Georgia Public Broadcasting presents the 2008 Georgia High School Association's state basketball championship.

Funding for the broadcast of the program and provided in part by Georgia's Electric Membership Corporation, Wachovia, the Georgia Student Finance Commission by viewers like you and the Georgia High School Association, who wish to thank the Georgia Dodge Dealers, State Farm and naturally Press for their support of high school sports and live from the arena at Gwinnett Center, it is the Boys Class five eight championship, a battle of number one.

And number two, Norcross, 28 and two going up against the Wheeler Wildcats, coming into the game with a record of 30 and two, the last championship of the evening here in Gwinnett championship four of 11 that you will see here on GPB and GB talk over the next day or so.

And this is the one that everyone circled in their brackets and knew on their calendar that they would love to see Merritt Norcross if they win tonight.

It is heady territory.

The last time any school in the highest classification won three in a row, 1938 to 1940, with Lanier High.

Mitchell Baker won three in a row in triple-A from 98 to 2000.

Wheeler has won 20 in a row coming into this game and neither school has lost to a team inside the state of Georgia.

The two guys who get the fun part of this whole evening are Charles Ward and Herb White.

Gentlemen, take it away.

Thank you, John, and welcome, everybody, to Courtside at the Arena, Charles White alongside Herb White.

John will rejoin us momentarily.

Herb, tonight's five eight championship has as many subplots as a Quentin Tarantino movie.

That's a good way to put it.

You know, they they're one and two in the state, but they're 15 wheelers, number 15 in the country and Norcross number six in the country.

Last year, Norcross put Wheeler out in the first round of the state tournament by one point on a disputed call by Wheeler.

So there's no love lost between these teams.

Five of the last six, five, eight titles have gone to one of these teams.

And Richard Howell was quoted in the paper today, and it may be up on the bulletin board in the Norcross locker room.

He's saying we don't like those guys.

So animosity amongst the teams, but on the court should be a great ball game number one versus number two.

Let's talk about some of the personnel we'll see tonight in this contest.

There's Daquan Jones, 15 eight, a game, 6.9 rebounds, and he blocks four shots a game which is really incredible for a66 player.

But he's long and a quick leaper for the Wildcat.

So we love the starting lineup, a team that averages over 79 points per ballgame, defensively holding opponents to 62 points per contest and three of those guys at over 65 and the starting lineup.

So the Wheeler Wildcats getting set for this ball game against the Blue Devils of Norcross and of course Norcross, the number two team in the state, very powerful team.

Yeah.

Norcross has been here so many times and there you're going to see al-Farouq, Aminu, a big man for Norcross, six, eight, 23 points, eight games, 11 rebounds.

He blocks a couple of shots a game.

Got a brother playing over there at Georgia Tech, who is a pretty good player, too.

So he's going to try to dominate on the inside that starting lineup For the Blue Devils of Norcross, they averaged 73 points per ballgame defensively, holding teams to an impressive 44 points per contest.

So defensively, a strong team.

So the Norcross Blue Devils with their starting five herb should be a great ball game from the arena.

No better way to cap off this five a division now with number one versus number two no doubt about that we look for this one to go right down to the final few minutes up and down action playing above the hoop.

So going to be a lot of fun for the fans out there.

And thanks to Jon Nelson for not saying I was around for that last 1938 through 40 run by Lanier.

I appreciate that, John.

Starting lineups, getting set to be introduced here in the arena.

Let's go courtside to David Witherow with the announcers seven more number 11, Bill Taylor at guard 632 guard number 12 to state that we are six six junior number 28 Aries are that forward six eight junior number 21 Richard Howell at that forward a66 senior number 23 pick boy so the head coach of the Wheeler Wildcats he is Doug Lipscomb.

Now let's meet the starters for the North Cross Blue Devils.

Right.

Guard 16 junior number one three more having that guard up by nine.

Junior number 23.

Didn't Jones add forward a66 Senior number 35.

Hey Jay Heck add forward a69 senior number 42 Albury got me to and that guard a six foot junior number 50 sacked lamb The head coach of the Norcross Blue Devils is Eddie Martin.

Let's get inside the starting lineup.

So both teams introduced here at the Arena and we are getting set for some basketball action, five, eight state championships coming your way.

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This is Georgia Public Broadcasting, your PBS station and now broadcasting in digital in the Atlanta area will be back live at the arena at the Glen that center five championship ball game getting set to start here.

The defending state champs, the Blue Devils of Norcross against the number one ranked team in the state, the Wildcats of Wheeler Wheeler, incidentally, defeated Norcross for their 2005 state title.

So you talked about it a few moments ago, Herb, about not a lot of love lost between these two teams.

There truly is.

No, but a lot of respect, especially between these coaches.

Coach Lipscomb was quoted in the paper after they said, Nice win over Hiram.

He said, That effort won't beat Norcross.

So you can feel the anticipation in this building right now.

Wheeler With the first shot at it on offense to the devil, will give it over to Norcross.

Blue Devils ranked number six in the USA Today poll.

They get immediate pressure, full court by the Wildcats man to man pressure.

That's Muhammad with the basketball all the way through less shots not the Jones going airborne to knock it away.

Watch this.

He's getting four a game he may get more than that and got that first win in the first 35 seconds right hand.

And those left side jump up 15 grandmas off the mark for the backside to practice off the facts of this stuff.

This Wake forest bound Farouq Aminu That's the kind of start they want it from him.

La Crosse with the early lead we were with the basketball at the block so Paschall rejected gets his own rebound second effort rejected his way first quarter the Blue Dogs they want to run at the block Nice pass to the glass nicely done by and blue devils lead it for nine gave the little head fake got two of the Wildcats up in the air and laid it off the glass softly.

We thought it would be fast paced.

So far of pass Norcross opens up looks like a23 zone, maybe a matchup Ari Stewart handles behind the arc he fires a three left it short leading clear by Jones.

They want to run down the floor and coach Lipscomb wants a timeout Take that 22nd time out right away.

Blue Devils Force an early timeout by the Wildcats.

The rhythm is so important as you start the basketball game.

Blue Devils starting on all cylinders.

Well, you know, both these teams wanted to come out and establish their will early on and so far it's Norcross Johnson down under the basket.

Good second effort by AJ Hawkins for the Blue Devils to get it airborne and Aminu finishes it off with this slam dunk of it.

So much talent on this floor tonight.

It's just unbelievable.

Charles the amount of college talent that's on this floor, you can put together a pretty good program if you want to just start from scratch and start a school right now.

Sure.

Good.

So after the timeout, we are looking for its first basket of the contest just underway from earlier.

I could exit right side.

what dishes?

that's good.

I'll do the penetration.

Stuart was free for the dunk.

Mahorn is now working the left side inside the paint down at the block.

