Georgia Public Television presents the Georgia High School Association's Girls State Basketball championships.

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 Macon, it's the Double-A Girls Basketball championship featuring the Pie Day of Pythons and the greater Atlanta Christian Lady Spiders.

And good afternoon, everybody, and welcome as we roll on on championship weekend here in Macon, March Madness.

It truly is two games in the books.

The single-A championships have been decided.

Now we move into Double-A PI Day, a first time going for a state championship.

Meantime, greater Atlanta Christian winners of six of them, 72, 74, 1986, 1975, 1982, 1983, and defending state championship winners in 2001.

It should be a good one.

We throw down the court side and the two guys will call it Dave Gardner and Phil and handsome guys.

All right.

Thanks, Jim.

Phil, do we have one more left in us today?

I tell you what, Parker, I would work with you all day long.

Well, I appreciate it.

Obviously, a great match up here.

We just saw a very fast paced single-A boys game.

We may slow the pace down a little bit, though, because we've got a little bit bigger inside play here today.

Of course, a very good team.

They're going to look at the main player for the python sparkle, Davis.

She's the one that makes them go.

She can go inside.

Outside does a great job of getting the rebound and then the break starts off.

Go.

They go in transition Excellent.

Three point shooter, thousand points in his career as you see there, Sparkle Davis number 22 is going to be a player to watch it.

Also Janelle, crate number 32, these guys, they look like twins.

They both of them close out extremely well defensively because they're so long.

They have great long arms and they both can score and handle the ball extremely well.

Today may just be a battle of the number 22.

She got Sparkle Davis for five there but you had 22 for gassy Cheryl Baker unbelievable She is the x factor.

She can thoroughly dominate the game on the offense and defensive end of the floor.

She can totally take the game over.

She's headed to the University of Georgia, but also a big inside game as well for gassy Katie Beth Pate.

Certainly going to be a big player today.

She has done an outstanding job defensively.

She alters all shots.

I believe that that's the facet of their game inside with Watson and Pate is the most improved part of their ball game.

Of course, as Jim mentioned, gassy with six state championships, trying to make it two in a row this year.

The defending state Champs Pie Day of the Pie fans, their first trip to the finals.

But they've been here in the situation.

They've been in the playoffs.

They went deep and they're trying to get it going under.

Coach Paul Mirra, he does an outstanding job, brought his team back from 11 in the semi final.

They're going to look at the starting lineup for Pi day a Creighton Davis Brown Payne and Matt Carling number 11 the senior and for gassy Lauren Eaton Crystal Watson Katie Beth Pate trail Baker and Taylor Callahan the starting five on the floor for the lady Spartans first day and forward a five foot 11 senior number 32 Janelle fourth grader Kristen at forward a five foot eight senior number 11.

Lauren Eaton for part day at Forward, a five foot nine sophomore, number 22 also very good for player in Christian at forward a six foot three.

Jared number 54.

Chris what fun for Patriots Center a five foot ten sophomore number 42 jump maker Brown fourth grader at Lanier Christian at Center, a six foot four senior number 40, maybe better paid £4 a year at guard, a five foot four Jordan number 30.

Jayden fourth grader Plato Christian at guard five foot eight, Senior number 22.

Cherelle Baker for PI Day Guard a five foot five.

Jared number 11 simply Aaron Mark Farley play for greater playing Christian at guard a five foot seven.

Tim Taylor Kelly has well there you have it today just set We'll be right back with a double play girls state championship from the vacant cineplex.

Funding for the past 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.

Dave Gardner, Phil Hansen, back with you as part of your you get set for tip off.

Let's throw it down to our courtside man, Brian Selman.

All right.

Well, just like you guys said, we've got to battle 22, you, Cheryl Baker, and we also got Sparkle Davis.

Interestingly enough, these two teams played early this year with Sparkle Davis scoring 25 points and Sheryl Baker scoring 35 points.

One other thing these two teams are excuse me, pie, dear, they have lost to the eventual champion last four years.

So let's see if they can go ahead and break this streak.

Back to you guys.

All right, Brian, certainly a good point by now, but plenty to prove today.

And we'll take a look at their road throughout the playoffs a little bit later on.

But right now, audio pythons undefeated against two eight teams except for gassy.

Of course, those teams meeting as Brian said back in January.

Katie Beth Bates and Janelle Creighton will tip at mid-court double a girls action underway from the Naked Center flex.

Here we go.

Lauren Ayton with the basketball for the Lady Spartans as Gassy controls the opening tip.

Store today, Twin Towers, Crystal Johnson and Katie Beth be down low.

But right now it's outside Eaton optimists from three point range and he's on the floor with it and a jump ball fall there She got to take it up.

Jamaica Brown fighting hard and the possession hero will go to hot air.

High data defensively isn't a diamond In one defense they have four guys look at look at it like an upside down box run in a diamond playing zone with one man playing man to man on Cheryl Baker Davis will inbound and Creighton that's Aaron big falling number 11 man to man.

Creighton a Davidson bound python headed to the next level to miss but pythons keep the possession You know we talked a lot about the success of Gwinnett County this year gassy another example of that well represented in this year's state championships.

Offensively it's a three out ten pass in screen away.

You're going to pass single opposite the way you throw the ball, bring a cutter to the ball sparkle Davis thought about the shot and it knocked away no whistle ball still in play there.

The first shot wouldn't go without a rattles in there for Jamaica Brown He's at this ball game day we're going to be rebounding halfcourt offensive execution and containing the dribble back on the other end and a travel going to be called on GHC.

Look for J.C. to apply a little pressure here to get them in the tempo of the game that they want to play.

Python's Fired Up.

We talked about the crowd, the Python Crazy Pi day, a crazies, as they're called, have traveled real well.

The jackass with probably a couple thousand or so in this house, Madea has the luxury of having four ball handlers basically on the floor because Sparkle Davis is nail paint.

You can handle the ball so well.

BLOCK by Katy Beth Bates.

She keeps it alive.

As alluded to earlier in the broadcast.

She alters so many shots, whether she's blocking them or just changed the trajectory and due to her height, great eyesight, nice dish to paint.

Well, BAKER whether she's scoring the free agent, scoring opportunities for her teammates, she can do it all.

BAKER Of course, UGA bound unbelievable athlete may be the best basketball player in the building.

Men or women.

She's got.

She's so tough off the bounce she can fly.

You give her a step, she's going to kill you.

Baker was 26 against Cartersville in the quarterfinals and now Sparkle Davis from outside, though good optimistic.

Katie Goff Peters there nice rebound but they went to a flex offensive.

Basically what's going to have is a cross screen and a count screen on the weak side in the floor.

Gotta get back on defense.

What a pass inside to Callahan with.

It won't go though and Creighton brings it down can stop the ball and stop the ball.

Connell dribbles a cross over to McFarland who pulls up but a travel on air.

It'll go back the other way.

We talk about the Twin Towers.

Eight six foot four Watson six foot three.

But even though they might be a little outside, as you said, they've got two or three girls who can really step in there and point exactly that turnover right there was caused by the height, even though the shot wasn't blocked.

The thought of it coming out there to block it made her take the extra step.

Watson and Payne have done a super job having the most improved facet of this year.

But you go back, look at inside to watch them, but take it away kind of pesky inside.

And that's what they got to do throughout the ballgame.

Deadlock here in the early moments.

Davis With the basketball being guarded by Loren Eaton, the falling kicks it back out to Katie Payne.

This is an interesting matchup right here.

You got Watson on pain, the height difference in the speed differences.

I'd have to give it the height obviously the game but the speed what coach here is doing, he's trying to pull her away from the basket now and take it away by Baker one on one on the other end over overpaid.

The shot won't go though and McFarland brings it down back on the other end now three on one great job by Watson getting back on defense Fantastic job getting back on defense.

Krystal Watson came out of nowhere.

The six foot three Spartan gets it done.

Offensive leap idea is got to come to the ball.

They cannot wait.

You also you can't move on a straight line.

They're going have to create an angle every time they move to receive the ball.

I thought fans wanted to foul.

They wanted to call on that last possession there, but they won't get it.

Gassy has possession gassy Coached by Mike Mitchell, his second year as Lady Spartans head coach it over for Dana Davis but they're bumping all cutters right now.

No prisoners in there.

There's the foul and away from the ball and they are going to call that one on the pythons inside.

Grant Smith.

That's not a bad foul that you want to establish how it's going to be played inside.

I mean, Grant, you don't want to be crazy with your fouls, but you cannot let Gassy walk through there and have their way with it inside.

