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

He's coming in.

It's a helicopter slam jam.

He's going to pull up from three and watch this guy go wheel drive and backs it in and gets it.

We welcome you inside the making coliseum where tonight it will be the Class four championship, Columbus and Reed in.

And it should be an outstanding day of basketball.

Game three right here.

Gil Tyree, along with Herb White, we say, how are you doing?

Good to see you.

Good to be back.

Gail.

Love march in high school basketball and March Madness is definitely upon us when we take a look at these two basketball teams, how did they get here?

But more importantly, who they are led by?

Because we have a lot of senior leadership on the floor we're going to see here tonight.

Well, for for Reed and Bria Elmore as a team MVP, the coach says she's a 42% three point shooter, averages 19 points per game.

And she can play three positions and she's going to go on to Memphis.

Mm.

There you see Bria.

And for Columbus, Alexia Manning, she's a four year starter and she's the leader of this team.

And Coach Sharon told us it's so important for her to get off to a good start for this team and set the tempo for them.

And I'll tell you what, in talking to Melissa McFerrin at Memphis, she understands how good Elmore is.

And when she goes up to the Bluff City and plays for them.

Let's take a look at our starting lineups here tonight.

Her and we'll take a look at who we have.

First of all, we'll take a look at the Columbus Blue Devils of starters right there.

And of course, our starting lineup brought to you by Regions Bank and Kara Gunter, Kayla Lloyd, Alexia Manning are part of that group.

And then, of course, for Reed and the Raiders right now, trying to keep that record unblemished, you see Jimmy Abney, Destinee McClary, Jalen Black among the starters here tonight, a lot of juniors and seniors here's okay we're going to go with some keys of the game here hit the threes.

Well from the for the reed and that's their strongest point and they've got to handle that size inside that Columbus has and then for Columbus they're great defense.

They've got to be able to limit the threes, of course, by freedom because again, they're at 42% three point shooting team and their younger players got to play loose.

They're not starting a lot of them, but they got three or four freshman and sophomore that come off the bench and play a lot.

And it's up to them to come in and get rid of those jitters pretty quick.

And and our keys to success of course, T CSG learn more, earn more.

And you see our coaches here tonight and first of all you see Josh Marrone, the head coach of the Columbus Blue Devils.

What an outstanding job he's done in bringing this program here.

Love, love and I mean this herb, love the bow tie, love it.

And on the other side, of course, the head coach for the Re Dan Raiders Jerry Jackson and what an outstanding job he's come he's done after coming over and succeeding around him alone.

There is me here.

Well again just a classic matchup of a great defensive team against a great outside shooting team.

And it's going to be exciting to see who can impose their will.

Pregame introductions are underway as both of these teams are getting acquainted with the floor here at the Making Center Flex and Doc talked about ducks learning and talked about the renovations here.

It's always nice to come down and make it here.

It's a great place.

You know, we enjoyed the Gwinnett Center, but it's nice to have all the games back in one place again because it gives the fans a chance to stick around and watch a lot of basketball if they want to stay a couple of days here in the great city and make it maybe catch a couple of the side.

Some museums here, you know, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and Sports Hall of Fame.

So a lot of stuff going on in Macon, and they always embrace this event Every time we come down in the month of March and Herb talked about people in that center right now, of course, the SCC women's basketball championship going on there.

And of course, the men in the SCC will come to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta next week.

Should be a great one.

That's going to be a wide open tournament this year.

But we're here to get this one underway.

Gil Tyree, Herb White, glad to have you with us on the great g p b it tip is going to be controlled by Columbus and talking to Coach Sirianni Herb, he likes to get this thing going and run their offense and right off the bat they knock down a three.

Alicia Manning Taking a playbook, taking a play out of the right hand book and knocking down the three right off the bat and matching that and making a long three is at least three.

All token pressure by Reed and Columbus able to get across the time line trapped three lat free throw line extending and knocking it down for Columbus and early on it getting it done Excellent job of handling the pressure two passes in the nice shot in the lane Kayla Lloyd with that little five threes early on here trouble with it down low and it's knocked out of bounds and over and the ball will go over to Columbus get a look at coach Jackson coaching pressure Columbus no problems with it Get along get it across the time line Try the entry, pass it stolen away stolen back by Columbus, down low and putting it up last and laying it up and in it's the Kara Gunter seven three.

I'll tell you what these ladies love to play the game.

They play it very passionately as they do.

And Columbus opens up in a man to man.

They just about half to the way the Raiders shoot those long threes Dipsy do moves in the lane did not go and that was great.

Elmore had the rebound taken down by Columbus also man to man by the lady Raiders well stolen away by Renan and they're pushing it up the floor and laying it up off glass.

No good rebound follow.

No good and Columbus able to get the basketball and we go the other way a runner off glass no good rebound.

Well I've seen Abney give that ball up on the break and let go She had two players running with her and the taller players and she decided to take it herself.

Couldn't get it to go down on the break, touch away.

It lost it out of bounds.

The airball and a wild shot taken by Gunner and a rebound controlled by Reed and that's Abney Columbus.

Doing a great job of getting back defensively.

Y'all are getting back and they're setting into their man to man and getting out on that perimeter quickly to keep and from getting the good looks need a senior point guard.

She can also go to shooting guard as Wells over to Bria Elmore drives the scoop shot up and in and count it and that's what Memphis will be looking at with Melissa McFerrin Great move off the bounce and able to go right in the lane.

Hang there, knock it down in the end one.

Well, here's the problem, Elmore, a great three point shooter.

But when you play hard tied to keep it from getting an open look, she can go around just so she can do it all.

You got to get some help defense on that.

Nobody came and foul on Wyatt on the play and the completion of the three point play It's seven six now 511 in the first quarter opening quarter here making a bounce pass down low and laying it up off glass and getting it to go for Columbus Number 14 touchdown of Wyatt.

If it's like a heavyweight brawl, two teams feeling each other out early on.

And you know we so much we talk about in the lane and knocking it down and giving that go was Jada Bird the senior nine eight.

But you know talking about we talk about so much about the fact that Redan has no losses and in the case of Columbus they only have the one playing a nice passing lane and getting the steal is written up the floor, a one hand push out around and getting the goal and drop.

Elmore Oh boy.

Yes.

Ten nine.

Shooting by both teams early.

So a lot of people came down from Stone Mountain.

A lot of people came over from Columbus for this man of steel ahead and great anticipation on the block and coming over to make a play.

This was Kayla Lloyd, ten nine 355 in the opening quarter here at Macon.

We got a good move for the girls for a state championship.

Glad to have you with us on GPB.

And watch Georgia outdoors from inside your living room.

You'll be able to cozy up with the bats and frogs.

Hang on the beach with the sea turtles Kayak down the great rivers here in the great state of Georgia.

Get wild with Sharon Collins and Nature Watch Georgia outdoors on the great GPB.

Stunning show.

Very stunning.

