Welcome to tonight's GHSA basketball championship game presented by Breda Pest Management, the official sponsor of high school basketball.

Another fantastic championship.

As we now have reached the 68 girls title tilt, it's North Paulding the Wolfpack at 30:02, taking on two time champion Grayson, coming in at 22-10 And here we are once again here in this Saturday night.

We wanted to say hello to you, Larry Smith here with Kelsey Rogers.

A couple of teams right here.

Grayson a couple of titles already in there.

Trophy case at home.

But the other side North Paulding looking for their first.

Yeah.

And Grayson was here last year, lost by three points to Newton.

So they still have that little itch inside of them.

This is going to be a spectacular game two powerhouse all three days.

This is the fourth day.

No games have disappointed.

I don't expect this one to either.

Yeah not at all.

In fact a Grayson disappointed.

They've won it in 2019-2024.

Thought they won last year trying to come back and get one here this year.

Players to watch tonight.

We've got some outstanding talent all week long.

No shortage tonight starting with North Paulding.

Yeah Kenzie Hinkson averaging 16 points per game, 65% from the free-throw line.

But she really can score at all three levels.

And that's what's really special about her.

They're going to need her to score at all three levels to take this championship home.

Meanwhile, on the other side, for Grayson, a player who's been in the news here in the past 24 hours, all eyes on Coco Rudolph.

Yeah, end of the season as the number one ranked point guard in the state of Georgia.

She has all the accolades you can think about, but coach says it very simply.

She just wants to win.

She doesn't care about those accolades.

She wants this championship and she's hungry.

Absolutely.

And she just decommitted from Kennesaw State here in the past 24 hours with the coaching change there, we take a look at the head coach's Wes Willis in his fifth season at North Paulding.

Yeah.

Coach Wes Willis their six year as a head coach has never been a champ there before, but he comes from the whole staff over here.

There's like a lineage of who's the who's the dad, who's on staff, the wife's the mental health and stats.

His daughter.

So he's bringing along the whole family here to on this ride to get a championship.

Yeah.

And he was very relaxed before the game listening to some music or something on the other side.

Tim Slater again, a couple of titles.

And he's had some coach of the year honors along the way.

He certainly has.

He has also picked up some accolades and he doesn't care about those either.

He wants this championship.

He is preparing these young women to come out here and compete for 40 minutes.

He's in his fifth year there and he has an interesting background.

He got into accounting but knew his calling was coaching, and he's done a phenomenal job with his Grayson program.

Yeah, he certainly has.

As we get ready here for the starting lineup.

So here a little bit of background noise for us here.

We should say the referees by the way, Ed Novak, Darius Binion and also Aaliyah Pierce are the referees for tonight.

I want to say by the way, thanks to all the officials.

Now it's something near and dear to your heart.

You're one of the officials, everyone taking part in youth sports and making this happen.

We want to say a big thank you.

Yeah.

You know, being an official, it's a thankless job.

You're never right in the coaches eyes.

You know.

But again, you go out there, you're unbiased.

You want what's best.

You want to stay out of the way.

The best possible possible you can and let these players decide the game.

Getting ready here.

We've had some great crowds here in the Macon Coliseum, we should say.

By the way, they're about to make some plans and tear this place down all the history and build a new arena scheduled to open in 2028.

So a bit of history tonight.

The last time that this building will will see this event in so many champions, so many great players coming through here over the years.

Getting ready for the championships, the boys six a championship still is underway.

We saw a couple of fantastic contests earlier in the two way game.

How about Hardaway going for a repeat championship, but they come up short to the team they beat last year in Murray County, and we also saw Butler in the earlier game and the boys as well.

Hinkson.

Amiyah and Brayleigh.

So we're getting ready now.

Once again there's a look at the referees again.

Eddie Novak, Darius Binion and Ali.

A piece.

Starting lineups for Grayson wearing their home whites.

Mya.

Glover.

Leah Williams Coco Rudolph.

London Backman-Grier and Tamara Rudolph for North Paulding.

It's Kenzie.

Hinkson.

Morgan Landrum.

Brooklyn Arnold.

Kaley.

Hinkson and Amirah Leacock.

They call her Yaya.

They call her grandma.

She's the oldest one of the group.

The tip chased down here by Grayson.

And we're off and running here in the class six, a championship.

Very quickly, up and inside.

Look at the great defense there.

But the nice job as well by Rudolph keeps at it and puts it in.

Second third chance opportunities.

Is that going to be the name of this game.

But you're right.

Great vertical defense there.

By North Paulding.

Coach Willis calling out the signs the signals tonight.

Looking inside good defense and knock that away by Glover.

And actually they're going to say it's Ossoff.

North Paulding.

Team setting up for a full court press.

Coach Willis calling them back.

It looks like North Paulding is going to play a zone here.

Nice.

No look.

Pass inside.

Can't get the bucket to go.

Second chance though.

Getting it back.

Rudolph working inside top point guard in the States and and a three point play.

The way she's able to maneuver her body in between the defense.

There's the kick out right there.

Just skimming her way through those defenders at the.

And one.

Asked the staff about phone calls today after her decommitment.

And he said more than I can count.

All eyes on Coco Rudolph as she finishes the three point play and the quick five minute lead in the opening minute here for the Rams.

You never know, this could raise her stock.

I mean, certainly the way she started.

And there's a big shot there by Kenzie Hinkson.

Coach says she can score in all three levels.

He showed the jump shot there from outside the arc back to the zone.

Good look inside.

Stolen away.

Landrew.

Inside up and in Leacock 510 senior on the board and it's tied at five.

Yaya finding her way on that backside.

Just getting open, knowing her guards are going to find her.

Patients on both sides.

Rudolph stop and pop.

That's in.

Coco Rudolph all seven points here for Grayson in the first 2 minutes.

That's what I'm saying.

You know, a lot of these college coaches are are watching these championship games.

So could Coco stock rise and maybe get some different offers?

Absolutely.

Glover the rebound getting back down quickly.

And Tamara Rudolph three ball is short.

Fight for the rebound controlled by the Rams.

Rudolph up and that won't go.

Nice.

Efforts.

Great defense there.

Yeah good rebound by Morgan Landrum as well.

Runner goes in for Hinkson.

That's Kaley Hinkson the juniors.

She's chasing on defense a school record for steals.

She's getting it done on both ends.

Tonight at seven.

In the opening minutes class 68 championship.

New boys to follow.

Final title game are four days here in Macon.

Morgan Landrum pulls down the rebound and looks to run.

Chasing behind.

It's Rudolph with the steal.

Pokes it away.

Glover coming back.

Rudolph for three and.

In her stride they find Coco for another three-point shot.

Coco Rudolph with ten points.

She's telling the scouts hey, how you like me now?

Hinkson for three.

That's off to the left.

Offensive board keeps it here by Landrum.

Hinkson in the corner.

Back to Kenzie Hinkson for another try.

Down and back out.

And did everything but go through the net.

They sure did.

And her feet were set.

She was ready for that shot.

The traveling violation.

And that brings us a time-out here as well in TV land.

Four 0-9 here in Macon.

Boy it has been hot and popping.

How about Coco Rudolph already in double figures?

All ten points for Grayson the Rams on top.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

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Tim Slater talking about as we spoke with him earlier this week about how important it was to get back here after coming up short last year.

Yeah, that that is really stuck with him.

You know, they played a tough region schedule 7-5 in region.

That's showing you how tough that is 22-10 overall.

And he always said adversity reveals character.

Paulding set to inbound.

We've got a conversation.

The scorer's table with the officials checking that out.

The conversation is.

So the traveling violation is what took us to the media time-out right after the travel coach Wes called a time out.

So they're trying to make sure he's not charged that 30-second time-out because we were already going to media.

Okay, there we go.

Thank you for clearing that up for us.

You never know when you're gonna need those time-outs at the end of.

The game.

That's right.

We've seen that quite a bit here this week.

Has some side Talya Arnold in.

Landrew with the basket.

Good ball movement there by North Paulding.

Constant movement.

Coco Rudolph already ten points in the game.

Make it 12.

Rudolph five of nine shooting already.

She averages 26 points per game.

She is well on her way to exceed that.

She is outstanding performances today.

All week.

I keep saying Landrew no double team on the rebound.

Rams come away Glover with the ball.

Just a freshman.

Control player for Tim Slater.

Grayson Rams.

Williams great hands there by Kaley.

Hinkson.

Yep, yep.

Inside.

Constant movement.

Foul mode.

Cutting to the basket.

Working here on Rudolph.

She's just a tough matchup for anybody.

So quick poise.

Always in control.

We're all taking advantage here.

Gets it back in on the pick and roll.

Kemp finish though.

Kamora Rudolph coming up short with that one.

Kenzie Hinkson.

Kaley.

Hinkson on the drive.

Jump ball tied up and it'll stay North Paulding.

129 count.

