Game here on championship weekend on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

It's the love it Lions taking on the Buford wolves And we'll go now to the guys are going to call this game John Golden and John Nelson take her away and coast to coast clear the runway.

He's coming.

It's a slam dunk from three.

Watch this guy go drive backs and it gets it from the Macon Coliseum in the Macon Center plex.

It is the Girls state championship final battle of Region six.

Number one, Buford Wolves are 25 and seven against the second seed, 1127 and five.

Good afternoon John Nelson here the coach Sean Golden, right next to me.

We are your partners for the two eight and the three eight championship game later on this afternoon.

Thanks for watching Gp-B.

However, you are watching the GHC championships this weekend.

Shawn It's a battle of two region teams, but one's been here before.

One wants to be in the same team.

This is what it's all about.

Buford has great defense.

They want to pressure the basketball all night long.

Love is going to come in.

They want to score.

Will Love has scored over 40 points this season.

They've got three losses that game that doesn't.

If that happens today, they could have a fourth.

All right.

Well, let's talk about the road, too.

Let's start off with the Buford Wolves, the reigning three time champs in Double-A.

Kendrick, winning by 50 over north.

Oconee, was ranked 10th and Hurd County in the quarters, Brooks County, 7037 in the semifinals to get them to this particular game.

Right now, their opponent, Lovett once again four up and four down.

Lovett gets here with their four wins to get to this particular matchup and it was once again you're talking about Brooks County and Hurd County for Buford.

You're talking about Laney model.

He's Hall and Carver, Columbus, four up and four down.

The coaches, we're going to talk about them in just a second.

But Sean, you talk about Buford.

Let's talk about Buford here and the idea that a senior will lead them who's been there since he's been a freshman.

Well, this is what it's about.

Carter is an awesome player.

What she does is great.

She handles the ball.

She's strong with the basketball, but she looks to be the leader.

She's going to Tennessee.

She is coming up hurt.

She's hurt ACL.

So she's not 100%.

But if she does, she'll just a little bit of what she's capable of doing.

It could be a long night for for the lions.

All right.

Let's come back out and talk about Lovett.

Lovett coming in here with that record of 27 and five.

Liz Kennedy looking for that first title.

And once again, you're talking about another player, five nine in Tatianna Jackson, that has gotten them to this point.

Well, now this young girl can really play going to go to Chattanooga.

She might not be the best player on the team.

She might not be the team's MVP, but she's the MVP.

That's the most important player, scored 30 points versus Modell.

She could come out and put up some numbers tonight.

Should could keep this team in the hunt.

Now, once again, you're talking about teams that have played each other.

We know about familiarity.

Are there going to be any change ups today?

I don't think there's going to be some change.

Both teams know each other too well for that to begin to change ups.

It's going to be who can do the two things, who can defend, will make shots at the end, play hard and play aggressive and play smart.

All right.

Third member of our broadcast team today is on the sideline.

She will be patrolling.

It is Nikki Noto.

Nikki, what do you have?

Well, John, I actually have a little tradition that I want to enlighten you guys about.

John, you specifically need to take notes I want you to pay attention to before it's Coach Darden's tie.

You know that he has been to this championship game quite a few times.

Well, let me just tell you a little something.

Last year he forgot his championship tie.

He buys a new one for every single championship game from last year.

He left it in the mix.

It had to bring his tie to him on game day.

No worries about fellas.

Thursday night, she put it in the luggage.

It is here he is wearing it and he looks ever so dapper.

Like I said, John takes a note that I'm certainly going to do that from the pride of Midvale.

Jean Durden, that is your set up.

We will come back with starting lineups in the girls championship game from the Macon Center blocks in the Macon Coliseum, Levan Buford around the corner right here.

Stay with us on the great GPB through the Welcome back to the girls Championship for the Making Coliseum in the Macon Cineplex, The Battle of Regions six, Lovett and Buford.

Let's take a look at your starting lineups.

And let's start with Buford.

We talked about Andre Carter in the open, and you got to take a look at number three.

Taylor Davis I tell you what, the daughter of Antonio Davis, NBA star, this girl is a superstar.

Come Dillard, Darrah and Nelson, the other three in that starting five starting lineups brought to us by our friends at Regions.

Flipping the card, going over to Lovett.

We talked about Tatianna Jackson, and there's another five there as well.

You're going to see Brown, Esten, Johnson, Jackson and Mary Mary number 44 special last name.

But she is going to be alone to handle today.

Let's see what can happen with Buford.

Starting finds out on the floor now at the Coliseum.

And let's see if Buford can get into rare air with four straight championships or if Lovett gets their first ball in the air.

And there we go.

Love it.

We'll end up with it.

Taylor Brown wearing 11.

This time, you're used to seeing him with 21 wearing 11 Today in the dark room.

Harry nearside to Erica Easton walking perimeter looking to penetrate the two three zone set up by Buford early on.

Once again Brown looking to go on Maya Diller off the elbow Mary thinks about it back out perimeter takes the jump shot is decent looking for the cutter one more time baseline jumper doesn't hit anything.

And will Buford get the rebound?

Yes, they will.

They don't let it go out of bounds.

Maya Dillon for Buford.

You see the pressure from Hughes, but couldn't get defensive pressure on him trying to attack in transition.

Whistle on the play foul on Buford.

And I made it back the other direction and that's Nelson just using the body Get caught.

We're trying to seal off and allow the path to the basket.

Good defense, good offensive play.

This resulted in the foul 41 seconds in we are still scoreless once again.

Battle of region six.

What Jean dirty said is the toughest region in the state when it comes to girls basketball.

We get to see number one and number two out of region six battle for the championship right here.

Jason Johnson looking jumper there off the rim no good Easton battle fight for the inside it's picked up by Christina Nelson again people doing a good job limiting Lovett to one shot the ball in transition trying to make a good play here on offense against Brown My daughter thinks about the jumper pass inside pick the lane never coming down with it in transition.

This is what they like to do.

They have numbers three on one off the rim.

No good fight for it on the inside.

Robert's going to try it again in Mary That's stripped away and it's not about look at that great possession defensively big year for Buford it's a dufus averaging almost eight charges a game that's part of the defensive arsenal.

They want to get deflections but more pull it be in position to take the charge of course turnover foul count on an area that is supposed to keep an eye on that as we go as well.

Buford Somewhat deep and they had to do that out of necessity this year because of injuries.

We get into that storyline as we go looking it around there.

Inside Nelson's shot partially deflected back out with it is in there for Robert decent over halfcourt guarded by Taylor Davis the very near side baseline once again working the perimeter Taylor Brown 2 minutes in no score between Buford in law but for the championship it's a back outside there goes brown into the paint kicks it back once again the inside shot not there because of the collapsing Buford defense love it Forced to work the perimeter against this changing zone.

Sometimes two three, sometimes box and chase Taylor Brown guarded by my there's Mary with Mackenzie Derek all the way by Kayla Davis with decent decent directing traffic one more time and I will be if it's going to stand in front of the offense not trying to get a steal.

And Campbell staying in front trying to force the outside shot, get the rebound be in position jumper No good second chance, no good out of bounds stays with it in the full court What Buford doesn't want to get the table is forcing you to turnovers in the half court they absolutely keep you in front of you force you to shoot the contested shot and get the rebound.

Emily Adams in Christina Nelson out for a shot in the paint.

No good misses everything once again rebound by Buford Dillon outlet for McKenzie They're looking to drive on Love it You've got to look on the inside on the ground again back to the script What difference does they want to force you to ask that shot?

Protect the basket, get that outlet, go in transition time.

Derek in the paint points to love it Body contact for the foul You got to take this down to the basket that's what's about championship basketball is free throw this is everything and you can expect some jitters today these girls are going for four straight.

So there's a lot of pressure internally or externally.

And so they've got to understand, to embrace that and to be ready to make here, get it back.

On.

Case number two, executed, replacing Nick Dillard face heading to Alabama.

But for the still no score off the two misses the 3 minutes into the first quarter doesn't happen put on the inline and they are still scoreless once again defensive battle Lovett looking to do things in transition but knowing they weren't going to get as many transition baskets as they normally do because of the defense two teams that played each other, you could win in 5844 and also winning 45 to 31 are to be the team three times on season.

