He's going coast to coast, clear the runway.

He's coming in.

It's a slam dunk for to pull up from three to watch this guy go for drive and backs it in and gets it from the Macon Coliseum in the making center, flex it as the last game of day one of championship weekend here on the great GPB.

It is the boys class quad championship the Jonesboro Cardinals coming in at 26 and six set a region for going up against the Columbia Eagles coming in at a region six.

For the record of 28 and four.

Good evening and thanks for accessing us however you are doing so, whether it's on GPB TV.

Borger The GPB sports app.

I'm Jon.

This is Shawn.

And when we talk about these two particular squads that are going up for the championship tonight, Dan Mailman has been a coach at Jonesboro for a long time.

He's been an assistant there was there with Tony Douglas.

Harry Douglas has been coach for a while chasing after that first title.

And both he and Columbia's Cory Sandifer are looking to put their stamp on these programs.

Both coaches are going through the same type of nerve racking that right now internally because they both want that first state championship under their belt.

Somebody has gone home with a victory and someone's going home with the start of something special in their coaching careers.

All right, Let's talk about the new Kids on the BLOCK, Jonesboro.

And it's not often that we focus on a freshman when it comes to our player to pay attention to tonight.

But we're going to do it right now.

James Walker, you're right.

He's a freshman averaging close to 20 points a game, has a high IQ, according to his coach, an amazing young talent.

He has a bright future.

James Walker, you see the numbers right there.

We want to talk about a freshman.

That's definitely one to pay attention to.

The flip side on Columbia, time to talk about Uncle Mo.

Maybe it's going to come in.

Morris Rivers.

Well, going to Rice University.

This young man does two things scores inside, scores outside scores with the basketball rebounds as well, too.

It's going to be fun watching him compete here in his last game.

Let's see your career averaging a double double on the year.

Columbia get starters, your starting five brought to us by our Friends and Regions Bank.

It's time to expect more.

T.A.

Puckett His first year on the varsity.

He has come up huge.

We saw Maurice Rivers there in the open there, guarded by Rice and Singleton.

Anderson Cooper Now the flip side, Jonesboro, a lot of young kids, they had to replace nine for this roster, Wade Donaldson, Tracy, Hector T-Mac, as they call him, on campus, and James Walker Junior.

Let's talk about the keys to the game brought to us by our friends at the technical college system at Georgia Tech.

Learn more, Earn more, first with the burrow.

Hey Jones, for a young team, have fun.

Their coaches put no pressure on them.

Just play relaxed and have fun the entire game.

And the flip side to the folks who've been here before looking for Title six, defend and rebound more X and those with this more seasoned veteran Taylor from Columbia.

But push the ball They love transition They want to score in transition as much as possible.

So let's see who gets to dictate tempo.

And there's Cory Sandifer right there.

Long time to cap county coach, but he is an alum of Northeast Macon.

This is a homecoming for Cory Sandifer.

He's coached at Stevenson Stone Mountain Lakeside to Cab now at Columbia to go with Northeast Macon.

He is the head coach of Columbia.

Now, the flip side, Dan Mailman, graduate of Cincinnati Moeller, assistant coach in the early 2000, in the late nineties, he is now the head coach has been so for a decade and he's more nervous than his kids are.

Yeah, when you've got a young team and when you led by freshman John, you're right the team is very relaxed but the coach probably had to sleep all week long.

What's the phrase?

If you can keep your head about shoes while those around you are losing theirs, then you will be a man, my son.

There you go.

Let's see who ends up doing that way Tonight, Jonesboro, The eyes of a freshman shall lead them and have done so into the title game.

We'll get to the road to Rudyard Kipling.

Thank you.

Kevin Barnes.

I was wondering where that was.

Yeah, that's why we have Kevin here and your tip is underway.

Last title decided for a fourth here in Macon on making Madness Day one of three championship for a fifth game.

GPB is going to have him for you all weekend long and it's a pleasure to bring it to you.

However you are accessing this Columbia working the perimeter, the big guys stuffing it for Jonesborough entry pass inside, reverse up and in for the first two of the game.

Deshawn Cooper with the first bucket for Columbia.

Just good ball movement good patience Cooper getting a good pass inside finishes the two D Mack for the cardinals trying to find an opening does nearside Austin Donaldson back out to Mack three man game up high Anthony Rice guarding Donaldson Donaldson looking runs into allies away the reset kicked far corner jumper two hard rebound slot for inside picked up by Jonesboro and they'll reset quickly spot up three off the rim no good rebound Columbia nice shot up top very soft off good rebound there for Columbia something to pay attention to to get them used to the rims here in this championship game A little dipsy do misses on the rim and then at 12 and still two points on the board for the Eagles only two on the game so far Tracy Hector drive off the glass Good nice finish under control this Jonesboro team Johnson we talked about they're playing with no pressure very relaxed they're going to shoot some nice shots tonight.

I think they're going to play well.

From your lips to Jonesboro fans ears for this particular ball game Pass deflected inside to Austin Donaldson one on one pull up hacked off the rim no good rebound up no good Columbia come back out with it They've got a man deep intercepted almost by Donaldson scramble on the floor picked up got a call a whistle Elijah Wade on the dive sorry about that And they're going to call a 32nd time out to save the possession.

So we have transition working early.

Jonesboro not intimidated by their surroundings, first minute 53 and just the basketball coming in.

Both teams very both teams are playing.

Relax, John.

Both teams are really attacking under control.

No bad shots, just good basketball, early shooting numbers.

Jonesborough won for their first five Columbia, one for two years.

When you look at what Jonesborough has had to do, all the replacements, all the new faces on the roster and they've integrated well, let's look at a player like Walter John.

Even though he's a freshman, he's played so much of basketball this season, he's matured to a sophomore status.

He's a pretty good player coming back down, left to right off the glass.

And they're going to call goaltending on the block, attempt to see if John works in the early parts of this game.

I like the tempo under control.

Both teams are attacking good block Just know in the upcoming goaltending Maurice Rivers at six five at the ball on the way down low block Rivers looking spin move right here and rimmed out no good nice post up there for rivers soft touch just the rim just wasn't kind to him on that Tim Jonesborough working it around Tracy Hector cutting Walker spin kicks it back out There's the free man right there Donaldson kicking it around their side one more time RIM no good and a whistle on the inside and see who it is.

JOHN I'm watching this young kid.

WALKER He was able to get into the paint he was not self as a force in his shot waited for the ball to be reversed around to him and still took the shot he special foul on Deshawn Cooper.

His first shot, a short pick back up.

They're going to do it again.

Jonesboro missing again.

Third time up off the rim.

No good did they get a fourth step's call?

It's going to stay with Jonesboro as Columbia got it off of that fourth try, but couldn't hang on to it.

Yeah, This Jonesboro team, John, is playing with no fear.

You can see how they're attacking the offensive glass, keeping the ball active, staying in attack mode, Sidwell Bell and now for Columbia.

Austin Donaldson being guarded up high 3 minutes in six points on the board.

Jonesborough leading four two Donaldson jumper too hard fought for inside picked up Jonesboro doesn't fall but they'll go to the line because it kind of makes me think of John the bully on the courtyard on the playground.

If you punch the bully first, he's not the bully anymore.

And that's exactly what Jonesborough is doing.

They're taking the fight to Columbia right now, hitting first quarter three C Hector's first three throws up in an mailman thinks of Tracy Hector.

He's the X factor.

It's good about six for two in gives matchup problems that's what he's looking for against Colombia tonight makes one of two Jonesboro now with a three point lead Nice one two to impressive right here and see how Columbia handles it Easy access Rivers wanted the dunk they're going to call a foul on the way up the basket will count in the foul looks like it's going to be on Walker great small ball movement versus the press but this is where youth comes into play John if you walker you know you're going to fouling just don't give up the three point play there's rivers going to Rice University will be a great addition to that program at the next level so you can tie the game here and one RIM unkind so it's 543 Coming up on the halfway point here the first quarter.

DONALDSON Looking inside Hector kicks it out to Mack DeAndre Mack double team in the corner Nice baseline pass to try to escape the problem the baseline turnover So head over to Columbia 1 to 2 pressure one more time for Jonesboro up against Columbia.

It's a pass that puts Anthony Rice scramble for it on the floor.

Who's got it ultimate possession heading the other way to Jones Yeah that's great basketball on the defensive end for Jonesborough just lured the offense into the trap and when he picked up his double John, that's when they suffocated the ball and forced to jump ball for ten and counting.

First quarter nine points on the board, five of them for Jonesboro in the quarter final here on GPB, Final four of four, day one of three, Hector gets the pass off the glass up and in Hector has great hands, way too.

Good job of getting the pass and finishing in the paint.

Jones Burr is being very aggressive right now in the first half from Spencer versus his own of Columbia.

Tracy Hector with all of Jonesborough as points jumper in the Paint is Good by Nick Singleton back to seven six Donaldson looking to drive a little traffic here by Anthony Rice dish to Hector he's got nine then Hector's becoming a low down low he is playing well for this Jonesboro team John Dan Millman thought he was going to have matchup problems with Hector in the lineup.

Created one so far.

Nice finger roll you're going to call foul on the play charge.

You saw Dan Millman over there lobbying for it.