Just under 2.5 to go here in the first quarter.

Ava Dyer is in the game and an offensive foul on Arnold.

Should go back the other way.

Yeah.

Illegal screen there.

Trying to get Mo to curl in the middle of the paint for an open shot.

Grayson.

Rams North Paulding in blue 30-2 on the season.

They get their first ever state title.

Coco Rudolph goes in.

She'll go to the free-throw line.

Ava Dyer going to be called for that foul from the outside.

And those are undisciplined in my opinion, because you have two solid defenders on the inside between the basket and Coco Rudolph.

There's no need to get your hand in there, especially when you have mo Landrew on the inside who has good height and length.

Coco Rudolph good.

Look at her.

Hits them both 15 points for Rudolph 15 points for Grayson.

Make that 14 14-9 Good hands.

Ball tipped away Tamera Rudolph on the push.

Take it away.

Couldn't handle the pass the other way.

She's got to do some fancy dribbling to get away from the pressure.

Out to Dyer three ball.

Same team.

Good hustle right there.

Leahwilliams coming down with that rebound.

Getting another offensive set.

Williams in the corner.

Back out to Rudolph.

Zoie Lofton in the game.

Inside.

London Backman-Grier and the first basket not scored by Coco Rudolph.

Grayson.

Kaley.

Hinkson inside for Arnold.

Rebound on the ground.

Jump ball!

Go for Grayson.

One more look at that basket by Backman-Grier.

Getting it to her on the inside.

And you might think man she has good moves for a post player.

She's not really a post player.

Coach says she steps up and does what he needs her to do, but she's really a wing.

Back so many times in this level, players that are unselfish in their roles will do whatever is needed for the team.

Little bit of pressure there in the backcourt.

Layup attempt is off, out of bounds.

It'll stay on this end to Grayson.

Always grab the ball when you have the opportunity.

Do not leave it in the official's hands, especially on 50 50 balls.

Just grab it and play.

Yeah, tough break there for North Paulding.

Layup is off the mark by Rudolph Hinkson the rebound.

She's got a shooter in the corner.

Dyer stops for three.

No back up is Landrew with the second chance attempt.

But she's fouled and she'll go to the line.

Mo Landrew has six rebounds already in this game.

And let's see if she can stop this 6-0 run.

That Grayson just had.

A couple of substitutions now in for Grayson number 42 Brianna Williams coming in.

Backman-Grier coming out.

Dyer comes out for North Paulding.

Jaylah Leacock comes back in second.

Free throw was good 16 11 now Full-court pressure by the Wolfpack.

Glover almost took a step.

Back.

Three pointer.

Lofton with the 31911 final 10 seconds in the quarter.

Hinkson that's off and that's the finish.

It's a great finish by.

Grayson how about the quarter for Coco Rudolph 14 points.

Lofton with the three to finish off the quarter, we're 8 minutes in class 68 championship.

The Rams from Grayson on top early on.

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So.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh, hey, what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

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Glad to be with you on a Saturday night from here in Macon, GA.

To the state's high school basketball championships.

Take a look here at the scoring.

1911.

And just one field goal for North Paulding in the last 5 minutes.

They got to find some offensive.

Yeah, they had a bit of a scoring drought there.

So you know they're getting some good rebounds and second chance opportunities.

They've got to be able to convert.

And there you go.

Just like that.

Right on cue.

Usually when we do that they find a way to score.

Kaley Hinkson puts it in off the glass that ends that field goal.

Drought brings a Wolfpack back within six.

Tamera Rudolph in the corner.

Three ball is up in and out.

Another rebound for Landrew a double digit rebound before halftime.

At this point.

Kenzie Hinkson 57 sophomore.

Resetting back to the top.

Lots of time on the shot clock.

Brooklyn Arnold for three.

Looks good, but a little hard.

Kaley Hinkson six in the three.

Great second chance points and score.

They're off the offensive rebound.

Yeah.

Kaley Hinkson shoots 30% from behind the line.

They're so Grayson really.

They're in that zone right now.

Will that get them out of it?

Drive by Glover ball out of bounds and go to North Paulding for the defense.

Coming up for these last two baskets to buy North Paulding to get back into this game.

Kaley.

Hinkson with the runner, the floater on the inside and then finding the ball at the three point line from her teammate knocking it down.

What do you see North Paulding doing differently on defense to try to negate try to slow down?

Coco Rudolph I can't say that they're actually doing anything different.

I think Grayson has gone a little bit cold.

They've gotten to the basket, so they're able to turn the corner.

They're just not finishing the layups in around the rim for the second chance opportunities.

Three pointer there.

By Arnold.

And rebound goes out of bounds.

Offensive rebound for Grayson goes in the books.

Approaching the six minute mark here.

And here's Rudolph.

Double team heard the whistle.

They're called for a foul.

And Coach Willis reacting to it.

He thought he had a steal.

Brooklyn Arnold going to be called for that foul.

Her first.

That's going to bring Taylor Arnold back into the game.

Shepherd sits down the 511 Preston Arnold six foot senior.

Gets inside Tamera Rudolph with the jumper.

Boy that does everything but go in.

Rebound knocked out of bounds.

It'll go to North Paulding.

Yeah.

Tamera Rudolph there with a great corner shot just rimmed right in and out.

Kaley Hinkson.

Now the 58 junior All-State softball player makes it inside.

Going for the runner here.

She's already scored his one basket here in the second quarter.

He's going to get Mia Williams over the back on that rebound attempt for Grayson.

Her first personal foul.

Good look inside for Arnold can't connect.

Had the defense had the offensive rebound but lost it.

Coco Rudolph quickly back up for Williams.

It is and a foul.

Leah Williams scoring.

With Leacock on the foul.

They push the tempo here pushing it up the floor.

No need for a ton of dribbles.

And wow.

Leah Williams finishing what concentration as she gets side swiped there by Yaya Leacock.

A lot of bodies flying around her but still got the ball to go in and a chance for a three point play for Leah Williams.

Second team all region this year.

Grayson now four for four from the line fixed in their lead back to 620 2-16 Kaley.

And that goes in for Hinkson.

Hinkson doing a fantastic job getting her way inside the paint for the shots that she wants.

That's nine points now for Kaley.

She's having a good first half here for the Wolfpack.

Coco Rudolph from way outside the court.

Another rebound for Morgan Landrum.

She'll take it herself.

Hinkson.

Now to Kenzie.

Hinkson.

Kaley.

Back to Kenzie 12 on the shot clock.

Ball knocked away.

Nice job there.

By Rudolph.

Williams collects it now.

Tamera Rudolph coming down.

Three ball is up.

That's off!

Rebound to Leacock.

North Paulding trying to get back into this game now.

Chance to cut this down to a single possession just before the halfway mark here in the second quarter.

Hinkson.

Rebound to Rudolph.

Grayson pushing the tempo now.

Finding her shooter in the corner does not fall for Leah Williams.

There.

The rebound.

Hinkson going to take it in with the scoop.

Leaves it short.

Bodies flying.

And it's out of bounds.

It'll go to Grayson and we take a time out here in the Coliseum.

348 here to go until halftime.

Grayson hanging on, but Hinkson leading the Wolfpack back into this game.

I said I never joined.

Never knew how strong I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

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They handle bugs and critters.

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Learn how to protect your family from opioid overdose at opioid response.

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So.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Live on a Saturday night here from the Macon Coliseum.

Girl 68 Championship Grayson on top 22-18 behind 14 points from star guard.

Coco Rudolph looking to see where she's going to play in the next level.

Yeah, it'll be very interesting.

A lot of players out here I expect to see playing at the next level.

I mean Mo Landrew Hardy with ten rebounds here.

She's a junior right now coach for North Paulding.

Coach Wes has a lot of juniors on this team.

Only one senior that's actively playing, that's not injured and that's Yaya Leacock on this roster.

You mentioned before they call her grandma because she's the oldest.

She's the one that worries about all the other players.

Make sure they're okay.

Zoie Lofton now bringing the ball up.

Now to Leah Williams fouled as she drives.

Good get by the official there.

22 Ava Dyer called for that foul.

Her second personal.

It was before the shot.

So Lofton the senior for the Rams two inbound.

Coco Rudolph stops and shoots.

She's deadly with that just off.

Rebound stays on this end.

Don't get a foul.

On Hinkson number 23.

North Paulding.

Crowd right behind us.

They don't like it.

Little assist there from Tim Slater.

Retrieve that ball that bounced away.

Grayson coach.

Grayson now in a scoring drought of over 2 minutes.

A game of runs so far.

Kickball.

And coach the retrieve again.

Coach showing.

His.

Excellent by Grayson.

And ends the scoring drought of more than 2 minutes for the Rams.

Meanwhile, the Wolfpack had a scoring drought.

Now 2.5 minutes for them.

Backman-Grier.

The sophomore called for the foul.

Leacock coming back in the game for North Paulding.

