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

Major funding for this program is made possible in part by IBEW Local Number 613 South Trust Bank.

Georgia's electric membership corporations Dodge State Farm and by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Live from the Arena at the Gwinnett Civic Center.

It's the 2004 GHC five eight Girls Basketball Championship featuring the Stevenson Jaguars and the Collins Hill Lady Eagles.

And good evening, everybody, and welcome.

I'm Jim Tanaka.

Championship weekend rolls on here at GPB.

We're having some great games this afternoon and even some more games coming on GPB later on this evening and also tomorrow.

So I've got a big schedule games coming your way here on GPB.

The Eagles of College Hill come in unbeaten at 32 and home and looking for their third champion chip in the last four years.

Of course they won in 2001 and 2002.

The Jaguars meantime come in at 31 wins and one loss.

It's going to be one heck of a ballgame here on GPB, the guys to call it for you.

Charles Warrick and Herb White.

Hello, guys.

And GM.

Hello, Jimmy, and welcome, everybody.

Inside the arena, courtside.

Charles Ward and Herb White for the play by play story.

Five Girls Championship on Tap.

Herb, The numbers tell the story, Number one versus number two.

Let's start out by talking about the number two team.

The lady Jaguars of Stevenson High School.

Yeah, nothing to choose between these teams, Charles.

I saw him both Wednesday night.

For the last two days I've been trying to pick out something between the two clubs.

There might be a difference, but I can't find anything to tell you.

It's true.

63 games played between the two teams.

One loss.

So that tells you something right there.

A lady Jaguars, a Stevenson, of course, led on the inside by Ashley Thomas As you take a look at her on screen.

Yes Ashley almost averaging a double double.

She's a senior.

There's a lot of senior leadership and she's headed out to be an LSU tiger next year.

But I know she feels like there's some unfinished business right now.

Take a look at the rebounds, almost ten rebounds per ball game for Thomas and the Lady Jaguars.

We'll take a look at their starting lineup.

It'll be being a guard at one of the forward spots and Rico Smith at the other up front.

It'll be Reed and Givens at the guards we just talked about Ashley Thomas, the senior in the middle for the Jaguars who coached by that man, Dennis Watkins from Stevenson High School.

Fine performance by them, 31 and one coming into this state championship ballgame.

Now, on the other side of the leather ledger, we look at Maya moore for the Lady Eagles right down the other side.

My mama, a freshman basketball player, 16.8 points a game.

You see that 8.1 rebounds Great field goal shooter She can score inside outside Charles the ball got stuck on the back plate of the rim.

The other night in there in the game she jumped up and knock it off.

So that tells you something about her athletic ability.

I actually saw it from here her the starting lineup for the Lady Eagles.

It looks this way in the front corner to Moore and Kelly back court will be black and heron at the guards and Ashley Williams goes in the sitter for the Lady Eagles of Collins Hill as we go to our announcer David Withrow with the announcement of the starting lineups.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Arena.

Gwinnett Center for the State five Girls Championship Game.

This game will feature the Collins Hill Lady Eagles against the Stevenson Lady Jaguars.

Here are your starting lineup.

First for the Stevenson Lady Jaguars at guard number four, Rashawn giving at forward number 13 Verney Guard Try at forward number 21 Chandrika Smith at guard number 23.

Aisha Lee And that's super number 54.

Ashley Thomas at the head coach of the Stephenson Lady Jaguars is Dennis C Watkins Junior.

And now let's meet the starters from the Collinsville Lady Eagles that guard number ten Shannon Terrell flight and forward number 11 Brooke Taylor Kelly at guard number 21.

Jasmine Harrell at forward number 32.

Maya moore And that center number 42, Ashley Williams, the head coach of the Collinsville Lady Eagles is Angie Hembree.

The Lady Eagles and the Lady Jaguars introduced to the crowd here at the Arena at the Gwinnett Center will step aside for a timeout and we'll tip it after that.

We are live in the arena at the Gwinnett Center, getting set for the five eight championship match up the girls division.

It's the Lady Eagles of Collinsville and the Lady Jaguars, the Stephen High School Stephenson High School.

Before we get started, let's go courtside.

Jon Nelson.

Nelly, good evening, Charles.

You and Herb earlier talked about unfinished business.

The man over my left shoulder, Dennis Watkins, has exactly that.

Losing to Parkview in the championship game last year and knocking out Collinsville along the way.

So Collinsville has revenge on their minds.

Stephenson wants to get that extra step and they've been looking to do that all year long.

I asked Watkins before the game, how do you stop Miami North?

He looked at me and said, I don't know.

Let's see if he has an answers as we go.

Charles and her, back to you.

A lot of people want to know the answer to that question as well.

Now, Maya moore, the freshman phenom for the Lady Eagles, heard good solid playoff for this will be her biggest challenge tonight, though.

No doubt about it.

And I looked at both these teams defensively, Charles, I said look at this Stephenson averaging 17 points Collins held 17 steals a game or more.

I said that's unbelievable.

Then I look at Stephenson and they held six teams under 30 points this year, one team to 19 points.

So what do you say?

It's going to be a great battle.

Both teams characteristic with that full court pressure as the Lady Jaguars have it on their end of the floor.

First, Smith works it in the paint as Williams guards.

They go right corner with the jumper.

He's got a three pointer for the lady Jags for fort pressure by Stephenson 1211 Lady Eagles working it up the floor batted away Jags coming out way just over the table here the same three two Smith chasing the basketball just in front of us I heard White took a tumble but he's a former athlete he's okay Smith is okay everybody is all right I think I'm back.

So glad you are, Lady Eagles.

Well keep up the excellent hustle by Smith on the play It's pay off Kelly out front She's had a good playoff series for the Lady Eagles as well.

It's black working out Aaron takes her turn at top to black on the move That's Williams coming from five and she got the jumper for the lady Eagles It's a one point Stevenson lead pressure by the lady Eagles Lady Jags break it with a pass in the left corner to Smith now batted out of bounds by Maya moore All right you want to see your announcers get into the game early, Charles But that might have been a little crushing in there.

I hope I didn't need my notes.

Jaguars have it up front.

The match up that's been premiered all week long as Thomas moves to the basket on more.

But the shots get short rebounds cleared by Kelly and the Lady Eagles across the floor.

They go to block to the glass and the Lady Eagles have their first lead in the ball game.

Textbook fast break there resulted in an easy two lead looks at across the floor for the lady jaguars picked up by Heron right corner guard trail and back out front for three goal given givens take the shot now they go to the glass givens with a jumper She got it to fall Nice maneuver by Givens to elude the defense Got the jumper away and Stephenson leads it by one four court pressure Lady Eagles break it across the timeline Black inside the tape lost It gets loose on the floor it'll stay with Collins Hill Jaguars in a1211 press Charles right now they're not trying to put all that much pressure on and go for the steal.

Take a look at the play of Smith coming right at Herb White.

He got some camera time to look like an offensive foul on Rachel basketball belonging to the lady Jaguars with 535 remaining in this first quarter, Givens handles eagles and a man to man.

They try to work it into the post, but good defensive work by Moore.

It's loose on the floor.

And now the Lady Eagles come away with a glass eating a break up the floor.

Left side heron Good Recovery on defense by Ashley Thomas to help get her to the foul inside.

Nice pitch ahead there by black.

Both of these teams like the run Charles both of them get back excellent on defense here you see the play again.

We've lost our courtside monitors here for time being, but we can see the monitors up top.

Aaron, to the line for the Lady Eagles.

She connects on the first pair and one of two senior starting for the Lady Eagles to watch on both read across the timeline pressure up front by the Lady Eagles.

You'll hear that all day long.

The heavens guarded by black at the post, they go to Thomas, guarded by more to the block.

She goes whistle on the play.

She's got to step on more.

Moore got her over the back.

That's the one difference I saw on these teams.

Charles Stephenson has 14 years of starting and one junior and of course Collins getting a little younger as they have two seniors, one junior, one sophomore and nine more of the freshman in their starting lineup.

Absolutely.

The issue of experience goes to the Lady Jaguars, but depth goes to the Lady Eagles of College Hill.

