Georgia Public Television presents the Georgia High School Association's Girls state basketball championship.

Major funding for the broadcast of this event is made possible in part by IBEW Local 613.

Georgia's Electric Membership Corporations South Trust Bank.

And by viewers like you.

Live from the Macon Coliseum.

It's the 2002 GHC Girls State basketball championship game, the single-A version.

Jefferson taking on Wesleyan.

And good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to Championship Weekend.

Along with me, Jim Tanaka as Paula Gwen Grant Paula the first of ten championship games on TV over the next 36 hours.

The single-A title game, the Lady Dragons and the Wolves and some key players to look at today.

We begin with Jefferson and number 22, Lee DuBose.

Lee is incredible, five foot eight, a senior on her way to Georgia Southern and she is really playing intensely.

She is all very confident about their experience from being here last year.

And she averages about 19 points a game for a good player.

And Lee DuBose, also teammate.

And he goes, it doesn't do too bad herself.

Now she does.

And Annie is a real leader in getting her team to do that full court press to force those turnovers and make those points.

And she's very consistent at five foot 11, a forward junior and really coming with about 14 points a game.

So she too a strong leader in scoring.

And speaking of leaders, the head coach for Jefferson is Kevin Jacobson.

He's done a great job with this team.

He really believes in his team.

And I mean, he has had them work very hard and he knows that they are confident, able to handle what they're going to encounter here today, which is fierce competition and really great basketball.

Now we have the starting lineup for Jefferson.

And there you have it, the Bose and Goza Johnson, Floyd, and of course, Childress, who is definitely the leader in assists for the team.

She really is.

She makes sure those plays happen and that we get there.

She's one of the main players to make sure at five foot nine and again on her way out this year, she's here to make a real impression and really make sure that those points happen.

Now, on the other side of the ball, we have the Wesleyan Wolves.

Now, of course, this is a repeat of last year's single-A championship.

Jefferson beat Wesleyan 5552.

More on that later on.

But Wesleyan key players number three, Nicky Luckhurst.

And I mean incredible.

Her daddy, a former Foulke in Atlanta, Falcon five foot nine sophomore, averages about 16 points a game and is strong in rebounding as well.

And she is really going to be effective.

She makes most of her shots.

She's fierce and she's here to play today and it's going to be intense.

Now, also joining her in the backcourt is senior Jenny Hall.

Jenny, is it effective to a senior?

So she's really excited, too, about playing in this game.

This is her last hurrah and closing out her high school career, averaging about 12 points a game about three rebounds.

And I tell you, very effective in making the team come together on the floor, making those points happen and again, hoping for a win today.

And of course, the head coach for Wesleyan is Jan Azar, very confident about her team as well.

And she knows that they are here and they can handle the competitiveness.

And of course, there's your starting lineups and a Sheppard Luckhurst Stringer Hall and Laura Luckhurst, who is a freshman.

So you got to look her sister's playing in this one.

And Anna Sheppard with some interesting she's come for revenge today.

Well, you know, Leslie, it has come for revenge.

Anna Sheppard has on her shoe today the final score of last year's game.

And she is going to remember that in 55, 52, last year, she's hoping for a different score with Leslie at on top this time.

So we shall see.

I love to see intensity of fierce competition of these players.

March Madness has definitely hit again in a big way.

I'll tell you what, the fans are starting to come in.

It's it's going to be an exciting day here on TV.

And there's the road to the championship for Jefferson and Jefferson.

It's really been effective, as you can see, strong scoring.

I mean, they really have quite a season when they were playing Gordon Lee.

I mean, 7236.

You have to wonder if Gordon Lee was even prepared for that one.

But they really are quite consistent, as you can see in putting the points up on the board.

And so that's how Jefferson has made it to the championship game here in Macon.

Interesting thing about Jefferson and Wesley and the both both these teams coming in, they really haven't had any close games coming down the stretch.

No, they haven't.

And that just might be the occurrence here today, because I think this game I mean, if I have to get to make a prediction, I think this one might be close because they both are so intent on winning.

It's such a great match up again, repeating last year.

So we shall see now with Wesley and again, you see the scores and scores pretty consistent.

They bring about the same amount of points per game.

But again, now we're going to talk about technique, defense.

What are we going to do with the full court press?

What are we going to do in turnovers, which is quite key, have to watch those turnovers.

So that's what we're keep an eye on today.

It'll be interesting to see if this game actually goes to the final minute.

Yeah, who can actually take the pressure And that's going to be the pressure.

And you know, a lot of these seniors remember, this is their last game, so they're looking for this to be quite effective.

That's why fans are on their feet right now.

There you see it.

The teams are huddled up and ready for the starting lineup.

So we'll turn it over to public address.

ANNOUNCER Eddie Ashford, Georgia High School Association Class, a girls state championship.

And this afternoon's game, we have the Jefferson Dragons dressed in blue as your visitors on the scoreboard and the Wesleyan Wolves dressed and go as your home team.

Have your attention for the starting line lineup.

It's a swinging shindig.

It's fire happening, baby, and it freaks me out.

Yeah, baby.

First for Jefferson, that ball was a five foot seven.

Senor Number 22, Lee DuBose for Wesley Young at forward, a five foot burn for number three, and Mickey Luckhurst for Jefferson at forward a five foot ten JR, number 45 and he goes for Wesley at forward a five foot ten senior number 44 and Sheppard for Jefferson at Center, a five foot 11 senior at number 2103.

Johnson for Wesley Young at center, a six foot two junior number 13, Catherine Stringer for Jefferson at guard, a five foot five senior at number 23.

But a little ploy now for Wesley at guard, a five foot five senior number four, skinny ho for Jefferson at guard, a five foot nine senior.

Number 24, Stacy Childress, Sport Wesley at guard, a five foot six freshman.

Number 22.

Lauren Look, First, Jefferson is coached by coach Kevin Jacobs.

Wesleyan is coached by coach Sam Azar, two teams playing for single-A championships.

Jefferson Wesleyan will have the opening tip after this funding for broadcast of the GHC Boys and Girls Basketball Championships is provided in part by the following.

You're watching the GHC Boys and Girls Basketball Championships on TV.

And welcome back to the Macon Coliseum.

We are about ready to start this one.

Let's go courtside.

And Phil Parker.

We'll check with Phil Proctor.

Going to be along the sidelines throughout the game, giving us reports on all these players.

So it's time for the opening tip.

And the tip is won by Jefferson right off the bat.

And it's Lee Dubos scoring the first two points for Jefferson.

Let's start.

We could have almost predicted that one up.

That's he's ready for this game watching at home.

Wesley ends in the goal colors.

Going from left to right on your television's television screen And of course Jefferson in the blue, going from right to left Wesleyan.

Good ball movement down low.

And the shot is off the mark by Catherine Stringer.

And it will be Wolves Ball underneath.

And that's to be expected as you start a game off.

Everybody's trying to find where they are and get situated into the game and trying to set out these plays.

Your referee for today's games, Keith Sumner, Derrick Taylor and Napoleon Jenkins, very high officials for today's ball game and we're tied.

Jefferson's Wesley has taken the lead three, two and on the backdoor play nice play by Jefferson and that's Stacy Childress on the receiving end and that's what she's all about assisting and making sure those points get out there.

So Jefferson back in the lead, just turned away from the Macon Coliseum.

The signal a girls championship between Jefferson and Wesley.

And here's Springer underneath and the pass down low and a good move by Sheppard but she misses the shot Stringer gets the rebound back outside from downtown is Nicky Luckhurst and she's off the market comes Jefferson DuBose Nice pass down low to Andre Johnson Jefferson developing good rhythm right off the top of the game That's what they're trying to find and they like Brady come right into the game feeling it and able to find that open man that's critical at Sheppard in the corner he looks for the cutter down low stringer on the turnaround.

All right.

Wesleyan getting it together now, getting it together And it's Jefferson by a point.

Six, five and good defense by Wesley.

That's right.

That's what we have to do.

Think about it.

Think about it.

And the plays will happen.

This is Sheppard from the three point line and she's off the mark.

Loose ball underneath and we have a whistle.

Good play by Jenny Hall.

Definitely Jenny Hall in support once again, trying to make those points happen.

And she is excellent when it comes to assisting and putting those points up.

We'll see how she does.

And the foul is on number 23.

Melinda Ford Of course, that's her first personal and the team's first.

And Jenny Hall goes to the line.

No supporter.

That's right.

Dave Hall's a senior.

So again, this game is really important to her.

She's just really done fabulously throughout the entire high school career as she tries to the point now and makes it two.