Brooklyn Arnold coming out.

In case you're wondering at home what's going on?

We've got a technical issues right now with the our center.

Khork.

Kamora.

So you got to see this shot for a moment, but we'll continue on with the play by play as we follow along.

We'll give you the details.

Great defense here by North Paulding to knock that ball away.

And it'll stay here with Grayson.

Yaya Leacock able to deflect that ball out of bounds because Grayson is coming fast downhill.

Just like that.

Poof!

The issue has been resolved and got things going with our truck.

So happy for that.

Lofton to trigger in Williams.

Guarded tightly by Dyer.

Tamera Rudolph tries to drive cut off there.

Lofton draws the foul.

On Kenzie Hinkson 12 free throws.

Grayson doing a great job with that dribble penetration and finding the open players for the next player to come in, dribble, penetrate, get deep into that paint.

They just this the second half of the first quarter.

In this second quarter.

They just haven't knocked down some of those shots.

They did early on in the game.

And both teams right now after good start shooting under 40%.

Both free throws hit.

And that's the coach Tim Slater asking for his fans to show a little love is he calls a time-out.

You stop and talk about things.

At 2:14 and his team in control right here with an eight point lead.

Yeah he definitely wants to expand this lead.

Nobody is safe in this game with the amount of athletes and scorers on this floor.

For both North Paulding and Grayson, you cannot be comfortable at all with any margin deficit.

At the eight point lead largest in the game, they were up 169 late in the first quarter 19:11.

Let's take that back at the end of one.

So they've equaled that.

Both teams with seven points here in the second quarter.

It's been a busy day of basketball here.

Wheelchair championship was earlier before this game.

Class two championships girls and boys before that.

Jon Nelson.

Of all the details and highlights for you coming up here at halftime.

That's right.

It has been a fun filled day.

Fun filled for days.

If you've tuned in, we have had some exciting games, close games, high level games, and some spectacular athletes and coaches.

Yeah, I was going to say the coaches out that Too-a game earlier.

There's a great coaching chess match between the two coaches who know each other very well.

Coach Ellison with Hardaway and this time it was Coach Tipton of Murray County getting the best of her squad.

Dyer with the long three.

Rebound is tipped and she's knocked down there.

That's going to be Kaley Hinkson called.

And that's her second personal.

It's going to send Grayson into the bonus.

I have a feeling that Coach Willis trusts Kaley Hinkson as the junior to stay in the game right here.

He's talking to his assistants.

Judy see a wide shot of the North Paulding bench there behind Coach Tamera Rudolph misses the first.

You don't want this gap of points to get any further going into halftime.

You really want to try to cut this to within two, 3-4 points before you go into the locker room.

For free throws missed.

So what's been a strength of Grayson here in the first half doesn't come through there.

Still an eight point bulge.

Dyer trying to set up for three.

But good job by the defense to close out on her.

Zeki Hinkson shot clock down to six.

Gets the Qatar inside and in Leacock the senior with the score.

North Paulding ending that almost 3.5 minute scoring drought.

North Paulding.

What I love about their offense is that they're constantly moving and that's how they're going to be able to score the basket.

Good thing happens when you keep moving.

On defense little 23 zone.

Trying to shut down Grayson in this time and cut deeper into this deficit.

Great defense there.

Ball loose.

Landrew picks it up ahead to Kenzie Hinkson for the layup.

And it's a four point game.

And that's the momentum that you wanted right now.

Keep that momentum on your side.

If you're North Paulding before you go into the locker room at halftime.

High dribble right in front of us here by Leah Williams.

Take a little bit of clock off 15 second differential between game clock and shot clock.

Williams trips and falls.

Williams going to be called for that foul on the ground.

She slips, goes down to the ground.

Just an unfortunate it's not legal guarding position to be laying on the floor.

Right, right.

So she comes out Mya Glover comes back in.

But what a shift here in these final 2 minutes.

Brooklyn Arnold coming back in the game.

Leacock comes out.

But no shot clock.

So the Wolfpack at home for the final shot and possibly close this gap down to two points.

And end the half on a 6-0 run.

Grayson staying in that 23 zone, which North Paulding has been able to penetrate those gaps.

Bouncing seems good passing here.

Stolen away by Rudolph Coco Rudolph quickly.

Nice job by Ava Dyer.

But was she called for the foul when the push away?

She was.

She is and that is her third personal foul.

Big contributor off the bench here for the Wolfpack.

Rudolph knocking down the first as a 74% free-throw shooter.

I thought Dyer got in there and got it away, but I guess she got a little bit of hand with that ball when she knocked it out.

Well, there's definitely a double whistle out here.

That usually tells us that our angle isn't very good.

And the officials are.

So I'm going to go with the two double whistle.

That's right.

Sure.

Both free throws in Hinkson to Dyer for three.

How about that to end the half.

Ava Dyer gives up two with the foul.

Gets three back with the dagger right before halftime.

And that's the momentum right there.

That foul her third foul erases all of that off the board.

Because that's the momentum that you want going into halftime down by three.

That's right.

Coach Wes Willis gamble leaving her in the game.

And it paid off.

Boy this has been a fantastic first half.

The girls class six A championship on the line.

Rudolph with the big first half with 16 points.

But don't go away.

North Paulding says.

We want that first title 16 minutes to go.

Halftime show is up next with Johnny.

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You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey, what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Pest management knows it's the bugs inside that you want gone.

That's why Breda works to protect the inside and outside of.

Your home.

Welcome into the GPB Sports Studios in Atlanta.

We are live for the 2026 GHSA Boys and Girls State Basketball Championships.

I'm Hannah Goodin.

We're at the half of the final girls championship of the entire week.

It's the six a battle.

Let's take a look at what you've missed so far on the GPB championship scoreboard.

This is a rematch of the 2024 game when Grayson one Grayson is still leading.

Now over North Paulding 28-25 The Wolf Pack is 30-2 on the year and looking for their first state title and Jon.

They were getting some major momentum there.

At the end of the first half.

I hear you are with both principals.

They're.

Check and double check.

That is absolutely true.

We are here with Mr.

Carmona.

First name, Mr.

Second Carmona.

That's how this goes.

And then obviously Dr.

Stewart over on the flip side with Grayson, and since we are a chivalrous lot.

Stosh, if you would please, we're going to start over here with Dr.

Stewart champs in 24, champs in 25.

Back at it here in 26.

I'm going to ask about this jacket before we go.

But what is the ride been like once again chasing after the last game of the year?

It's been great.

I just want to commend my students, student athletes, all the girls and coaches doing a great job standing for what we believe in commitment, resilience, discipline.

One team, one goal.

So what else is going on folks need to know about these days?

Oh, we're just really busy rocking and rolling at Grayson we have prom coming up along with trying to get our students graduated.

We're trying to hit that 97% graduation rate, which I think will make it having the largest graduating class in the school's history.

So we're really just working hard on academics and athletics and want to thank our superintendent and the board for all the support that they give our students each and every day at Grayson.

What's the theme for prom this year?

We're doing something under the water.

We're going, but we're actually going to the zoo.

I know.

Under the water, going to the zoo.

It's going to be great.

Polar bears.

It's going to be like that.

Hang on.

Don't go anywhere.

Coming back in a sec.

Let's go over here to Mr.

Carmona and find out what's going on with North Paulding chasing that first ever state title.

We put out an APB for Coach Dyer.

We think he's somewhere in the concourse hiding in a corner.

What's it been like this year?

Oh, it's.

We've had a great year.

You know, our story is we were in the finals two years ago against a terrific, excellent Grayson team and came up short last year.

We just thought, you know, hey, we'll just get out there again.

And we lost in the first round.

So this year it has been total motivation.

Total lock in energy, enthusiasm almost with a chip on the shoulder.

And we can't be prouder of our girls no matter what happens here in the second half.

But they have really had a great season and been ranked number one the majority of the season.

But we're up against a very tough Grayson team.

Again.

No doubt about it.

What else is going on folks need to know.

Well, for us, we're booming.

Eight years ago, we're about 2,100 students.

We're at a little over 3,000 students.

So we're just great growth, great energy.

Have a new football field, have a new tennis court, another complex.

And then our district, our board put together a three year renovation plan that just got completed.

So we just opened up our first full year in our new building, which was a $35 million, 41 classroom addition.

So that is super exciting.

It was much in the making and we're super excited to have that 41 extra classrooms and extra space for our booming student body, but we can't thank you enough.

Our community, you know, the support the PAC, we have a great turnout here tonight.

They show up and show out pretty much everywhere we go.

And I think our athletic director, who is a nervous wreck playing athletic director and parent, and our board of Ed and our parents, we just appreciate their support.

Absolutely.

It's great to catch up with Mr.

Carmona and Dr.

Stewart and find out what's going on with these two schools in a very tight 16 minutes, they're going to go and go watch the second 16 minutes.