Start by Davis up making a rebound on the inside in an error that was good move just got to be just a little bit more to get that ball up on the top is still a big reason looking to pass once again walking around Johnson jump shot on the outside off the rim no good that time by Tatianna Jackson on the first points of the game Got to run it and that's what they have to do they got to be able to score the basketball special second chance opportunities because that's when you really put pressure on the defense of losing their son.

Coming up on the halfway point of the first quarter, only two points on the board between Lovett, Buford, Taylor Davis sets up for a three on that's one of the rim no good tried to be saved by Lovett to send it back the other way scramble on the floor Kelly case has it close it to Emily Adams who gives it back to Taylor Davis for the reset.

These girls are ready to battle today.

Both teams are playing very hard.

A lot of emotion.

Carter guarded by Ethan kick to case looking baseline to Davis comes back out works it inside instead and around Emily Adams on gray part A fight for the play.

It doesn't happen and it goes out of bounds.

And with that, we have reached past the halfway point here in the first quarter 335 to go first quarter and there's only been one basket made, 11 with a two nothing lead over Buford.

We'll have more of a class championship when we come back here on the great GPB.

Welcome back to Making policy in the Making Center.

But only one bucket on the board.

The first four and a half minutes begins to treat it as looking for something to cheer about.

But right now, it's been all defense.

There's Liz Kennedy, the head coach of love at 94 and 73 in her sixth season, at Love at 215 and 113 overall.

And she knew what she was getting into today with Buford.

Once again, very familiar teams, both sides, I tell you what up, Coach Kennedy, one of the things I'm doing, I'm taking a little bit out of Coach Durden playbook defense right now.

That's what you're getting.

Love it from the floor.

One for their first six 17%.

Buford is an over Oprah for rebounding It's to love it at 5 to 4 shot on the inside off the rim twice no good rebound back to love it once again driving and a whistle on the inside on the drive will love it is doing a good job of attacking the offensive glass you see it really trying to scramble in the halfcourt defense get some traps in the corner trying to get turnovers.

But love is doing a good job of passing the basketball around, hitting open person, attacking the rim.

Jackson had 28 in the semifinal, 28 and ten foul was on Kayla Davis.

That'll be her first free throws up.

And good to talk about the defense right here.

There's a trap in the corner LeVert doing a good job and hitting the basket underneath the basket But here's what I'm loving right here the second chance opportunity to rebound.

That's what love has got to do for nothing.

Love it.

The only points on the board go to the Lions in this case 315 and counting first quarter Buford so far stymied by the Lovett defense.

Kayla Davis on the drive off the rim.

No good Jackson with the rebound looking to kick out but there are three wolves looking to press at any opportunity.

Finally getting help now from Easton to try to clear halfcourt in the passing lane.

Dangerous play Knocked out of Bounds by Emily Adams.

Then LeVert was prepared for the press.

I'm sure they practiced maybe five against eight on the floor.

He's got to meet the passes and that's exactly what they're doing.

They shorten the passes, they're meeting the pass through the passing lane is doing a solid job and Coach Kirby has done a great job of preparation for this game.

Once again, the substitution for Buford that you'll see Nelson and Adams out there in the middle.

So Christina Nelson at six four is going to be in there to go up against Kristen Johnson at 6 to 3.

Mary thinking about it, driving with Kayla Davis spin move, double team in the corner, tries to kick it back out, looking for help now gets it on the floor into that's how you work with the state at beginning of this versus defense that offense is really taking it to the defense that Buford Brown to Kristen Johnson for the two and it is seven nothing love it over Buford and foul on the inside that time it looks like it's going to go in Dallas case against Bobby Pace and Buford can't get it just early because they're down by seven points.

There's got to be patient, take their time, and it's definitely gonna come for action and try to into Jackson and love it.

But the turnover goes back to the Lions That's their third turnover this quarter.

There's your field goals right there Love it 25% from the floor, two of eight Buford stepping out for an extra five coming up on the two minute mark.

And I'd love to know the last time that Buford has gone 6 minutes scoreless to start a basketball game.

So they score off the defense when you're not getting a lot of transition baskets and levels, keep it in the half court.

It's very hard for you to get those points that you accustomed to try by who Mary is no good outlet to Kayla Davis looking to start and stop again, throws it up and knows that they were going to get they take an offensive foul on Davis.

Coach Kennedy has done an awesome job of having her young women prepare for this game.

They're playing both ways.

They play offensively, they're being patient, taking good shots, but on the defensive and they're being superb.

And that's something to keep an eye on.

Now, the foul on Kayla Davis is her second, so we'll see if Coach Jean Durden has any adjustments he has to make or if he's just going to continue to have Davis out on the floor.

And for how long?

As we reach 90 seconds to go, first quarter, love it up a touchdown seven nothing knocked from behind and that will be a foul on pace as Taylor Brown tried to drive the baseline blitz.

Kennedy has to love what she is ceiling seeing.

So far, Jean Durden has called a 30.

Now he's not happy with what he's been seeing.

And we're going to take a quick timeout.

We're going to come back with more from the Macon Center.

Blake on GPP.

Stay tuned.

Welcome back to the Macon Coliseum six nothing LeVert right now with the rebounding edge seven five everything is going let's kandi's way so far well she's being patient on the offensive offensive end and when you offensively patient you're forcing the defense to fatigue so now you've just got to play aggressively offensively as well too.

They use up so much energy on the defensive end they can't capitalize offensively.

Taylor Brown with the free throw to make it seven to nothing off that free throw attempt and the second free throws up roaming around no good.

So one of two from the line for Lovett we're now back to seven nothing.

Once again love it up No no offense on the boards for Lovett and steps ball on Calico.

Yeah she had a little travel there trying to overdo it with rushing in transition.

Gifford Just take your time moving the ball around.

It's going to come to you, but you just can't force the play.

Fifth turnover now for Buford in the first quarter.

75 seconds to go in the French, Taylor Brown calls it midcourt, guarded by Casey trying to free Jackson off the screen, walks away into the paint ball deflected that's what the height of Christina Nelson at six four will do goes back to Buford you are trying to get something going on offense as we go under a minute first quarter Dillard passing to Darrah for the three good shot.

She heated up, passed it out, try to get the offense to move around a little bit, came back to it with a wide open shot.

First points on the board for Buford after 7 minutes plus of being scoreless in the first quarter here in the championship game.

Coming up on 30 seconds to go first quarter Mary looking to drive wave it off the call steps again.

One of the things he was talking about, getting that monkey off your back, get that first basket may have helped Buford get a little bit more confidence and energy into the offensive scheme.

Julius Spellman in the Game 22, replacing Mary for the remainder of the quarter.

Here's Andre Carter.

Andrew Mary getting to the bench.

Buford Trying to get Davis and Carter on track gets him into the offensive score.

But Carter looking inside for Christina Nelson pass to high and out of bounds.

When you don't have Davis in the game, everything's going to collapse deep inside the Welcome back to the Macon Coliseum in the Macon Cineplex.

And that's your score after the first 8 minutes.

A surprise, but probably one of the larger surprises is the fact that for Buford, Kayla Davis has had two quick fouls.

And believe it or not, there's an interested party who probably wouldn't miss this game for anything, Hey, there's Dad and Tonya Davis, former NBA player, the Indiana Pacers.

He was tough.

He looks like he's working his nails right now, too, because he knows the importance of this ballgame.

How you tell?

I tell you what, throughout the course of the game, you're see him starting to get edge on the seat because he still has that competitive edge inside Davis back in the game to start the second quarter as we do as well.

Once again, 7 to 3 field goal numbers, love it, 27% from the floor, three of 11 Buford, 17%, one for six rebounding edge to Buford 8 to 6.

But that has an amount of two points on the board.

Kayla for three.

Got it.

And then on the last alone when she came back, got to composure, ran a nice set play for her with a down screen with the double screen for the top quarter for the 376 game goes from seven nothing to 73276 just like that the 30 seconds into the second quarter.

How does LeVert handle this?

A little mini run by Buford WHISTLE as Brown was trying to walk the ball it's like it's an offensive foul just missed watch Davis Here it is coming off the bat and sitting back screen received a double screen from the top teed it up nice rainbow three and you can't give her that much time to set up, especially for a shot like that, because that's what's going to end up happening.