He had the one hand behind his head and punching the air with the other and got the ball.

Looks like the foul is going to be on Nick Singleton.

That'll be his first.

And with that, we're going to take a timeout 312 to go first quarter here at the Macon Coliseum.

Boys class quarter final Tracy Hector's so far as nine points for Jonesboro that's all they needed so far they're up three against Colombia on the great GPB welcome back Macon Coliseum Macon center blocks 312 for the first Jonesborough actually we should probably say Tracy Hector nine Columbia six.

He's had a busy time so far this year.

Here's what I like about what he's doing.

He's playing under control.

He's playing poise.

Jon.

He's not trying to overdo it and force the play.

He said everything come to him under control for four four on the floor for Tracy.

Hector out of the blocks.

Five rebounds, nine points in Georgia in 4 minutes and 48 seconds.

Not a bad way to start.

Not a bad way to start.

You see the charge that was taken there by Jonesborough.

I'm sure Coach Mailman has put himself in some of those charge drills.

You see how strong of a man he is?

I am not going to take a charge for him.

Most of the times in practice.

Make sure I take it well, the first time Coach Mailman said when he's talking about Tracy Hector, he can take people off the dribble.

He's averaged 12 rebounds game in the last nine games and he makes us hard to guard.

It's hard to guard five guys, man to man, especially when you have the impact that Tracy Hector's had so far.

Four for Jonesboro, right?

You talk about man to man defense.

That's what Columbia is not doing now, John.

They're playing a 1 to 2 matchup zone here and a half court trying to force Jonesboro to play on the perimeter.

But still, Jonesboro is doing a great job of getting to the heart of the defense.

Jonesboro only has one turnover so far.

Columbia has five off the glass.

No good by Donaldson, Hector again.

BLOCK This time by four on the floor.

After Rivers had the block to try to clear it out the other way.

And there's your turnover number there.

Columbia five turnovers.

Jonesboro won.

So it shows you the tempo of the game is definitely in favor of Jonesboro.

Everything happening for Tracy, Hector for Jonesboro, he picked up the foul that time.

So he has the foul and the nine points in the five boards.

Well, he's everywhere right now, John.

He's all over the floor offensively, defensively, definitely in the foul category.

Rivers low block the double team kick back out single to the jumper rim no good Rivers hops had the rebound stolen by Donaldson Jonesboro coming back Mack will get to Tracy Hecker Austin Donaldson up high James Walker cross-court dangerous pass Donaldson spin move high arching shot no good Two Columbia players on the inside picked up by Morris Rivers 2 minutes to go first quarter Jonesboro are leading nine six here in the quarter final nice attempted save out of bounds lost in transition coming back the other way keep an eye on Tracy Hector I think he turned an ankle here trying to play defense and he did not chase after that at 100%.

Well, I tell you, the young man is playing with so much heart and emotion right now, John, and especially defensively is good.

The coach is going to sub for him because it does want to pick up that second foul he had early in the first quarter.

But number one, give him a penalty to give him a good risk.

Is Eric Cooper checking in for Jonesboro?

Tracy?

Hector will sit proudly for the last 145 of a three point lead.

Columbia rookie perimeter inside rivers on the block picks Nice pass Singleton up and in great pass inside out great Cut to the basket Singleton fantastic finish under 90 seconds now for the fourth You see what Jonesboro does without Hector in the lineup he's responsible for all of their points so far on the boards.

Donaldson spin move to hard inside off the glass Third chance maybe it's like they're going to try to back it out and try it again.

Walker steps to John Walker shows you something he has at of the game, But I think he's calm a little bit passive, especially the early foul.

He does want to pick up this second failed too early so he's been a little bit more passive than aggressive here.

The start of the game.

Deshawn Cooper back in for Columbia, sitting will be Shardul Bell as we come upon a minute to go first quarter.

Anthony Rice, guarded by Donaldson, John Cooper trying to think of something to do with it out of bounds and we'll try it again.

Jr mincey now in for the remainder of the quarter.

Elijah wade will sit past the back court just to get it inbounds.

50 seconds to go.

First quarter tight ball game, which is pretty much what we expected between Jonesboro and Columbia.

Push foul on the inside.

Looks like it's going to be called on Austin Donnell and Jennifer Smith.

I mean, I'm getting walking out of the game.

You don't want him to pick up a second foul with 43 seconds to go in the first quarter.

It's got to be killed for right now with a young man playing in this type of atmosphere, he can pick up their second foul and really change the dynamics of the game.

Derek Cooper well defends the inbound knocked out of bounds still stays with Columbia this time it'll be on the side Rivers will inbound at 41.9 beyond say Puckett has come up big in the last couple of rounds first year on the varsity for Columbia really well here in the postseason.

Rice guarded by De'Andre Mack inside to rivers on the block to step right hand.

Got it.

Hey, he gets there so the low Sean attacks the middle of the paint and just elevates at his peak.

That was a fantastic finish for the young man down low Big three attempt off the mark Columbia thinking about it in transition pick back up this time by Donaldson Donaldson to Walker under 10 seconds Got to do something quick off the glass and in Jonesboro Jonesborough for two Walker special I'm telling you right now he's special You hear his name for the next three years playing basketball here at Jonesboro.

He is special retired Mincey with the last two on the board, a back and forth first quarter.

Jonesboro has the lead in the quarter final.

Jonesboro chasing that first title ever in school history.

Columbia chasing after their seven three quarters to go to decide the quarter boys title right here on the Great GPB.

Stay with us.

welcome back to making Coliseum, Jonesboro 11, Columbia, ten.

Guys, I found some old friends in the stands from my Falcons days right behind me.

I have Harry Douglas and Julio Jones.

For the people that don't know Harry Douglas, I went to Jonesboro High School and I was talking to them earlier and I was like, do you know any of the guys on the team?

And he was like, Yeah, I know a lot of them because my dad coaches them.

And for everyone else that doesn't know out there, his dad coaches a team called Douglas Brothers Athletes.

He's also had his time in scouting kids in high school, His father sitting right next to me, I believe, with his wife.

And if you don't remember that team, it's the same team that Dwight Howard was on.

So a lot of talent that's come from Jonesboro.

Obviously, the city of Atlanta.

Back over to you, John.

I don't want Celebrity Watch this weekend here at the Macon Coliseum in the Macon Center.

Flex started the second 8 minutes in a tight first quarter.

Know the things that sticks out to me after the first 8 minutes of shooting them.

Yeah, you know, heck, they're shooting the ball for five for the rest of the team.

One of the four teams that shows you've got to play inside out basketball versus the second you take John Bucket on the inside by Columbia makes it 12.

The other near corner.

Mack comes back out.

Donaldson Walking around the perimeter.

Wade back to Tracy.

Hector back in the ballgame, just hitting the last 135 of the first quarter.

Donaldson Walker three.

Got it.

Tell you something, John, I'm going to say this now.

That young man is something special as a freshman, Evan close to 19 points lead this team here to the state championship.

Nice stroke down the court 1412 Jones for his lead now to Rice trying for a pass deflected that it into it going back into his own hands DeAndre Mac guarding him reversing the high screen down of the paint going back to rivers and ball knocked around but he squares he gets enough height to get it up there Hey Rivers is that athletic special person I mean he just jumped over the moon on that play inside the paint.

I like him jumping like Jim or Maurice Rivers.

You always like guys like to jump out of the gym, especially early in the game to tie it at 14 coming up, minute and a half gone jumper again.

Walker thought he had his spot no good off the rim picked up by Rivers Columbia.

Come back the other way.

This is the type of basketball now Columbia loves transition Any time they got a chance to push it in attack, they love to.

But Jonesborough does a great job of setting their defense.

Johnson one handed shot up by TNT Bucket No good.

Coming up, 2 minutes gone.

Bucket tries to chase Walker as he's heading back down the floor.

He whistle on the inside as he drives.

And the thing about this young man John, he's key and he's going to get better did a great job and utilizes inside out protect the ball using his body picked up the fast this season averaging almost 19 a game five and a half rebounds four assists first team all region lot of accolades handed his way his free throw up and good and his body John isn't ready to develop he's just got to get stronger IQ has continue to go up but he has a chance to be special Maintain your humbleness Listen learn and he'll become a better player.

You're Mincey back in the game two first this is the second to the margin is Warren Rivers way up high give to Anthony Rice faked left went right got picketed got his pocket picked coming back the other way spot up three No good off the rim and Deshawn Cooper with the rebound and coming back quickly can say Puckett two and a half gone in the second quarter Columbia forced to walk the perimeter tough man defense right now by Jonesboro stuffing the middle not afraid to go man up so far Columbia having a hard time finding a shot.

Well, the second half, John, you watch their defense is sinking off of Cooper.

So they force in the play to be on the perimeter instead of allowing to get the ball inside their two rivers.

So watch the front rivers, John.

See the front down low and hip it off of Cooper the a foul on the inside for the turnover Deshawn Cooper with the foul his second now that's ding that's good coaching right there John that's been mailman doing a good job in his scouting understand they going to try to isolate us down low we're going to front the post and we're going to help on the weak side.

Walker Trying to drive the hand check.

Paul Nantucket that'll be the team foul on Columbia.