But you know, Hannah, after I sent it back to you in Midtown, I know that the boss back in my house would not be.

I would be remiss if I didn't find out where that jacket is.

So we're going to have that conversation coming up off air.

Let's send it back to you in Midtown.

I'm with you, John.

I love that jacket and also need to know where it's from.

All right.

Those two programs are historically great at basketball and a lot of sports.

So we have a lot more coming up from both of them.

16 more minutes.

We have to take a quick break.

But coming up next, we're going to let you know what you've missed and what's to come right here on GPB.

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I said I never joined.

Never knew how strong I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey, what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

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Welcome back to the halftime show.

We are currently at the half of the six a girls basketball game, but time to check around the rest of the g h a and see what other sports are going on.

Our friends at USA pharmacy find the best athletes and spotlight each one that they think is worthy of getting the attention.

And for this one, it's Jefferson High School football player Max Brown.

Here's his story.

He's not avoiding contact.

He's looking for contact.

And the thing that I appreciate about the way he plays as well is he's going to play as hard as he can play.

When it's time to play, he's a he's an animal, you know, and he's able to flip that switch.

Max does a great job on offense.

He's going to get a lot of reps for us in the state championship game.

He made a couple of plays that were just sheer effort and want to, had nothing to do with coaching, had nothing to do with technique.

It was just him really doing everything he could to make a play for our team.

And you hit somebody, you just feel their whole body just shocked back and you hear the crowd go, ooh, that just makes me hungrier.

Want me to do it again?

Congratulations to Jefferson and Max Brown for all their success.

But back on the court, here's the game you're watching.

Grayson up over North Paulding 28-25 at the half.

The Wolf Pack looking for its first state championship and Grayson beat them back in 2024.

What will happen in this one?

We have 16 more minutes to go and the Wolf pack was gaining momentum at the end of that half.

All right guys that's it for the halftime show.

We will have more from Larry and Kelsey right after this on GPB.

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Learn how to protect your family from opioid overdose at opioid response.

Dot info.

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Wherever you go, there we are.

Here's our story by the numbers.

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Getting ready to start the second half of this class A championship game.

Grayson with the large lead, but North Paulding chipping away at that right before halftime and closing to within three.

The big three pointer as we were right there going into halftime, Larry Smith, Kelsey Rogers what are you looking for here in the second half of these two teams.

You know if shots would actually fall I think both teams are getting phenomenal shots right.

It just hasn't fallen consistently for either team.

North Paulding getting deep penetrations down into the paint with some floaters.

They just haven't all converted.

Same thing with Grayson on the other end.

So I expect for those shots to fall.

This to be a much high scoring game than it is right now.

That's really all it is.

I don't think either team is doing anything special to disrupt the other one.

Yeah, I do think that you said Grayson came out really hot, kind of cooled off a little bit.

But like you said, they're getting good looks on both sides, just not going through.

If you take a look here not a lot of turnovers either side.

Great rebounding there by North Paulding.

That is just so much of that has been Morgan Landrum and she already has ten rebounds here in the game for the Wolfpack.

Now going into starting the second half.

Glad you're here with us on GPB.

Quick foul outside.

Not the game right now is Ava Dyer had her third foul.

Kaley Hinkson picks up her third foul.

And that's an issue.

Could be a problem for them.

Inside.

Nice block by Landrew.

Boy, she's been everywhere.

Just her length.

She's disrupting shots down in the paint.

Good hands.

Coco Rudolph with the steal.

All the way in for the layup.

Rudolph first basket here in the second half.

She has 18 points.

Another player who disrupts this game defensively and offensively.

Looks inside Landrew gets back to Hinkson and she's fouled.

Kenzie Hinkson she's active on both ends of the court for North Paulding.

Coco Rudolph Cedar point guard Kelsey mentioned top of the show came into the season as the number one rated point guard in the state of Georgia.

High volume score.

Kenzie Hinkson.

Miss in the first.

65% free-throw shooter there you see coach Wes Willis there.

If you're either coach though, like I can't be mad at my team right now.

Again they're getting good shots.

They're playing good defense.

Both teams are rebounding and hustling.

The shots just aren't falling consistently for either team.

Well it's been a well matched game here in this first half.

Plus Ca'ron Macon Williams the jumper.

And boy once again great look.

Everything looked good.

Just didn't go in.

Hinkson the rebound.

Jaylah for three.

And it's a one point game.

Yaya Leacock on the board.

Let's see if that can wait.

Either North Paulding up or Grayson up to get some more scoring going on in this game.

Leacock with seven points for the Wolfpack.

Tamera Rudolph tries to answer long rebound.

Good hands there by Backman-Grier Williams no.

Coco Rudolph gets that to go.

Boy she's got a tough shot.

If she can get a shot off anywhere.

Didn't need much space to get that jumper going.

She is so shifty with her body and can finish with contact.

She is a special talent.

Reaching out up by three.

They've led again most of the way.

Pinson tries in the corner.

Inside it's no.

Gets another rebound that's knocked away.

Hinkson no ball tipped into the hands of Williams.

Landrew missing that reverse layup.

Carr Rudolph now.

Coco Rudolph scoop inside wouldn't go again.

Another good look.

Great effort there.

Landrew another rebound.

Hinkson for three and it's in.

And we're tied at 32.

North Paulding coming to life here now five for 14 from behind the arc.

But two of those coming in the last minute and a half for North Paulding.

We've got a game tonight.

Coco Rudolph answers just inside the arc.

Only a two pointer.

That is a tough, long two point shot.

Once again, quick trigger doesn't need much.

Reach in there by Backman-Grier.

And with that break of the action we will take a time-out here on the floor 4:49 to go.

We have got a ball game.

Coco Rudolph unties the tie and the Rams back on top by a deuce.

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You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

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Coach Slater is Grayson Rams.

You mentioned a couple of championships, including the last one in 2024 lost in this final game in 2025.

He talked about just again, wanting to get back here and get this championship.

His team has led most of the way, but we watched North Paulding come back and tied up a couple of minutes ago.

Rams right now a two point lead as we get back to live action.

Kaley Hinkson figure in gets it to Kenzie Hinkson but blocked from behind.

Williams.

Wolfpack ball.

Athletic moved there by Landrew inside gets it to go.

It's Brooklyn Arnold.

Preston then a chance for a three point play.

What a cut to the basket and for Mo to find her slashing that curling right around.

Great entry pass.

Great finish there by Brooklyn Arnold.

Well-designed play and great execution as well.

Tipton Arnold, just a freshman, said she's a shooter.

Caught about young teams.

Only one senior as she completes the three point play and North Paulding takes the lead as she comes out of the game.

Talya Arnold.

The senior comes back in.

He's got a ball game here for 38 and counting in the third quarter.

Now it looks like North Paulding stealing a box in one on Coco Rudolph already has 22 points in this game and five steals.

She's fantastic.

But again, Coach Willis like his approach of changing things up.

He heard coaches say, you know, so many coaches make the defense, the offense uncomfortable.

And certainly it's not changing things up.

Shot clock at five quickly.

Now that's Glover with the runner with the Rams back on top.

There's another freshman for you.

The only freshman on this varsity roster for Grayson.

Fantastic chess match going on here.

Class six AA championship.

Glad you're with us on a Saturday night.

One more game to follow.

Hinkson probing.

And knocked out of bounds.

It's Dyer back in the game.

Number 22.

She hit the big three pointer at the end of the half.

Give North Paulding some momentum.

There's another look at Mya Glover moving without the ball.

Landrew good.

Tisch Hinkson can't get it to finish.

Landrew with the rebound back up again and she was fouled.

Rihanna Williams going to be called for that foul.

One of the seniors on this Grayson team gives him some size that Coach Tim Slater is looking for.

But you got to stay vertical.

Anytime you bring your hands down, your arms down.

It's an automatic foul.

Coach talking about Morgan Landrum and said that she can do everything and she really can 13 rebounds, four assists and that her fifth point of the night.

Six foot junior long disruptive on defense.

Like the leopard print shoes.

Just a little style on the court.

Both free throws are in for Landrew and a time-out for coach Wes Willis in the North Paulding Wolfpack.

Great coaching legacy.

His dad, John, coached at Brunswick 1980-2 thousand, coached in the state championship game in 1999 when Brunswick lost that year to Lowndes, he said, it's just.

Coaching is in our blood.

His entire family, absolutely.

His daughter is on staff.

His wife again helps with the mental health, which we know is so huge in this day and age with these athletes and does the stats sitting next to us.

Melissa, on the stats, just a family affair has seven assistant coaches there.

They all play their roles.

He doesn't micromanage.

What a blessing to be able to have all those assistants.

It's a great resource.

Great commitment by the community.

There.

On North Paulding High School play.

Now Coco Rudolph is wide open.

Al-Salti Williams.

No shot, illegal screen.

Great pickup by the official Rihanna Williams trying to set that screen on the outside to get Leahwilliams open and moves too much.

