You're watching the USA Basketball State Championships on TV.

The following program is an exclusive presentation of GP2 by Georgia Public Television presents the Georgia High School Associate Asian State Basketball Championship.

Major funding for this program is made possible in part by Georgia's Electric Membership Corporation, IBEW Local 613 South Trust Bank.

The Kroger company Dive State Farm Insurance, the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, the Atlanta Journal Constitution and buy Powerade Lodge from the Alexander Memorial Coliseum and letter in the Forum Boys Championship featuring the Griffin Bears and the South Atlanta Hornets.

Welcome, everybody.

As Championship weekend rolls on here from downtown Atlanta, the four girls game out of the way.

Now it's the four eight boys.

The Bears are looking for their third championship since 1988.

South Atlanta is looking for their first the two guys to call it downstairs, the radio Voices of seven nine to the Zone, Steak SHAPIRO and Bobak.

Hey, guys.

Yeah, Thanks very much.

And excited to get in for a game with this kind of personnel.

Many in the state think these are the two most talented teams.

It may not be the five day game, but I think most people agree 30 and one South Atlanta and Coach Reddick going against the Griffin Bears, 27 and three.

This is a big time mistake.

I'm excited.

This gym is electric.

It's just about full.

Now.

Here are the Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

This may be the best game of the entire playoffs.

Yes, indeed.

And Griffin featured Pete Driver.

You see him average 20.8 a game a dominant player.

He's a senior offensive piece.

So here a lot Trump he's their leader.

Yes he is.

And he gets after it, no question about it.

And again, for Griffin, here's their lineup.

They'll start driver Pettway Brown, Thomas Spear Don't forget Brett Pettway, six foot nine senior, headed to Michigan, 19, a game 144 blocks on the season and everybody's talking about South Atlanta's Vincent Banks six three senior one of the most talented players maybe Mr. Georgia basketball averaging 32 a game those two guys are going to are going to matchup steak and it's going to be this is going to be an up and down game.

Yeah there you see all the barra banks Watkins Junior very active up front in the center position started and Christian let's go out front to the V.A.

and let's get our announcements get all the starting lineup for the for a championship for Georgia high school basketball between South Atlanta and Griffith State Quad Boys championship game between the Griffin High School Bears and the South Atlanta High School Hornets.

Now for your starting lineup.

First for the visiting Bears from Griffin High School starting at guard number 30, Donald Thomas at guard number three, Keemo Speer at forward number 40.

Jay Brown at forward number 15.

Pete Driver and center number 23.

Brant Pettway, the Bears head coach.

Mr. Ferris Qualls, now for the home Hornets from South Atlanta High School guard.

Number 11, Marcus Tardy at forward number 21 cadence, Scottsboro at guard number 23, Montréal Trail.

Christopher Exeter, number 54, Sylvania Watkins And that forward number 24.

This May go Hornets head coach Mr. Michael Reddick your officials, Eddie Coward, John Davis and Vinnie Rex, 31.

You're watching the USA Basketball State Championships on TV.

We're live at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

It's the four eight Georgia high school championship steak.

SHAPIRO Alongside my colleague Bo Bok.

And this should be a good one.

Let's check out Phil Proctor.

He's courtside to give us a little look at tonight's matchup State have a chance to talk to both coaches before the game.

Both coaches seem pretty much I'm going to do whatever the other guy dictates.

Michael Riddick says look for a high flying show by the name of Great Game.

Thank you.

Yes, indeed.

And obviously the guys to watch tonight, a little bit of not a little bit quite a bit.

South L.A. Vincent Banks, explosive senior forward and of course for South Prep and both six nine Greg Pettway 144 blocks on the year and he will jump center right out of the gate.

They have a lot of tradition coming out of the Griffith Bears south of that and trying to create a tradition.

South Atlanta has never won a high school boys championship.

And we're underway in the four championships live here at Georgia Tech.

Griffith will take over that's key driver Pete driver off the dribble so head fake and it's off the mark rebound 44 stolen back by Crawford as part of the play block his block is with the block Look a little tight in that first possession south grip and then back there the way Montrose Mason takes over to give off to his point guard Marcus Harden.

Let's see what they tried to do with banks.

Right now they come out on a straight man.

Keemo want to fight it outside south Atlanta with it.

Look, trying to take over.

No score early on here for a championship.

The dish looked like it might have been a walk dunk ball to start to come back out to South L.A. trying to set up.

And so far, Vincent Banks hasn't touched the ball yet on this possession.

He's being guarded straight Man to man by Donald Thomas.

Nice dish.

Oh, in there by Pettway.

That's what you call a Windex rebound fourth for up and in Sylvania Watkins junior shot to win up to nothing Sylvania Watkins a high flier block at the other end and getting that off the garbage game at his end.

I'll tell you what.

Both teams feeling each other.

Here's things a bit sloppy in the early going there.

Your officials for the game ball, your friend Andy Carroll, John Davis and Philly RUSH back on the point Pettway turnaround jumper.

Yes, that is good.

Silky smooth on that one Mr. Five two to south Atlanta and Griffin all even started brings it across the frontcourt here as south Atlanta will take over That's a deep three and that's way off the mark Pettway lose it four back to back back four put back in in Vincent Banks first two in the night You'll see plenty more where that came from back the other way.

Oh phenomenal block by could do a whole lot to do so far.

He is an active young man you saw right there can get up and tuck that baby inside.

I thought that Griffin might have a little more overall height and maybe too much out of that.

We're seeing in the early going that's out.

L.A. puts a high fly.

Oh, yeah.

Big time pass in the post here.

Nice post up, move rebound.

Foxx fought back up and in a couple of punches Jay Brown can't put down and it's going to be south Atlanta backed by both Jay Brown got a convert there on the in the past yeah you're going to use the best they can we talk about it all the time.

It becomes fashionable to start in the NBA with guys not using the glass up close starting now.

Bring it across the court then.

Let's see what kind of offenses have great spin.

Move back to the basket up and no good rebound and it's produced agbara again with a falling south Atlanta up six to Griffin playing very tight so far ball that's Kimo Spears brings it across for thousand and doing a great job crashing the glass just set up there Pettway as giving go Jackson pull up three no good rebound five ball goes to banks and south Atlanta will give it to banks banks back the other way Banks close up for three banks.

Yes.

Wow.

Behind the back, cross the time line and then drains a three time out.

First, Quarles and Beau Griffin getting overwhelmed, and that's maybe the premier player in the state, Vincent Banks.

But a great timeout by first quarter because he sees banks getting off South Atlantic anymore Don't get the momentum you see that Here's Byron on the follow Yeah and here you see banks went behind his back a pull up three puts his off for a second there but off balance ball How about for himself to get a good look at the basket and Brandon and three both he and Pettway we've seen so far have great creativity in the air the ability to hang that's and banks has five he averaged 32 on the year Griffin coming on a little bit tight 27 and three on the year but facing a south Atlanta team 30 and one in favor to win tonight they'd like to get Pete Driver on track and that's going to happen 515 left first quarter south Atlanta nine Griffin two lob pass two nobody goes out of bounds Somebody missed the signal there that was going to be an alley oop and it looked like it was set up to come from the weak side.

First call is gonna be a little concerned ball early on but it is very early start brings it across court Keemo Spears great defenders.

He talked to Ford before the game but I'll tell you nice move dish so far and the dunk Wow is that a nice shot by Marcus Smart No lays it off to O'Mara back the other way underneath pass the driver up and in 11 for south Atlanta on top Dupree pushing the ball great quickness on that part great quickness in the air and aggressive by Marcus Smart the point guard ball he has had no problem so far with chemo spear banks now those said two or three guys here no call and look at the crowd on the ground should have been locked in a wide both be turned over there don't they call it travel good no call or not I don't think it was a good no call but I'm talking about that before when they went down, there was a lot of body contact ball guys get up on the floor.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

We got to fix it in the 11 for 431 to go for a championship live at Georgia Tech as Coach Farris Quarles.

He's trying to settle his truths down.

This group this bunch of south Atlanta will rattle you with their quickness and their ability to go to the rack.

They got four guys in the starting lineup.

GRIFFIN They could put it in the in the hole heat driver having 28 game is the leading scorer Brett Pettway averaged 20 J Brown averaged 14 and Donald Thomas the senior 511 average 15.