I take what she can tend to get her body, her physique.

She's got great strength up top, so she's able to shoot over zones and actually taller players 45 seconds in second quarter LeVert leading seven six Buford on a bit of a mini run Carter looking for Davis ball goes into bodies and then comes back out love it's late love it trying to work in transition for Taylor Brown nearside easy working it back to Brown looking inside to Johnson Johnson to Jackson who will back it back out.

Julius Spellman, now the fifth player in off the substitution for LeVert Brown calling a play, gives it back to Jackson guarded by Andre at Carter and once again Lovett having issues trying to penetrate and get into the paint on this Buford defense Spellman and Brown and Jackson playing catch if you like.

I'm going to name all five players on this roster soon enough because of the rotation here on the perimeter.

Well, that's a credit to Memphis defense.

This type of defensive scheme is called pressure containment.

You're not trying to force the turnover in the halfcourt, contain the ball, keep the ball in front of you and force the outside shot and get the rebound.

Outside shot was forced battled for rebound.

Taylor Davis comes out with it.

The beautiful body from McKenzie Derrick gets both hands on the kick back out Davis for three again short ish This is everything rebound love it up Come back 2 minutes in intercepted by Andre Carter but he saves it to Brown of Leavitt So LeVert has to get the opportunity to reset shot is no good once again tall trees fighting for it Same jersey comes back out with juvenile reminder every shot that it takes is now being contested and that's when not having some success.

It's going to the looking for the cutting.

Maya a first lead in the game for Buford and it took them almost ten and a half minutes, eight over one Now for the lady Wolves as they take the lead Bounce pass inside by Spellman battled for Emily Adams with the hands to go.

Fourth was a scrum on the floor.

You see Maya Dillard at the sorry you see McKenzie Dara at the bottom.

She's reaching for that left shoulder and it doesn't look good.

And here's your last bucket.

Yeah, get, give and go.

Jackson right here.

Faked it and saw the defense overplaying.

She cuts to the basket.

Dillon was able to get the deuce and Darrah wrenched that left shoulder.

You can tell she is not enjoying the pain coming out of that left shoulder right now.

We'll keep an eye on that too.

This is another thing that this whole squad for Buford has had to deal with the injuries.

Jean Durden said he was happy to have two bodies to put into jerseys today, to have a full roster to sit out there.

He's exactly right.

His team is, you know, the injury bug.

It's kind of hit them all year long.

And even talk about Taylor Davis.

She's hasn't been able to shoot the ball as well because she just got off of a dislocated shoulder.

And you're talking about Andre Carter, who had a knee injury.

You see her wearing a knee brace and she's in the game for tribute.

People short a knee brace on that left knee.

She's only been in 30 games right now with this particular ball game free throw at the end for Taylor Brown talking tied at eight nine for the inside.

Lovett coming back with a Taylor Brown cross-court blocking it around for Kristen Johnson inside knocked away by Anthony Adams back comes Taylor Davis does a great job of rotating defensively they don't want to allow the ball to easily get to the paint so they do a good job of rotating and getting deflections at the same time.

Carter ready to check back in for Buford at the next dead ball Maya Dillard gives to Taylor Davis.

Back out to Kinsey, Darrah dribbling with that left arm that got wrenched from the scrum back at the other Dillard and Kelly case.

Darrah on the perimeter through 17.

Got it.

Good ball.

Move it side top side.

When the ball reverses into any kind of half court offense, couple of times there's going to be someone open for easy deuce ten one run now for Buford with a ten eight lead here as we approach the halfway point in the second quarter, Taylor Brown to Tatianna Jackson looking to drive on Case and Dillon Jumper from the outside is two strong rebound Taylor Davis here we go one and done shots that's what you want to do for slipping to taking those shots getting that beautiful pass Taylor Davis to Kelly's game that's was good box boy run offense box out for the ball rebound outlet get in transition basket margin is now four for Buford starting to pull away a little bit runner is good that time by Tatianna Jackson to put an end to this beautiful run three and a half and counting first half Maya Dillard looking for anything in the paint.

It's a dark alley, face to face on the inside.

You've got a whistle.

As Emily Adams tried to put the ball up foul on the player out.

And now we're getting that means we're going to take a break with them as we have 323 to go.

In the first half, Buford was down seven nothing.

They are now up 12 to 10, under three and a half to go here in the girls Double-A championship.

Buford looking for four.

Lovett looking for their first.

We'll have our answers when we come back here on the great GPB.

We're welcome back to the Macon Coliseum in the Macon center place.

Buford was down seven nothing.

Now they're up 1210.

And now questions for Leavitt.

You got to figure that Liz Kennedy is trying to stop the bleeding here somewhere.

Well, here's the thing.

We talked to Coach Gordon.

This is what he said.

Their offense is their defense.

And what I mean by that, they want to score off of defensive transition opportunities, defending the paint force, the wicked shots or get transition baskets, but they have to score off of their defense.

That's what makes them so powerful.

From the floor this quarter, Buford is four of five 80%, five of 11 overall and has 45 and a half percent love it.

Four of 14 from the floor, 29%.

So you've been talking defense and we're seeing defense as we go.

323 to go.

First half you took Will inbound and you're trying to fix the scorer's table a little bit considering when that Andrea Carter ended up in the scorers table.

She kind of dislocated the billboards.

And we have to make sure that that's a flush table now.

Exactly right.

You got to take these young girls because they're going to give 100% out here on the court.

Inbound off the glass is no good.

Fighting for the rebound is Andre a Carter love it comes out with it two on three but that's not going to stop.

He attempted a bucket but the ball's knocked out of bounds Cauley case from behind.

I tell you what one of the things about a good defensive team is witnessing transition and you get a chance to back tip they did not give up Buford didn't give up on the play was able to back to you and that allowed them to come in with the ease of deuce Jackson looking to inbound is going to have problems almost had to call a timeout there just got it into the five count Taylor Brown walking the perimeters and doing a summons double clutch and they call step I tell you what I saw something there in dealer deal it had a nice little close up with a hands up force Love it to Ashley Reconsider it taking the three which calls the turnover.

Maya Dillard has been on the team playing as a freshman.

She's now a junior.

Going to be getting a lot of looks in the next year.

Inside, Christina Nelson tries to spin move.

They're going to call steps the other way.

I tell you what, Nelson is doing a good job of posting.

I think she's posting a little bit too high.

You look deeper, simplify the plays that she's trying to make the up and understand.

Take it straight to the rim.

All right.

Officials today, Tim Butler, Matt Overstreet, Logan Johnson, they're the ones in the Straight Fix, calling all the whistles that you hear looking to the inside off the pass triple teamed in the paint looking to get out of trouble is Carey Mutombo now in the game for the Lions Taylor Brown jumper called bank rolled in roll back out in back comes Buford that was textbook by Buford Now learning about coming to the paint he can even off the dribble Good job defensively Taylor Davis looking spot up three too hard Andre Carter crashes the boards looking for the rebound LeVert coming back the other way We're touching on a Jackson Taylor Brown once again you see his perimeter look with Easton and Spellman and Brown you talk about contain and that's what they're doing it's pressure contain LeVert trying to draw them back out of that two three to try to find some kind a hole get through the paint get a bucket They've been in the drought for a long time again trying to take the paint You take a paint with a dribble force a defense to help and commit.

Good things will happen on the drive.

Tatianna Jackson Ball considered a jump ball turn it possession goes to Buford Great play by Andre Carter there in the paint great appreciate the clean block Hands on the ball ball is gone to the the other way.

Carey Mutombo will sit after getting a couple of good minutes in for Les Kennedy.

We are 100 seconds and counting.

First half Buford in a defensive game, 1210 leading love and after being down seven nothing Dallas offensive foul to it.

Coach Kennedy she's learned a lot from Coast Guard.

This is how they defend this is how we need to do the same thing.

Let's mirror a good defensive team.

Lovett is doing a great job of that this afternoon.

Second foul on Kelly case.

Something else to keep an eye on.

So you got Taylor Davis with two Cauley case with two as we come up to a minute 20 to go Eric pass Andre a Carter intercepts and off the glass missed the layup and Kayla Davis comes over the back for a foul that's got to be one of those that creates a little bit frustration especially going into halftime get a good steal easy basket just missing the play and missing the opportunity.