The first foul on Puckett and Jonesboro resets.

Donaldson guarded by Anthony Rice looking for an avenue, dribbles left, kicks it back out Jumper Mincey got it Nice pacers up Jonesboro to half getting the ball into the paint Nice touch there and it's quick see Columbia now 1615 Puckett working nearside give to Shad Bell Crosscourt rice tries to drive right hand up offense then they're going to call a foul on rice on the drive John this time charges have been taken in this game so far both by Jonesboro and that's coaching that's coach Mailman teaching those guys rotate stand your position, absorb the contact, take the chance great defense halfway through here in the second Jonesborough leading 1614 easy pace coming up the floor Kenneth Qualls in the game now for James Ball ending after De'Andre Mack walked and now Walker has it guarded by Rice.

This time, ball knocked scramble on the floor.

They're going to call alternate possession stays with Jonesboro.

And that's where Walker shows his youth zone.

It's really hard to penetrate a set versus a defense, especially from up top.

You got to move the ball, reverse the ball side, top side, force the defense to see if and when the defense is unbalanced.

That's when you can attack.

We're going to take a break.

337 to go for the first half.

Jonesboro holding on to the slim advantage over Columbia as they chase after that elusive first title on the great GPB.

Welcome back.

Macon Coliseum, 337 for the first half, Jonesboro up four over Columbia, 1814.

Let's give you a sneak peek as to how they got here.

Brought to us by our friends at Georgia EMC.

Georgia EMC lighting the way Jonesboro as Road to 11 over Perry 17 over Worth County beat Rutland by three and had to go overtime to take out top ranked Alexander the Sonic Robert at 46 in that game for Alexander to show up here today so Jonesboro with the Duke wins four ends up here.

Now to the flip side, Columbia, they've been in the last game of the year before, a 43 point win over Lufkin County, nine over Fayette County, 19 over Sandy Creek.

And then a tough game with Westover, 5755 four up four down.

Gets them here to the state championships tonight chasing after that first title for Kerry Sand a four here for him in this program and it would be another feather in the cap for Columbia and for the cap county basketball if they were to win tonight and get the state championship.

There he is, Gary Sandefur, right there in the long sleeve blue shirt.

Here's your head coach, Long, storied history once again, alumni of Northeast Macon, Alvin Copeland, long time Addy and head coach, well known here in central Georgia.

Sand for the northeast make an alum coaching here in his town in his hometown down four right now as we take the second part of the second quarter here, first half Walker drives instead of trying to go past Rivers passed it up, got it back.

Jonesboro working down low looks like another Hanson your patience out of the timeout John Jonesboro Birdie come out and try to get a quick play They took their time getting the ball inside to their bread and butter guy.

Now he's going to the free throw line for a chance for a 1 to 1 second foul on rivers, something to pay attention to with 322 to go here in the first half as Tracy Hector heads to the line and got Jonesboro off to that great start the first nine points on the board were his missed the free throw there off the front of the rim rivers with the rebound in the box out Columbia coming back down to hurt out of control That's Collins singing Yeah this is out of control there on Columbia Jonesboro what they are focused on John because to take away the transition from Columbia, they've got to get back on their defense.

They're doing a great job of miss and made baskets for sit in their defense in transition.

Derrick Taylor, Tim Butler and Bill Lewis here.

Official steps call.

And we're going to come back the other way this time.

Austin Donaldson called there.

Daniel was shaking his head 305 for the first half, Jonesboro with a four point lead.

All these new faces not intimidated by their surroundings yet?

No, not even close.

And the thing is, a statue at all.

Jonesboro has taken 23 shots to Columbia's player.

So it shows you which team is being more aggressive versus one who is more passive.

And in Columbia has nine turnovers.

So again, the team that's being more aggressive is definitely the young ones off the rim.

No good on the inside.

The Columbia thinking about getting a second chance ball goes out of bounds.

Anthony Rice can't get there in time.

So the turnover ends up hitting Jonesboro his way and the Cardinals will bring it back up the floor.

Austin Donaldson makes halfcourt Kick Up High by Mincey.

Donaldson Trying to find somebody to pass through.

He finds a cutter and try to work it back out.

Nancy.

Hector Walker knocked out of his hands.

They're going to reset.

DONALDSON Walking off the high screen, give and go.

Hector tries to do something with it, finally does.

Off the glass.

Hey, he's playing like a man down low, John.

Losing the ball.

Get control of the ball.

But he's playing so poise under control.

He's definitely taken a complete control of this game.

11 points for Hector, 11 of the 20 for Jonesboro.

Jonesboro now in a60 run after the game was tied at 14.

You see, you look at the defense in Jonesboro, John, they're not playing outside the three point line, cutting inside out, a sagging man to man.

Defense one shot and done for Columbia.

Nick Singleton's jumper doesn't go Columbia now down six.

Coming up on 90 seconds to go first down.

Is he setting a high screen walking around?

Donaldson Nice idea Behind the back dribble shot from the corner is short Mincey goes for the rebound ends up in Hector's hands for the two and Terry Sanford's going to call a timeout as it's now eight.

He's kept his going in every way he can inside the paint and even a garbage basket ends up being two points 13 points for Tracy Hector and here's his last two.

And when you're scoring zone, sometimes the ball finds you.

That's what good players it happens to Good players.

You don't have to find the ball.

It will find you.

And that's exactly what happened to Hector there in that possession.

13 and six so far for Tracy.

Hector busy evening and again at two eight in the last 444 it has all been Jonesboro.

And John, we go back to the stats.

We talked about the shooting attempts, but the one thing that also stands out is the offensive rebounding 9 to 0 Jonesboro win in that battle, too.

So the battle of the boards, the shot attempts to aggressiveness goes to the young guns on the season.

Tracy Hector averaging 12 points eight and a half rebounds a game and he's almost got those numbers in the first half here and there's that eight run we were talking about for Jonesboro to get them to this 2214 advantage.

Let's see how Columbia responds here with 74 seconds to go first half watch Jonesboro defense.

They're not going to stand there.

Pressure versus the three point line because now they can play inside out to protect the paint rivers up high.

So the defense is staying right inside the paint.

Five guys, five black jerseys in the paint for Jonesboro, then.

Well, that's defense.

They going to take away the inside presence that Columbia possesses, force coming to play on the perimeter, which is uncharacteristic what did not get Columbia here Columbia likes to attack it control the paint fouls the second on Austin Donaldson as Anthony Rice goes to the line with 58.1 makes the three.

And John, sometimes you've got to take a courageous call to attack shooting the three because got to force that defense to extend.

Now, you can play inside out, but you've got to hit perimeter shots if you're Columbia Walls in Donaldson out his last 58 seconds of the first and second free throw made It's back down to six.

Jonesboro only rushes to get it pass the halfcourt line.

I don't see them doing much of anything for the next 45 seconds or so, blocking a perimeter walking movement, Walker, guarded by rice and a foul.

The second on Rice team.

John Here's the one thing about a young team.

They're so young.

They're coachable and you watch coach Nick Kuzma have been on the sideline.

He's working to communicate with the players.

They're talking on the court, but they understood time in school.

What time of possession, that time with 34 seconds to go here in the half.

They did not force the play.

Walker makes it first get it back to seven Walker with six on the year averaging just under 19 second free throw Got that to that smart 34 seconds to go so he won't pick up his second foul Give him a break so he can sit out the rest of the hand.

Wade in Walker out for the last 34 on an eight point lead.

Let's see what Columbia does.

Here's me again.

Watch the defense.

Look at the defense of Jonesborough.

Every once inside the paint.

Just give up the outside shot and protect the paint internally.

They had only taken 13. attempts so far on the day.

Very economical from the floor pressure with three shots off rebound by Jonesboro.

We're going to cover WHISTLE with 4/10 of a second great patience defensively by Jones burrow.

We're going to head back down to the other end for what amounts as a possession that won't be challenged because what are you going to do in 4/10?

Nothing you can do in 4/10 of a second jump, but great defense.

And who's going to the line again?

Our main man, Hector Junior.

This third foul on Deshawn Cooper.

So keep an eye on 32 white in the second half.

The first free throws.

Good Hector Now with 14 on Chris Jones checking in for the last point for 14 and six for Hector, the second free throw can extend it to ten.

And it does.

And that'll do it with a 12 two run in the last 6 minutes of the second quarter.

Gives Jonesboro a 2616 lead rave in Toronto a coach mailman coach.

In that second quarter you're able to gain some offensive momentum playing well you like to see in the second half so you can keep the lead.

We just got to maintain a little doing right now in our defensive objective for the whole night was to contain and take away 12 really, really good stuff now.

But the post got good, helps us.

We can finish, contain and not allow 12 score and block out.

I like our chances in the second half.

Coach, good luck.

Thank you.

All right, over to you, Mark.

All right.

Thank you very much, Raven.

We are at halftime with the fourth and final game of day one here at the GHC Championship Live on GPB.

Columbia Eagles are trailing the Cardinals of Jonesboro 26 to 16 at the Macon Coliseum.

We've got a lot ahead in our halftime show results and check in with social media plus some first half highlights.

That is all coming your way next.

As the GPB halftime show continues.

Welcome back to our GBP halftime show.