Good pickup by the official.

Yeah.

And Leah Williams actually hit that three pointer but taken off the board.

So North Paulding now with the lead and the ball Landrew inside.

Great dish for Hinkson good recovery by the defense and bounced back out.

Hinkson for three in the corner at short Coco Rudolph rebound.

Good pass to Williams trying to get it back out to Glover.

Finally does active defense for the Wolfpack ball knocked away.

Kingston's got numbers to Hinkson her sister Kaley Hinkson to Kenzie Hinkson and a three point lead for the Wolfpack.

What a. Run right there.

Getting out in transition.

Getting those numbers, as you said, leads to that easy two layup.

Now changing up back to a. Two A boxing one.

Two a zone.

But they're actually changing it now.

They fall back into the zone.

And Landrew not only makes the steal but gets fouled by Williams.

Let's take a look at that fast break basket by North Paulding.

Getting out to the races they're running.

Kaley Hinkson finding sister Kenzie Hinkson.

And the timing was this too, knowing right when to get it to her.

Not too early, not too late.

No dribble needed.

Catch, shoot.

They put it in.

Characteristics of a solid point guard is not just about getting your players in the right position and being able to dribble through traps and handle presses, but being able to distribute the ball at the right place at the right time to the right personnel is huge.

And understanding your teammates and what they need to succeed when they get the ball and win.

If you're a half second too early or too late and it's going to fail, that was perfect.

Landrew puts in the first free throw.

Looking for her eighth point of the night, and she gets it to go with 13 rebounds against four assists.

And now it's a five point lead for North Paulding.

In the full court press trying to slow down this Rams offense.

Lofton now with it.

North Paulding fans begin to get loud.

Landrum another rebound.

Great position boxing out right there to grab that and go back to the line for more free throws.

Landrum is all over the boards offensively, defensively nine defensive rebounds make that ten defensive rebounds four offensive rebounds for a total of 14 rebounds.

Now for Mo Landrew and North Paulding is on a 6-0 scoring run.

And.

Landrew shooting two gets the first nice stroke.

There she is seven of seven on the line.

We hope the announcer jinx doesn't work.

Just passing info along.

That's all we do.

One more crack at it.

She's true.

Ten points, 14 rebounds for Landrum, a double double and a seven point lead for North Paulding, their largest in the game.

As we cross the two minute mark during the third quarter.

Lofton loses the ball knocked away by Dyer, but it's out of bounds.

It'll stay with the Rams.

Intense pressure defense there by North Paulding Coco not touching that ball in that sequence.

So she's got to have her hands on the ball.

Good reaction by the defense there to deny Coco Tamera Rudolph with the jumper in and out.

Rebound saved.

Hinkson trying to run.

Gets the pass to Arnold and in.

No look pass to her teammate over there with the finish.

Nine point lead for the Wolfpack.

Coco Rudolph trying to make something happen.

Three ball in.

A desperate, desperate points right there for Grayson killing that 10-0 run by North Paulding.

25 points now for Coco Rudolph.

The senior guard.

Nearing the 1 minute mark.

Good patience here.

Nice cut.

And in Kenzie Hinkson to Kaley.

Hinkson returning the favor from earlier on the fast break.

Movement without the ball has been the key for North Paulding.

Coco Rudolph.

Layup is away.

Back to Landrum.

Hinkson on the shot.

Landrew the rebound and in.

She is doing it all.

She is cleaning the boards.

She is finishing strong.

She is playing solid defense.

She has given them the spark that they need.

Morgan Landrum doing it all ten points.

Make that 12 points 15 rebounds.

The six foot junior taking control of this game.

Coco Rudolph in the final seconds.

Drawing the foul inside.

That foul is the fourth on Ava Dyer.

Ava Dyer.

We saw that earlier in the game when she picked up her third foul, reaching in there because Mo Landrum was solid verticality inside straight up.

There is no reason for Dyer to get her hands in there at all.

Coco hitting one of two.

And trying to get it in Hinkson.

Why not?

Oh.

You have got to be kidding me.

Come on.

Coach is saying, hey, just get it in.

Just get it in.

Are you kidding me?

Kaley Hinkson behind the half court line.

Watch it fly.

Things going well for the Wolfpack.

One more look at it from three quarter court.

Are you kidding me?

We ask again.

Are you entertained?

Fourth quarter is coming up next on GPB.

That was.

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Half of the nation's opioid overdoses happen right at home because people don't understand the dangers of taking an oxy or perc with a glass of alcohol for stress or to sleep.

Learn how to protect your family from opioid overdose at opioid response.

Dot info.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey, what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Breda Pest Management works to protect the inside and outside of your home from pests.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.

Today's game, brought to you by Breda Pest Management.

With Breda.

You don't have to be afraid of bugs.

Whew.

Well, three quarters in the books and maybe the shot of the week.

Possibly turned in by that young lady.

One more look at Kaley Hinkson.

Larry, for me, it's coach was saying, hey, just get it in, right?

Because there was a little struggle to get the ball in the mentality.

That's the mentality right there.

She wants to win this game.

She's like, no coach, we're not leaving anything off the board here.

And you're right a moment before there's just a bit of hesitation in terms of what play they were running.

Coming off the free throw.

All of a sudden a 12 point lead.

How about North Paulding closing that quarter on a 20-6 run.

They were down by two.

Ball stolen away here.

Williams on the push.

Good defense by who else?

Landrew Hinkson now the other way.

Kaley Hinkson.

Nice dish inside.

No, it won't go.

Landrew.

Is there.

Backman-Grier collects missed opportunity for the Wolfpack to go up by 14.

Rams looking to get something going here.

Coco Rudolph is in.

What a strong finish there by Coco giving her 28 points.

She gets in there and you see another look going in strong.

Finishing with that contract.

Contact from Mo Landrum.

If Grayson is going to come back and win this game though, it can't just be on Coco with 28 points.

She's done a fantastic job.

We know what she can bring, but somebody else on this Grayson team is going to have to step up offensively, and there's a lot of capable players that can do that.

Yeah, we'll start here.

We have seen all week long that this pressure, full court defense can really cause some problems for both teams here.

So far Pretti have had good value with the ball.

Just as we say that the ball knocked away.

North Paulding collects to Landrum now so active.

Kenzie Hinkson 15 foot jumper that won't go Backman-Grier the rebound and a foul called.

It'll be on Kenzie.

Hinkson.

That's her second.

Ava Dyer checking the back end as well as Talya.

Arnold Brooklyn Arnold going out.

Jaylah Leacock also going out.

For Hinkson.

That's her first foul.

Her second foul.

And again Dyer the big three pointer at the end of first half for North Paulding has four fouls.

Tim Slater off the bench for the Wolfpack.

Nice move there by Leahwilliams.

Grayson has cut this lead down to seven.

Again this Grayson lead.

I told you early in the first half.

Both of these teams are dangerous and have dangerous players that can score.

Shot is up.

No.

And it's going to be off.

Arnold for North Paulding with that Grayson basket again.

Leahwilliams getting to the basket again.

North Paulding can't get comfortable right now.

Just like Grayson was up.

North Paulding cannot get comfortable with his point differential.

Both teams have led by 12 at one point in this game.

Coco Rudolph working three ball short follows her own shot.

Hinkson can't corral it.

Backman-Grier out to Tamera Rudolph no.

Arnold pulls it down and the call Rudolph on the foul.

Just her first foul.

What a night for her.

Ten of 20 shooting, 29 points.

We talked earlier.

Committed to Kennesaw State last fall.

She decommitted in the last 24 hours.

Kennesaw State decided not to renew their coach, Octavia Blue Hinkson to Landrum rolls off Landrum again.

Yes.

North Paulding is dominating on the boards offensively and defensively.

A large part comes from Landrum.

18 rebounds.

As.

Look at their faces waiting for the result of that shot.

But again, movement without the ball right.

So she didn't just trust Kenzie Hinkson to make that play and score the basket.

She's still running the floor so hard gets rewarded right there.

That movement without the ball again has been key for North Paulding.

It really has.

And Landrum is as active as anyone there.

She hits the free throw to complete the three point play.

And that brings us to a time-out here by North Paulding.

We'll step aside as well.

5:40 to go.

It's back to a ten point lead for North Paulding, but can they hang on.

You know Grayson's got something waiting for him and we'll find out what that is next.

I said I never joined.

Never knew how strong I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

Half of the nation's opioid overdoses happen right at home.

Because people don't understand the dangers of taking an oxy or perc with a glass of alcohol for stress or to sleep.

Learn how to protect your family from opioid overdose at opioid response.

Dot info.

Brad Delp.

Pest management knows it's the bugs inside that you want gone.

That's why Breda works to protect the inside and outside of your.

Home.

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Our line workers are everywhere behind every turn switch are those who put it all on the line to illuminate lives down the line.

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5:40 to go here in this class A championship game.