You've got to make them pay if they're coming in the paint, though, you saw the numbers on Coach Mitchell, 28 three overall record this year for Gassy and looking for his second straight state championship off the inbound knocked away Nice hustle in there by Creighton who knocked it away will stay with JC and there's Paul Meyer head coach 161 82/8 year at Purdue Nice job by coach Mitchell for gassy brought an answer Van Ryan number 14 getting a little more speed on the floor duck in looking inbound trying to get it out of there close to a five second call it they get it in it inside good pass great kick out three point shot short and it's taken out of there by Creighton.

This is I mean any time he gets a rebound, they're off to the races.

If Davis and Creighton get the board from outside and 11 for three good shot good defense he contested that and it's 5 to 2 out here by three here.

Quickly back on the other end they lose the handle and away by force.

Keep it alive.

Go stop the ball.

Davis, Pass inside and a foul today is box and one defensively is causing a little bit of confusion now for gassy again they have four people playing a zone and one person playing Sherrill Baker man to man.

You may want to look to screen whoever is not being guarded.

Go screen the person that's coming through.

Well, they can get the one foul on Ashley Van Ryan Davis hits the first sparkle.

Davis just a sophomore.

And there you see her season averages over 21 points a ballgame and near 50% from three point range.

And she's got both free throws there.

And find a out to a quick start 7 to 2 but she now is going small to bringing in Julie warm Callahan with the basketball five point lead three and a half to play here in the opening quarter from the Macon Center.

Let's see we got four people playing a zone, kind of like a diamond and one person playing man to man on Baker, but she's good enough.

Get the shot off.

They've got to stop dribble penetration on both ends of the floor, whether it's Pi day or Jack Baker drawing the foul that time she'll go to the line She's that good Dave She can totally take over the game offensively You can look at your stats and say hmm we shoot in seven for ten, but three of those possessions, she's going one on five against early County.

There you see 26.7 rebounds, seven steals all around Great player Coach Mitchell did a superb job in that game of going small and he got the tempo the way he wanted to play it.

Then he was able to insert the trees and then banging down the boards and Baker trying to silence the crowd, hits the free throw line.

Baker had to sit out a lot of that semifinal match up in foul trouble, but teammates picked it up and actually went on a 14 zero run in the second half of that ballgame against early and Baker hits both.

She's got her first two points in the ballgame, 7 to 4 back to a three point game.

This is Janelle Creighton dribbling great down by Taylor Callahan in the JC pressure what they did now thinks they stay funneled on the sideline and down where you could use the sideline in the halfcourt line as defender for one defender now he could become three or two can become for coach mirror on the sideline.

That's why they are ranked 15 coming in.

Jaycee of course, number one, both these teams have great, great balance.

They have excellent depth and they're both very well-coached.

So a lot of Spartans will inbound it.

Baker with the basketball.

She's good from outside inside could do it all 35 points again in the first meeting between these two back in January.

Krista Watson Inside it won't go Baker and a jump off ball Good defense by the fifth on jump all possession area will stay with see I like that they're being aggressive gassy is taking the ball inside conversely Pandya is not giving anything up going strong There she comes she's going to be everywhere Great rebound Taylor Callahan likes to duck in Hilary Hightower checks in number 20 for the lady Spartans Allen nearly knocked away on the inbound corner with it and now a foul going to be called say the sign of any well-coached team is their ability to stop inbound plays.

If your opponent is having trouble getting the ball and your team is very well prepared for the third foul.

On Davis, Her first shot off the Mark Hightower there for the follow the ball go Nice rebound nice rebound phone's out of there with it puts it ahead to stop the ball and 11 puts it up and won't go but she does draw the foul It takes a pretty good shot clear work to step up there and stop the ball Forget your man.

The ball is the most important thing on the floor.

She got to step up here now and stop this guy Watson hustling back on the defensive end.

But that's not a bad foul.

Do the fact that she's got to earn it from the foul box his first foul on rattles in there for 11 She's got four points to lead all scorers here in the early going they're averaging 57 points a game on offense today is going right at them.

No fear today flip side averaging 69 to the offensive points and certainly a big difference there.

But defensively, both teams really step it up, stop the ball, sparkle Davis outside and won't go and Ashley van Ryan picks it up on her back on the other end.

Well they got away with the reach there and Baker reset up top nine for hot air out of Atlanta leads it by five and that one chip partially blocked Nice job defensively Creighton pushing ahead good job by Hightower pursuing it from behind Hillary Hightower the junior in it last touch by the 15.

So do you see basketball I really like what this is a great chess match I like what Jessie did offensively there.

They brought up their low post player and set the screen at the top so Baker could come off to get the jump over the past to where the pressure comes from.

This is an excellent game.

Christina Forte In four or five day and number 12, they're got to look at the turnovers early on three with seven, Jessie with three and Black gets it back into the corner.

Tyler thought about it momentarily.

They go get that little high low action inside Baker Bass Nice pass back out and right shot won't go and sparkle Davis is back and running Stop the ball Stop the ball two on one and Davis takes it the length but it won't go.

You come down in a two on one.

Do not pick up your dribble until you're stopped.

You're playing defensively.

You've got to make them pick up the basketball.

Krista Watson puts up a shot That one Too strong.

Great job by Ashley Van, right?

She hustles.

She plays hard and it goes out on the fifth on gassy basketball.

And indeed, Van Ryan with the awareness throws it out off of a Python player, Katie Beth Pate back into the lineup now for gassy along with Taylor Callahan clutch for the ex cutter the duck inside here comes a screen Baker gets it in and Ryan puts up the shot, rattles in and out of there.

And Julie Martin All right Pulls it down, pushes ahead to Davis.

It's a good shot.

You're going happy with that sparkle.

Davis With 30 points in the first meeting between these two more, nine from outside it won't go follow Amy Levin draws the foul.

They lost track of her screen.

Throw it down portside once again.

Brian Salmon standing by.

Oh, thanks, guys.

Lauren Eaton, the starting point guard for Gassy.

She fell down earlier and she bumped her knee.

She's getting eyes on the sideline now.

She says she's okay.

She'll be back in the game later.

Right back to you guys.

All right.

There you have it, Gordon.

And of course, one of the main players in this gassy offense did a nice job of distributing the basketball.

And she averages over seven points a ballgame.

Sure.

I'll make a call for that last foul and 11 unable to make good on the second back on the other end the shot is waved off and a foul going to be called on the floor if she is so tough off the dribble.

Gallinari her first and the team's third Mr. Watson checks back in the big lineup Now open today.

It seems to be a step quicker but still loose balls and rebounds so far.

Here comes the next cut.

Baker looking to get it in once again by Taylor with some good pressure outstanding job of pushing gassy away from the basket He a little high low action inside the past really passed the ball up corner from outside in and out of there again but once again a whistle inside and a push offensively going to be called I believe, on pace, even though those shots aren't going down.

Those are good shots.

They're going to fall eventually.

They're getting good looks at the basket.

So gassy showing some pressure here.

Davis Look at inbound it for the pythons.

39 seconds left in the opening quarter, 10 to 4 low scoring ball game points have been hard to come by.

The rim is not friendly on either end.

A six point lead for five.

This is a matchup problem right here Creighton on page he's so much quicker than her on the perimeter maybe 11 shot won't go nice rebound eight pulls it down Baker slows it up and I'll bring it across Baker the senior averaging 21 plus points of all game Baker off the dribble puts it up and another foul called inside on gassy this time it's on Watson today is doing a nice job of getting inside of the gassy players forcing him to come over the back there for the fourth team foul 14 fouls apiece now actually five team fouls on gassy 5 seconds left no Creighton dribbling puts up the shot and it won't go too strong and that's it for the first quarter of a hot day off to a good start they lead the defending state champions by six points, 10 to 4.

We'll be right back.

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You're watching the GHC Boys and Girls basketball championships on TV.

It's about eight by five by six over GHC as we bring you back and we make it center flex, Dave Barr, along with Bill Hansen, bringing you all the action, looking at the playoff run by day against Randolph Clay in the semifinals, they won by two down 16 points at one point.

That ballgame character, a very big part of the trip by their team.

Again they lead it by six that in their half court pressure is just the difference in that game.

They really shorten the court up against Randolph.

They can operate with the basketball there.

You look at the field goal story, not too impressive there in the first first quarter at all, two of ten and one of 14.

So it was a strange shot, may have been partially blocked there by Callahan and last touch by Jaycee and I think that came off the tip there.

So the possession era remains, but the pythons watch for Davis coming off a double screen.

Stepback.