We are live from the Macon Coliseum live for the Macon Center plex.

We are live across the state of Georgia on the great GPB.

We've crowned three state champions already today.

We've got one more to go in the boys for a state championship game.

And this is a pretty low scoring game at Jonesboro, has been able to kind of come away with a few more points in those last minutes that are very critical and they are leading right now ten points over Columbia.

Yeah, I've been very impressed with Jonesboro.

They've got a great freshman playing.

They're looking for their first ever state championship while Columbia has already won six.

Yeah, they've been here a lot.

They know how to play in a game like this.

I have a feeling that's what the coach is telling them in the locker room right now.

I think you're right.

Yeah.

Speaking of what people might be talking about in the locker room, we have our social media correspondent, Grace Olson, here.

She's telling us about the maybe the Monday morning quarterbacks are talking about on their couches at home right now.

GRACE That's exactly what I was going to say, Claire.

These guys are Monday morning quarterback.

Then everyone's tweeting.

The viewers are tuning in on Facebook online.

They all are giving me advice thinking they know how these teams can pull off the win.

We've got a lot of Columbia fans watching.

I'm saying they've been here before.

They've done it.

They think they can do it again.

And we've got a lot of alumni from both of these schools watching from all across the state of Georgia.

So you chime in.

Let me know how you think your favorite team tonight can pull off the wins and pull off this for a state title match in a tweet with the hashtag GTC, please forward.

You can also use the hashtag GPB Hoops finals, which is specific to the championship games all weekend long.

So make sure to use that hashtag, send it back over to Martin.

All right.

Thank you very much.

Time now to check in with our Georgia EMC Scoreboard three.

Our final already one at the half.

16 more minutes to play tonight on day one in the girls single-A Publix state championship game.

It was Randolph play beating Mitchell County by a final score of 52 to 32 in the Boys single-A championship game.

Wilkinson County wins a sixth state championship, beating Turner Counties 72 to 64 in the four game, Rhythm ran the table 34 no their state champs for the first second time since 2009, beating Columbus by 1063 to 53.

And right now in the half, 16 minutes to go, Jonesboro leads Columbia 26 to 16.

Well, now it's time for our career play of the game brought to you by the technical college system of Georgia.

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All right.

Grace Soles has been doing a great job with the social media.

We want remind people to go on Facebook and like us, we want to get, what, 12, 13,000?

Let's see where we can go.

Or you can tweet us and let us know how many you think we should get.

That's right.

I like that idea.

We're getting ready for the second half of the boys for a state championship game between the Eagles of Columbia going for their sixth championship in the last eight years and the Cardinals of Jonesboro looking for their first.

Yeah, don't disappear.

John Nelson and John Goldman.

We'll have the second half call right after this quick timeout here on GPB.

Welcome back Macon Coliseum Macon center plex.

We are at the break 16 minutes done 16 to go Jonesboro has held Columbia to 16.

They're up 1026 to 16.

And I'm John and this is Sean.

Sean, John.

Yes, Sean John might think about a line clothing or something.

By the time we're done this we can't make those.

There you go.

What sticks out to you from the first half?

Assess the turnover margin.

Jonesboro right now has its three turnovers and you have Columbia with nine.

So the tempo is in favor of Jonesboro and what they're doing, being aggressive, but yet smart with the basketball and Columbia, really not being patient, not being able to score inside John, and forcing them to shoot from the perimeter.

But the other the other stat that stands out, John, is the rebounding margin.

Jonesboro has 17 and Columbia has nine.

So the aggressive team is the young ones and the young guns.

Let's talk about what's happening on the court.

One person that's dominate is number one, Kentucky junior.

He is everywhere, all over the court.

He's doing it all inside and out.

He's playing very well.

We go to the stats, all the other stats that come out, John.

Nine, nine of six from the field for Jonesboro, seven for 15 for Columbia.

Again, the team that's being aggressive is taking more shots.

No one shoot well from the three point line.

The free throws give the edge to Jonesboro.

Sound like a boxing match right now on the score card because Jones Square now dominate all the factors here in the first half, almost a ten eight round in the second quarter.

Halftime stats brought to us by our Friends of Farm Bureau, Georgia Stats, courtesy of our friends at West Georgia Technical College.

And there is a young man who last year was the Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy as an eighth grader.

Now he's playing at Jonesboro and he's having a tremendous effort so far.

Jonesboro, two quarters away from their first ever state title.

They've been close, 2003, 2004.

This might be that chance with this very young team where they can get something established and work for the next couple of seasons.

Jumpshot Singleton tipped in on the nice follow that time by Shad Bell.

Well, that's exactly what Columbia needs.

Rebounding, rebounding.

There's going to be some missed shots.

You got to take the offensive glass and see how Columbia attacks things defensively.

Donaldson Almost pinned in in the corner off the switch baseline move deflected Cutter Hector off the glass, got it picked up starting off way left John just slashing to the basket being in the right place at the right time for the easy deuce to start the second half margin back up to ten a minute gone.

Jonesborough once again sagging but they're keeping an eye on both Singleton and Rivers.

Once they get into the paint, there's the front down low.

The weakside hip three going after the basketball when Rice decided to drive it.

We'll have a whistle on the inside.

And what a shock the highlights are of Tracy.

Hector.

Yeah, just starting off down where he started.

He started there.

The second half.

He's finding the basketball.

The basketball is finding him.

He is playing so well with his ball movement and his body of movement.

John He's in the right place at the right time playing well tonight.

Foul on Austin Donaldson.

That's his third.

So something to keep an eye on for Jonesboro and he's going to get swapped out right now.

Isaac Cooper is going to come in for the Cardinals as Donaldson will take a seat.

And we talk about Tracy Hector.

Now, Hector last year was at North Clayton before a wrist injury had him lose half a season.

Now he's over at Jonesboro free throw good that time by Anthony Rice to cut it to eight at 2820.

Is the pressure there from Colombia trying to get a little momentum their way almost had the momentum of the save it ends up back in Jones for his hander they'll reset the offense coach mailman called the signal and steps and that's to happen tonight.

We all know that Jonesboro is such a young minded team that somehow within the nick this half, they're going to slow down a little bit mentally.

But if they keep up the energy, they'll be fine.

Anthony Rice trying to find some kind of impact on the inside.

Nick Singleton Back out to Rice outside three point fakes.

The shot drives dish to rivers, kicks it back out Jumper in the corner is good three pointer Chad Bell and they needed that Well that's the one way that should be to say the deepest zone you make the outside shot now the defense has to it see it extend now that's going to open up the job opportunity here.

As you look at the instant offense here by Columbia, here in the corner, kick out Chad Bell knocks it down.

Yeah, all the all the focus there.

Jim went on rivers.

You have four or five guys focusing on him, which is going to leave the outside shot.

And Rivers stepped in and knocked it down.

Foul on TNT.

Puckett his second and now that Walker is being challenged, he finally gets rid of the basketball.

Tracy Hector Loose pressure by Puckett Walker up high guarded by Anthony Rice crossover into the paint looking for a cutter walks it around the baseline blocked by rivers inside Jonesboro thinks it's theirs and it is getting no fear from these young guns John attacking attacking but beautifully taken under control because that was an easy charge opportunity there for Walker.

He avoided it.

They came out that get the ball back Walker now high corner guarded by Puckett dribble drive on the baseline easy to that time four zero.

Cooper Walker is such a smooth player under control John everyone focused on the ball He was able to kick it out easy for the drive for the win.

Morris Rivers in the paint gets it to go and he'll get the foul opportunity to complete the three point play.

Columbia cuts it to five.

Let's take a look.

Melissa Rivers stay quiet all game long.

He's got to turn it up just a little bit.

Good elevation chance for a three point play free throw up and in cuts it before now at 3026 3 minutes into the third there.

Nice job, John.

And what Rivers needs to do he may need to stay in his game a little bit tonight and play more 16 feet out instead of ten feet in turnover.

Dan Millman would like to know what the turnover actually was.

Mincey in Wade out now for Jonesboro again, Jonesboro had only three turnovers in the first half.

They have two in the third quarter, so they'd almost match their output in that category.

It looks like there's a foul call.

Let's see if this is over and back.

Yeah, it looks like that's what the violence that's what that was about.

Jason called their pick.

That was missed a little bit from the official.

He called the ball in the front court, not in the back foot and that's what the call was by the officials.

Turns it over Columbia with the basketball down only four.

Now they're down ten at the break trying to come up with something here.

Nice runner in the paint is good like Deonte bucket his first two of the game and is now a two point ballgame 3028 Pressure by Columbia brings it back pocket and go for the tie Morris Rivers out high singleton baseline drives into the paint right hand and they're going to call it charge There may have been a makeup call down from the official but kudos Devon to what Columbia is doing John They're playing a lot more under control, pulling up for the 15 foot jump shot, which is forcing the defense to spin now, which is making it more in a favor for Columbia single stance.

Second, foul ten two Columbia run in the last two and a half minutes.

Is reality sinking in for Jones breathing?

Well, a little bit, John.

The youth may be a question, but it helps when you can make shots because it gives you that momentum that you need.

But mentally, you can see that Jonesboro is starting to tighten up just a little bit down Trey Mack with the bucket, but get it back to a four point lead for the car.