And as you see, she had 78% free throw percentage on the year.

And with those two free throws, Wesleyan back out on top 76 and the intensity is there on the floor from the beginning of the game.

And I think that's wonderful.

And to commend the coaches, those are looking for Childress and we have a whistle and the foul is on number four.

Jenny Hall That's her first personal and of course, the team's first.

That's all right.

Sometimes that happens just to get the game going.

Jefferson good ball movement underneath and a foul on the floor.

I saw Childress on the floor and ended up losing the ball And that's where you see a lot of intensity.

This is fierce competition today, and I think it's entertaining for us all to see how hard everybody's working.

Now, here's that freshman we were talking about, Lauren Luckhurst, and she passes to Jenny Hall, who's off the mark.

And here comes the Bose as Jefferson moves it up the floor very quickly.

Childress Nice pass underneath.

You know, that's why Childress leads the team in assists.

That's exactly why she sees that floor reads it well, and puts it right on in there within the six.

I think that's fabulous.

Luckhurst up top for three off the mark Luckhurst gets her own rebound.

Left side the hall take it away by Childress.

She's the playmaker for Jefferson right and looks underneath and the pass is knocked away and taken by Stringer And here come the wolves.

Turnovers are happening and that's one thing we're going to have to watch here.

Both teams have to be cognizant of that.

Jenny Hall from outside.

Yes.

And is it a three that averages 12 points a game?

So it's going to be interesting to see what she does here today because, again, both teams are on the court ready to win.

This is going to be fierce competition.

They count that as two Wesleyan by 1928 goes, the right side drives baseline and it's knocked out of bounds and will be Jefferson Ball.

Jefferson wants to force turnovers they are real good especially on forcing those turnovers on inbound play so the score can happen.

On the inbounds play and stolen by Nikki Luckhurst.

She's one on one with Linda Floyd and The Shot Is Good by Luckhurst They came to play.

They came to play almost midway through the first quarter, and this is the Bose down the middle and she is going to be called for the offensive foul.

That's okay.

That's okay.

And is the Bose going down the middle unavoidable, if you ask me.

Good, intense basketball Ashley and moving around the perimeter and finally stolen by and he goes up and here comes Childress to call the play looks left side quickly finds the posed Bose has no shot drops down low now here is Childress yes and she's fouled Stacey Childress with a chance for a three point play and that's what she is very strong is setting up those plays Here's your replay and here's Childress popping it from down low coach is really worked with the whole team on shooting and effectiveness and really being able to handle any situation and we're seeing that here today already this first quarter.

There you see Stacey's numbers on the season, pretty balanced.

Yes.

And like I said, she is the playmaker with all those assists.

No question about it.

She's the one that really makes sure that the team is on the floor and in effect, just over halfway through the first quarter and we're dead even 11 a piece.

Jefferson and Wesleyan, this is Luckhurst.

Good ball movement.

Excellent.

Shepherd's in the corner.

They've taking time to set up their play, reading the floor, putting in action a Plan LUCKHURST to Stringer and it needs to score.

And Wesleyan is back on top 13 to 11.

Jefferson's real strong low ball handling.

As you can see, they're setting up their plays.

They, too, are thinking while on in play.

And that is one of the key, key elements of really making the score happen goes.

It had Childress on the outside.

We had a little collision down below.

No foul call.

Foul ball there.

This is Melinda Ford on the drive and she draws the foul intense play here today in Jefferson Wesleyan and the foul is on Jenny Hall.

That's her second personal so the interesting to see a little chess match might be going on early for Jan Azar to see if she pulls hall so true in the meantime goes to goes out for Jefferson and in the game is Kenyatta Beasley number 52 she's a sophomore Denton stay out of that foul trouble early on and Floyd hits the free throw and we're tied at 13 again and as we mentioned Hall goes off for Wesleyan and in the game is Taylor Volker number 14.

Taylor Volcker is a freshman.

She's just getting in at five foot nine.

She can be very effective 11 for 22.

So there's a good possibility she can help right here and support and really help put some points on the board.

13 lockers to Volcker, back to LA Kirsten, looking around here, spring up in the middle.

Yes.

And they end up in a good score.

That's good.

Ball handling once again by Westlake and say that enough.

They really seem like they came to play and focus right into that first quarter.

So we have a seesaw game Wesleyan back on top 1513 coming up by 2 minutes left to go here in the first quarter watching to make it Coliseum TV's continuing coverage of the GHC basketball championships.

What a block by stringer on Childress but Childress hustling gets the ball back then throws it away and here comes the ball working that inside game just working the inside goal And that's how they can be so strong and effective.

And a Shepard from downtown misses and the rebound by Jefferson.

And here come the Lady Dragons Childress left side Floyd Floyd looks stops has nothing back out the Childress read in the floor setting up the play important when you're looking to score especially in championship game and we the whistle and a foul away from the ball a loose ball foul is going to be on number 52 That's Canada Beasley that's her first personal and that's okay and there you see Jan are head coach and coach is our believes in her team and she knows they're very confident and that they will know what to do in a close competitive situation.

And again we're seeing that from the first quarter.

Excellent reading of a highly competitive situation.

And of course Kevin Jacobs, the head coach of Jefferson, the defending champs in single-A.

That's right.

They work very hard to get right back here and defend that championship again this year, down low, scoring a good cross court pass on the weak side and fines they're putting up a 14 Taylor Voelker that's right Great backdoor cut by Booker here's Childress drives the lane stops and pops no good and the ring of the rebound by Stringer 4 to 10 This is good basketball we're seeing here and with Stringer being the tallest on the court, you going to get a feeling that she's going to get a lot of rebounds today?

She's a little off the mark on that shot.

And Jefferson takes control.

Here comes Childress looks up Court has deposed a post one fake is called for traveling in the first quarter.

You get a lot of that.

Everybody's getting their feet under them.

Everybody's trying to read the players and certainly have been warming up for certain players to be hard.

Everybody's trying to find who is that hot player on the floor right about now.

That is your first quarter and that's why they've come with such intensity and they're doing so well at this point under a minute to go now in the first quarter this is Voelker right side and they look down low to Sarah Moye who a replaced Catherine Stringer and now the shot from the right baseline Kari Paxton is off the mark and here comes Jefferson.

Here's the drives, the length of the court and a whistle underneath and a blocking foul is going to be called on number 20.

That's ceremony Leader Bose comes with such force and such power when she brings down the ball and here's the is driving the lane and draws the foul.

So she's going to go on the line to shoot to blast the shot.

Here you see it.

37 seconds left in the first quarter, a fast paced first quarter.

She's 81% from the line.

So on this score there.

But again, we're in the first quarter.

We'll give her touch, right?

We'll give her time.

That's okay.

Everybody's getting their legs under them.

Really getting into the game.

And the focus is getting sharper.

As you see those points get up on the board, you see the focus.

Is there a couple of substitutions for both teams as it gets near the end of the first quarter, coaches are thinking a little chess game here against the starters, a little rest as the get ready for the the break in between quarters.

A lot of this is endurance and how you can keep up with that pressure and still keep your thinking heat still keep warm.

30 seconds to go.

Lakers in a corner.

That's Paxton.

Back out to Luckhurst.

They swing it on the weak side and it's intercepted by the Bose.

The Bose looks to go full court stops, looks for Childress.

Childress left side.

That's Cleveland down low good ball movement and goes the hits the jumper from 12 feet out.

Excellent, Excellent play Excellent play 5 seconds to go first quarter Wesley and looking for the last shot time running out at the buzzer Luckhurst gets good catch the hoop by Nicky Luckhurst and so the score 1916 Jefferson it's time out here from Macon while the second quarter after this funding for broadcast of the GHC Boys and girls basketball championships is provided in part by the following You're watching TV bringing you the best, you're watching the GHC Boys and Girls basketball championships on TV.

And welcome back to the Macon Coliseum.

First Quarter Wesleyan leads it by three.

Let's go courtside.

Phil Proctor, Doctor Hey, I'm standing here with former Atlanta Falcons Mick Luckhurst and Jack Jacks.

First interview.

What do you think about that last shot in the quarter?

It's great to see your own kid throwing up like that, But you know, they're a good team and have worked all year for this game against Jefferson.

And they're just excited and fired up and look it up.

They're 1916.

That's not enough yet.

Okay.

Thanks a lot.

We'll get back to the game.

Thank you very much.

Okay.

Bye bye.

All right.

Thanks, Phil.

Nick Luckhurst, the former place kicker for the Atlanta Falcons.

