumper by Turman.

Also a layup inside.

Later another three point jumper by by Rucker.

They close the gap to 94233.

But again second half it has just been this great defensive effort changing things up, going from a 14 point deficit down to one right now.

And a lot of time on the clock.

And although Belcher only has two points and four rebounds, having her back in this second half has allowed Lunsford to do other things offensively.

So I think that is a huge help having Belcher back in this game in the second half.

Absolutely no question about that.

Rucker meanwhile, 16 points to lead Elbert County she's number four.

Turman has 12.

Number 11.

Mitchell still leads all scoring 17 points for East Laurens but has not scored here in this quarter.

Elbert County trying to go on top double dribble.

Turman looks back in their hands up like I don't I don't know, but we're playing on.

There's been no time to argue with refs or contemplate any plays.

That's right.

Wiggins sees Robinson down court gets it to her off the backboard.

No follows up.

Yes.

Deanna Lowther again getting the leftovers off of the board and making things happen.

Dacula three point lead.

Lunsford rejected by Lowther.

Lunsford goes at it again.

Great effort by the veteran thousand point scorer.

The other end, Mitchell.

But she was fouled.

Again.

Lowther with the put back again the strong offensive rebound and then Lunsford again.

Second effort right there.

The second effort game on both sides of the ball have been fantastic.

Absolutely.

And you see Mitchell there.

And you know we called her a freshman all game.

Most coaches after the first half of the season.

You're no longer a freshman in their books.

That's a play that I want to see continuation and finishing on an and one play right there.

Yeah.

She has played a lot of minutes for this program for East Laurens.

She's done a lot of great things.

I want to see her finish that with an.

And one.

Free throw.

Missed the rim completely.

So it'll go out of bounds.

So two missed free throws there by Mitchell.

She's now 7:11 at the line 17 points ten rebounds.

Missed opportunity to build on this lead.

And now Elbert County a chance to retake the lead for the first time since midway through the first quarter.

Kailyn Rucker picks up a dribble, putting it inside for Turman.

Ball is knocked away.

It'll be East Laurens ball.

Great job there by Mitchell to disrupt that pass and a turnover on Turman.

When in doubt if you can get the ball before you go out of bounds, just do.

Especially on a 50 50 play like that.

Robinson working on Turman steals the ball.

Another turnover.

To Lunsford for the lead.

Yes.

Elbert County Turman fired up right now as they take the lead by one for the first time since they led 14 11 earlier in the game.

Down the other end.

We've got a foul free throws coming up.

But a time-out first.

The leading scorer Audrey Lunsford putting the Blue Devils on top by one.

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.

Breda Pest Management works to protect your home from termites with a liquid barrier.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.

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.

Wherever you go, there we are.

Here's our story by the numbers.

Georgia's 41 not for profit member owned Dmcs deliver electricity to 5 million Georgians.

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.

Strength in numbers to be where you need us.

Georgia's MCs so much more than electricity.

Welcome back here to Macon Coliseum.

They're at Josh Jones and the Elbert County bench.

What a run they have made here in the second half to retake the lead.

Their first since it was 14 13 in the first quarter.

Fell down by 14 and now up by one.

And again goes back to the defense.

It's been all defense and led by Tiyah Turman the five foot four junior on this team has just been electric.

Her speed her hands finding her players after she steals the ball.

Chance now for.

East Laurens to retake the lead.

Wiggins at the line and she's true with the first one.

It's a tie game.

That is her first of today's game.

One for one.

Overall as a team though.

Larry 52.4% from the free-throw line 12 for 22.

You look back at this game, if they don't win this you're going to say, where did we miss a few of those points?

It's going to come from the free-throw line.

That's right.

Wiggins hits both to give the Falcons the one point lead.

Again.

Lauren's working through the defense now determined for three off the mark rebound bouncing away.

It'll go.

Stay here.

Blue Devils basketball.

And you got to stick with what's been working.

I personally don't like a quick shot like that in the shot clock.

But that's what they've been doing the entire game.

Right.