It's 3228 under the halfway point here in the third.

Singleton trying to drive and looks like they're going to call a foul on Mack It'll be his first.

And on that note the foul on Mack we're going to take a bit of a break here the making policy him in the making center blocks 342 to go third quarter Jonesboro up ten at the break is now only up five four Columbia closing in at the conclusion of the third we come back on the great GPB.

welcome back 342 for the third Jonesboro ten point league cut to four here in the third quarter.

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Third quarter field goal numbers Jonesboro hitting three of five, Columbia, though, four or five.

Well, the thing that's helping out with that, John, is this quarter alone has added three turnovers to their stat.

So now that the three turnovers is giving Columbia more momentum and now instead of having a ten point lead, we've got a four point game.

Singleton pull up Short River Sky's easy base.

Well that's what he does well John he's a double double guy He can score off the rebound and finish and he's padding his stats and he's playing to his strength when he plays like that.

It was ten.

It's now down to two.

Columbia making their surge here in the third quarter.

Walker pull up way short trying to save it to keep possession with Jonesboro looks like they did.

And the thing about Jonesboro John, they're playing with the same mindset.

Columbia is coming out playing with more intensity.

Again, the youth mindset comes in the fact that right now they've got to know when they've got to step up their game to take home a championship wide open in the paint mincey front of the rim off the jumper, Walker tries to find somebody to give it to as he's falling down.

He does, and they're going to call a foul as Eric Cooper tried to put up the shot on the inside.

If I'm Jonesborough, if I'm Coach Mailman, one of the things he might want to do now, John, to give your team a little bit more of a boost but it's tossed around, implement the press right now, get some momentum going up and down the court, make it a transition game for a little bit.

And I think that help out your team.

COOPER Spurs free throws.

Good.

That's the old school free throw the one handed balance elbow eyes foul blue swish that they try to teach my daughter that for the last 12 years.

Kevin Barnes says it reminds him of Wilt Chamberlain missed the second one lane violation.

But you know this is John.

All you need is the right hand.

If you're right handed on the left, the left hand is just a got hand so the ball can move left and right.

He's got nice size mitts on him.

So Cooper does a good job of sending the ball elbow underneath solid.

Now, here's the redo off the lane violation for Columbia.

Got it.

Check that out.

Yeah.

Simple basketball fundamentals, 34, 33 minutes to go.

Third quarter, Jonesboro up ten.

Now back up four to Jonesboro now 2 to 3 zone.

John now playing the man to man.

The same effectiveness just without the switching ball goes off a shad bell goes back to Jonesboro.

Gary Sandefur trying to come up with something that'll close the gap even more after working his way back from being down 2616 at the break, he's down for 3430 coming up on two and a half to go to the third.

James Walker up high picked up by Anthony Rice.

Nance he tries to set two high screens.

Walker can't dance around him too much.

He'll try it again.

Kick to the low corner, double team, back to Walker.

Back out Mincey looking to the inside hands in the paint picked up in transition Columbia gets the deuce.

Nice defensive segment there for Columbia.

Good deflection.

Good steal Great finish and a push from behind as they're trying to have Walker be out of control there in the corner Here's your luck textbook basketball deflection transition steal good finish that's Columbia's basketball is best they want transition John Spurt is doing a better job of protecting the paint and have cut down on their transition baskets here tonight in bound deep almost knocked out of bounds had to save it to maintain possession DeAndre Mac for Jonesboro it's not about going into the paint he's going to pull it back out Guarded by Nick Singleton up high Tracy Hector guarded by Reiss nearside now over to the far corner picked up no good rebound Columbia Chad Bell has the outlet pass his way up in the air trusted rivers hops to get it Rivers hacked at twice blocked knocked out of bounds by Derrick Cooper.

That's the fearlessness that this Jonesborough team has.

They're going to come back at you, John.

They're not afraid of anything.

You may get a steal, but we're going to be relentless to pursue the basketball on the defensive end, the first Jones for a block of the game.

But on the inbound they got the bucket Columbia to tie tied at 34.

The Eagles have fought all their way back.

Walker tried to do something behind the back as he was driving into the paint 115 to go for the quarter.

It didn't happen, so he dials it back out.

Guarded by Singleton, Hector Cooper Walker guarded by Rice near corner, DeAndre Mack pulls it back out up high minute to go for the third and see this is a different game plan that Jones first started off in the first half John they were getting the ball inside to junior down low and now they're playing more on the perimeter giving good guard play solid two points there but a different game plan that allowed them to get a ten point lead beyond Trey Mack with The Deuce got it blocked coming back the other way.

Hands in by Singleton picked up by Hector They've got numbers three on to decision Mincey pull up not the back of the rim no good back comes Columbia 30 seconds to go for the third They're going to settle it down and try to bring it across for maybe one to tie.

It took 20 points to get to the last tie at 34, 34, 14, 14.

That was a long time ago.

5 seconds to go for the quarter pass to had something happen Singleton jumper got it into the corner and that's what Gary Sandifer wanted down ten after two the fourth tie the game is now at 624 minutes have gone nothing is resolved Jonesboro, Colombia tied as we head to the fourth quarter, the final of the quarter championship here on the great GPB.

Welcome back.

Macon Coliseum, Macon Center plex.

8 minutes to go for the Quad Boys championship here on championship weekend.

Make it Man is making policymaking center flex.

And by the way this fall season for football Friday's in Georgia.

Bigger and better high school football games from around the state right into your living room on GPB, GPB Dawg and the GPB sports app Join our sports team every Friday night, celebrate the teams, the towns, the schools, everything good about high school sports.

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Friday's in Georgia in the all access pass three plus exciting hours of live high school football kicks off this fall one more time on the great GPB and that is fun for all of us to do here at Georgia Public Broadcasting, going to each of the campuses, showing school spirit, showing that it's all about more than just a football game.

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And as a father, you know this.

That's what makes this so good job.

When you get the community involved into it, it makes it such a fun experience.

And GPB does a great job of capturing every aspect of starting the fourth quarter.

Wow.

Three point numbers.

Jonesboro, 10% rallied to basket has not been kind to night jumper in the corner so as soon as we say that jumper good by De'Andre Mack watch James Byrd.

Now John look at that two three zone.

They're setting up the two three zone two so they can defend the high ball screen and they can have a defender there waiting on the offense.

So that's a21 to John, because what they're doing, they're funding the high post with a post deals they're going to call a charge on that one for TNT Puckett will be Puckett's third you can see that one coming three charges John and I'm telling you, Coach Mailman, that's something he practices, I'm sure wants the day the charge trill is coming over.

Good position.

Maybe a little deep.

But still, the effort was there to take the charge.

35 seconds gone.

Fourth quarter token pressure by Columbia.

Now it comes up 2 to 1 full court and there's your trap in the game now made Amber Lee wearing 23 white for Columbia.

Usually you might see more in 45 baseline idea to wade in and out of his hands turnovers but I like what this Jonesborough team was doing John they're not thinking about the turnover they're getting back on defense.

I like that.

Getting to the next play, that's maturity.

Chad Bell up high Singleton, Anthony Rice Ambers Lee You see the Flash at the high post.

That's a key for the offense for Columbia He should a shot the shot he had a wide open and bring it back out to Amber Lee Rice trying to direct traffic nearside playing catch with chambers Lee near an up top.

Rice desperately wanted to go to Moultrie with his cross wouldn't happen Stout D by Jonesboro here there's the high post zone and that's how you attack the zone.

It's got to make that shot.

But that was great offense from Columbia.

Singleton off the back of the rim.

No they don't have numbers three on four Walker to to create something and they got the whistle Well that's a smart move zone because they have been able to play as aggressive they've been kind of pass with the basketball in the half court.

So great attack in transition here.

Here's the young man showing what he can do in transition right time right mindset attacking getting to the rim foul on that Amber Lee his first and we're about to see an interesting substitution here for Columbia for free throws up and in Bryce Brown in the game for Columbia and we didn't know if we were going to see Bryce Brown because of his injury.

That's right.

He said the back spasms hasn't done well with his health, but with 6 minutes to go, hopefully he can give this team an emotional spark to bring home the championship.

Normally a 15 point per game guard player of the month in DeKalb County for December, but his back's been a little wonky the last two seasons.

Shot up no good by rice, but they'll get the whistle out of it.

And they think that he aggravated it in the game against Grady a while back and fouls on Austin Donaldson.

That's his fourth and we're only 2 minutes into the fourth quarter.

Donaldson trying to talk it through with the official as to what he may or may not have done so speak as good.

It will be interesting to see how 11 white will be going here health wise.

Well, if he's rusty, it could Rusty, but he's seen them on defense possession, John.

They're going to try to push defensive pressure.

Columbia now, try to get some turnovers for some tempo and get a steal and maybe score in transition.

So be interested to see how he can handle that type of energy needed to be successful here in the first pocket in Rice out for Columbia now the front line of the two three press was brown and pocket Tackler tries to create something in the paint.

Singleton ends up with it once again.

All these active hands in the paint defensively for both sides up and rolls around.

No Good On the Bunny by Deshawn Cooper Didn't happen Columbia could he use that for the time?

definitely.

That's a missed opportunity call timeout.