It is the Grayson trailing right now by by ten points.

And Kelsey, we were just talking here in terms of what needs to be done.

If you're Grayson.

Yeah.

You know again, Coco Rudolph is going to get her.

She has shown that already.

She has 29 points.

But the other nucleus of their team need to find a way to score.

I don't care if it's at the free-throw line off of missed shots with offensive rebounds, put backs or often deflections and steals with.

They're more than capable with their press and their athleticism.

Somebody else has to step up, though.

Grayson 22-10 on the season.

It has been a challenging year for them.

After being runners up last year, champions state champions the year before.

Let's see how they answer the call here.

Williams almost a tie ball there by Hinkson.

Deflection by Arnold.

Almost looked like an over and back, but the official very quickly correctly said it was a deflected ball and a travel by Coco Rudolph trying to do too much on the sideline.

There.

And that's what you don't want to see is a player like Coco Rudolph feeling pressed and then taking bad shots.

Shot selection is so key to winning this game, which is why she needs somebody else to step up.

Kenzie Hinkson in the front court very quickly looking at Morgan Landrum also doing more in the back court as another ball handler to help out the Wolfpack.

Took control of this game late in the third quarter with a big run.

Kaley Hinkson going baseline.

Nice dish there for Arnold and in.

A great job to draw the defender and find the open jumper for the short easy basket.

On the money to Arnold coach calls her the Swiss Army knife because she is.

She's playing the top.

She's slashing.

She is doing it all.

Williams inside.

Rejected by Landrum.

Put a stamp on it for Landrum.

There's another look at penetration.

Just no.

Look.

Drop pass right there to Arnold.

And everyone on North Paulding getting the ball, be it rebounding or assists or deflected balls or steals, scoring.

Great job there.

Tamara Rudolph gets Grayson on the board back to a ten point game.

Now the full court press for Grayson.

That was only the first two points for Tami Rudolph, who averages ten.

She's the second leading scorer on this team.

Wow.

Andrem inside finds herself wide open.

The ball rolls off.

Lofton with the board.

She sees a lane cut off by Landrum.

Who else?

Shahed is away.

Ball is tipped.

It'll stay Grayson basketball off.

Landrew.

I love the penetration there by Lofton again.

Right in front of the basket and it just hasn't fallen for them.

Landrum's numbers now 15 points, 18 rebounds for North Paulding active hands there.

Almost had a steal.

Coco Rudolph too hard off the glass.

Backman-Grier, who will be shooting a pair.

That was on Arnold.

Senior.

And so we're seeing now coach Wes Willis shuffling and players quite a bit.

He's got Brooklyn Arnold and Ava Dyer the freshman and sophomore about to check in.

Now as Leacock comes out.

Also Talya Arnold comes out.

North Paulding team just has a ton of depth.

They do.

Seen a lot of players today.

Second shot rattles out for Backman-Grier hitting one of two.

Ball knocked away almost a steal.

Gets it to Dyer.

Hinkson for three.

Why not.

Time-out North Paulding.

North Paulding.

Every time Grayson comes with something, they find an answer.

And what a job!

By Kaley Hinkson to put the Wolfpack back up by 12.

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Back here.

Live inside the Macon Coliseum.

The North Paulding Wolfpack 330 away from the championship.

If they can hold on.

But again, we were saying before we went to time-out just now, they've just made timely plays and everyone getting involved, and they've done a great job.

You know a lot of these sets they're getting into off the full court press that they're facing are set plays.

They get to the ball to a certain spot.

And once they do, you can see the players moving with purpose and it's really paid off well for them.

Moving with purpose.

You're absolutely right.

They have not stopped moving offensively and defensively.

I am so impressed with this North Paulding team.

The depth and everybody playing their roles as well.

Lofton now getting it to Coco Rudolph trying to make something happen.

She drives and is fouled.

Down by Morgan Landrum.

That's a play at the next level for Landrum.

She either has to.

She got beat with that first step, so she either has to let the player get by her and go for the blocked shot from the backside without fouling or at the next level.

Hope that your Helpside defense is going to come over there and take a charge or block the shot.

That in between area is not going to.

Work, right?

Exactly as it did not there.

That's right.

Rudolph trying to make it one out of two and she does 60 49.

North Paulding now on top.

Hinkson getting it down quickly for Arnold.

But again, once she gets it, they're already players in place to make a play.

Nice job by Grayson getting back on defense to deny the possible shooter.

They're under the basket and Aahmed.

Errant pass.

They're one of the few mistakes here in the second half made by North Paulding.

One of the few mistakes made by Kaley Hinkson wide on that pass for the turnover.

She had a terrific night tonight.

11th turnover for North Paulding and a chance for the Rams out to pull within single digits under the three minute mark in the fourth quarter.

Williams running to the corner.

Lofton on the runner.

Gets it inside for Backman-Grier knocked away before she collects it.

Has to get it back out to Lofton ten on the shot clock for Williams.

Lofton for three.

Boom.

Great kick out there to Lofton to knock that down and a quick time out by Grayson coach Tim Slater.

Nice job there by the Rams and just be patient in that sequence.

Watch how many passes we had here.

There's a nice look at that shot right there.

Again.

Grayson has had great ball movement.

They've had great dribble drive penetration.

Their shot just hasn't fallen as consistently as North Paulding.

They're shooting 38% North Paulding shooting 43%.

Nelson rebounds.

North Paulding 30-29 It's been a very evenly played game.

Free throws are even North Paulding hit three more three balls, 7-4 So I guess that's your difference right now in the game.

Wes Willis talking about the team.

Last year was very young.

Only two seniors then.

Only two seniors here tonight as well.

Trying to prep for this season by playing in front of big crowds everywhere they went.

And they had a tough season as well.

You know they lost to Marietta who has a phenomenal athlete on their side.

Coach Derek DeWitt's daughter.

And then they had a loss against Holy Innocents, who we just saw here in the championship game just the other day.

So again, building that non-region schedule.

Calling plays from the sidelines.

Now again, seven assistance.

So a lot of blue pullovers with a lot of commands coming off at North Paulding bench.

Let's see if they come up with now Leon's been cut down to eight under 2.5 to go.

Talya Arnold back in the game looking for Beckham inside.

Nice give and go to Arnold can't get that to go.

Hinkson is there Kaley Hinkson to put back.

19 points now for Hinkson.

Coco Rudolph inside that goes Rudolph with 32 points and a 30-second time-out called by Grayson.

Time out.

You can't trade baskets right now.

That was a third chance opportunity on the other end there for North Paulding.

There you see the miss.

But right there in the right place.

Second chance opportunity points right there.

For her.

And Coco Rudolph so impressed with her.

See why so many scouts are calling?

I can only imagine how many scouts have called during this game watching this performance.

Oh, I'm sure there's a slew of text messages and voice messages, and Coach Tim Slater phone right now.

I mean, what an impressive game.

By Coco.

32 points, 11 of 22 field goal two for five from the three point line, eight for ten from the free throw.

Line six steals.

You know she really has done it all.

Unfortunately she's had to do too much.

And they're just still fighting and clawing to get back.

Gotta get someone else involved.

Like you said, three ball by Zoie Lofton a few minutes ago, and they need more production from the rest of the Rams full court press.

As you expect.

Kaley Hinkson bringing it up as the defense falls back and a foul called on Lofton.

And Larry, I would call that a soft press.

You know, with 151 left in the game and you're down by eight, you need to have an aggressive press coming at you, not just, hey, get the ball in and let's see if we can turn them one or two times.

It needs to be a tough trap coming at you.

Even right now, only three fouls for Grayson.

So you've got one to give if you choose to.

At some point.

Brooklyn Arnold a freshman back in the game, an illegal screen called on Arnold so ball control foul goes the other way.

I like that you can't hand off and try to screen.

Time and distance becomes a factor in the screening rules.

So you can't do the handoff and say, oh, I was just handing off.

No, it's illegal screen.

Right.

And she's young.

She'll learn that.

So the Rams have a chance to cut into this eight point deficit.

90s to go and a foul to bring us more free throws to stop the clock at the 128 mark.

Leahwilliams now picking up her fourth personal foul.

And fouls right now can be dangerous because giving Grayson an opportunity to score with the time stops can be dangerous.

Williams shooting the free throw.

The Kenzie Hinkson.

With that foul.

That's her third second free throw was missed.

Rams get the ball Williams for three all day long.

Boom!

It's a four point game.

And just like that, Grayson is in this game.

And a steal by Coco Rudolph.

Speeding back down court.

Eurostep no.

Rudolph has it again.

The offensive rebound under a minute to go.

Tamera Rudolph that won't fall.

Backman-Grier over the back on Landrew how about Coco Rudolph.

Big time shot right there.

Leahwilliams for Grayson knocking down that three.

And I tell you what, Larry.

I mean how many opportunities did Grayson just miss on that play?

Coco Rudolph with a great steal here and they can't find the basket.