Reverse Lee environment move.

That's a great move by the big man to hang in the air.

Soft kiss again off the glass with a little English Wake Forest signee with a basket three point offering by Stewarts off the mark.

He stays on the leaders end of the floor, shot rejected inside by it.

Here come the Blue Devils Jones inside the paint all the way to the glass.

It's off the mark, though He was on the rebound.

Stewart on the inbound line.

It will stay with the Blue Devils.

Well, Jones did everything the right way.

Penetrate it, took it all the way to the glass.

They backed off.

He took the shot, couldn't get it to go down.

But lips the moon is six feet.

Susan and Wheeler and the corner that's three Then Phil Jones on the three point offering for the Blue Devils whistle on the penetration by Taylor for they against Muhammad for the foul trailer as Taylor made the move to the basket Jones to the rack shots off the mark Blue Devils a very aggressive under the basket only one shot opportunity for Wheeler right now Hawkins at the block Aminu he beat the defense down low and draws the foul They were trying to find him down low close comedy able to get behind the him It was said again on the history play going to be very few uncontested shots under the hoop tonight I can guarantee you with all the levers and size both of these teams do with the first rattles of home for the Blue Devils, the more rejections in the dead letter office at the post office, Charles Allen with five points thus far.

One rebound in the three blocks in six on the night he had 17 in the semifinal ballgame to get the Blue Devils here to the championship behind the arc four threes Taylor shots short rebound cleared by Hopkins Alley Oop pass Aminu you see that one coming That was pretty transition basketball by the Blue Devils nicely executed behind the arc firing the three is Jones He's off the mark hasn't found his wings yet Muhammad clears for war cross quickly across the timeline at the block Good dish to Hawkins left hand lane and he got it the ball and another timeout Wheeler's got it call it Norcross is just dominating right now with their pressure attack wheels coming off a wheeler early here in this first quarter from this five eight championship have not been able to catch a rhythm.

But we're going to see the Blue Devils.

Do you hear?

Whoa!

My goodness.

Aminu with the stuff 17 to Norcross leads it will step aside for a time out back with more of the five eight championship right after this broadcast of this program is made possible in part by the Georgia High School Association.

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Thanks you for tuning in to GPB Blue Devils Live, Norcross leading Wheeler 17 to 2 here early in this first quarter in the five Championship.

For the long time since Wheeler's been in this position Charles, I can guarantee you that down 15 in the first quarter, they came back from 11 in the second round against McEachern.

But that was a feature.

This is Norcross number six team in the nation and they're playing like misses on the jumper backside Rebound by Jones Yeah Jones foul he'll go to the line or Aminu must wear about a 60 something jacket I think Look at the arms I mean he gets up over the top of the box with just a quick leap and he's really tough to get the ball over but Wheeler you figure they're going to be tough on the boards but that's really their first put back for anything so far.

Jones is good on the first season, averaged 15 points per ballgame.

This is the second in Norcross, trying to be some three peat champions in the five division left corner with the jumper and Zell Jones is off with his shot.

Taylor back the other way for Wheeler Smith in traffic.

Now back to Stewart shots off the mark rebound putback and whistles down low Another one rejected by Aminu Great play he came from behind It's tough not to foul but he didn't get him with the body coming in with his fourth block of the night Wheeler inbound the turnover Stewart trying to corral it fast out of the floor stepped on the inbound line.

Wheeler has to get their offense cranked up and score some baskets.

Charles slow down this attack by Norcross because it will slow him down if they have to take it out of the basket.

Anyhow.

Right now they're just rebounding and attacking the rack on their end.

Well, that's certainly favoring the Blue Devils thus far.

Muhammad out front, Denzel Jones on the move.

He lost it.

But it comes clear to land.

LAMB Lost it with a bounce, keeps it with no calls.

Not a reach in there.

All right.

We look at number ten talking to this meeting.

Senator Corker, the freshman picking up a foul go.

Coach Lipscomb exhorting his team.

They've made a living for years, playing really pressured tough defense.

But so far, Norcross had noticed.

So Mohammed, far side of the Florida inbound as far as we can go in pursuit of his reload with only one conversion.

Norcross well over 50% back the other way.

Nasty alley oop.

Nicely done.

And one Jones finishes it's only two, but it may light a fire under Wheeler.

They needed something good to go way.

They are right here back the other way Mohamed shot is off the mark Basketball is lost to the back court Mohamed recovers missed again on the lamb rebound cleared by Howell officials letting him play And that's just what the fans want to see here.

Wheeler trailing by 12.

Taylor had a tap from behind by Jones down in the right corner with the jumper rattles home by call from Cochran, the freshman pretty little fade away, but on balance got his feet under him.

Cochran had 11 points off the bench in that first round win for Wheeler over Parkview.

So no stranger to this tournament pressure.

Despite being the freshman Muhammad out front, right side, dumps it down at the corner shot by Hawkins, missed on the jumper.

But it comes clear to Norcross they'll get another look at the block Aminu Mohammed for three looks short and it is short Taylor four wheeler stops Cox fires off the mark Aminu clueless He'll run the floor basketball out of bounds Muhammad touched it Wheeler has it Well he knew Wheeler was going to get something going You're not the number one team in the state for nothing here.

Let's take another look at this one great pass to decline Jones and he flushes it.

But is it the first thing we're going to see a lot of play above the rim.

So far we have Stuart up front, four wheeler now working in the corner for Howell.

All things three fires the three and missed on the shot Ahmed left side Jones behind the arc for three put the front silver wheeler comes away with the basketball Jones rocks it across the time line vicious down low Stuart wasn't looking but regains and gets to lay in for the Wildcats good shovel pass off the dribble but Jones seeing a high level of basketball out here Charles DEQUAN Jones carrying it the length of the floor already committed to the University of Miami.

LAMB walking with upside to the rack shots off tomorrow down here by Stuart Wheeler with another chance to cut into that deficit running Jump around and again by Kyle Parker last shot before the end of the first and that one goes off the mark.

Good first quarter of basketball here from the arena ASCO on its narcos 17 wheeler 11 we got more five eight championship basketball coming our way after this break.

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Back live at the arena where Wheeler trails will cross 17 to 11.

And Herb coach Doug Lipscomb has a saying at Wheeler that they should be pleased but not satisfied.

He must be pleased that they've come back from a 17 to 2 deficit earlier this ballgame, but not satisfied that they're still trailing his Norcross team.

Well, that's a nine point run for Wheeler, and that's just what they needed to climb back in this thing.

So.

Scoring run by the Wildcats eight low over the last 2 minutes and 30 seconds hurt.

I thought it was 17 to 2, but I could be wrong.

I was once so Norcross with the basketball as Muhammad has, I was in the corner, guarded by the freshman Parker at the block, draws a crowd, hits the lamb.

