The 2025 GHSA basketball state championships in Macon were packed with historic victories, thrilling performances, and unforgettable moments. Here’s a detailed recap of the highlights, including the event schedule and contest winners:
Championship Highlights
- First-Time Champions: Holy Innocents’ and B.E.S.T. Academy claimed their first-ever state titles. Holy Innocents’ boys dominated the Private Boys division with an 84-45 victory over North Cobb Christian, while B.E.S.T. Academy overcame a deficit to defeat Southwest 62-56 in Class A Division I, led by standout twins Jacob and Joshua Mickell.
- Historic Win for Butler: Butler ended a 59-year championship drought by defeating Union County 57-49 in Class 2A, marking its first title since 1965.
- Defending Champions: Sandy Creek (Class 3A) and North Oconee (Class 4A) successfully defended their titles. Sandy Creek edged Cedar Grove 39-38 for its third consecutive championship, while North Oconee defeated Pace Academy 60-51.
- Legacy Programs: Wheeler secured its 10th state title with a 61-56 victory over Newton in Class 6A, while Tri-Cities captured its third championship in seven seasons by defeating Woodward Academy 66-55 in Class 5A. Savannah added to its storied history with its first title since 1998, beating McIntosh County Academy 58-52 in Class A Division II.
Event Schedule
March 5
- 1:00 PM Private Girls – Holy Innocents’ 57, Hebron Christian 39
- 3:00 PM Private Boys – Holy Innocents’ 84, North Cobb Christian 45
- 5:00 PM Class 3A Girls – Cherokee Bluff 66, Baldwin 58
- 7:00 PM Class 3A Boys – Sandy Creek 39, Cedar Grove 38
March 6
- 1:00 PM Class 2A Girls – Murray Co. 47, Hardaway 34
- 3:00 PM Class 2A Boys – Butler 57, Union Co. 49
- 5:30 PM Class 4A Girls – Creekside 57, Jackson (Atlanta) 37
- 7:30 PM Class 4A Boys – North Oconee 60, Pace Academy 51
March 7
- 1:00 PM Class A-D2 Girls – Wilcox Co.72, Washington-Wilkes 48
- 3:00 PM Class A-D2 Boys – Savannah 58, McIntosh Co. Academy 52
- 5:30 PM Class 5A Girls – River Ridge 52, Langston Hughes 47
- 7:30 PM Class 5A Boys – Tri-Cities 66, Woodward Academy 55
March 8
- 11:00 AM Class A-D1 Girls – Fannin Co.51, Banks Co.42
- 1:00 PM Class A-D1 Boys – B.E.S.T. Academy62, Southwest56
- 3:00 PM AAASP Wheelchair Final – Clayton Eagles34, Houston Sharks37
- 5:30 PM Class6A Girls – Grayson56, Newton59
- 7:30 PM Class6A Boys – Wheeler61, Newton56
Contest Winners
Coed Three-Point Contest
- Alex Whitecliffe & Chase Turner (Cherokee HS)
- Ca’Miya Hancock & Innocent Piercy (Griffin HS)
- Ayana Thomas & Holden Hiers (Lowndes HS)
Girls Three-Point Contest
- Reagan Mulligan (River Ridge HS)
- Saniya Sharper (Archer HS)
- Taylor Bland (Toombs County HS)
Slam Dunk Contest
- Sam Mobbs (Trion HS)
- Jalyn Sweat (Bradwell Institute)
- Olurermi Guerro (Druid Hills HS)
This championship week showcased incredible talent and dedication from teams across Georgia while celebrating both new and established champions!