Live from the Arena Gwinnett Center.

Game three of 11 here on GPB is exclusively live coverage of championship weekend.

We have the girls five A state title game on the line.

It'll be Norcross against Mandy Turner and we welcome you back to GPB with Gil Tyree here in Duluth.

Of course, we've had two champions already crowned and Fayette County.

And just moments ago, Miller Grove did the back to back to back big and the boys title game.

But now the five title game is on the line.

And this is a much ballyhooed matchup between Norcross and McEachern.

And for the men who will call tonight's game here on GPB.

We've going out of stock like Tenix at our Mark Harmon.

Gentlemen, it's all yours.

Well, thank you very much.

Gill Good evening to everyone out there.

Our pleasure to be bringing you the five girls basketball championship to play.

My partner is Mark Harmon and Matt.

It's a tale of two different teams, one going for their second straight, Tyler Morrow, another one just looking for their first.

Well, that's absolutely true.

Norcross Coming in 28 and three, they've been to the big dance before they won last year.

And let me tell you, they'll have the best player on the floor all night long.

And diamond shields, this girl is amazing.

She's six two.

She's a sophomore.

She's averaging 21 points a game that goes on and on.

I mean, she was on the Team USA 18 and under teams.

She scored 1000 points.

She's fantastic.

So she's pretty good, from what I understand.

So as the rest of this team, as you take a look at the starting lineup, you can see that this team is going to be back so young, so good.

And coach Angie Hamby is just happy to be back.

How does it feel to be in a game playing for a state title coach?

Well, there's no place else you'd rather be.

It is a wonderful atmosphere.

Love this for the kids.

They're very excited.

Now it's time to bring it down a notch, concentrate on what's at hand and keep that excitement level up.

But keep it under control.

But it's a wonderful atmosphere, a great atmosphere out here.

But Christian's not going to go out there and just give them the game.

They've got a star of their own and they've got a deep team as well.

Absolutely.

McEachern is very confident coming in.

Coach Phyllis Arthur has her team really ready to play and they're playing very well right now.

Of course, their key player is Patty.

Anna Roberts.

She's averaging 15 points a game.

She's a junior, she's a great ball handler and she can't score.

So keep your eye on catches.

ROBERTS And as you see that team, you can see that they have a lot of underclassmen.

Phyllis Arthur, again, confident in her team.

Okay, Coach, how does it feel to be in a championship game here tonight?

It feels wonderful.

I mean, we're all excited to be here.

We've worked hard to be here and we just we just you know, great to be here.

We just happy that we're in this game tonight.

What about a special group of players coming here for this last game of the year?

they are wonderful.

They're great.

They've been sending us text all day.

They're ready and they're happy and they're proud of us as coach, as a coaching staff, well, they should be proud.

It's going to be a great matchup.

I can't wait to see some of the shields.

I was lucky enough to do my final game as a high score and as we go through this Norcross team, sure, there's done And but what else is there?

Well, there's a lot of great players.

You know, one of the key players is going to be number 13 brilliance.

And she's a freshman point guard who runs the show for Northrop.

And it's very interesting how that all happens.

The other two teams in the victory, obviously, they're going to have to defend the half courts.

They're going to have to win the battle of the boards and they've got to sew up patches.

And that's well put.

Know you've been working on that and they sure will.

And the Shields can't wait to see who should might be a boxing one tonight.

The coaches told me there might be a triangle in too, but she's a perimeter player.

It should be an entertaining game On the other side, you look at this MacEachern team, they can't be intimidated.

They've been on the big stage.

The key for them as we look at their starting lineup, absolutely the keys to them, their coach told me his defense defense and more defense they've got to come out, they've got to be aggressive.

They've got to hit the boards for sure.

They've also got to limit diamond, the shields.

They know that she's a gem, but they've got to somehow keep her from winning this game all by herself.

The third key to this game for McEachern is they must hit their free throws when they go to the charity stripe.

They got to catch in.

Also thinking tempo very important for this time on McEachern, very important to maybe slow it down at times and not let this team get out on the break.

Right that McEachern wants to play a little bit slower paced game.

They want to control the tempo of the game.

They don't want to fall behind early.

They want to stay right in there right from the get go.

Well, you stay right in there.

Some entertaining basketball.

It's a girls five eight championship game and it's coming up right after this.

Let's get started.

Let's get started.

Let's get.

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Next time on Secrets of the Dead.

While America worked on the bomb, Japan created its own secret weapon, an advanced sub to blow up the Panama Canal.

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And welcome back to the Party Girls High School Basketball Championship in what should be an interesting matchup tonight.

Our man on the sidelines this evening will be John Nelson and usually it's during a game that we get an injury update.

But tonight it's before the game.

A very important injury update on one of the stars of one of these teams.

It is Miss Wilkins, Dominique Wilson, guys, 50 to 60%.

And that's Coach Arthur's words.

After turning that ankle late in the game against Mill Creek last night.

It'll be a good thing to watch.

White number 12, back to you.

And as we looked at Wilson, we saw a braces on that left ankle.

So we'll see what happens.

Diamond DeShields, number 22.

You want to keep your eye on her all night as we are underway here at the Gwinnett Center, up and running in the girls five, a championship game.

It's going to be very important to see how effective Dominique Wilkins Wilson is because number 12, she usually handles the ball quite a bit.

She's a good scores.

He's averaging 30 points a game.

She's on that bum ankle.

Like to see how that affects your play.

And I'm sure she's been called Dominique Wilkins before, especially here in Georgia.

But it is Dominique Wilson up and no good and the future.

And we'll put it back in.

Hitting the boards hard.

That's what they need to do foul on they'll go to the line but the shield sounds like a familiar name to you Major League fans.

Of course, there's the connection that he used to play in the big leagues.

The line of the Shield was drafted by the Montreal Expos, a number one draft choice in 1987.

12th pick in the draft played for the Cubs and other major league teams.

And and, you know, Diamond is a terrific softball player as well.

Gil Tyree and our GPB Sports Central show did a feature on her last year that was just outstanding.

I mean, she was just a freshman last year in the starting lineup and just outstanding in a couple of different sports for Kayla montgomery, six four at the line, only a junior.

So both these teams are young and talented.

A teacher takes that early lead.

That's good for them.

All across the course in the blue and white.

The Lady Indians three Williams She's just a freshman, Number 13.

She runs the show.

And it's just amazing that at her age that she can do that well, there's two skills and you can already see you're going to miss the athletic ability.

Yeah, it's a letter to the hall she signed with the team as a sophomore.

She's already scored 1000 points in her career in two years.

That's amazing.

Early going in these five.

A championship basketball game.

Girls, hurry up.

So the number 23, Patrick Roberts is the leading scorer for the teachers.

She's averaging 15 points a game.

They've got three players on average in double figures.

Here comes Norcross wanting to run with the ball, a controlled break.

This is a team that's been here before.

There's diamond out in front.

She can as Marshall, do it on time play off position diamond score 21 points last night and she was a little bit under the weather.

She is suffering from a cold and still is able to shake down score 21 Watson is an amazing athlete, as you would think everybody in the country is.

After her recruiting error.

She can go anywhere she wants.

Absolutely.

If she can take her pick, there's the three outside and short timing off the two early going.

That's what the teacher had to do.

We talked about the keys, Mark.

One of them was rebound, a rebound, rebound.

And they're doing that so far.

Absolutely.

They're only allowing them one shot at a time.

If they can keep that up, keep this game right in the thick of things, take more time looking inside at the tempo, slow, they dynamite.

They worked it inside there.

The number 31, Brittany Hodges and she's also averaged 13 points a game Norcross on the move to the hoop tighten up and go You see how quick she was taking the baseline I mean she was a thoroughbred in her up and a blocking foul and the teacher would go to the line, Well, let's talk.

The comparisons are obvious to Maya moore, and I understand that that's a lot of pressure to put on a young kid.

But just so you know something about Maya two 627 she was the Naismith Player of the Year, Collins Hill, 48 points in a high school game, four years of College Hill, Maya was 125 and 40.

So that's a lot of shoes to fill there.

Let's just watch the Shield and let her become her own player.

She's only a sophomore.

You know, the interesting thing about that story is Maya's freshman year, her coach there was the coach over it thing on lacrosse right now.

Angie Embry well, there's a there's a couple of times been to school for team the teacher up by her Yeah they'll play the shields one on one until she starts really taking over the game.

They might go to a triangle into the alley oop.

I'll bet any normal skill in there might be a foul.

And there you see the athleticism.

You know, Diamond is six two.

She's one of the taller players on the court, but she's got her outside playing kind of a point forward or a point guard and she can shoot from the outside.

She can sky in there.

She is just an outstanding talent.

If she had dunked that alley oop, I might have just not said another word for the rest of the game and just watch.

In the semifinal, she had a breakaway.

She said she thought about it, but she didn't.

Well, here's the scary thing.

She's only going to get better.

And she could get taller and she could get taller.

16.