Thomas converts on one sets for the second same result three point Lady Eagle lead up the floor and the steal comes away by Reed Givens Left side leaves the three put the seven got Jacksonville rebound low down on the block Nicely done with the pass to challenge Rico Smith Great court awareness there one point lead now for Collins he'll have a tied at nine and what he wasn't in the back quarters hanging right side flat all the way through to the glass battle for five soft chance put it up high tough shot Charles falling out of bounds off balance but black able to put it down Evans right side got it from black all the way through more Got a stop and a whistle on the play Check the foul was caught on Heron As you take a look at the replay Moore got a clean block but they set that hair and he got it with the body.

It looked like a really nice block there from behind.

So Givens, with his 6.8 points per ball game, two rebounds to the line for the Lady Jazz.

She gets the first team so similar in style her their offense really starts with their defensive effort in terms of both of them starting with that full court press hoping to transition his offense.

Right.

What Collins has so far elected to pick up at half court, but putting a lot of pressure on right at half court with that man to man.

We're tied at 11 black Quickly.

The other way now on the floor is heron for the glass.

She missed the shot, but the rebound comes clear inside to Kelly, her off off the block.

And Thomas finally clears for Stephenson three behind the back left side.

Thomas in the 4 minutes remains first quarter of top three walking it now it's got shell on the move Devin Givens back out to Thomas short jumper from seven she got it to fall Nice ball was there Colin Powell good defense woman But they found the open man After the double team are the old employer.

Stephenson By two Williams at the block two more she's going to find that stodgy lost by the inbound pass that all along to the Jaguars you don't see that very often from either his teams, but they rarely play a team with the quality of opponents they're playing tonight.

Nia Davis checking into the lineup for the Lady Jaguars.

Now, the Lady Eagles got a full court pressure.

They got to steal black, bounces it down at the block to the blast basket Good by Harris.

So they got the full court pressure in the Lady Eagles get a turnover and that's full court man to man here comes Givens across the timeline they got a three on two right side of Williams good defensive play for the Eagles they go back the other way two on one Heron right side to more running the floor she missed on the lane but the rebound taken by Kelly Eagles up top black with the jumper from the key She left it short for a rebound clear by Smith Jags in a two on one now Davis with the runner to the glass softly and nicely done She converts nice decision there to keep the ball had open player but had the penetration and took it It comes heron the track race the start of her shot swatted out of bounds by Ashley Thomas.

Both of these teams have been using a lot of bench tonight Charles really a fast paced early here you go replay they're nice blocks the same block by Thomas for the lady Eagles reset left of their cylinder and they come inside two more down in the corner it's Harris more inside they lost it and started out of bounds It'll stay with Collins here Thomas doing a great job on Maya moore thus far in this first half A basketball great crowd here with two fairly local teams playing Stevenson carrying Stevenson and the Cavs down here.

Of course, Collins heels, Wynette, Kenny, Lady Eagles throwing out of bounds on the inbound play.

They were trying to get it to Williams in the corner.

If you look at Coach Andy Hembree in his sixth year at college, he'll as Ashley Billingsley comes off the floor for the lady Jags pass sucked in and knocked out of bounds.

It'll stay with Stevenson a lot of quickness there and some reach in from Collins He'll feel a little better job if they're going to fall short man to man Field goals thus far.

Stevenson Three of five.

Collins still is five of nine.

Inside the paint.

There's another field goal for the lady Jaguars.

Ashley Thomas Got it inside out front It's Kelly running jumper for the 15 mostly run by Kelly Nice pull up right the foul on Pels back to the other way it's Davis across the floor and Davis back to the glass in motion but she missed the shot the rebound cleared by Heron and the Lady Eagles making time for the basket here down in the corner is more that traffic tried to get it over Thomas Russell on the play they call Thomas for the foul Thomas forced that foul took the ball to the basket and actually made the defender us with a look at the replay.

They're just trying to get to that baseline before Moore makes the catch great body control as he's six foot tall now and she draws two or three more inches and fills out a little bit.

She's going to be a handful for the next few years and then touted as perhaps the best player in the state of Georgia and just a freshman spent it on the second scored and we're tied at 17 under 2 minutes remains in a quick moving first quarter Collins sale stays man to man Thomas not a foul more also the left side now a read inside they try to get it to Thomas batted away been a classic walk inside by Maya moore but a whistle inside call a foul on Ashley Williams.

It's like they're going to try to work Ashley Thomas the senior inside against Maya moore, see if they can maybe pick up another foul here in the first quarter.

Davis two inbound, They force it out to Billingsley Hopkins Out of the Way by Maya moore, two on one more to Heron Whistle Inside Lady Eagles just so tenacious on that defense.

They got the fast break there as a result that's what you want to do on the fast break two on one.

Charles keep that defensive player guessing about making passes all the way up the floor.

Aaron Absence with the past.

It's Ferdinand's Ferdinand Moore with the one hand shot she missed the Williams there to turn it up her all things off the mark though now Thomas clears for the Jaguars they got a four on to Felicio try to take it down low inside to Smith batted away by the Lady Eagles Good recovery on defense by the Lady Eagles running the floor You're right Charles and what you want to do when there's an advantage of the offensive team on the break, you get back into that lane and that's exactly what they did.

And they were able to break up the four on two.

So Davis left of the cylinder, two inbound.

We're tied at 17, Davis forcing it inside it got it in to Smith Smith down in the corner and out on the move It's Reed Reed and traffic whistle on the floor Lady Jaguars being very aggressive on offense taking it right to the cylinder on the Lady Eagles both teams very very aggressive and a very clean game for all the action Charles Not many fouls not many shooting fouls so far and I saw you fix your monitor over there.

I'm going to have you work on mine at the end of the third quarter.

Just a minute left.

I'll take out Matisse.

Faried for the first of two.

If you missed sets for the second, missed on that one as well.

Moore clears leading the break for the Lady Eagles left side.

HERDMAN Now and they wait on the rest of the game Kelly working diligently lost her dribble but it comes clear two more more in traffic and taken away by the lady guards here they come on a three on one bounce pass right side to read in traffic tied up back out to Thomas for three Miss Ashley Thomas can play away from the basket We saw it there Lady Eagles back the other way Moore with a running jump up and fire off balance but put it down anyway.

Well she forced the action last time forced it again.

This time comes up with a beautiful running through 15 seconds remains out front.

Thomas finishes this down on the left corner on the move, they go back to Thomas on more to the glass.

Thomas Nice move down on the turnaround jumper and freshman can only look at Stephenson leads it 2219 and that is where this first quarter in at the arena at the one that's a quick moving first quarter the lady Jags leading at 2219 over the Lady Eagles of Collins Hill.

Well step aside for a time out and when we come back, we'll get set to start the second quarter.

And welcome back, everybody, to the Arena, Epcot Art Center.

We get set to start the second period.

The lady Jags leading the Lady Eagles 2219 and the Lady Eagles will have first crack at it on offense and across the timeline, a top black knapsack.

She works it.

Now back out to more running jumper again, four more to the glass as we shot hard rebound top four on the inside They got to have it over the back hall on the inside look like Ashley Williams going on it could have been Maya moore that was close.

They can't afford to get to fouls on her this early.

Both of these guard tandems John Gibbons and I she read for Stephenson very, very tough to put a lot of pressure on and get two steals and the same the other way was Chantelle Black a.k.a Kelly Just tough tough ball handlers and heads up.

They're not going to make a lot of mistakes no matter how much pressure you put on.

Speaking of pressure, full court pressure applied by the Lady Eagles as Davis tries to inbound that pattern that allowed once again by Maya moore.

She did it on the previous attempt on the inbound play in there.

Does it again.

And Coach Watkins going to try to bring in a taller ball handler out front.

It'll be Smith to inbound it forward again it's now on the floor is a steal by the lady Eagles loose on the floor Kelly was chasing it and it stayed with the lady jags of Stevenson Well you know Maya moore is an athlete they're putting her on the ball out of bounds, right under the basket.

She's the tallest player on the team and yet she can get back up the floor and get back on defense.

So credit to her athletic ability there.

The givens in the back court walking on Heron right side pass the guard foul that's away from the basketball we might have Maya moore hold on Ashley Thomas download it badly Carter to it away from the basketball and after the cameras going to have a decision here I believe that more second foul she's going to have to get her out of the ballgame You right.