Here she comes, Creighton being guarded by Baker.

Now Sparkle Davis who uses the handle jump ball possession area Lady Spartans.

Now the spacing wasn't too wasn't what Coach Meyer probably wanted on that play was to say try and take it your dinner plate and sticking right in your face only spacing floor balance and timing are keys in all offense one two to put one in a box and one now back to the inside.

Now back to Watson and here's the handle.

You got to keep that ball above her head by the basketball.

Creighton again headed to Davidson to continue her academic and athletic career at the next level Pass the screen away three out to in sparkle Davis outside that shot will rebound Great pass for an eight and on the other end numbers against her though but she takes it anyway I won't go too deep inside Molinari clears it out of there Nice pass and the shot right there by Sparkle Davis Christina Forte nails the bucket and Forte up 12 for Baker paint.

Can't get it out of there They're going to call the foul on Janelle Creighton Not happy about that one That's nice offense they have a high screen on the ball there and then when Baker comes off that pick, the pressure is going to rotate from inside out and she's going to dip it inside.

So pain at the line, two points, the six for senior loss, the six three junior also making up that inside game and paint hits the first instead of like county her numbers six points eight rebounds big inside play great defensive and the second one is also there for Bates so two of two on that trip she's got four points and a timeout Butler for a 32nd timeout called by coach Paul Meyer and fired Yeah that's a good timeout reset the team basically they didn't get anything they wanted there on that inbound pass but then they scored on the two on one.

But again they're having to make an adjustment on that high screen on the ball.

Take a look at some of the earlier action today.

Again, the single-A girls, Wesleyan, a winner over Jefferson, 65 to 49.

We're going to look at some of that action right here.

That was if they're going to count Wesleyan, your champ beating Jefferson for the fourth time this year.

Back to action here again, girls going at it one class higher, but just as competitive and six and a half to go here in the first half, 12th six, though, field goals have been hard to come by here in this first half.

Both teams a little bit cold right now.

Both teams do a nice job of having a run catch, stop, get it pass, dribble and see.

Without traveling.

They often catch and handle the basketball, the job.

Agassi standing the pressure Forte just got a handle on that one now Jamaica Brown from outside off the back of the iron Brayton there for the follow gives it off nice pass but that won't go hand off of the lady Spartans Nice awareness once again by the girls and blue if you're on your opponent's goal, try to save that.

If you're in your goal, don't throw it to third row.

The kick inbound knocked away there Baker with the quick hands down like that again coach Paul Meyer in his eighth year at Purdue watch for the inbound around the corner and out of top Jamaica Brown with the basketball just a sophomore a couple of sophomores in the lineup today by day has done a nice job of trying to spread out gassy defensively and sparkle Davis, another one of those sophomores puts it up rock although the other number 22 Baker off and running at Terrell it's going to be fouled but I believe they're going to call it on the floor before the bucket She changes hands off the dribble probably better than anybody in the gym like we alluded to earlier.

She is so quick going from right hand to left here.

She comes in traffic, she's able to switch hands, bang, bang, right there and then make something happen.

She's so much more effective off the move and standing still.

16 fouls now on Purdue one more puts him in the box that one taken away looking inside back to Baker won't go now on the other end Lemon puts it up in one go but it seems a step quicker to loose balls and getting down the floor to transition.

Baker, an excellent ball handler, pulls up and takes it off the dribble.

She's tough.

She is so tough.

One dribble shot 12 to 8, just a four point ballgame now.

Gassy working their way back into it here.

So now that Gassy is starting to score, now that's setting their defensive tempo.

11 takes it back out to Davis excellent patience by by Dan Mount solid shot off the mark here that's what he wants they want that today is to go one and done Ali Mcfarlin another stop one number 24 with that last shot which should she probably have to have that one back now watch trying to post up with it.

Pass it now.

Repost Taylor Callahan for three off the mark the foul you shot down 11 they're two on one Creighton takes out It's a good foul in championship play Dave they are no easy layups Taylor Callahan with the foul Here's another look at it Good job by Callahan No layups They'll let her get her hand over her shoulder though because if that had gone in a three point play, LeBron will take a four or five air or 41 to play in the half pulling Ari back and she'll inbound gassy going small it comes Davis off the double Harling with the basketball he being guarded by Ashley van Ron number 14 he's also checked in Brown with it they'll kick it back out Sparkle Davis pulls up takes the jumper tough shot won't go Baker down with it Oh behind the back pulls up looks inside knocked away though looking inside to van line but he draws the foul Now he's getting a little bit of success here because they're able to penetrate that defense and they're doing it off the transition end of the floor defensively seven Sparkle Davis call for her second foul Both teams now with 16 fouls apiece.

If you're playing with Cheryl Baker, never stop running, even if she's coming down with the floor, keep going to the basket.

She's going to get you the ball, man.

Right.

A sophomore also in the book for the first time today knocks it down.

I don't want that foul.

She's not gonna hurt you that far away from the basket.

So you don't want to reach there.

She scores from there.

It's going to be a mighty tough afternoon anyway.

Play steady defense.

Keep her in front.

Coach Mike Mitchell watching from the bench.

He does a great job.

Both these guys, all of these coaches in this tournament.

The rest reason when these teams are here, they all do a wonderful, wonderful job.

Alan McFarland Athlon JANGLING don't go in both teams now with seven and the ball is inside move there her legs bodies she didn't have the explosiveness she had in the semifinal again throughout the year four and eight and with the bucket her first today.

And we are all tied up at 12 apiece and then right back on the other end, Allen McFarland with the bucket, with a big touch.

Let's see the tempo now.

I think it's more to Jack's liking because they're getting it all off the dribble penetration right there.

Cheryl Baker in the lane and a whistle on the floor though I believe they're going to call that one off.

Perhaps.

I see they're getting their offensive momentum here now, all off defensive transition and bringing the ball up strong as opposed to trying to come down and try to tick the box and one or the 1 to 2 zone or a two, three matchup zone.

Yep.

He has implemented Baker four points today, five rebounds like a1111 to a to our first trip answers three of three if this goes live for Jason to go in there one, 211.

Press Baker four of four from the line today six points all together and we're tied becomes 14 All pressure and a turnover baker with it into the corner now Callahan puts up the jumper short but Pat is there in position and puts it home see the tempo now is all going his way.

Six points for Katie that big and Jaycee with their first lead of the day, 1614.

Now on the other end and block going to be called on fate.

That's going to be her second foul.

That's to look at that one again.

Yeah, She was moving a little bit with her feet, feet not quite set there, the long shot by Allie McFarland to take that ball to the hoop right back on the other end.

Got it down there in a hurry.

Yeah.

You'd hate to see that kick.

You'd hate to see that because Pate did a nice job of funneling her under the goal.

She, she really didn't have to throw the hit misses though, on the free throw.

They were shooting to their way.

They're excited.

What?

Ali of two from the line.

You got to get your hands above your opponent's shoulder.

Here you go.

And the third one rattles in there.

So third time's a charm and the lead has got to 116, 15 and turnover back the other way.

Here's Creighton again on the dribble.

Take Barling inside and there's a matchup problem there She's able to take paid off the dribble on the perimeter all day long and you can look at today's officials Andy Cowan, Jason Wise and Baker and Art Williams they've been here as long as we have.

Yeah, because that five is Farley hits it.

Tell you what Ali creating opportunities at the free throw line here creating points and now Katie Pane will check back and she'll give Christina Forte a breather for the formula two winning basketball is rebounds defense being able to knock down those free throws and yet they're calling another sophomore stepping up and she gets back here next year.

Oh, yeah.

You know, we talk about the big girls.

We talk about Baker and Davis and the Twin Towers for Gassy.

But games like this, sometimes it comes down to some of the unsung heroes, some of the other players, younger players that end up stepping up and they make the difference but is back to their box.

And Warren on Baker playing her man to man and everybody else is playing zone the diamond and one now someone needs to set a screen for trail Baker right now this pass inside Callahan tried to dish it out of there and whistle right underneath the goal.

So what's going to be open in that zone are the blocks because they're running a dime and they've got a guy at the top.

They've got a guy, the top guy on the wing and the guy in the baseline.

If you can put two people on the on the blocks, you're going to be effective.

There they are.

Good job.

Nice cut an excellent pass foul going on to make Brown her first Taylor Callahan at the line there you look at her season numbers this is well I love the chess match between these two guys misses on the front end but but he finds rebound in shot from outside it won't go take it away she gets it alive Nice job there now Baker from outside she buries it.

Here you go.

Three point shot for Sharelle Baker.