It looks like Coach Mailman is going to call a full time out here for 526 to go in the fourth.

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And there's your foul numbers.

Keep an eye on Deontay Puckett with three, three, four with three.

Now, on the flip side, see what Coach Milton's doing right now.

Austin Donaldson, really the only one with any trouble with what's his style of play they play defensively John So Jonesborough is in a great position.

They can be a little more aggressive, but taking the charges has gone into their favor.

So you don't want to play uncharacteristic basketball on the defensive end and now get Columbia in the free throw line with and ones so you want to protect the paint forced the outside shot Stick with your game plan Columbia for two from the floor here in the fourth quarter, Jonesboro has made their only attempt.

Walker thought about it right there, driving on Mo Rivers and brings it back out for Donaldson, who's playing with floor Walker lines up, rims out, picked up by Columbia.

There's Bryce Brown, the defensive spark in here and see he can do on the offensive end.

Singleton kicks the Mo Rivers nearside can say pocket drive paint was open dish Cooper up and under blocked out of bounds It'll stay with Columbia see right in Jonesboro not a bad shot quick shot there for Walker but not a bad shot but he on the defensive man now good penetration there Great block Ball's out of bounds One more.

Both teams are now attacking the rim, especially with four point change to go.

That's exactly one of do you want high positive it's like they wanted to go along with the inbound but that's off the glass and in four to Deshawn Cooper with four to keeps it tied at 40 now with 445 to go regulation Donaldson running point Walker thought about going in on Singleton kicked it all the way back out with a delayed game going for Jonesborough which isn't bad to show how they mature but you just can't take bad shots wide open shot miss that time scramble on the inside picked up by Columbia and Singleton is in a bit of a scrum with Walker and hit the deck.

That was a nice tackle there.

John did you grow your hair?

Doug has felt like that before.

Take another look at it.

Yeah, We give a football intro, a shoulder to shoulder tackle, and we still have a tackle out here.

It's basketball season, but we're still showing the tackle.

That's pretty good.

Kevin Barnes calls it flipping.

I don't know if that's a clip, considering he shot him waist high.

Three rivers looking to inbound anybody.

5 seconds and seen Hector get shaken up on that defensive set.

Yeah, but he's a tough kid, John.

That kid right there, has so much toughness involved in him that he's fine.

He's shaken up a little bit, but he'll be okay.

But what I want to say, John, 5 seconds.

That's a great momentum, right?

This great momentum from Jonesboro.

But then they come down the low.

You can see offensively they're not playing to win.

It's almost like they're not playing to lose, play, to win, stay aggressive, take good, but stay aggressive.

Donaldson Drive tried to clear out with his left hand, but they call a whistle ahead of time.

Looks like it's on Bryce Brown.

So they're going to call it on Singleton instead.

They'll be his third bucket in Anthony Rice out.

That's what's happened a lot here in the second half.

And what Columbia has done defensively at times is they put Brown on Hector.

And right now Brown is paired with the Andre Mac free throw up and in by Donaldson first point of the game averaging under ten points a game 9.3 a game.

So Donovan is a factor just hasn't been as effective tonight on the offensive end second free throw long Rivers and Cooper end up with it at Columbia brings it back down one lead for Jonesboro as we hit the halfway point here in the fourth quarter drive thought about it once and twice, passed back out to Cooper Pocket, takes it to the hole up and in they say right now that man to man defense standing giving up the penetration you got to go back to what you started John and that's been containing defense and making the outside shot half of their of Columbia but Jones Square is opening up the gates for penetration.

You see the penetration right there to the basket.

A lot of gaps in the defense of Jonesboro.

Protect inside out.

Don't give up those baskets.

First lead since 1211.

Now for Columbia, the foul on Puckett that's his fourth.

You saw the looks that we had on foul trouble.

Puckett now goes to the front of the line for Columbia for the rest of the way.

First free throw up and good for Donaldson tries another swap out.

Deshawn Cooper will sit for a minute.

Anthony Rice now in going for a bit of a smaller lineup Rivers at six five Singleton at 642 Frontline for Columbia now second free throw is good Mr. Jonesboro now up one 4342 and a whistle here they're checking something at the scorer's table and give it to Columbia again.

After that situation was sorted out by the officials at the scorer's table, three and a half minutes to go, Regulation Columbia down one and a seesaw game.

Now, here in the fourth quarter, Maurice Rivers way up high the ground looking to drive pull up blocked by Donaldson clean coming back They've got numbers pass Hector Got it.

There's that guy.

There's a guy in the right place at the right time.

Defensively.

That was perfect.

Good contest great transition basket there for Jonesboro.

Tracy Hector with 19 season averaged 12 come up huge Gary Sandifer calls a full time out at the 257 mark to think about it There's your clean block and they head the other way to this nice transition textbook bounce pass good finish What if we use the body to protect the the basket?

There's Donaldson looking one way, passing the other.

Hector with a nice left hand move.

Texas special.

He can really play the game.

I like the way he plays and in set out rebounds with the fans.

He's tough.

He's a special player here for this Jonesboro squad.

Remember we talked about it earlier in the day, Jonesboro had to replace nine players off of their roster.

A lot of folks in Clayton County thought that this would be a retooling air rebuilding year, whatever phrase you want to use when it comes to Jonesboro basketball.

And if this is rebuilding and retooling to rebuild every year.

Yeah, well, that's one step at a time.

Think about stats right now and time in school with under 3 minutes to go in the game.

Free throws, free throws.

Jonesboro has made more free throws and Columbia's a tip that's important.

You got to understand that stat is important and that stat is as effective as it is now.

Then the team that actually is on top is the one that's more effective in that stat.

So look at free throws become a factor here late in the game.

Tracy Hector officially with a double double 1910 and three under 3 minutes to go Regulation Jonesboro up three 4542 rice trying to find something going on perimeter nearside dribble kick it back out said Bell.

Looking inside no rivers and a foul rivers would go to the free throw line.

Raven, you've been spending time in the huddles.

What's up with you?

He said that the screen to make sure that they talk their head off about it, communicate with each other and make sure they're telling everyone that they're screens coming the second thing he pointed out was penetration.

When the penetration starts going, they needed to start going no more dumb fouls and take their time taking quality shots back over to you.

John nigga Ravens quality shots no silly fouls make sure penetration works nice rivers free throw is good.

Back to a one point game at 229 is a 2 to 1 press there by Columbia John trying to force to tempo with their defense open getting the turnover there by the young squad of Jonesboro and Brazillian Puckett with the two up high Donaldson drive Hector thought about it trying to find some help comes to Walker all the way up top drives on his own block twice and they're going to call a foul on the drive The youthfulness John of this team is really good timing score and they do not understand they've gotten better, but they still do not understand that was more of a forced action.

Instead of action that comes to you in late game three.

Throw up and in foul on Maurice Rivers.

That'll be his third base.

So right now it's about defense getting stops.

Defense again stops you making your free throws.

Free throws are important for Jonesboro.

The more free throws you make, the better chance you give yourself for winning the championship.

Now you have to defend, you have to defend, You have to rebound.

Six of seven so far from the line.

Strong numbers and jinxed in there.

So he missed the second.

It's a two point game with 205 and they're heading back on a lane violation.

So wipe it off the board.

So try it again.

And this could come up big as we go down the line.

In the last 205 free throw Sturgeon's good, put a circle and put a mark next to that.

That lane violation puts it back to a three point lead with 2 minutes to go in regulation.

Anthony Rice driving back out the Morris Rivers paint spin off the glass.

No good, but they're going to call a foul on the drive.

Anthony will go to the line shooting two and see that started with the gamble John on defense.

Now it's about fundamental defense pressure containment.

But do not gamble.

There's a loose ball.

Yes.

Let's try to get that big time steal to be the hero.

It's not going to help your team be successful in the end.

Foul on life of Wade.

It's his second free throw good by rice He now has 11 second free throw and we're back to a one point game Amber in rice out for Columbia situational substitution for defensive purposes.

You see Puckett and Amber Lee up top as part of that 2 to 1 press.

Austin Donaldson, remember, has four fouls going on.

Puckett also has four Donaldson in the hole right hand missed it tapped by Hector.

Now Maurice Rivers comes down with it doesn't find an alley with 90 seconds to go regulation gives to Ambridge legal walk it up a tough possession there for Jonesboro 80 seconds to go 4746 Jonesborough leading chasing after their first ever title.

Now they're going to call timeout yes all the time out to keep possession Tremendous court awareness that time like Gary Sandifer Chad Bell almost had an over and back call here at half court but he called a quick time out just to preserve possession and That's huge with 71 seconds and a one point deficit.

This is a huge possession for Columbia, John.

That was almost a turnover Coach saved him.

But this is a huge, huge possession because if you don't score here, you're almost forced to foul.

Now, on the other end, if you Jonesboro, John, you want to almost switch the ball screen if you're going to stay in it, man to man, switch the ball screen because they've been scoring and penetrating off that ball screen because there's no help.

You're not going underneath.

You can get caught either.

Switch the ball screen or stick to a two or three zone.

That way you can automatically switch it with the zone action.

So depends on what's going to happen.

I'm sure that Jonesborough is going to come out here, continue their sagging defense, but they have to switch that ball screen and then Columbia, you're going to utilize that ball screens on to try to get into the paint.