It was her second Brittney case set to come in next step off for the Lady Eagles before that blew up.

Davis with a long three for the lady Jags.

They lead it now, 2519 play.

He goes back the other way batted from behind Kelly was on the move and just to fix the ball cap at the top of the way L.A. freshman for the lady Jaguars as you take a look at coach Embry at the sideline Brittney Cade onto the floor.

Maya moore takes a seat.

Well, they picked up a couple of inches in size and a little bolster.

Kelly gets called for the travel violation.

The pressure by the lady Jaguar defense has worked well for them early here and now they're going to fire back.

Now pick up man to man, and we're going to watch I believe they're probably going to try to go to actually Thomas again, That pesky sophomore outside has been pretty good for Stephenson.

They are two of two from behind the arc and Collins Hill had one for two.

There's Davis again for three.

This one hits the front of the summer.

Some of the rebounds cleared finally by the lady Ingles flat up the floor They had Kelly streaking right side and she's good for the low Yeah 2521 Stephenson with the lead and basketball back the other way quickly to the glass is given her offer off them on key players and here comes Harry left side bounce pass Kelly's basketball out of bounds turnover to the lady Jags Jaguars got to be careful they're not they're getting too far into the basket their guard's got to get back to protect against that fast break as Collinsville is going to come out of there Look at them.

There's one same thing on the next time down the floor.

That's just a mistake right there on the part of the lady Jaguars, guards potentially finishing the play for the Lady Eagles.

Turnovers thus far were even at four a piece right size Davis behind the arc at the block to go to Thomas Thomas on Cade Russell's inside he blocked a shot that came in with the body Well they're looking to put a player in front of Ashley Thomas with about the five six player they just lobbed over.

Tate coming over.

No chance to block that without the foul.

A sophomore commits the foul and Thomas, the senior to the line she misses on the first.

It's a lot to do in that situation just put the hands up in the air Charles she's going to get the shot off in the semifinals.

You see it on the screen.

Thomas had 14 misses on both here at the free throw line.

And it's clear for the Lady Eagles all the way through in the paint whistle on the play, Chantelle Black can handle that ball.

Charles and the Eagles left it to someone there to inbound it.

Coach Hembree at the sideline, signaling the play.

She wants to go inside to Cade Black out front.

Tate with the drop step.

Nicely done.

But she left it short.

Thomas clears the air and shot Felicio up the floor, Throws it too far for Grant trail.

Nice.

Look up the floor.

But she's off it just a little bit.

And it'll be nice if Brittney can give them something inside.

Glad to see they went through it.

They got to keep Ashley Thomas honest.

This will just drop back in there and be a defensive presence against everybody.

558 remains first half Santa Falcon into the ballgame for the lady Jags with our trail takes a seat Lady Jackson full court pressure now as Ferdinand handles not a heron they come up the floor left side with the pass Kelly for three and a good look couldn't put it down the top of the cylinder and it belongs to the lady jaguars of Stephenson.

Well that's the thing with the 1211 press.

If you get past those first three players, you're going to have the advantage and you can go down, set up and get the open look on the jump shot.

The Jaguars with the basketball given across the timeline in the post left side is Thomas squaring off Ferdinand with the jumper had a good look she missed that one as well.

Eight players for the lady Eagles Kelly double teamed on a Ferdinand across the floor Herron for three airball backside rebound comes away to the lady Jags Davis wants to run They got a three on two right side she goes to Evans Givens inside the paint tucked away by the Lady Eagles.

But the Lady Jags take it back.

Thomas will handle up front under 5 minutes remaining in this first half.

Coach Watkins wanted to bring it out a little bit.

If they get Collinsville to come out of that three two zone timeout taken by Coach Watkins, they didn't like his offensive set up there.

Charles He had Ashley Thomas out front handling the basketball.

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And thank you for your support of Georgia Public Broadcasting Coach Hembree and the Lady Eagles trailing it by four.

The Lady Eagles used to this kind of pressure of the finals state champs in 2000, two and 2001 looking to march another with a tough opponent.

Then the lady Jags of Stevenson High School.

Stevenson got to the finals last year.

They lost to talk to you on the phone.

The ball game looking for their first ever state title out front.

Reed handles now on the way.

Davis Davis bounces it in traffic and it's kicked by the Lady Eagles got a great high school basketball being played by the girls in the Gwinnett County area.

Charles Every year we have neither Collinsville or North Gwinnett or Parkview last year had one of the all time great girls teams I've seen as far as well coached and disciplined right away.

Jags walking in the corner now for three hits.

Reed had a good look.

She missed it, left it short.

Ashley Williams clears four.

Collins here Aaron right side to Austin who just checked in down in the corner to three Kelly Kelly backside shots off the mark that's out of bounds at a stay with Collins here don't do what Collins Hill shooting from three point distance but it's not good so far Charles take a look at coach Watkins at the sideline.

Basketball inbound inbound just in front of him.

And without Maya moore in there, they've been forced to go more to the outside shot.

No question about their offense centering around Maya moore.

But I would have to find an answer without her on the floor.

Aaron Or kid right side on the turn.

It's Kelly.

She's lots of fun out of them.

That's when she got the foul.

It's a three pointer, nice ball movement That time.

No force.

Just got the good rhythm and put it up and Coach Hendrick would like to keep this close with a star on the bench and he got the steal Kelly with the steal working with a right side to the glass and she converts.

And just like that, the Lady Eagles have taken the lead Well they averaged over 17 steals a game Charles they've got to pick a few off so what's Collins here by one Now right side Denver's at the block as Thomas working hard to the cylinder left it short Thanks for the rebound though backside at the block Nicely done with the pass download the folding and she converts That's just great overall effort by Thomas Kelly once again fires a three pointer, hits the back of a senator, runs down there on the rebound Russell on the play blocking foul on falcons Thomas with those great instincts missed the shot went and got her own rebound as soon as she got it she knew somebody was opening this program underneath just a great play James Harden and takes a seat Maya moore back on the floor now for Collins Hill.

Little surprised to see that Charles Moore with two fouls 308 to go and especially with Collins Hill in the game seven to run for Collins here the last couple of minutes trying to add to it there with the basket but they missed it get there on the rebound though Ashley Austin clears at the block Moore turning jumper from ten left it sure we had a covered nicely for them good defensive work Thomas shovels it off the floor.

To Givens Givens on the move left block for Smith jumper from ten she shot it high nothing that Lady Eagles underneath they come away with a rebound Kelly leads the break all the way through They didn't pick it up Whistle down low I have a shooting foul there little bit surprised again Coach Kimber going back with Maya moore and staying with the man to man and having Maya moore on Ashley Thomas.

There you see the replay.

It could have been a good block, but came from behind.

And usually going to call that, I would have thought they would Collins here with at least on his own to protect Maya moore.

But they're going to stay man to man.

They're going to keep an eye on the star with a look at Kelly's numbers on the season.

And she misses the first three throws a lot of confidence in the freshman with that move.

Absolutely.

She still caught savvy.

That's what Coach Kimber is not very worried that she'll make a foul and a needless foul.

In the semifinals.

Kelly had 16 points and really led the charge for the Lady Eagles in that semifinal ball game against Mount Zion.

And Lady Eagles on defense Now Low Smith for the chance whistles at the block crowd it much like that we'll see it on the instant replay I thought it was a good basket whenever you come down that hard.

He she really came down hard on the block.

You got to draw the referee's attention.

Here's a replay down the road.

It was actually Ashley Williams to block the basketball and didn't see a whole lot of contact otherwise Smith to the line.

Nonetheless, she converts on the first on the season.

Smith averaging 11.5 points football game rebounds just over six.

For context, Smith misses on the second eight only cleared by Charlo.

It's a one point Stevenson lead but Kelly back the other way and that's a long delayed and you to take the lead back full court pressure now as Givens handles in the back here off the floor she comes with the pass the lead, cross the floor down at the block, Don, with the lay of the court.

Just great basketball both ends of the court that time tough, hectic pace here in the arena at the Kennedy Center as Moore works it into the front quarter running jumper again, she shot her heart.