LAMB for the glass, miss.

But there but the stop is AJ Hawkins on the put back Taylor and the Wildcats back on their end of the floor firing the three is Stewart missed on a shot tapped around they got to get out of the way for the goaltending.

Basketball was hanging on the cylinder.

He tried to tap it away.

Well, as you well know, any time the ball's above the cylinder, even if it's not touching, it, it's in that area above the cylinder.

And here you'll see it.

Yeah.

Good call by the official.

Boy, you can't get anything by this deep.

TV camera crew.

Great work.

That's great.

Great arc.

Right on top of it.

Oliver works the corner at the block now.

Gives it over to Stewart with a one handed jumper.

Got him a fall.

Nice work by the big man from Norcross.

So many talented players on this floor in traffic.

Jones works his way to the glass and he got to the ball.

He's a good looking athlete.

Six foot six.

Looks like you go about 205, Charles And he's solid.

Good move by the senior there.

Mahomet looks at the difficulty out front and regains squares The three they left him alone.

He didn't make them pay for it but backside rebound by Aminu he gets that and that one dances on the cylinder and falls off gets his own rebound shot swatted the clock Jones got that one runs the floor right side Watch it work good move my mind with a quick step Well he may just skip Miami and go straight to the NBA That was another 23.

I remember some of those kind of shots.

Jones had it knocked out of bounds at the baseline.

That was big time, as I absolutely thought he had jump from too far out to dunk the ball.

Watch this.

Let's see where he leads from.

Yeah, way outside the line at the side.

The thing that incredible to watch.

Are they paying us to do this man this is fun.

Best seat in the house.

Blue Devils in the corner.

Mohammed Fox jumper changed his mind.

They get him for the travel this time out by coach Andy Martin and the Blue Devils.

Things starting to tighten up a bit here in the arena.

Go at the time out will step aside as well Norcross leading at 2117 over Wheeler.

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Back live at the Arena 21 seven is a lead now for North Crossover Wheeler Wheeler trailed by as many as 14 in this ballgame.

And now back in it they have the basketball.

Taylor wants it up top.

Plus still in that zone now they've gone to one, three, one.

Now take what's inside the paint runner from 15 right at the Falls.

He was thinking three steps inside the arc and got the jumper.

Really, with all the momentum right now, Norcross needs to score.

Switch it back a little bit.

Blue Devils by two with the basketball Mahomet behind the arc.

They leave him free for three.

He hasn't converted from there yet.

Basketball over to the Wildcats to tie three.

They'll take the lead for the first time on the runner.

Other shots off the mark by Howell basketball Clint Muhammad left side shot at high hominy recovers gets up for the North Cross Blue Devils don't have another shot at this Got a hold down low to Stewart it guarding Hawkins for 1133.

Coach Andy Martin is sixth season at Norcross Quentin Square checks in for Norcross levels with two fives a state titles under their belt already as Aminu on the turn from outside shot it softly but it's off him on rebound to Wheeler Taylor works at right side now up top Stewart with the jumper Remmers goes in and comes out of there.

Jones up top too quickly square now back to Jones in traffic Tried to jump it back over the square threw it out of bounds.

The turnover and a little bit of luck.

That's about the first 45 seconds.

We haven't had three dunks and a couple of blocked shots.

There you go.

Field goal percentage in that second quarter, he's starting to even out a bit.

Wheeler Starting to pick up the pace in terms of their field goal percentage 4 to 6 in the second period.

That's fast and open at the block Backside rebound goes to Howell and Aminu commits the foul.

Well you're just not going to put the ball up and off into space I can guarantee you that I don't care how tall or strong you are.

He's got those long arms.

He plays at about seven foot four, a68 or.

Charles.

That's a perfect example of the highlight there where you see Kopp with a smaller player underneath, forced him to shoot that ball, air it and Aminu still able to come back on the other side of the goal and even though he committed the foul did get a piece of that basketball with the block wheeler with Jones handling up top here try to work it inside Aminu with the steal good work offensively he'll run the floor himself and he draws a foul in the front court got bailed out a little bit there probably out of control didn't have a whole lot of places to go with that but with the way the player reached in and I think Coach Lipscomb was more animated than he knew.

He knew it was a foul.

He was upset that his man bailed out Aminu.

But don't forget Wheeler started out one for 13 in this ballgame Charles shooting the ball Norcross has it now on offense approaching the three minute mark remaining in this first half on it way out front drawing the double team now is forcing the take a timeout it was the first all a different look by that Wheeler defense with the trap out front Muhammad didn't like it until they took the time out to talk about it.

Well that's a smart play by Muhammad.

Plenty of timeouts and no sense having a turnover.

You don't know what's going on.

Call it timeout, but the coach tell you what's going on.

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Let's go to score ATL com NORCROSS With the basketball still clinging to that two point lead.

Jones pounding block out front now running jumper from 15 he missed on the backside rebound to the freshman call Cockrell Wheeler back the other way Quick step left side take running jumper He left it on the front of the 73 hominy cleared for the blue Devils and was fouled as it were coming back the other way.

Well you got to be a pretty good freshman to play in a ballgame of this caliber.

So the young man's got quite a future in front of him.

Wildcat Deep that team so deep overall.

Herb Not in terms of talent, size, speed and depth.

Probably a little deeper than Norcross.

We'll see.

It is a factor before the ball game's over.

But Norcross, with a stingy defense, yielding only 444 points per ballgame on average, that's the one plus they have going in their favor against a high powered offense.

So such a deep team as Wildcat, Well, they're right on their schedule for that.

Jones finally gets the three pointer.

The fall for Norcross.

Then Zell Jones, the junior, quoted as saying, If we bring our defensive intensity to the court, no one in the state can beat us.

He had 19 in the semifinal ballgame for Norcross.

Well, nobody in the state's been to one of these teams this year.

The only losses are teams out of state.

It turns out to be a pretty safe statement.

Aminu with the rejection down the floor to Mohammed he streaks and gets the lay up unofficially about five blocks for Farouq Aminu Farouq Aminu Scuse me setting up the fast break on that block Wow what a wingspan that was a six block that was was good on transition for a basket but Wheeler comes right back the other way and gets the basket Richard Howell with the two for the Wildcats under 2 minutes remaining now first half Aminu walking up top on Howell now behind it left side in the paint Got it to the rack left at short rebound Fox Wheeler had two players handling the basketball somehow they lose it out of bounds it'll stay with Norcross but somebody's got a piece of Muhammad shot he really wasn't able to go up strong It was a little off balance 64 seconds remaining in this first half.

Stewart with the jumper, got it to the rim and boy, did he get a favorable roll there.