And of course, Sharon Collins, nobody has a feel for Georgian nature in the outdoors.

That's Sharon Collins.

Love that program.

Don't you?

Watch it, Irma.

Well, for the past 20 years or so, been watching.

It's gone through some changes, but every time it just gets a little better.

And we talked about the hot shooting in Columbus for four seven from the field and Reed and four for eight right now and turnovers right now you look at three, four, three, two, one Columbus in terms of being able to turn them into transition baskets.

And right now we're locked in a one point game and scoring Brian Elmore five, four, three to end and you have Guenther, Wyatt, Lloyd and Manning all in the scoring ledger for Columbus right now.

And we got a foul inside.

Jada Bird will go to the line for two That's a foul was on Lloyd so Byrd will go to the line for one and one first lit up and good actually it was for two.

We're not at that point yet hopefully bird with three stand corrected.

That's my job, y'all.

I don't have to do it very often, that's for sure.

Second one is up and in three, two and out in front by 312 deny again apply that that pressure and it causes another turnover in a wild shot that was Jada bird and we have a whistle bird and Abney applied the double team came up with the steal Nice job but here you go.

You'll see the double team on this side and you're going to see the steal right there.

And like you talked about, Herb, their ability to trap and then the foul three down player looked up to see who she was going to pass to.

When she looked up, Loyd just reached in and snatched it away.

Heads up, play 14 and nine and lead at five for Reed in part of an eight oh run right now.

That was almost an over and back not only is it almost feel Tyree right on top of him you got your striped shirt on underneath your suit though you got to look at both coaches coach tyranny and Coach Jackson.

The turnover go back to Renan.

They enjoying a five point lead.

They almost lost it get it back and fouled and going up for his shot was Bria Elmore coming in with the hack.

It looked like it was Jack and time.

She looked like she got a lot of ball.

But yeah, they called it on a reach.

Sabrina More real more very active right now and it's basketball game Columbus has got to do a better job handling this pressure there's no doubt about it.

It's had about three turnovers now in the last couple of minutes that have either turned into baskets or free throws and they've had their center position open against the press.

And that's where you got to look to go with the ball, get that ball to the middle of the floor.

And that was something that Coach Cerone had talked about with this on a conference call.

You know, he was a little nervous about the fact he didn't know how this team was going to react early on because, you know, it's been a long time since they've been here.

And just the whole idea of what goes on in it in a championship game, it's going to bring back the state title either to Stone Mountain or to Columbus, losing the ball on the floor.

And Reed aren't able to get yet another turnover and so more to miss the rebound and going up strong and no good.

That was Bird and Columbus Nice job there by Renan It was impressive because they they might have had a lay up but they didn't know for sure and they kicked it back out for that trailing three.

That's their bread and butter shots so not a bad idea.

Got our drives, hangs in the air and a whistle and to get a first destinee McClary On the course.

Yeah.

On McCleary.

Well a point of emphasis this year cannot be pushing on that dribbler.

A lot of people don't like it, but especially in the college game, I think it's really improved the game.

It was really getting out of control.

There you go.

Just the forearm on the body is all it took.

Even with that incident of contractors, all that just broke a ton of freedom Run.

You know, Columbus needed that pair, huh?

16 is ten set shot long off the air.

No good in the lane with the rebound and trying to put it up and in was Jalen Black but she lost it in Columbus retains possession going to go inside that's Manning they go inside and Manning's a load in they're about six foot three and I imagine about 200 £205 but she's solid on download area Copeland the freshman shooting a long jumper was Dunner and the ball fought for an out of bounds and Columbus retains possession here Loyd on the inbounds top to Copeland and a miss from the baseline was Loyd and still the girls are fighting in the lane trying to push and a push and the ball goes over to Reed and got her in the small of the back on the rebound.

They're going to call that one most of the time it's five team fouls on Columbus already Elmore step back but miss the rebound by Columbus that's got her drive in the lane and laying it off the glass A nice runner was Alexia Manning nice pitch ahead made that possible Manning with five Colombians cuts the lead to four good defense there.

Yeah she moved their feet got in front didn't push off forced the turnover.

Here you go.

You carry a gunner with a nice pitch ahead one dribble, finished it.

Nice look ahead.

I always look up the floor.

As soon as you get the rebound.

Told by Uncle Herve some things never change.

I don't care how long you've been around.

Rebound fought for the floor The rebound has in there pushed it up That's Elmore and launching a long jumper from the corner with McCleary McCleary her first three of the night weapon again they can shoot that three the lead now seven the biggest lead enjoyed by Keenan and they get the rebound contact and collision underneath.

Yeah it's going to be a block No they're going to call the offensive foul.

Okay well Columbus can't get in the three point shooting contest with Reed and they're above a 40% three point shooting team, although you got to take the open wins.

But maybe a little early in the shot clock a couple of times for Columbus work a little something inside.

There it is.

She actually had Manning open on the opposite side and didn't see her.

Oh, more now.

Seems like they're going to wait for the last shot.

Her?

Yep.

Probably going to be a three or a drive by Elmore, maybe driving a dish that shot the long jumper that missed the rebound.

Control by Columbus.

2 seconds to go.

They better get rid of it.

Fabs.

It's a long shot.

I'll just miss you out of the arms of Gunner.

And what a first quarter we've had Revan out in front by 719 12.

You get a look at the flavor here in Macon and just an outstanding basketball game early on.

Right.

And looking to keep their season unblemished.

They lead by seven.

We'll be right back after this.

Welcome back to Macon Coliseum Reed and 19 Columbus 12.

Let me give you a bit of a history lesson.

Three reading, guys, They're good.

I remember back in the day when I was in high school, 2006 and all those years, but I won't bore you with that.

We'll go to 29.

Their last state championship, and then the following year, 2010, they had an undefeated season much like this year.

But when they made it to the state championship, they lost to Norcross.

So they're here again tonight trying to win this time.

Back over to you, John Raven, thank you.

And of course, Raven, those great years at Collinsville playing for Angie Embry.

Yeah, playing a couple of years with Mya right at my with my moors and good, good.

I was just going to say, I'm sure Coach Sharon told us players for Columbus that they shot four threes and made one right and a couple of them were quick.

You don't want to shoot up to three.

That's not their strength.

Couple of times they have an inside player and missed it and right now Redan two for three on their threes, which is again one of their strong points and leading by seven as we start this second quarter here in Macon with the basketball is Elmore and they go down low to Jada Bird with it and you know it's hard to believe that Bird, Elmore and McCleary all reached the 1000 career scoring mark this season, making Reed in the first school in DeKalb County to have three players reach that mark in the same season.

That's unbelievable.

I would imagine there's many counties that have had schools do that.

And, you know, it's like everybody said, you know, whether it's at the NBA level or whether it's college, sometimes you need a three pronged attack to get it done.

That's the going rate right now.