A little more aggressive on the press.

Landrew bringing it in, getting it to Hinkson.

Ryan Nelson double team jump ball.

Grayson possession.

Yeah.

39.6 subs coming back in for North Paulding.

Arnold and Leacock coming in.

To go with Kenzie Hinkson.

Kaley.

Hinkson and Morgan Landrum.

Looks like they're back to the box and one.

Lofton, Rudolph and Rudolph in the game for Williams as well.

Three ball Williams that's off rebound.

Talya Arnold underneath.

Almost taken away by Williams, but she's called for the foul.

A good looking shot.

I like that shot from Leahwilliams right there.

You just knock one down earlier.

Just it hasn't gone consistently the way Grayson would want it to have offensively.

Right here in the game.

Williams that's her fourth foul set to Grayson line up for you.

It is.

Williams.

Rudolph.

Rudolph Backman-Grier and Lofton the senior Talya Arnold shooting two for North Paulding.

First one's off the back iron.

No good.

Miss the second miss at the line for the Wolfpack and 13 tries.

Wes Willis don't think he sat down the entire game.

He has not.

Second miss as well.

But a time-out call by North Paulding.

They will have one left.

Grayson still with two in their pocket.

But the loose balls again coming up with the ball bouncing their way.

Great grab by Leacock the senior.

With the chess match again, this final 26.6.

What a game this has been.

It has been you know North Paulding shooting 70 just under 79% from the free-throw line.

Which isn't bad 11 for 14 as a team.

Again a lot of weapons on this team.

And you know one thing Coach West said that all of these girls have come through Paulding County.

So when I'm thinking about some of these no look passes and being in the right place at the right time, he said.

Our chemistry has been there because they all grew up together, playing through the same rec middle school and now here in high school.

So it's making sense why they know exactly where everyone is supposed to be when they're supposed to be there.

He talked about they have a mentality, that 1-0 mentality, no matter what it is, we're going to go 1-0 in this practice, 1-0 in this drill, one to know in this quarter, 1-0 in this game and a year of drilling that in going back to last summer and all the way through fall workout at the end of the season, trying to get his players to live in the moment as they try to do right now with a four point lead.

Let's see what he's drawn up here on the inbounds.

Houthis Grayson going to defend it.

Ball is up.

Jump ball.

Landrum gets it and she will draw the foul as well as that was Shamar Rudolph Todd with her hand in the cookie jar.

That's her third foul.

Well I can tell you who you don't want to send to the line.

Mo Landrum.

Right ten for ten from the free-throw line.

Shoots 75%.

And what a game she has had.

She has been very impressive.

And just quiet and just.

I mean quietly with a 20 rebound night to your point.

And that's not including all the disruption she's had on balls underneath.

Another free throw for Landrum.

She's been perfect at the line.

64 58 now.

Rams got to get something going quickly.

Lofton step back jumper throws off ball out of bounds off Leacock it's going to be Grayson ball with 16.2 left and Tim Slater wants a time-out.

You got to draw something up right now if you're Tim Slater for either a three-point shot or a quick drive to the basket, and you've got to finish with contact, which we have seen Grayson do in this game, they're capable of getting those three points in two different ways.

Mentioned Grayson coming in 22-10 here on the season.

Good look at their bench.

Coach Slater coming off the championship third straight year here in the championship game.

He's won some coach of the year honors along the way.

We talked about that.

Trying to finish out this season on top.

Join the other list of seven champions in Georgia high school girls basketball that we've already seen here this week, including the last one earlier today.

Morgan County getting the win over Hardaway.

This six a GHSA state championship girls game has been exciting to watch.

I know the scoring wasn't quite there in the first quarter.

Early second quarter, but both of these teams really whatever jitters might have been there, I don't even want to call it jitters.

Just ball wasn't falling.

They put on a good show.

Gretchen Murray County winning the girls game.

Morgan County winning the boys two a championship earlier.

Quick shot there by Williams and it's out of bounds.

Going to.

It'll stay with Grayson off.

But as he drew it up quick shot there.

Each team with one time-out 12.7 to go.

Lofton for three.

That's in and out again.

Landrew with the rebound.

They've got a foul.

Nothing happening.

North Paulding that's it.

What an impressive showing by both of these teams.

But.

North Paulding wow.

I am impressed with the depth, the skill level, the composure that they showed in this game.

And how fitting the final rebound of this game was grabbed by Morgan Landrum 21st board of the game.

What a performance.

21 points to go with 17 rebounds, two blocked shots, five steals, four assists.

I mean the double double it's there.

I mean but all the other intangible things that you said she does.

You know the disruption of her being on the inside the emotion and energy she brings for this team.

And a big hug there for Coach Wes Willis and his wife, who they've been in it together.

It's a family affair.

And he talked about how much it would mean to win this.

He said after last year, it's such a young team to get them to come back.

They're trying to get him back over here to Kobi.

He's over here hugging, family, hugging friends like I haven't.

I haven't done this before.

I don't know what.

I don't know where we're where we're supposed to go next.

That's right.

Coach me up.

Hats off to Grayson.

By the way, the Rams, they finish the season 22-11 What a great run for them again.

Third straight year in the championship game and back to back to back years as runner up here in class six.

A. Trying to organize for the trophy presentation.

I mean tip your hat off to Grayson again.

Fabulous showing.

They didn't do anything wrong except for the ball.

Just didn't go in the basket.

They got the shots that they want.

They played tenacious defense.

They got the steals.

They got to the free-throw line again.

At the end of the day the shots just didn't fall that they wanted.

Tough break for them as they will go home tonight without the trophy.

They wanted.

Our coaches.

Interview presented by Breda Pest Management, the official sponsor of high school basketball.

Let's go to Jon.

Nelson.

Thank you very much, Larry Smith, time to present the last Girls championship from the Macon Coliseum.

And to do it, the executive director of the Georgia High School Association, Dr.

Tim Scott, and our friends from Pest management, give these two teams a big round of applause on a great game played tonight.

One Congratulate Grayson on a great season.

And now from Breda Pest Management.

We will present the state championship trophy for 2026 to North Paulding High School.

Don't hurt the player wearing the knee brace.

She was out for the year.

After coming so close and.

Coming so close, you now win the last game of the year.

Trophies back there to prove it.

How does it feel to finally have that in the trophy case?

It is crazy.

I cannot appreciate our North Paulding community Gabe.

It's our principal Gabe Cremona doctor Ryan Dyer believing in us.

We had this plan like six years ago getting to this spot.

Man.

We've just been so close, so close.

Trying to knock at that door and trying to finish the girls just just put everything they could into this game to go win.

Man, I appreciate it.

Like I say for those who don't know, I lost my dad a year ago.

So this is for him.

That says plenty right there.

Let me ask you before we get out of here.

What about this group of seniors?

I mean, you got just that one senior.

You got a lot of folks coming back.

What's it meant?

It just meant, like we always try to be where our feet are.

So even though we only had two seniors leaving, it was all about just this year.

We put everything we had into this year.

I know we only lose two people.

We have a great group of girls, man, I just can't thank you enough, man.

I'm I'm speechless right now.

Of course, Jessyca Hohn.

Is what happens when you coach for 32 minutes.

You put in all the work.

That's the end result right there.

North Paulding State Champs 2026.

Let's send it back over to Larry and Kelly.

Jon Nelson.

Thanks so much.

You see, we gave the trophy to there was a player that was injured that was just cleared.

They had hoped to get in the game.

But they weren't able to.

But instead he gave her the trophy right there at the end.

What a way.

Classy way to end.

What's been a breakthrough, unprecedented season for North Paulding.

I mean, Coach Wes Willis tears of joy out there right now for him and his staff and these players.

The scary part he only loses two players who's injured Amirah Howell and Yaya Leacock.

The rest of this crew is coming back.

Yeah, Amirah is going to eventually get that trophy back, by the way.

They'll put out the trophy case there at North Paulding, but how about for Jon?

Willis?

We mentioned back in 1999, led Brunswick to a second place finish, losing to Lowndes in that championship, smiling from up high is now his son gets the championship that he could not.

And you think that's probably where those tears of joy are coming from?

You know, this is a thankless job.

Being a coach is a thankless job, but so important to our young people.

I can't reiterate that enough.

And so the countless number of hours the community support that's here right now for them, it all makes it worthwhile.

When you have moments like this.

My friend, it's been a pleasure working with you this week.

God bless.

We're going to step aside.

What a night it's been.

What a way to finish.

Thanks so much to our crew as well.

All night here in the GPB, our producer Russ Aaron and everyone else.

Kevin in charge, Steve Graham and the whole crew.

It's been a lot of fun.

So many people work so hard to bring you these games all week long to the spoils.

Go to Victor, to the victor, go the spoils.

Let's reverse that North Paulding.

We had a three quarter court shot.

Go in.

Lots to celebrate here.