This was just a one of those weird kind of misses for anyone, especially with easy two points.

Davis over the back and that's her third.

Jean Durant obviously not happy with the output of the wolves so far in this first half, only 12 points against the team that he scored in the forties easily in the regular season and in the region tournament.

Dillard to Darrah coming back the other way Mackenzie there looking looking inside the Nelson ball batted away and coming back It was it is love it as we hit the minute mark Thiessen Dillard guarding Spellman jumper got it is good basketball LeVert we talked about it offense versus defense LeBron is doing it on both is the paint a good job defensively moving the ball around getting open shots LeVert gets the lead now 13 to 12 Dillard getting instructions from head coach Jean Durden guarded by Taylor Brown back out to Derrick intercepted another slow pass captain to Jackson gets the layup when you play a team as much as love it and Buford has play you're going to learn a lot and these team has learned a lot from playing against Buford seven over one.

Now for Lovett to get it to a 1512 margin, we're coming up on 15 seconds.

Maya Dillard thinks about the three near corner case for three off the rim.

No good fought for in the paint.

Christina Nelson off the tap from Andre at Father Nelson did a good job of keeping the ball alive keeping it high but they've got to do it maintain their defensive pressure containment right here deflection off the backboard on the steal Andre Carter misses the halfcourt shot 1514 And this has got to surprise a lot of people on a lot of different levels even though these teams have played each other twice already, it's hard to beat a team three times in a year.

Well, exactly right there, John.

But here's the key defense and rebounding love.

It is outplaying them defensively.

And they also win in a rebounding edge.

Nicky Noto inside court with head coach Liz Kennedy.

Nicky, what do you have?

Coach It has been an aggressive first half.

Your girls are out there, they're playing some hard defense.

What adjustments are we going to see in the second half?

Well, you're holding B4 for 14 in the first half.

I don't see much need for adjustment on the defensive end.

That's the problem is we've got 15 you know, and they're doing a great job defensively too.

I'm very pleased with our defense.

I'm pleased with our rebounding.

They're sticking with the game plan, you know, but offensively we've got to, we've got to create some more movement, creates more opportunities for our bigs inside to score.

And offensively you were talking about, Hey girls, settle down a little bit, make the basic shots, make the layups.

They missed a few.

How are you going to capitalize on those opportunities?

Well, I think now that we've felt each other out a little bit, hopefully we can understand that we belong here and that we're going to go out and finish the easy shots and put the game away, I hope.

Sounds good.

Good luck, Coach.

We are we are at halftime of the girls state championship game between the Buford Wolves.

Love it Lions coming up at halftime we will hear from both principals.

We'll also see what fans are chatting about on the World Wide Web.

And we'll also have halftime highlights and statistics.

We are at the break now.

The girls to a state championship game love it.

Leading the Buford Wolves 15 to 14.

Your score at the half.

This is GPB live from Macon being on coast to coast on the runway.

It's a slam dunk allowed from three and watch this guy goes gets it.

We are live at the Baker Coliseum it is championship week here on GPB.

We are at the break the girls to a championship game between the Buford wolves the love it lions.

Joining us now, the principal of love and high school, Bill Dunkel.

Bill, thanks for coming on with us today.

My pleasure.

Mark, tell us a little bit about what the vibe was at school this week, because it's always exciting when you have a team in the Final Four and then, of course, the championship game.

Actually, we're on spring break this week, Mark, So that's been a little bit tough because a lot of our kids are away at various places, but lots of excitement going into this week.

And then there's a good turnout here tonight.

We've seen a lot of our kids, a lot of faculty, a lot of parents, despite the fact that it's spring break, this is historic for a lot of it's girls teams.

So we're excited.

This is one of the best games we've had in both days so far.

It's this one's going to go down to the wire.

I think it is.

It's a great game.

Tell us what's going on with the love at school right now.

Well, a lot of things going on and love it right now, Mark.

We've got a lot of initiatives going on.

21st century education.

Our upper school is going to a one on one laptop program next year.

And on April 18th, we have an interesting collaboration with the Ocean Foundation.

Alexandra Cousteau, Jacques Cousteau, his granddaughter, is going to be in Lubbock for an evening lecture to the open to the public.

And also we'll be working with our students during the day.

So we're excited about that playing out.

We're playing the game with the principals, asking you a tough question.

We had creatures of the deep and was Cousteau.

That's what we should have had for you.

But instead we have know your facial hair style.

So check this out.

What is this called?

It's also called a Donegal or a Lincoln.

It grows along the jaw line and it covers the chin completely.

Now, what is that call?

I think I would call it a chin curtain, but I'm not I'm not sure you are absolutely correct.

That is called a turn.

I don't know what it's called.

I guess we'll call it a chin curtain and a Lincoln, but you got it.

All right.

Well, thanks very much and good luck in the second half.

I'm glad I got that right.

All right.

Thank you, Mark.

Okay.

Time now to check in with Jackie Britain to see what's going on on the World Wide Web.

Jackie, Thanks, Mark.

We've been chatting online at Jp morgan Sports to make sure that you keep chatting with us.

Let us know where you're watching the game from.

Also, we have a poll that we want your votes on.

Today's topic is all about social media on the court and whether or not it's appropriate to suspend a player if he is using his cell phone while he's on the bench.

So our question today for everyone is, is suspension for using a cell phone during a game too harsh of a punishment or is it appropriate?

So be sure to cast your vote.

Yes.

If you think it's a to a if it's too harsh, B, no.

If you think that that is appropriate punishment and let us know what you think and where you're watching the game from.

Also, don't forget that we are streaming of these games live GPB Dawgs Sports.

So if you weren't able to make it out to make it today, that's okay.

You can relive all of the championship excitement on your phone or on your computer.

And we're pulling it up right now.

We're getting it loading.

So if you weren't able to make it down today or you're not watching the TV pull up your computer or pull up your phone and you'll be able to catch all the action, it's all archived.

So you can always revisit all of the games that you've seen here today and all of our games here at GPB.

Mark, that wraps it up for social media.

We'll give it back to you.

Jackie you look good on TV.

You look good on the iPhone there.

Way to go.

Coming up now, we've got the principal from Buford High School, Dr. Banks.

Biederman.

And you're a trooper.

You're coming in here all banged up?

That's correct.

That's correct.

So there's some injury.

But you know what?

I wouldn't miss this for the world.

Our kids are pretty incredible in the support that we can give them as well.

More wing giving them better.

We're going to talk about the run that your team has had.

They're going for four straight championships.

That means if they win today, one class president, sophomore, junior, senior, never lost the championship game.

Well, you know, this is a special senior class and also special coach and coach Darden and Coach Green, Coach Wiseman, they've done a phenomenal job over the last four years growing this group.

Dre Carter is is an absolute sensation.

You know, she's number two in the class academically.

You know, it's a group.

It's been fun for me to see as they've grown from from young ladies, as ninth graders to where they are now.

I just, you know, I hope for the best for these kids and look forward to them really finishing in this game extremely strong during the football.

We asked the principal a question from the Georgia graduation test.

This question not on that test.

What this is.

Know your facial hairstyles now.

Check this out.

Your hands are as big and bushy and beginning from the upper lip and pulled to one side.

The maximum allowed is 1.5 centimeters.

Now, what is that called?

I think we go with C Hungarian.

You are absolutely correct.

I'm kind of like the dolly a mine, like the handlebar, but you got a correct way to go.

Thank you.

All right.

Thanks for coming on.

Good luck in the second half.

I thank you.

All right.

We're getting ready for the second half.

We'll be back with halftime highlights and statistics right after this timeout.

Stay with.

We are live at the Macon Coliseum.

It is championship week on GPB.

We're getting ready for the second half of the girls to a championship game between Buford and Leavitt.

So let's send it to our play by play team, Don and Shon.

Let's get it on once again.

He's a poet.

Didn't know it.

All right.

Let's talk about the first half highlights in The stars are trying to chaperon their teams to a title.

Well, here's the thing.

Buford is doing a good job of defending, but Lovett has come out and really excelled at defense and also scoring the basketball once again in a big way.

For Lovett to start seven nothing.

Let's take a look at the first half highlights.

Lovett gets out to that big start, but back comes Buford.

And there you go.