There are two conditions, Stuart, with the to correct that that's Hawkins with the basket back the other way the floating runner by Tate is short basketball stays on the wheeler's into the floor boy Aminu changes if he doesn't block it he changes a lot of shots Charles and what a factor he is in that middle Taylor trying to get it down with a block to Howell called double team to their back out to Taylor fires a three to fall three points big basket for the Wildcats They're deep in the corner Paul Taylor with the three pointer four point differential under 30 seconds remaining first at Muhammad out front, we're going to hold four one here, Jamal Fuller gliding defensively for the Wildcats at ten.

So Mohamed going to wave it off at six.

He's got to go penetrates inside, lost it out of bounds.

Basketball over to the Wildcats.

Not a lot of time to work with those great shake and bake move by Muhammad He beat his man couldn't handle the pass Taylor gets it off well Shorten in this first half a basketball from the arena Norcross has led all the way in this first half.

They lead it at the intermission 28 to 24 over the Wildcats as we learn this five eight championship all game.

John Nelson standing by Nellie.

It's this tale of two halves out there in this first half for you guys.

Great start.

And then they came back.

Yeah it is I mean, you know, they're going to make a run and too good of a team.

We made that run early.

They made their run late.

Now it's like both teams will settle down and I think we'll see a pretty good ballgame the second half.

Any adjustments?

Trying to keep the ball out of Phil's hands, perhaps?

Well, you know, you got to do the best you can, but hey, he's a pretty good player.

We just got to start doing a better job of getting the ball inside on our kids.

Thanks, coach.

You like the second half?

Norcross Slim lead after the first 16 minutes.

Thank you, John.

2824.

Norcross leads it at the intermission, will step aside and come back to the arena after this timeout carrier.

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And one of two, we are back live at the arena at Gwinnett Center, 2824 Norcross leading the Wildcats of Wheeler at the halftime and at the break, our Jon Nelson standing by with our Jay Rosenberg and Ali.

Thank you, Charles.

Here with a fellow alum, we went to the same high school, lakeside to camp, but we got a bigger reason that we're talking about here.

Talk about the relationship with school Atlanta and high school athletics.

Well, you know, what we're trying to do, especially with Georgia Public Broadcasting and the GSA is the same thing, is this is really starting to publicize it like it needs to be publicized.

I mean, it's amazing how big sports has gotten.

I mean, it's not just basketball.

It's everything, you know, we're doing blogs with the Georgia Public Broadcasting live today and webcasts and all these things.

And it's so different from when we were in high school in the 1970s.

When you were in high school in the seventies, I was a little later net.

Talk about this whole new experience for you and how everything has grown and evolved since your involvement.

Well, I mean, it's just it's been something that has taken about three years.

But what we've seen is, is that Scotland has really developed into the high schools.

We're now covering 51 high schools a week giving them really good exclusive coverage.

We hope to cover the whole state someday.

And we're really taking everything from paper to web and video.

So, you know, it's it's a great experience.

And we love our partnership with Georgia public broadcaster.

AJ, thanks for your time.

Thanks for hanging out with us.

Back briefly to trials and hurt and thank John.

Superb first half of basketball.

Seemingly at the beginning it was all Norcross is leading by as many as 17 to 3 in that first quarter.

But the Wildcats of Wheeler finally got the wheels headed in the right direction.

Well, nobody thought Norcross was going to run away with this thing, even after jumping out to that big lead, that's for sure.

Wheeler's just too good a ball club, so it's going to be back and forth the rest of this evening.

And we're looking forward.

I know everybody here wishes they were playing ten minute quarters.

I guarantee you you're absolutely right about that, including US John Nelson standing now courtside with the principals back in the principal's office, finally here with this sit there And Mr. Patterson, we'll start with Mr. Thayer here for Wheeler.

What's the what's it been like for you guys this week?

This is exciting.

We've had students talking about it all week.

We haven't had a pep rally because the coach kind of likes to downplay that kind of stuff, but the kids have been talking about it.

We've been organizing pep busses, so it's really been a great week.

Talk about what else is going on there at the Wildcat Country 40 Cal Stadium and all that kind of stuff.

We really feel we're blessed.

We've got a magnet program where we have 400 plus students who are we're here.

It's magnet science and technology where we draw from all over the county.

We've got an Advanced Placement Certified School, which means we've met certain standards in our county for advanced placement courses.

We also have he has a well-known Brazilian population that brings diversity and culture to our school.

We feel blessed.

We have a great community there.

Thanks for hanging out with us.

Hang with us a little longer.

Let's flip the side over here to Mr. Patterson, who's wearing his Norcross blues.

What's the week been like over there for you?

Well, it's been exciting just for the principal, but for our blue crew, everybody else, It's been an exciting way to be the principal in Norcross High School.

We couldn't be prouder of our kids on the court and off the court.

Let's talk about what else is going on off the court there at Norcross.

What else do that people need to know about it?

Well, you know, Norcross is a special school.

We've got a great community support.

We've got a great community in terms of our Board of Education support.

But more importantly, you know, our kids, our kids and our teachers are fantastic.

I think our our teachers are what makes Norcross the best.

We've got the International Baccalaureate program in Norcross, the only school in Gwinnett County that has the international Baccalaureate program.

So we feel blessed to have an outstanding academic program, fine arts program and obviously athletic program.

Guys, thanks for your time.

Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Thayer And I'm finding more international Baccalaureate this weekend than I've heard about in a long time.

Back to Charles and Herb and thank you, John.

Back at courtside, Herb still a great first half of basketball, four point separating the teams right now.

And boy, those first half highlights are something to behold.

Yeah I bet the guy I bet the guys in the truck really had to work to find highlights in that first.

Just run the whole first half real down low.

You see Hawkins with the miss but they're Aminu one of his few stuffs in that first half this one with good acrobatic work down underneath the paint with the reverse lay in and they got him airborne on the easy stuff there with a good alley oop by Mohammed defensively switch one and starts to fast break and Mohammed finishes on the other end so cylinders really working for Norcross there now Wheeler got into the airborne act as well with the alley oop to Jones and then Jones goes to work down at the block with the shot over Aminu.

Now take a look at this dunk that's the one you're like MJ number 23 right there The first half stats go go percentage is starting to raise a bit there.

Wheeler started off very depressed in that area.

Probably the key turnover you're looking at it to this point.

Norcross at five that kind of enabled Wheeler to get back in it but look at the blocks those favoring Aminu and Norcross.

I think Daquan Jones had one block for Wheeler and that was it.

And Aminu just dominating inside and that was one reason for the poor shooting percentage.

When he didn't block the shot, he altered it and that's what it really makes it tough for Wheeler.

But we got us a heck of a ballgame.

Just what you'd expect from two of the top ranked teams in the country.

And once again, it's just our pleasure at Georgia Public Broadcasting to be able to bring this kind of television to the folks out there.