She turned 16 last week, so she's just 16 years old when she played on Team USA and won the gold medal in their 18 and under Junior Olympics.

She was only 14 when she made that team.

So one or two more cross trailing early going go one point game so far Northrop putting a little more pressure mark on the outside McEachern trying to break it down and that'll be a kick ball region The first appearance in the title game for Cobb team to reach the finals as girls since 2001.

That's why Coach philosophy told me last night would be so huge if they could win this game because it would be so much to the school in terms of working that ball around the court with a good defense inside.

And so far some easy hopes for the future.

That's what they have to keep doing.

They have to keep working it inside.

And Kayla montgomery found Brittney Hodges and made the easy basket right there.

They got to continue to go inside like that almost halfway through the first quarter.

And that's one of the final girls championship basketball game.

Go cross and repeat from going at it.

And there's diamond at the top.

Well, you're right.

I mean, she plays inside, she plays outside and you have a talent like that.

You find ways to get her the ball.

More cross still moving in and moving out.

There's a turnover once the ball so early guard if teacher not intimidated at all making a ball game to this and this will be tight if they continue to get on the boards and play tough situations.

Absolutely.

This is a very interesting story.

That's exactly the kind of start McEachern wanted.

They wanted to control the pace of play.

They wanted to work the ball inside and they wanted to take that early lead and they've been able to up all three of those things.

I think it's interesting to watch Norcross because when you got a player like the Shields that good, you tend to sometimes just want to watch and let her do her thing.

And, you know, coach just told her, don't do that, move without the ball.

And so far they're doing that.

So now one thing to keep in mind is Norcross has a very, very talented bench.

They've got a couple of players, the Erika Hendry and Charlotte Cooper.

They came off the bench in the semifinals and really turn that game around.

The Erika Hambrick, she's a63 senior.

She can work inside very well.

Charlotte Cooper, she's a61 sophomore that transferred up here from Florida.

So both of them came off the bench, played very, very well.

And of course, coach Angie Hamby, she's got a lot of tricks up her sleeve.

I'm sure she'll get them in the lineup sooner than later.

Well, how many high school teams do you know where you can go to the six person, Derrick Hamby, and they've got a Division one scholarship?

Absolutely.

You know, the answer was a starter and they decided to bring her off the bench.

And the coach told me that she had no problem with that.

It was all about the team.

She said, if you need me coming off the bench, I'll come off the bench and was happy to do that.

Well, Cooper had her bring the energy and reaction so far, doing exactly what they have to do, getting on those boards, slowing the tempo down.

And even though DeShields has had some good looks at the basket, it's early going.

You can see the talent.

She's going to get her 20.

Just don't let her get her throw.

I love what McEachern has done with using Kayla montgomery and Brittney Hodges.

There are two taller girls working and inside working it inside.

But eventually Patches Roberts is going to start taking over because she is a great scorer.

Only a junior Patches is 510, so a lot of underclassmen in this game is with the ball attacking the hoop.

No cross lender looking for a good shot underneath.

Almost no girl get no cross controls.

That was a good look inside by Kayla montgomery.

Those are the kind of shots McEachern wants to have to take with Cross taking her time double stacked and underneath the diamond it comes up to the top when she's got the ball.

They're so dangerous, so quick.

She'll be doing that all night, going for the hit basket is good.

Nicely done.

You know, Shayla Cooper, she just came off the bench.

We were talking about her.

She's very, very active.

She's six one sophomore.

She's averaging just a tick under ten points a game.

She's very aggressive inside.

She likes to rebound.

She likes to play defense to the great role player off the bench.

And that's what's going to happen with a player like to shields where everybody is collapsing.

You're going to get some second shots and easy shots for the folks on the team As the second one bounces off six five.

MacEachern has been in the lead the entire way.

There's patches.

Roberts She's outstanding, a leading scorer.

They need to get her involved in the offense.

So far they really haven't had any plays her way.

And Cooper with another big rebound making her presence felt more cross.

Lots of pucks, lots of text from a lot of beer comes on the court shields with the jumper up and off the rim no good Well there's that rebound we've been talking about and we'll be talking about all night for the Indians jets.

Very important to not let this Norcross team get any second shots right.

Just about 230 to go in the first quarter.

This party girls high school basketball championship pitcher keeping control and just taking their time looking for the right shot.

That's what they want to do.

Patience.

Patience right now.

We'll cross that.

She wants to run with it.

Filling lanes and a foul.

Right now, both these teams are sort of feeling each other out.

I think maybe a little bit like a heavyweight championship.

They've been going up and down, up and down the court.

Not a lot of scoring as of yet, but they're trying to feel each other out, smiling to see what each team wants to do.

Well, call a timeout for Norcross as this game has gone up and down in different paces.

Six, five.

So far, so good for this.

MacEachern team.

Absolutely.

This is the kind of start they wanted to get out too.

They're in the lead right now.

Everything is going pretty good.

They've been able to work the ball inside to their tall players.

They really do have to get number 23 though.

Patch is Roberts involved in that offense?

I mean, she's averaging 50 points a game and she needs to get to run some plays her way.

Six, five first quarter five, a girls high school championship.

We're back in a moment with more action for the 2011 Georgia High School state basketball championships made possible in part by Regions Bank.

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When Joe Bonamassa took the stage at London's Royal Albert Hall, he fulfilled a lifelong dream.

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Joe Bonamassa live from the Royal Albert Hall Monday at 830 on GPB.

This program on GPB is made possible in part by supporters of the Georgia High School Association, including the following.

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The teacher it up on Norcross 6 to 5 in the first quarter with 215 left.

It is early.

And really if you're a doctor you have some symptoms of what the game is going to be like, but not all of them.

Right.

You know, these two teams played already this year.

It was the first game of the season for McEachern, the second for Norcross.

Norcross won that game back on November 20th, 56 to 51.

It's very interesting that they played the first game of the season for McEachern, and they'll be the last game of the game.

These two teams playing in the finals here in the state championships.

Well, teams grow so much during the season that they're probably different teams right now.

Absolutely.

Scramble for cost controls long three pointer off the rim and no good and it will be the lady in the end for one thing to keep your eye on.

As far as Norcross, they have made some substitutions there.

Henry number 20 is in Charlotte.

Cooper Number 32 is in.

They're both very aggressive, very active on the boards.

And switching jerseys from last night.

Absolutely.

Spooner Norcross off with an easy hold no good can finish and Terry Carter another great look at a layup but off the rim it went the other might still be some butterflies I mean this is such a huge game for every single player and the coaches and the fans and everybody else.

So there might be some butterflies here in the early going.

MacEachern breaks the pressure.

How good of an effort is the shield?

They could hurt the point on the press wall.

Three pointer no good and McEachern wants to get a little more inside as Norcross starts coming off court.

Go hold a little pressure and just taking it right for the heat.

Three Williams I was talking to Coach Danbury the other day and she said, you know, when three Williams was an eighth grader last year, she would sit behind the bench and just soak up everything she could soak up in terms of coaching because she knew that she was going to be a point guard and that that was kind of a quarterback on the court saying, well, she's only five three.

As you can see.

She's a little thin and probably still grow because she is a freshman.

But how would you like to be the catalyst to where your point guard is only a freshman year star?

As a sophomore, you've got another starter who is a junior and you've got another sophomore and Cooper, who's a Division one player future looks pretty bright up there.

I would say it.

Norcross Second run off and we've got a tar ball game with 130 left in the first quarter.

Payton slowing the ball down, trying to look inside and maybe open up again and shoot.

Shooting a little cold this first quarter.

Yeah, both teams a little bit cold from the shooting.

Let's see if this three pointer goes by dime.

There you go.

It's a stroke right there.

Follow through.

And the bottom early going and this spa day championship, first quarter action.

Wow.

Three and it is answered.

good to see Dominic Wilson getting that three pointer and he's playing on a severely injured ankle because Dominique Wilkins, as we told you, probably 50 or 60% tonight, but looked like a 100% on that three.

Maybe she starts feeling it.

That's right.

And and Shields is down and let's see, there's players all over the court time and slow to get up.

So a couple of more court players and one of the was kind of a wild scramble leaving it all on the court.

No doubt about that.

36 seconds here to go.

Norcross may decide in this tight game nine nine to play just for the last shot, try to take a lead in the second quarter.

I'm in the shields with the ball.

Shake it up a little on that last play.

Only a sophomore, as we mentioned, maybe the best player in the country in her sophomore year in high school basketball.

Another good look for Norcross not to be in the future.

We'll have a chance to take the lead in his first quarter, slowing it down less than ten to go.

Better look to the hole now up and no good.

And that is how it's going to end, although a pretty good shot.

She's got her dad's arm.

She has a big league arm as wins in the first quarter of this five eight championship knotted up at nine nine.

McEachern couldn't win any more than that.

Next time on Secrets of the Day, While America worked on the ball, Japan created its own secret weapon, an advanced sub to blow up the Panama Canal, Japanese super sub on secrets of the Dead.

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We're tied up at nine nine.