Columbus struggling in their halfcourt set and do not connect tight and in transition laying it up and in and out and fighting for the rebound and in there to grab it was Jaylen Black Here you see another great pitch you had watch Bria moore look laid it right on the money couldn't quite get it to go down the foul on Wyatt That's their second nice follow up by black Chicago four two nice form two kind rims here in Macon.

What I mean by that they're soft ball doesn't bounce a long way when it hits the rim.

That's Black's first points of the night.

She'll try to get her second studies it and it doesn't fall.

I'm going to go Columbus, Columbus his way.

Right.

So here you go.

And you know, there's a lot of softer rims these days with the breakaway baskets, but you still see some tight ones.

And everybody that can shoot the ball is a good shooter likes to have those kind rims so you can get the roll It called Destiny McCleary on the foul her second Columbus drive and with a wild shot was Alexia Manning the rebound controlled by Reed and Elmore Leonard up and in and say the celebration Jada Blair in the lead now the biggest at ten first double digit lead of the night really really impressed with the way Redan runs their fast break.

They don't waste time dribbling.

They pitch ahead and get the shot is just making things uncomfortable in the halfcourt set.

Columbus really struggling right now.

And earlier you talked about this rebound in transition to dribble through to dribbles the nice pass.

I mean just pitch ahead and that's what you're supposed to do it fill the lanes you got somebody on each wing Columbus got to slow the tempo of this game down a little bit, make it more of a halfcourt game, try to use their size inside.

They haven't really done it so far and they've got a size advantage.

Things we do and it's on a60 run.

Their biggest lead they've enjoyed has been ten, but the lead right now, now they made free throws.

Stop, run!

It's 22 to 13, I believe.

That's Tucker To add me again Tucker drives free throw line extended the Miss rebound rejected inadvertent foul but they're going to call it they're going to call a body shoot right And staying with the full court pressure and a one, 211 it's own press.

And when you look at that herb, I mean, it has bothered it has bothered Candace like it did right there.

And again he's a transition opportunities Yeah stop Pop and the miss and the rebound taken down by Columbus Commission is by Elmore Oh that's McIntosh and the reach was by Tucker and the ball knocked out of bounds.

I think they're going to get Abney coming from behind possibly.

No you're right Tucker Tucker her first you'll see the reach coming in right there.

Yeah.

I should know better than to question your call.

Come on, now.

I think the press is more to take Columbus out of their rhythm, but they've gotten some really some unforced turnovers out of it that Columbus just threw bad passes.

So the measurables are Macintosh made one of two and with the rebound lady Raiders they're going to call reach Yeah you got to reach by Macintosh.

Well it's just no excuse to foul that far out from the basket and you're 35 feet away from the hoop.

Nobody's going to score.

You just put somebody at the free throw line and that's 18 fouls now on Columbus.

So be the bonus from here on in already.

Was Elmore at the line?

This one is up and in That's exactly right You cannot find somebody 35 feet from the basket when you're already in the penalty.

It's just three points.

She missed the back end of the one on one, but they're able to get the rebound in the ball courtesy the turnover with the Raiders.

But Columbus gets it back and they go the other way.

They need to set something up.

All right.

And a double team came over.

But they spotted Elmore on the foul also over there as well, applying pressure now Columbus able to get some free throws.

It's about the only way they've been able to score for the last 5 minutes.

They got a break there because that was about to be a turnover in the ref.

The official call, the right hack, Satori Hines, the culprit.

And I really think Columbus needs to get that pressure from break the pressure, get down and then take a couple of deep breaths and set up their offense and see if they can't get something going inside to the basket.

One gunner on the line, she made the first, of course, you know, we talked so much.

HERBERT But senior leadership, like she's been one of two seniors who's kind of been like a mother, hands in raising this basketball team.

Columbus got the turnovers, trying to turn it back over.

Right.

And a set shot Little good was by a manning on the press after the made basket and it's 23 to 8 back up the floor and Tucker fighting for the rebound and it's knocked out of bounds by the whistle and a foul active.

Let's take a look at the field goals for both teams.

Columbus Toll shooting six for nine, both teams shooting about the same percentage not very well.

The foul on Manning and I would imagine reading is going to be a tough team to press because of the way they pass the ball.

But we'll see.

They've turned it over a couple of times as well.

So not a bad move by Coach Sharon.

Put a little bit of same medicine back to read and see how they handle it.

Tucker makes the second it's now a six point lead enjoyed by the Raiders 24 to 18.

It's Taylor Loyd Over the Gutter is guarded by Elmore.

They continue to mount that shot clock stepped up yeah off glass you called it hurt Lexie Manning she got seven and now 24 to 20 Columbus with a wake up call coming back.

Take it through since you called it.

Well, I don't know.

You didn't say the bank was open.

I don't know if she called the bank.

Alisha Manning But it was a pretty shot.

Yes, it was.

She used a banking board.

Gill.

Oh, buddy.

Jody singing The Late Show Dancer.

We like to think about them all all the time.

Yeah.

Great person for the sport of basketball.

Exactly.

South Eastern Conference, of course.

A great year at LSU and its son, Joe Dean Junior, now doing great stuff on the telecast.

He used to coach at Birmingham Southern.

Well, you got to make that one wide open layup and pretty upset with herself was Kayla Lloyd.

She knew she had a one that she should have got down and we might have to use a little string music before it's over.

Hill 343 until the half straight and with a 2420 lead.

We'll be right back.

It making after these very important messages on GPB.

It's the road to the championship brought to you by our good friends at Columbus, EMC.

Let's take a look at Reena and Herb and you see the body of work.

Yeah, pretty easy move to the playoffs.

They were only challenged one time there by Fayette County.

Really?

And but they're being challenged tonight.

And of course, their last win was a big one.

And now take a look at the Columbus Road to the championship and equally as impressive, again, 6152 at Columbia.

And I'm telling you, both these teams are rolling right through the playoffs and it's anybody's ballgame right now.

We've got the second quarter field goal numbers for you, Herb, but Columbus, two of seven, right, And one of six.

Yeah.

Columbus had quite a few free throws mixed in with that.

And that's how they were able to cut that deficit down and read and able to enjoy their lead.

Right now with steals, we'll be able to convert those steals into points.

And right now a 24 to 20 lead as we approach half time.

And of course Marky Mark Harmon.

Claire, since Taylor Tucker's first attempt short, no numbers.

Pull it out.

That's Taylor Lloyd.

Well, I tell you what the lady raiders, Plato's passing lanes really nice.

And that leads to a transition.

The world around by elbow and gets it to go well there was no passing lane That was the problem.

You can't force it where there's not one.

Elmore with ten oh oh The wild circus shot almost got it by Manning and we go the other way.

That's Elmore.

That's Hadley and that's the nine one half.

And you got to no time and score.

You got to lead down to four.

And now you got it down to about 3 minutes and something you want to make every possession a smart possession.

And the last two have not been good.

Let's watch.

Trying to she tries to force it.

There's nothing there.

You got two players in front of your post, man.