Wildcats Blue Devils getting set for the second half after this quick break.

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Back live at the Arena, John Nelson standing by with coach Doug Lipscomb.

Quickly with the coach.

Sluggish start, but you found your man.

That seems to be the way this last couple of games.

Well, we got to we got to keep up the intensity.

We fought back, but now we've got to weather that storm because we know they're going to come at us hard again and hopefully we can make something good happen.

Thanks for your time, Coach.

Quickly, as we head to the third quarter, guys, nationally, coach Doug Lipscomb, his favorite, saying be pleased but not satisfied.

You heard it in his comments to John right there.

This happy to be back into the ballgame.

A little bit more work to go The boys state AA championship coming our way tomorrow starting at 1245 right here on GPB and Cox Central versus Turner County.

Back to a lot of action on the floor inside the paint.

It's Tate four wheeler with the basket and just like that it's a two point lead for Cross and Farouq Aminu working on a triple double eight points seven rebounds six blocks in that first half for Norcross Hawkins with the jump and his offering that's off the mark Wildcats can tie it with a basket this trip down the floor Taylor behind the arc they can go up with a three he missed on the shot though Denzel Jones on the rebound and back the other way Aminu runs the floor Wheeler's got to find a way to get the ball inside and get some inside scoring They didn't really get much inside that half of course Farouq Aminu had a lot to do with that, but Wheeler needs to try to draw some fouls on him and keep working it inside.

Easier said than done that is the challenge.

You talk about OMETER this is the first thing about Aminu he doesn't have to foul because those long arms and his quick leaping ability he doesn't have to jump right away.

He can wait for you to make your move and then catch the ball after it leaves your hands.

one of two from the from Andy.

You make an excellent point that we've seen it in the first half with players going and then it's forced to change their shot.

Even though the shot is not blocked a little them off balance a bit.

Wheeler With a back alley pass through the back door pass to Stewart.

But the shot fell off, but it was tapped in.

So that's what I'm talking about.

Take the ball inside.

Wheeler does have the height advantage overall.

There are six players a total on that roster as Marcus works it at the baseline, now dumps it in the corner to lay down inside Threw it away.

Wildcats back the other way take gambles in traffic go go the offensive five takes it have pulled that ball up gone to one of his wing players and then maybe they give it back to you had Taylor at this left of center here you see the replay good action again by the work by a camera people and no doubt about that one good defensive work by himself.

Jones, the junior for Norcross but one point lead for the Blue Devils defending state champs Aminu at the block rejected by Jones a little of your own medicine big fella the corner Jones with the block now he works at the block He just man to the glass Aminu returns the favor you knew that was coming across with the numbers but good defensive recovery by Richard Howell to catch up with that play and knock it out of bounds they actually had a four on one that trip down the floor.

Well how are they able to catch up with the free market loose Jones it behind the arc fires a three pointer to Remmers in and out Aminu fought for the rebound it comes to clear to Jones and the Wildcats up Good decision to pull that one back out on working on Aminu forced him to take a bad shot there Muhammad going to go all the way mount up to them they call it a good set of three you saw that but from here it hurt.

La Krause trying to build on their lead Wildcats They're on the floor now trying to cut at it.

Stewart with the three point off enhancers to one by Jones on the other end six six drills it Wildcats with the one point lead Muhammad to the rack shot a short rebound to Stewart and the Wildcats a basket here will give them their first lead of the ballgame.

Taylor chases down the basketball over the tape nice behind the back passed over to Stewart and he got it on the leg and they need a time out.

Eddie Martin is looking look and he didn't call it, but Wheeler really busted it here early in the second half.

Transition favoring the Wildcats Aminu behind the arc for three he missed on it Stewart cleared his backside Wildcats by one They want to Bill Taylor behind with that jumper shots off the mark shot it right on the three point line.

Basketball's off the mark Norcross with it now inside shot rejected Hawkins went to the rack but draws the foul on Jones up around the 11 and a half foot mark here we'll see it another good call by the official but nice job by Jones They not let him have the three point play with the basket being good and Charles you get to quality are great teams like this it's going to be a game of runs because both teams are going to get in their rhythm for a little while.

They're going to make some runs and it's just great basketball for the fans.

In John Hawkins conference on the pass, we've leaving Coach Martin.

The thought of that same thing in his halftime comments that they made a couple of runs early on, we did theirs and we're seeing the same thing in the second.

Hopkins, the senior misses on the second rebound cleared by Wheeler.

We're tied at 33 Tate at the block Jones dishes back up how how I had a good look couldn't hold it down I'm going to ask you all go over to the Blue Devils and we learn full court man to man pressure wildcats no stranger to titles in the state of Georgia.

They've got four already under coach lips as they come away with the steal take down at the block Cochran.

Now they give it up inside to three passing it right One pass too many.

They're tough, but they come away with the steal in the corner Taylor to take now Jones shot at hard backside rebound tapped out about it'll stay with the Wildcats and a little man goes up with Aminu and comes away with the ball.

You got to like your chances when you get three opportunities at the basket Wildcats with the basketball Jones where it's a three shot at hard basketball He walks over to the out to the blue devils of Norcross that's a little bit discouraged and you come down like you said Charles you get three you don't come away with anything.

And now in the one 2 to 4 court pressure, one, two, one, one field at the back court laughs.

Take push and take this.

Wow.

So coach law school going immediately into their full court pressure after the missed basket for the Wildcats work it to perfection with the steal the bottom line here all the leaders won't be a shooting while they're inbound it hurt three fouls first foul on Norcross three fouls for Wheeler Now at the block hall lost it.

Mount Mohammed comes away for Norcross homage to the glass shot fell short but he draws the foul inside the paint.

So good job.

Take it all the way.

He was a little bit out front.

Had nobody to throw it to.

No, he's either going to get fouled or get the hoop to the shot.

Cochran trying to catch up with that play and he commits the foul good hard foul make sure that Muhammad didn't get the layup on their shoulders.

So the first for Norcross good mood all those trying to win their third state title in the state's largest classification for turn conversion on the basket 3 minutes 20 seconds remaining in this third quarter.

We'll step aside for a timeout Norcross leading it 3533 over Wheeler broadcast of this program is made possible in part by the Georgia High School Association.

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Dodge hopes you enjoy the game six Back Live at the Arena.

Charles Ward, Herb White, John Nelson a sideline for this five A state championship ball game.

The defending champs, the Blue Devils of Norcross are meeting the number one ranked team in the state the Wildcats of Wheeler and it has been a good ball game thus far Wheeler a little bit of an edge here in the second half of course they were down I believe four at halftime something like that.

Come back to get it closer.

But Norcross Edge back out in front.

But Wheeler's pressure has been a little more effective this half.

They've gotten a couple turnovers from Norcross and have a chance to tie it up or take the lead with this possession.