You know, Norcross has a chance to win titles in Boys and Girls and really coming in, there were six high schools in the semifinals.

It had to do that.

And this is the whole history of Georgia basketball.

These are the only schools that have ever done that.

So I Columbian Wesleyan last year, I mean, that was a great combo for those two schools.

And this year, Norcross has a chance there.

Girls teams playing right now their boys team is going to play Milton in the game following this one.

So they've got a good chance to do pull off a feat.

I think, out of all those games.

I think Stilson was the only year that I didn't call 1952.

Second quarter.

Here we go.

Five, eight girls basketball season lights out it.

Mark Harmon, our pleasure to be bringing you all the action live from the Gwinnett Center and glad to see Dominique Wilson playing very well in the first quarter on that ankle.

They need to get Patrick Roberts involved in that offense.

Still from the teacher.

She is favoring it a little, but 60% of her is on 2% of most players bringing up the ball.

You can see her laboring a little on that left ankle, right?

She's the point guard and she's still in that role.

They haven't switched to a shooting guard or some other position.

She's still handling the ball the majority of the time on that ankle.

Norcross again, looking for back to back titles.

Phyllis Arthur looking for her first title, Remember Teacher and Bench, Tori Carter.

Now she's a junior and she's a scrappy, savvy type of player as well.

Well, there you can see in the kitchen doing what they have to do with time in The Shield.

They are sloughing off on everyone, including the coach, Phyllis, author and coach Andy.

Angie, I am re sort of playing some chess match right now.

But Angie said, you know, it's more metal with time and then it is look at that Well she floated in there and no good more metal than the physical part of the game Someone wide open underneath easy hold scramble Erika Hamby right there Jalen Cooper helped keep that alive.

We talked about those two players coming off the bench.

They play a big role for that Norcross team.

And there you see Norcross putting on some full court pressure warming to maybe up the tempo of this game.

Let's see what happens.

Only a two point game and a man so far for McEachern Norcross taking their time now looking inside.

And that's two easy votes in a row for Henry Boy.

Great pass in there by the freshman Bri Williams to lob it in and then she put in the easy layup Boy there you see the athleticism again the steal the shot and that was on diamond to shields Boy it was nine nine at the corner suddenly suddenly boy you blink an eye it's 16 to 9.

That's the kind of firepower Norcross has.

Well, let's see.

She stole the ball.

She got on the floor for the ball.

She shot three.

She's got a great follow through.

I mean, you can see she was a senior.

She'd be great player.

But I mean, holy cow, what is she going to be in another season?

She's doing what stars do.

They take over games.

And in that little sequence right there, she took over the game.

She's now giving her team a seven point lead.

The momentum has shifted into the Blue Devils corner right now.

Well, there it was, the steal, the follow through up and watch her say Nothing but net.

Yeah.

She's got that great smile.

I mean you know she's got the whole package.

Well the great ones including when they just enjoy the game and talk to Coach Embry she said one of the great things about her is that she's unselfish.

She gets 35 when she gets 15, the win five.

So an important time right now for this McEachern team.

Yeah, the great players make the players their teammates even better.

Another steal by Norcross.

Here they go looking to open this gap off as we're in the second quarter five in action another steal in the kitchen hanging in there back and forth it goes.

Nice pass boy.

Great pass by Derrick Henry right there teams our teammate open and she got her the basketball and so far that pressure starting to take effect and that's the kitchen team I believe that one of us hit the referee.

We got to settle down a little.

It's starting to feel that that pressure and that at press, you know, the first quarter, McEachern kept the tempo the way they wanted to.

They worked the ball inside, they took the lead, they held on the lead.

It was nine nine at the end of the first quarter, the second quarter, Norcross has just come out and taken charge to the hoop.

Reverse layup and dive into Charlotte is taking over make going easy, making it look easy and another steal She's loose for the lay up to up and good and that is seven points in less than a minute Well it's nine nine at the end of the first quarter 22 to 9 right now that's a 13 run.

She hit the layup, she hit three and she stole the ball three pointer.

So ball again, layup just stole and got a fast break.

Got seven points.

That's what great players do.

You know, she's averaging 21 points a game.

She said she felt a little better today than she did yesterday and it really showing up as well.

Mark mentioned it.

I mean, she's made for the national team.

She's still at 14 years old.

I was reading her byline.

I found that to be one of those fascinating, unbelievable facts you're going to get.

Really, girls are a lot more mature and stronger and getting ready to go into college.

They're 18 and you're making this team and not only making it, but making a good showing for yourself and winning a gold medal the way So, you know, everybody in the country, every college coach, the coaches, the women's program knows about Diamond, the Shield, and if they're smart, they beat down the guards from high school and looks at and trying to get her to go there.

College versus torts coach before let's listen to what you say.

Let's go.

Let's go.

She was she looked relaxed to me before the game and I went in.

I said, Coach, you kind of look, relax.

She is now now this team who seems well coached, they've got good players, they're big inside.

And that's what expect her to.

So she's very intense and very, very good at what she does.

530 left in the second quarter as Norcross has opened up a 13 point lead.

He tried trying to attack and looking for a good shot.

Do they get a good shot or go to the foul line?

And there it is.

That was a nice pass by Patches Roberts into Kayla montgomery.

But they really need to get Patrick Roberts involved in this offense.

She's averaging 15 points a game.

She really is kind of a mirror image of Diamond DeShields for the McEachern team, and they haven't really been able to spring her three to the side Salomon Guimaraes six for JR so she'll be back averaged just under six points a game but I maintain whether it's girls basketball or boys basketball, if you can recruit the best talent out of Georgia basketball, get through.

You're going to be a contender in college.

And there you look at the kids that are coming out of programs here and a year out on both sides for all Americans.

Absolutely.

On the boys side, a lot of them are one and done.

They go off to the NBA by Derrick Favors two missed at the line hurt McEachern is trying to whittle at this thing there you see it more cross on a 13 to nothing run the last 345 most of that diamond to shields McEachern gets the turnover that's what they need looking up for an opening and up in here Boy what a nice play by Dominique Wilson She's playing on a bum ankle and she just took that and she's gutting it out.

She's limping, but she is really playing a tough game.

Wilson Hurt that ankle in the semifinals easy hoop and there she is going to show up once again.

And you can see she's at the point on this press has given the teacher trouble having a poor player like Diamond DeShields on the point of that half court press.

He's got a big long arm.

So she can really be tough and she is up and down court again.

She's going to take it to the hoop and look for the three, but gets the two and six steals and they are slowly pulling away or I should say quickly pulling away.

Norcross really came out in the second half aggressive with the basketball.

They changed their defense a little bit.

They got some turnovers and the teacher needs to answer.

I need to take the time.

That's not the shot.

Norcross Fall over the boards to mark right?

They're only getting one shot McEachern is so they got to make it pay off and they take it way outside up and no good and Andrew said, You know what?

I like the way to show up.

She got to try one.

Absolutely nothing offensively right now for McEachern trying to put it in there but there's a lid and let's see if they can go to the line.

A little frustrated inside, a little frustrated.

They got off to such a nice start, controlling the tempo of the game, working it inside, doing what they wanted to do.

But in the second quarter, Norcross has athleticism and speed and defenses.

Diamond DeShields is taking over.

Well, just slow it down and do what you were doing in the first quarter.

Right now, after all, one and a half quarters in this five championship, Norcross in control movement, only movement movement.

I like to move it, move it, You like to move it?

She likes to move it, move it.

You like to move it?

I like to.

Come on.

Gp-B is made possible in part by supporters of the Georgia High School Association, including the following.

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2611 in the second quarter of this five day championship game.

Let me remind you, here's your chance to chat live during the championship games.

Go to GPB Dawgs Sports and chat high school basketball with the experts from Score Atlanta.

That's GPB Dawg Sports and they've got a lot to talk about on the internet at the buzz is all about number 22 Diamond DeShields of Norcross Luke got good balance too.

I mean there's no doubt about it.

She is the star.

But there are some awfully nice pieces.

Bri Williams is impressive.

Tucker Hamby She's impressive and going on to play.

And Cooper is only a sophomore.

So this team is loaded.

Right.

And they've got some other nice pieces to the puzzle, like Patrice Butler, who's played very well, and Alex Jamerson.

Well, that's what you didn't want.

Maybe that ankle for Wilson, just not giving her the lift on the shot or speed on defense that she needs because I'm guessing she doesn't usually airball three pointer.

Now she's got a brace on her ankle.

I her all the credit in all the world.

She didn't want to leave let her teammates down.

She's out there playing her heart Out to Shields downtown good again three pointer She's just that follow through looks a little like Michael Jordan's follow through, doesn't it?

She's got a touch was as good as any outside again and misled is on the basket and Norcross is running the shields on the break is out front Let's see what happens to the hoop No good And McEachern will try to bring it back the other way.

Just over 3 minutes left in the second quarter, and that's an 18 point split.

Norcross up on McEachern.