And if you're the coaches in each huddle, are you sitting there reminding your guys, hey, we've come this far doing what we've done?

I don't know if you reminded them yet, John.

This no emotional victory right now.

It's more let's take advantage, let's focus on what's at hand with a minute and 11 seconds to go in the game.

We've got a championship in hand.

Let's focus on right now.

Don't worry about where we've come from.

We're focus on where we are.

Gary Sandifer looking for his first state title as the head coach of the Columbia program, lost Eagles landing last year in championship game here in Macon.

Dan Millman since 2004 to get the ball screen.

Here's the ball screen.

Here's the ball screen.

You've got to switch that.

You've Got to switch step Diving out of bounds as Elijah Wade stays with Columbia at 58.2.

Now the last only that of Bell's member Columbia score.

So this is key right here underneath out of bounds the wrong move the thought about and call the timeout just in time Wow Anthony Rice was in trouble and Columbia had to use a timeout and this one's a 60 great defensive pressure on the ball.

They protect the basket.

They communicate it on switches and on the screens close to a five second call.

So the defense was there.

They were safe with the timeout zone.

But again, with 58.2 seconds to go every possession is important.

This is another big possession defensively and offensively.

And the biggest note right there, there are usually red dashes under team names to signify the number of time outs left.

So there are no more red dashes under Columbia.

They are out of timeouts with 58.2 and I imagine there's going to be a lot of strategy going forward from this particular time and you're going to have to rely on Jonesboro as time out to set offensive and defensive sets.

Well, here's the question.

I'm watching this huddle here, John, from Columbia.

So I don't know if anyone had learned team about this being your last time out.

I don't know.

I didn't see the signal.

I didn't see it.

It wouldn't be, you know, erratic in mindset about that was our last time out.

So that's a question their mind.

They may not realize that so far nobody blinking from the foul line in the fourth quarter James very strong at 75%.

Columbia has hit all six of their inbound pressure again, trying to go high to Singleton intercepted by Wade pressure up high.

There's going to be a foul call on Anthony Rice on the reach in that'll be his third Jonesborough to the line with 52.2 ease possession is important the defense at their feet there by Jonesboro being athletic to come up with the steal staying under control now becomes a free throw game.

We talked about this with about the three minute mark.

Free throws are a key down the stretch.

Austin Donaldson averaging nine points on the year gets the first if he makes this John look for the timeout for Jonesboro to set the defense defense is more important on Jonesboro than offense right now junior point guard playing with four foul ball guards and there it is.

Dan mailman takes a fall.

He's going to take a fall, talk it over with a three point lead.

It's at 4946.

And if you thought the Douglas's were going to be heading back home, they're hanging out, but they're talking strategy over there.

First of all, they're talking about the football here.

It kind of reminded them of, hey, there's some action out here on this basketball court.

And Julio was a good basketball player, I was told.

So now both those guys know how to play the game.

They've taken their toes here and playing well with the Falcons.

But understanding that this is important, this is a great game.

Jonesboro.

This is something they can prove to everybody, John, especially Clayton County and the city of Atlanta.

They can bring home a championship.

So there's some excitement with 52 seconds to go.

But understand, it's still a young team.

One possession at a time.

They've got to play defense and all it takes is one three to tie the game.

So this next stretch is key and vital both ways.

Clayton County, they've thought about it in football.

They kind of had the idea that there isn't a whole lot of respect for Clayton County athletics.

Same kind of applies.

You asked folks in Clayton County about their basketball.

They are 52 seconds away from their first ever state championship after a couple of close calls.

And this would be something that Clayton County could wave their flag about for a long time.

And with this young team that they have, I think they're going to be around for a while regardless of what happens in the next 52 seconds.

Anthony Rice pocket steps and see.

The good part is the turnover.

The bad part is is too much celebration from Jones.

First ahead this game is far from over.

One possession at a time.

The ball comes in, don't foul, it gets over half court.

Let's try to get a 10.10 second call for still in transition.

Not the smart foul You want it right then 40 seconds on the clock, John.

Let's try to see if it does work.

The defense until it gets to the half court.

That's the fifth foul for K.A.

Puckett.

He's done with 43.3 in regulation.

He fouls out with two points.

He's done yeoman work in the playoffs in his first year on the varsity, averaged eight points a game, but he found out and he's heading to Clemson this Death Valley is getting a talented ballplayer after his time here.

Austin Donaldson to the free throw line makes another great deal He's going to Clemson in football yeah he's going to Clemson in football is a good gift for the Clemson Tigers continue to keep getting these players out of the state of Georgia, making them competitive and they can't beat up on the Bulldogs next year.

John, We got to make sure we take home a victory there in Sanford Stadium.

And as someone who graduated from another institution, I'm going to stay out of that argument.

DONALDSON On the game six or seven from the foul line.

The second one is off the rim, no good.

And I think they're going to call a foul on Wade for jumping in, trying to get the rebound at 42.6.

That'll be Wade's third.

And see that play was not even close to smart.

You're getting so caught up in the excitement from the fans.

Not a bright player.

They get rebound shot that's okay but now you allow them to score with no time off the clock to possibly cut it to a two point game.

You get a four point lead.

The youth mindset is starting to kick in here late game and you want them to work for it first.

Free throw is good, and when their youthful exuberance takes advantage of it, then Columbia doesn't have to work for points as they come down here to the other side and get a free throw gets the fourth.

He now has nine and now has ten and it's back to two at 42.6.

Man pressure.

Interesting change up there.

Jonesboro breaks it.

Double team in the corner Mailman calls a timeout at 32.9 up to lose down to two timeouts.

So now are we talking are we playing situational possession by possession?

Well, yes and no.

John Jonesboro, you know you're going to get fouled.

That's the only way that Columbia can stop the clock unless you turn the ball over.

So you've got to be protect the ball, space the floor and be strong.

With the basketball on the defensive end.

You don't need unnecessary fouls on the rebound.

Stay out.

The free throw.

John was not smart, was not even close to smart.

That's just trying to be a hero and making something happen instead of being smart and cautious and getting back and playing solid defense.

All right.

Yes.

You don't have to come out here and swing for the home run on the defensive end.

You want to get a single and take your time.

If they walk you, that's okay.

Take your time.

You got 32.9 seconds to go in the game take your time.

You just looking for good at bats at this point.

Let's take a look at Jonesboro one more time.

Beat Harry by 11 or the county by 17.

Tough game against the hurricanes of Rutland and then the overtime game with Alexander.

Alexander came in as the top ranked team down the stretch.

Jonesboro missed six of eight free throws down the line, but it didn't faze them when they went to the extra period.

Is that youth looking at what's going on and a 46 point performance by Sonny Gravatt, by Alexander kept them in.

It was a foul on Morris Rivers.

That's his fourth at 31 seconds.

So Walker goes to the foul line.

Let's see what happens with Walker here.

Makes the first nice rotation, nice shot, nice stroke of this team plays young.

This team matures.

They're getting better.

Gelling right in front of our eyes.

Look at that.

Eight of nine from the foul line for his 11 points nine for ten.

And Jonesboro takes another timeout.

This time it's a 30 and see right there time save your time out Set the defense with the substitution because you need that time on the offensive end.

That's a long 31 seconds to go.

So you don't want to utilize and bring your timeouts because if you get the ball versus the press and you need it, you don't happen set the defense with the substitution.

Now you can still come back and keep the offense under control.

All right.

Here's your Columbia foul trouble can say pocket Cooper Morris Rivers.

Let's go to the flip side.

Donaldson has played with four ever since late December.

It seems Walker and Hector with three.

Hector had his three early.

He's played fairly clean ever since.

And so now it just comes up to possession by possession, dribble, drive and playing.

Smart did the job for Columbia attack the paint You don't need a three.

You just need a basket And see what Columbia does here There's your dribble drive lost control Singleton chasing after it and it's going to Jonesboro 22 and a half to go regulation four point game There's your foul and see John that's a situation I talked about when you save you time out he got the ball on the full court deep in the corner 20 plus seconds to go.

It could be the five second you had no timeout slip.

That's why he's got to save the timeouts to the end.

Set the defense with a substitution on free throws.

Fouls on Nate Singleton his fourth at 21 point Jonesboro can expand the four point lead here You want to talk about free throws in the fourth quarter?

I'll wait until after this first one to give you the Jonesboro native John Trey Mack.

Good.

Jonesboro, 12 of 15 in the fourth quarter from the line, Columbia, eight of eight.

He was rotation with that ball when those players from Jonesboro shoot that free throw John textbook they've been working on that in practice Second free throw Got it Columbia has got to do something quick here down six 5448 Singleton launching a three Got it and he twisted his ankle on the way down.

He turned it for a quick foul from two.

First he came down on that funny and you can tell right there.

Here's your look.

All right.

Watch when he lands Turned it right there.

Yeah that's one of those you just very unfortunate to happen for a young man that's playing with so much heart and hustle out here and giving 100% effort.

Singleton has 13.

You're working on him right now.

It's a three point well, looks like more of a cramp.

They're just a cramp.

I think more a cramp.

I think more of a cramp.

He came down on it and it could be more of a cramp.