The bounce comes clear to Thomas and the lady Jags under 2 minutes remaining.

First half, Thomas wants to run bounce pass out the block Nicely done with Smith the whistle down low they took Thomas for granted in terms of leading the lady Jaguar a break but she makes him pay for it.

She can do it all plays underneath leads the fast break.

It's a great pass.

Great court awareness by Ashley Thomas Smith.

Going back to the line for Chambers with a couple of words with Maya moore.

I almost went over the back down on the other end.

I know Coach Kendricks coming up the message, Get back down.

He can't have a cheap foul this time of the game to be careful.

Smith at the line misses the first of two for the second, one of two for the Lady Jaguars.

They lead it 3129 Back court pressure to steal by Stevenson down to the block Hart goes Give him it.

She gets the lead So the pressure now working for the lady Jags on defense more in the back court got it up to heron but it's tapped away now heavily recovers and double covered by the lady Jags black up the floor two more for a right side on Thomas the running jumper she missed twice for a rebound back to the seven it missed again Thomas clears finally for the lady jags up the floor They got a two on one right side Smith to the glass Good defense it works out it comes clear to better see who got the back shot Put it the pace favors the lady jags and Hollis black blocks it back the other way.

Relentless Pursuit by Rashad Gibbons on defense to take it away We've got might take a timeout Gather my wits right here Charles you're not alone.

As you take a look at the replay, Smith went in for the lay she missed buffalo You see the backside to put it in.

They do exactly what you say.

They take a timeout.

It's like a 32nd timeout for Coach Hambrick there.

Yeah.

The pace getting a little bit away from Collins here.

A little too frantic.

I mean, you can get down six or seven in a game like this in a hurry at this pace and they really need to come down and get a good look at it and get some free throws out of this possession.

So arguably, the depth issue favors the Lady Eagles.

They just have more players that they can shuttle in and out right now.

But Stevenson with the experience and this is a nature of the ball games play they're just used to this pace Yeah the press starting to pay off a little more in the end of the second quarter here.

Those guards for Stevenson really putting the pressure on in the front court, which Watkins and the Lady Jaguars.

Let's see what coach members come up with each team.

The Jags won their third straight region championship this year and again looking for their first ever state title Collins Hill in Bounds out front.

Courtenay on the move to the glass got it up to the seven in a roller false good for Collins Hill four point Stephens lead Billingsley pushes it down in the right corner three left side She goes to Davis We'll see if they play four one down in the corner.

They threw it away.

Ferdinand took it away up the floor to black flack working at right side to the glass she missed on the shot rebound spot for Heron Clears and the Lady Eagles have it.

Ferdinand out front for less than 30 seconds.

Remains first half.

Now we're going to see one shot, I believe.

I didn't know if either one of these teams get home for one, but we're going to have it here.

Heron out front got a screen for more.

Now they have the mismatch with Moore and Billingsley, but they all work at left side to Kelly instead.

Alley oop.

Two more to the glass.

He missed it on the shot it comes Davis with 4 seconds bounce pass right Todd Billingsley had it taken away by Heron inherent can't get it up before the buzzer and that's where we bring it to at the end of the first half.

It's Stephenson 35, Collins Hill 31.

Jon Nelson standing by with coaching at Watkins Nellie.

Thank you, Charles.

Here with Coach Watkins.

Let's talk about the two piece case which you got and pressure which you got to.

Yeah, that's true.

It's an exciting game right now.

You know, we want to get in a running game with them so we've been pressing all year and so hopefully we continue to come out on top.

And you talked to me earlier about trying to stop Miles, You stopping yourself pretty much with the foul trouble.

You got her with two quick ones and she had to come back with 3 minutes left first.

Right.

You know, that's our main goal is to take it to her and if she blocks and she block it, But we're going to keep going to her.

All right.

Good luck in the second half.

That's Dennis Watkins and Stephenson.

He's got a lead.

He's going to try and keep it for another 16 minutes.

They lead it by 430, 531 over.

The Lady Eagles of Collins Hill will step aside for a timeout.

We'll come back what, halftime festivities from the arena at the Gwinnett Center.

And welcome back to the arena at Gwinnett Center.

It's halftime of the girls five eight championship.

There you see the lady Jaguars lead the Lady Eagles 3531.

Let's go courtside and John Nelson John, I'm surrounded by principal.

I'd have them there someplace.

But I am actually surrounded by principals, those who actually run things with Collins Hill and with Stevenson, with Morse's, Beasley with Stevenson.

We'll catch up with him in just a little bit.

But let's go over here to Dr. Barber.

Just play this Collins Hill run that they've been on for the past couple of years.

What is it meant to have a successful program and what does it meant to the community of Collins Hill?

I think it's meant a lot to the community simply because we have such a big community.

We've been one of the largest schools in the state.

We have our kids involved, community members involved, and our faculty and staff are so, so much behind the students here.

Talk about what this past week has been.

Has it been any different than the last three or four years with Coach Enbridge's Bunch?

What's it been like?

It's been pretty hectic.

We a lot of the girls come into my office and see one of the other assistant principals and our clerk, and it's been a lot of fun to have them in.

I think it's been sort of nervous.

We've been wanting to get here and and get get to play and it's hard waiting.

Okay.

Don't.

I'll be back in just a second.

Let's go over here to Morse's Beasley.

Is it principal or headmaster?

What's the official principal?

The Chief Learning Officer.

Okay, so you're the Chief Learning Officer, Grand Exalted Poobah at Stevenson High School.

What's it been like for you having such a successful program?

What's it been like there for Stevenson this past year?

Well, it's always great to see our school come together as a family, as a team to accomplish a goal and this has provided us another opportunity to work together as a team and reach toward a common goal.

Now, with everything that's been going on at Stevenson, talk about how things have grown and matured for the children there, for the students there at Stevenson High School when it comes to being here in these big events and that kind of stuff, how does it instill pride in the high school?

Well, I think at Stevenson we're getting used to having opportunities like this and our students because they're getting used to it.

Of course, it increases the proud or provides us an opportunity to increase the pride and to increase the unity and to just really feel good about who we are and what we're doing.

And also now at the same time, you're turning yourself into a basketball school when you've been known for the past couple of years as a football school too.

That is correct.

And needless to say, we're excited about being bold.

And speaking of both, I have them both and I'm going to let them go.

Principals.

Dr. Bob Burgess.

Assistant Principal Collins Hill.

Principal Morse.

He's Beasley Stephenson High School.

And back to you guys.

Back, Jim, back to you.

And take us through the highlights and other stuff here at the Gwinnett Center.

I thank you.

John Johnson not stuck with one principal.

Now he's stuck with two principals.

He well, I won't tell you about his history.

Well, anyway, Collins Hill and Stevens have been a great ball game between the Jaguars and the Eagles.

Of course, the Jaguars lead at 3531 guys.

Charlie, Herb, you guys are calling quite a ballgame tonight, Well, you talk about a first half full of some history.

35, 31.

Good ballgame in this first half Herb fast paces that we thought it would be.

Let's take a look at some of the highlights from that first half Down low, up low after Thomas fighting to get home rebound good pass down low and she finally opened herself It was Falcon for the two now back the other way more action down low for the lady jags it's Billingsley and on the lay in now the full court pressure by the lady Jacks results in a turnover and easily to the glass or the lay in was Rashaan Givens for Stephenson back the other way.

Now Collins Hill got some action on the fast break pressure as well there you saw Kelly with the layup and there with a jumper from the outside it was Kelly doing it on the inside and outside there with the jumper.

And here she comes again with another steal for Collins Hill to the glass and she got to lay in could have been filed about givens but no call but Kelly with a first good first half of basketball for the Lady Eagles we take a look at some of the stats for this first half or big disparity in the field goal percentage.

But Collins Hill hanging in there, 60% of 43 point field goals are not shooting a lot of three pointers, four and five rebounds.

Collins Hill, That's where they're staying in the ballgame with the rebound edge and not many turnovers.

Charles, When you talk about a game being played at this pace with this kind of defense, that's an unbelievable in all, you know, just about every turnovers caused by the defense.

It's not a sloppy play by the offense.

This has been a very, very well-played game.