And we mentioned earlier in the game, two daughters playing on the team, Warren Luckhurst and Nicky Luckhurst.

And it's funny, they're both so effective to be so young, to be only Lauren Luther's a freshman and you've got Nicky a sophomore.

They both are so effective on the court.

Make putting up points on the board.

It's really amazing to see talent ones in the field.

You got that right, Nicky.

Like Chris almost came up with an interception there, and now she causes the turnover.

So Wesley will keep the ball.

It just shows she's thinking on the floor.

It just shows you that she puts the effort in and doesn't just lay back, especially after such a dynamic play at the end of the first quarter from downtown.

Lauren Luckhurst just off the mark and the rebound taken by Jenny Hall and the Wolves have the ball back.

Here's Hall looks down low to Stringer turnaround jumper by Stringer off the glass and misses goes her with the rebound And here comes Childress and the Jefferson Lady Dragons takes a second to read that four She's so good at that.

Be patient has a lot to do with good effective basketball Taking that moment and that rushing reed that floor make that play that's effective basketball as Childress on the drive loses the ball and the wolves pick it up.

Jenny Hall was trying to get the loose ball and it was going to be called for the personal.

You got mixed reactions from the fans here, family and friends coming out to support good high school ball.

And there you see it right there.

And Jenny, a little aggressive there.

But I tell you what, you know, it's it's good to be aggressive just to get out there and play your best.

And it's easier for coach to pull that back than to try to pull aggression and excitement and force from the players.

It's much easier to pull it back.

Good point.

We have a timeout for wrestling.

So the Lady Wolves want to talk it over here in the early going.

So your thoughts on the first 9 minutes of the ballgame?

What's impressive to me about both teams and obviously from their records from the season, you know that this is true, that they are intense and they come to play and they focus right away.

So far, we get to see Wesleyan really focus on getting those plays set up in the first quarter.

A lot of rushing, trying to find the feet under them.

Jefferson, however, I see right off the bat focus ready to play, setting the plays up, not rushing them.

And a lot of times is leading straight to scoring.

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That's a good point.

There's Luckhurst and she treats from downtown and off the mark and the rebound by Childress.

And here come the Lady Dragons.

She'll just looking to get it up the court quickly to the post and we have a foul and this one's going to be against Lauren Luckhurst number 22 from Wesleyan.

Well they're getting banged around a day, but that's okay When you're intense and focus on the game, that's just part of me.

So the inbound from the side.

Here's your field goals for the year so far on the game.

Jefferson's six of nine Wesleyan, 19 shots already, Paula, but only made eight.

And so, again, that's my point about Wesleyan, about focus not rushing in.

It will really come into play here and change that statistic for them.

And a three point shot off the mark by Paulk, a rebound underneath and off the mark is Lauren Luckhurst.

Here's Stringer and she misses this.

Three shots right there.

Exactly.

Let's see.

Those are those are loss points that you will regret later in the game, especially if this game gets close, especially those four points the coach is going to speak to.

I'm noticing a lot of cross-court passes by Wesleyan and it's dangerous.

It doesn't it's very dangerous.

It doesn't pay.

It doesn't tell.

You risk too much substitution in the game for Jefferson.

Number 25, Sonny Bush reports in replacing Audrey Johnson, Take a second with Wesley.

I'll just take a second to focus.

Set up their play.

Don't Rush.

Read your floor.

You could be a little bit more productive.

Any good ball down here?

Stringer Down low and it pays off.

Little more focus, not rushing it.

Take the time where you need the time.

And Wesleyan has a 21 to 16 lead their biggest of the ball game.

Yes it is.

Goes in the corner back outside.

It goes there with the swing around.

Here's Melinda Jefferson not rushing it.

Notice the second to read the floor the defense to keep the pressure off the ball hands Jimmy Pinocchio, Paula Quinn Grant and Phil Proctor right in the make coliseum on TV.

It's the single-A girls state championship.

And this is Nicky Luckhurst.

Oh, that was beautiful.

Beautiful, beautiful.

While we're doing introductions, good ball movement by Jefferson, as usual, his children, she stops and pops from the free throw line off, come off, rebound, goes to underneath, sends it back out to Childress.

Childress drives the lane and loses the ball.

We have a whistle and a foul to be called Wesleyan has to be very careful.

They left Stacy Childress open there for a moment.

You left her to score has to be very cognizant where you players are on the floor here then they double teams early.

Next thing you know, she had nothing but gold around her so they found their mistake.

But that kind of mistake again can cost you valuable points.

I think both teams are finding out, especially for Jefferson, they're finding out that they can't really drive the lane as easy as Wesleyan can.

No, that is so true.

But that's okay.

They're making up for it.

Another plays, and that's what you have to do.

Be willing to change your game and be effective in other ways.

And to their credit, I think that's really happening on both sides here and everybody's starting to really sharpen Childress hits.

The first of two here is the second and off the mark 2317 Wesleyan.

As we approach the midway mark of the second quarter and Wesleyan again looking for the open man and a three point call is good from Adam Shepard.

That play was so well executed, they took their time, they set it up, they had excellent ball handling and it ended in points.

So Shepard hits the three pointer and Wesleyan has their biggest league game.

And here it is again.

Once again, excellent ball handling and it went right for the shot.

She had time to focus and lay it right on in there on a three pointer.

Excellent basketball.

There it is again, another angle that's just beautiful.

I think that's one of the best three pointers I've seen.

We talked about her earlier in the game about how they are like ready to beat these guys in the championship game because of course, Jefferson won it last year, 5552.

And the thing about Anna is on her sneakers you mentioned in the open, she has on the side of her sneaker, 5552.

That's last year's final that they lost.

Since then, they have beaten Jefferson three times this season in all three games, and they're hoping it parlays right through to today.

They are.

They have studied this team.

These two teams know each other very well.

And Anna Shepard and Wesleyan come for revenge.

And they're all going to walk out of here today.

And I tell you, Jefferson's ready to defend.

You bet they are.

They are is fierce.

And this is wonderful to see because these are the qualities you can walk right into life and use daily.

Those are battling down low and finally draws a foul.

And that's that's truly the lesson there.

You know, we work and, fight hard and then we work it out.

So it's wonderful to see there's goes again.

Is she a battler or what?

I tell you, I love it.

I love it.

It's good to see.

And the first is good.

72% on the year, 72% on the year, which is really impressive.

She averages about 14 points a game, you know, to be a junior at five foot 11.

I think she's extremely effective.

And the second is off the mark 2618 Wesleyan.

We all to sharpen up parts of our games but I think they really are coming along nicely.

Shepard tries for three again off the mark and a battle down low and a jump ball and possession Arrow points towards Jefferson.

Jefferson's going to have to pull up on that one and they will just see where we go from here.

It's interesting, we were talking about how and there's your three point field goals.

By the way, Wesleyan is taking third team, three point shots already.

Isn't that incredible?

It's really incredible.

I think discipline is what we need to see here on the floor with jump shots and certainly the execution of plays, but particularly with jump shots, the most shot is off the mark and it'll be Jefferson Ball down low.

And it's funny, both coaches have been drilling on the discipline out of, you know, your free throw shots you got to be disciplined that those are points or kissing away really important goes a drives baseline and the shot is off the mark and the rebound by the way might lead to Bo's lead the bounce out away to Georgia Southern are they lucky she is a star on the team 2620 Wesleyan now and back come the lady dragons and in the transition a foul is going to be called on Nikki Luckhurst.

Sometimes the transitions are tough and I know Jefferson has a history of really working out.

Really.

He usually happens a very nice transition.

So I just think again, in this first half we're feeling it out.

Getting a rhythm here.

Saw Kevin Jacobs on the sidelines, take a look at his team and how they're starting to come back here.

Yeah, midway through the second quarter.

Oh, he'll let them know and he'll get them where they need to go and oppose this free throw is good.

So she's got another one coming where we go where the focus and really pulling in to make the shot and Bo's averaging 19 a game.

Well done, well done and she hits two.

So now the lead is back down to four 2622 Wesleyan and traveling is called on Shepherd.

So the Lady Dragons, with the full court pressure, forced the wolves to turn it over.

That's right.

And that's a really tough thing to swallow because that is one of those things you can control.

So, you know, coaches aren't happy based on a Blaze Floyd in the corner of the Childress and there of course are the turnovers Jefferson has six and Wesleyan is turns over the last couple of times they're up to four now Yeah for the game on the break this is Luckhurst and Nikki Luckhurst from downtown Nikki Luckhurst for three got a nice shot the sophomore with a lot of really a bright future ahead of her and it's a 2922 Wesleyan two and a half to go and the shot off the mike by Childress and the pass taken away by Jefferson Childress in the corner working the baseline to Sonny Push and that shot's blocked and here comes Wesleyan tough they're really fighting here and it is effective in the paint You got to fight it out.