She can start doing that.

Standing still.

It's not going to be fair.

Nine points for the UGA bound signee and ICE defense on the other end by Callahan Jessie when they score.

Their whole mindset changes defensively they're able to get into that tempo.

It's set and then they can get that game going up and down and then get big people inside with the high low action.

Hightower Back off the bench for the Lady Spartans.

She gives them the speed on the perimeter.

She handles the ball well.

PAYNE Dribbling and going to be fouled by pate, it looks like.

So.

Katie Beth Pate with three fouls here in the first half, just under 2 minutes to go in the second quarter.

Not one, not a very good one there.

Well, you want to show yourself on that screen, but then again, you got to understand who's coming off the screen if they're a great shooter, then you may have to pay more attention that you may.

It's not a great shoot.

You might go under that screen.

Coach Mitchell talking things over there with fake and that foul will put any game at the line.

This the first of ideas tell you what if they knock down some of these free throw shots here, they would really be in control of this game.

But it hadn't gone their way.

Look for Coach Mitchell to take paid out here and put that line in.

You got to save her.

She's got three in the first half.

And indeed, here comes Ashley, the sophomore end of the ballgame for Pate, who probably won't return the rest of this half.

That's one thing if you're going to foul that little Mickey Mouse reaching in Ticketek files just drive you bananas to the coach.

One point ballgame.

They go to the open.

Wait a minute.

And run short, though, on the shot.

Creighton pulls it out of there, but Baker strips it away and gets the bucket.

That's what I told you in the first ball game.

If you turn when you get a rebound, turn inside.

That's where the defensive players are.

You got to turn away from the defense and then Baker with 11 and then to make brown around answers Nice ball work inside Oh what a pass on the other end of the block by Creighton still alive on the other end pain is there puts up the shot but into the deep baker takes it away She now brings back such great wingspan she doesn't have to close out that far defensively Got to come back.

Don't wait on your passes in this game that quick and take it off.

Nice pick and run inside it won't go rebounds her own shot still fighting for it loses the handle though gets fouled in the process she's battling she's tough Jessie's doing a nice job now of tech in the center of that box and one second herself there flashing a cutter to the middle and looking opposite or looking low farther we call it on her second.

And that line is there for the free throw one and misses on the second one there.

That pass going get you hurt.

The guard has got to come below the postman shoulder when I'm that outlet try to throw that thing long and that loopy pass is going to get picked off.

The guard's got to come below lower shoulder, then catch it, then up you go up the sideline.

Jaycee doing a good job on the boards.

Second and third opportunities on the offensive glass.

And they keep it alive here and they're trying to milk the clock here for the final 35 seconds out.

Every play for the last shot.

Is it?

But is Barnes leading by two Baker back out of top, trying to look at the clock 131 zone Baker in the lane loses the handle but once again draws a foul Both teams really attacking the boards here.

You've got to stop that dribble penetration conversely against a zone you want to either attack it with the dribble penetration, make two people play you then skip it or attack it with a ball fake or a pass.

Black man movement man and ball movement maker misses on the first free throw though that last foul called on Janelle Crayton that's three on her.

So now we see Britney Brown number 45 who checks in for the first time today.

Let's say Creighton out of the ballgame not wanting to risk a foul here.

Baker in and out on that free throw so Cherelle able to unable to convert on those two but Jessie keeps it alive again at the mercy wall go man at the mercy.

Another sophomore shot the ball and falling on the other end and a blocking foul gonna be called on the finalist did a nice job which she's got when she's received the ball.

Going north and south with it she doesn't Mickey Mouse around to go east LSU she takes it right to the basket football she's all right Allen McFarland a big part of this first half for find it knocks down the free throw and she's had a lot of opportunities there today she's warming up she's hit four in a row.

If you look at Katie Bane who will check out and line up for Jaycee with 4 seconds left.

Matt, Lauren, down around the other end, McFarland hits it.

They're going to give it to Sheryl and get out of from Baker Time winding down three point shot stood up and goes with a wall Baker off the mark and that's it 20 to 22.

What a first half You see how they're going at?

Unbelievable.

They're all knotted up, going to the second half.

Wow.

Let's throw it on down the floor.

Brian Spellman standing by.

All right.

I'm here with Mike Mitchell.

The coaches.

Yeah, see, first half coach, they did a box of one.

And Cheryl, is that something that stumped you guys?

How are you going to do with that at halftime?

Well, I know we expected something coming out.

We've worked on it several times this year, so we just got to do a better job, put the ball in the hole.

We got good looks at the basket involved in foul for the first quarter.

So I mean, that doesn't concern me right now.

It looks like when you guys picked up the tempo, you guys got the game under control.

What I think scored more points.

Jerome got loose and hit a couple of pull up jumpers.

Is that something you might have the team doing in the second half?

Sure, we play, but good ball.

When is up tempo and we like to look for good options.

So those but today, you know, they got some good looks too.

So we'll see how it goes.

All right.

Thanks a lot, coach.

Appreciate it.

Thank you, guys.

Well, there you have it.

A look at for the first day championship, but still plenty of basketball left.

We're at halftime and we're tied at 22.

All 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 Championship Weekend here in Macon.

It's halftime between Pi Day and GHC.

The Pythons and the Ladies Spartans are tied at three two.

And welcome back, everybody in the sideline studios, as you see, I'm Jim Finocchiaro as we continue on with championship weekend you know talking about championships just a few weeks ago here on TV, we covered the cheerleading championships.

It was down in Columbus, Georgia.

Eight teams from all five classifications were there competing for.

Five state championships in Double-A.

Blackley County won it under head coach Bonnie Scarborough.

We have those highlights from those championships, which is this area that dispatches, Oh, make me feel good.

My arm one, I want to hit that.

Okay, well, what happened right way back and is now, hey, I got that big head and oh, yeah, now, guy one club.

Yeah they all took a point after the stands pull up with all the really crowd is winning performance at the cheerleading championships held in early February here on VTV.

Later on, we'll show you the champions from three eight.

And then tomorrow, the four and five ace cheerleading state champions from Georgia.

So that will be a lot of fun to show you later on.

Now, coming up is an interview with a couple of principals from the schools that are participating in tonight's to eight girls basketball championship.

Go downstairs to Brian Sam.

Thanks a lot, Jim.

I'm here with Paul Biagi.

He's the headmaster here at Pi Day.

Now, Paul, as far as like the game so far, it's been a very exciting game.

Is there anything maybe that you might change as far as we can have the team come out in halftime so they can get that victory?

O'Brien I've been a head matchup all these years because I'm not the coach and we have coaches, so I have no idea about the strategy.

But I am sure that Paul Meyer does hope that Paul me does.

Okay.

As far as like your school, what's the feeling on campus right now with the students the faculty?

As far as I come in, you have in the state championship game here, What's the field over there now?

The first time we've ever been in a state championship game.

So people are very for the girls the boys were in earlier.

So people are really excited.

I mean, there are good rallies that have been send off.

They've been busses.

The whole place is awash in blue and white.

And are pythons A python is our mascot an unusual one?

They're everywhere.

The place is crawling with them.

Okay.

Thanks a lot.

I appreciate it.

Now I'm going to go ahead and talk to the principal here at Jayce.

He's just a principal, mind you.

He's not a headmaster.

You guys were here last year.

You won the state championship.

You're back again.

I'm sure you've got a parking spot out there for you.

What's the fuel over at your school?

Come back this year.

Oh, it's been extremely exciting this week, Brian.

We had a big pep rally yesterday and we've got more than half of our student body here and a lot of our parents.

So it's a really important day for our community, really exciting day for us.

Now, say you guys go on and win this game, you think you'll be more fulfilling that you guys win it the second time or you think maybe the first time was more of a feeling?

I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, but just it's always more difficult to repeat the win the first time because everybody's going against you.

You have a big bullseye on your chest and our friends today, you have a great team.

We have a lot in common with them as we're two of the outstanding academic schools in metro Atlanta, and they have a very well coach team.

Thanks a lot.

I appreciate it.

Thank you.

Both of you.

Go ahead and go back to gym now, guys.

All right.

Thanks, Brian.

And now for the first half, staff will turn it over to Dave Garner and Phil Hansen.

Hey, guys.

Hey, how you doing, Jim?

Again, very up and down, I guess, in that first half.

But a lot of shots not going, not a very friendly rim.

Let's go ahead, take a look at some of those first half highlights between gassy and idea here you look at Sparkle Davis driving for the Bisons kicks it out when she left the game in the middle of the second quarter.

The whole complexion of the game change.