You talk about the match up between Moore and Thomas.

Thomas right now leading the battle, 13 points and four rebounds will step aside for a quick timeout.

When we come back, we'll start the third from the Arena Act when at center.

We're back live at the arena at the Gwinnett Center.

John Nelson standing by with Angie Hambly, head coach of the Lady Eagles John.

Thank you, Charles.

Let's talk about my head.

The center.

She got into early foul trouble, but you had to bring her back with about 3 minutes left in the second quarter.

Yeah, she's smart player.

She can play foul trouble.

She's all right.

Now, let's talk about, I guess, pressure and shots from the outside.

They were kind of getting the outside shots where you were trying to get the man press pressure, if you want to call it that.

They were kind of breaking that shot 60% from the floor in the first half.

Yeah, that's pretty remarkable.

All right.

Good luck in the second half, but short and sweet, we're going to do the best we can.

All right.

Thanks, Coach.

Back to you.

Charles and Herb, not a lot of words there by Coach Hembree there.

Johnny got the feeling she thinks her team can play a little better defensively.

Charles, what do you think?

Absolutely no question about it.

But you got to give Stephen credit.

A lot of those points came off of steals late in the second quarter when they started breaking them down with their press and and more with only eight points.

But again, she set out about half of that second quarter.

A lot of Evan flows in this first half of basketball dictated by the press of either team creating that situation.

We get set to start the second half and it'll be the lady Jaguars first on offense.

They lead it 3531 Charles Warren Herbalife at the plate John Melton at four five.

We'll set the battery for both teams as we go as given these scandals up front and up stock she swings jittery trying to work a download a sniff if they can.

Collins Hill opens up on his own this half Thomas at the top of the key getting pressure to get the jumper away.

Nicely done by Ashley Thomas patiently waited until the court and he got the jumper to fall.

Turnover by the Lady Eagles.

Pressure by the Lady Jaguars created it.

Well, John John was asking about the defense at halftime playing the man to man and coach member decided to come out in the zone.

Didn't change things very much right there Ashley Thomas with the jumper to finish it for the lady jags they have the basketball on a turnover as well.

Evans down at the block Smith losing balance but saves it to go 12 blocks out on the move now squares taken away by Kelly Good defensive work Kelly has it swatted and Givens swipes it Collins here is going to stay with that John a little while looks like they're going to try to shut off some of that inside play from Ashley Thomas.

No foul calling on the play.

The basketball will stay with the Lady Eagles of Collins Hill and the Jaguars.

They're going to fall back into a131 as works it right side to Kelly Shantel black up top now so we've got both teams opening in the zone a little bit of a surprise absolutely but they come right back a full court pressure Williams left corner working toward the another shot's going to be off the mark Thomas clears for Stephenson Devin's right side he looks it over at the block they go whistle on the inside the pass is inside the Garcelle she was held Kelly called for the foul for the lady Eagles Collins who's got to be a little careful here they're down six in the Stevens team can take it and go with it they can score a lot of points in a hurry.

So critical part of the game is the first 5 minutes of the second half.

Charles, see what Cartmel did in the city finals against Karma, Columbus and points as she misses on the first from the line.

It's one thing if you get an experienced team like a bunch of seniors, if they can get the lead on you, they know how to take care of it.

Well, for the second she got that to fall full court pressure again, this time by the Lady Jaguars as Williams works it in the back court now into the floor with a pass the more right side all the way through at the block she left it short good defensive work by Thomas basketball coming clear to Stevenson off the floor They want to run with him get it left side She kicks it with the pass read now back out to give it over to reach three for three.

Get the selling agreements cleared by more Lady Eagles up the floor pass stolen by the lady Jags Givens all the way through cross double on more to the glass left at short more to see it clears the air on shot now black comes back the other way black down low Good defensive work by Ashley Thomas basketball for the lady Jaguars high Moore has got all the talent in the world.

Charles you saw a move a minute ago.

I don't know how she was going to get the shot off.

She went right, left, put it up with the left hand.

And a moment ago, she got the rebound.

Sometimes when you have that much talent, she makes some poor decisions because you think you can make a play that may be a little iffy.

So maybe force it just a bit here.

Thomas In the back court Kelly guarding threw it away comes up with a block back to Kelly she's free from 15 the remmers off the mark backside by Moore over the back of Thomas Nicely done Smith back the other way for the lady Jags now spins inside the paint to the glass.

She was fouled on the inside premiere up on the other end of the floor with Moore and Thomas and Moore.

The freshman won that battle inside.

She can really get off the floor in a hurry, got those quick hops and then she knows what to do with it when she gets it.

Smith fouled and she will go to the line for the lady Jaguar.

Not a very determined spin move by Smith, but not to be denied going to the hoop that time.

Smith not helping the lady Jaguars calls from the line of scrimmage the free throw line tonight as Williams takes a seat for Collins Hill and Ferdinand comes back into the lineup 4.1 rebounds for Smith for the night she has committed already to Notre Dame, just a junior.

She connects on the second as the Lady Eagles come back the other way.

Kelly penetrating all the way through to the cylinder missed a shot though rebound clear by Thomas Thomas just dominating on the inside for the lady Jags Givens blocks it down at the block Smith Nice drop step inside She got the basket for the lady Jaguars Beautiful Look away Pass by Givens and nice deflected that pass Reid stole it away for the lady jags up top just Thomas now they're trying to make it a ten point lead Stephenson is with the basket here biggest lead of the ballgame here so under 5 minutes remaining in the third they're going to try to draw him out of that zone.

Now with the lead, they can wait on him to nearly the left side.

That's me, Kelly, reaching out on defense.

They try to throw it at the block.

It was taken away by black for Lady Eagles.

Converge on it and they come clear with the basketball.

kicking it out of bounds.

They'll go back to the lady jags looking up.

The court lost control of the ball.

Great anticipation by black to step in on that interception.

Coach Angie Ham very taking the time out.

Collins Hill not quite clicking on all cylinders to start this third quarter Catch Hembree with the time out to see if they can get it in sequence.

Yeah she's going to have to change up something right here.

The Jaguars are really in and the rhythm right now and you know, Charles, we talked about going to college, the Jaguars, every one of their starters has got a college scholarship.

So all these players are going somewhere to play basketball.

And the other side of it is all all the starting players have 3.0 better GPAs.

It's just what you want.

Yes, sir.

Quite a test.

All of the basketball championships can also be viewed live on the Gp-B internet site at WW Dot gp-b dot org.

Just follow the links to connect to the game.

All the games from this weekend will be archived and available on the gp-b website as well.

That's w w w dot gpb dot org or swearing in has got to be happy looking around this arena.

Charles The whole bottom section is just about filled up with fans here this evening.

I think the play seats around 11 or 11 and a half, So we must have 8500 folks in here right now, a new facility, the arena at the Gwinnett Center.

And boy, is it an eyesore.

It's home to a lot of events and activities for years to come.

Are your feet cold?

I want a pair of socks.

You know, they got the eyes under the floor here.

Is that what it is, sir?

Back to live action.

Take a look at the turnovers as we take a look at one on the screen.

Stephenson gets up to 11 now points out now it's coming off of those turnovers to hurt Stephenson with five points coming up Collinsville with six off turnovers by Stephenson more across the time line for the Lady Eagles going one on one against Thomas and she beats it to the line Nicely done by Moore Givens back the other way for the lady Jags black guarding out front Devin's right corner.

She puts this to Smith Smith and get it to the travel violation.

Maya morris to the ground down at the block with some forces.

The turnover Thomas went up in there, had nobody to go to watch Maya moore here.

She's got that long stride to the basket.

Right at the end of the first half, she had an alley oop.

Charles and I bet you she's going to be Duncan that in a couple of years.

Full court pressure by the lady Jags more breaks it across the timeline the right side to Kelly Aaron out comes Kelly on the move upfront Ferdinand Ferdinand tried to tough it down low in traffic taking away taken away by Ashley Thomas and the lady Jags Thomas comes across the time line now and works to the right side to give us Evans across the floor on the move start trail bounce pass Givens from ten get the front of the cylinder rebound cleared by black Moore looking at over left side Kelly approaching 3 minutes remaining third quarter Kelly all the way through to the dump back out front but Givens took it away and now the lady Jags have that Remember we're not seeing a game played at this pace with this defense with a slew of fouls and free throws.