So they have some guys that can light it up.

Here's the follow and the dunk by Obara What a great penetration job by Marcus Smart and so far Cody so far been very active for south Atlanta Look at in the post shot off and a lot of action underneath rebound a spot for him Griffin has it back the other way driver tonight Britt Pettway you see that list did you see that lift 11 elbows at the rim south Atlanta on top driver unselfishly to Pettway and back bring it up on the pressure goes on the baseline wide open shot off rebound five four good offensive board there quickness and in good job by Michael Christian following the miss back the other way keep driving he'll set up 13 south Atlanta leading Griffin 345 to go in quarter number one this driver trying to post up gets the big guys up in the air No call there he got caught by Pettway the back the other way starting with it Ibarra off the banks we got a offensive foul good job there by number 32nd and charge great job they needed that I'll tell you what's igniting the South Glen offense and that's Zadan Zadan beats fear all right he's igniting the offense yeah you know I talked to coach Ball and he said he most fear that's our leader.

That's the guy that makes everything happen is the five foot six senior on average three points a game.

It gets it done defensively.

It hasn't happened so far.

Joe goes in the game.

Griffin three for six out Atlanta, six for Trump.

Both teams shooting a 50% four balls turned turnover banks nice full court trailer what's this trailer and 50 fans there number 13 Randwick target making the play back the other way Yes Landry targets doing it on both ends a big lift off the bench 38 south end lane a big turn of possession right there They made the change.

Good good move by first close making the chains onside.

Yeah he's got Coggins playing him now targets playing Marcus Smart and his son was having his way early on with Keemo Speer and another some in the game.

Number 14.

Carlos Mitchell and Jake Brown is out.

They'll play up to nine, ten even 11 guys Griffin High look to see about seven deep for south Atlanta and George Fudge so he's got a body up on him that took 5 to 6 foot four junior in the game now Monroe Christian with it Christian trying to go to the bucket Nice tip there and oh there's a block by Pettway that's why he's considered one of the premier players in the state ball great body control doesn't run you know uses his hands and arms to block that shot nobody on it.

And he looked like a short too committed to Michigan.

Yes he did that themselves A beauty in Pettway, Tommy Amaker, I believe.

Yes.

They've had a fabulous season in the Big Ten and a lot to be excited about, about that young man.

Coggins now in at the point he had a little half court pressure Coggins goes right through it, dishes and going to throw one down.

But Brett Pettway but again, great penetration by random targets.

He's been the key.

So that's what they've needed.

That's what's been working for South Atlanta's being able to to draw the defense to you and dish to see what kind of touch he has at the line.

Brant Pettway can't connect on the first.

Griffin has to feel good.

They're only down five.

They make a shot here.

They got it down four.

And it looked like early on they were very tight.

But he playing in this for a championship game live at Georgia Tech.

Pettway hits this one.

It's just a four point game.

That's what it is.

Well, token of full court pressure there.

Go down to banks and make that district again.

It's target back the other way, Pettway for five four and banks falls on the ground.

Another two guys on the ground.

Coggins had to kick the ball loose again, stripped away by Griffith Guys on the ground.

Guys are flying with the south second on the contract banks with it back the other way Holy smokes back bumper cars and turned over both teams got to settle down to survive Wow somewhere when one of those bodies went flying.

Do you think that would have been a fall?

But these kids are getting after it.

And now South L.A. trying to run something on of half court backs, fall away three no rebound goes to target.

He has been big off the bench since he's gotten the game full court pass stolen back the other way by Vincent Banks.

Banks getting after it on both ends of the court.

Now low double team pressure goes off now to South Carolina to set up their offense.

Cordell Edwards in the game as well for South Atlanta.

There he is out on the wing looks in the post Celina Watkins and now goes back out side to side and they'll set things up nice screen here by Watkins wide open three It's off the mark starting with the ball and he'll throw it up out of control Big rebound Watkins He blocked again Pettway with it back outside Marcus Smart trying to set the offense looking for a screen He gets it Wow it's stuck in here and that shot is blocked Neither team really shooting in well, close to the basket.

One of the reasons is a lot of activity, line ups and short functions on the line.

Pretty good dish by sun charges.

The quickness is just extraordinary.

What a wonderful spin move he's got What a run of his name ability.

39 south Atlanta.

They have had trouble really getting Vincent bank involved in the half court.

Vincent remember Beau, he had that pull up three off the break really.

And they didn't really run much for him out of the halfcourt set.

There's just trying to run some takes and pick and rolls and get him the ball.

But you're right, they haven't been able to get him many touches.

They have puts that coach makes one and two.

It's 14 and nine South Atlanta with 107 to go.

As you can see, we watching Georgia public television for a championship game coverage live at Alexander Memorial Coliseum in downtown Atlanta.

Full court man to man pressure and a little too much pressure.

Definitely, Jim.

I thought that Andy Carroll was going to call that a little early.

I had two hands on him at one point.

That's Brandon Gaston, by the way.

And again, as we mentioned, Chris Paul, to play a lot of guys Coggins with across the time he looks to this, goes to flex it out of bounds.

It's tough Atlanta basketball and back in the game for south Atlanta produce and for the most thorough of Vincent Banks will take his first Now Vincent Banks still in the game I'm sorry but we'll sit down Watkins with and good job breaking the press on Boro back the other way they can't hit from up close ball but he was fouled into the line They're still getting everything that they want going to the basket steak.

They're getting too many too many easy looks a lot of activity, you know, watching the girls game.

And it was a very exciting first game moment but is an amazing one.

The boys take the four, the athleticism jumps out at you.

These kids.

Oh, the quickness over the basket, they're over the rim.

Every one of these guys is well over the rim in terms of big guys.

That's what he's talking about.

Pettway Earlier, his elbows were up above the rim.

South Carolina not shooting particularly well from the line of fire right now.

Try to drain one of those who missed them both.

Thanks for the ball.

Banks in the lane.

Banks fall away.

He's got it.

Nice touch.

I thought he created some contact there, too.

Well, he's a pure scorer, but that's why you get a role like that.

You see how soft he laid it up there?

And it's 16, nine south leading out of seven.

Their biggest lead of the night and not running a smooth half court set the two two length too anxious no question Pettway inside little left handed shot there by key driver is off back the other way comes south Atlanta south Atlanta makes you crazy with their quickness.

You see what Vincent Banks the deuce at the top here, one of Georgia's premier high school players way outside the three.

Yeah.

Wow.

Vincent folks putting on a show.

Man oh, man.

There's a reason why he's considered maybe the premier player in this.

You're watching TV bringing you the best.

You're watching the USA Basketball State Championships on TV.

We're back at Alexander Memorial Coliseum, Steak SHAPIRO, Bo Bok, South Atlanta and Griffin playing for the for a championship.

Let's check out Phil Proctor at courtside after quarter number one.

Okay.

I was over in the Griffin Hollow man And Coach, tell them you guys have got to make plays.

You cannot stand around there making plays.

We got to make some plays and stick.

I know you're impressed.

These guys are hanging over the rim just like you play the game.

Oh, you know it, baby.

I mean, I'm climbing over that thing.

Reminds me when I had those fresh legs that wasn't beaten up by working with Ball Park all those years.

Thank you.

Phil Southall.

In a ten point lead, they'll inbound and they'll go to banks and nice job by banks falling out of bounds he calls the timing.

I like that play out of the time out of the corner both Beal looking up hill he just threw it over the top he was putting him in.

You've got to front a player like him.

What jumps out at you initially?

Is this your first opportunity?

I think your second time that you've seen Vincent Banks up close and personal.

What comes out it's about him about him is just is is confidence.

I mean he's obviously in the two days that we've seen that when you pull up when you put you take a three pointer from about ten feet behind the line with his body on you, you know, I love his leaping abilities in the air very quick.

I like a great body control.

I like the exact I was going to say I like the way he settles his body once he gets up in the air to position himself.

You saw that little shot in the lane to create a little contact and then has that nice soft touch.

Hands are soft in terms of laying it up there.

And he plays with such supreme confidence, clearly looks to be the best player in the gym tonight.

Trent Pettway has shown some great defensive prowess, but yet to really get going offensively.

He, of course, is the other big gun on the bench in high school.

Best sideline South Atlanta inbounds.