She really sets the tempo well for hot air trail Baker meanwhile on the other it's a nice dribbling good ball where she pulls up hits one there she does that move right there better than anybody in the gym.

If she can break you down off the dribble, she shoots the ball so well off the move.

This would seem like she would come back and take control there.

You can look at Alley McFarland, the sophomore.

He's played a big part.

She's been the unsung hero there by Dion.

And of course Baker on the other end launches a bomb If she starts that like I said earlier, the game is not going to be fair because then she can pull you out.

Then she kills you off the dribble.

First half starts again.

We're deadlocked at 22 field goals, though.

Certainly that's the story.

Four of 24 find a lot of their points coming at the line.

Seven of 28, not a whole lot better for gassy again free throws, 11 of 15 seven of ten.

So both teams getting some opportunities at the line.

But field goal percentage 20 to 25.

Let's go ahead send it back to Jim in the booth.

Hi, guys.

Thanks a lot.

Second half action coming up between Pi Day and GRC.

We'll see when they're seventh Will Pi Day when they're first.

We'll have it for you coming up after this.

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.

Welcome back to the Making Center Flex, Dave Gardner along with Phil Hansen.

As we get set and ready for a second, have action in the to a championship again girls going at it by day and see it was only 10 to 4 after the first quarter.

GSC with just four points.

Needless to say, they stepped up in that second quarter.

We're now 20 to 22 going into the third.

So offensively things picked up a little bit, but they field goal percentage percentage are still a little low right now.

But yeah, he was getting good shots in that first quarter.

They just weren't falling.

The shots weren't out of their offense.

They were good shots within their offense for you.

Look at the leading scorers find our alley.

McFarland Maybe, you know, maybe a younger girl stepping up here that doesn't really get a lot of attention but seven points 11 with six here you can look at the trail bank of the league score for gassy with 11 points as well and Katie Beth with six man run off of chipping in with three sparkle.

Davis sat out some of that first half but she draws a foul right off the bat here.

Yeah, she has done a nice job of keeping her in check so far.

Oh, this game somewhat reminiscent of the first meeting between these two back in January.

As you talk about both teams having to come back a little bit and sparkle Davis at the line, two points.

All of that first half and misses on the free throw here.

I know Coach Meyer would love to get her started quick and the second one by Davis also out of there, there is really no press offense when it comes to gassy.

When you have a player of drill bank caliber you getting her and she's so talented she can go by anybody eating off the mark in that last three.

Callahan with it back out to Baker Nate of course playing with three fouls pick up those three in the first half so they've got to be careful back inside the lob too strong.

Well you never want throw the ball into the post when they're in a chicken fight when she's trying to battle for position, don't throw that pass to her.

Let her get established, then get the pass into the post.

And a lot of basketball going on this weekend around town, the SEC tournament course at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and right down the road here and make a move go high school action, Jesse and a man to man defense.

Take the brown number 42 at the basketball for this good offense by Padilla.

They're making gassy play defense sparkle Davis nice the dribble gets rid of it Great job by Callahan tough shot though it just had been there for Davis today She's had a tough time getting things to fall back on the other end inside Watson turn around and gets it but she's really has improved That's Krystal Watson's first points of the afternoon.

a63 junior and USC lead us to Cady been up top to help great also with three fouls but a shuffle cut off the high post in a screen down away from the ball it was being guarded by over with tightly yeah here comes the screen down now WHISTLE and a full time out going to be called by coach Paul Meyer of fired air so 558 to play here in the third quarter already time out just two points scored here in the first minute and 2 seconds.

Well Ole Miss, Georgia's longest running high school sports and academic show prep sports, plus returning Thursday, March 14th at 7:30 p.m. and beginning March 30th, prep sports plus moves to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. right here on TV and golf.

Excellent show.

Doing a lot of lot of stuff for high school basketball.

Oh, we got a moment.

Let's go ahead, throw it back down our sideline man, Ryan Salmon.

Okay.

I spoke with Coach Pat Cross Coach Mirror at halftime and he said that the key coming in the second half is that they wouldn't turn over the ball so much.

He said That's something that they need to work on.

Also, as far as like the fouls, they had foul trouble in the first half with three three of their main players.

So we'll see if that happens here in the second half.

But back to you guys.

Foul trouble could certainly play a key down the stretch.

As Brian mentioned, three fouls on fake got three on Creighton, several players with two fouls, including Sparkle Davis, Crystal Watson big inside player And if you're Pi day you almost want to attack those big girls inside Get them out of there Exactly.

However though when you see those smaller plays more to their tempo because they like to play up and down is when they get shrill baker into the flow and then she can score inside, outside.

Great with the basketball outside.

Amy Levin, number 14.

Now over to Brown looking inside and off the pass it will go for Creighton brought down by gassy and Cal hands off and running is good offense though even though the shot didn't fall there, they had a couple of four or five passes in a couple ball versus before a shot pass by Callahan inside Watson she gets rid of it had a push going to be called inside on Brian Smith look for pi day and anytime the ball goes inside they're going to double it.

Whoever made the pass is going to come down and try to double it.

Sparkle Davis and Lonzo now checks back in for McFarland again.

Davis with just two points for the step in the Watson the hard step and there it is Baker off the inbound trying to get it out of there close to five second call but they get it into Ayton pulls up has that one blocked ball loose there Pat puts it back up and in Nice job of keeping the ball above her head Patty about eight on the board for the first time here in the second half she's got eight and ladies four 2622 body yet to score here in the second half and 11 puts up a shot it won't go from outside Davis has it taken away by Watson in a great position and gassy up with it and has to score on there ball loose and a jump ball call possession error will stay with the lady Spartans so off the inbound gassy will have it for the up screen watch the duck in Baker dribble pulls up and hits Oh she's tough She comes off that screen any time again she can come off the dribble.

She's mighty tough offensively trail Baker with 13 points her first bucket of the second half 26 against number three Cartersville in the quarters 26 against number five early county in the semis and she's going up there in the shot on the other end by an 11 that's a big time shot at his first points of the second half he's got the ball Baker right back on the other end the round won't go and it's right back to the by Barnes You know coach Mitchell be happy with that that just didn't fall but that was a good shot has got to know where she is.

They got to be cognizant where the shooters are on the floor at all times.

Sparkle Davis with 21 points against Braeburn County and 21 against Morgan County in the quarterfinals.

And as we mentioned, Ethan's down by as many as 16 against Randolph play Randolph, play another one of those schools that nearly had both boys and girls teams in the championships there.

But neither one were able to pull it out.

Likewise for Gainesville, who also had a couple teams sitting right there, maybe 11 on the other end, that one might have been touched as a little quick.

They can get that shot any time with the ball reversals and then get that shot again.

Watch the diamond in one defense.

Now by Pi day, they're going to look at the split screen on both coaches.

Mike Mitchell on the left Palm here, Forte on the right.

He did a nice job Now flashing someone to the middle and looking opposite 2825 350 to go in the third there's the flash.

Mr. Watson from outside and she hits great job offensively the big girl from the top and a near turnover that time back on the other end Julia Molinari puts it up at short on the three and one out of bounds and back to gassy so the last couple of trips up the floor for oh they missed everything little quick though you didn't get those 18 footers any time Run your offense, throw it inside, skip it outside, and then you can get that 18 footer any time you want it.

Showing a shot of the crowd.

These fans had a lot of fun at halftime, the Spartan mascot walking right in front of the high air crazies.

And even if they live, they got the crowd fired up.

They're a little bit three point field goals, two of ten for Pinedale, one of four for Gassy.

But the percentage a little bit better, though, nonetheless from outside Hillary High tower off the mark Great job keeping the season out.

Wonderful job of keeping the ball above her head so many times.

The post players want to get a rebound and bring it down and regather.

She kept it above her head and quick up and get the foul.

Foul called on Brianna's Smith and time timeout ball on the floor by fire the 30 seconds as they talk things over 3025 314 to go here in the third again Dave along with Phil Hansen bringing you all the action you can become a TV member today just by visiting our new and redesigned website at WW dot GPB dot org.

It's totally secure simple to use and takes just a couple of minutes that's W WW dot GPB Morgan thank you for your support of Georgia public television become a member today don't step in to help let them kick it out Well Johnny still whoa Friday Hey it's Mike Mitchell type of things over with his team which we talk about these juniors and seniors like Baker and Katie Beth.

They've been a lot of sophomores stepping up and playing well today.

It just shows that these programs have excellent depth.

And where that comes from is from your junior program, Junior High and your peewee programs.