So just a really a testament to the abilities of his team and the corner for three, it's Ashlea Reed for the Lady Jaguars.

That was big.

That's the biggest lead of the night again.

And it forces another timeout by coach Angie Henry.

She recognizes exactly what you talked about her.

You can't let a team like Stephenson get an extended lead on you expect to come back right again again and have the seniors and they're not going to make a lot of mistakes to give up that lead.

Collinsville is going to have to take it back and keep watching both teams for signs of fatigue.

Charles, haven't seen in a year, even at the pace we're playing the Jaguars at 31 and one overall.

As you take a look at the time out situation in the second half still with T and Stephenson still on the court you play in the middle Lady Jacks 31 and one only loss of the season came to more than half the call and still undefeated at this point 32 of these teams met last year.

In the second round, Stevenson defeated the Lady Eagles 30 year old Timbers Paul Thomas tried to set up last time they had a timeout and came back out.

They score.

Let's see if they can match it.

That's got courtside.

Jon Nelson, Nelly, really quick energy.

Henry was cutting it short and sweet.

She's like, The reason they're scoring points is the people that are trying for not trying to get the ball and getting the ball where Stevenson's concern, they tried to stop 32 that time.

It did not work.

Maya moore down low, nice maneuver at the block, got delayed by Evans out front for Stevenson left side.

They left Davis alone for three the rivers off the mark.

Great cleared by the Lady Eagles up the floor.

Maya moore running right side to the block.

More converts for Collins here all six points in about 30 seconds for five more 4338 on Stevens the steal with the lead out front Davis down in the corner she goes right now Davis a three can't find him off on it just a shot half more so it's good it's taken away by givens they got to one three down at the block is Smith the lay and good for Smith.

That's a tough break for.

COLLINS He'll have to rebound.

He's going to cutting into the lead, then turn it over.

Pressure by the Jags gets the turnover lady jacket, Lady Eagles that is on their side of the floor with the basketball.

Kelly in the corner the cardinal and Collinsville needs to find somebody else getting more and will help.

She is starting to show some signs of being winded right now Thomas guarding more quick step right side to the basket on one right now it's freshman don't get that's this right so nicely done by Maya moore four point Stephens lead Stephenson content to spread the floor as Davis handles out front It was about it out of bounds Get the technical class to Austin it'll be a reset for Stephenson left corner Well you see my have been over and grabbing her shorts at the knee that's a sign of fatigue that she's going to play it out.

It's the championship game.

She had eight points at halftime.

I think she's got it in this quarter.

Charles, But they got 12 back on the floor off of Stephens.

Get it out front, coach.

A minute remaining, third quarter 80 jazz content to force the Lady Eagles out play some defense take a look at the field goal Stephenson 11 of 21 Collin Steele 16 of 33.

Both teams still right at 50%.

Absolutely steal by the Lady Eagles now Kelly all the way through in traffic and she drew a five that's big for college HILL Well I know Coach Watkins is thinking about you could tell thinking about maybe holding four one they didn't do it and it cost us so that's how Kelly the junior goes to the line for Collins Hill Coach Watkins got to be concerned they had some separation there.

But Collins Hill just keeps coming.

Kelly Clarkson, the first senior cross comes in for Collins Hill off the bench, play out the last 33 seconds for the second shot at hard rebounds.

Come clear to the lady jags across the time line they come back given some givens in the right corner, she's got pressure.

Now back up front two Davis left corner.

They work it for three.

It's Reed Remmers caught by a series you talk about big that was critical for the lady Jags as well.

Kelly and Collins Steele with less than 10 seconds remaining third quarter Harris behind the arc lost a dribble after blocked Courtney sidestep got it up to the cylinder shots off the Mark and go out of bounds 7/10 of a second remains in the third Ashley Thomas going to have none of that that big presence there force that turnover Ferdinand probably used to taking that trap step in the paint and getting that shot up.

But Thomas was there to deny Lady Jags won't have enough time to get a shot off, but they lead it 4842 At the end of threes we will step aside for a timeout.

We'll come back with a final quarter of this five eight matchup.

if you build it they will come.

They have built the arena here at the Gwinnett Center and the have come for this five eight championship matchup featuring the lady Jags of Stevenson and the Lady Eagles of Collinsville.

And the fans have not been disappointed.

4842 as we head into the final quarter, the winner, five eight champ of the state of Georgia, Lady Eagles, will have it first, Charles Ward, Herb White, John Nelson with the play call whistles away from the basketball and Lucas Smith got a little holding down there on the double pick on the baseline Blake Stevenson Stevenson's going to go man to man start this fourth quarter.

Although that nice zone the inbound pass Smith picks up a second gives it to Moore three for three the rim is off the mark Kelly there the backside rebound first shot blitz tip now it's loose on the floor and Herron comes clear.

Collins here with another look at the basket this time between the three in the corner it was Ashley Austin the junior that was grounded Charles three point lead now for Stevenson great basket by Ashley Austin on the move It's giving more went for the steal and she swats it away Let's loose on the floor diving for it and there's a time jump ball called it's going to be Stevenson and arrows Great action nice hands by Maya moore to reach in there and deflect that and start that whole sequence.

Murray tied it up for the Lady Jaguars.

They'll keep it just on the way in this fourth quarter.

Take a look at the replay.

Collinsville man to man Thomas right side on more Evans out front the stuffing What's the pressure on defense A steal by Ashley Austin up the floor she goes heron heron foul hard down low and Carolina will go to the line as she agreed with the foul vise on Heron.

Take a look at the replay Ashley Austin five.

Giving up the body and coming away with it was Harris.

This is what I don't know if we call it ladies basketball Charles Now that was a hard foul.

Some of the Collinsville faithful didn't like it, but it's a good foul.

You try to stop the basket without injuring the player and that's exactly what she did on the Night Heron There were two points and four rebounds shooting.

The first two, she got it to fall.

So the start of this fourth quarter, the momentum seemingly favoring the Lady Eagles Heron get on bulls.

Lady Eagles go directly to the floor put pressure over the Davises out of bounds by Kelly Ladies and there's almost coming away with a steal there but some type of a man to man us with the double team in the corners Thomas to inbounding and what a read it comes across they got it over to Thomas and Thomas will come across the time line left side read down at the block Rachel martell on the floor now got the jumper up and that's it short basketball comes clear inside to Smith Smith able to finish for the lady Jazz guards and she was fouled there you saw that experience again on the part of those Stephenson Jaguars two or three times nice head fakes Nobody panic Take a look at the replay Got your shot the short she'll say that was a pass but it came down to Smith able to convert on the basket She was fouled so if she can catch it with the three point play Smith shot at hard rebound fourth quarter cleared and comes clear to the lady Jags they'll have another low three out front and throw it away Austin comes away with another steal bounce pass up the floor to heaven left side same result as before actually walloped on the foul by Reed Reed will come to her and pick her up as she commits the second foul.

Same situation hurt.

They get it on the steal and heron beats three he commits the five She's fearless going to the basket let's see this they're extracting their pound of flesh from heron and she didn't have many pounds to give Charles Sykes weighing in at about £95 soaking wet and forth.

She's taking some punishment and converting the free throws.

I think they had a wrestling event here in the arena a couple of nights, maybe Reed's a couple of days off guard, foul on Heron, one second up to she converts full court pressure by Collins here he over two times Moore went to the steal didn't get it lopsided Billingsley all the way through to the glass looks to be off balance.

She was shot off as a result.

Carroll McClure's backside.

Collins who happened to go up with the basket here across the floor to push up Kelly KELLY Inside the arc, the rivers off the mark.

MOORE backside goes down hard has got to be far from us.

With the takedown, Moore slams her head to the surface and we'll see if she's okay.

Thought they were going to call jump ball there, but they call a phone.

They call the foul on Ashley Thomas Collins, who is going to have the ball out under the basket.

The slimmest of margins, 1.5 for the Jaguars left off the shoulder Heron to inbound it four ties and seven lead changes in this ballgame.