See what they run out of the halfcourt set here and the ball deflected and stolen back to the way Keemo Speer he had a rough first quarter pull up three pointer no it's off rebound looks like a goaltending mistake Brown of had a molten ball they didn't call back the other way that seemed rather glaring right there Banks coming back the other way just shoot from anywhere hats off the mark rebound goes out of bounds It'll be Griffin ball and Ferris calls cannot be happy with that Looked like a missed call but these guys do a great job See this quickness for south Atlanta they're all on make you frantic Great job on the full court pressure he gets hit there and a blocking foul Donald Thomas taking it right to the bucket Kudos up Boro with the foul Couldn't make the dish I mean Boro great position where he could hurt comes right here he's got this somebody open on the weak side.

Well he couldn't make the dish conduced off Boro that's a name for sports in a bit of a scene where the ball goes outside deflected by banks.

Look at the athleticism there and falls on the ground and actually was knocked away by Monroe.

Christian and Banks ends up on the ground.

But Monroe Crichton is the gentleman that knocked it away.

The ball for the foul was Vincent Banks the first foul of the night Griffin inbounds they're down ten and Keemo Speer a little general trying to get things going J Brown loses the ball back the other way.

Oh great deflected pass back the other way Christian misses it and took home by Vincent Banks almost looked like a set by the zoning laws.

I thought he didn't kick on a mixing layup small intentionally out of control shot Brown though has the board up he can't hit down to go back out and he brings it back up and in the first quarter it really needs to settle his team down.

He's got to take it, maybe take a timeout.

And because they're excessive lenders is causing pandemonium out here and Griffin doesn't know how to react back there.

The way we look at the dunk and see there it was.

He didn't try to make it.

He didn't try to make it right.

And he laid that up.

Nice pass.

And Vincent Banks cut it home.

They lead by 1021 11 starting with it here, Jack, I've done a job on such wide open three nothing but air rebound five four Go to slam you watches Watkins with it back on the baseline South Atlanta with it another airball and it goes out of bounds It'll be south Atlanta ball couple of rough for Monroe Christian down there not able to connect from very far out These guys soar and they fly and they're just incredibly quick.

I'll tell you one thing about trying to play banks.

He will shoot it literally from anywhere.

I mean, he literally will see about ten feet outside that three point mark.

He has no conscience.

And I mean that in a positive way.

I mean, when you shoot like this kid does, he averaged 32 a game, You're going to you're going to highlight it for me.

He's a scorer.

I haven't seen anybody with this mentality since Dominique retired.

Yeah, great push off foul there.

I saw it.

And chemo scared him up.

He's a great victory for him.

You just get some satisfaction back because it's hard to beat him off the dribble about three times in that first quarter and Coach had to take him out.

He's come back and done a great job of beating him to the spot.

Michael Riddick saying, by the way, about this star, Vincent Banks, a wonderful personality, very low key, not a lot of bravado, total team guys.

And the leader clearly for South Carolina turnovers in the game South Carolina six with him five both teams playing a little bit tight great energy pass and peach driver lays it home and he's been driving in good form He's the leading scorer they're back with an eight 2113 biggest lead might have been ten zero had a break some press corps come back the other way and try to set things up Monroe Christian, when it goes back outside the banks banks being guarded by Donald Thomas but the it away Marcus smart way outside they can not shoot at him out there and rebound his five point it goes to chemo spear two steps on the line that's a bad turn of events other than Vincent Banks they really are struggling from outside, but they're not great students.

Oh, they're not a great team.

You're right.

Vincent Banks Is the perimeter threat as well as inside out the Griffins Oh, for five from beyond the arc in South L.A.. Two for 11.

Yeah.

And you know what those two are from?

I think it was Douglas.

Oh, yeah, Yeah.

Banks had a couple of one from Douglas for one.

Don't look Cordell Edwards running a little point guard there.

They'll go to banks, he'll look to get something going.

They throw a couple of bodies that fall away, three yards off the mark, rebound five, four, and he goes to the big guy, Brett, Pettway, Pettway, throw it away.

Great defensive pressure there.

And by the way, Savannah Watkins Junior lays it in great pressure, though, by Curtis O'Mara and back here to chase out the Atlanta again, there's just a lot of composure.

They don't know how to do.

They need to settle down.

They need to run some offensive sets and just settle down, just unbearable.

It just so happens, you know, the South Atlantic, they kept it in.

They kept the stat on the garbage game.

They get every garbage ball because their half court set is not been anything up tackling by any means in the game.

Now for Griffin, JT Nash, the senior, we'll see what he does.

He's a defensive specialist and he is right away on base overall with it in the late he makes it that's a pretty play out of the half court 2530 South Texas end court pressures just great athleticism The South Atlantic goes back the other way on grounds and you got to make that catch.

Jay Brown did not back the other way.

Vincent Banks with it.

Banks wants to look back to the left side.

It's knocked away actually in the corner.

Rebound missed on the three corner.

Good look and the layup is up an incomplete drive up they need it that one would have been 14 instead it's ten and the other way south Atlanta holding south Atlanta holding a ten point lead.

The Hornets up in the Bears need to stop need to get in a defensive rebound.

Sorry, get it stolen.

Here you go.

Go back the other way.

He drive a spin move.

He's fouled knocked to the turf seven You watch the great step out and he's not coming over to help him up either He says that's part of the game.

You go strong, I'm going to follow you strong and a big turnover the other way.

That's why this right here, you watch this trailer to play great spin move there on back and boom.

And you know, the South Atlanta's coming.

I mean, you're trying to create space.

You're trying to get the ball as quickly as possible.

You know, if I would coach this coach that first quarter coach of Michael Reddick, I would whistle all these guys with seniors and started college when they graduate.

I mean, this team, they're so athletic.

They are just absolutely fun to watch those Little League drivers start to settle down a little bit.

There's not that much going early on.

Carlos Mitchell in the game now for the Griffin High School Bears.

They went 27 and three in the first quarter, his first trip to the championship, ninth year with Griffin and in now careless turnover the other side and Griffin will hold the basketball They trailed by nine for 15 to go in and this is a48 championship It takes the Berlin ball back on TV.

Let's see what they get out of the half court set here to look for their big guys deflected away Watkins Watkins putting a hammer right there and I'm going to throw Donald Thomas the 511 senior on Griffin He's got to run dreidels they challenge every every ball look at it right there.

They don't let you get a shot at it.

You get a pass up it when you bring it up and look at it.

Big guys stepping by.

Dominique Wilkins in the house.

He's had his own moments.

Watkins, 35, to Dominique Wilkins joining us in the house.

Nick, how you doing, my man?

I don't think I don't know.

He's not turned up.

TURNER We'll get him fired up here in a second.

Second half, we'll talk to Nick one out of two there.

South Atlanta now leading it, 2517.

Dominique Wilkins sitting here in the booth.

We'll get to him in the second half and hopefully talk to him a little bit at half time.

Back the other way down the lane A for a championship.

They lead by eight banks double take it back out to side start with a back to back back from way outside Oh oh Vincent Banks putting on a show back the other way South Atlantic pressure comes up big this one Hill rebound rebounds off the mark this Harden with for all his quickness really does have a shot here we go Heat driver with a driver in the lane rebound his shot mystery back five four back the other way and Carlos Mitchell tied up there Griffin has had to change every shot going to the basket when they go to the basket.

South Atlanta challenges every shot and changes it.

Well, you know Jay Brown and the rest Pettway are big guys up front.

Here's a three pointer, by the way.

I just love watching Vincent Banks.

This is 33 on the night he now has 13 on a game.

See what Griffin get out of the halfcourt set again looking inside of their big guy Here's Pettway Pettway gets double on the baseline goes back outside drive away driver in the lane driver off the glass drive He's got to 2819 south Atlanta by nine 3 minutes to go first half field goal so far eight for 15 Griffin 12 for 28 South Atlantic That's the problem for Griffin who's got 15 shots off five banks gets hammered they caught the ball possession error will be south Atlanta banks doesn't ever say a word of the refs He just plays the guy plays his game with great calmness, great composure, great hustle guy as well.

And I don't believe he has said it yet either, because right here you see this timing, 2819.

Amazing.

Griffin only has 15 shots so far.

They've turned it over a bunch and the pressure has been immense.