And what I see is that, you know, they're really trying to set it up.

And before they could go it, there they are jerseys, they're in your face.

So it's really tough sometimes to see and make your way through that.

Good pass by Shepard to Falkor on the back door down low and the shots off the mark.

But we had a whistle.

Nice.

And it looks like this one's going against Wesleyan.

But I like the ball movement by the wolves looking for that open.

Now they are.

They're searching.

You know my only thing is just to watch, you know, those passes, those long passes can get you in a world of trouble.

And again, we're watching those turnovers because those are points, of course, in a way also.

So we got to be real careful there.

But excellent, real well done.

And both teams want to talk it over.

Redesign, focus.

The coaches will hit things about the shooting and certainly the focus level and the play set up.

Here's Wesleyan Huddle and let's listen to coaches on Leslie on the outside and they make sure to clean and roll and you run to the basket and there you see Jefferson's huddle.

Have any more fouls?

And of course, the head coaches, Kevin Jacobs, who's been at the school for eight years and won 42 and 81, not a bad record.

Not a bad record at all He's very effective and he's really forced his team to play hard and has impressed upon them the importance of focus and intensity and discipline.

And those are the factors that have obviously brought them right here today.

That was the job.

And on the free throw line for Jefferson as he goes up the junior and is extremely strong and she hits that first one and it's 29 of 23 Wesleyan closing a gap.

And every time we get a point spread, we see a course very quickly after that.

I love that because you feel you're still in the game and two hits the second.

It's 2924.

Coming up on 2 minutes to go in the half.

This is a support has been a good strong first half and I think it's really been instrumental to see how the teams are reading each other and following through and putting points on the board.

A lot of times you don't see this much electricity until the second half, and pressure by Jefferson is causing the wolves to their defense is strong and they have to think and he set it up because otherwise they're going to not have the moment.

They're gonna end up rushing the moment and not scoring.

And that's that's important too.

And a jump ball.

And the possession now is pointing towards Wesleyan.

And so the wolves will keep the ball.

Yeah.

It's interesting how Wesleyan is handling the the full court pressure by Jefferson are they really are I well let me you know at times they're handling it well.

At times they're a little stressed.

So, you know, it's a matter of focus and getting that back in gear.

And I believe they're going to handle that.

Well, Sometimes you have to really just learn your other team stringers from down low.

Yes.

Catherine Stringer and the lead back to seven.

And Catherine Stringer is one of the main components of that strong inside game.

So it's really exciting to see her in action with Leslie a minute.

15 left in the second quarter, Jefferson with some good ball movement.

Here's Childress on the drive not afraid getting right on the inside back outside to pass off the mark and the rebound underneath and the ball will stay with Jefferson It's intense but they're doing a good job of it in the game for Wesleyan is number 12.

Mary Claire Merlino replacing Nikki Luckhurst for Wesleyan in need of a rest, and especially before the half here, no point to keep her in the game.

She's been extremely effective.

Let a rest for the second half and using the glass.

A nice play by Molly Cleveland for Jefferson and full court pressure still there by Jefferson.

They're not going to let up and they shouldn't make them work for it.

Watch the ball.

Watch bar allows for a steal if you don't watch the ball and that pressure because Voelker to dribble that ball on the sideline and so a turnover and Jefferson gets it back Jefferson is known for their full court press so that's something I know Wesleyan knows because has been stressing that you got to make sure you're ready for that right in your face.

Whoa.

And Wesleyan returned the favor on defense.

And I'm loving this Mary Claire Merlin off break.

This is it.

Here's Holton with the rebound.

Here you go.

There you go.

Teamwork, teamwork.

And a foul is on Melinda Floyd.

It's her second personal Wesleyan, trying to understand some suggestions from coach on set up their own play.

Now they're in focus.

There you go.

So the basket didn't count.

Wesleyan has the ball now as they move it around.

This is Lauren Luckhurst at the top of the key looks right side in the corner to Merlino Merlino down to Voelker and the shots off.

Here's Stringer down low now a loose ball and Jefferson hasn't got to watch those.

And it seems like every time there's a loose ball, you have to say goes lead the balls because she's always there.

She's on it.

The girl misses nothing.

I mean, those are the kind of open opportunities you should look for.

That's a gift.

Time running out, 2 seconds, one shot just with a shot off the horn and it's off the mark.

And it looks like we have a foul on the last shot of the half.

And this one's going to go against number 12.

Mary Claire Ferlito.

So it's Childress to the line as both teams head the locker room and this is interesting you know shooting free throws with nobody around.

Well I was going to say that like pressure's off of you and you're in your immediate area.

But now this is where discipline comes into play.

Let's see.

Well done.

And she has one more coming for her.

3127 here.

Discipline.

This is like in practice now.

Oh, very well done.

And there you have it.

So that's our halftime score.

Wesleyan leads it 3128 over Jefferson.

Let's go courtside until Proctor felt all right.

I'm standing here with Coach Jacobs.

Is this is what you expected?

We thought if we could get Hall out of the game, we'd do a little bit better offensively.

We're starting to stand around a little bit.

We've got him a little foul trouble, and I'm doing a very good job of recognizing who we need to get the ball to right now.

I think defensively what we're doing is pretty good.

Stringer Stepping up for them and playing, which is a real surprise to us.

So she's going to have to score some more in the second half.

We see if we can defend her a little bit better in the second half.

How are you going to change your game plan?

Anything?

I will never do it.

We're going to run and shoot it like we always do.

We're not doing a very good job of that right now.

But he can't change this point in the game.

We got to go play.

Okay.

Good luck in the second half.

Hi.

Thank you for all.

My madness in Macon.

Rolls on from Macon Coliseum.

We'll be back with the halftime festivities right after this.

Funding for broadcast of the GHC Boys and Girls Basketball Championships is provided in part by the following You're watching the U.S.A.

Boys and Girls Basketball Championships on TV.

And welcome back to the Macon Coliseum.

Halftime Wesleyan leads at 3128 over Jefferson Bank courtside and filibuster.

Okay, an exciting first.

And right now I'm standing here with Mr. Patrick Blinky, the principal of Jefferson.

And is this exactly the kind of game you thought it would be?

That's exactly the way it's been.

We've we've met them three times before, and that's always been a great game.

There are two fantastic teams, two fantastic schools, and we're just glad to be here.

And we're glad to have an opportunity to repeat as a hopefully state champions.

Okay.

Tell me a little bit about the community down in Jefferson.

Look, it's a small community.

You know, we have about 350 students, is a very strong, supportive community.

And as you can tell by our crowd support today, it seems like the whole town has come out to support the Lady Dragons today.

And it looks like, you know, with this great game going on, we're going to need all the support we can get from our fans.

Okay.

The last two weeks around the community, around the school, how's the spirit been?

Oh, it's been fantastic.

Everybody's been abuzz, you know, because, you know, everybody felt that it was going to be a Wesleyan Jefferson final game.

And everybody's been hoping for a repeat of what happened last year and everything's been going fantastic.

The kids are all excited.

You know, I'm not sure there's hardly anybody at school today.

We've have several teachers here.

We have the the whole community has come out.

It's just a great opportunity for Jefferson.

It's just a great opportunity for these girls.

And I'm so proud for each and every one of them.

I'm also proud for our school and our community.

All right.

Well, thank you very much, sir.

And on my left here we have Mr. Zach Young, the headmaster at West Linton.

Sir, thank you for being here.

Tell me something.

What is this, the kind of game you thought it would be?

Well, we've played them three times before, and now we've won each of them.

So they're all close.

And I feel like I've watched the Jefferson Girls play as much as I've watched our girls play.

I've seen them so many times in the last several years.

And we love this group of Jefferson Girls, too.

It's they're great competition and they're great girls.

Okay.

Tell us a little bit about.

Well, Wesleyan is a relatively small Christian, full activity school in Norcross.

We've got about 390 and our high school and 1040 overall moved there from Sandy Springs in 1996 and have been creating the campus since then.

And it's been an exciting run.

And how long have you been there?

I've been there since 1996.

Okay.

Now, any predictions on this game as of right now?

Well, last year in this game, it was tight like this going into halftime and Jefferson came out and we only scored three points in the third quarter.

So I think the third quarter will be a real determining factor in how this game turns out.