McEachern trying to work something out, coming back, out, resetting.

They need to get a good shot if they can work it inside, that's where they should try to go.

It looks like they're trying to spread the floor out a little, trying to keep things open, three pointer up and no good.

And there has been a drought for this teacher and team lady.

Indians can't buy a bucket.

Maybe they get one at the line.

Yeah, things have gone south for them a little bit here in this second quarter as Norcross has opened up this 18 point lead, they've got to kind of regroup and go to what they were doing, you know, earlier, playing the good defense and trying to work it inside for the high percentage shots.

Now, I hope you joined us for our girls for a championship, because at one point that was a 19 point lead and all of a sudden it became a ball game down to the buzzer.

We had all we needed, didn't we?

Yes, sir.

So was the first one.

The Indians are going to get out of fire, that's for sure.

No, they won't.

They'll scrap and scrap and scrap some of the second of two Brittney Hodges here at the free throw line.

She's a six foot senior and she's going to firm in next year.

She averages 13 a game, just nothing offensively so far for the Lady Indians.

And it's been all this young lady right here looking inside and nothing going but more across all over the boards.

And one of the best, Alex do mercy.

She's a scrappy player.

She plays some good defense.

She works inside along the boards.

It takes a lot of garbage type stuff, puts them back up, is very effective inside.

Senior 511 averaged just over seven points a game this season.

Some substitutions and fresh legs for the lady Indians, hawks and Norcross is sort of back that pressure now just half court 131 press let's see what I mean with number 22 a diamond to shields at that point position her arms are so long and she is so tall it impacts that defense tremendously.

And coaches will tell you sometimes, Mark, we don't mind giving up a basket or two when we're pressing as long as the pace of the game quickens.

And that might be the story here with Norcross up and Gordon wow with the lady and instead down that's Pat Roberts and she is a very very good player.

She's there leading scores, 15 points a game.

She handles the ball out.

She shoots a lot.

That's her first half of the ballgame.

They need to get her involved in the offense.

They would have thought it would take her this long.

She is a great player, just a junior, and she'll be back next year.

There you see her season averages almost shooting 50% from the field.

The second one won't go so under two to go in this second quarter.

And it has been Norcross just about the entire way.

The second quarter.

lady Indians taking the time spreading it out again against this tough Norcross defense Get some some decent looks but nothing's falling And she really gets out on the break and they're getting no second shots whatsoever.

One shot and done more cross looking inside minute 30 left in this second quarter of girls by the championship basketball.

That's a pretty good move right there And we tried to put it in no good.

Now, this Norcross team all over the boards is kept will go to the line and shoot a couple right to Erica Hammer is really made an effort she didn't start but she came in she's a63 senior she's heading to Wake Forest next year.

When she was a freshman, she was only five seven.

She was five inches from her freshman year.

Her sophomore year, she was a six foot freshman.

She said it started turn good for you from that point on.

And she grew three more inches.

So she's six three, she said, to how to play basketball at the agency at Wake Forest next season.

Well, she said she was playing baseball after she grew the five inches.

She goes, You know what, Maybe I better shift sports.

And it was a good idea.

I think it's a great idea.

Kept with the second and it's good just over a minute left in the second quarter and it is Norcross in control by 21.

He turned from way outside still nothing from the outside going.

And the only thing going right now is the foul line and unneeded turnovers.

So here comes Norcross running with the ball.

Here's your goal out on the break.

There you see some talent there you see the easy here and that's what they need to do.

Nicely done by Johnny Roberts.

They're taking it coast to coast.

That's a hoops that they needed.

Norcross Russell, some of their starters actually most of their starters as we come under 30 to go second quarter Norcross content just to wear this clock down and look for a good shot yeah they made play for the last shot of the half That's a good move down to ten and there's the steal of patches to start to take over a little.

That's what she needs to do.

Another six points in the last 3 minutes.

Well she's the star of their team and they need her to to respond.

They needed a score.

They need her to lead the comeback.

If that happens in the second quarter as well.

What a half it has been not disappointed.

What we expected, we expected to be a little closer.

But the star of the game has come out tonight and she has shined and it has been an up and down ball game with Norcross in control, doubling on McEachern 30 for 17.

Let's go down to John Nelson what one of the coaches in tonight's ballgame the lady coach in tonight's ballgame thank you stay here with the coach after the first quarter, you told them to relax and they did that to the tune of 25 eight in the second quarter.

Yeah, they did a better job.

They were a little bit nervous.

The game is a long way from being over.

I know that, too.

We've got to we got to make some bursts.

We've got to finish around the basket, finish our free throws, and we got to do a better job of stopping mental penetration on the dribble.

That's got to stop.

At the same time, the press is really working for you to press is really working for you as well.

Yeah, they're working hard.

They're working hard.

They're doing a good job.

They just got to keep it up.

All right.

Thanks for your time, Coach Angie, him.

He's got a big lead, guys, heading to the third quarter.

As a matter of fact, 34 to 17.

We'll be back with a halftime after this week's.

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Halftime festivities underway here at the Arena Center and Duluth.

The five girls state championship game.

You see the halftime score?

Norcross out in front of McEachern by the count of 34 to 17.

You know, we've had principals on this program all day long.

And I will say this they are the real heroes in our society.

They do not get paid enough for what they have to deal with day in and day out, along with their great teachers.

With me is the outstanding principal for McEachern, Regina montgomery.

And to my left is the outstanding principal for Norcross.

Jonathan Patterson.

I'm going to start with Regina first.

I'm going to ask you this.

Your thoughts about that late run you guys had in the at the close of the first half?

You got to be excited.

I am excited.

It's about time we picked it up.

Hopefully, it will continue into the third quarter and on to a victory.

You know, Regina, I want to ask you that you have you look at what you guys are doing athletically in McEachern history is is among the best in the great state of Georgia.

What do you have going on academically?

Academically, we are also making great strides.

Of course, we're getting ready for testing.

You know, it's that season where we're getting ready for AP testing, just trying to make sure that our kids are ready for the next step in their life.

Well, the Indian nation did travel.

A lot of you guys came over from Cobb County.

So that's indicative of how important this basketball game is to you.

But more important, the community spirit for McEachern.

That's correct.

It's very important.

Our athletic director and I had a conversation today, Coach Jim Dorsey.

And, you know, we just told everyone how important it was for them to come out and support our ladies.

But most people don't get here.

Only two teams are here, and we're just quite glad to be in that number.

Well, you're here.

You still got an opportunity.

There's still the second half to play.

You're down 34 to 17.

And I know many of the Indian nation are watching here on GPB prime time.

And stay here tonight.

I'm going to move over now to our counterpart, Regina's counterpart, and Jonathan Patterson.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

It's fun.

The fun day for Norcross.

That's going to it could be a big day for you because you're doing a girls thing and then you're doing a boys thing tonight.

Well, you know, it's it's it's pretty remarkable.

It's a great, great day for Norcross in our community.

So we're we're proud of the kids.

Jonathan, speaking of the day, tell us just how much of a whirlwind day it was for you to get here.

Well, it was a lot of fun.

Norcross High School and our middle schools are a part of a national project called Project Pass.

And I was a part of the national launch today near Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Got the opportunity to be with Arnie Duncan this today and four star general, General Casey.

So it was a lot of fun.

Norcross has got the opportunity to be one of five schools to do a JROTC at the middle school, which is called the Junior Leadership Course.

And we're seeing how impactful that can be at the middle school level, really changing the mindset of our students at the middle school, incorporating leadership into their daily life.

And of course, Arnie Duncan being the secretary of education.

He is a proactive secretary and he's been all around to get a feel so obviously to be amongst him today, you had to feel very, very pleased.

Well, we are.

And we had the opportunity to be at one that was awarded the the Road Prize for Urban Education, which basically says that based on student achievement, when that was recognized as the top school system in the country or in urban education, and he was he was able to we were able to go to visit him in New York just a few months ago and receive that recognition as a county.

And what a great, great, great day for the citizens of Gwinnett and most importantly, the students and teachers in Gwinnett.

Jonathan, again, congratulations to Norcross and, of course, Regina, congratulations to you.

And I want to echo what I said earlier.

These people are the real heroes in our society here today.

Now, let's go courtside for first half highlights.

We are joined now by Stu and Mark.

Gentlemen, it is yours.

Thank you very much, Gail.

34 to 17 Norcross up on vacation, hasn't disappointed.

Well, you know, it was nine nine at the end of the first quarter and things were pretty good as a tough tight ball game.

But then in the second quarter, it was diamonds sealed and Norcross taking absolute control, winning that second quarter, 25 to 8.

I think she will be in the highlights.

Let's take a look.

I think number 22, you may see her, though.

Here's number 31 off the bat for McEachern.

And as you were saying, early going, this was a ball game.

McEachern was hitting their outside shots.

They were going to the hoop and everything was okay.

It was tied up.

But then that press turned everything around.

Right there you got three Williamses leading the way and Diamond DeShields hitting the three pointer over there.