Banks with it, offensive fouls are pushed off pushed off as he was coming through chance for Griffin to get with his 7 seconds maybe.

Yeah they shoot and they'll get a chance to get one in seven big crowded hours in the memorial Coliseum right there.

They're getting a treat with this game.

There's a huge crowd here.

It isn't a great to have it fall under these friendly confines.

One of the best small arenas in all of college basketball and host hosting high school championships this evening.

Team spirit, the line they will be shooting, I believe, one of the penalty shot has missed a battle with a rebound.

Go back the other way south Atlanta with it Nice about oh at the block that way way.

Wow And Zadan coming down a great look away pass to play here looking lovely looking a little slip out clean Brant Pettway is on those blocked shots banks with it go back outside they'll set up an offense banks hasn't had a double team shake sack great pass underneath fudge up and in Wow great presence by banks on a double throw another and laid it off Here comes the steal the other way through the legs He's got a shot It's up blocked again by Oh foul all of the reverse Pettway blocked it and fire Is there something later throw it in the second quarter both Michael Reddick his club's got it going on first balls going to tie up, trying to regroup.

Here he comes.

Right here.

Here's my drop.

Christian lays it up.

He gets blocked and look at him firing on the foul man.

Oh, man.

Brant Pettway.

He's going to Michigan and he is a premiere shot blocker that changes the game.

But here's the story by South Atlanta.

So much athleticism, too much quickness, too much getting after it.

And Griffin High School not seen composed.

They're a great basketball team and he's had some great moments this year.

Their finest moment clearly had not been in this first half.

How about Griffin As talented as they are, being 27 and three and not seeing a team like this league South Atlanta with this incredible quickness at the end?

They've got to be sharp.

They got to get it up to ten at the half five blocks already for Brant Pettway for three pointer driver backing deep to reverse drains it And there's that ten point number that at least Griffin like to get it on there and a great steal the other way he drives again up and he drive it five points in about 10 seconds but South Atlanta's lead is cut to eight 148.

To go back the other way, we got to hold back.

Breaking that full court pressure fouls the number five.

Rod Martin As the junior big run there go by Pete Driver behind need that to get back in the game down eight 127 to go in the half.

You know if they could get some composure in their own half court offense.

You know, South Carolina really had to run that much out of their own half court set.

He must be spinning them balls to take out of bounds.

Keemo really getting up in your job.

He's the young kid on Griffin High School and this Harden again, just breaking down the defense, just taking him off the dribble and it'll help you get the dish and you get a dunk.

Editor Sharon Martin in for Donald Thomas now for Griffin South Carolina leads by eight they'll inbound here five goes back on the baseline there to start it's time to bring it out and set it up south Atlanta trying to capture their first four eight championship thanks fall away no rebound goes back the other way to Griffin go try to set things up.

They got a break here.

They have numbers on the baseline.

Pettway, Pettway, fall away.

No rebound short goes to five Coaches start starting in trouble, gets hit from behind move and he kicks it back outside over back not inside the three side of the lane and up and in.

Wow.

Great shot from guns.

You see Brett Pettway coming up with a block inside goes right up and over him back there the way spears underneath ball's deflected it goes south Atlanta baseline shot up in a fly by Estrella Christian with the bucket Okwara with a very big presence inside He's not done made a muscle the junior six foot five but he is active and he is impressive.

He is a lean jumping machine and they're backed up by 12 and they're going to hold for one.

It looks like Griffin may just try to get in the locker room, keep this thing close, way outside.

Oh, man, Keep driving.

He here come alive late in the second quarter.

Nine point lead for South Atlanta, back the other way.

Ball deflected 15 leading score.

You start to see what he drives capable of.

Well, he realizes now that he's got to be the go to guy he's got he's not worried about anybody else.

Here it is right here from the wings.

Thought they were holding four one the way they set it up.

But again, 15 seconds left.

They've got it under ten.

And so Griffin very much in the game.

Look for them to run something for banks here out of the halfcourt for a championship South Atlanta grip and 3627 look at the three point field goal for south Atlanta All three of those, by the way coming from Vincent Banks, they've done a pretty good job with him.

He's got 13 in the game.

He averaged 32 on the year has got a little blood on him not hold it right here upgraded that top 12 from the rim Bam's going to say banging it off the board banging it on the rim.

Coming up don't forget the five eight championship Stephenson in Park field but you saw part three right that's Stephenson also I'll tell you like I said that's this team may be the best girls game that you're going to see all year.

It's only fitting it should have come in the five eight championship.

Let's see him try to run banks here if they can, out of the halfcourt.

Set 10 seconds to go.

Let's see what Vincent bank.

Oh that's almost half court and it almost went down as time of the clock stolen back the other way and a big turnover their turn of possession the half as well they like that because that's been the hole for them.

I mean them stealing the ball then getting easy meeting fouls Atlanta Hornets getting easy baskets, getting a lot off the garbage game.

Did you see where Vincent Banks dropped that thing from the feet?

A point?

I don't think Nick was even calling up.

No, no, no.

Nick had a conscience sometimes.

Yeah.

Vincent Banks pulled up from about 35 feet and then about 7 seconds on the clock.

As great as he is, that's not considered a good sign.

It wasn't time to get the rebound and dunk.

Yeah, rebound deflected thought four and we'll go to the half president hanging around It's been an exciting first half athletic exciting above the rim on the floor.

The for a championship of the boys live at Georgia Tech South Atlanta 36 Troy Griffin 27.

We're trying to get this looks like Michael Reddick head coach of South L.A. on his way off the floor.

We'll see if we got a shot to grab him.

And indeed, we do.

Let's go to Phil Proctor on our State Farm and show Mike what a display of athleticism.

And what are you guys going to do, if anything here?

Well, we're going to stick to the game plan that we have.

We got to run a little more offense than we were running, but I think we're doing it.

We did a decent job this half not as good as I hope, but we did a decent job.

Well, good luck in the second half.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

You're watching the GHC Basketball State Championships on TV.

And welcome back to the Alexander Memorial Coliseum in Atlanta.

There you see it's halftime for the boys.

48 championships south Atlanta leading 3627.

Driver has 17 for Griffin Banks, 15 for South Atlanta.

We go down stairs now to Phil Proctor and Philly.

It looks like you're with somebody that has played the game of football and you should be pretty comfortable during this interview.

Honey, what's really funny, Jim, is these guys are carrying on a great conversation.

And I'm hoping that right now, right now, we'll look out over him.

No, Lieutenant Colonel is Lieutenant Colonel Curtis Jones.

Yes.

Right.

And you are a 1972 graduate of Griffin.

I am graduated in 72 from Griffin High.

Okay.

What do you think about this whole thing right now?

This is fantastic.

Our team was in the final Four about four years ago, and now we're back trying to win the state championship after ten years.

We're having a good time.

And.

Griffin how's the community around?

GRIFFIN Man, what are you guys doing?

It's fantastic.

The support that we've received in this time has been amazing.

On Wednesday when we played, we had at least 3000 people that came up from Griffin.

So the community is really behind the team and we're just having a great time.

Now talk to me a little bit about the school itself and the academic program where part of the High School that Works Network, we just started a ninth grade academy and an advisor advisory program that really is doing a great job with our ninth graders.

You know, ninth graders have a hard time being successful in school.

We have a great cadre of teachers that have been there for a long time, and we're just having a great time seeing the success that we've started over the last three years.

You guys sound like you've got a lot going on down in Griffin and I wish you good luck in the second half, but now I have to turn it over to Ms.. Creasy.

Christmas South Atlanta.

And we were having an interesting conversation about the coach here and even the athletic program.

How involved are you with that?

I very much so.

First of all, I'd like to say that we are very excited to be here this evening.

It has been a very enjoyable season this year.

We are nine year old high school to community schools, merged and made us nine years ago.

Coach Reddick has been with us for four of those years and five of those years I've been principal and I recruited and brought Coach Reddick into our athletic program and I'm excited about the job that he's doing.

So not only are we the principal, but we do recruiting as well.

Talk to me a little bit about your academic program down there.

We are.

I have a student body of about 1300 students, and we are involved in two very nationally renowned reform initiatives, high schools that work, where our emphasis is bringing up the career education program to a higher level and integrating that with that academic program.

And we also, as of this year involved with the project grant, which is a K-through-12 initiative.