And so you give up the lay up there.

That's a third foul on McIntosh.

And the next one was kind of a prayer thrown up and no good And now you're down.

Yeah, nine points again in about 35 seconds you got to see the main basket.

And of course Abney does a tightrope act along that baseline lays it up and in and it whirls around and drops in the end one she completes it the lead now nine and right back up the floor to make it and put it up and in was Shaqiri a Gunter at 29 to 22.

Nice job of splitting the defenders and getting it to go down Most definitely spinning around and driving and hanging in the air was Destinee.

McClary And you saw the follow there Jada Bird with the follow to follow.

She now has a ten second player to reach double digits for Reed and their lead is nine.

I need another quality look right here.

Ooh nice cut by Brittney Floyd, but we have a whistle to reach Leave Jada bird it's Jada bird the foul her first we're going to we're shooting the ball and Brooklyn Floyd the line Brittney Floyd one of the freshman so just really now he's got three freshmen and a sophomore play quite a bit for him.

So we can see Columbus down the road is going to be pretty tough.

31 to 23 to miss, right down with the basketball spreading it out.

A set shot from college, just a great look again.

Destinee mcclary She got six, but you see.

Reed And that's what they do.

They come down, they go to their spots, right?

And whoever's got the ball is look and she knows somebody is going to be on that baseline like boom.

Describe what we're seeing right there.

You're absolutely right.

Her when you say they get to their spots, well, that's able to get set and knocking it down.

Yeah, they're a great three point shooting team for that reason They don't force them and they get quality looks at the three pointers and you can tell they work on that once they get across halfcourt they're looking for other people spotting up.

They got Taylor Tucker on the hack that'll send a rare complement to the line That's the 10th team foul on Reed and so it'll be the double bonus Copeland made the first under the two minute mark as we approach half time here in Macon.

I'll tell you what it's been an outstanding day and we still got more to come.

But John Nelson and Sean Golden, the prime time fellows home all morning and you got to get out and guard those two point shooters.

They get those open looks and that's McClary again, she's at nine and a lead now equals the biggest at 1218.

So now same thing, same place, same time, same result.

Her outlook at three or more Right fans her room and you you talked about that the ability to get set and spacing the floor.

Yeah nobody within eight or ten feet of her wide open you just can't have that I guarantee you coach Tyrone's motor is going to blow off of him and you get a couple more looks like that.

And like you said, you know, defenders, you got to have a hand in the place, you got to run at them.

Well, you have to be in the vicinity to have a hand in the face, but you have to be aware that that's what Redan is looking for.

They're going to spot some people up on both sides.

And you better have somebody there as coach for Ronnie.

And that both Ty and right now he's looking at a 13 to 5 read and run over the last minute 30 this important minute 49 here for Columbus.

They need to get a couple baskets and a stopper to get back in this thing.

The Raiders smell blood and they with the token pressure they get the steal nice steal and that was Elmore keeping that ball alive and wasn't hurt 37 to 20 with an opportunity for Reed and it gets a bit gets later they afternoon Reed and very patient very smart thing to do here the Elmore Elmore is going to launch one off the rim no good rebound control by Columbus and we're going the other way Manning will back it up the bounce pass down low to Manning or correct me Wyatt and we have a whistle.

I don't know why Columbus hasn't been doing a lot of that course.

They've turned the ball over before.

They've got it down there.

But if they would get past the pressure and get down into their half court sense, Gray Dan is going to have to fail.

They have so much more size than Reed and if they'll just use it.

But right now they haven't been able to.

The foul on Tony Jones, their first.

And Wyatt is a sophomore, isn't she?

Yes, she is.

She looks like correctly, Wyatt is a freshman freshman.

She's about six two already.

She may end up six, four or five four.

So over she listed first will try to second then gets it.

It's 37 to 26.

Read an email for the floor.

The ball is off the foot.

Might be one.

Tony Jones might be one.

You wanted to pull back out, you got to lead.

52 seconds to go is one on one.

Go into the hoop, back it, back out and hold it for a good shot.

Now, Columbus beat the pressure and come down and get a good look.

Yep, that's Gunner.

Gunner what?

Ten The first Columbus player to reach 20 figures.

Nobody stopped the ball.

He can't let the dribble go all the way to the rack.

37 to 28 pressure again.

But Elmore able to break it.

Floyd honors setting up and knocking it down.

It's not he again just camping out in that corner and knocking it down another three like free throws for.

And if you're going to give him those wide open looks, they just going to keep knocking around at 28, I believe that holds the one here.

And Columbus just a miscommunication.

Throw it, just throw it away.

And the turnover and a read and we'll have the final opportunity with 16 ticks to go before the half and they can increase their lead, which is now 12 at 4228, they got the ball in Elmore's hands and a long set shot.

The airball at the buzzer by me is no good, but that'll put the conclusion to the first half with the score rate and 48 and Columbus 28 Ravens standing by what Coach Jackson likes looking for three points each.

And what is it?

Oh, we just got to keep putting the ball in play a little bit better transition defense and stay on that there.

We've got to work a little bit better and a little bit hard on defense and everything will work itself out specifically on defense.

What do they need to do?

Oh, we got the bucks out.

Oh, we've got to get back, box out, rebound and keep pushing the ball high.

Coach, good luck.

All right.

All right.

Over to you.

Mark writes, Thanks very much.

We're at halftime of the girls class for a championship game today and leading at 40 to 28 as we get ready for our GPB halftime show player.

Just ahead, we are going to check in with Rachel.

Then she's going to let everybody know what people are talking about online.

Plus, first half highlights are coming your way as we continue our halftime show here on GPB.

Welcome to the NCAA championship weeks here on GPB where our live from Macon Coliseum where tonight two teams have already won state championships and two more will be crowned before tonight's final buzzer sounds.

You know, we are at the halftime of the girls for a championship.

Redan is leading Columbus 4228, but there's still a lot of basketball to play, a lot of basketball to play.

You know, Redan came into this one undefeated ranked number one.

So they got a 12 point lead.

They got 16 minutes to go with a date with Destiny.

And we want to know what you think about this game.

So let's check in now with our social media correspondent, Rachel Finn, with a look at what people are talking about.

GRACE Thank you.

Clare That's right.

A lot of basketball left to play and a lot of tweeting left to be done as well as Facebooking.

Now we have a lot of people wondering if Columbus is going to get the comeback versus reading, and that's kind of what the trend is on Twitter right now.

We're asking all of our viewers and fans to tweet with the hashtag GPB Hoops finals.

That's where all the conversation is going to be going throughout the rest of this film is read in game and throughout the rest of the finals games.

We've also got another hashtag going.

This hashtag is six words from a Southerner.

You can see our poster.

We've got fans holding this around in the stands.

We want to know in six words how you define being a Southerner.

We have lots of people talking about sweet football sports in six words.

We want to know what being a Southerner means to you.

So tweet A.P.

Sports and let us know what you think.