On the hand of Lunsford, 12 points on the night.

Rejected there by Mitchell Robinson on the break.

Mitchell run the floor.

Robinson puts it up and in three point lead.

Now for East Laurens.

Robinson number two just a gazelle out there.

She made that block and beat everybody else back down the court.

Absolutely.

Which helped Robinson able to finish that shot.

By Belcher.

She was fouled before the shot.

That's going to be Deanna Lowther for third personal foul.

But there you see Robinson downhill.

No hesitation.

But Mitchell like you said had the blocked shot and is one of the first ones down the floor.

And Belcher with four fouls.

Had to avoid any kind of contact to stay in the game.

Had to let her shoot that that shot.

Allen trying to probe the defense out of Turman.

10 seconds on the shot clock.

Blue Devils down by three.

Approaching the 92nd mark here and the state championship tilt in Macon.

Lunsford.

That won't go Belcher the follow no Robinson over by Lunsford and we'll go the other way.

That is on Belcher.

And it is.

That her?

That's not Lunsford.

So Belcher is out of the game.

Tough afternoon for her.

One of eight shooting five rebounds.

Just two points.

He comes out for freshman Bryleigh Dickinson will replace her.

That's a big loss for Elbert County.

They made this run with her in the second half on the court.

Press Robinson stolen away.

Aaliyah Allen.

Had back tap.

Lunsford Turman collecting it.

She's on the 5-10 Mitchell and Coach Jones going to call another time-out.

Putting the taller Garyunna Mitchell on Turman there.

And coach would stop and talk about it here with 20-2 on the shot clock.

112 in the game.

East Laurens you see their road to the championship 27 and for Dade County, Brantley County, Macon County a ten point win over Thomasville last weekend to get here.

Look there at the bench.

East Laurens good crowd here supporting them.

Dewayne.

Mr.

Coach Danielle's husband, head men's basketball coach, assistant softball coach.

He's doing some coaching there from the stands.

That's right.

He knows exactly what the wife is drawing up inside this huddle.

How many dinner tables, conversations about plays?

The napkins are out.

We're drawing X's and O's.

That's right.

I wouldn't be surprised if the daughters go into coaching because they've been around the X's and O's.

That's right.

Since day one.

Right?

That's right.

Great atmosphere.

Really enjoy talking to the East Laurens people today as well.

Just fun conversations since they came into the arena here.

And got him breakfast this morning before they hit the road.

That's what this time of year is all about.

Three more games to come.

Rabun County taking on Southwest, Macon and the boys contest.

Up next.

Trying to get it to Dickerson stolen away.

That pass was short and they can't set their defense either.

So Robinson.

Not very good execution after coming out of that time-out.

They didn't need to force anything with plenty of time.

Under 1 minute.

Now East Laurens trying to run some clock.

Mitchell gets it to Lowther and a time-out.

Lawrence East Laurens.

Danielle Lowther didn't like the way they were executing their 16 on the clock, but it's been a different feel thing for Elbert County.

Can you make this run without Belcher on the court?

She was a big difference maker here in the second half.

She was.

And again, nothing that's really showing up on the stat sheet.

But her presence alone on the inside, changing up the shots from East Laurens, helping out a little bit rebound wise from Langford.

She really did help make this comeback possible.

If you're East Laurens right now, protection of the basketball, they have 16 turnovers right now.

Defense has been the name of the game.

Need your passes.

Don't try to do anything extra that you haven't already done.

Don't drink it between five different players to try to get to the basket.

They don't need to score.

So again protect the ball.

You know that Elbert County is going to come for at least a trap or a deflection, and then they've got a foul.

Yeah.

Boy defense Ro Khanna huge here in this final quarter.

Elbert County seven turnovers committed East Laurens with six.

Just here in the 7 minutes so far.

Inbound to Mitchell.

Stolen away by Rucker.

Right back.

Over each way.

Lunsford dive for it.

The two stars and two players of the year.

They know it's on what's at stake here and Rucker with the reach in foul.

Value.

Possessions value the ball.