What connects us with our elementary schools, our feeder schools at the middle school level, and then my school, which is the high school, and the focus is preparing those ninth graders for graduation and ensuring them a scholarship if they reach certain criterias.

Well, we definitely appreciate it.

And good luck to both of you in the second half.

Jimmy, back up to you.

Thank you.

Phil, what a game it's been so far.

Griffin in South Atlanta.

Steak and ball.

You guys supposed to be having some fun with this one, considering the fact it looked like a track meet?

Track me We're one out, Jimmy.

We're one out from watching this game.

Just the south a little make you tired just watching us.

Yeah and and I think Brant Pettway is shown why he's considered one of the premier players in the state as well.

Five blocked shots.

Dominique Wilkins talking about playing above the rim nique.

You spent a little time up there.

How was it?

What's it like watching the high school kids get after it?

Well, first of all, the jerseys look a lot smaller, but it's good to see that type of energy, the energy you don't see on the professional level, that kind of energy.

But these guys, I hit this playing hard.

They playing hard, too, to get to that college level.

And that's to see these kids I had going at it, you know, and running up and down is fun to watch.

All right.

Let's look at some.

Tell me what you think as we read some stuff here from the first half south Atlanta going for the four eight championship right here at Georgia Tech.

And I imagine that's been the whole offense that with starting beating them off the dribble at point guards is absolutely excellent.

This drive in with the pass the way you know it's always nice to see your guards break people down and get into the paint and make things happen.

That's how you score a lot of the easy baskets.

That's what's been happening.

Nick of this game was played wonderfully well.

It's good.

Oh, a bundle.

I thought a few in high school scored a few.

Does this remind you of your high school career?

Defensive back?

Yeah.

You know, it brings back memories.

You know, the high school team I played on with a very big high school team.

I think I average high that guy was six four.

So they had a very big driver right there.

What about the three point line, Nick?

How much when did your range develop more?

And we'll talk about that in a second here.

The stats 11 for 19 for Griffin, 16 for 37.

Both.

That's a set.

I said 18 more shots for South Atlanta.

Then Griffin rebounds 29 south Atlanta and turnovers are about even three point at south Atlanta.

We're shooting anywhere decent from three, maybe up 20 in this game.

They just could not get any shots off.

We'll take a break.

We'll come back.

Dominique Wilkins still hanging out with the boys.

Steak SHAPIRO and Po Box live at Alexander Memorial Coliseum, South L.A., 36, Griffith, 27, broadcast of USA Basketball on TV is made possible in part by the following corporate partners.

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You're watching TV bringing you the best.

You're watching the GHC basketball state championships on TV, TV's coverage of for a high school basketball, the championship game between South L.A. and Griffith continues here, a state Super Bowl box and a very special guest.

Yeah, he had a few moments over his days.

Dominique Wilkins sitting in as well.

And just talking about high school basketball and talking about your nephew Damien, who of course, had a great, great high school career as well.

Yes, it is.

Yes, it did nothing like the energy around the high school game.

Like you said, their bodies flying all over the court.

I mean, you guys pick up full court on the whole game.

I mean, it's like nonstop energy.

We won't ask.

We're going to inbound.

Yeah, Griffin's going to inbound here.

They trailed by nine.

They got something going late, though.

And it was that man, Pete Driver, who did it inside Pettway turnaround jumper and it rolls off the mark.

Rebound fought for underneath putting it in and that's Jay Brown the six 6 to 707.

But they made a concerted effort to go to Pettway.

That's right.

Well, let's see him on the put post.

That's a tough shot for Pettway.

They've fallen away as big as he is, it's still a tough shot.

Let's see what happens in the half court.

We'll get some stats in the first half continuing as as the night progresses.

Three pointer wide open.

It's off the mark, rebound up and in and they lost they lost Vincent Banks and Vincent bank at throw to the court and a foul Griffin will turn it over Vincent Banks cannot leave the number one player on the court open for a little put back three footer and then throw him to the turf after what.

Leo And on the hardwood I should say, they've had every every offensive point file just totally your own their offensive boards.

Oh look a little bit of a dive maybe, but yet he tripped a little banks with it looking inside him take another base five double team Nice pass to the big guy Ogbonna and then throw it back the other way Driver with it Driver up in hand looked like banks may get a little tired after the first three possessions.

There and back the other way.

South Atlanta.

He started so quick over the dribble.

If he could develop an outside shot, he would be sensational hits it banks with it.

That's it.

Bank All right Vincent Banks going left Vincent Benkert fouled and he'll shoot three on the arm That's a bad foul Nick They foul you out there They're giving you, they're giving you a gift.

I think the thing is you never found jump shooter that far away from the floor.

You know, if he takes up that little pick your side with the hand.

And especially when you go up, I mean you look at his legs anyway, if they just if he didn't even use his arms there, he just uses his body that don't look exactly right.

Nick seven Leonard has been so quick that Griffin's totally taken out of their game.

They want Griffin playing anxiously.

But what I'm seeing now is that they're back for people putting a lot of pressure on their guards, making them make tough passes, take tough shots.

And when you got guards with pressure like that, that makes it often tough.

On inside players.

Who's the quickest guy you ever played against the NBA?

The quickest guy to put the two guys?

Well, the guy who got hurt early in his career was Rob Foster when the quickest he was hit.

Yeah, yeah, probably.

But when I played with when to put these guys in Bobby, nobody could cut his butt off the dribble.

Nobody got off the dribble.

And probably, believe it or not, Isaiah Thomas Phenomenal quickness 302 out of three no goes three straight for Vincent Banks That is an absolute killer for Griffin as he tried to get back in the game 4131 they had it to seven.

Now it's ten back the other way Pettway can't hold on balls out of bounds and he it will be Griffin ball 4130 when they're hanging around hanging around ball 18 less shots in the first half now Thomas with a great delivery to Pettway Pettway wasn't ready for a steal by banks unselfish back back the other way started with it up and miss it rebounds by four and they got numbers the other way Good foul by Vincent Banks because they had four on one going the other way and they got to find a way to convert that a three on one break to deliver that bad turnovers two in other hands and he makes telegraphed passes here corner when you got that much traffic in the corner you know you got to swing the ball to the other side of the floor That's a careless pass no doubt it comes Kimo spirit looks like Spud Webb out there There's their shooter shot is off the mark Rebound fastball goes to Sylvania Watkins gives it back up to side to side of things across the court.

South Atlanta leads by ten 6 minutes to go Quarter number three for a championship box.

Take SHAPIRO and Dominique Wilkins hanging out with you back the other way.

Spears with the steal, Spears lays it up and misses the body.

But there is a peak driver to lay it in.

It's now an eight point game.

It will zone full court pressure.

Too much triple by side goes right through the zone though how they got number.

He's got to give it up, man.

Got to give it up, Sarge.

Stay with it, Sarge.

Stay with it.

Turns it over.

That's careless, guys.

And too much.

Too much ball handling.

Nice.

Yeah.

Private.

Back the other way.

And he's fouled hits banks has three Marcus Smart in is 0 to 5 guys and just fell in love with watching himself with the basket much every one to make it the incredible dish it is yeah you know you got to you got to push that the big guy coming down Yeah that must it you know the great point guards know you're big guys down the other way.

Go order.

Take care.

You got to reward him because he can play that much harder for you.

He had a few guys over the years.

Awards.

You're pretty good.

Oh, yeah.

Doc Rivers.

Rivers.

But with Randy Wittman, guys, keep you happy.

That's gone.

Chris For a year.

Charlie Cook for you forgot about Charlie.

Yeah, that was early on.

I can't remember that far back.

Nine 4135 Good offensive 24 of Griffin's 35 points for Pete Driver right now he's been the only thing really going offensively back the other way.

Griffin is within six at banks that's three fouls in double team he wants his shot great defense turns it over the away pickup truck driver with a terrific to get with him for Griffin on the baseline Griffin knocked out of bounds go back out now to Brown Brown's upset yes Shea Brown it Griffin's with it for me I thought he should have pulled it out with you.

I thought it was.

Yeah.

But he would pull it out and set something up.

But hey, when you got it going, no.

Oh, he got the great back.

Okay.

That's right.

He's one of the state's premier players, Vincent Banks.

His team's in trouble.

His team's a little bit helter skelter.

Reds a great backdoor cut.