Send us your Vine videos, your Facebook, Instagram photos, whatever.

It is, fine to be sports on those platforms.

Back over to Mark and Claire on the site.

All right, Grace, thanks very much.

Time now to check in with the Georgia EMC scoreboard.

We crowned two champs two finals right now in the classic single Public Schools Girls Championship.

Randolph Clay wins a title for the first time since 1996, beating Mitchell County 53 to 32 in the single-A boys Championship.

Wilkinson County wins its seventh championship, beating Turner County 72 to 64 In the Class four Girls Championship.

Top ranked Redan is leading Columbus 4228.

And coming up, one more title game.

The boys for Game Columbia goes for its sixth championship, taking on the Cardinals of Jonesboro.

Clare.

It is time now for our career play of the game, brought to you by the technical college system of Georgia.

Great careers don't always begin with a four year degree and end in a corner office.

Welcome To skilled trades where the education is hands on, the work is rewarding and the careers are built from the ground up.

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You know Coach Jerry Jackson every day and I talked to him recently and he said, I've got five seniors on this team.

Four have been there throughout their careers and they really, really want to go out on top.

Now, Columbus has played a good first half and they've got a very talented team, too.

But this group from Redan, they've been together their senior dominated and we'll see what happens in the final 16 minutes.

And no matter what happens, what an amazing season they have had to get here tonight.

Absolutely undefeated.

How does that happen?

That happens with your very, very good.

All right.

We're getting ready for the second half.

The girls for a state championship game undefeated Redan and the Lady Blue Devils of Columbus don't go anywhere because Jill Tyree and her right will have the first half highlights and snaps and the second half call.

It's all coming up next on GPB.

We welcome you back to Macon and of course the halftime numbers as we get ready to start the second half here in Columbus in the arena and and the Raiders leading right now, Jill Tyree along with her white and her buffs.

I'll tell you what, transition baskets were renamed mission baskets.

The turnovers were killing Columbus because every time they turned it over, Redan scored off of it and quite often they scored a three pointer off the break.

All right.

We're going to take a look at some of the highlights of this basketball and her take us through.

Alicia manning starts off with the three pointer and Alisha comes back down the baseline.

Nice drive to score.

And now we'll take a look at Bryn Mawr got off to a nice start early The scoop and the free throw was good too.

And here she comes again.

A great crossover dribble and into the lane and then for the coup de gras Destinee McCreery just camping out and letting it fly And that was from the right wing the left wing?

Yeah, left wing again.

And you brought up a great point here about the ability of the Raiders to get set and make those threes and that's Boy that's really is.

Yeah.

Shoot.

Right.

Shooting percentages are not that much different Of course the three point field goals are big free throws, pretty close rebounding pretty close.

But again the turnovers even though Redan has eight, Columbus has hardly scored off the turnovers and Redan is turning the turnovers in the basket.

So Columbus really has to take their time.

They haven't really gotten the ball inside but once or twice and I got to feel like that's one of their strengths.

So they've got to get the ball up, court, get some shots inside and then they've got I mean, Destiny doesn't get that shot off in a hurry.

You see, she kind of gathers herself.

So if you got somebody near there, you can stop her from getting the open look.

Let's see what happens.

And our stats brought to you by our good friends at Farm Bureau here in the great state of Georgia, 4228, starting the second half here in Macon for a state championship on the line.

Columbus turns it over just like that.

And the Raiders turn it over and we go the other way straight ahead to the lane and a miss down the lane for Columbus who was Manning and the rebound taken down by Weeden and that's Elmore to Abney back out to Elmore J to Byrd now with it at the head of the horn.

Biggest lead of this game has been at 15 enjoyed by Renan and a leap by 12 right now to start the third quarter, it's destiny.

McCleary to admit they continue to burn clock well stolen away and then stolen back by the Raiders.

And we have a whistle here.

They're going to give Bria Moore.

She got the ball stolen trying to get it back.

She reached in a nice defense there.

Magic.

Here you go.

Jerry Gunther, as Mark Harmon told us in day one, is in the books right now.

We're in game three.

And of course, congratulations.

Go to Randolph.

Play and Wilkinson County, a good friend.

The good doctor, Aaron G. Here is in the winner's circle again.

And of course, after this one tonight, approximate Lee 845 tip time, it'll be Jonesboro and Columbia, he said.

Nelson Golden on the call Strong drive to the basket by Manning knocked to the floor but no foul rolling around and going and laying off last a nice move that's Jasmine McIntosh Baylor really been impressed by her great head and shoulders fake 42 throws Columbus within ten slicing and dicing and moving around in the lane and the Miss was by Adley Columbus the other way the miss and there for the stick back was Tatiana Wyatt 40 to 32.

The Blue Devils cut that lead to eight.

Mary Danz tried to slow it down a little, spread the floor and trying to drive it stop and top of the Miss by Elmore rebound by McClary lose it in on a loses it on the floor and the ball goes over to Columbus with another opportunity to cut into this lead.

Columbus picking up a little bit on the defensive end this half which they needed to do Blue Devils looked like they got a little pep to their step here in the second half.

They turn it over right there.

That's Elmore driving.

Nice dish to McCleary and the good recognition on the defensive end.

Taylor Loyd Nice block but that's twice Columbus again.

It's a good idea to look for a teammate, but you can't force it inside.

Take a look at it again.

Taylor Loyd, nice job without fouling.

Got the block.

Outstanding job by four great people here at GPB and of course led by the commander Steve Grant.

This ball knocked out of bounds and will be retained by the lady Raiders.

He'll inbound it sideline right the inbounds gets to Ebony working against the Brittany Floyd and then we have a whistle and a foul You're going to get the offensive foul I believe is on Jada bird trying to get possession inside that's her second reading It's got to be careful they slow it down a little too much, get out of their rhythm back in Macintosh with the inbounds to Floyd ahead, demanding backs away in nice leather in a move and just failed to make the stop.

The ball was knocked out of bounds Turner and wide were over there but they they're going to give the ball to Columbus so they'll be able to inbound it right underneath their basket.

Another great head and shoulder fake out.

The young kids are watching those and nice dish and getting it up and in it's stutter.

That's about the third offensive rebound for a bucket.

Columbus has gotten this half and the Blue Devils are within six half Coach Jackson seen enough he mentioned the offensive rebound they had to get on the boards and it's killing them right now 451 in the third and read ends lead now at 40 that's 34 with a score of 40 to 34 written and we'll be back to make them after this this fall it's season number four Football Fridays here in Georgia.

We bring you bigger and better high school football games from around the great state of Georgia right in your living room.

Join our sports team every Friday night to celebrate these great athletes and their schools on the road to the dome Football Fridays in Georgia, the All-Access pass three exciting hours of live high school football kick kickoff this fall on G TV.

Well, we got some great ratings this year on high school football, and I had so many people coming up to tell me what a great job.

GPB The high school football this year and I know on the work there, we still take the compliments.