This their right wing shooting the three all net Nice set up Here's Davis shooting the three She's got to get on in the second half then comes love it Here's Jackson right here.

Just attacking the defense, slicing it through there.

Good move for Jackson.

But here's how people who love it is doing.

They're playing good defense and getting the easy baskets that Buford is accustomed to getting.

Nicki Noto has coach Jean Durden and he just walked away.

So, so much for that beauty of live television.

But you got and think, what's Gene Durden thinking about right now when it comes to the second half?

Well, first of all, he's got to be patient.

Be patient.

Take your time down by two points.

It's no biggie.

Relax.

Your team is trying to force the play.

That's all you need to do now, Love it.

On the other hand, stay hungry, be patient.

Don't get caught up in trying to make the big plays, simplify the game, Enjoy this opportunity because they could get their first time state championship.

Now let's see what we are at the halfway point.

Let's look at the first half stats in there.

Your numbers right there.

Buford looking at 38% from the 466.

What else stands out to you?

What rebounds now even though Lovett is down rebounds but they are they don't have that many turnovers so Lovett is the one that's doing a good job of protecting the basketball and not having as many turnovers.

So then what do you tell each team if you're the coach for each of these squads?

What are you talking about when you're thinking about, you know what?

If you're Gene, what do you tell them at the break?

Guys, again, relax.

Don't panic.

Play smarter.

But we got to cut down on that.

Turnovers.

That's the only way that we can get it.

Come out here with the depth.

All right.

Let's see if John Golden's challenging in the right way as we start the third quarter, 11 to 1514 jumper off the glass up.

And in Tatiana Jack, I tell you what again we talked about it the beginning.

She is the MVP of the playoffs for this love at team 28 in the semifinal heading to Chattanooga.

When her career is done, Chase Dillard, Carter, Darrah, she gets the lay right there and the assistant, Christina Nelson Taylor Davis Hanson sitting with three fouls where you got to catch it fast.

When the ball goes inside, you have to have cutters to the basket.

That's exactly what happened for the Easy Deuce be put back to being down one 1716 Taylor Brown looking to drive on pace jump shot from the outside three pointer Good city Mary tell you what man this is what it's about offense versus defense.

Love this offense is start to pick it up in the second half.

You got an answer.

Fire Dillard Andre Carter outside three inside with the little baby hook.

It's good for Christina Nelson getting the ball inside when you get the ball inside.

Did things happen on the offensive end 2018 back to a two point margin Jackson thinking about the jumper Taylor Brown once again Jackson for three off the rim no good boxing out with no not for the rebound but it goes to Buford This is what you got to do to win if you're Buford I mean if you you've got to contest but love's doing a good job of hitting and hitting his shots on the perimeter.

And that's how you start the third quarter off like 20 to 18.

LeVert with the lead.

But you could once again trying to work their way back You saw with the little baby hook shot there from 16 and Nelson once again feeding it inside to Nelson taking it back to Dillon 3 seconds as you see the last couple of possessions down to fourth down the court for Juju.

What have they done?

They've gone inside to Burton, they've going inside to her because they know the defense is going to collapse.

Will love it.

Yes.

Kick it out or offensively let's move to the open areas 10th turnover for Buford in this game.

Uncharacteristic numbers for the lady as we come up on 2 minutes gone third quarter love it leading with the defensive battle 20 to 18 Jackson looking to drive baseline on Carter does up high off the glass no good but there for the rebound and the stick back is Kristen Johnson but we've got to whistle Jackson did a great job of driving to the baseline she got all the attention and she gets all the attention you get going to have a chance to get the offensive rebound.

That's exactly what Johnson did.

She attacked and went to the offensive glass.

Kristen Johnson to the free throw line for love it went to north west and apparently she wants to have our job and she gets old and she gets out of the middle school of journalism.

This is what Coach Garrity tells us.

And is that the right first free throw good margin back to three at 2118 sets up the second and good that's straight four points.

Now for Johnson, the margin is for Dillard looking to thrive on Taylor Brown just in case Casey's blocked in the paint hits the ground hard.

Back comes Love it was it who Mary on the outlet Jackson back on the inside of Mary looking to spin on Nelson high off the glass and in I thought she shows you why she's number 30 in the nation Sprint down the court getting the basket in position and she's been a long gallop Jim Garrity has seen enough for a little bit.

He's taking a 30.

But the margin back to six and 24 to 80, How did that pass get into the base hands?

Well, I'll tell you what, this is good basketball kicking it to the corner.

But here's the thing.

When they went to double team, the rotation didn't come up a quick enough.

And the marriage is strong enough and big enough inside that she was able to scoop it up for the two.

Got under Christina Nelson to get it up with the right hand high off the glass.

And in Miss Kennedy once again emphasizing stay calm, it's up six, but we've got a long way to go.

Third quarter a field goal percentage love it.

Three of five from the floor at 60%.

Buford two of three in 67% with Dozier at home.

This is what you got to watch when Buford is on the defensive end.

They want to check the ball on the wings and in the corner and get the rotation.

But you got to have good rotation.

Rotation doesn't help if you're going to press and trap the ball in the corner.

Love it.

On the other hand, they going to double team a trap in the post, forced the kick side out of the pass.

Andrea Carter looking to inbound.

Kayla Davis back in the ballgame with it.

Three fouls looking to drive on Omari does off the glass to hard rebound LeVert coming back with it Taylor Brown thought about the pass and the diagonal kicks it back out the pass to the wing jump shot is off the rim No good fighting for it on the inside Everybody stick back Jackson rimmed out no rebound Andre it's Carter.

Coming up on 5 minutes to go third quarter long pass Kelly case hits the bottom of the rim He's a little out of control was underneath the basket and she let the shot go so LeVert comes back down the lead still six 3 minutes gone watch LeVert use a little timing on the clock not to get worse they don't get a good score they just want to take their time drive in the paint you're going to call a foul as Jackson tried to get to She's good I tell you.

Taking her game due to Chattanooga, she was able to slice the defense and get to the free throw line.

Fouls the first on Andre Carter Jackson's free throw.

He's good nine points now for Jackson again she's been the MVP for this team for the postseason.

And that's huge because she's actually taken a lot of that weight off of her teammates.

Second free throw up is good points, nine and ten.

The lead is now back to 8 to 7.

Nothing early.

Leavitt's biggest lead right now at 2618 for 45 and counting steps following with a time of rest.

She's got to take her time.

We talked about the keys.

Come out of halftime, be patient.

Don't panic.

Relax and take your time You definitely that fall that game playing.

They're trying to make the first easy play.

Love it on a60 run here to start the second.

So Buford comes out with a little pressure.

Little 212.

Trying to collapse back into the paint three pointer from the corner of this time for the Jackson foul.

She's going to light it up.

She's here.

There's talk about her being the MVP of the postseason.

She was the MVP of the tournament.

She's going into all areas, two threes, free throw line.

She's doing it all 2918.

Love it.

Buford, Milton, only 18 points in the paint, a little hook shot up and in Emily Adams and once again using the height to their advantage, Buford gets the two and Jean Durden calls another third.

And what we'll do is we'll take a quick break with them.

2920 love and trying to distance himself.

We'll have more on the championship when we come back.

Welcome back to the making passing in the making cineplex 11 up nine 2920 and has taken two quick throws.

Well, this is what it is.

This is a coach's mindset.

You're down by nine points dead.

Ball's scores.

He wants to set his price at all places.

So when they score inside the paint, give the kids little risk.

Now you're going to come out.

You can extend the pressure on the full court every time there's a score and every time there's a dead ball, he's going to try to set his press.

So you've got Jean Durden looking after calling two quick throws.

What's Liz Kennedy and everyone thinking about on the Leavitt side, as we have a very animated Jean Durden on the Buford stock lets you understand his her girls have to be patient and take their be prepared for the press set up you press offense each and every time and be patient with the basketball you get an easy basket.

Take it off to use a good time of the clock.

Utilize it because now the clock is out for nine to run four.

Love it over the last 100 seconds.

And at the same time, if you think about it, Durden takes the two quick throws and he's also got the TV timeout coming up where he can think about things in a long on a longer frame of mind.

Also coming up on the halfway point of the third quarter to decide the girls championship love it coming after their first in region six as the two seed Buford nationally ranked at times they're the one seed at a region six three pointers Good city America.