This is your standard, an outstanding program at the varsity level.

ABC three of three from the line.

She's got nine points quietly warming up and make it four four from the line.

And now in double figures.

So 30 to 25 gassy with a six point lead.

Their biggest the afternoon as Ashley van Ryan checks back in so Sheryl can be a one man press on her own.

Yeah she's got to a microphone five down there great dribbling being guarded by Jaycee and a man to man kind of forced the tempo a little bit today.

Has got to look to score after catching it and turning away from the goal, face the goal and then go to work.

Creighton off the dribble drives penetrates baseline too strong though the follow blocked got a foul is going to be called again blocking shots is great contest the shot then the weak side defender comes over for the block Ashley van Ryan called for the foul or second can try to block the ball in the air instead of out of the shooter's hand.

So Julie Molinari, another sophomore, averaging six and a half at the free throw line, but misses on the front.

She had a great semifinal against Randolph by and second and also a little short back to capitalize at the line of pass took too long and that time Davis got in between two gassy players.

Cheryl tried to throw that ball over two defenders.

That's just not going to get there.

Another foul on Van Ryan second in two trips.

As I mentioned earlier, Creighton is so long she doesn't have to close out as far.

So anything near her, she's going to able to get a hand on.

Still a pretty tight ballgame right now.

But if you're body, you got to start knocking down some shots here because Jaycee has the ability to pull away.

And I think that Coach Ball, they're very aware of that.

A near backward violation.

But touch by Baker looking inside that time to Brad Smith to that pass not going to work you can't throw it from the top of the key all the way down to the block against championship teams got to bring it below the foul line, extend it then bang it inside, time out, call it on the floor, full time out, called by the Lady Spartans and they're going to look at the by fives bench again by they out of five and gassy out of region eight as I mentioned offensively four or five day of the average right around 57 points of all game which is not a lot but considering the way they play defense, that's about all they need.

Let's go ahead and throw it back to Jim Santa by in the booth.

Hi, guys.

Thanks a lot.

Earlier today, single-A boys championship Taylor County Vikings against the Clarkston Tigers.

These are the final seconds ticking away and the Vikings back to back state championships in single-A.

They beat the Tigers 62 to 50.

The Tigers win it again.

Let's go back down court side.

And they've got a very exciting basketball game.

And I'll tell you what, it was back and forth all night, but Taylor County able to pull away their Claxton a great effort.

But tell you what man those guys really with a big effort today that's a fact I like Coach McNair he does an outstanding job of controlling the game.

You're going to play the way he to play.

He's going to call timeouts to stop runs.

He's going to call timeouts to reset his situation.

Both these guys do an outstanding job.

Paul Meyer in his eighth year as head coach and Friday of Mike Mitchell just in a second, already looking for a second state championship 213 to go in third 3225.

The score from the May consider flex girls state championship action right here on TV.

He is in a13 chaser where they have one defender at the top of the key going elbow to elbow and three defenders on the baseline 49 for three the big bucket by Ayton for first three of the ballgame and the lead is now at ten for the lady Spartans winding the gap on that possession That was a big shot Jack He's doing a nice job of pushing it further and further from the basket in the 11th.

Try to counter on the other end, but misses everything a little short on that one and getting good looks at the basket, but just firing a little bit short today.

11 took one to the chops there, huh?

Level with nine points today only averages about three and a half.

So she's well over that today and it's really playing well.

But missed everything there, Coach here going small.

Now he's going try to force the tempo here defensively credit some of those shots too gassy doing a good hand, good job of putting the hand in the face.

He's had six on the floor, so 134 left hander has shown some backcourt pressure to get it out to Baker and Sheryl's up and running in the lane, pulls up, takes it herself, walked over and pulled down by hill and asked if she had eaten in the corner and had a jump ball.

Called it midcourt as pain hits the floor.

That was a nice press breaker by Jesse.

They had Baker run the floor and they swung Eaton from one side of the court to the other court, creating the diagonal pass.

Check it out right there.

If he had not scored in the last 5 minutes, they got to pick it up.

Offensively, they've had some looks as we mentioned, Bane leaving the ballgame, Looked like she took a shot in the throat there on that last exchange.

But it's the shots that Jackie wants them to take over.

Look at.

They're working over on Bane.

He's obviously in a little bit of pain over there on the bench.

He's gassy is doing a wonderful job with on ball pressure alley nearly had it knocked away now a nice dish there and oh the basket won't go for Molinari follow misses Nothing is easy for my day and Tracy is keeping them in front always harassing him again.

The tempo has changed from the middle of the first quarter.

Player substitution now was over 25 and out at a mercy.

Another sophomore in for gassy and Sugar glory in the Breather.

This is very reminiscent of the semifinal game with J.C. when they played early county.

They went small and changed the tempo.

Then they were able to implement the big people and then bang it inside and control the boards under a minute to go in the third.

Still a ten point lead here, just three points since the half, four, five down and 22 at the break.

It's a tremendous luxury if you have the big people inside fence, because if there is a break down in the primary, there comes the big eraser over there.

You're funneling everybody inside to the post.

Nice job by McFarland on the drive for the foul from Baker.

Her second alley Big Farley with seven points at the break she's playing with great yellow created opportunities from the line left and right again if you can break it down on the perimeter now they have to rotate inside out, which will expose the baseline and you get all the layups you want.

Well, she had made five in a row until that point right there, but misses on the first and not a substitution.

Now for J.C., the mercy comes out of the ballgame as he checks back in when we're early today.

Seven points.

But one more that describes this game of synergy.

The hole is definitely greater than the sum of their parts for both these teams.

Now, it also rattles out of there.

So after five straight, she's missed the last two and they can ill afford to start missing free here.

They've got to take advantage of every opportunity.

22 seconds left.

There's this one free chase again.

They got a man on the ball, the Watson inside.

Nice pass by Baker and the latest Barnes convert.

Even though you're playing zone, you can't let people flash to the ball.

3725 5 seconds left find air will play for the last shot of the quarter Great job by Hightower there on the perimeter.

Take it back out and that shot is not going to count and it's missed anyway.

So there you have it.

Three in the book.

One more to play gassy bidding for their second consecutive state championship.

Double a girls here at the Macon Cineplex.

We'll be right back with 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 TBS, GHC a 3725 As we head into quarter number four, let's throw it down to Brian Zelman.

During that time, our coach, Paul Miller, he was really, really animated talking to his team, trying to get them to get pumped up to try to come back and win this game.

One on the other hand, Greater Atlanta Christian's coach really was laid back.

The team was smiling.

It was like they feel like the game might be in their pocket.

Back to you guys.

Well, as you said, Philip Idea has been in this situation before.

They were down ten or 11 go into the fourth against Randolph, but he came back and won.

The game's not over third quarter by air with just three points, though they will have to pick up the offense here, though, if they want to stay ahead.

Now, he needs to do is continue to look to Dotson.

The shot won't go back on the follow on.

It's there it's off the top Jason that nice job of going small got the tempo the way they like it and then implement the big trees in there again to bang them inside ball loose Baker on the other end and she's going to get fouled She is so lightning quick foul going to be called on she does she changes hands off the dribble in the open court so quick like a12 crossover movement going in a straight line.

She doesn't change directions.

She just blasts you from like no steps to being at the top of the rim.

But of course, just a three ball in that quarter.

But she has a way of making teams do that.

They held Cartersville scoreless in the fourth quarter in the quarterfinals, 16 to 0 in that quarter.

Starkville went more than 10 minutes without a point to finish the ball game close game up to that point.

A juicy one at 1639.

Still though by the pythons Allie McFarland on the other end and a break blocked by Cheryl good block let's see that pressure I like my idea what they do they strangle you they make you pick up the ball they funnel you sideline and down and so when you making the pass away from the basket and a diagonal look and that's when they step in and pick it off, they're going to look out at once again.

Baker Right in your living room right now, off the inbound baker with the steal throws it out it off of sparkle.

DAVIS What a play.

I'll tell you what, if you're bored, you certainly don't want to see her warm up for the season.

Outstanding quick hands and the awareness to throw it out.

And a fired up, gassy student body you see with the ball in her hands.

The same deal with the press offense.

You really don't need a press offensive.

You have her because she can break the double team, which then put the defense at a disadvantage.

Otherwise the foul now called.

They have fouls to give this up.

It stops the clock chance to pick off or trap the inbound pass.

Now what you want it when you inbound this ball you do not want to throw any horizontal passes.

You want to throw diagonal passes going towards your goal.

Anything horizontal, the chance getting picked off by the back line.

People carry pain and anger.