And boy, lickety split, she's getting thighs passes, hitting two or three layups on their side.

And Norcross just took complete control of the basketball game in the second quarter.

Well, this was a highlight in itself.

The steal the shot for three and a thank you very much and she is excited.

Let's take a look at the stats.

What stands out to you?

Well, at the field goal shooting percentages right there, 13 of 28 four for Norcross.

That's very good.

And then unfortunately McEachern struggling a little bit and then points off turnovers 13 to 2.

That jumps out at you as well.

Well, let's see if McCarron can turn it around.

Second half action is coming up right after this.

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Georgia's electric membership Corporations lighting the way We are back with the third quarter of the five, a championship game 3417.

What can turn this game around?

Will coach philosopher talk to John Nelson?

Just a minute ago to see what they can do?

Well, Well, she had a lot to say and she was going to turn around.

She said it would be a good idea.

I have a feeling just from reading lips, if we get on that diamond to shields, it will be interesting.

Mark In the second half, I did talk to Coach Arthur before the game.

If they try some kind of defense, whether it's a box and one or a triangle two to try to stop it, you make a good point.

And also in the first game that we did in the four girls championship game, Fayette County had an 18 point lead at the half over Forest Park that got very, very interesting in the second half to Shields eight for 12 in the first half with 20 points.

Yeah, when you look at that I mean Diamond DeShields with 20, McEachern with 17, well so far it looks like they're just putting one person on the shields.

As Norcross opens up the third quarter with the ball up and block and they will retain possession the hurricanes Angie Hanbury starting the Erika Hanbury along with Charlotte Cooper in the second half.

They came off the bench in the first half.

They're starting the second half.

Dominique Wilkins with that left ankle injured last night, getting a lot of minutes there.

It's a steal by patches.

And there she goes.

You know, she did that right at the end of the first half, gave a big lift to McEachern.

And if she can play at that level, at that tempo in the second half, she can help bring the Indians back up.

You got to convert those when you're down by 17.

Those layups got to go in.

As Norcross looks inside and works it around the lady Indians with a tight net.

In that ad there's the steal.

This is reminiscent of the game we didn't portray where things started to go the other way.

Right?

Defense can lead to a lot of points and the turnovers Jillian Norcross as we would you play some defense to Bri Williams bringing up the ball the little freshman that's trouble in the quarter to shields off for once and it will be the kitchen ball You know Alex de Mercy right there number 25 for Norcross battling strapping always under the bucket, always trying to, you know, do whatever she can to get that rebound for her team.

I just saw coach Embry Intense.

she'll intense She doesn't want to look plastic kicks off Yeah play the game the full game Nice shot inside You know they got to go into Kayla montgomery if you might recall in the first quarter.

They went inside to her several times and it paid off with easy baskets just like that.

Why not six for junior diving, trying to get control of it and catch.

So here comes the pitcher on the break easy layup up and in and could have been one but how about that Mia Cooper she's just a sophomore.

She's already said that she wants to go to South Carolina.

She's only a sophomore.

But you're saying, hey, I'm going to go play for the Lady Gamecocks and this is why.

Look at this takes it all the way and it is a nice way to support us.

Yeah, let's get it over with.

And I know where I'm going.

I'm relaxed.

She's also can shoot the three pointer as well, so she's a player that can score some points.

He's averaging five for the season, but if she gets hot, she can light it up.

And again, Mark, we're in a game where it's a workable margin.

13 points with a couple of turnovers and a shot here and a shot there.

Once you get it under that ten point game, as we saw in the game, we start to tighten up and tomorrow night and right now it's at 13.

So McEachern is doing exactly what they wanted to do at the half.

They got their game plan down and they're making the most of it.

614 left third quarter stupid to get more calm in front of you the five eight girls high school championship.

And don't forget following us the boys high school five championship and more action tomorrow.

So you hope you stay with us.

The North Cross boys have a chance to win a state championship.

They take on Milton.

That is a tall order of two goals.

6 minutes.

Exactly.

To go Coach Charles out the triangle offense.

And let's see what we got 2 minutes into the quarter.

And Norcross has yet to score a point and almost another turnover about this boy I really got to tip my cap to Dominic Wilson.

I mean playing on that injured ankle, she's just out there giving her all.

I just really admire that.

Well, she's playing well.

I mean, you can tell it's happened.

Her number 12, Dominic Wilson, she went down, but she is playing a solid ten, no doubt about it.

Three Williams tried to set things up for Norcross and tried to get a hook and good over play by patches on the shields.

And I think the shields either over, but not on the ballot box.

You know, when those two go at each other, I mean, those are the two best players on the court.

Diamond shields, the best player for Norcross Patch.

Is Roberts the best player from McEachern.

It's very interesting to see those two go one on one against each other.

Lots of times a coach won't put their best player on the hill, their best player here.

They're getting to foul trouble.

But that's something for Roberts defense and it's something they want to play defense like that.

That's a bit of luck there.

But we'll go back on Square that McEachern is going to have to tone down on the turnovers because that really, really hurt him in the first half.

And if they're going to try to make a comeback here in the second half, which they have a little bit here in the third quarter, they're going to have to tone down on those turnovers.

And here's Coach Arthur.

I don't know if she was saying box or not, but let's see, they might be playing the boxing one.

So let's take a look right now.

Patsy's Roberts is on her and we've got Kayla montgomery, you know, keep in line on and I'll believe that that is.

You can see they're turning off and they've got a defense designed especially for the shields.

So much is always with her.

The rest of playing zone high there, maybe a couple with her, maybe three with no number.

But I'll tell you how old I was.

I remember when Pete Mary's was in college and they played a diamond and two, so it's possible to put two two players on one.

But very unusual tonight the the box and one MacEachern again with a chance to cut into the Shawcross lead and make things a little more interesting in patches Roberts put down the ball.

She's the one who's going to have to do it in there.

Tangled up.

We've got a foul so tempo a little more to the situation like it turnovers a little bit further like in Moore crosses hit a low right and the teacher can just hit a couple of hoops here they're going inside again or trying to but if they can hit a couple of three pointers to that, it's an offensive foul and not making the coach happy.

As the drummer, he got caught for the push on three reverse the first Norcross ten down the ball with just under 5 minutes left in this third quarter up by 13.

So they cut into this lead Norcross yet to score in this quarter and you can see they're trying to figure out the defense by having diamond cut through it and they can see it's a it's a boxing well, someone's following her in the right for playing zone matches.

ROBERTS is all over and shooters like to shoot here comes the injured Wilson out with the jumper no good And there's a nice rebound right there by number 31.

Amari Coffey does a nice job off the bench as well.

Up to the hoop.

Nicely done.

Big time.

And that is Torrey Carter.

They need to double back to 15 catches to work and they're right in their last 31 making the most of it.

There.

Jimmy Hodges Whitney Hodges catches Roberts underneath get this they play in team credit they're staying in this game to make the fourth quarter matter no matter a whole lot right They did that in the first half and got several easy baskets.

And right now they have taken gotten really kind of out of the game offensively with this one.

Give credit to Panthers Robert she is all over nice The shield is just really playing terrific defense now she's an offensive player and McEachern needs her to score.

But she's really playing Diamond to see as well.

On the defensive end Patrick Alex Mercy one that off in the back row, but it all counts And here comes Norcross with Brook Good rebound 3 minutes to go third quarter as Norcross has really hit sort of a roadblock in this third quarter alley oop just not high enough Donovan the shields getting a little frustrated Yeah that was good recognition by Hodges there to pick that one off Lady Indians looking for the good shot Looking for the shot inside an offensive foul.

Let's see if they cut the hook.

Great move by Kayla montgomery.

But it has to be something.

No, but, you know, she's six four.

She's just a junior.

She's only going to get better.

And she has a lot of potential to put the ball on the floor.

That's impressive.

Again, dominated Shields had 20 in the first half.

They decided to put a box and one on it.

So now they're putting away up front and Wilson with that injured ankle is going to have to check going for the alley oop again not there Norcross pulling it up slowing it down Mark And this tempo has come down a few tenths of a mile.

You know, that was one of our keys at the very beginning of this basketball game, but not the Diamond and Shields beach in in the third quarter.

They put that into perfect execution big time.

BLOCK But diamond to shields catches Roberts goes to the hoop didn't care about the block and the shoot to close a little bit more.

As you've mentioned before, you're behind like this 15 points right now.

You get those free throws and you can add them up with the clock not running.

That's all the year.

Then.

Robertson 510 junior averaged 15 points a game, 72% free throw shooting from the line.

The line first went up and good in the semifinal game.

She really handled the ball quite a bit more than she's doing tonight.

I thought that with the injury to Dominique Wilson that she might be more than this game, but so far she has what you might want to take some of that responsibility off her.

And I'll tell you why after we take a break.

It's Lacrosse 3823 as we continue with five.

Hey, girls, Championship action.

I'm on.

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Norcross over Rookie teacher 38 to 25.

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We got four great games today.

We got six games plus the wheelchair game.