I tell you what goes to win this place if you're a coach you like know.

Yes.

Good job.

Great shot.

30 to 20.

Love it.

Now pulling out to a 12 point advantage again, Carter looking to drive plenty of space in the paint off the glass up No good rebound on the inside behind Emily Adams was Tatianna Jackson and she'll go to the line Well just breaking the press and this is Brown just weaving herself in traffic.

When you see your Mary on the way you like again no.

Yes, I'll take that three.

So don't.

No, no, no, no, no.

Great play.

Great play.

Way to get.

Exactly.

And that's one of those things as a coach, when you go, your stomach goes way up into your heart and a great sigh of relief.

I hope it returns from being as close to your heart as the stomach to turn.

It does return.

It does return to free throws for Emily Adams.

They're 30 to 22, back to ten.

Soft pressure to one, two, three.

For the court.

Buford will drop back third quarter from the field.

Love it.

50% at four of eight Buford 50% three of six Rebounding edge to love at five three shot is up no good and out of bounds at the 315, Mark said.

That's not the play the abuse of one it's a bad shot bad timing.

314 left in the third quarter Be a little bit more patient You look a better shot starter looking to come up calling the play case players near side near the baseline kicks it back out Kayla Davis looking for three off the rim no good case will get the rebound thinks about a shot herself Mackenzie Darren here side looking inside trying to find a hand to pass to and it's knocked out of bounds Emily Adams couldn't hang on to it Kristen Johnson guarding if you notice with Davis shots they've all been short.

I think that shoulder really is bothering her because she's not really able to stand on her jump shot Love it.

We talked about their three point shooting are perfect three for three in the third quarter spin.

Move it Mary off the glass no good rebound Andre Carter looking to break out to 40 and counting in the third Carter down the middle ball knocked out of her hands and out of bounds by Taylor Brown defender Carter just in attack mode in the full court standard saw a chance for her to get to the rim and is taking it full court behind the back taking it to the heart of the defense.

There's your foul right there stripping the ball out as she's on her way up first free throw is good.

West requested the west to the bench.

A beautiful person makes it free for the team, stands up with a little kiss of a follow through.

And also with everyone pulled back from the foul line, it gives Chandler no like another quick little throw to give some advice.

Have the players really close by.

There's a bench and this kind of nothing like a little ritual when it comes to March 3224, under two and a half to go in the third LeVert working the perimeter again.

Taylor Brown walks around to pick Tatiana Jackson, who was guarded by Andre Carter Kelly, takes out guarding Taylor Brown, blocking the dribble to a right jump shot partially blocked by Kayla Davis rebound on the inside.

Christina Nelson Nelson looking to outlet finds Carter Carter off the diagonal Kelly case off the glass no good rebound on the inside body's hitting the floor again two Buford and one love it Carter and Derrick for Buford alternate possession stays with for this C love it you think two ways you want a good shot or a bad shot?

I thought that last possession was a bad shot because it was too early in the court.

Again, take your time.

You're up by eight points.

Take your time.

You got 2 minutes to go.

In the third quarter, the Pacers carry Mutombo in the game for LeVert replacing Kristen Johnson briefly spin move Jumper is good Taylor Davis just being creative and athletic so what she can really do margin back to 630 to 26 coming up on 100 seconds to go third quarter Jackson looking to drive off the right hand too hard rebound to Mary on the inside and Andre at Carter hangs on mother Mary but it stays with you.

One of the things I'm kind of questioning a little bit of what Lovett's doing the last two possessions they're trying to score about in the first 5 minutes, 5 seconds, other possessions.

Take your time, 137 to go.

Third quarter.

Love it.

Region six, number two leading to you for Region six, Number one three pointer.

No good Rebound on the inside by the guard.

Taylor Brown to kings it back out Well that's because she's a point guard she was smart taking the ball back out but there's Jackson looking to attack and a great move by Mackenzie dare to kind of box Mutombo out a little bit to see if she was going to make a play for the ball.

She didn't goes to Buford exactly right Begin a minute and 17 on the clock And I think that's something that's going to be discussed with Coach K. Coach Kennedy.

Huddle girls, take your time.

We're taking too many quick shots and we're going to get the position back to Buford.

So then once again, Liz Kennedy reminding her players, we've got 9 minutes of basketball left.

We have to play.

We've got a six point lead.

We have to kind of stay in the flow of things while not getting out of character.

Right.

Exactly.

You still want to take the opportunity presents itself, but you don't want to be overaggressive and force even a turnover or bad shot because a bad shot is still equivalent to a turnover.

Now, Buford has won three championships in a row.

This is their fourth.

If they can come back from this six point deficit.

We've seen Andre Carter evolve from the time she was a freshman to now at the time that she's a senior.

Kayla Davis has had her moments in it as well.

Leavitt's missed the last five field goal attempts.

Buford has made only two of their last seven.

So that's the mountain that Leavitt's having to climb.

As all of this history that Buford has coming into this building, other championships have been won here at the Macon policy.

Carter dribble, drive shot, no good foul on the inside will send Carter to the line rebounding it should be for 2015 and the foul is on to Erica and that is her second you what we talked about Carter how good she really is but here's the thing with her she's coming off the ACL surgery.

She has the brace on her knee, but she's playing up to her strength.

I think she's still playing about 9% of her strength.

She's playing by about 90%, but she's still able to give it all and be effective today.

You remember Andre Carter dislocated her shoulder a week and a half ago.

So she's having to do things a little differently in rehab.

The shoulder at the same time, this is both free throws, 32, 26, still six point margin under a minute to go here in the third quarter.

Mutombo out time picked up by Christina Nelson passing around on the perimeter it's Taylor Brown primary bounce pass inside Brown back out to Mary launches a three got it right now again one of those no gets at the shot Good shot from the good 30 seconds to go in the quarter 11 in the quarter for Amari off of the threes off the glass up and in Christine and Nelson they cut the margin back to seven looking to play for one here this coach call that one soft shot signal well said girls be patient Kayla Davis picks up her fourth zip.

So here's the three again who Mary has had the hot end with 11 in the quarter and there's three of them right there.

But I'd say what she was selected to the 2000 level Team USA six and under, and they won the gold medal.

So she has a little bit more experience of playing with top talent and she's got some confidence behind her.

Kayla Davis Four fouls on the bench for the final 9.4 of the third and probably a lot more than that.

So once again, Jean Durden is going to have to manufacture something to come back from being down.

Seven ball, not out of bounds.

Maya Dillard, last to touch it, 5.9 to go for one shot.

man.

Good base.

Harry Mutombo, the easy two.

I tell you what, that's because you had a turnover.

This is called frustration.

This is called frustration with that last time Heath out of bounds.

That's because you, Mary, has been so successful these last couple of possessions.

When she came off that baseline screen, both defenders went with her with her teammate wide open underneath the basket 1.7 and catch and shoot situation for love it up nine as we near the end of the third quarter here at the Macon Coliseum going along with you Mary why not another three short This is everything she had the hot hand in the third quarter with 11 points and love it is up nine with 8 minutes to play here for the double a championship at the Macon Coliseum.

Buford chasing after it their fourth title in a row love it chasing after their first Who gets the girls double a title.

We'll have the answer when we come back.

To make it for the fourth quarter on the great GPB.

And that is what we're playing for.

The girls double final, Buford chasing after their fourth in a row.

They've got a big mountain to climb down.

Nine in This battle of Region six, a 1910 11 run.

The last 6 minutes of the third quarter puts us in the position we are right now after three quarters.

Love at 30% from the field.

It's all the 34 Buford, 42% at 11 of 26.

Kayla Davis playing with four fouls.

Shut up No Good by Christina Nelson.

But she goes to the line.

It was pretty good actually, coming out with the UCLA screen set down Buford and Davis coming off the ball screen set and then able get it over the top.

Let's see if they can get two points out of that action.

Once again, you see Gene Durden.

He's coaching the four players who are not shooting the free throw while.

NELSON This is the first game setting up the press.

All get balls, all make baskets free, throw opportunities.

He's trying to set his press, trying to get some turnovers so they can get some easy baskets.

25 and seven coming into this game.

But five of those losses for Buford was from teams out of state and nationally ranked.

They put their team through the grinder.