We may have one here, but not a shot off.

Rebounds cleared by the lady jags.

Off the floor comes Reed leaves that the left side back up top Thomas under 6 minutes remains in the contest up top timeout taken by coach Dennis Watkins every possession a critical game late Stephenson leading by one to Watkins recognizing they need a basket this trip down the floor You're right Charles and Collins Hill needs to stop just as bad so what a great basketball game.

We talked before the game I said I was looking for a difference in these teams for two days.

Couldn't find one that is evenly matched every which way you can think size wise, defensive wise, offensive wise.

And it's come down to that and it's going to be interesting to see who can pull this one out.

Mark your calendar for Friday night, March 19th, the return of Georgia's longest running high school sports and academics, program prep sports.

Plus, you'll meet some of Georgia's most successful student athletes, athletics programs and much that's come sports.

Plus, returning on Friday, March 19th at 11 p.m. exclusively on GPB.

Jim, do not go still with that show.

It's time for him to retire.

And Jim's a Georgia staple just like the rest after the time out.

Now bounce, pass inside Lady Jags got a break they go to the block with the shot is read to make it home with the bounce pass was actually errant inside to Thomas but the lady jags get the break and they convert the basket 50 to 49 they lead it off.

Here come the Lady Eagles Austin circles inside the paint Now back up top to heron every possession goal Now Charles got to get a good shot on the turn It's more for three look and she put it down That's pretty good You take that critical care Moore brings us even at 52 the freshman rings big with the triple guards.

Well up front now, the building since March 12, looking inside, trying to get it to Smith.

What's it inside?

The paint.

Take it away by the Lady Eagles Ashley Austin with the steal right side.

She works it inside the paint.

And here comes the steal by the lady Jaguars Good work by Billingsley whistle in the back court the freshman commits that needless foul We're talking about girl frustration there Charles you knew they going to be looking for more on that fast break and probably should have shot it without trying to pass the ball.

She didn't get the ball.

And a little frustration there.

You're right.

Four, three, four, 20 remains the team in serious foul trouble Stephens with six Collinsville and only four fouls in this half war picked up her third demonstrations across the time and a foul by Heron you could have been a double dribble no call Vivians for three and Givens answers with a three for the lady Jags back the other way comes killer three point lead for Stevenson now approaching 4 minutes remaining, Aaron crossed over left side all the way through to the back to the glass shots off of arc rebounds clear by Thomas They got a three on one Kevin's all the way through right side she was hacked by Chantelle third man and she'll go to the line Well that's a good foul there she had to follow was going to be another deuce and they could ill afford to go down five at this stage.

Sean Givens, the junior, will go to the line for Stevenson.

Givens considering Wake Forest and Will Vanderbilt as their college choices.

I'm trying to control Furman can lower the boom on the first three, throw by Givens off the mark.

Chantelle Black checks back into the ball game a door to Collins Hill.

HERDMAN takes a seat in the 4 minutes, remains in his five a state championship basketball game Givens for the second she missed on both rebound tapped around finally clear by Kelly in the Lady Eagles They got a three on one from behind Look at the hustle by Rashad again as you look up just for a second to try to get a sense of who you got on the break within the ball get slapped away.

The pace has been frantic here in the arena.

Black inside the block lost her dribble Russell on the play and they get out for the travel violation actually looks like the double trouble there.

I've been looking for Maya moore Now they're going to take their time and set something up.

They don't have it on the break.

I got to be looking for Maya there.

Thomas will handle it in the backcourt for the Lady Jaguars.

Moore went for the steal.

Almost got it Thomas on the week to give it right corner now on the move Givens to the glass and she's got it to fall Nicely done up the block Great play by the senior under control Full court pressure now by Stephenson Kelly trying to work it off the floor Gives it to black left side black going to work it all the way through stops pops missed on the jumper rebound fourth quarter cleared Davis has it for Stephenson up just a little bit They got a two on one Delancy down at the block Smith Smith to the glass No foul got out on the rebound and the put back is scored by Smith and the lady Jaguars lead it now 5952 with 3 minutes remaining almost a necessity to get to here Charles Barron left corner now up top Kelly for three she had a look missed it backside rebounds clear by Billingsley and Biloxi tied up in the paint taken away by the Lady Eagles Kelly with the running jumper to the glass gets off the mark they get another rebound though Kelly for three.

The back of the cylinder how does it look she missed Davis finally clears the Stephenson two on one right side Davis high on the glass a correction given time off the glass shots off the mark but she was five the frustration there for Collinsville they got three looks at it none of the looks are really all that good Charles on the replay lady Jags had the break given his foul she'll go to the line a couple of big free throws coming up here you can open up a nine point lead with 328 to go.

It's going to be tough tough to come back from that.

Lady Eagles, though, that strip down the floor.

You take a look at Givens on the night with eight points and a couple of looks at the basket.

Just couldn't find the shot that they could put down.

Devon's misses on undefeatable If there's one opportunity for the Lady Eagles to stay in the ballgame is as a result of what the lady Jags are doing from the line they've missed their last three free throws.

It puts time out, something Coach wants to see but still have that seven point lead.

If they can make it eight.

It's going to make it tough.

Givens for the second as Ashley Williams checks back in to Collins here, Maya moore got none of the three shots that they took down there.

Collins will only go.

So they need to really look for her this time down the floor.

Evans missed again on both Kelly back the other way for Collins Hill up top taken away from Moore by Smith look three in a row right side she'll go in with the lay and she missed but the backup followed shot by Davis is off the mark and Moore finally cheers for Collins Hill Big break there for Stevenson.

They couldn't convert get a steal back the other way Evans on the floor comes away to Thomas Wow they got a three on no back the other way Billingsley with the lamb and the lady jags extending the lead here on the right side for Collins Hill up top Williams for three had a good look and she brings it That's absolutely needed that one gutsy call Coach Hembree didn't go with a time out took advantage of the transition and Williams knocks down the three they've got to start thinking about a foul if they don't get the steal.

In about 15 seconds here, Charles, Coach Watson's going to take a time out before they get into that.

What a minute.

27 left in the ballgame.

This lady Jaguars leading it 6155 Well, I think some of the decision making here you go Williams alone at the top of the key had a square look at it and she dropped it for the lady eagles Great follow through with that wrist support decision making on the fast break.

Maybe a little panic in Collinsville again, I think it's the age difference in these two ball clubs, but saying all that six points is not impossible with a minute, 20 seconds, but it's going to be interesting to see what coach was them out, try to put some pressure on with the ball out of bounds, maybe with a steal, but you're going to have to think about fouling before too long.

Being down six, you get the two possessions at least you factor in the timeouts.

Well, each team with two and believe it or not, we've got more coming your way after this 1 minutes to five a matchup with the boys it'll be tip county and South when they're coming up after this little girls action tomorrow morning at 11 it'll be Savannah country day playing Hopkinsville for the girls class AA championship and the class AA boys at the Whitfield Academy versus Siac is that ballgame coming away at 1245 for the boys classic match up right here on TV.

Back to live action out steal by the Lady Eagles.

They work it over to Kelly for three Yes Kelly with the big triple coach Kimberly jumping up and calling the timeout What a shot by Kelly behind the arc just when they need it no quit in either one of these ball form that's for sure Charles Now you got an interesting decision by Coach Watkins What's he going to do when he gets the ball back?

Let's take a look at the replay.

Kelly firing range arc rainbow arching three and she put it down for the lady Eagles and look at that Collins Hill bench after the three.

All right this is where you earn your money as a Charles coach hamburgers you're going to go with full court pressure trying to get the ball back risking the foul.

Coach Watkins, is he going to try to spread it out, maybe try to run it down some try to draw the foul, anybody's guess and still one time out remaining Stephenson with 2 minutes 17 left Nebraska we talked about this before we came on we thought it was going to be a good ball game and we have to treat it to one John Nelson at courtside daily, sharply worded by Angie Hendricks, he asked her players, how bad do you want it?

And they're running it pretty bad right now, going Over to the Stevenson side.

Coach Watkins said.

If we don't get a layup, we're not shooting the basketball.

We have a minute 17 left.

If we don't have a layup, we're not shooting it.

Guys.

All right.