Both teams in that scenario with multiple turnovers back to back, you've got to value the possession.

Elbert County had a foul to give.

So both both ways.

The next foul will be bonus for both teams.

Distance.

We talked about there was three turnovers right there in that sequence combined 16.

Now here in the quarter shot clock is off.

I'm not sure they're aware yet to foul.

And there it is.

Lunsford is going to have to foul her fourth personal foul.

And you can see Coach Danielle Lowther right now just ridden with a lot of emotions right now.

Again you talk about the countless hours that she puts into the school at East Laurens in the community, and she knows it's right there at her fingertips.

Got her the senior Deanna Lowther already a double double, her eighth consecutive double.

Double 18th of the season puts the first one.

Makes it a two possession game.

That's how big that is.

Substitutions now Ansley Harris for Elbert County.

Ge'Nasia.

Wells comes out trying to get three point shooters in the game.

One more for Lowther.

Off the mark.

Rebound on the ground.

Lowther has it time out.

East Laurens Coach Lowther calls it from the bench.

She's looking at Mr.

Coach.

Saying you got one more.

He's blocking how many time-outs?

He's standing up over here.

It's.

Here's the heads up.

Play with that.

Right.

Although coach was hey, maybe time-out, maybe not.

That time-out was given by Deanna Lowther on the floor.

The heads up play by that senior and the awareness to know hey jump ball situation.

She didn't know it was going to be there.

Possession the high IQ on that.

That's impressive right there.

Coaches coaches got.

Absolutely there.

You see the miss.

Bodies going after the ball just like we've seen all game long.

And she's calling time-out on the floor.

And the official grants it to her.

If that doesn't scream coach's kid without saying it.

Deanna Lowther the 510 senior in her final game, the region two co-player of the year, 18 points, 12 rebounds.

32 minutes of action.

She has played every minute of this game.

She's got her team 20s away from the championship.

Now.

It's a two possession game and now Elbert County.

Both teams still have one time-out left.

And if you're Elbert County you go for a quick steal because again, neither team has really protected the ball well.

So don't go immediately for a foul because both teams have shown they're willing to give the ball up.

That's right 40 combined turnovers in this game.

That's a credit to the pressure defense as much as anything.

Hamza Bing quick foul 18.5 left.

Turman with her third personal foul.

Bing shooting her first free throw of the night.

She has ten points.

And that's her first point of the second half.

Jameria Bing 54 senior.

Gets that to go and she comes out.

DeAndrea Lowther comes in the 57 freshman as they set their press.

Turman picked up the ball and throws it away.

For as much of this game as she is, immediately got the ball and went 94 feet, I don't know why.

She picks up the ball right there in the backcourt.

She's been a one woman fast break breaker., in this press breaker by herself.

25th turnover of the game for Elbert County.

East Laurens now has gone on a 7-0 run.

Elbert County not scoring in the last 2.5 minutes of this ball game.

Wiggins hits that and you can look at the emotions here of Coach Lowther so close.

She was saying she thought maybe they could win a state title in softball.

You were saying before basketball.

She did.

She thought she was going to get one in softball before basketball.

But she's believed in this team and she had them prepared and ready to win this game.

And they came out.

Their defense has been phenomenal.

And another turnover.

26 turnovers.

For Elbert County.

And you can't.

You look back at this and you look at the free throw situation and the turnover situation Larry.

And you got to think how many possessions and points did we leave out there.

Yeah.

Well out of bounds with oh 0.1 seconds left.

Almost there.

The celebration begins with a black and gold.

And there it is.

Look at coach over there soaking it all in.

She's at the end of the bench.

She's not hearing her seat.

So deserving.

A staple in their community at East Laurens and her husband back there in tears.

He knows.

He knows what it's taken.

Championship presented by Brenley.

What a moment.

What a moment.

Where representatives of GHSA representing teams.

What a season for Elbert County 22-9 is where they finish an effort to come back, take the lead in the fourth quarter, change up their defense, never giving up.

But credit East Laurens 28.

And for.