That's right.

And of course, kudos to Trey McDaniel.

Jon Nelson Yep.

Kellen Johnson, Mark Harmon and that bunch do an outstanding job.

Columbus on a swing by Steve Graham too.

Yes, Excellent producer.

Columbus on a60 run.

I believe one was a field goal in the lane and the other two were put backs.

4234 sliced that lead in half, huh?

That's Elmo.

Hi.

It's nice to see.

It's a nice, nice blow by the floater and float on 42 to 34.

Elmore with the steal gets it back gets over the McCleary gets set but decides to get it to Abby Abney over tell more and then slow it down.

And of course three Elmore and I said this up top headed to the University of Memphis who will be playing for Melissa McFerrin over there.

Turner With a set shot in and out.

The rebound control by Columbus ahead of the pack is another scoop shot up around and an excellent use of the banking board again 42 to 36.

CUTTER with 14 and you see they're getting out on destiny McCleary now she's getting the open low course she was getting a lot of those off the steals, which they haven't gotten in this half so far.

And again, a reminder coming up at the conclusion of this basketball game here tonight, legal Earl and Columbia.

I'm sorry, the illegal pick right the third on Tucker and like I said, Jonesboro on Columbia, Shawn Golden, John Nelson and we get it all started tomorrow with Tommy Palmer, Larry Smith, you and I, you, man, and Shawn and John and the Ravens and Grace Olson and our great crew, of course, led by Tim Ryan.

Bob Ramsey's bringing you the best of high school basketball here.

And I've said it so many times, I love this state from top to bottom of the great state of Georgia.

Glad to have you with us here on GPB.

42 to 36.

That's Elmore.

Yeah, man game and working off the screen and getting it up was Jada Bird.

She were up there, defender off the screen and was able to get free and knock it down 44 to 36 Set Shot No Good by Alexia Manning fell out of bounds and it'll go to the Raiders Elmore is just everything they said she was man that was a great pass pick and roll her take us through just watch her float that ball Perfect position to get the shot off.

Nice job by burger to roll off of that pick And we talk about it so many times.

A two man game, in this case, the two ladies game 239 in the fourth quarter.

Again, the give and go and bird did not connect Columbus with the rebound Nice behind the back play by Gunther the long NBA three the miss was by manning up ball fought for the floor daughter with it scoop up and no good and she's pushed to the floor and we have a foul great hustle by security gutter really getting after it in this half and fouls on Tucker that's now four I'll tell you Elmore is so nice with the pass and she delivers it where you can catch it should have been made that time and boy, I love the way she handles the ball.

Take a look at that gutter and I mean it.

Very nice article written in the Columbus Ledger.

Inquire about Gunter and Alexia Manning and what they mean to coach Tony.

And you may see some real more up there going to Memphis.

It'd be fun to watch up there.

So Melissa McFerrin is trying to get that thing turned around up there.

Of course, in the AFC.

And when you play UConn and Louisville, you know, what are they calling the Monsters of the Midway, so to speak?

Yeah, that's going to be tough.

But she can help the lady Tigers a little bit over there where she keeps getting players like Elmore.

They're going to be competitive.

Yeah, we got a shot by Columbus.

You got two finishes right here and the Raiders get the ball and go the other way.

Oh, nice move to the lane and.

And the ability not to negotiate that basket was Adley and Columbus with it and that's Gunner back her defender down a scooped shot no good and they get the rebound and go up and in with it and that's McIntosh Yeah another offensive rebound that's the point game now for put backs at least maybe five for Columbus in this half and it's brought him back now Defense give some help on this lady Columbus creeping back with that great dame looking to get another stop here That's bird now going to give her a look McClary drive and nice and making and the three point expert takes it all the way to the hoop It gets to 246 to 40.

They look for Tucker down low up and in but correct me that's.

Copeland I'm sorry Columbus doing a lot better job of passing the ball into the interior and this midway into the second half just taking a look.

That's the third foul.

That's the way to go get it back strong move inside and the end.

One opportunity she missed it and Reed had with the ball to double team and somebody forgot to tell Elmore there was a double team.

She got through it.

Stop and pops.

They'll go to Columbus with the rebound.

We go the other way.

4642 and it set it up.

Get a good look here.

They dumped down it.

Copeland Setting and shooting from the baseline and knocking it down is Kayla Lloyd tall that one good miss you guys a two point game Gil 46 to 44 about ready to wrap up the third quarter which has been a very good win for Columbus just offensive board work and get your back in you get the second three shots the Miss losing the ball is Columbus and that'll end the third quarter.

But for Columbus the Blue Devils have closed with end to end 46 to 44.

Herbalife tells you to fasten your seat belt, coach.

Texans, Ready?

We're ready.

It's a good animation.

We'll be right back after this.

Written by two.

Welcome back to Macon Coliseum Reading 46, Columbus 44.

I was just listening in on the Columbus bench and coach was saying that look at the foul count on Redan get to the free throw line, play with all your heart and get to the free throw line.

Back over to you, John.

All right, Raven, thank you.

And of course, you know, Raven talked about Coach Cerone making the adjustments.

You alluded to the fact that what have they been doing in terms of limiting the read end's ability to knock down the three?

Well, right.

Didn't get not did not get up did not even take a three pointer in that quarter.

And the reason was Columbus got out and covered that shot.

But they also quick turn it over quite as much and they didn't get that secondary three pointer off the break.

And again, the offensive rebound and 6 to 6 scoring run by Columbus And I think one of those was a three pointer and one was a free throw.

All the others came in the paint.

So Columbus doing exactly what they said they had to do at halftime.

8 minutes to go before the state championship goes to Columbus, the Stone Mountain here tonight.

REED And with the lead by two Gill Tyree, Herb White Raven, Colorado joining you there to make it coliseum is that lady again you just say that's too good and go back up the floor.

Where are you Elmo at 14 it's a four point spread and the Raiders get the turnover and they go to again and that is Elmo launching one the Miss and we got a foul underneath.

So you got to be really close.

COPELAND Yeah, you got to be smart.

Now, if you're Columbus, get it to two points.

Now it's back to four.

You can't let it get up to eight or ten again.

You've just seen the state championship go out the window.

So play smart, get good shots, play good defense right now for the next few minutes.

McCleary under hands it to Elmore more fakes the three but decides to pass it out to Jalen Black in the airball and it goes out of bounds So Columbus will have possession here you go Better job against the pressure and open it live right down the lane and at that was that look like that was going in a way she stumbled down the lane her Yeah she looked up she was so wide open Fall Yeah.

I think that it shocked her when she looked up.

She was so wide open and then she lost her balance.

Right.

Look like it did.

It was a knee.

And when you see that type of injury, they immediately, immediately you think about the ACL.

Let's take a look here.

And she's Oh, yeah, it came down straight legged and the knee buckled And in the end, another offensive rebound right there.

And that's a big loss.

Should she have to leave this basketball game for an extended period of time?