Gene Durden did that on purpose and this will be their gut check right now down eight the beginning of the fourth frame drive on the baseline double team turnover picked up by Maya Dillard.

The foul and the push looks like it's going to be on Kristen Johnson trying to defend those two areas you don't want to jump the ball against the press that's crossing over half court because you're not got three defenders.

And then deep into the corner now she's got four defenders.

She can't go to the baseline, she can't go to the sideline.

You got to keep it there to trap.

Good defense there for Buford.

Back comes Dillard on offense, 30 seconds in Buford down eight.

Kayla Davis with the basketball and four fouls looking to drive up and gets the roll.

It's a nice touch It's nice touch.

Now you see Buford standing there, press all made baskets again, dead balls for them to come into this.

One, two, two, full court.

And look who's at the top of the press.

Carter and Davis.

Darrah in the middle of it, love.

It breaks it this time down.

Taylor Brown looking to drive, remarry.

Why too much though rebound Jackson up and in the NBA postseason Jackson just there to pick up the pieces and get some bus to get a bucket 3931 Taylor Davis thinks about the three inside to Christina Nelson looking to fire off the double team.

And I tell you what the defense collapses.

Be patient with the ball was able to dribble jump step and finish it to back to a six point game and at 20 and bounce pass to break the press Andre Carter hands in Dara hands in love It breaks it will up the offense but Carter is now marking Taylor Brown Brown bounce pass into the paint turning down the jump shot and kicking it back out was Kristen got a timeout coming there from love it that's smart coach that's smart coach because she didn't want the girls to get to Brown with the help us get to the ball move around topside topside coach a little bit so she's got a decent shot so is that what this throw is here for Liz Kennedy basically settling them down, as were a minute 35 in that clip, because you can see how the defense is really starting to shift and rotate there four before trying to get deflections and steals this question.

They have to.

BUFORD They've got to keep the ball into the right person's hands and then be patient because it got to the rim and get an easy basket just a little bit.

Okay, so then what what's Jean Durden doing in this situation?

You see pretty much doing the same thing he's been doing Every time there's a free throw, every time there's a throw, it's taking it a step at a time.

Exactly.

He's going to try to press.

They need turnovers, they need steals, they need to get buckets in transition.

So they want to get an easy steal an easy basket.

And they're going to champion the half court.

So let's see if once again, Coach Golden is channeling Coach 3623 to go regulation.

And I'm going to start using that word now, regulation time.

Love it up six There's a trap in the corner.

Davis era ultimate possession goes with love it this time around.

But next time with the way this press is working, it's going to head the other way.

It's like I told you, the two bad areas, they actually catch the ball and shoot the ball and press is right after half court and then they're in the corner a decent double teamed in the corner finds Jackson off the scramble, almost a foul by Andre Carter and Mary telling Taylor Brown to back it out Reset smart basketball there Brown guarded by them up by the taller Kayla Davis gives to Tatiana Jackson guarded by Carter.

Carter in Jackson's hip pocket will be probably for the last 553 Brown dribbling out on the perimeter and they call open not touched by Carter.

That's that's fixed in that defense.

Again, I understand what love is trying to do, utilizing the little clock, but you still have to be able to attack use cutters going to the basket to tune out to turnovers for LeVert in this corner none in this quarter none for Buford Kayla Davis looking for the dribble drive off the glass in the same place you saw the ball screen they thought they thought the ball screens going to come.

She refused It was able to drive to the baseline Great basketball.

Daryn Davis with two points on the press Kelly case looking to harass as well Timeout Liz Kennedy.

She's going to call a full this time because I think she thinks she needs that much time to get the point across.

Well, here's the thing.

There's no media timeout in the fourth quarter, so you've got to rest these girls, let them get well rested, rest their body and rest their mind, then come out and set up good press offense.

Again, this drive to the baseline, there was no baseline help.

They were scoop for two left hander Taylor Davis.

So once again that gets Buford to 3935.

Here's another look at it from up high again the thought the ball screen is going to come up tops.

MATTHEWS was able to drive to the baseline good finish he blows past due Mary there's Jean Durden talking shop You got a full timeout and he's taking this a possession at a time when you talk about deflection Hands up I need your hands active.

You're not getting on zone press.

You need get deflections when he gets steals you don't need to gamble 11 to get uncontested shots at the layup.

Fourth quarter field goals.

Buford has not missed hitting all three it one of two but you translate that out once again, it's two more field goals that have been made by Buford.

You think about their schedule that they had the two Christmas tournaments, modern day Incarnate Word, St John's College Prep, St Mary's, Germantown Academy and Riverdale.

They went two and five against nationally ranked competition and they didn't have Andre Carter.

He set them up for positions in times like this when they're down in the fourth quarter, there's that trap.

Bad position off of Carter for Mary touched it Carter touched it out of bounds stays with LeVert inbound to Mary brings it back out to Easton guarded by Cauley case.

Here's Taylor Brown Taylor Davis Robertson Carter Jackson and Carter and out of bounds stays with love it I love it now because it's a little bit more better pressure from Buford Spread it out Take your post out of the area out of the paint.

Now you can penetrate and make plays, but you can't allow your post to be there at the high post because it's a very tough, decent double team by Darrah and Davis in the back court, double team in the corner.

Jackson gets out of trouble once again, thinking about things.

LeVert working the perimeter Jackson Long entry pass for the easy baseline jumper exactly exactly They spread it out Buford to gamble just a little bit caught him slipping was able throw it over the top for the easy to four and a half to go regulation 4135 Love it Taylor Davis looking to drive off the screen from Dara Cauley case tries to save it out of bounds it does Jean Durden trying to call a time out with the scrum on the floor alternate possession stays with Buford we talked about love it How can they win this game be impatient with the basketball look the defense actually gets sleepy because they will throw it over the top for the east to see what Buford can do on the return possession.

Taylor Davis sets for a three rim no good rebound foul on the inside is Christina Nelson went for the rebound I tell you what Jackson is all over the place she's going on the offensive end now, starting to rebound like she's one of the big girls down low.

She's being aggressive.

She wants to take home the gold.

Second foul for Nelson.

And there's your pressure games.

Deborah Davis case the top three in this two on to intercept intercepted Dara Dara to Davis with the fake and the easy begin They're going to press make baskets that ball's going to press he's going to be able to handle it get it over the court Jackson to Omari driving baseline and a foul as she went past.

Now the easy way to attack the press is Ashley with the pass because the dribble is not as quick as the pass but once you get a good opportunity attack, don't pull it back out.

Attack the rim and you could get yourself to the free throw line or easily a foul on Andre a Carter Maya Dillard in Emily Adams in Christina Nelson out for Buford Esten guarded by the by the smaller Dillard Jackson picked up by case 340 and counting regulation dribble drive picked up out of control but back out top decent Did you see Taylor Brown that finally did now they're playing catch once again it's Easton and Dillard going at it 327 and counting Pass this side to Taylor Brown picked up by Kayla Davis corner Emory thinks about three thinks better of it kicks it back out once again passing on the perimeter with your pressure contain that you talk about well now they put a little bit more pressure because they want to force a five second count.

You can watch the officials with this count one, two, three, four, five.

But there's the person that wants the ball in her hands, Jackson to go get the ball.

JACKSON Because she's the one that can correct for level 3 minutes to go now love it working the perimeter clock working time which is Buford enemy as they chase after a fourth title and Mary thinks about the jumper doesn't take a shot after the pass was Kristen Johnson ball on the inside Jackson picks it up in the stunner and gets the two Exactly The ball is coming right at Jackson.

She's in the right place at the right time.

17 for Jackson.

The margins back to six as we get to two and a half minutes to go.

Regulation Taylor Davis thinks three takes three back of the rim.

No good bodies crashing on the inside.

Looks like it's going to be on Mackenzie Derek from here on out for the next 2 minutes.

31 seconds.

Does one mean we're going to say Jackson some Jackson.

She's all over the place.

There you go.

Here's your look on that last bucket entry.

Pass deflection.

Easy to miss Jackson just knowing how to hit the basketball.

She's doing a good job.

Two and a half and counting.

Regulation 4337 Buford pressing practically the entire fourth quarter to try to trim the margin.

That is except for one short period of time been something that they've had to battle all day.

Three pointer up, no good rebound stick back was up an interesting job.