And a championship performance.

Three players in double digits for East Laurens Mitchell double double 17 points ten rebounds.

Bing with 12 points.

Deanna Lowther 18 points 11 rebounds.

Typical double double.

That is her eighth consecutive double double to finish out her career.

Just incredible tears of joy on the bench for the team and in black.

And how about Mitchell, the freshman Garyunna Mitchell remember that name.

We've seen some amazing performances this week.

A 510 freshman, her double double 17-10 16th double double of this.

Her freshman campaign.

You're absolutely right.

Everybody needs to remember Garyunna Mitchell's name from East Laurens right now, because the impact that she had on this game and her inside presence, blocking shots, putting up her double double, putting the ball on the floor, she is special for this East Laurens team.

She really is getting ready right now as they leave the bench to begin the trophy presentation here at Center Court.

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

With that, let's go to Center Court and our Jon Nelson.

Thank you very much.

Larry Smith.

We've had firsts.

Already this week.

It's time for another first and to hand out the trophy.

Trophy number one of day number three, the executive director of the Georgia High School Association, Dr.

Tim Scott and our friend from Pest Management.

Hey fans, let's give him a big round of applause for a great ball game.

What a game.

Congratulations on Elbert County on a great season.

And now to present the state championship trophy as great a pest management to the 2026 state champion.

East Laurens Falcons.

So you're an alumna?

A two sport star.

And now you're a championship coach bringing a trophy back to East Laurens.

How does that sound?

It feels good to be able to bring the first girls state championship back to our city.

What is this year meant, especially with the family affair that it is, and all the seniors that you've got.

You know, it's been an incredible, unbelievable ride.

You know, starting from the beginning of the season to now, you know, and hey, with all the extra work and all the extra hard work on, on the weekends and, and through the week, you know, we're state champions.

That could not have been a truer statement.

Mrs.

Coach is in fact, correct.

East Laurens state champs in 2026.

We'll send it back over to Larry and Kelsey.

We got coach an MVP in a bit.

Jon Nelson thank you very much.

You know they say defense wins championships.

There's no question this East Laurens team in the second half managed only six field goals total.

But they forced 13 turnovers nine turnovers there in the fourth quarter.

So again we saw the Elbert County defense there.

Perez getting back into it.

In the end, the East Laurens press proved to be stronger better and they won a championship more.

Effective down the down the end.

I mean there was a lot of turnovers in this game.

The defense was stellar on both sides of the ball here.

But at the end of the day, East Laurens was able to convert some of those turnovers into points.

I just thought about this.

You know Danielle Lowther we heard from her just now.

Two daughters on this team.

But guess what?

There's no rest for them because they got to go back home and coach softball.

That's right.

There's no rest for the weary here.

This will feel a little better, though.

All right.

One game is in the books.

Congratulations to the Falcons of East Laurens.

A 63 55 winner over Elbert County in the class A Division one championship.

They came in both with high aspirations.

On this Friday the 13th.

It was scary for both offenses as defense ruled and in the end of the day, more shots being made by the East Laurens Falcons team.

They saw out of Macon heading back south with a championship in hand.

Bing long distance Lowther with the grit and East Laurens with the title.

Our post game is up next.

The season Bradyn 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 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.

I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

Hey there.

Welcome in to our countdown to tip off show right here on GPB.

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

We're currently in day three of our four days of coverage of all of these championship title games, and we just crowned our first winner of the day.

We take it to the scoreboard.

The Falcons soared over the Blue Devils all the way to their first ever state championship title.

The final score was 63-55 They had three players that hit double doubles in this game.

What an incredible finish.

Our Jon Nelson.

He's live from Macon Coliseum and Nelly, you have quite the mother daughter championship duo.

The first ever championship to East Laurens.

Now, not only was this a huge family affair of a win, but a massive win for the East Laurens community.

It is stereo Lowther here for the post game, so I have.

It's like channel one and channel two, the left speaker and the right speaker.

I got Lowther, I have Lowther all over the place.

Diana was our player of the game.