If we can keep this same margin of being ahead, I think we'll do all right in the fourth quarter.

But we can't let them beat us like they did in the third quarter last year.

Okay.

Well, thank you very much.

Good luck to both schools, to both principals.

And now, Jim, back to you.

And thank you, Phil Proctor and Jim Pinocchio along with Paula Paula.

You know, it's interesting.

First of all, the teams on the floor right now are the boys single-A.

They're going to play the single-A state championship coming up after this one.

It's Claxton against Taylor County, so it's going to be a good one.

It's interesting, though, you have all these teams come down here to Macon for the games or up here if you're coming from south Georgia.

That's true.

And it's interesting because the entire community comes out to see these people.

I mean, cheerleaders, parents, neighbors, friends, fans, everybody comes here to make it.

It's the epitome of community.

Really, it is.

Because, you know, when you talk sports, it brings people together.

Because even if you don't know a thing about basketball, what you're excited about is the opportunity.

What you're excited about is the coming together.

Because let's face it, it's a good thing.

It's a positive thing.

You see the effects on not only the members of the team, but on the entire school.

It just lifts everybody a little bit higher.

And I think you just no matter if you don't understand a thing about sports, you understand that.

And I think that's just something everybody would want to be a part of.

And again, that's such a you it's a wonderful springboard for life.

It takes you right on through.

All right.

We have first half stats to show you live here on TV.

And it was in half and it was great.

First, great first.

A very good first half paced.

These teams have come to play and I think revenge is in the air when it comes to Wesleyan.

That is just eating them up from last year.

That score in 5552 is just too close.

And Jefferson is here to defend.

And so it's really an exciting thing.

So we're just glad that we are part of all this and statistics coming up on the teams as they come back out to warm up for the second half.

All right.

We'll continue on with halftime festivities from making light efforts on funding for broadcast of the GHC Boys and Girls Basketball championships is provided in part by the following.

You're watching member supported TV, your PBS station bringing you the best.

You're watching the GHC Boys and Girls Basketball Championships on TV.

And welcome back to the Mic and Coliseum Halftime Wesleyan Leads Jefferson 3128.

Let's go to Phil Proctor film.

All right, Phil, still roaming the floors looking for some interesting people to talk to Paul And there are a lot of them he will find somewhat, I'm sure, within minutes.

But it's really exciting to be a part of this.

Both teams coming out here for the second half obviously revved up.

And this is again now where the competition is really going to get thick, because I tell you, this is a rematch of those defending champions over Jefferson.

I don't know, Wesley.

It's come to play, so it's anybody's ballgame once again.

So this exciting.

Well, like we mentioned at the top of the broadcast, their fourth meeting and you know, it's very tough in any sport to beat one team four times in one year is extremely hard even to meet that often because, you know, your players are forever preparing for that next competition.

Try to change the game up a little bit so these players know each other very well.

And Jefferson gets the ball.

The beginning of the second half.

They trail by three 3128 as we are underway right?

That's Floyd and she looks low to Audrey Johnson and good play on defense by Wesley in and here comes the lady wolves I think they determine that they're going to definitely defend their territory this time and makes it know you know make sure that they guard that ball and the ball goes off Stringer's leg and out of bounds and Jefferson takes over, you know, just underway second half from the Macon Coliseum.

Jim Pinocchio, Paula Gwinn, Grant and Phil Proctor to bring it to you live here on TV.

The first of ten games scheduled over the next 36 hours on Georgia Public television.

Here's Nicky Luckhurst on the break.

As hall in the corner down to Stringer.

Nice ball movement, nice ball movement.

That's the way you handle it and bring it right on down and right on in four points.

That's excellent.

Setting up the play.

Reading the floor is super important.

One of Jefferson's strong points, setting up, setting up a play, being patient and not rushing it.

And here's the girl that usually sets it up, huh?

And this is giving Wesleyan a chance to really set up their defense here.

Childers on the right wing, guarded by Luckhurst.

That's and they continue to move it around Good defense by west playing a nice pick there as Stacy Childress gets free for the shot That's right Pacers paid off good defense by west Andrew good there you see Wesley and by three early third quarter Luckhurst looking for Springer down low cannot get the ball to her so she looks to regroup Their inside play is their strong point so they're getting together something.

There we go, getting it together for effectiveness here.

Setting Flora Luckhurst down low team and the shot off the mark by Sheppard Now a three point goal by chance by Lauren Luckhurst and off the mark she left open there.

I left it, man okay got to watch the floor had the shot.

She had to take it, right?

She had to take it wide open.

She had to take it.

Smart move.

Fouls on number 45 and he goes a two.

So it's stringer to the line.

As we mentioned, the tallest girl out there today at six to my height, six foot two long arms.

And that's just really going to be a plus for her.

And it has been because Catherine Singer is going to be a junior.

She's really played very well.

Usually she doesn't always put points up on the board, but she's always effective when she does get the ball in for Jefferson.

Number 25, Sonny Bush to replace Audrey Johnson, Number 21 and the free throws are good.

So Wesleyan up by 530, five, 30, and good patience by Jefferson as they get that ball moving around.

Here's Childress and the drive left side by Boyd and taken away by Wesleyan Good play by Stringer excellent Mathis thing is not afraid she will jump in there she will use her height as she will use her determination and make things happen.

That is beautiful.

But Laura Luckhurst drives the lands, right?

And there's a defensive blocking foul.

And sometimes you have to take the drive.

It's all right if you're going to get the foul because it'll get you to this point where you get points up.

So it's all right.

And here it is again as she drives the lane.

It's a right information Folsom free throws it Look at this one.

It's amazing though she's in the freshman Well see, that's just it.

I'm noticing the talent is just coming in the door in freshman year.

And so by senior year, you have these stellar players and I'm just waiting for the first female basketball high school basketball player to go straight to the WNBA.

I mean, we see this with the fellas, you know, I mean, we've seen it, right?

Right.

The guys go straight from high school right, to the NBA.

I'm I'm waiting.

I'm waiting.

Of course.

Yeah.

Well, we want everybody to have a college education, but I'll just say that would be so nice to see it happen.

The WNBA for the first time and then, of course, with the dollars is in WNBA, we have yet to see the kind of money offered to players that we see in the NBA.

So while getting that college education, I hope for young lady to be making a dollar in the WNBA good ball movement again and a nice move down low by Sheppard misses the shot loose ball down low and we'll have a jump ball possession now is pointing towards Wesleyan so the looking like the wolves will get the ball back.

You know you're talking about you know, you're talking about WNBA, talking about how important it is to go to college as you replay right there and battle underneath.

Yes, it is a battle.

And I'll tell you this, it's it's really important for these kids, too, that, you know, athletics is important, but so is academics.

And one of the key things about school, especially high school, is, is that kids that get involved in extracurricular activities tend to do better in the classroom.

And that, I think, is so true.

And I can see how it would parlay out because you learn balance.

You quickly learn how you have to balance your life.

And I think that that is an excellent discipline.

And the younger you get that, the better.

I mean, that's what parents are striving to teach their children daily.

From the time you arrive here into your family, try to teach you balance.

Trying to teach you to handle responsibility and sport is just one great, terrific way.

And any extracurricular activities requires you to do that.

Here's Kazu from Free Throw line is off The mark goes in with their own rebound a third time and it's taken away by Luckhurst whistling on the break and it's thrown out of bounds intended for Jenny Hall.

All right.

Trying to make those runs now.

But that was excellent intensity.

Good basketball.

There you see Coach Kevin Jacobs for Jefferson.

Here's goes on the right wing.

Coach Jacobs has mentioned how they do not change their game.

You don't change your game at this point.

You stick to your game plan and execute well.

Three shots taken by Jefferson.

This one goes it takes the fourth one and misses and a loose ball underneath.

And we have a whistle and this one looks like it's going against Sonny Bush.

Number 25 for Jefferson.

Pull third.

So midway through the third quarter in West Linn, still with now a seven point lead at 37 to 30.

Big lineup coming up today.

There's a single-A boy.

He's coming up next at 145, Claxton and Taylor County here on Jeep TV.

Later at 330 PI day A takes on greater Atlanta Christian that's the girls championship at 7 p.m. Decatur takes on Wilco and at 830 tonight the five three championship Mitchell Baker and cross keys Big line up here on as we continue with championship weekend from Macon and we have a whistle in transition that's tough because sometimes in transition you just you just lose you lose it And that's what happened there.

Let's try this again.

Yes, right.

Regroup.

Right.

Try this again.

We'll just regroup and try that again.

There we go.