You see?

Well, let's hope it's just a shorter time to come down on that thing straight leg.

And it just is a jolt and a jam for a minute or two.

Let's hope she's okay and get back in here.

They she's not putting any weight on that.

Well, let me know.

She is one hell of a player, right by the Columbus medical staff, training staff Coach Maroney went over to look at check her out and with her out of the game right now, that's a big, big yeah, she's she's a tough player.

She comes up with a loose ball, she gets in and creates things.

But they've got some other players.

So got this down to two right?

So Cleary backs up after getting set, goes to Elmo, who launches a three and that's the player with the rebound and they're going to get LSU Alexia Manning over the back.

They're just going to turn this over to three Elmore.

They're going to put the ball in her hands.

She's either going to pass for the basket or she's going to take it herself.

And that's three look good all the way.

It just came up short.

McCleary almost lost.

It gets it back, gives it to Elmore.

You got to give some help with her on the ball.

Elmore against McIntosh and look down low and a miss by Jada Bird and get past the rebound by Columbus Columbus down to 48 to 40 600.

We've got this entire ball game in the state championship game.

Hill Brittney Floyd on the baseline, the freshman knocks it down and we are tied at 48.

I mean the Columbus faithful coming to their feet.

Floyd Oh, I had the Macintosh but it's stolen away Elmore stuff back knocking it down.

Oh, the instincts on defense.

She knew where that pass was going before the young lady even threw it, made the steal and came down and knocked it down.

A huge jump shot.

That was money 50 to 48 down the lane and a miss.

And Manning looked like she turned her ankle on that play in the rebound control by Reed and very similar play to the one that happened a moment ago just wide open.

He couldn't get it to go down and they already have done her on the bench.

You can't underestimate what Elmore did a moment ago with that great heads up defensive play and then coming down and knocking down that jump shot.

Elmore working against McIntosh and they got on the reach.

Yeah, Elmore is a great passer, but I believe I'd still come out and help double team and get the ball out of her hands if I could.

That's the fourth on McIntosh.

Taylor Tucker will come in and she's also Tucker is also in foul trouble.

She had four gunner still over there on the bench.

It's been attended to.

She went out about the six minute mark and getting it down low and putting it up in in off the glass with Jada Bird, another pass from know who Jada Bird with 14 they steal it away again this rebound that's Elmore too much Larry don't leave her she's going to drive jump shot no good The rebound fought for in control by Taylor Tucker and a whistle within.

Let's go over to Raven Toronto with an update on the gunner injury.

Raven.

Yeah, guys, Gunner number five, she's over here on the bench.

Doesn't look like should be going in any time soon.

She's over here doing some knee tests.

Every time she moves it right to left.

It's actually her right knee.

She's wincing.

It doesn't feel good.

She's trying to walk on it, but she's hobbling.

Does it look like she'll be going into this game any time soon?

But don't rule her out.

Yeah, Back over to you, girl.

Third time's a charm.

All right.

Thank you very much, Raven.

And of course, when she departed this basketball game, Herb done it.

She had 16 points.

Oh, and, yeah, she saved my money.

She's been tough.

She comes up with loose balls.

She's one of trades and drives and gets the ball up on board.

So that's just a tough blow for Columbus.

But that's the side of it.

Yes, but yeah, they got to suck it up.

You go.

You know, it's 430.

I don't think she's going to get back in the game, by the way.

She's limping around over there.

But the main thing Columbus has got to do is, again, value every possession.

I'm really impressed with Reed Day.

They play very smart and they're playing very smart right now.

And I tell you, you got a player like Bria Moore and you got a four point lead late.

You got to look at Kara Gunter and Elmore, she's had a pause right now.

The fourth quarter field goal numbers, Columbus to a four reed and three of nine the lead at four.

You know Lexie Manning's going to have to take a lot more control here for Columbus because she can score the ball.

Columbus representing Region five, region representing Region 633, you know, and Columbus, the one loss in their run to the state championship.

Two big charity tosses for Taylor Tucker.

First one is Good by Taylor Tucker.

She has two, but it's been saddled with foul trouble here tonight.

Six foot and a sophomore.

And Coach Jackson expecting big things out of her in here.

Three big possession here for Columbus.

Looking at it, looking at that low and the miss shot by Hayes and a stay here Columbus ball.

We still have a quarter to go but you don't want to come up empty on this possession and back in the game is Copeland and sitting down is Griffin Jimmy should listen to miss in a rebound by Reed and we go the other way that's Elmore Oh my goodness she's money and that look like pistol Pete coming up up and one hander off the backboard That's just a beautiful shot 55 to 48 stolen again by Reed and under the four minute mark Reed in his biggest lead has been at 12 in this basketball game here today.

Columbus was able to tie it but the lady Raiders were able to forge out in front largely on the play of Elmore, 55 to 48.

That's McCleary.

Are you going to have to start taking some chances on the steal and the double team got to come up with some Tucker drives the hook shot up and in Taylor Tucker and that's a big basket Herbalife three man lead now at nine and a90 run I'm Pistol Pete looking down from the heavens and he got to love this Well I saw a lot of them They came right over the top of me.

Look at this step and one hander off the backboard.

That's just beautiful.

Yes it is crossover dribble here to throw it up top.

This is down low.

And look at this.

This is Tucker.

Nice move Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Sky Hawk but slinging it back a little subway hook But Subway, I tell you what, I've heard a lot about Asia door for St Pius, and I'm looking forward to seeing her.

But if she's much better than three, Elmore It's got to be something because that's she's put on some kind of show here tonight, not just on the offensive end either defensively and running the show out front.

I remember last year when you and I were getting ready to call our game, the Voice Game and Asia Durr was out there on the floor taking over because that game had run over and she is an outstanding talent for Saint Pius and I think we look forward to seeing her next tomorrow and of course she'll be back next year.

But you know, when you look at Mount Rushmore of players, of girls players, of course, you start with Maya moore.

Well, forget girls have boys.

Maya moore I've seen the fourth best high school basketball player I've ever seen come out of Georgia, pound for pound.

And then you got to add a good friend birthday girl, Diamond DeShields.

Yeah, she was a great coach, celebrated her birthday, tearing it up at North Carolina.

Right now Georgia's put out so many great players over the years and I understand Teresa Edwards just went with the dream assistant coach, the former Georgia great that five turnovers for Columbus Glad to see her still with all the basketball in Georgia.

I don't know.

Elmore Yes, they can everybody better.

I mean just take it over the floor and Jada Bird, the recipient in that end, the beneficiary, 59 to 48, the lead at 11.

She's got to have a double double in assists and points, certainly points.

And I know she had has had ten assists.

I don't know if they've credited her for that, but she's had them in stone Mountain is a 2 minutes and 31 seconds away from getting the big party and that's it.

Leaving the game is Taylor Tucker.

She leaves with 2 minutes and 31 seconds to go.

Her fifth must have points here right?