Okay, We hope that's the case.

Nothing else is serious.

But for him to take the seawalls and they have putting pressure on pushing it back.

Yeah, let's see.

There mean it's almost like you've got a bit of a stinger and he's trying to sort it out.

Yeah, that's it.

See the big toe right there?

That's cramping that big toe.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

Planting this foot.

Good plant.

Good shot with the three and on the whistle the foul was called on Anthony Rice.

So one of the tough defenders and runners that point for Colombia fouls out with nine and a half seconds to go regulation There's the ice they're rubbing it on the Achilles and you go there what are what are they talking about.

Well you can see how relax there are guys first of all they're talking.

They're talking and that's good.

That's called maturity.

And second of all, you don't see them panicking.

They're relaxed.

So look at these young men right here, what they've accomplished, what they have a chance to accomplish with 9.5 seconds to go.

You see the smiles.

That means they're relaxed.

And we talked about that going into the Keys, John.

They have to play relaxed.

They have to have fun.

And that's exactly what they doing.

Play relaxed, play having fun with a chance to win a championship.

And of those guys that started at five right there, Hector's a junior.

He'll be coming back to Wade's a graduating senior.

Mack is a junior.

He'll be coming back.

Donaldson is a junior.

He's coming back.

And James Walker.

So the freshman, A freshman.

It sounds like we're talking about a college team.

Guys, cooks for the NBA because they're that talented.

They're that talented to be so young and with a chance to do something special here tonight, I want to have to go by what took possession game and don't foul in the three Driftin folks back off the low block just play tough D second free throw by Walker Got it five point game under 10 seconds to go picked off and that's going to do it stepped on the sideline stepped on the sideline with 5.8 and have to play defense now tied to tight rope down the sideline didn't quite happen but they've got to do something in five and a half.

Ambers like four launches a 30 footer off the rim, nose, the backboard, no good play count.

It gets their chance to be over after coming close and coming close and coming close.

Jonesboro has a championship.

Clayton County has a championship.

And let's all go to the half.

They could go to the middle.

yeah.

When you hey, you see how nativism goes.

Kids talk about the charges that was taken.

He was involved in that.

He's taught these kids a lot about the fundamentals of the game.

And he's celebrating a state for Jonesboro High School.

And I and I thought Raven had him he had him pinned down for about.

You want to talk about a fired up man?

He's got every right to be celebrated with the student section trying to find the traffic pattern a little bit.

Nothing wrong with that.

And look, let's see if Raven got a lot of emotion right there jumping around the kids almost teary eyed.

Describe going warming to me.

They're great kids.

Unbelievable.

I work to improve the world.

They work hard.

Nobody thought we had a chance.

Supposedly we played number one team and Alexander and they got me every game number one.

We just never ever can be number one.

But now we are.

We're number one.

And it's because all my kids ain't got nothing to do with me because.

I got the best kids in the state of Georgia.

Coach, I think we'll end it on that note.

Congratulations to you very much.

Back over to you, John.

Thank you, Raven.

We'll come back and we'll see how much of a voice Dan Mailman will have the trophy presentation for the quad champs from the Macon Coliseum.

When we come back on the great GPB cam.

Welcome back.

Macon Coliseum Macon center plex Jonesboro gets the first championship for them in school history, beating Columbia 5651.

They always say life begins at 40.

There's Dan Millman with his daughter, Hadley.

He's got an eight month son.

We'll see how much of a voice he has left.

He's going to celebrate his 40th birthday in June, celebrate a little early for the state championship.

Let's send it over to Mark Harmon with a bunch Cardinals.

Thank you, John Nelson.

Time now to present the class for a state championship trophy to add.

Here's Dr. Ralph's words into the essay.

The executive director to hand over the hardware to Jonesboro.

What a great way to close the evening, the first day of the tournament.

Two great teams.

It's my pleasure.

Now, on behalf of the Georgia High School Association and Georgia Farm Bureau to present the state championship trophy to Jonesboro High School.

Ram Riley, Good game, game.

yes.

All right.

man.

Hey, hey, hey, Coach Mailman.

Let's fight it out.

Coach.

Man, I'm closing in.

There's a lot of enthusiasm here talking about winning the first state title in Jonesboro history.

You know, it's amazing the, you know, I told all the people I got the best kids in the state of Georgia, and I wouldn't trade them for the world and what it means to our community and to our school to win the first state championship in 90 some years is amazing.

And it's not because I'm a good coach, it's because I have unbelievable character kids that work their tail off.

All right.

Let's bring in your senior allies.

You come in here, you're the only senior on this team.

Raise trophy up here and tell me what it means to go out on top of the team.

You got to you got to thank God he's been with us all the time.

I know it's weird For our team's main points.

We had it the whole season, so that's why we're here.

All right.

Let's bring in the freshman James Walker.

Excellent job.

The future is with you.

Talk about winning this in your first try here as a freshman.

man.

I just want to thank God for us because we're out here and this won't happen right now.

But I just want to thank our coaches.

Although you are down for this team, I just this moment right now, and I just want to thank my family.

My family watching everything.

I love you and I just appreciate this moment right now.

I mean, this is so wonderful time, Coach.

You, your daughter in your arms.

Can you sum up what you're feeling, what your community is feeling right now?

no, I can't.

It's amazing.

I want to thank all of our students section that came and followed us throughout the state playoffs and all of our wonderful fans over there that followed us, the support that we've had through the Douglass family, Harry Douglass, the Falcons.

It's amazing.

And the reason why is because they see the goodness in these kids and they've worked their tail off and all.

The one thing I want to say is, is Alexander was supposedly the number one team in the state, and then all of a sudden Columbia became the number one team in the state.

Never did they mention that Jonesboro was number one in the state.

But guess what?

We are now.

All right, fans, the mailman has delivered Jonesboro, the Class four state champs.

Now let's send it over to Claire Sims for our tailgate wrap up Joe.

Thank you, Mark.

What excitement here tonight inside the Macon Coliseum is the first ever state championship champ for that Jonesboro basketball team.

And those fans, they have been in this game with us here at the Coliseum and online.

I don't think they're going to want to go home tonight.

They have been celebrating throughout the last few minutes since they finally won that game and out.

But we have a lot that people can look forward to the rest of the weekend as well.

That's right.

The excitement doesn't get much better than that.

Very emotional win for Jonesboro today.

And the fans, a lot of the coaches will say the fans have been just as much a part of the ride, a part of the action as the team has.

So we've been capturing a lot of those moments, not only on television, but also through social media.

Sports is on Twitter, on Facebook and on Instagram because we want you to be a part of this entire experience.

And social media is a great way to give you some of those tidbits some of those nuggets that you can't see on TV.

I mean, the Cardinal Bird, it was he was dancing all night long over here in the endzone.

I captured him on my iPad.

I've got this cute little video.

You can find things like this if you like GPB Sports on Facebook.

And we've got a lot from today from all the teams that played today.

And there's a lot more coming the next couple of days and you can find it all on GBP sports as you like us.

Also find us on Twitter, actually sports and the hashtag we're using weekend is GBP two finals.

That's where you'll find all of the conversation relating to the state finals.

The other hashtag is six words from a Southerner.

I've got the poster right here with me.

We want to know how you define being a Southerner.

You can reach out to Vine, Instagram, Twitter, in six words.

You tell us what it means to be a Southerner and how you spend your time.

So make sure to tweet us, Facebook us, find us on Instagram.

Back over to you.

And somebody named Donnie Wilkey just tweeted us.

Jonesboro youngsters don't look nervous at all, did they?

There's no substitute for exuberance.

And Mark, you were over there in the middle of all that exuberance.

I don't think anybody can argue with that.

You know, I just love that all the excitement that they had, it just all came out.

You know, they were underdogs all season long and.

They're taking the trophy back home to Jonesboro was just great.

But we have a lot more action ahead this weekend.

man, We've got game after game after game coming your way.

Let's check out the final Georgia EMC scoreboard for tonight.

And leading off the action today was in single-A girls, five in school.

That was Randolph by winning his second state, Title 5332 over Mitchell County.

The single-A boys, welcome to county wins a sixth championship over Turner County, 72 to 64.

It was Redan 34 and ran the table 63 to 53.

And in the game you just saw, it was Jonesboro running its first ever state championship over Columbia.

And of course, the action continues right here again tomorrow.

We have a bunch more championship games coming your way.

We will start again just like today, tomorrow at 3:00 PM with the girls to a final between Kendrick and Wesley and then after that, we're going to move to the boys to Way Calhoun versus Jaycee and then Tucker and Southwest.

A cab will face off in the girls five eight championship game, and then we'll move to the boys, Warner Robins and Miller Grove in the Boys five AA That's going to be a great one to say, you know, if tomorrow is half as good as it was today, I'm all in.

yeah.

I mean, how could it not be?

Grace Outstanding job with the social media and patrolling the sidelines player again excellent this long side.

I appreciate all your help, but let's do it again tomorrow shall we?

Do it again tomorrow.

We hope you enjoy day one of the USA Championship weekend here on the Great GPB.

Tomorrow, four more champions be crowned will tip off our coverage live at 3:00.

So until then, have a great evening.

And so long, everybody.

This is a GPB original production.