There's Jedi Hall and it happens.

Wesleyan with the lead and the ball.

Paul left side.

It goes to lockers back out the hall.

They move it around, handle but handle the ball.

Good.

Cross quick pass from one sister from Rutgers.

Seton Hall and Hall hits the three pointer.

That was great.

Risky but good in the end there.

That pass was long pass again with the wash Girls, but that was excellent.

They really handled that well and end up in the score left side.

Floyd Jefferson taking their time.

This is a children's children's guarded tightly by hall Children stops and pops.

Good.

Good job.

Good job.

Great shot by Childress cuts the lead to eight.

It's 4032 big time you take a six Leon and fan talking through this take a second figure out where we're going next.

So Jefferson's down by eight and here's your replay of that three pointer.

Look at that by Jenny Hall.

Nice touch.

It really was.

And I mean, she's really they really Wesleyan is really thinking their plays through now.

And then of course Childress stops and pops from short range and Wesley was playing good defense They just you know they got around.

So Stacy Childress known for assists but she's doing pretty well on the in some points as well.

Oh yeah she can put them up there.

She has games where she's really hot and this is obviously proving to be one of those.

And you can become a TV member today just by visiting our new and redesigned website at WW dot GP Dawg.

It's totally secure Simple to use and it only takes a couple of minutes even I figured it out WW dot GP dawg and we thank you for your support Real GP TV and from the corner it's Luckhurst from downtown off the mark and loose ball and Luckhurst is it for a rebound finally taken by his sister?

Now it's Childress for Jefferson Crosscourt pass and nice play underneath and a foul as DuBose was driving the lane.

He gets banged up here today but you know when you drive to play that happens and that was what that's what you got to do.

We're now down into the thick of it.

Watch this.

Here's the Bose.

He and Luckhurst get on the arm a little bit.

Yeah, well, that is a rough one.

There's the bus numbers on the day.

Seven points.

Yep.

But she's no doubt on her way to scoring even more.

She's quite effective.

There you go.

In a free throw and now four for five.

And again.

See that's a really I think it shows you the discipline we've always had and make it five and six on the free throw line for the bowl.

She has nine points and they substitutions come in the ballgame out for Jefferson now is Beasley takes a rest as does Audrey Johnson and a good defensive play by Jefferson on the turnover ankle court pressure paying off Here's the shot and it's off the mark and we have a whistle didn't any score but that's the kind of momentum that you can really feed of.

So let's see where that goes.

So the Wesleyan Ball.

Here's Coach Jacobs.

2 minutes to go.

Third quarter.

Here's your turnover so far in the game, Paula, 11 for Jefferson, nine for Wesley.

And it is very close.

So as you can see, this is a really intense game.

Like, you know, those turnovers can really get you.

So at this juncture, it's like I'm sure the coaches are looking to really catch every point here and get the teams to focus.

Blow off the brakes Honey pushes Hammer down low Yeah as she tries to bang one off the glass and a whistle.

That was a tough one.

I felt that.

Did you feel that?

I tell you what, it's getting tough down there, but yeah, no foul on the play.

That's kind of interesting, cause it's like, you know, we all felt that thing Everybody did, but no foul, there's a replay as you look at Bush down low, technically, I guess it really wasn't.

And back to live action and we have a whistle down low and Sonny Bush is really putting on a show here in the third quarter.

Yeah.

I need to tell you, Sonny, Bush doesn't put up much, you know, on average, not that many points, but she's really looks there.

She goes to lengths.

And I'll tell you what, when you're defending state champs and it's third quarter and you're down, you are going to do anything you can to come back and it brings alive even sleepy as a player, so to speak, because this is it.

It counts.

This is it.

This is the big game.

This is where you've been.

This is what you've been working for.

Oh, they're right.

It falls into the weeds.

Five 4035 Wesley And every time you get a point spread, notice it closes quickly.

The focus is here on this game, and that's what I'm most proud of with all my players.

Luckhurst a stringer cross court as they move the ball around as they have all day long.

Lauren Luckhurst at pass is knocked out of bounds by Bush.

And I'll tell you what, Sonny Bush is everywhere.

Sonny Bush plays hard.

She plays hard.

And got to admire a player that'll get in there and not worry about anybody else.

The focus and get her team where they need to go and shake it.

As you see, she deserves a break.

So in the game for her is Canada Beasley the number 52 checks back in for Jefferson and a steal by Dubos Here's the post drives the lane dishes off Here's the shot from 15 no good by Melinda Floyd Loose ball underneath and this one's going to go to Wesley.

That was a tough play.

Her shot was short and I think it just was a matter of response time there back in the game for Wesley in as and a Shepard replacing Kerry Paxton number 33 for the wolves Here's Luckhurst right side stringer back out cross-court passes big for Wesley and here's Hall from downtown Yes good play real good play good basketball.

Jenny Hall connects on a three pointer and it's 4335 Wesleyan under a minute to go 38 seconds and the rebound underneath.

Here's Luckhurst.

And Wesleyan wants to run.

All of a sudden.

I need to tell you, this is good, though, because this is where we get teamwork, real teamwork.

Now, those set it up.

Set up that play.

Important to set your play.

Don't rush it.

Good fake by hall has no shot This is off this Luckhurst Luckhurst back to his sister Nicky Luckhurst.

She's saying take a second.

Set it up.

Take a second.

Read the floor.

Because Jefferson is all over left to play open.

Got to watch that Jefferson several times.

And the turnover.

And here comes Jefferson.

Good defense by Jenny Hall.

Excellent.

And there's a whistle.

We'll go we'll take a timeout here from the Macon Coliseum.

We'll be back with more of the the beginning of the fourth quarter coming up.

There you see the score.

Wesleyan lays it 43, 35.

Funding for broadcast of the GHC Boys and Girls basketball championships is provided in part by the following You're watching the NCAA Boys and Girls basketball championships on TBS.

And welcome back to the Macon Coliseum.

24 minutes in the books, 8 minutes to go.

There you see the score.

Wesleyan leads it 43, 35.

We'll set the stage for you.

This is the fourth meeting between these two teams in 2000.

Two Wesleyan has won all three.

They're looking to make it four in a row and a single state championship.

That's right.

Last year, the same matchup, Jefferson won it.

This is an intense game.

They both want it badly.

Well put.

And there's your leading scorers for Jefferson Childress has 14 doubles nine and goes with five Wesley is led by Stringer with 14, Nikki Luckhurst with 13 and Hall has ten.

So you're up to date on all the leading scores in the ballgame.

There's your three point goals.

Check A look at that really is a difference in the game.

For 16 shots, they've made seven three pointers and that is your difference right there, because those points, I mean, and we're seeing the deficit and it's really something.

If they can tighten up on that, you'll see a change in this fourth quarter.

And of course, this is it.

So the coaches are looking to sharpen up here.

Offensive foul down low on and it goes a great defense by number 13 Catherine Stringer for Wesleyan as the fourth quarter is underway from the Macon Coliseum Whoa pass down low Shepard back outside this is blockers for three yes got it did Nikki Luckhurst hits the three pointer big shot and the lead is 11 their biggest lead of the game for Wesleyan at 11 4635.

And those three pointers that is really what's going to make the difference in this game it's really going to make a difference good passing down low and it's sunny Bush again and she's going to go to the free throw line for 12 one.

So here's Sonny Bush on the line for Jefferson.

And the first is off the mark.

That's all right.

And checking in the game for Jefferson is number 21.

Audrey Johnson, she replaces number 45 and he goes up and substitutions for Wesleyan, as well as Jenny Hall sits down to take a rest, gets a little break, bring her back halfway through the third and a second by Bush is good and the lead is cut to ten 4636.

Good full court pressure by Jefferson almost stolen away one of their signature is that full court press has brought in points.

It forces those turnovers.

Stringer finds Luckhurst all by herself.

Top of the key now finds her sister Nikki.

And here's a three point shot again by Nick Luckhurst Off the mark loose ball down low and here's Booker back for the score.

That's how you do that's good effective basketball working with the play DuBose on the drive as you're trying to cut into this lead whoosh again down low and there's a foul Sonny Bush is everywhere on the offensive board I tell you, she's tough.

She's really tough.

And that's a player.

You want somebody else get in there and, you know, reminds me of Dennis Rodman.

Remember how you used Just get in there and do the same thing.

Here you go.

Lead bowls with great speed, trying to beat up Sonny Bush, trying to come right behind her and follow through leads to opportunity.

Right now.

These are three points.

Here we go.

Off the mark.

Relax.

He's had a great game.