Charles Taylor will bring it up the floor for the Wildcats zone defense by Norcross.

Now Taylor got a good look at a flea fires and he missed it Aminu goes airborne and clears a lead on from across bounce pass down the Florida Avenue That's a great great look on that pass and I'm going give him credit He had just those long arms That ball was down low.

He didn't even have to stoop over to pick it up.

Charles Barnett with a perfect bounce pass inside to Aminu swipe still on the play but it comes clear to the Wildcats still Aminu was there with the long arms and we have a whistle down low I thought they got Aminu for Richard over but I'm not deaf That's who they got so the Wildcats inbounding it back down the floor kept them off Mohamed but it will stay with Wheeler Stewart going to fire a three pointer and this time he got at the ball Stewart's been working at it all night Herb there he got a good look and put it down.

Well, he hit an outside shot a few minutes ago.

That's a second jumper in the second half.

Starting to feel it a little bit.

A one point lead by the Blue Devils Commit works it right side to lamb after Hawkins in the corner with pressure by Howard was taken away from him.

Well force that and try to force it into Aminu back down the floor Stewart with streaking Got it at the Solomon got to go off and dangerous pass inside by the Wildcats but they got away with it looks like Stewart was too far into the basket but reached around the long arm laid it up softly Wildcats with a one point lead look at the spin bomb and nobody lost a basketball jones with a running jumper banked it and he missed.

Taylor clears back the other way.

Wildcats won as a state titles in 1994, 2000 to 2003 and in 2005 they beat this lacrosse team in 2005 to win that time war cross giving them that one, two, two or three two look in that zone broadcaster will hold it as we go under a minute.

As long as the offense is the defensive player doesn't get within a certain amount of feet.

I don't know what it a let's for technique I think it's 550.

Yeah you can stand all day long.

A lot of people let's say the shot clock and high school basketball and this is what so we have a standoff we were leading it by one with the drama build here in the arena at nine.

Now on the move is Taylor bright side in the corner Tate firing a three left it short LAMB clear is going to get it airborne Got a good look at it bank it but he missed the third at the end of three the tide has changed a bit.

Wheeler leading it by one 3837 over the Blue Devils of Norcross.

Well, step aside up for a quick timeout.

We'll come back with a fourth and final quarter from the arena carrier.

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This is Georgia Public Broadcasting, your PBS station and now broadcasting in Digital in the Atlanta area and on.

We are set to start this fourth quarter of the five, a championship state of Georgia.

It's the Blue devils of Norcross and the Wildcats of Wheeler Wheeler right now leading it by one point.

Herb, you get the sense of this fourth quarter going to be a doozy.

Yeah, one Of the fans at the scorers table or one of the other folks sitting here said a low scoring game.

I said, Yeah, but a heck of an entertaining, low scoring game, that's for sure.

And Charles, how would you I have to bet the house on which way this one's going to be a tough call.

I would, but they'd be out on the streets tomorrow.

Buckle em up, fans.

Here we go.

Quickly on the inbound play.

Yeah, two for eight Norcross in that third quarter.

So we've got twice as many field goal attempts in the third.

Interesting stat there Fenomeno was fouled he will go to the line to start this fourth quarter to decide how many already committed to wake Forest and fouls automatically misses on the first three little sign language from John Nelson at the plate Johnson from it speed this pace up the game up just a bit it's put that up tempo really favors them well certainly favors clock the plan Jones that he can get out in the open court by contrast coach Eddie Martin saying that they have got to do the little things in this final quarter, come away with this really.

I thought there were things at the block that time was already Stuart Stewart with the Lay and for the Wildcats.

He's coming up big for the Wildcats here in the second half Jones for three airball LAMB tries to save it and he does Muhammad has it in the corner Big break there for the Blue Devils upside to have it now to give it back to Aminu he'll run it down there The Knicks trying and then try to get Aminu involved in the offense again he hasn't had any good looks in several minutes now panic working on tape.

Now Jones Jones fires a three pointer this time around to get him to scramble at home for the Blue Devils.

There is a matchup you asking me about before the game Charles you've got Jones guarding Aminu using that great athletic ability giving up a few inches but he's a leaper tied at 40 watch to the right side on Hawkins got it airborne and the floater is good by Hollis Yeah the big guy load the shoulder and took it strong to the rack Powell the junior quoted in the papers today he said, Look, we really don't like this team meeting.

Norcross They are with a good basketball back the other way quickly and sack lamb and lamb with the lay in brings in Stephen again this time at 42.

All that dislike is only going to grow for one of these teams after this one.

what a great semifinal performance for Wheeler had 22 points and 22 rebounds as Jones shoots an airball.

Ron Cross Trying to take advantage of it.

Russell on the play and on the carry he looked up so Aminu in front was thinking about throwing the long pass tried to hold it up They caught him for a carry and that one really on that play may not have been able to see it on screen but Aminu running the floor just so well is for the Blue Devils quite an athletic young man turnovers thus far Norcross with 11 wildcats and Wheeler with seven Powell surveys left side Stuart turns with the jumper nicely done but he missed a shot out of the comedy.

TAPPER That knocked it out of bounds.

Wheeler gets a break.

They'll keep it not their biggest strength.

Wheeler playing the halfcourt offense, but they certainly have weapons.

Blake Martin saying doing the little things will favor Norcross.

You get into a ball game like this, every trip down the floor and every possession is critical.

Yeah, game going by fast.

Only 524 left in this one.

Stewart Right side, very clean ballgame as well.

Taylor gets it just in front of us here right side.

Now to Jones on the move.

Jones spins hard to the glass whistle on the play Got to be shooting to there Charles didn't see who got him I'm not going to do on his third on Aminu Yeah we talked about that match up Herb claiming that coach Lipscomb was comfortable with Jones having that basketball taking it to Aminu on the inside Jones misses on the first Yeah Jones probably has a little bit of an edge away from the basket in that matchup Not a whole lot because Aminu is quick with those long arms tough to go around him but around the rack got to give the edge dominant seven points four rebounds for Jones thus far in the ballgame his errant shot is cleared by Aminu and the Blue Devils LAMB got it at the block nominee Aminu works inside the fence to a work by Howell comes closer to Denzel Jones and whistles down low Boy and he had Hawkins wide open on the other side Farouq couldn't see him this so Jones the junior will go to the line it looks to be a pretty good free throw shooter He's got a nice stroke from three point Portland Burks on the first 4 minutes 51 seconds remaining here at the arena to determine our five state champs.

So congrats on both and coach Eddie Martin taking a time out after the free throws by Denzel Jones Norcross with a two point lead over the Wildcats.

This Blue Devils trying to win back to back to back state titles, only one other team has done it.

And the state's largest that was Lumiere back in 1938 to 1940.