And Amy Levin in the lineup for the Vikings zero eight looks to inbound it gets it into Baker 645 to play that's losing the handle on it there but Callahan is there to pick it up now double team Baker thought about looking inside.

What a pass inside Tate it won't go great now there with it Sparkle Davis on the other end Try to make something happen with the left hand ball.

Go ball loose it on the floor and a jump ball.

Well, they're getting after it now.

It's a great pass by Sherill Baker on the other end of the floor crowd fired up coach, former coach Mike Mitchell.

Good time out, good timing.

Time out on the floor called by the bye thoughts 3925 the score with 623 to play gassy well in control right now and as you mentioned they're doing exactly what you talked about and that is continuing to score and not get hesitant.

Don't miss Georgia's longest running high school sports and academic show prep sports.

Plus, returning Thursday, March 14th at 730 right here on JP TV beginning March 30th.

The show will move to Saturdays at six right here.

Go ahead, check it out, get prep sports questions about the show and all the folks that do an excellent job of that show, A great show for high school sports in the state of Georgia.

Really enjoy.

Earlier today, Wesleyan girls over Jefferson, 6549 for the Girls single-A championship.

And of course, following that, when we had the single-A boys contest won by Taylor County as they defeated Clarkston 62 to 50 for their second consecutive state championship.

Double is still up in the air right here as far as girls go.

But on fire, it's a great play out of a time out.

Guys like to see what a coach would drop out of a timeout coming up to Carter and Wilkinson got his boys at 7 p.m. and then Mitchell Baker and Cross Keys scheduled to tip at 845.

Great pass by Watson Right now I saw this in the semifinal against Randolph played they're starting to run at him and double in the ball coach Miss Mitchell in disbelief here so leaders tend to try to make a little bit of a run and still plenty of time.

Just under 6 minutes and 11 puts up a shot and a foul going to be called on.

GSC threw that one up quick and it didn't look like Dal had much of a chance to get out of the way of that one.

She kind of bailed out of that one.

We don't want a father jump shooter.

That's a cardinal rule contest.

The shot, don't try to block it.

That's the third foul on Callahan.

And this is just what pi day a once the clock has stopped they're able to score chip away at that lead then throw that press and then watching traffic half court ten points for Amy 11 make it 11 for four from the line And just like that the lead 3930 so single digits here Baker Brandt across nice green on the ball you don't want to turn your back but they're doing when the ball when the ball can't see you that defenders come in trap Nice one and get inside Watson see that's luxury he hands they can break double team and then when you rotate she's able to find the open man Good awareness by Baker number of players around Watson wide open underneath on the other and now sparkle Davis he's got to get going She puts one up too hard though off the glass and brought down by Callahan Nice job by Davis inside of the foul the call on Tatum follows her fourth foul now and that's also going to send pi day to the line so I'll take that foul as opposed to that recent tic tac foul that she had earlier in the second quarter.

Janelle Creighton at the line.

Here's another look at it Davis with the hustle.

In all fairness to Callahan, someone's got to come back and help her the ball.

They got to run and flash to the ball when she gets it.

The other guards got to come back over.

So we can't leave her out there flapping in the breeze.

They're going to look by their three fouls, brown, gassy Tate with four thoughts.

Mitchell's going small again to match the tempo and the speed of idea.

O'MEARA He's doing offense defense.

When he scores, he's putting his defense players in the game.

You're going to have his offensive players in the game.

Janelle Creighton with a pair of free throws.

Hard to believe that's her first points of the day.

But a good time to warm up is in here right now.

Well, that was a dangerous pass.

Adams hit the whistle What a foul in the backcourt for 58 to go with Carter it's going to be the third foul on Davis.

This is going to be like watching North Carolina.

They play a lot a number of people.

And Dean Smith, when he was there, they sub every time you turn around.

Christina Forte back in the lineup again, if you want to get open, run right at your defender, which will freeze them, then they can.

I cut for a deep cut or an L cut, then break near still there by Payne as Baker lost the handle.

But out now stay gassy Baker to inbound throwing it into Watson Now back to her Oh, what a pass inside man Wide open with a shot won't go Watson on the follow ups there and the foul Well that's nice answer there on the miss never stop playing you got to go to the glass was five pretty balls of rebounding Find your man establish contact Ford pivot hold that contact and then go get the ball in.

Keep it above her head.

Nice job.

Good.

Bounce Watson averaging ten a game on the year.

She's got ten right now okay no substitutions LeBron comes back in protecting Watson a chance for a three point play and completes it Not a lot of arc on that free throw but knocked it down just when you're six foot three you don't have to have a whole lot of heart to believe there's a little bit more height out there than we saw in the class a boys game while ago.

It's a girl, but she's inside.

There she is.

Right.

Well, go for Creighton.

Tough basket and a whistle called a nice touch.

You see all of the Spartans?

And it's because they got that pass to her a little quicker.

She'd have been up and score as opposed to when she caught it.

Then that allowed the defensive man to come over to contest that another player substitution alley.

McFarland They're doing a lot of subbing, keeping some fresh legs out there, trying to mix up the matchups a little bit and they get it in to Brown and they come around looking inside is that shuffle cut?

You get the person guarding the screener to get closer to the spinners.

He gets close to the man, she's going to screen Sparkle.

Davis puts up the shot.

Baseline won't go the block from behind by Baker it'll stay with tight.

Now that's an excellent defense The initial defender contested the contested shot and the offside guy got the block and now that's her second big block of the afternoon called off the inbounds sparkle.

Davis again going up, but Baker fouls her this time.

You always want to take the ball to the shot blockers chest.

If you try to fade away, you're going to create space in any space you create.

The defensive man is going to occupy.

You got a whole world of time here.

Dave Davis with just two points, and that's her first point of the second half.

No field goals.

I don't like Davis averaging 21 and she knocks both down there.

So some big free throws as she converts and some more substitutions for by their ten point lead though still 407 to play any time Purdue scores, they're going to put their defensive players in the game and when there's a foul, they're going to substitute their offensive players, give it inside and foul, going to be called on 11 to try to keep that ball on the inbound.

You don't want your receiver to catch it below.

The second marker on the lane, goodness back now the baseline on the sideline then become a defender.

There's nowhere for your offensive man to go.

So Baker at the line now playing with three fouls herself She's got 13 four of six over there Knocks down a first.

This is going to be a real chess match now to see has to continue to look to score value the basketball, make the free throws.

Conversely today has got to force the tempo.

Look for the trap, run your offense, get a good look inside and only just come down and start shooting threes.

Franco knocks it down.

So 15 points for Cheryl Baker and.

She's certainly heating up here at 11.

At the break, back on the other end, Baker takes it away one on one at the other end, Baker lays it up and in You got to stop the ball.

17 points for Cheryl Baker.

She's taken over.

That's got to be something back on the other end.

No foul called flowing, no blood, no foul ball goes out of bounds.

Last touch by the fan So gassy with the possession Wow Krista Watson really stood up there and I think she took the charge 4834 344 to play and they get it in Eaton with the basketball and a steal don't wait on the pass shot won't go though Creighton is there for the full back.

It won't go another opportunity still not there Sparkle Davis The turnaround draws the foul Good job by Cheryl Baker.

She was a one man defensive crew all by herself until the rest of the help came out again.

You have to play defense with your feet.

Don't reach as the fourth foul on Callahan and Davis hits the free throw line.

This isn't bad offense for today.

They're stopping the clock and they're scoring, which is what?

They couldn't ask for Anything better than this comes the offense back in here.

Five points, sort of a disappointing day, I guess you could say, for Sparkle.

Dame is averaging better than 20, but she has hit some free throws down the stretch and the game still not over.

Keep it a minute.

That going to be attributed to either.

A Cheryl Baker is doing an excellent job guard here one on one and plus the perimeter for Gassy has done a wonderful job today Werner with the ball outside thought about the three but Jake not really need a lot of points right here working that clock more important.

Good skip pass.

No, don't make those one handed passes that one.

Oh, man.

Free Smith.

Getting the hand in the face They're blocked.

It nearly came up with the steal though It went out of bounds You make those one handed passes of the defense it just you can't bring it back.

He couldn't quite glove it so off the end badly.

SPAHN Sam for it to make a loss number 50 in the lineup on defense good rebound.

WARNER Kick it out.

There you go.

Put the hustle BAKER A reset and she pulls up and shot off the mark.

There Now whistle on the floor.

Oh, you don't want to reach Don't reach.

This stops the clock again, allowing tight air to chip away at this lead.