I mean, it's just fantastic.

High school basketball action.

You said Patches.

Roberts brought it up, Mark and my theory and why she might not be hitting the ball tonight is she's got to check time in the shield.

That takes enough energy.

She's got enough on her plate that she don't handle the ball tonight.

Just concentrate on playing her tough.

Well, Norcross will go to the hospital Now.

One thing of interest there, McEachern picked Norcross up full court, some full court pressure.

They'll be interesting to see if they decide to do that.

For the last 10 minutes of this basketball game, the Atlanta come to the line for two in the first one's good That Norcross bench two loaded.

Yeah.

Maury Cobb is a senior This will be her last basketball game.

It's great to see her in there.

She is a good rebounder and she gives them some good minutes off the bench is better for 2 minutes to go 15 point game in the third quarter and it has been up and down.

The catcher giving credit it made the run may have looked like another one at no time.

The shields had 20 points at halftime.

They've really put the clamps on her in this third quarter.

It's always interesting to see her offensive star, see how they react on the other side if they still play hard and she is not crossing what is a zone defense.

It's like you're trying for the turnover and there's a scramble for jump ball.

Eric pointed the teacher's way so they would take possession and possessions are important at this stage of the game.

Just a minute.

34 left in the third quarter.

You get the 8 minutes of the fourth quarter and they're going to make a rally.

They're going to have to come down on the turnover.

You're going to have to hit their free throws for the second half to control the tempo.

Yes.

Well, you mentioned in the beginning is one of your keys and you hit it on the head that rebounding so important.

And I think in this third quarter McEachern has done a better job on that.

Let me remind you also, you're watching a great game and you can purchase a DVD of this game and any of the gets a state basketball championships for further details, go to HSA dot TV.

And remember these games are being streamed live on the internet at GB dot org and there's all kinds of blogging going on to just go to GB Dawgs Sports.

You can get your comments and questions.

The bloggers are going wild.

It's a fun way to spend the evening talk in high school.

Whoop.

The great thing for these kids to have this game as a memory and also have it on the DVD and for the parents and for the fans across all over the court with double teams.

And it's work there.

Charlotte Cooper coming up with another good steal.

She's a good player, just a sophomore.

She played in Florida last year, moved up here and she's a big part of this double cross team patches.

Roberts on Diamond DeShields in that box and one in quick hands.

And it'll be retained by Norcross just over a minute left in this third quarter, 15 point lead for Norcross, who's been in control.

But this third quarter, they've lost the rhythm and the catcher made their move.

They had a chance to, you know, make a bigger move and get it down to about ten points or so.

And they just couldn't quite get over the hump.

They couldn't hit the big hoop when they needed.

Wilson on that tender ankle.

Still getting a lot of minutes tonight.

I can't remember leaving the game.

I think she's going to happen just about the whole time.

Well, this is her on the floor ankle I can't imagine her on she's good ankle because she is quick and can really take the ball to the hoop.

It's still running the show for.

The McEachern Indians out there, we turn satisfied the workers go out and try to go to the hoop and my goodness, Patrick Roberts just missed more cross looking down court looking for the breaks but limitations credit back on defense in one shot Look at patches Roberts I mean wherever Diamond DeShields goes patches Roberts goes and Diamond may be feeling a little frustrated at this point, but I'm just going to head to the side.

Time Warner Bros. Well, that's what you try to do to a star player.

And I got news for her.

She's only a sophomore.

This is what she's going to see.

Maybe the rest of her career defenses like this.

And remember, Patty, Anna Roberts is the star offensive player for McEachern.

So she's really on both ends of the court.

Remember, she's only a junior, too.

So both these young ladies coming back and fans of all ages here, a future star right there.

And I know I'm going to be able to go get a couple of you a couple of years.

Yeah.

Check me out.

He's on the big screen.

He's a star.

Ceases to amaze me, Mark.

Every year I've been doing this, and we're lucky enough to do it.

But I say, you know what?

And I never see another player like that.

I got to see the patches.

Roberts and Simon Shields of the world come along.

So Georgia basketball, high school basketball is healthy and well.

It's very, very good.

And 14 seconds to go.

So many of the schools go around the country playing against the best in the league.

And so, I mean, that's up to dipsy doodle.

There are no good and there'll be a foul and it might over the bat or maybe not.

I think they're going to send Taylor over the line in school.

And you're right Taylor Cooper will go to lot.

And so what coach ever did there.

Morgan just put the shields in a corner and say, You want to go?

We'll take one complete play and two maybe out and see if we can isolate.

And that's what happened right in just 4 seconds left with this whole five eight high school basketball championship, Charlotte Cooper's first point of the night.

But six big rebounds.

Yeah.

Her floor game is only going to get better and better and better.

She's six one.

She's just a sophomore.

She averages almost ten points a game.

She's very aggressive out there, which I both on the offensive and defensive boards and also in her defensive play such as Roberts trying to get the last to play after the buzzer wouldn't have been good.

So as we head into the fourth quarter of the 40 high school basketball championship, it's a 17 point game.

Stay with us.

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Welcome back to the Good, etc..

The five day girls high school basketball championship headed to the fourth quarter to play tennis and more calm.

And our pleasure to be bringing you all the action as the fans are getting into it.

The teacher and fans won't let them say die.

And Norcross Cross wants another state title.

Absolutely.

You know, at the half Norcross had a 17 point lead.

McEachern made inroads in the third quarter, but at the end of the third quarter, it's back to that 17 point lead.

So the kids are going to get the ball to start off the fourth quarter.

They're going to have to get hot right away.

It's all about making foul shots, getting at someone hot and the defense, no turnovers as we see Norcross all over it and they look like they're coming out, fired up and aggressive their coach.

I'm sure Andy Hendrie probably has told them you've got 8 minutes to play, 8 minutes to be state champs and they are active.

There's no doubt about it.

I think they're feeling pretty good about it right now.

They've got to realize they're still, you know, 7 minutes and 41 seconds to go, but they're going to play hard and they're going to try win that back to back championship.

Tennessee hatred inbound the ball.

It was a99 game, believe it or not.

After one Norcross went on a run with their third quarter pressure.

MacEachern came back a little in the third quarter.

And here we are, a 17 point game in the fourth quarter as Robert's trying to go to the hoop and one and just rolls out.

She has a good looking player.

She is a very, very good player.

She can handle the basketball, she can shoot, she can drive to the hoop.

She's got the whole package going and she's just a junior.

She's 511.

So she's got very good size and averaging 15 points a game.

I'll tell you what else I like about her.

Watch her during the game.

Her expression never changes.

It's going well or going terrible.

She keeps the same thing.

You know, one other thing I like about a game that I didn't see in the semifinal game because it wasn't a matchup like that.

But she has played tremendous defense in this third quarter in the second half.

On Diamond to Shield.

Been everywhere, the diamonds gone, she is gone.

And that's tough for an offensive player to do from time to time.

McEachern Now in a 1 to 2 press, it looks like putting some pressure on the ball and North Norcross with little trouble bringing it across half court and they look like they may be spreading it out a little.

They may try to take some time off the clock.

They've got a big lead right now.

They know that the clock is their friend still looking to take it up.

And Diamond says, thank you.

I haven't seen this in a while.

Right.

Wow.

Let's start all over from the top of the key, not force.

He thinks he'll get credit.

Norcross making good time looking inside and this is definitely Norcross is all line up He got down on the field with 16 that's a six at the numbers here to Hamby it the green zone and the reason for that the great look by diamond to shields and double teams in this gifted we open first Roberts up and in she is taking over offensively now for this just I'm not going to say 6644 29 and both stars are showing you why they are so highly thought out.

You're right, Mark, She has played some good defense and also catches.

Roberts You got off to a very slow start this evening.

Offensively has now come on and she didn't really see the basketball in the first quarter.

I mean, here she is, the leading scorer for McEachern and they just didn't run plays her way.

She didn't get the ball very much, but she's really come on strong late in the first half here in the second.

Let's see if we can pick anything.

I want to run almost no press here.

Don't get up.

Here's North crossover.

You heard coach every say get aggressive.

And that's exactly what they have been doing, especially defensively, because he's going to stay on it for the next 6 minutes, 28 seconds.

You can take that into the bank.

And there's a look at patches.

Roberts has had a sensational second half, 4429 626 left.

So she's the team leader, Patrick Robertson.

She's got to get it going here.

She's got six and a half minutes left to play.

Well, there's the resume for Coach Embry and it's pretty good with four state championships, but you always want that next one.

Norcross again, having no problems with the pressure lady Indians still in that box and one on diamond Boy A nice powerful move right there by Charlotte Cooper While Cooper and everyone else are getting easy looks because Diamond and Diamond DeShields has everyone around, right?

Diamond's taken a player or two players out of the paint, opening up for everybody else.

Just about 6 minutes left in this fourth quarter, 4629 with a comfortable lead.

You always are looking.

You just feel a petition.

Can you get a couple of weeks in a row?