See, when you press this question to half court, you start to chop all over place is going to get easier set about to put back up at 1022.

So that's exactly what happened.

Coming up on 2 minutes now, the margin back to eight.

Taylor Davis spin, move off the glass count it and a foul as well.

She's an all-American.

That's why she's the all-American.

Now, this this is to be realistic.

She's not playing 100%, she's hurt, she's banged up, she's got a bad shoulder, she's got bad knees, but she's talented.

And I think she's going to do a good job of taking this team and trying to put them on her back.

Just going isolate one, two, one user drop, still trying to get to a three point play.

I didn't count the bucket.

So yeah, they did count the bucket.

Okay, here we go.

See 4540 at the 201 mark.

Substitutions again for Buford Now Jordan going offense defense substitutions What's the hard trap.

What's the hard trap on the point case Nelson Carter intercepted Buford on three and Carter strip coming out with it love it in transition the pass into the paint for the easy two.

my gosh.

I tell you what, that was textbook basketball.

Solid defense there from Lovett.

But coming back at him and getting the two points in transition Minute 35 in regulation.

Maya Dillard thinks Baseline Jumper shot was partially blocked.

Lovett comes out with it.

Johnson with the basketball giving it to Erica Easton Once again three bodies up front for Buford looking to trap and or found Carter knocks it away but it's picked back up for love it down to a minute 15 looking to spread things out and Mary has the ball poked out from behind Out of bounds by Andre Carter It sticks with Lovett I tell you what.

Beef is doing a good job.

Here's here's a trap.

The back tip got to capitalize.

Tell you what, Jackson is everywhere.

Look at Jackson coming down here.

Offensively Bam, attacking the rim.

That's good job.

I love it.

And being aggressive here late one minute 13 to go entry into the paint shots blocked but the follow ups another easy two for Kristen Johnson the margins back to nine with a minute to go Sometimes the ball just falls your way and nobody's in the right place at the right time.

And Gene Darden a timeout because he wants to think about this last 61 seconds and you want to talk about a mountain it's 4940 you're talking about right now, 4940.

Buford looking to go for that fourth straight championship to join a very elite class.

It would be the sixth team in the history C class.

If they get that fourth in a row.

That's an elite group.

The junior must be down 9 to 61 seconds to do it.

And once again, that's going to have to be possession at a time.

But remember Taylor Davis, four fouls and only one timeout left for Buford.

And what's the LeVert story here?

Well, see love is what they're going to do is a couple of things.

They're going to be a little bit more patient.

I want to hold the ball and ask it because they going to start you go for the steal to start with the basketball, they're going to foul you get off free throws.

Let's take this championship home.

How do you keep them not looking at the clock in the situation?

Well, sometimes players get caught up in just playing the game.

And I tell you, this one play on the court from LeVert, that's not going to allow that to happen It's Jackson so let's see how much action Jackson has.

He has 17 of Leavitt's points remaining his 13 Johnson has 12, most of them on the inside.

McKenzie There are three misses.

Everything goes for the save Andre at Carter, but they call it a turnover.

It's just stepped out of bounds.

They're just they're not having their legs underneath.

They're in touch with him.

They're only three attempts, pressure and foul pressuring foul down to about 45 seconds.

And there's more pressure in the foul by Andre Carter.

Exactly right.

Again, Jackson is the one.

She's going to put this team on her back, get these free throws to put him up by 11.

You can see a little concern, but they're also ready to celebrate.

You don't really want to count it until you hit 000 front end into the one and one is missed.

But before it's going to have to work quickly.

Andre Carter looking to drive, pick by Darrah off the glass up and in.

That's the way to attack force a deep mystery value and that's what guard is trying to have him do is foul quickly.

And that's what Mackenzie Dara does.

And we spotted someone who's about ten rows up, and he's got probably one of the largest powder blue Lovett t shirts in stands that you will ever find.

Number 15, Carey Mutombo is dad to Kemba Mutombo is in the house and we've seen him He has to sit on the aisle because he's so big First free throw up and in for Tatianna Jackson you probably had the 15x last year coming down to the game time concern on the proud papa face in the stands concerning the LeVert bench free throw back up to nine with 30 seconds to go Andre Carter Kayla Davis three point it rims out No good rebound on the inside Kristen Johnson pass away Jackson all alone Will Taylor Brown steal it he makes it better pulls it back Taylor Davis picks up her fifth foul that smart basketball There's the proud papa right there Taylor Davis fouls out with 16 and a half seconds to go.

One of the most highly touted juniors in the country coming back for her senior season.

I'm looking across I see Antonio Davis standing up by seeing Mutombo, keep looking down at him.

First free throw up no good in the front end of the one and one before it's got to work even faster.

Now down nine, Andre Carter looking to drive and perhaps draw a foul shot up.

No good.

Love it once again trying to get out of traffic foul McKenzie Darrah and in the tailgate party we're going to have the proud parties with the second generation athletes.

So then do we go ahead and say that no one allowed in the house of Mutombo when the house was moved to the Macon Coliseum?

I think it's time to wave the finger, baby.

Not here in our house.

So we will have Davis and Mutombo in the tailgate party live when this game finishes up.

First free throw up an in for Tatiana Jackson and it is now ten point ballgame with six and a half seconds left and there's Carey right now 15 standing in the paint just came into the ballgame and there is your emotion right there for love.

It's first time ever, 6.4 seconds away, free throw off the rim, no good.

Normally you sit there and you say, Have you ever.

No, I never love it.

Can finally say that they had their first ever state championship, first ever Final Four for Love it First ever championship appearance for all of it.

First ever title for the Love It Lions.

When we come back, more from the girls championship.

The trophy presentation.

Mark Harmon And we're going to prepare for the rest of the day here at the center plex.

Love it.

Your first time champs in Double-A on GPP welcome back to the Macon Coliseum in the Macon Center plex.

First time ever, the Lovett Lions Classic Double-A state champs happens in 2012, their first ever final for first ever title game.

John and Shaun here with you.

Let's talk about it.

Tatiana Jackson action.

Jackson finishes with 20 and we're going to send it over to Mark Harmon for the trophy presentation.

Thank you, John.

Now time for the Class Double a presentation of the championship trophy to the love it Lions.

We give it to the G essays.

Ernie Yarborough, thank you.

First of all, congratulations.

Love it on your championship.

And we are pleased to have Georgia Farm Bureau is our corporate sponsor and presenting sponsor on behalf of Georgia Farm bureau.

Congratulations.

Thank you, sir.

Thank Coach Liz Kennedy.

Congratulations.

Talk about the journey.

You guys are now state champions.

It started last summer.

We go every time we break the huddle, we say state championship.

And you know, you got to dream it in order for it to happen.

So I'm really, really proud of this group.

They've been together a long time and this has been four years coming and they've been thinking about it for four years.

And I'm just glad we had an opportunity to be here and play well.

All right, Kristin, you're one of the seniors on this team.

You're holding part of that trophy.

Talk about what you're going through emotionally right now.

It's just completely overwhelming.

You know, beef is a great school and a great competition.

But, you know, we've been talking about winning this the summertime.

And we each and every day in practice, we talked about it.

We caught it in the huddle.

And so right now it's just unbelievable because we've come such a long way since freshman year.

You know, I couldn't three years ago, you couldn't have told us that we were going to be here today on this trophy.

And now it's just completely overwhelming.

And I just I just have.

You never had a loss for words, Tatiana, talk about what it means to you to be the state champion here.

It's it's amazing.

Like I say, we've been waiting this for four years.

Like as freshman year, we wouldn't have thought we would be in this position right now.

It's just amazing.

Surreal.

Lift that trophy up high, girls, and congratulations.

They'll love it.

Lied State champions in class Double play.

Now time for our GPB tailgate party to continue.

All right.

All right.

Welcome back to the GSA basketball championships on Gp-B.

Congratulations to Leavitt on this year's championship title, their first win ever.

Coming.

We have the boys match up between Laney and Manchester, so stay tuned for that and get ready for a packed tailgate party.

We'll be interviewing two NBA stars, and that's something that you definitely don't want to miss.

But first, we want to remind everyone to keep chatting with us online at GPB Dawgs Sports.

Tell me who you're rooting for tonight.

And also forget to cast your vote on our online poll.

We have the results right now as they stand.