They find him three point play.

Nick, How about his ability to hang and create in the air?

Here he is right here.

Watch this.

He goes up, hangs and creates in the air.

What I like about that is that he's learned early how to use his body as a shield to score and get the free.

And a lot of young guys not at that level yet That's why he so good.

Just try to explode to the bucket.

Not realize you hang up a little bit there and try to use your backside away from the they don't want that type of contact.

Vincent Banks getting it going now as well seven point game Cole court pressure here Nice cross court pass driver with it drivers on fire he's got 24 pass inside Parkway Yes Brett Pettway there with his five more full court press It Watkins you don't want him carrying the ball across the way little fumble there it's out of bounds.

The pressure was pressure on the ball.

Griffin's playing more up.

They finally settled into some type of rhythm, that rhythm that they're comfortable with.

I can tell you that Michael Reddick is not happy with the way that South Atlanta has gotten careless here early in the second half.

4439 Griffin High School, 27 and three, South Atlanta 30 and 1 to 4 championship at Alexander Memorial Coliseum on TV.

This one looks like it's going to be a humdinger.

Full court press.

He got a nice trap there.

Keemo Spears gets out of the prison, across the timeline, goes off on the baseline wide open three yes foul Thomas delivers It's like 8442 Great shot by Spears breaking the press and setting up his guy for a three and Vincent Banks on but back to the line but that's a foul outside so you can't make phantom steals in the back court like that but don't have too much pressure when you play five on four.

Exactly.

Nice nice rotation and nice delivery on that three South Atlanta only leading by two.

And that's number 14.

Carlos Mitchell just ran over Vincent Banks.

Griffin on a 13 to 4 run.

They led by 11 at the half.

They lead by nine.

Now they lead by two now.

Yep on a big run.

Let's see what they get out of halfcourt here.

South Atlanta, only one loss this year looking to capture their first state championship.

It was that to the Hawks I don't want to go there the Hawks Joker getting it so here but I won't do that.

But Dominique said if it had something to do with who'd win if they play, I'm not going to say it.

I'm just kidding me.

This good you for I love you guys, man.

We've heard it all this year.

I'm sure you heard it all.

And I would say unheard of fisher things are not an easy year.

Not easy at all.

All right, let's see what we got outside here.

South Atlanta.

Here's Banks.

He wants to move that dish it looks like Might been a travel and it was neat.

Good dish there.

He's going to go up for the.

What do you think?

Well, I think you have to go up with it because it's too much traffic in there.

So you to go up.

He tried to draw some contact and get a foul.

Yeah, he's right in the lane.

He's in the lane with a free kick.

Nobody's got an offensive foul on in there.

You got to go up with it.

Spears with the steal they got number guy the way again.

You got number driver to the baseline Nice head fake up and in he's got 26 He driver says I'm the best player on the court tonight and it's a tie ballgame tie it out Michael Riddick it was an 11 point halftime lead and the grip it high school bears it comes storming back he drive it his senior 26 of the 44th leading scorer and he's their go to guy of course Pettway is there that was their go to guy driver is their leader and the leading scorer.

He has brought them back.

We hope he's enjoying this broadcast of the Georgia high school class for a state championship.

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Nick Pettway Kids going to Michigan had that happen.

I don't know.

How do you get out of Georgia?

I don't know you Well, you know, thank you.

At least give us a look down here.

Georgia You know, I asked about Vincent Banks, by the way.

He was not committed anywhere.

Georgia is only looking for big guys.

That's what they heard.

Coach Tarik.

Georgia Tech call.

You took a look at him.

But again, they don't have any scholarships over there either.

So both these kids are playing out of state.

He's got he's going to be pretty good Once you fill out and learn the game.

He's going to be a pretty good one.

44 All South, Linn and Griffin, let's see what they can get going here with Vincent Banks is concerned Kordell Edwards in the game as well banks now trying to get off the dribble.

He's really far from the basket nice little pump fake goes left go pull up jumper come in and out Pettway with the rebound pretty good look all things considered by Vincent Banks created that hole Yep opportunity peach driver with the ball he's got 26 and he is on a tear and there's 3 minutes left in the third.

Ball's deflected away Banks looking for go back the other way Here comes banks Great little dish inside sarge up and in Marcus started on the pass from Vincent Banks back the other way back up again that's the driver he's got 2846 to base so now that they'll set the halfcourt offense that's Kordell Edwards pulling up for the jumper That's not the shot they want back the other way Griffith touchdown pass by the great pass back inside by the freshman though they blow a great opportunity there Well great started here He's got banks on the wing starting with a he'll pull up 15 in and out rebound five for those two Pettway go back the other way you to give it to Jay Brown Jay Brown with the dribble sweet pass Here's that hot man right there.

Yes he drives the 31 and Griffin lead by three.

This kid has got a game being a man he's got it going.

He going to him and has no fatigue at all.

So draining it when he too young to get tired.

Yeah.

Vincent Banks Now we'll see if he can settle his pump down.

They got an 11 point lead.

They trailed by three starting in the post now back and try to block the second half of the night but Pettway great block back the other way.

Give it up.

Give it up in the lane left He follows Thomas on that one crossover dribble throws him and then at the left hand scoop this place is going bananas.

Griffin was down 11 at the half during a 16 point run.

This is totally different team attitude one that didn't think it was capable of doing that.

Look at this crossover dribble go with the left hand the scoop to Duke right there baby Yeah he made the shot but you know he would have much had a much easier play for the guy on his right this a dish off for easy layup but hey he made the shot You know they used to say that No no no no yes might for though I had to shoot the ball It's one of those coaching things.

No, Nic No, no.

Good shot.

Good shot.

Good job.

Oh, Mike.

Mike, you know, he like pulling his hair out with Vegas.

It goes down south, Atlanta down five here, not face this kind of adversity all year.

And they react to adversity on baseline Saka for three that's No.

One not a that's shot and that's not the shot that he's making.

You see, if he had an outside son, he may be the best point guard in the south.

The thing is, you had that panic starting to set in.

Now, they haven't made a three point shot other than Vincent Benke there about, if I'm not mistaken, about three for 22, three for 23.

Something just got off outside.

They were three for 18 at the half.

They've made another couple, they would have been up about 17 and now they find themselves down five great half court pressure stolen away, their hearts away in the game Now look to go outside five is going to get doubled to the post go back outside Gibson banks for three no rebound by force close to Carlos Mitchell Mitchell's in trouble Mitchell trying to get to the point guard he can't back the other way and when it was going to travel Oh let that low Let that one go great at that one go.

I mean, they worked too hard to get that ball back.

Looked to me like it was very, very close on that back the other way.

Here comes Griffin and knocked down to the for the hardwood is Brandon Gaston right field goal percentage second half Griffin 77% actually had 58% in the first half but a minimal amount of shots.

At 50 shots, they were eight for 15.

Meanwhile, at the half south, Atlanta had 37.

I've never seen that before.

They had 18 more shots in the half baseline.

Three pointer looks about an issue.

Not a good self driver was feeling it, but that didn't happen.

Banks back the other way banks really going to try to go to work here.

Oh pull up three and Allen run rebound for your side and again the $3 right there for him you got to sit and the shot wide open though he's got point guard back the other way so Oh good shot blocked by Fox here comes back back behind and back back to the basket pick block Carlos Mitchell blocked the shot.

Great.

BLOCK Wow, that's a great block.

Banks going coast to coast.

He looked like he was going to throw that sucker.

Here it is.

Great.

BLOCK by fudge there, guys.

Now watch Vincent Banks here goes behind the back and looks like he's going to explode And just a clean block there.

Kimo Spears with a rock.

23 seconds left in the quarter.

They lead it by five.

The hole for one, a great, great quarter for the Griffith Bears.

And that man, Keith Driver, who's got 20 is got 31 on the night, nine on the clock.

Ball's turned over, out of bounds.

Looks like he got hammered there.

Kimo Spear looked like Carlos Coto caught out Edwards camera but no call.

The referees are letting him play a little.

Yeah.

Atlanta's got so much quickness that you can't see anything.

Griffin is trying to do.

You can't see them getting it to set it.

Exactly.

It just totally disrupting them.

Let's see what Vincent Banks does here with 6 seconds left.

He's missed, I think his last five shots back the other way.