Girls state championship ballgame coming our way tomorrow the class AA division I'll be Terrell County versus Calvary Day.

That will be coming your way live on GPB at 11 a.m. in the boys.

After that, it'll be Hancock Central versus Turner County Live at 1245 on GPB and then the championship ballgame today I hope playing Wesleyan that one tomorrow at 3 p.m. on GPB in the boys double Herb we'll have that one Wesleyan and West Lawrence coming at 445 for the state boys title.

So more basketball action even in the triple AA division next.

Tomorrow night at 7 p.m., it's Carrollton versus Kendrick for the girls matching up for the three eight title at 7 p.m. and then at 845 will conclude broadcast with a fourth of three a boys championship game, Glen Hills versus Carver Dunwoody.

And that will climax our two days of basketball and like Placid Wesleyan with two other boys and girls teams both in there.

And I'm looking forward to that Wesleyan game.

Getting a look at Howard Tompkins, the third UGA signee number 30 nationally ranked player in the country.

We should say that that 845 game will feature the winner of that Carver Dunwoody ballgame back.

A lot of action now after the time out Wheeler with the basketball trailing by two Cochran had a good look at it miss from about ten feet away Muhammad clears for Norcross They want to run up the floor.

Aaron passing the basketball over to Wheeler.

Wheeler's got numbers as Taylor works to the right.

All this is down low.

They get a couple of travel violations to form other teams.

Trey Turner was Muhammad Khalil like to have that pass back?

Really didn't have any advantage by throwing that ball.

It was intercepted but Wheeler couldn't take advantage of the turnover.

So full court pressure now by the Wildcats as Muhammad Campbell's for the Blue Devils Jones Nice pass down a little Hopkins Hawkins with the left hand Nicely done in the past for the Blue Devils 4212 Do against that press Get the ball in the middle breaks down the defense just about every time but it's the small things.

John talked about it a few seconds ago.

There he converted with the left hand and back the other way.

R.E.

Stewart converse with both hands on the dunk for Wheeler Stewart having a monster second half here for the Wheeler Wildcats.

The pressure still full court for Wheeler Aminu handles in the fourth court now Jones how to look at the three missed time Aminu with the rebound and the put back He missed on the clock Jones clear so we'll on the move Powell dunks it back to carpet.

Now to Taylor Taylor runner from five the rumor is good business Todd at 46 Aminu away from the basket thinking three now fires the three converts on the three he can do it all that was money Charles that was money Wildcats got an answer out of it went for the steal had the basketball but went over the back of the plan Jones And that's four on Farouq Aminu let's watch it and shoot the three All right back off of me at your own risk That's just great playground and you're going to let me have it Are you really going to let me have it?

I'll take it.

I imagine he's got his triple double by now, Charles.

He was close to it at halftime.

Tate working on Jones now gives it back to Taylor.

A game like this, Wheeler really needs to answer.

Stewart leading in shot fell off but he draws a foul so the Spurs LAMB the junior guilty of the foul for Norcross and 219 to go CHARLES this one's going down to the wire How many lead changes we've had.

It seems like every time up and down the floor, the lead has changed.

STEWART To shoot.

He's good on the first.

And the I'm telling you, you have to answer.

In a game like this, a team gets out four or five points.

It could be over.

These teams met last year in the first round of the playoffs.

It was a one point game in that contest with Marquis winning that one.

But Stewart Good on both.

Well, I imagine everybody in the building would hope for overtime.

Right now it's up to two coaches and it has been some exciting basketball.

Cochran back on the floor for Coach Lipscomb and Wheeler shows full court pressure as Muhammad will walk it up the floor.

NORCROSS With the basketball and a one point lead right side Jones under 2 minutes remains in his five championship Aminu away from the basket out of you backside they got him but he missed it by for his own rebound though Winston's down low my goodness Aminu he had to be up at 12 feet just to catch that pass and it was behind him.

Charles had to extend with us Watch this He just mistimed it just a hair.

But the pass was behind him.

My goodness he was up in the music almost comes down with the dunk.

He will go to the line after the timeout though good recovery by Aminu in the air you could tell he was off balance a bit because he didn't have a complete handle on the basketball but able to draw the foul.

Norcross by one we are seeing some unbelievable athletic ability out here on this floor and and quite honestly, it's not just athletic ability.

Charles The really nice part about it is both these teams are so well coached.

They play a high level of basketball.

I don't know how many turnovers we've had, but the turnovers have not.

It hasn't been a sloppy game, hasn't been a lot of fouls.

It's just been really the shooting hasn't been great, but attribute that to the great defense by both teams.

So and a highlight film to boot.

So everything you can ask for in a championship basketball game agreed and agreed 100% that need to get to Garcetti Martin For the sixth season at Marcos winners of the titles in 2006 they won over Beach High 6649 and that will be the last year they beat Centennial 5958 in a great ballgame here from Moreno.

We will remember that one.

And I was saying, how can we come up with something to beat those games from last?

But certainly this is right there with them.

Indeed.

You're right.

Glad you could join us on GPB for this five eight contest.

Hopefully you've been enjoying basketball all day long on GPB.

And I mean, the arena is packed on the lower level, a lot of folks in the upper two levels.

So this is quite a crowd to see this great basketball this evening.

They even open up the balcony tonight here on of the first shots off the mark rebounds cleared by Howell.

A lead remains one for Norcross at the block.

The work at the Jones bounce Jones to Tate running jumper from the shot at Hodge.

A rebound cleared by Taylor Killian.

He checked in for the Blue Devils.

That was a big trip down the floor for the Wildcats.

Not able to convert.

But Coach Martin going to take the time out after they get it into the frontcourt.

Since that time, one minute, 21 seconds remaining as all of this has been a quick game, Charles.

Really quick game.

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Simple call one of the numbers on your screen or visit our website at WWE w dot gpb dot org backslash support and thank you for supporting Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Well, the way this was started at the time, I thought we were going to be getting close to 11:00, but because of the quality of this basketball game, it's it's going to be over way too soon for everybody in this building.

I can guarantee you.

I would just love to watch tomorrow.

This really goes to your point, though, how clearly this game has been played, Both teams just dominant in the state.

Neither team has lost to us, lost to a team in the state of Georgia this year, both nationally ranked.

And that's probably the first time that's ever happened that it's two teams played for a state championship and neither one of them have lost a game in the state.

We know.

We know that we know that timeout remaining wheeler with to Norcross with one remaining coach Martin Bernard a couple here in the last 2 minutes or so but it's so critical down the stretch you want to have it right Muhammad going to go all the way through with the reversal.

He wins for the Blue Devils coach.

Martin set that one up and they executed it perfectly.

Well worth the timeout.

Herb 5148, Approaching a minute left, Howell works it to the block.