And by the way, you want to stare at your numbers right there, eight of ten, 18-11 That's how that's I'll let you look at that.

I'm going to talk to your mom real quick.

To see your husband in the stands.

He was living and dying with every moment with you for this game.

Now that you've come out the other side, what is it?

What does it mean for you and alumna to bring that first trophy back?

You know, my husband's always supporting me and I appreciate him.

And just looking at him and seeing him cry, you know, it's it's unbelievable.

And then being able to bring our first state championship back to the city, the city that I grew up in, the city that I, in the school that I graduated from.

It's.

It's unbelievable.

It's unbelievable.

When you had the lead, you're up 14.

You knew they were coming in the second half.

You told me as much.

You said, I know they're coming.

We told them they were coming and they came.

All of that defense.

But then you persevered and worked your way through it.

What did you tell them during that run that was common?

That's like, okay, we'll do our thing.

We'll be okay.

What did you tell him?

I told him he was going to be okay.

We watched a lot of film.

And the thing about Elbert County.

That's good.

They're a good, good basketball team, but watching film, they get behind the first first half and then the second half, they come back and they beat teams.

I told the girls that we're not going to be one of those teams, and they persevered.

Just telling them, hey, we okay?

They made a run and I used the statement of they punched us in the mouth, okay, but they punched us in the mouth.

But we got to make our run too.

We've got to punch them back.

I'm gonna come over here and talk to your daughter for a second, okay?

So you look at that sheet down at the bottom, it says 63 East Laurens 55 Elbert County, which means you're a state champ.

Yes, sir.

What is this year been like for you?

You know, with this being your senior year, what's it been like?

It's been an emotional aspect of me.

It's a lot with the players helping and coming from losing a lot of games to winning the state championship just means a lot.

Three players in double figures.

You finished with 18-11 You have 17-12 It's a team thing.

It's a whole lot of players that have been contributing for this.

What has it been like for you with the three other seniors that are there and a bunch of freshmen that have been helping out this year, what's that been like?

Well, just getting the ball in their hands because we know they can score.

So we just give it to them.

We're just playing a lot of team ball.

What's it like having what's it like having this one as your head coach?

It's tough, but it's it helps prepare me for the next level.

So okay, so what is the next level, do you think?

Either playing softball or basketball.

Sounds familiar.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

And that's that's her.

That's her goal.

You know, we've been on a few visits in regards to softball, you know but, you know her, her goal is to get to the next level, especially in softball, but, you know, whatever, whatever God has for her.

You know, we're willing to go.

So are you going to get a copy of that trophy and have it in the in the kitchen every day?

So when you're walking in, you can just sit there and it's like, okay, you put that down, you sit there, that's your marker.

Every morning.

I know that I'm not going to take it back to the school Monday.

It's going to stay.

It's going to stay with me for a little bit.

Mr.

Burke, it's going to stay with me a little bit down the hall.

But it's going to be a constant reminder.

I might have to take a picture of it.

There you go.

But it's a constant reminder of, of, of the hard work that these girls have, have, have, have done this whole, this whole season I'm just proud, I'm a proud coach for them and for our city and especially especially for our school.

This championship Nikk has been brought to you by the letter L for Lawrence, as in East Laurens and Lowther as in these two.

Let's send it back to you in Midtown.

What else is on your mind?

I keep hearing there's a lot of freshmen on this team, Nelly.

So is coach ready to come back next year?

The march to Macon again.

You get sick and Nicki was asking.

You got six freshmen on this roster.

How much time are you going to give yourself to to catch your breath before they turn into tenth graders and get ready for a repeat?

No rest, no.

Rest, no rest at all.

But I said over there after the game was over with and you know, of course I was praying, but my whole thing was.

Now I get a chance to rest.

I get a chance to rest.

Yeah, like the weekend.

Back to you, Nikk.

But the weekend's probably not over.

I bet they've got softball tomorrow.

Was it practice or a game?

Nelly?

Practice or softball?

You got softball tomorrow.

You're taking it easy.

No.

No.