A body now, two, three they got and that's it.

It's all terrific.

Third quarter.

You're watching the GHC basketball state championships on TV.

Griffin leading south Atlanta, 5146 at the four a championship in Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

If it's not sold out it's about as broken You get eight 9000 people stake.

SHAPIRO Bobak and Dominique Wilkins, let's go to fill Proctor on the sideline.

All right.

We're talking about Anders rocket in this place, and it's just like a heavyweight fight.

I mean, this is like the rope a dope.

These guys have been running like greyhounds for three quarters.

It'll be interesting to see who never no place to finish the game.

Thank you.

So, Crawford Heat driver 12 for 1830 points.

Vincent Banks, seven for 1621 points.

I don't think you find a better high school quarter than that last time.

Oh no, that was a great comeback.

Rape in 26, a three point field game, college football.

It's just been it's just been horrendous.

I three makes it for Vincent Banks and he just shot it.

Well to play back the other way Edwards up and no they do that by jumping in though he's been a nice piece off the bench has been easy off Wiggins up the air that way had positions but they reacted more quickly George Fudge gets him within three back outside Pettway the big guy good press you know run the offense take a little halfcourt trap at the top of the circle there back inside Pettway pull up jumper No it's off rebound five four.

Fudge Lost it Edwards with it Downcourt Cross way another three.

This one's going to go No he's missed about five in a row, guys, and they're going to look first.

He needs a layup move to live to get his rhythm back and a couple of layups that jumps out becomes easy.

He doesn't have any rhythm from the perimeter ball.

Go back outside.

That would have been a big three.

They would have tried to follow that loose, got about down to go see The bounce pass of that thing is when you get in traffic like that, you can't make them not going to pass right now.

You got to take care of the ball specially in a championship type of atmosphere.

Ordinary teams that need to do that.

It is a big game and these guys are in there just getting after it a little bit sloppy.

Them.

So they're used to both these teams.

5148 Griffin By three 7 minutes to go live here at Georgia Tech's Alexander Memorial Coliseum South Atlanta led 11 at the half a huge run by Griffin in the second half.

They have been led by Pete Driver back outside banks where the banks in the lane back up and wow that's nice warm up offense he's just sort of in his hands He's got a lot of talent.

Yeah he does.

Vincent Banks for 23 hours and then within one you knew Sutherland had to make a run at end of the quarter.

Came at a good time.

They settled offensively down a little bit.

Here's driver.

He loses the ball, goes out of the wing wide open three made one already From there it's in and out.

Ibarra back to side sergeant No numbers here.

He's going to pull this sucker out back to back banks who wants a shot back now two side wide open for three He's going to make one of those four Is he coming in outside here?

Yes he can open.

Look, we've got to shoot it here.

The point guard, he's made those before.

If he had an outside shot to be one of the final point in to see a nice four, but you can't leave a guy wide open and not have to take the shot.

Well, yes, I agree with you, Card with you.

That's what Griffin's doing.

They're not worried about the someplace else, for it's all said and done.

He's going to make a huge three times out of the game right now.

This is worse.

Atlanta's is a little bit better.

He's still talking.

He is down over there on the bench.

You see him way outside, in and out.

The driver.

Here comes banks.

The other way, chance to take the lead for South Atlanta on the baseline.

Another three No, they're three for 32.

I think they're up and in breaks out with the offensive forward.

I'd like to see stats in their offense.

I think they're fantastic So I think they're three for 31 to 3.

I'll play in a second.

He's been a nice addition off the bench.

Yeah.

Yeah.

But the nice play trouble the other way That's brown running jump.

That's a nice move nice for a66 sophomore Jay Brown Griffith 53 South Atlanta 52 defensive backs the other way in the lane That's a travel there have been travel and missed that one guys nobody's on the ball his hands he goes from the top down on the floor that's a travel and right 5352 Griffin with a one point lead Pretty nice move there by a kid who looks a little bit like the last one back here by 966 off yeah you could say took a little bit of baby fat around him He's only a sophomore a couple of years.

He's got to fill this out a little bit.

He's got to be tough, grab some Saran wrap around him when he goes down.

It takes.

Yeah, I've heard you do that right off this.

Come right off.

How big is that way?

The guy for Griffin.

Yeah, but it's not that way.

Six 944 blocks this year.

Going in Michigan with Tommy Bazemore to remind everybody that Friday night at 730 it's Georgia's longest running high school sports and academics program prep sports, plus some of the most to athletes athletic programs and so much more.

That's prep sports plus Friday 730.

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But back underway here, south Atlanta down one 516 to go.

Banks likes the ball at that part of the floor even though right or left depending on the defense plays a beat driver on him gets a screen last drive it with him outside drive is going to be exhausted.

I know he's a young guy, but he is he has made it happen.

He looks he's stand up straight on defense sometimes at the side of a guy who's tired and that's a foul.

That's a foul rise.

Heat driver.

Absolutely.

Body knocked him off his feet, bumps him out off the floor, and he's going to make that call and he stands straight up defensively for Vincent Banks.

It's a great opportunity.

Here.

We go back the other way.

Kimo Spears off to Pettway.

That's a tough shot.

Rebound fight for those defensive backs.

He double team in the back foot needs help here from his guard.

This has got to take it himself, cross the tie by.

He's got to get that ball up, got to get that ball up back the other way.

And Griffin throws it away now, Grant, pandemonium getting too much in a hurry to slow it down.

You get double by two big guys.

Are you going to beat the double with the dribble?

Well, the point is, but once you start dribbling, you're better off just throwing that pass.

You got two guys on.

Surprised.

This is the third shots out the lane ahead to take the lead.

And you could see, well, they're being more patient.

Watch them in the offensive end here.

Michael Redick talking to his young star Vincent Banks and saying settle down, settle down.

That's a tough three outside.

Yes.

And they needed that one by the end.

Monroe Christian they junior they are now four for 32 from three back in a way back makes a mistake on the defensive end Yeah that was a big three That was that long range Lauri averages those 30 couple I've got to go.

I made a big look at the range right here brings that baby days on end and averaging five points a game so that is a big three 5553 in the fourth championships takes the Pro Bowl back at Dominique courtside at Georgia Tech is crowd away from the basket Look at a cross court that's a wide open straight no back rim and rebound five for forest Pettway comes out better to be lucky that good so you take that blue yeah that's one of those you don't have to work for 55 off 345 to go side with it.

Great matchup Sergeant Spear out at the point look at spear trying to match up with Sark looking for a screen nice crossover dribble throws it up no good He's struggling to shoot the ball but there's Kemba Spears he releases and oh he traveled look right up and he waits for the big guy They went with it I think he might have blocked that if he did go straight up with Yeah the point thanks with it Bryan another three to run off deflected it goes out of bounds Pettway had it and it's knocked out of bounds by south Atlanta.

The problem started is he lost his protection He goes by Spears excuse for trouble for the layup on the other end.

Katsande was not there any more and nobody came back to cover the back court.

Pettway Up top 303 to go underneath, Tries off the glass.

No good.

Oh, wow.

And that's that kid Jay Brown again he driver kind of a wild shot off the window and Zach Brown again the sophomore lays it in, gets hammered.

And that is a big kick start for Jay Brown.

He had no way to go in that, but they got lucky on that.

Yes, 3 minutes to go so far.

GRIFFIN Up by two.

GRIFFIN Up by four, rather.

That's a big possession for him.

Vincent Banks has got another run in him, guys, but his high school career could come to an end with bitter disappointment in this for a championship game is going to be a heck of a 3 minutes where's he going to school has not made up his mind yet and a lot of they they eliminated the recruiting process early this season.

They said it was too big a distraction.

They told all the schools to make a decision after the season.

Oklahoma and South Carolina recently making phone calls.

A couple of pretty good coaches there, Dave Odom and Kelvin Sampson, Jay Brown with a big foul shot to make it a five point game.

Yes, he's got a heck of a second half.

And Marcus Smart has really, really struggled, guys Banks Sam crossover dribble votes in the lane lays it up and in Oh that was pretty nasty He got great body control again his body control better than anybody on the court So clear such a clear score almost stoic that way lose it to Brown Brown wants it locked here by but right about inside up and in play made by Pettway Simmons to the man underneath he driver again charged with a very athletic play on the block.

And it goes back the other way at South Atlanta down by five.