Wilson is on the play He was fouled down low AJ Hopkins with the foul had been six and Alison Stewart to the line that's what great coaching will do for you You see something you come out you get a timeout it's just beautiful basketball there They just cleared out the alley Let them take it in.

Huge free throws for Howell right here.

All the junior converts on the first.

Like we said, this is the kind of ball game you've got to answer, especially with a minute and two clicks on the clock.

nine points, give him ten.

Now he's converts on the second for a one point lead now and full court pressure by Wheeler Norcross with that lead slam across the time line.

They let him go all the way to the rack and LAMB got the layup he stopped momentarily, saw the lead, went all the way through and got the basket.

Taylor left side whistle.

He was bumped by Muhammad on the penetration but that's just six fouls on Norcross but maybe that's the seven.

Let's take a look.

Yep I want to take take a look at lamb.

He's looking back for the team to catch up with him and he saw the lane there and said, Hey, I'll go.

Beautiful little floater.

Thank you shot That was the left hand.

And again couple big free throws for Wheeler They got to have these Taylor converts on the first and now you're going to still be down one Charles if he makes this you maybe you go for the steal too they get it to half court then I think you got to start thinking about foul and we've got to be down one Taylor 75% free throw shooter Tonight's got nine points and two rebounds My call a timeout to talk about who's going to foul who Taylor get on the second wheeler not calling a timeout They're showing full court pressure LAMB trying to get the basketball in does so to Aminu it's tough tucked away in the back barometer recovers Jones pressure on Aminu whistles in the back court Daquan Jones got too close that's unfortunate the chin the foul there because the time was running up I would have got a ten second call another two or 3 seconds Charles it was Hall on the defensive effort for Wheeler, not Jones.

So he will be credited with the fouls.

But now Aminu has to show his mettle from the free throw line here.

HERB We've seen him do it with the jumper.

We've certainly seen him do it underneath the basket.

Well, he's got a nice stroke, but he hasn't shot any with pressure like this on him calmly since the first.

I love to see guys make big free throws.

Charles.

It's just a thing of beauty.

Yes, it is.

They still make it a three point game.

Got him Both the senior rises to the occasion Taylor Killian checking into that Norcross line up no doubt for purposes Coach Lipscomb it still not call the timeout.

They have enough time on this clock to come down and shoot a two.

We may call a timeout when they get down here, but he may not.

Taylor across the time line working behind the arc now raises with the jumper from 15 and got it to fall What a shot by Taylor pressure now he gets the timeout was so he won at the basket first then took the time out and puts clutch play after clutch play by both of these teams And again just what you expect from teams and you look for Wheeler to foul pretty quickly here they're going to talk about who they want to foul Norcross leading it by one trying to find my stat sheet to see who I would foul and I can't find it.

But you don't want much time to run off that clock, Charles, To give yourself a chance offensively after the first 43.7 seconds and close Eddie Martin over there saying who he wants to take the ball out so he wants to look for on the inbounds play and if at all possible, if he could throw it long.

It certainly love to do that and get it past the defense and run some clock off.

And that would be the worst thing that could happen to Wheeler right now since 14.7, 10 seconds remaining in this five eight championship ballgame.

Glad you're watching it on GPB capacity crowd here in the arena echoed at center.

Well except for the shooting percentages, this is probably the best championship game I've been involved with in a long, long time.

I can't remember a better one, even though we've had some great wins and you folks out there enjoying that.

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All right, here we go.

Norcross will have to the full length of the floor.

LAMB Inbounds it up before it got.

MUHAMMAD Behind the plate.

MUHAMMAD What's inside spins on?

JONES Got it to the rack and he's on the floor.

That's just what's it and what happened?

Taylor's got to hurry down for seconds, will really get a shot off behind the arc He fires.

It looks short and it is short for the blue Devils have three people History in the making, Charles.

History in the making.

They'll have a shot at number four next year.

Back to back to back for Norcross five eight state champions.

It wasn't easy.

Well, when you beat them, you beat them.

There's a winning basket and we warn them.

Don't let them go long.

Go run clock and look at the presence of mind, the spin on.

Jones Inside the paint.

Muhammad Well under control and got a big lead.

Yeah, well, when you read three peat and you beat the number one team in the state, Charles You've earned it, buddy Norcross wins it 5754.

We'll take a quick time out.

We'll come back at the Arena tonight for DVD or VHS tape.

Copies of today's game can be ordered for $19.99, plus $5.50 for shipping and handling from game tapes.

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As the leader of 7000 Wachovia employees in Georgia, I asked my team for dedication to excellence, hard work, integrity and enthusiasm in providing financial services to communities across our state.

We salute these qualities in the student athletes, coaches and teams participating in these championship games.

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The Boys five state champion has been crowned here at the Arena.

It's the Blue Devils of Norcross, 5754 winners over the Wildcats of Wheeler.

John Nelson standing by with coach Eddie Martin.

Coach, back to back to back.

How does it feel?

Well, you know, truly, it has not sunk in yet because what we did tried to do the whole tournament before was just focus on one ballgame.

But it's starting to sink in a little bit right now.

Talk about the Diesel Farouk Monster start Monster game in a monster time.

He did.

He stepped up big.

He got us comfortable to begin with.

We knew they were going to make some runs.

I mean, they're too good of a ball club.

We withstood two runs, there's the key.

And then he picked us up at the end and then we had other kids step up, too.

It was a team effort, but we don't we're not here without him.

What does it mean to all of these seniors to have gone through all of this, all the travel, all the practice, all the time to make this happen?

I think it makes it worthwhile.

I think it makes it worthwhile.

All the conditioning, all the the hard work that we did, I think now, you know, they're reaping the fruits of the labor right now.

Look at the fans behind you, the blue crew.

What is the blue crew and the student body mean to you?

it's we feel like it's the best student section in the country.

We really do.

We know it is.

They've been there.

They you know, as we progress, they you know, more and more jump in there.

But it's all about family and community over there.

And we wouldn't be here without them either.

Congratulations.

You can crack your smile and get your heart rate back to normal.

Back to you, Charles and her.

Okay.

Thank you, John.

And congratulations to coach Eddie Martin and the Blue Devils of Norcross.

They win the five eight state championship in the state of Georgia over the Wildcats achieve a final 5754.

Congratulations to the Blue Devils for Herb White, John Nelson.

Charles Warren.

On behalf of everybody at Gp-b, we will see you right back here tomorrow on GPB for more state basketball funding for this broadcast of the 2008 Georgia High School Association's State basketball Championships has provided in part by Georgia's electric membership corporations.

Wachovia, the Georgia Student Finance Commission, by viewers like you and the Georgia High School Association, who wish to thank the Georgia Dodge Dealer, State Farm and naturally friend for their support of high school sports.

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