There you have it from both sides.

It is a battle of wills.

Let's see who prevails.

Thomas to inbound.

It.

Got to hurry now.

Finally.

Got it.

Nelson.

Putting it out of bounds.

Tried to give it to Givens as he tossed it away.

Lane Jacks at the two timeouts elected to try to get it in there this time pressure and they caused the turnover.

Yeah I would have thought the senior would have called a timeout, but you may have thought that too much time to run off after 4 seconds.

You can't call the timeout and it was pretty close here.

So Collinsville will have the basketball take a look at the turnover.

Stevenson with one more than Collins he'll out front is Kelly now over to Harrold left side Kelly slip momentarily gets the basketball after the pick now she's on the move stops pops from ten the runners good bacteria Kelly one point Stevenson lead now Davis in the backcourt batted away by Moore stolen by Collins Hill inside the paint the basket's good by Allen and she was foul just that quickly Collins Hill takes the lead and they'll be going from the free throw line.

Well we talked about the seniors playing with a little poise under pressure but it's been just Thompson Let's watch this play.

Look at Karen continue on the play.

She was shot from behind, kept her momentum, got the shot up big basket by this senior Jasmine Heron.

You're right.

She's been on the floor more than she's been running it this last half.

That's coming up big and making the free throws.

And this will be big, seven points, four rebounds.

This is on the free.

Thomas clears four Stevens Thomas, work up the floor so over more right side to put it in her own hands stops pops banks and boom That's the play of the senior Thomas puts it in their hands and she gives the lead to Stevenson with 39 seconds left Kelly left corner more more on the move lost a footing whistle on the play a blocking foul going to be called on Thomas she can hardly believe the call as you take a look at Thomas running the length of the floor ranked at home for the lady Jaguars look great players make great plays at crunch time and she just did that and that was a tough call down here on the other end.

I'm not sure Thomas got her look like Maya lost her footing a little bit.

Nevertheless, she's going to go to the free throw line with the Lady Eagles down one more.

The freshman breaks free throws ahead of her and Collins Hill, 33 seconds from Ames.

More misses on the first rebound comes away to Thomas Thomas in the back court Here comes pressure out whistle on the play They're going to call the foul It looks on Ashley Williams.

It looked like she came from behind.

Got a piece in that Thomas will go to the line on the other end.

That's when the long way from over though Charles we're talking a lot of action, as you would expect, into this last minute.

29.6 seconds left, one point separating and separating some teams.

One team ranked number one, the other ranked number two, Stevens to be shooting two, one and one.

Ashley Thomas, the senior for Stevenson to shoot 16 points, seven rebounds on the night for Thomas High in the playoffs is 18 pick free throws here the first by Thomas is good well no doubt about that one all the way a lot of high spin higher nothing but the bottom sorry in the tunnel just before the ball game started seemed to be very relaxed about the whole atmosphere.

Showed some poise in the previous free throw.

Here's a second same result.

Three point lead now for the Lady Jaguars.

Well, you don't have to have a three here, but you need to score eight or 9 seconds.

Here comes Harry across the timeline.

Left side, pressure packed.

It is in the arena.

Kelly had a tap Kyrie Kelly will work on the right side cross double and a timeout taken by coach with 16 seconds left But now you're down to the time where you may have to set up a three and try to go for good if you miss it because a lot of long rebounds, maybe get it and shoot up another three.

They could have got a shot up with 27 seconds to go for the shot a two That was the last time out for Collinsville.

So whatever they do, this is the last gasp.

And you're right on that transition thought that may come down and try to get a quick shot on the inside, make it a two possession ballgame to go back the other way, but not able to get a shot off.

The offense wasn't in sync when they came across the time line, kind of forced them to take too much time.

Now they may be forced to take a three point game where they can get the three if they get it quick, and then they're going to have to foul right away, but preferably after Coach Hammer kind of looks for a three if she can get it back right now with that five ties and ten lead changes in this contest, look at some of the things here in the arena.

The that center little less time on the clock.

Coach Watkins might have thought about making the foul seven and Collins here the line to shoot two free throws and keeping the lead and seeing if he could put it but he hasn't been shooting with the goal line.

Well so he's probably going to abandon that theory.

You're right on that one.

I so where the time out Lady Eagles will have the basketball 16.7 seconds left in this five eight championship lost Ashley Austin to inbound to Moore with the three pointer shots off the mark rebound comes back sock to Givens and the lady jaguars that was a set play they were going for the three point shot that three point shooter Maya moore took it but she was off balance with the shot.

Well, yeah.

You think exactly what they set up.

There was a good strategy.

They're still in the ballgame.

Still time.

If they get a free throw here, though, it's going to be tough.

It'll be a two possession game right now.

Still a one possession game and only one and one.

Sean Evans has been to the line two previous trips in this fourth quarter, shooting two and she's missed both free throws on both attempts.

We'll see what she does here.

Evans got the first one to it, 24. lead for the Lady Jaguars and as you indicate, her now a two possession ballgame.

First, what is going to happen?

Back off tuck and possession maybe to make them run clock it certainly no fouls at this point given the save best for last she converted on Pope Ferdinand trying to throw it up the length of the floor and it's taken away by Braswell and the lady Jags and she was five so it came down to deck for Collins Hills versus experience for Stevenson.

And it looks like experiencing and experiences winning out there.

So you're right, Charles, It's got to give Collins a lot of credit.

It looked like they were did with about a minute and a half to go and they got back in it, cut it down.

He took the lead but couldn't maintain it.

You got to give Stephenson a lot of credit as well.

And they got 12 to the line on the spin as far as good six 860 to 80 Jaguars lead it on their way to their first ever state championship.

And don't forget two sophomores in a freshman, the starting five for Collins Hill.

I got a feeling we could see them again.

I think we'll be calling her name quite often in the week.

All right.

Well, for the second, she's out in both 6062 Boston with a one down play, Austin with the three point shot, the remmers off the rebound cleared by Gartrell and to go out of bounds with 6/10 of a second remaining in the contest seven point margin doesn't begin to tell you what kind of a ballgame this was really just saw it in the paper.

You will not believe it.

There's the buzzer.

The lady jazz was off Stephenson High school have won the five a state title their first ever coach Dennis Watkins and the Lady Jaguars own the arena for the moment only blemish on the record for Collinsville the championship game and all the emotion flowing now and talk about a picture worth a thousand words.

The coach hugging his senior player and think about the play that Ashley Thomas made with the rebound, that she drove it down the floor and banked at home.

That just really changed the complexion of the ballgame down the stretch for Stevenson.

You're right, Charles.

Just a great play by a great player.

Senior.

A lot of poise knew somebody had to take charge at that moment.

She took the ball in her hands and took the ball game.

Our John Nelson standing by with coach Dennis Watkins.

Nellie, thank you.

Shares that I actually see you crack a smile with 9 seconds left in the game.

yeah.

What was this ride like for you after losing in the final last year to this moment now?

It's a wonderful feeling.

The ultimate goal was complete.

It was complete tonight.

And the girls play women.

The girls play well, You know, we told them last year after we lost, you could come out with your heads down and you can come out and hold your head up knowing that you got another chance to get back here and have a good chance to win it.

And hey, that opportunity came true tonight.

Let's talk about that fourth quarter run that Collins Hill had where things were kind of getting a little hairy for him.

Well, basically what I told him is just to keep their composure and all they were doing, they put a lot of pressure on us and we we couldn't have our first.

But the girls settled down and we knew they had to find us because we had to lead.

And it worked out.

Time back.

Last question, Ashley Thomas, talk about what it's like for her to go out on this kind of a note.

It's a wonderful feeling.

Home.

You know, we've been trying for three years and we finally got that out for her.

That was hard.

So I'm happy.

Know you're happy.

You can take it easy now.

You can celebrate for a couple of months.

Dennis Watkins, congratulations.

He is your five girls day champ.

Stephenson.

And the Lady Jaguars get it.

They win at 69, 62.

You're five.

A state champs in the state of Georgia.

Well, step aside.

More basketball action coming your way from the arena One at this broadcast of the Georgia High School Association.

State basketball championships has been made possible in part by IBEW Local number 613 South Trust Bank.

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