No practice, no nothing.

I think they just said softball.

They're going to take the weekend off.

All right.

I think that is deserved.

Congratulations again to the Falcons and the whole East Laurens community.

A massive, massive win.

Congratulations again.

We'll have more of our show coming up for you right here on GPB.

We'll be right back after the break.

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.

You've seen what your electric cooperative can do for your home, your workplace, your weekend.

What lights us up is empowering your local community and economy.

Georgia's EMC support 15,000 jobs and invest $16 billion in infrastructure annually.

And because we operate at cost, any extra revenue is reinvested into your co-op or return to members investment with impact.

That's the electric cooperative difference.

Georgia's EMC is so much more than electricity.

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.

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

Breda Pest Management They handle bugs and critters.

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.

Georgia's 41 electric cooperatives are anything but static.

Since the flip of the first light switch, we continue to innovate as the demand for energy increases.

MCs draw from a wide variety of resources to generate electricity, from natural gas to nuclear power and renewables, so that we can reliably power.

Tomorrow.

We're harnessing the current to satisfy the future.

Georgia's MCs so much more than electricity.

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

Oh hey, what's up man?

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

Jacket.

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

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

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

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

Heads up Georgia.

Welcome back into our countdown to tip off show.

Countdown to tip off means we just crowned a state champion.

And we're getting you ready for the upcoming game.

Well, Jon Nelson is live from our Macon Coliseum.

I sure do miss him in studio.

But look, he's got friends with him everywhere he goes.

I hear he has Maurice Reigns with him from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Nelly.

Indeed.

Nikk.

It is time to catch up with the captain.

The deputy director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Great friends with us here at Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Biggest thing that you wanted to discuss was that the numbers are heading in the right direction when it comes to lives being saved.

But there's a conjunction there.

There's a but get into this.

But for.

Me.

Always seat belts.

We have the motor in public.

Now get complacent with seat belt usage and we want people to understand I only take 3 seconds to protect yourself and it could save your life.

When you when you have these kinds of conversations, I know they're difficult conversations to have, but when the message gets through, what's that like for for you and everyone that you touch that's in your orbit and everyone at the governor's office to see that distracted driving is on the down and that the numbers when it comes to seat belts, everything is going down.

What's it like to see that actually happen?

Our attitude is that means that somebody else is going to be alive for the family functions in the community and understand that one life lost is one too many.

And our realistic goal is that they want to lose their life while driving, and no one is seriously injured because all fatal crashes and all serious injury crashes are 100% preventable.

But the public's got to help us, and they got to be educated to know that driving a vehicle could cost you your life.

And it's not just seatbelts, it's other distractions as well that are the big things that you guys like to focus on too.

Absolutely.

Because first of all, vehicles have so much technology now and having so much technology, people are doing other things than driving.

And you think about it, if you got your phone in your hand, that means it's one hand, it's not on the wheel, and chances are your eyes are not on the road.

So we got to put down the distractions.

And law enforcement can't do it alone.

We do educational pieces, but the end of the day, the motoring public has to help us with this cause by not being distracted while driving.

Best website.

Best place to get info is where.

Our website.

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Org.

What he said.

Captain Maurice Richins great friend with us here at Georgia Public Broadcasting.

The deputy director of the governor's office.

We'll send it back to Midtown.

Nikk what else is on your mind as we are close to game number two here on day number three?

And that's right.

Thanks so much, Nelly.

Well, here's a look at our remaining schedule for the day.

3:00 P.M.

Our next game is coming up.

It's the single a Division one boys Rabun County versus Southwest Macon.

There is so much red in that Macon Coliseum right now.

And then after that we've got the Co-Ed 3-Point Contest followed by the five a girls matchup, the 530 game Creekview versus my neighbors, the Milton Eagles.

And then our nightcap is the five A boys at 7:30 P.M.

Alexander versus Woodward Academy.

That's it for our countdown to tip off show.

We've got our single A Boy Division one game coming up.

Matt and Sean are on the call.

We'll be right back.

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 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.

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

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.