They'll get back in this thing.

It just they haven't been able to do it know they haven't been able their three pointers have been just off the mark.

They haven't been able to make that run.

Any teams need to make a run.

So they haven't been able to do that offensive foul on Roberts as she tried to make something happen.

And here's a full court pressure.

Norcross hasn't had too many problems breaking it this time looks like they have no problems at all.

Nope.

They're very well schooled.

And now it might take a little bit of time off the ball.

Now you might see the year get a little more involved because the key turns in the man for man and she's not going to be double teamed.

So let's see if she gets a little more active.

Well, the teacher may start to take chances.

Now.

They got a trap.

They got to try to make steals.

They've got to try to make something happen.

There she is with the hesitation.

and you if you're going to signal to her, she's going to do that all night.

She hung up in the air just about as long as the basketball did.

And here she is again, another steal into the hoop.

And she's a little frustrated.

my goodness.

Missed the lane and the foul afterward out of frustration, she might have been thinking dunk there.

She had a little bit of a breakaway.

Well, now that she is single team, she's going to start losing on these teams.

And that's the problem.

I mean, she likes to use your poison, especially with a talented team like this.

And you have to do something with her player like that, Mark.

But you're going to leave other players that are capable open.

And that's how balance in this work.

And if you just put one player on her, it's not enough that she's on the bench right now because Coach said, Yeah, let's lay up in the Utah right after it.

Just take a second to think about it and the lessons to be learned as a sophomore who I'm guessing might just be back here a time or two, you know, that's what you got to keep reminding yourself.

She's only 16 years old and she just turned 16 last week and she's only a sophomore.

She's accomplished all these great things, you know, without being cliche.

She's been driving for a long time before 16, I think.

Yeah, but Hannah, Bryn Cooper, my goodness, Bri Williams is only a freshman and there she is right there.

053 of Bri.

How much poise does she have?

Is this the freshman to be the quarterback of this team, to be the point guard, to run the show?

I mean, this is a state championship game and she's having like no pressure inside again and a foul.

So Shyla Cooper, a sophomore, will go to be John Roberts.

She is really, really an athletic player and she just bangs the boards inside, she's just going to get better and better and better as she gets older.

But I like how aggressively she plays the game.

We saw shadow coach, author, and she was admittedly, she was nervous before this game and then she thought she was going against, as Cooper has five points and seven boards.

We'll be back the second of two up and in as we remind you, do not go anywhere and stay right here for not only more action in this party girls game, but the boys five and all tomorrow here, all GP big.

I tell you that Norcross, Milton Boys game is going to be a dandy.

Both teams can really run any gun and light it up.

We'll call it taking control of the boards and looks like they want to run but they're three way wins.

Holding things up.

A lot of points for just a freshman and coach Embry has so much confidence in her.

I mean, for the freshmen, you might wonder, do I put my team in her hands?

But no worries about that at all.

NORCROSS Content to just work that ball and work that clock and bring it back out and bring Williams will start again.

Now it's getting to the four minute mark and it's a 20 point game looking inside and I'm sure coach said nothing but maybe a layup or a very good one.

We went through a hoop that was almost flat, but you go to the line, she'll shoot two.

She's good.

She's very close without saying she's five three, but she is Lightning Quick was on the one and fearless Mike Frazier got in there just really upset.

Coach Embry said that she is just a student of the game.

She's been that way all through her grade school career as an eighth grader.

She was behind the bench, soaking up all she said, and little did anybody know that she'd be starter as a freshman.

But she came in.

She won the job, and she's done the job and way to do that.

This is her two points to assess, but that really doesn't tell you most of the story.

And this young lady she runs the show, she causes some problems on defense and she misses the second.

So numbers can be deceiving.

50 to 30, really.

Norcross has a good balanced team.

She's got nine players that she runs in and out of there.

Everybody knows their roles as the Erika Hamby came off the bench.

So, I mean, it's it's a very talented team, top to bottom, 5130.

As we head down the stretch.

It is five a girls high school basketball championship.

Stay with us.

Come on.

Gp-B is made possible in part by supporters of the Georgia High School Association, including the following National studies show that students who participate in activities like music, sports and drama not only have better grades in attendance, but they develop the character to handle adversity, the grace to accept defeat and self-confidence, to start over, take part, get set for life.

5130 Norcross up on the featured with 345 to go in this fourth quarter, make sure to watch replays of all the basketball championship games on TBS Knowledge channel beginning Monday.

Replays will begin on Monday with the class for a matchup starting with the girls at 8 p.m., followed by the boys at 5:10 eight games.

A replay on Tuesday with one eight on Wednesday, two eight on Thursday and three eight on Friday.

So check out all the replays on g, B, B knowledge.

The Norcross fans, they are fired up.

They sense they feel that history is in the making back to back state championships are just 3 minutes and 45 seconds away from their more costly double team future one basketball and really the only hiccup for Norcross was maybe 5 minutes in that third quarter when they sort of got out of sync and then they got themselves back.

Right.

They took charge in that second quarter and since then they've been in charge, such as Roberts with a long three pointer, tell you not to be off the rim and it will be Norcross balls.

No giving up in the lady and it's full court pressure and that's what they have to do The shields back in the game by the way, after sitting down for a moment after a turnover and a foul and she's got the ball well she's just such a great ball handler.

And then as they put her out here on the point at six two, what does that do for your team?

Well, she turned turn the corner on just about anyone, certainly anyone her size walking around, spreading it out But chamber just satisfied to take that clock down and win another state title cup.

Now she goes in a foul.

So back to the foul line.

Sheila Cooper will go six one sophomore who's played a solid double spectacular but just been solid very solid came off the bench.

You know, she bangs the board.

She does some of the dirty work inside, rebounds and score.

And she came up she was in Florida last year playing high school basketball.

And after the game last night in the semifinals, we were talking There she goes.

I'm so thrilled that I moved up here from Florida and what a great team I found myself on.

Said she found herself on a really good team.

Well, again, she'll be around for a while.

Six one sophomore.

She and the fans cheering on their teams.

Great crowds for these games year in and year out, whether it's here or in Macon, just crowd supporting their high schools and kids.

We've got a big day in Macon tomorrow.

Six games on tap to single double and triple AA Boys and girls championship I don't think there is and talent and those single and double and triple AA teams there's talent galore in this state 3 minutes to go after sheer steals is going to take it in we'll see what happens here the little one hand Dr. J in there.

She makes it look and effortless.

That was with Patches Roberts on her back, giving her pressure.

And when you don't want to do right down, stop the clock if you're Norcross Coach Emmerson does not do that anymore right.

You know, we've talked about Dominique Wilson today and now she's playing on that bad ankle.

I just have to give her a lot of credit because she's played an awful lot of minutes out there.

Didn't want to let her team down.

She's played very, very well.

You can tell she's not as quick, you know, as she would have been on two good wheels, but she's just really giving it her best shot.

And you got it, Maya, That I mean, here it is.

You know, she's just a junior.

She'll be back next year.

But what a fantastic effort today.

There you saw that brace on her left ankle that's supporting it.

But probably slowing it down a little after the game.

She'll see it as the shield just floats and brings it up and let's see if she puts it back out or tries to take a shot.

You're right.

She smooth through the lights.

And after this, I think they're going to take it back out.

And like you said, nothing but a layup.

The clock is their friend and there's only two and a half minutes to go.

And then they have back to back state championships.

And that's a very rare occurrence in Georgia.

High school athletics, something to be very proud of.

And don't forget, coming up, boys, five, ten Norcross boys Make it two from all across this year.

We shall see.

Right.

And Milton's boys, they're going for back to back state championships as well.

Miller Grove's boys have already gone back to back to back a three peat today.

And it's a really good time away from there.

It's coach Jobs still coaching up by 23, making sure everybody where they're supposed to be.

We don't win all those state championships without being intense and coaching to the last second because that's just how they're wired.

We talk about all the great players, Georgia wealthy and coaches too.

Really impressive with what the coaches do with these young players, these two great examples tonight.

Absolutely.

You know, coach Angie Embry, she's wanted a couple of different places, Collins Hill and here just 2 minutes away from tracking up number two here, patch as Roberts takes her head down.

Put your head down and puts it in was a big time move right there no give up and she's playing to the last tick goes off the clock and she's an excellent play she has and Shields has the ball and she's played defense.

These two top players have matched up 23 and 22 throughout most of this basketball game, and they've given the fans the money's worth.

And the Shields had 20 in the first half and then the box and one can slow her down.

But once they play man to man, she let it up for a couple more hooks.

Minute 32 back to back championships for Norcross to Devils fans behind as you can hear him cheering, they know that the inevitable is about to well it's it's been a show and it's for the most part it's been a fun game to watch because of the effort of both teams.

It just gets another hoop.

It really has.

You know, these two teams are rivals.

They played earlier in the season and of course, with another rebound, both coaches trying to get some kids in the game.

And again, what a thrill to play in the state championship game.

Enough to get in and just play a minute, 50 seconds.