And they'll continue with the champions next on the post-game show.

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I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

Welcome into the GPB Sports Studios here in Atlanta.

We are live from the 2026 GHSA Girls and Boys State Basketball Championships.

We just wrapped up our fourth title game of the week, 16th overall, with only one more to go.

It was the final girls matchup of the week.

And here's what you missed on the GPB Championship scoreboard.

This was a close one all game, but North Paulding finally pulled away to win their first title in program history against Grayson 64-58 And I know it feels good to avenge that 2024 loss against the Rams to the Wolfpack go 30-2 on the season.

Super impressive and the rivalry will continue on.

Time to check in with Jon Nelson at Macon Coliseum, who is with Coach Willis and our player of the game.

Jon.

Did coach get his voice back yet?

Did somebody bring him some water?

No.

He had well, we.

Did bring him water because we believe in proper hydration for our guests.

He does not have his voice back, but.

Okay, so you got a sheet and I was marking up this one.

So you got a sheet.

So I've marked this one up.

I'm going to start over here with you.

You mentioned it a little bit about how this means what this means for your family and what it means to you personally.

Considering everything with your dad.

What do you what do you think he's thinking right now?

Right now he's up in heaven, smiling, saying, just saying, job well done.

Something we've talked about like for years and years.

Again, we're a family of coaches from my sister and brother coaching at Brunswick High.

Him retiring, a retired football coach, just something we always wanted to bring a championship for our father.

He played in he coached the one in 99 when Brunswick played Lions end up losing the state runner up.

So that's something we've always talked about as a family, like bringing one home just to go out there and see how it would feel and it feels amazing right now.

It does.

Looking at the numbers, I was kind of looking at a couple of different things.

I'm going to save tens numbers for when we talk to her.

Gotcha.

13-16 from the line on the day.

And then you go down to the second and third quarter 14:09.

You're down eight after one.

You outscore them.

You hold them to nine points in the second quarter 27-12 in the third quarter.

And then the comeback and hanging on and hanging on and hanging on there in the fourth quarter.

When you look at those numbers down there at the bottom, what sticks in your mind.?

Just poise.

One thing we've always talked about all year, just trying to keep our poise in here.

I think we were trying to do too much in the first quarter.

We were trying to take it on ourselves when they were punting.

Like I said, Coco is a special player.

She can score from anywhere.

And I told the girls, don't get in your feelings.

When she hit for about 20, just settle and just continue to go.

But coming out.

And then they settled and started playing defense.

Morgan.

Our whole group Morgan Landrum and our whole group just, just locked in defensively.

And that's what we always work on, just preaching on defensively.

Same thing with free throws.

We got a drill.

We do call 80.

And if you don't hit 80% you have to run.

That's why she's laughing because I told him if you can hit 80 in practice, it'll come down to to what it's supposed to be in the game.

And that's what they did.

All right, let me go over here.

I was looking at some of your numbers, and I had a lot of circles.

It's a lot of different categories.

Finished with 17-21 for assistance.

I'm going to leave that tio number away.

Two blocks, five steals.

Complete night across the board.

But I got to ask about that shot at the end of the third and what you were looking at from that, from, from your perspective, to get that kind of a momentum push to have that kind of a moment at the end of the third quarter where it's, you know, I think Kaley launched it from basically just shy of the outside of the three point arc, and she punches it in and you're mugging her in the corner to get that momentum to carry you into the fourth quarter.

What was this night like out there for you?

It was just very special.

We worked all all season for this and it just came down to it wasn't going to be a knockout.

It was going to be blow after blow, and we knew it was going to be a tough game.

And so we just stuck with the plan and stuck to the course, and we knew we were going to come out on top because we wanted it more than anybody out here.

Second championship game in three years, you lose in the 24 final.

How much did you think about that from then until I guess, you know, today when you're playing for another championship.

It doesn't leave my mind.

I mean, from the time we lost, we've just been thinking about that time.

And just especially the people that played in that game, we knew what it meant to us and we weren't going to lose to the same team twice in the championship.

So we knew we had to do to come out on top.

And you certainly did that.

17-21 the medal and the ball and the trophy are like over there.

And they're on their way back to North Paulding, a successful coach in Wes Willis player of the game.

Morgan Landrum part of the GPB All Stars.

They're champs.

They're heading back to North Paulding.

North Paulding.

And I don't know if Coach Dyer has survived yet, but his daughter Ava got a bucket on the night too.

So let's send it back to Midtown.

Complete night for North Paulding 31-2 state champs.

First time ever.

Hannah.

Congratulations to Wolfpack nation Jon.

That makes it 17 this week that have won titles for the very first time.

Thank you guys.

So three boys teams and four girls teams making history and one repeat.

We'll see what happens.

We have one more game to go.

We have to take a quick break.

But coming up next, we'll get you ready for the six a boys matchup stick and stay right here on GPB.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man.

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

You've seen what your electric cooperative can do for your home, your workplace, your weekend.

What lights us up is empowering your local community and economy.

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Georgia's EMC is so much more than electricity.

Half of the nation's opioid overdoses happen right at home because people don't understand the dangers of taking an oxy or perc with a glass of alcohol for stress or to sleep.

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Welcome back to countdown to Tip Off.

It is the final day and we're getting ready for the final game of the 2026 GHSA Girls and Boys State Basketball Championships, and our sponsor and our friend has helped us do this amazing coverage all week long in pest management.

We will send it over to Macon Coliseum, where Jon has Matt Breda, the owner of this amazing company.

Matt, what's his message to fans?

Well, here's the funny part.

He's a coach at heart.

And so we were talking about it and it's like, okay, give me X's and O's on Pebblebrook and Wheeler.

You've got about 90s to help me break this one down.

What is what is in the map spot shadow when it comes to this matchup?

You cannot play Wheeler man to man.

You know McEachern showed that last week.

McEachern is a prominent zone team we all know.

But they showed that you got to keep this game in the upper 50s.

Low 60s.

Okay.

Pebblebrook got the point guard to do it.

Number two.

Love that kid.

He's phenomenal to watch.

Watch him tonight.

The matchup between him and Savage on Wheeler is one to watch.

Number three for Pebblebrook is downhill.

He's got a he's going to have to have a really good game, but you have to hope.

Wheeler spends the first half on the perimeter and then you got to box out the transition that Wheeler has.

They are incredible in transition.

So you got to stop the transition.

But what I was advising is Pebblebrook has to crash the offensive glass to slow down their transitions don't get four players back to stop the transition.

Attack the offensive glass.

That's what I would like to see George do.

But George is a heck of a coach.

Larry is an incredible coach.

This should be a great matchup.

George Washington, the father of our.

Country and the.

Head coach of Pebblebrook going up against Larry Thompson and Wheeler.

I can't thank you enough for hanging out with us all week and everything that you do for high school athletics.

It's great to catch up with you, my friend.

Good to see.

You love being here.

Love being a part of the GPB program.

X's and O's presented by B r e d a. That's all the letters that we have as we send it back to you in Midtown.

Hannah.

Thanks, John, and thanks, Matt for being amazing sponsors and letting us put on this show all week long.

Okay, we have to take one more quick break, but it's Moore right here on GPB.

We have our final game.

We're going to show you what you've missed and what's to come on GPB.

No matter the season, Brayden works to protect the inside and outside of your home.

Brady Pest Management.

They handle bugs and critters.

From ninth grade through graduation.

Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA futures dot.

Georgia's 41 electric cooperatives are anything but static.

Since the flip of the first light switch, we continue to innovate as the demand for energy increases.

MCs draw from a wide variety of resources to generate electricity, from natural gas to nuclear power and renewables, so that we can reliably power.

Tomorrow.

We're harnessing the current to satisfy the future.

George's MCs so much more than electricity.

Sir.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey, what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Welcome back to Countdown to Tip Off.

We are still celebrating with the Wolfpack.

It was the final six, a girls match of the day and of the whole week.

Here's a look at what you missed of the girls game.

This was a close one all game, but North Paulding finally pulled away to win their first title in program history with a 64-58 win over Grayson.

And tonight, our final game of the week will be the six A boys showdown Pebblebrook versus Wheeler.

And for the Wildcats, they have our GPB player of the year, senior forward Colton Landrew.

He's going to UConn.

You are not going to want to miss the talent in that game.

Follow us on social media at GPB.

Sports for all of the latest action.

With this game.

We are streaming live on YouTube and Twitch.

We're also on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Okay, that's it for countdown to tip off.

Thanks so much for watching.

We will have the six A boys match up with Matt and Sean right after this.

Thanks for watching.

I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Half of the nation's opioid overdoses happen right at home because people don't understand the dangers of taking an oxy or perk with a glass of alcohol for stress or to sleep.

Learn how to protect your family from opioid overdose at opioid response.

Dot info.

From ninth grade through graduation.

Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA futures dot.

Breda.

Pest management works to protect the inside and outside of your home from pests.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.