I'll tell.

Has she really has.

It's just a matter of focus and discipline right now.

And it's tough.

You know, you're playing for the championship making policy and you the weekend it's you know, it's a lot of pressure.

Believe me.

They're all stars on this floor.

Everybody's an all star.

The sisters Luckhurst bring the ball up the court.

Nicky finally brings it off the timeline.

Volkov crosscourt again to Luckhurst.

Here's Nicky setting up the play, taking the time with it.

This is really, really important.

Is crucial.

Now, these are the points they're going to make.

Your break.

You take your time.

They keep looking down low for.

STRINGER Yes.

Stringer Trying to get it back.

She can get an easy layup.

Here's Anna Sheppard.

And you almost it almost looks like they're in the deep.

SMITH Fourth quarters for North Carolina.

Oh, that's so true, isn't it?

Okay.

Trying for Stringer turnaround Jumper is good enough.

Good, good.

They took their time with it.

It paid off.

Excellent.

Excellent.

That ball.

A lot of time on the rim there.

Yeah it did.

That was where they running out of time.

They will catch that good block down low.

Here comes Wesley off the break Luckhurst feet side and a loose ball foul is going to be called on Laura Luckhurst and Jefferson will get the ball back.

This little loss of control there.

What's Coach Jacobs thinking right now?

Oh, this is one of those moments where he's trying to really bring his team to focus because he's like they're trying to they know they're not to change anything at this point.

It's a matter of execution, focus, execution, 538 to go on the final period and goes is going to check back in for Jefferson and replace number 21, Audrey Johnson.

It's time for the coach to bring in is is the star players at this point here's Childress down by 13 Wesley In's biggest lead of the game and five and a half to go This is crunch time this is the time to pull it all out.

And that's where Coach Jacobs mind is.

He's like, we got to do it now.

This is proven time.

Now.

They haven't taken a lot of three pointers throughout the game, so wonder do they take threes or they try to drive to the hoop and get the fouls and push is called on the travel.

Very good defense by Stringer.

Excellent.

Get in there, use your body and a time out on the floor 514 to go Wesleyan by 13 over Jefferson and here's the good defense by Stringer and Bush saw the six foot two monster coming at her and made a mistake and traveled for things.

He's only five seven.

So, you know, I could imagine.

I mean, I'm six foot two and it's a lot to see us coming at you.

But that was that was good defense.

Use your body, use everything, have your skill and use it.

Now, at this point, Jefferson is trying to reorganize, regroup, and in certain cases, just redefine what they need to do this year.

Telling moments.

All right.

We want to remind you, don't miss Georgia's longest running high school sports and academic show prep sports plus returning Thursday, March 14th at 7:30 p.m. and then beginning March 30th, Prep sports plus moves to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. right here on TV.

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Plus we have a fun time bringing it to you each and every week.

Great show on TV features and stories of the kids and coaches and it's it's a fun time.

We can't be anything but proud around here to do that.

Yeah, it is.

It really is.

We are We had the girls cheerleading championships a couple of weeks back on TV, and that was a lot of fun to bunch of teams from all over the state.

That's so great.

So great together down in Columbus.

A lot of fires this all up, really?

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

And we haven't seen much of the cheerleaders today, But I'll tell you what, they're on the sidelines and they're busy entertaining the fans and cheering on their teams, as are those mascots.

Every time I look up there, we're having a good time there.

Good ball movement as Westlands is in that Four Corners stall, executing the play as they're offside.

13 points.

Yep.

Do you have some very tough defense all on them?

Voelker Back out to lockers as she drives it in.

They left you out all that was excellent basketball.

I tell you what, all the pockets Richard got right in there.

Nikki Luckhurst it looks like today she's got a quick first step and she knows how to get around that defender as she's really on.

And I mean, they're just some games and this is the game for both of these teams.

They came to play DuBose off the mark on three point line from down Landon goes over the rebound blocked good block and this one is going to be officials are saying it's going to be Jefferson Ball we're in the final 4 minutes last 4 minutes 9 seconds is such a point spread.

I'll tell you, Stringer's had quite a game.

You know, 14 points.

But she's got seven blocks in this game and that's key blocks when they're going down the middle.

And there's another one right there, 80 right there.

And Coach Jacobs said at the half that Stringer has really surprised his team.

He said that's been a surprise for them.

And so I think they're trying to still figure out how to manage and contain her.

They can, which, of course, is is proving to be extremely tough.

Stringer on the personal so it's Childress at the line of Stacy Childress has been on it all day really sharp and hot today he found and substitutions in the game for Jefferson it's Melinda Floyd checking in for Mollie Cleveland and Jenny Hall's back in the game for Wesleyan and the second by Childress is also a good 5239 Wesleyan 4 minutes to go halfway through the final quarter of the single-A state championship game between the Dragons and the wall.

And the biggest difference here in the second half and coming into this final quarter with Wesleyan is they have really slow their pace and become patient in their plays.

And it's really made the difference for them.

Here's Luckhurst as she brings it back out to her sister for a lucky play.

So great that they just have that camaraderie even on the floor, right winger down low all by herself and a little on goes up, left her open, left the man open.

And there she was the score available right under that basket Everything going the wolves way, that's for sure.

Yes.

It's really flowing their way.

Jefferson still can in these last 4 minutes.

They'll pull quite a turnaround.

But that was an incredible play.

Good patience by Wesleyan as they're looking to run down that clock and finding the open man.

Here's Jefferson coming down as quickly as possible.

DuBose drives the lane and blocked by Stringer again.

Stringer is really using her body being effective in play, anticipating, and it's really paying off.

Those are the most fouls on Stringer.

That's your third personal.

That's a tough one.

But as in high school ball Five fouls and you're gone.

So she has two left.

DuBose hits the first of two.

That's a tough one she might want to be.

She needed moon checks and now replacing one shot and it goes in of a 45 for Jefferson for the bills is going to be brought in in the final 2 minutes or so I would guess that.

And the free throw is good.

So the lead is back to 13 at 5441 Wesleyan.

Here's Luckhurst Dribbling through traffic breaks.

The press finds Stringer from the right side.

Yes, Catherine Stringer is half.

Stringer is hot today.

I mean she is ready and incredible on it the entire day.

And there she is again.

All right.

Spring it down and a whistle in the back court and, a foul, they call it, against Anita moon.

Number 11 for Jefferson.

And now she's replaced.

And like you said, she's just in there for a few minutes while and he goes, it gets a breather.

Now she's back in this catch breath me down he goes and he's finally and you got to rest on it.

But that was good pressure by Anita Moon.

She did a good job on defense, trying to force a turnover come in the offense and Luckhurst makes the first one so she'll get another.

There you see just under 3 minutes to go and.

It looks as though Wesleyan will beat Jefferson for a fourth time this year, this season.

And that is nothing short of amazing.

Here's the off the break stops and off the glass and off the mark and rebound back outside.

This is Floyd with the shot off the mark rebounded by Gosa and it goes of bounds and Wesleyan will take over That was tough with tough play Jefferson is still hanging in there to their credit.

They are still hanging in there.

Coming up on two and a half to go, fourth quarter Luckhurst loses the ball.

Is it good defense by Jefferson?

Now they get it back.

Does Wesleyan add a foul and this one's going to go against Anita Moon.

Number 11, Slade Moon has been effective.

She came in and she's really good.

So she's out there for defensive pressure.

Exactly.

And now they're going to get the ball back.

They bring in Gosa and also Audrey Johnson.

It's a tough one to follow the center of the team up the score and a shepard the young lady with 5552 on her side of her sneakers game for revenge.

She came revenge and they're tired of it in that free throw.

That's really that's really neat how fired up they were and the concentration and discipline is there know she's taken her time Excellent excellent.

Good basketball here today.

Excellent.

5941 Wesleyan.

Stacey's Childers getting that set up, not rushing the play just on the inside.

Childress drives the lane and Stringer got a piece of it.

Yeah.

And I believe she'll be called for the foul as well.

Probably That will look like a foul.

Let's see if they call it.

Yes, Mark.

Now, she has to really want it.

You know, she's she's well, she picked a good time to start fouling.

That's near the end of the game.

She's she's been effective.

And at this point, we're coming up the last 2 minutes.

Stacey Childress is just excellent from the line one.

Well, here's Childress and the shot.

Good.

She's been so effective from the line.

Excellent Afternoon.

Oh, almost to make that one and take it away.

Good defense.

Whoa.

Anybody and Jefferson will keep the ball forcing turnovers.

Coach Jacobs looking very worried.