All right, Take it Second foul on Ayton so JaMychal Brown, the sophomore with a shot at the line here she's got four if you look at the papers once again Baker talking things with Coach Mitchell one on one right now it's all about free throws and turnovers.

If you're five they're and first ones they're more stoke 11 the three point specialist back into the lineup 11 points today there's Tamika Brown's numbers five points pair of rebounds.

You want to get your hands above your points, shoulders and your rebound in free throws.

Second, and also, there are two nice free throws there by Jamaica Brown, but the gap is still ten with 246 to go.

Yeah, a whole, whole lot of time you know value the basketball and be strong, make good diagonal passes and each of pressure here now take her out of there with it goes off the water and back to her good ball work here in the backcourt and a foul going to be called young great in her fourth when a bad foul try it for the steal again double boys action coming up here in a little while right here on TV.

You won't want to miss it.

And of course later on, triple J got the triple AA boys.

Mitchell Baker, of course, his own double banana and triple AA trying to And that's going to hurt loser down there.

Janelle eight is a great, great player.

Great actually with five fouls.

Yep she's out of there.

She will foul out with just two points on the afternoon.

Played very well defensively and kept them in it but just couldn't things going on the boards couldn't get things to fall.

But she did a great job in the first half of setting their offensive structure.

She was able to get the rebounds and come down and pull the d the three big people out to try to guard, of course, and Coach Mitchell having to make a move and go small.

Baker continues to knock down the free throws on the other end.

She's got 18 they're going to look at the on the bench and Baker now with 19 points and the luxury that gassy has, she's going to be handling the ball most of the time.

So when they found her, she's back on the line.

And Davis had it stripped away by Baker.

That's real foul At midcourt, 50 to 38.

Baker back of the line again.

Here's another look at that last foul.

That's a reach.

I mean, that's the thing.

They had the luxury of putting the ball in her hand, which is their strongest offensive player in two.

You're going to have to foul, what, at one bank, Grant Flanagan averaging 21 and hits 20 points today for Baker again Jackie's road Coosa Callaway Cartersville early county and of course today the state championship match up against pioneer Baker another free throw so she's hit her average with 21 points ten since the break an all around great game once again for the UGA bound baker but he's got to look to score look for something inside of the screen and the ball at to reach you don't need that it's a stinker looking for the exclamation point there trying to come up with the steal and get some points down on the other end.

What you're going to look at Baker's numbers today now point total, 21 eight rebounds, three assists, four steals and all around great game once again, players look to play when the game is on the line.

And then of course, when you're surrounded with that supporting cast, look at his accents Her right.

You got those two girls inside six, 364 because she's tough.

Yeah.

I mean, they ought to be buying her milkshakes all year long because she's able to dribble and force that help from inside and then she can dish it off to them all day and run out eating in Allen McFarland has had a great day.

Make it nine points now after a pair of free throws.

A sophomore, of course, lots of sophomores, as we mentioned, including Sparkle Davis, who only a sophomore.

That's hard to believe they're going to be here a13 one half court trap.

See she can go right through good pass acid side of patiently Tate kicks it back out under 2 minutes to go here in the girls state championship.

You got to be strong and make strong passes and they double team you a try to one split the double team if you can't then you got to pick out one defender step across her feet and make that pass body is through state Oglethorpe county Raven county Morgan County and then Randolph play in the semis one shot off the mark there Sparkle Davis will keep the possession 30 to go and gassy well on their way perhaps for the second straight state championship Baker on the other end 20 points in the lane making it look easy does a nice job on a two on one both players state foul line it's lane line extended which a kept proper spacing put pressure on the defense eliminated the extra pass and kept them under control.

They're going to look at what's coming up Decatur against Wilkinson County Double-A boys state championship right here and make it and of course later on Mitchell Baker and Cross Crosskeys very excited about that one two athletic teams going at it That's going to be fun but upsets this year and state of course number one Marietta boys a of hype about those guys this year.

First they got knocked out by Lakeside Wheeler still in and out of region six five aces in the games tomorrow as well arms out in fairness to Marietta they had a great year any time you go throw in one is just outstanding at the prep level they're just like wholesale substitutions here by coach Mitchell.

Yep Class move letting these girls enjoy an experience the state championship we're talking about a lot of sophomores provide here but gassy also with several in their lineup as well Ashley Van Ryan just a sophomore.

Amanda de Mercy a sophomore.

Hightower is a junior now.

They're going to be strong next year.

I mean, they're going to lose Baker, obviously, and they're going to lose pace.

They're going to be tough.

If you look at that bunch right there, they've got an excellent of being right back here again.

Hey, did a nice job with both these programs.

They're just well-represented.

They've done their schools proud.

Taylor Kyle hand at the line playing with 4000 self and she knocks them down 55 to 40 And now Callahan will check out of the ball game.

She'll be back next year and the gassy crowd feeling it better Atlanta Christian Gwinnett County looking for their seventh state championship second in a row hot air playing for their first look for next dead ball.

They're going to take Cheryl Baker out of the game watching drills, final action as a high school player.

And Sparkle Davis with the big three point shot.

Davis with her first three of the afternoon has nine points and now a 32nd time out on the floor.

And we are indeed going to see some substitutions here for the final 24 seconds.

Cheryl Baker has appeared to have played her final minute of high school basketball.

I've enjoyed watching her play with these last couple of years.

Unbelievable.

Some of the things that that young lady can do.

Unbelievable outside inside game as we talk about sailing through the lane.

Andy Landers is going to be happy.

Very, very happy.

There you see Baker giving Callahan a hug over there on the bench.

And Lady Sparks no, but this one's pretty much in the books and those certainly tell you what shouldn't be ashamed.

Came in as the 15th ranked team jersey number one to play two.

Well, we were tied at halftime 22 all but that third quarter really the downfall in three points for day of the python off it's just not there And that allowed Jaycee to pull away and hang on.

Nicole Strangler number 30 into the lineup for Jaycee, Ashley Van Ryan and their Mercy Watson still in there.

It's our number 20.

And now we're going to see some other 30 Spartans into the ball game.

Looks like number 34, Katie Hayden and number 12, Evan Joslin.

It would be nice if they took all the classification winners and then let them have their little tournaments.

Yeah, it'd be fun to see because there's a couple of years when we did the games.

Mitchell Baker I thought they were one of the best teams in the state, whichever age you say with these guys, Sophie Castle in the lineup four or five day.

So some younger players also getting some work.

One for the Pythons 16 seconds left and gassy.

Celebrate off the mark on those free throws strangles and by day we'll have the basketball.

I tell you what, I've certainly enjoyed it, partner.

It's been five years now down here.

Bacon allies.

Have fun working with you.

And I want to thank you and here at TV, it's just an outstanding experience for me.

And I love coming back every year.

Sparkle Davis is going inside now.

That one knocked away 4 seconds on the clock and rolls out of bounds.

3 seconds left now and the gassy Lady Spartans on the way to another championship off the inbound.

Julie Fade of them.

Sparkle.

Davis with a shot.

Do it, Gordon.

That's it.

50 to 43 of the final and the GHC Lady Spartans have done it again.

They are the class the girls state champions in 2002.

Stephanie Can you repeat?

Let's throw it down to Brian Sally who's standing by with Coach Mike Mitchell.

All right, All right, everyone.

Congratulations, Coach Mitchell, you just won the state championship two years back to back.

How are you feeling?

I've been real good right now.

Been a lot of pressure on us from a lot of folks the whole year long, expecting us to do that.

And the kids have handled very well and, you know, came out and played hard today, got off to a slow start, but played hard and gave a great team effort.

I'm proud of them.

What about your star, Cheryl?

I mean, she put the game in her pocket.

She carried you guys.

You broke down the defense.

I mean, I can't say enough about her.

You're exactly right.

She does so many things, but, you know, she got to have some help out there and we helped her a lot.

So she's a great player, but one person not going to win it.

She did her job.

Everybody else did theirs, too.

All right.

Appreciate it, Coach.

Congratulations again.

Back to you guys.

Thank you, Brian Selman And thank you, Dave Gardner and Phil Hansen for a great job in this championship game to repeat champions this afternoon on ETV GRC.

And of course, Taylor County Boys and single-A and Wesleyan wins their first state championship in single GPA.

TV's presentation.

The GHC State basketball Championships has been made possible in point by IBEW Local 613 Georgia's Olympic membership Corporations Self Trust Bank and my viewers, like you, will see at 7:00 tonight for the Double-A Boys Championship game for funding for broadcast of the GHC Boys and Girls Basketball Championships is provided in part by the following