Still no sign of Gunner and the Raven.

Tirado told you they were working on that name and they swelled up and Coach Salinas decided to keep her on the bench.

Great effort.

By Manning there, Alexia Manning trying to bring them back.

But on the other end and converting was Destiny.

McCleary can't do that.

She got to have somebody back.

If your guard's going to drive, is it Sling hook by Kayla Lloyd and a foul and she's still doable with 56 to go you hit these two it's a three possession game fouls on three Elmore her second and she's played basically the whole game Amber coming out so it's active if she's grand only have two foul that's just great court press that that'll send Kayla Loyd to the line But you know what you know when we talk about you know, players who are stepping up, she definitely comes to the fore because the great ones always do that.

They take over when they came matters most, splitting the defense for Weeden but losing it was Bird and the ball was regained by McCleary, who sent it back out to Elmore.

And a smart move Elmore to pull it back out, run that clock.

They're going to have to come.

You try to steal it now and you can go by them.

And at 31 remaining a reminder, John Nelson.

John Golden standing by for the boys championship game and for four immediately following this one between Jonesboro and Columbia.

Well, this one's just about got the handwriting on the wall, but you got to give Columbus a lot of credit.

Down 12 at the half time, they came back and tied this thing up.

Let's take a look at some of the Elmore plays.

There's a hesitation for the floater.

Floaters.

Float on, float on.

Come on, come on, come on.

And as I was saying, Columbus was down 12 at halftime, came back and cut it all the way down.

I believe they tied up.

I don't think they got the lead, but they cut that 12 point deficit down and just couldn't quite get over the hump.

And I'm sure that losing Manning, just a gunner, got a big blow to the Columbus comeback.

The foul was on Manning.

That's their second stats courtesy of my man.

KP Kevin Barnes Barnes.

And we helped the young lady to carry her.

Got it is not hurt bad Jaylen Black make the shot through the contact she'll to the line coach Tyrone over having a few words with her to.

I'll tell you what Columbus has nothing to be ashamed of should they go down they set me up.

In all likelihood, we will not see Dakari Gunther tonight, which will be her final game, because, of course, she's leaving, congratulating and moving on.

Well, she's going play at the next level, 35 ticks to go.

And like I said her, they're going to have a big part in Stone Mountain.

You're going, who's going to get on the road?

They don't know.

And a lot of friends that have been at it reading.

Steve Richardson, a good buddy of mine, coached there for years.

This is a heck of a coach.

And I tell you, this Columbus team we've mentioned before got a lot of young sophomores and freshmen that they're going to be maturing over the next couple of years.

Wouldn't be surprised to see them better than that.

Coach So has told us that, you know, he's he's excited about what he has coming back.

And I'll tell you what, you can't you can't help but be impressed and you got to love the play of of kids who are coming back for him in particular.

I think Brittney Floyd is something to build around.

She's played very well here tonight.

That's Brittney Floyd right there with the basketball, gets their own miss, tries to put up no good and getting the rebound and laying it up in the end is Jasmine Macintosh with 27 seconds to go.

63 to 53.

Oh, more with the basketball across the timeline.

Over to Jada Bird.

Well, I have to make a correction.

In all fairness, Steve Rixon actually was coaching Parkview and Chris Culpepper was the coach of three for many years, baseball and basketball.

And anyhow, not for the old days.

Let's talk about a state champion here, Jada Burroughs going to the line to put the icing on the cake.

Well, ready to crown one.

And of course, I'm sure the pictures are going to go up on Instagram and and Twitter and Facebook and our social network maven Grace Olson, will be on top of it.

And of course, our coverage here on GPP and GPP.

Dot org.

Oh, wow.

Five to go right.

And it's going to have a perfect season and they do 63 to 53 over Columbus.

How about that for white?

That's pretty impressive.

It's tough to go undefeated, that's for sure, but even tougher to top it off with the state championship.

Very impressed with the reading team.

They did what they were supposed to do with the three pointers.

Actually Open it up there in the second quarter.

And they didn't really shoot any three pointers in the second half to speak of, but three Elmore just took over.

The ladies are champions and we're standing by Raven Tirado in the middle of all of it, trying to get the star of Stars here tonight, Bria Elmore.

Coach Jackson telling them, Listen, ladies, with this, we still got the trophy presentation and Raven standing by with the star Stars here tonight.

Raven, you got Ms.. Elmore.

It's all yours, girl.

Your senior way to go out on an undefeated season.

How that make you feel?

You know, it feels great.

We played as a team tonight and we got the job done.

And it it's amazing.

It's amazing.

All right.

Let me ask you this.

I just saw everybody do some kind of Neil thing, like towards this.

What exactly was I was making guy thinking, God, nothing would be possible with our guys.

So we got down on one knee because God made it possible.

Girl, good luck in Memphis.

Thank you.

All right, back over to you guys.

Okay, Raven, of course, she'll play for Melissa McFerrin and then take at the Yellow Roane Field House at Memphis.

But they're victorious here tonight.

Great.

And caps a perfect season with a win over Columbus.

We'll be back with Mark Harmon and the Post celebration after this.

Back here in Macon Reed and 63 to 53, they are state champions and a perfect season.

Mark Harmon standing by with Coach Jackson.

Marky Mark, it's all yours.

All right.

Let's bring in the World State Championship trophy.

And for that, we to the executive director of the HSA, Dr. Ralph Suarez.

Thank you very much, Mark, on behalf of the Georgia High School Association and Georgia Farm Bureau, it's my pleasure to present state championship trophy and game ball to retail.

Gosh, you have your hands full there.

The trophy and the championship ball.

Talk about what this means to both all these seniors.

I mean, a lot to us.

That's what we came here to do.

And we just told them today that we were coming to pick up one, belong to 30 more, and they started with a loss.

Last year.

They said, Coach, who's on Wednesday.

And then I met in the back today and she said, Coach, this our basketball game.

So that's all I need.

All right, let's talk Jada back here, one of the seniors.

What's it mean to you to go out your senior season with this championship trophy?

Well, it was all about overcoming adversity.

Everybody who doubted us.

So come out and come and finish all our senior year really meant the world to us.

All right.

This team is a team of destiny.

We have destiny.

McClary right here.

Talk about being one of the five seniors that's going to take this home.

It feels great to know that we stay humble, state as a family.

Do not let anything get to us.

We just stay together and say we will win it all feel great.

It's a great team effort.

It was 4848.

You found another gear to go to tonight?

Yeah, we did the best we could.

All right, hold that trophy up very high.

Congratulations to the lady Raiders every day in the class for eight state champions this year.

And now let's check in with their sims and our tailgate party.

Thank you, Mark.

What an amazing season.

That is something you do not see pretty much ever.

So congratulations once again to the girls from Redan.

We are in the home stretch.

We just have one more game tonight.

We have already.

Crowd three champions.

One more to go.

We will be here until that last sounds to bring you all the great action.

And right now, the tailgate party is about to start.