This has been a tough game, but Coach Jacobs would be proud of this Jefferson team.

They did a fantastic job in 2002 and of course, defending state champions.

It's always tough to repeat it on any level.

It is.

And to face the same team.

I mean, basically these two teams have prepared for each other all year.

And again, they had those three match ups.

And so they've learned each other very well.

And of course, they of course, they they have a chance to play each other four times because they're both from Region eight, so both from the same up there in north Atlanta.

And so that's why they know each other so well.

They've both done just wonderful.

Both teams is stellar today.

Absolutely stellar.

This has been a championship here.

You see some of the girls from Wesleyan who will enjoy a state championship in 20.

They all worked so hard for it.

Here's Nikki Luckhurst at the line.

I know Nikki's father must be extremely proud, as is her mother.

Big day and luckhurst her the second as well.

Hey, back to 18 point lead for Wesleyan 6143 as we come up one and a half to play and the shot is off the mark by DuBose.

Jefferson gets it back, Childress looks down low here, goes up to fake.

Now the shot off the mark and the ball's knocked out of bounds and Wesleyan will take over.

Steveson Harvard having a hard time hitting their shots.

At this point, just the presence of Stringer underneath has really made a difference really rattling them.

It is Childress and she's off the mark and Jefferson gets the ball back.

We're coming up on one minute to go in the final quarter.

Childress from downtown three points Casey Childress excellent excellent three pointer and it's 6146 with 101 left to play.

And I'll tell you what, Paul, it's been a it's been fun to run this game.

Great.

I've had a great time.

I really have.

Thank you all and TV the entire family for supporting high school ball because it's been fantastic.

It really has.

And it's great to support our children.

Has a great shot by Childress.

You see it on the replay three pointer.

Great touch.

Nothing but the bottom of the net.

Oh yeah.

They worked all season.

They've been disciplined all season long.

They've really taken the time.

And I think that's to be commended for both teams.

Good points.

I'll tell you, it's exciting to championship weekend, ten games over 36 hours with the support of your family and your friends and each other.

I mean, they've come a long way together, you know?

I mean, they've all become sisters, you know, I mean, you've learn your teammates so intimately and that's going to be one of your fondest probably one of the fondest memories of your whole high school career, getting ready for the final minute now.

All right.

One on one, the go cam, the wolves right.

Bring it on.

And a foul back court.

And this one's going against leader Bose.

Lee DuBose has put her all in this game.

Incredible.

Playing with such power as she goes off to Georgia Southern, she should be nothing but proud.

Right?

She's got one thing all the seniors on both teams can say they each won a championship.

Is that fabulous?

Isn't that fabulous?

And that's important as you participate in in sports on the high school level before you graduate and move on to college to be able to walk away with that and say, yes, you did it we got there and we won.

It is nothing like that.

And leaving the game is Melinda Floyd and she leaves to some a standing ovation from all the she's made the trip from Jefferson that's why she's put her heart into the game.

Also checking in is number 25 Sonny Bush for Audrey Johnson, who was in the starting five and she gets a standing ovation as well from the Johnson fans.

And also leaving for Wesleyan is Catherine Stringer and all the folks that made the trip from Norcross are on their feet as well.

Oh, here's Childress Childers, good under 50 seconds.

Childress shoots it from long distance, off the mark underneath.

Who else does Bush Sammy push study top.

Wow.

Former love her and the fouls on number 33.

Kerry Paxton and Sonny Bush will go to the line.

A lot of times you see teams give up in this last minute or so.

They're like, Oh, what the heck, The game's over.

And I love how these teams have been coached so well as to play to the end.

Give it your all to the end.

This is not over until it is over.

And the luck her sisters leave the ball game to a big cheer from all the Wesleyan fans.

And I bet you leading those cheers has got to be daddy.

Oh, my goodness.

Can you imagine the pride?

Oh, that's so wonderful.

And there's a whistle on race and we'll go down the other end of the court.

There you see, Nicky.

What a game by the locker sisters.

And they obviously have such talent and it's so good to see that developing.

And again, with Nicky being a sophomore and her sister Laura being a freshman, they have some wonderful development ahead of them.

And as you can see with that raw talent, they're going places there.

They are the two sisters.

This is so wonderful to see them be able to share the experience.

High fives are definitely, you know, order as a sport.

Yeah, there you go.

That's Paxton hitting the free throws.

Now the substitutions start to flow in for teams getting down is Hannah Shepard and what a game she's had.

And let me tell you that 5552 on the side, her sticker has paid off and there goes Hall as well for Wesleyan.

Yes, they deserve a rest.

Now.

Let everybody have a moment in the championship game.

And Anna Shepard, of course, a senior for Wesleyan and Hall is also a senior.

So they go out in a big way.

Oh, yes.

This is a great moment for them.

Jerry Paxton takes, the seed and gets some cheers from the crowd as well.

There she is.

This is how they dreamed it.

And their dream is coming true today.

Coming up on 30 to go in the single-A championship.

Sonny Bush from three point plan off the mark.

And here comes the rebound by coming up short.

Jesse Archer in the Shot Short.

Here comes hustling on the break.

The left hander is off by Sarah Good kind and a jump ball in the possession arrow goes to Wesleyan.

20 seconds to go in the final quarter and there's Coach Hayes aren't those days are Wesleyan really proud or her girl and coach Jacobs cheering the team on and look at that hug again and that wonderful hair I mean it's been tough and it's been a great road and they shared a lot of wonderful experience and memories together as they play to the end, which I love was such intensity.

10 seconds to go.

And I think the crowd might let you know, four times left high.

Yeah.

You get the feeling, especially the folks from La Crosse.

Oh, yeah, I think so.

We're down to eight 6547 Wesleyan and the ball knocked out of bounds.

Good defense, Very good defense.

By Mary Claire Merlino, Number 12 on a hard drive for the wolves and they count it down to one and that is it the shot.

They're going to count that three pointer, they're going to count it, they're going to count that basket by number 11.

Anita Moon A great shot by Schneider.

And we talked about her down the stretch.

Great defensive play by Schneider as they look to keep that full court pressure on Wesleyan.

But it was too little, too late.

Wesleyan wins the single-A state championship 65 to 49.

Incredible over Jefferson, excellent teams.

And it was so good to see the rematch this time.

The goes to the other team.

Wesleyan walks away as Jefferson did last year 65 to 49.

There's nothing but pride and great spirit and thunderous applause, I might add, from all for both teams, because.

All right, let's go down courtside to Phil Proctor.

Phil okay, Coach, congratulations.

Thank you.

How's it feel?

Feels great.

Especially after last year.

The girls really wanted it all season long.

They wanted this rematch.

So it's I mean, we respect Jefferson a lot, so it's even better coming them.

Your kids really hit those three pointers today mean talk about it.

They did they did a great job.

And they also said last year we got caught up in the three point game.

And this year, Catherine, we hit her inside.

We were bigger than they were, so we hit her inside and she did a great job inside.

Did you think it was going to be as physical was outstanding down here, up under the basket.

The girls were hitting the floor with some intensity in well, both teams.

I mean, we played each other for four years now.

My seniors have played their senior year four times, and both teams wanted it really bad.

And I think their aggressiveness showed that.

What are you going to tell your seniors?

This is the championship year.

What are you going to tell as they leave?

Well, I've already told them that, you know, not many people get to end their career with a win and they get in there with a win and they really it they're the ones who brought our program to where it was.

All right.

Here we have Coach Azar Champion, Wesleyan State Champions.

Coach, congratulations.

Thank you very much.

And great job.

Phil Proctor, as he worked the sidelines today for today's single-A championship game.

There you see a great shot of the trophy.

Beautiful.

They'll be going to the Wesleyan Wolves.

And it's just so good to see coaches are be able to share this with the team and all the seniors walking out the door.

We had some wonderful scores today.

She mentioned Catherine Stringer, number two.

There you see the trophy and Jefferson coming up next on TV, the single-A boys championship, the Clarkston Tigers take on the Taylor County Vikings.

That's all coming up next right here on TV.

Paula, Great, great, great job today.

Thank you so much for enjoying it.

And congratulations to everyone from Paula, Gwen Grant and Phil Proctor.

I'm Jim Tanaka.

TV's presentation of the GHC Girls Basketball Championship has been made possible in part by IBEW 613 Georgia's Electric Membership Corporation's South Trust Bank and by viewers like you, the single-A Boys championship coming up next on TV.

Stay with us.

As championship weekend rolls on funding for broadcast of the GHC Boys and Girls Basketball Championships is provided in part by the following