It's fantastic.

And the fans are starting to yuck it up.

Is it's just a matter of time until the coronation for Norcross coach wants him to foul and they still have him wide open underneath couple laughs and there it is 30 seconds to go Alex the mercy she's a senior so remember that when that might be the last two for the game.

Norcross And she got in her senior year.

Well, she was smiling because she missed that person, but she didn't want to go out like that.

So she got the rebound, put it back up and in and now everybody's going to get in.

Well, timeout.

Good for the coaches to get all these kids in and put them in and said, yeah, I still played in the 2011 high school championship.

I know my name's in the box score these memories of something that though have a lifetime it's just fantastic.

They're playing here at the Arena Gwinnett Center in front of a big crowd, you know, whether you're the runner up or the state champion, it's still an honor and a privilege to play.

And they should be very proud of their efforts.

5936 It's a 23 point game.

It hasn't felt honestly more like a 23 point game.

It felt more like a 1315.

And again, we've said it all night, a picture just could have gotten a couple of weeks in a row, but it didn't happen.

NORCROSS Too much defense in too much time in DeShields.

McEachern just kept coming after them, and I applaud for that.

The Norcross bench, they're celebrating.

They they know 21 seconds off the clock and they're state champs once again.

NORCROSS Just going to roll this clock down but fouled and the shields will go to the five Just having fun just having fun at 16 and just having fun So the world is Royster, as they say and you could say that two or three more stars, first one up in one of the few shots, his nets averaged again 21 points a game on a sophomore with six and a half rebounds a game tonight, 26 points.

So only six points in the second half.

That's a pretty great job defensively for McCaffrey, 11 for 19 to above 50% and three for five.

She really has a touch on the three point line.

And again I thought Patches Roberts because she really played great defense in the second half on dime in the field and she will get a standing ovation.

She comes out of the game.

There's a big smile on Coach Angie Embry.

Stay still.

Why not?

She's got her back for two years.

We're counting down catches Roberts way outside for the three under ten.

No need to fall now.

You wouldn't think that they do.

That's not crazy about it.

But that's part of the dance Was.

Well, pretty much what we thought.

Pretty much what we thought and good hard played game.

Everybody giving it their all.

She took the shots.

This will be great for Sheena Hartley if she can score.

She's just a junior.

Got a chance to score in the state championship game in there and good for her.

Another for Mercy coming out.

She's a senior.

511.

She'll remember this Pretty Happy Gilmore coach.

A hug.

You both deserve it.

How about being a senior and going out with back to back state championships?

That's got to be a pretty darn good feeling.

That's the way to do it.

So you're going to have a 2761 3647.

Those are the numbers.

One happy Norcross team.

Awesome.

Well, you know, the boys lacrosse team is in the locker room.

I'm sure they know what the situation is out here, that they're going to have a chance for a boys Girls combo championship.

If they can pull off the win over Milton, we might try to find out if Diamond DeShields is eligible for boys basketball.

Just have her come and play.

Going down to time.

And there it is, the final shot of this father and girls high school basketball championship.

Norcross The fans their title and wins for the second year in a row over the future 61 to 36 in a sensational final game, I tip my cap to coach Angie Andre in Norcross.

There was nine nine at the end of the first quarter, but from that point on it was all Norcross, the Blue Devils taking charge of this game and going on to win back to back titles.

I believe Diamond DeShields ended up with 27 points.

What a performance.

So there it is, the final 61 to 30.

When we come back, the trophy to the champion and the runner up, Andre James.

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And there are our runner ups.

MacEachern The Lady Indians.

Nothing to be ashamed of a team that you might see again in some gutsy performances tonight.

Certainly by all of this team.

You think of Dominique Wilson playing on that bad ankle and going almost the full game.

Nothing to be disappointed in.

And as I mentioned, lots of players coming back from Roberts and Wilson and Cooper, only a sophomore.

So team that could see this arena again in the state finals next year, the effort they put forward is a much closer game.

And then we thought Las Vegas Harbor, the granulation, Norcross Blue Devils now back to back state champions in Class five.

Their come on over girls.

We're going to turn it over to Darryl Brooks who stays on.

He's got the big trophy for you on behalf of State Farm Insurance.

Congratulations coach Angie Embry alongside now coach back to back state championships.

Talk about winning this and never gets old.

I can tell you that right now.

There was a great, great game.

I want to congratulate McEachern on a wonderful effort.

It was a super game, congratulate you guys.

I want to thank the greatest student body in the world at Norcross High School and the greatest fans and parents.

Thank you so much.

And these young ladies deserve it.

Believe me, they put up with me.

That's enough right there.

And I want to thank Jay Nebo.

Everything.

And we're going to we're going to enjoy this one.

We're going to celebrate this one.

And girls, I love you and I'm proud of you.

Fantastic job.

It never gets old winning state championships, does it?

No, sir.

I tell you what, it'll put and put a couple of years on you, though.

But it but it's fun, and I'm so happy them just to see them as happy as they are.

That's.

That's.

That's why we do it.

All right, Well, let's get Alex commercial mercy over here.

You're one of the seniors.

Come on over here.

Tell me what it feels like to win back to back championships.

After all the hard work we do, we definitely have deserved it, and I'm really excited.

McEachern is a good team, so I'm glad we came out and we had to do today.

You got the last basket of the last game you're going to play in high school.

That's going to be a big, big drill.

It's it's ridiculous how much this means to me.

Like I'm still shaking from excitement.

It just means so much to me and my team.

And we're like a family.

So to win this together is ridiculous for us.

Congratulations, ladies.

You did a fantastic job.

The Norcross Blue Devils, the five eight state championship Girls Championship.

Now we throw it back to my compatriot, Gil Tyree.

All right, Mark Harmon, thank you.

And what an impressive coaching resume and jamboree continues to build.

She did it at college and she's doing it now.

NORCROSS Congratulations to the Lady Blue Devils on the Champions and the five in the girls state title.

With me right now are two people who are solely responsible, along with you, to make these broadcasts and us televised thing, these great sporting events here on GPB.

Of course, the executive director of GPB Tae Ryan and of course the outstanding executive director of the Georgia High School Association Doctor elsewhere injured.

You guys had to be really, really excited about what you just saw.

I think this is so exciting.

I mean, this is the heart of what we love to do, support kids and their families.

And in sports, you know, this is the heart of what's great about public broadcasting is that we can come out and be able to present this to the whole state.

That's what's wonderful and tell you this partnership continues to get stronger and stronger.

And it does.

And, you know, Ralph and I are going to be partners for the next five years.

I can tell you, Jerry, that we have five re-upped together for the next five.

And so we're going to be doing more sports, more nights like tonight, more victories all the way around.

Well, congratulations.

And I guess for you, you have to be pleased to join Partnership again with GPB.

it's a tremendous relationship.

I'm so grateful for that.

My predecessor, Tommy Guilbeault, made that decision back in the mid-nineties to do merge two or associations.

You had very similar missions and it's been great.

we love it.

The production, is it just gets better and better all the time.

The people are just wonderful to work with and it is great that our young people around the state in every sport with sports central with these programs, people now know what benefits there are in high school athletics.

You know, I was watching both of you as you were looking at the monitors and you both were beaming, beaming with pride.

This is an investment in young people.

This is an investment in the great state of Georgia.

And these communities, it really is.

And what we say is that high school athletics is an extension of the classroom.

And and our students, boys and girls, can learn lessons in life in the athletic arena that they can't learn anywhere else.

So we're not only giving them joyful moments now, but hopefully teaching them lessons and skills that will last a lifetime.

You know, you were here earlier with Douglas when you guys were sitting side by side here at the arena at the Gwinnett Center.

You're his sports fan.

You get it.

I love this.

I just love it.

I mean, how can you not?

And excited.

It's bringing kids together.

It's the best of what we do in terms of all of our sports coverage of the championships.

And, you know, I've got to hand it to your team out here tonight.

They're doing a great job covering it.

I Think the GSA puts on such terrific championships.

They do it right.

They're professional.

And again, the whole point is to help the families and the kids in Georgia and at the end of the day tell you we are rewarded because if you get an opportunity to see these young men and women grow up and become outstanding citizens.

All right.

So Ralph was telling me how many kids whose parents play professional ball or have and they've sent that back on to their children.

So it's it's really a terrific a terrific legacy for our kids.

It's going to be a long day for you, too, Dad.

It's going to be a long day for you tomorrow.

Yeah, we have two long ones.

And, you know, I think an important thing that we need to add before we get away is the fact that high school athletics oftentimes is an important binding agent for communities.

And by being able to present these games to people back in these communities, whether you know, it's metro Atlanta here or tomorrow, be all over the state from from Macon, they get a chance to share in it, even if they can't come to the arena day.

You and doc thank you and we're glad to be partners again Joy, Joy Happy, happy, Joy, Joy.

Pep time festivities continue here at the Arena Arena at the Gwinnett Center.

Again, you see the games that be going to be upcoming here on GPB.