And he got a gimme call there, baby.

A makeup court has handed the ball.

Can't do that 17 foul play banks perfect on the line so far tonight.

Here's the basket guys.

Brown gets blocked they call him down Driver Providence throws it in the problem when you go and leave your feet and you're one of the big guys that ball can end up in somebody else's hands here in the air.

Right.

There's nobody there to block.

That's a big 14. game, big shot.

26 for Vincent Banks, 32 for Pete, driving, four point lead for the Griffin Bears.

Vincent has got it.

They'll run a one.

They run a zone full court press.

They break it with ease back the other way.

Griffin Off the window.

It's up and in He gets a big shot tonight.

Donald Thomas there a lot of confidence taking it to the rack 213 to go south down five a huge possession here they call game Sardi's double break the press get to the bank banks wants to go to the hole banks looking outside to seat from there if he needs go back outside it's all on Vincent banks right here driver Otto knocked away by drive banks with it.

You watch the call pull up three No gets his own poor up gets hit and hits it Great body control although he does a triple play he has no fear.

He goes in and creates the contact.

If they think if they miss on that possession, don't get it back.

You're in trouble now.

It's a three point game 129 to go brown with an up top over the baseline to Thomas back outside Brown with Brown a big pull up jumper Yes Jay Brown the six six sophomore and he has simply made big bucket after big bucket and that right there with the biggest Griffin by five yards three bucket by really interesting about himself Sutherland was totally in control of his game here you see Brown right here boy he's got a nice touch He seems like Vincent Banks does not have a lot of guys to go through right now other than trying to create himself.

That's right.

There's only so much the guy can do.

South Atlanta was totally in control of this game.

Griffin found A way to get close take ball he get in and you think he's just not not smart playing the part of South Atlanta with Sartin taking the swim in the shower for 32 303, still 33.

And he's not Nick He's you can see his jumps that he doesn't have a jump shot all of his like his little foot shot.

Yeah.

I got a four for 34 from three.

I mean, well, you're the head coach, Michael Riddick.

You watch the game film.

What are you going to say?

I mean, wide open.

Yeah.

Again, I'm not telling you the market size.

You can light it up by you, but you got high school kids a I mean, he scored 150 points at one point.

I was the coach.

You know, he he runs a program over there which I think he thinks he'll you work hard guard and works as hard as anybody is as talented with the rock, with his handles as anybody that I've seen.

He's got great quickness off the dribble, but he just can't shoot it and Coach lets him shoot it.

That's a reward for playing hard.

That's him in tonight.

But he averaged 14 a game on the season on the back the other way banks banks his double triple blows legs goes to the hole he gets it man Oh man he's something to well he had four guys sniping at it maybe cramping up.

He okay he's playing a lot of minutes.

Haven't come out of the whole game.

He's going through the whole team right there, too.

He's right.

There is.

He's before it's all said and done, Marcus.

So he's going to have a look at it.

Three.

That's going to mean a lot in this game.

I just haven't seen Vincent Banks gets that with the ball.

He gets sideways, he goes to cracks, he fails over people.

I guess one of the reasons he has not been as highly recruited, maybe a little small, maybe athletically, doesn't jump out of the gym.

He's not really a big body, but man, does he know how to score right around his average 32 a game.

Now he's got 29 and they trailed by four.

They may have to start the foul.

That may be a guy to do it.

BROWN The big guy, he's got a great handle for a guy.

Six six sophomore goes outside Keno Spears and they foul right here and try to force effective banks looked like he got hit here by Oh man Oh look like driver him it looks like banks had a still found outside got for the lead guys they've done a great job the official tonight they let him play but it looks like Vincent Banks had the turnover of this guy.

Yeah that's his third foul.

So he does have four of them.

But he should not be the one doing the foul.

Absolutely not.

First of all, the guys running all over with somebody run up there.

Slap Keemo Spears already averaged three points a game on the season and is 31 for 50 from the line so not a great foul.

Sure he's in a one on one down by four he missed it somebody had it oh up in it and that's the story right there six point game so garden gets it start back the other end a thousand Lakers in deep trouble looks like Griffin in for south and then he's playing the way Griffin played in the first half They are out of control and they're unfortunately Vincent Banks having a foul and it's not what you want guys you got to have somebody else step and foul.

I want to see a replay on that steal.

I don't know what happened.

Anthony had them destroying it down.

He didn't have it above his head so far with the board.

And you're right.

That's why you bring it up.

All right.

Vincent Banks says he did have the £4 here, and that's why he said, why is he fouling comedy?

You can't have the star foul of this no time.

You got to have it in about 15.

Confound the star guy.

You make sure that he's in a position to make the big shot.

He'll have opportunity, make a big shot into the game.

Pete Driver has been the story for the MVP of this ball game with big bucket after big bucket, 33 points, four feet driving.

Griffin ready to pull the upset I'm amazed.

$30 for driver going foul on the clock up five with a cross the time by fierce Marcus Smart for three another Miss Ball's deflected Griffin has it they may try to run this out 23 seconds and they have had a phenomenal second half and we got problems up in the stands.

You want to be careful about that throwing bottles.

That's crazy.

That's that's really stupid.

A lot of police officers there to make sure things quiet down considerably.

Police Armstrong south Atlanta trailing by eight and both a phenomenal job in the second half by this Griffin club They knew they could have been down a lot more given the first half they played and they just came out, seized the opportunity, amazed by the outcome, considering the way the first half went and the fact that South Atlanta was totally in control.

Pete Driver stepped up and really made an impact.

It was his five point run late in that first half that kept him close and he hit the three and then he hit another shot.

And that really was the difference.

And keep it in the round.

And then the second half he got hot and Griffin is got to win a championship behind a very impressive group, the first championship of first class class.

Go back the other way.

Brown lays it in 17 to go south, Atlanta down ten, another three, and it's in and out.

That's been the story.

BROWN When he gets fouled, let this team play itself out and let the fans go home on both sides.

South Atlanta and Griffin now for what has been a great for a championship and win with Griffin will take it home They were 27 and three on the season behind Ferris ball.

They've had a great run in the postseason.

Now empty their bench.

They'll take hold before it happens.

It was just a fantastic, fantastic win for Griffin.

We talked about the great sports legacy and traditions that they have at Griffin South Atlanta, trying to build that certainly with the season that they've had 30 and one now 30 and two, it's been an unbelievable run for South Atlanta.

What a dynamic team they are.

What a fun team they are to watch.

Early risers are very, very good.

Come back to their outstanding comeback.

That was fun.

That was fun.

Vincent Banks, the warrior, he's got his head in his hands over there at the end of the bench, had a phenomenal senior season has great moments ahead of him.

Just not enough help tonight for Vincent Banks.

3 seconds to go this a run out and Griffin is good for a championship and they do it in a manic fashion.

Brett Pettway with the ball running around and a phenomenal effort and congratulations to the Griffin High School Bears.

The final score live from Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

Griffin, 72, South Atlanta, 62.

The team exchanged pleasantries and Vincent Banks inconsolable on his bench there.

The Griffin team going over to congratulate him and show good sportsmanship as he is on the end of the bench.

They're really feeling it, not able to bring his team back.

Well, he left it all on the floor, His thing.

I mean, he gave me everything.

He had me I mean, great.

He's a great player.

I think he will have a great college career.

He the winning is a winner.

Yeah, but take it upon himself.

He had more guys, his game.

Griffin had more guys.

It seemed like they offensively could get it done in this game with the guys in the first half and played a pretty decent first half, really didn't give them much in the second half, right?

He didn't have he didn't have help He had make makes you take it on his shoulder.

They had a little bit of a burst of but off the bench the junior but Marcus Smart really struggled Yeah basketball was the final score 7 seconds here to give the bears are four age champions this year box dominates Griffin it was lecture pleasure lots more great action tonight that was fun to watch that game in right now I'm going to send it up to the gym gymnasium.

All right.

Thanks, Bo.

So there you have it.

Griffin Down by nine at the half a 24 to 10 run in the third quarter and they win this thing final, 7262 over the South.

Atlanta Hornets for Steak.

SHAPIRO Ball by Phil Proctor object tonight.

Your thanks for joining us in the parade boys basketball championship.

Coming up next, it's the five day Girls championship between Stevenson and Parkview.

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