"Tri-City Hoops Dominance: Champions Crowned, Legends Made, and the Next Generation Rises"

The Tri-City basketball scene has once again delivered an unforgettable chapter, showcasing the relentless drive, passion and skill of its athletes. St. Anne-Pacelli’s boys and girl's teams have once again asserted their dominance, securing back-to-back GIAA 4A state championships in a dramatic display of resilience and excellence.

But they weren’t the only ones making waves on the hardwood. Hardaway, Carver, and Central each fought through high-stakes playoff matchups, giving their fans moments of triumph, heartbreak and everything in between.

The Pacelli Lady Vikings found themselves in an early struggle against the Athens Christian Eagles in the championship game at Columbus State University. The Lady Eagles came out with an aggressive, high-energy approach, quickly establishing a 13-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. The deficit seemed daunting, but the Lady Vikings never wavered. Possession by possession, quarter by quarter, they chipped away at the lead, clawing their way back into the game with sheer determination.

With just 20.6 seconds left on the clock, they were within one point of tying the game, setting the stage for a legendary moment. Senior standout Mckayla Hosley took control when it mattered most, driving the ball coast to coast with an unwavering focus before finishing a clutch layup to put the Lady Vikings ahead 39-38 with just 11 seconds remaining.

The packed crowd erupted as Pacelli locked down on defense, sealing the victory and securing their second consecutive state championship. It was a testament to their resilience and championship mindset—a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Not to be outdone, the Pacelli boys’ team stepped onto the court with a mission, showcasing their dominance in a commanding 76-54 victory over Athens Christian to complete an undefeated 28-0 season.

From the opening tip-off, they established their tempo, playing with a level of intensity that left no doubt about their championship pedigree. Mikehi Williams delivered an unstoppable performance, shooting an impressive 67 percent from the field to rack up 19 points, marking his third consecutive game with at least 16 points.

Jalien Bush also made his presence felt, contributing 13 points, six rebounds and five assists, proving once again that Pacelli’s success was a result of a well-rounded, team-first approach. Their rebounding prowess was on full display, dominating the offensive glass with 13 boards, a reflection of their relentless effort and discipline.

With this victory, Pacelli not only secured another state title but extended their remarkable 40-game winning streak, cementing themselves as one of the most formidable teams in recent history.

Meanwhile, the Hardaway Hawks continued their own impressive postseason run with a commanding 65-45 semifinal win over Josey. The Hawks have turned dominance into a habit, consistently overwhelming their opponents throughout the season.

This latest victory marked their 20th win by at least 20 points, a testament to their ability to dictate the pace of the game and execute with precision. Leading the charge was Rhianna Boynton, who delivered a monstrous double-double performance, tallying 16 points and 13 rebounds. Boynton has been a force throughout the playoffs, scoring 15 or more points in each of her last five games.

Mikayla Johnson also played a crucial role, putting up 21 points and five rebounds while shooting 44 percent from the field. Hardaway’s ability to dominate the boards was once again on display, as they pulled down 13 offensive rebounds—a streak that has now reached an astonishing 63 consecutive games with at least nine offensive boards.

With the state championship game against Murray County looming, Hardaway is poised to continue their dominant run, ready for a battle that will determine their ultimate fate.

The playoff journey was not as kind to Carver and Central, who both saw their seasons come to heartbreaking ends. Carver’s incredible 19-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt in a hard-fought 78-73 loss to Butler.

Despite a valiant effort, they couldn’t contain Butler’s offensive explosion, particularly from Marcus Scurry Jr., who delivered a masterful performance with 24 points on an astonishing 9-for-11 shooting night.

Kwamane Bridges also proved to be a key factor, adding 25 points and eight rebounds, making it difficult for Carver to keep pace in a high-scoring affair.

Meanwhile, Central’s run ended in the Final Four against a powerhouse Hoover squad, suffering a tough 94-67 defeat. The loss snapped Central’s own 13-game winning streak, bringing their season to a close with a strong 29-5 record. Hoover, on the other hand, maintained their unblemished record, improving to an outstanding 34-0.

The Central Lady Red Devils also faced a similar fate, falling to the Hoover Lady Buccaneers by a score of 77-58. This marked the fourth straight loss to Hoover, a team that has continuously found ways to outmatch them. With the loss, the Central girls ended their season at 22-7, while Hoover extended their own impressive record to 31-4.

While the high school postseason drama unfolded, the next generation of basketball stars showcased their skills in the Youth Basketball Championship, as PorterSports SE wrapped up yet another electrifying season.

The 10U SuperSonics dominated their competition, completing a perfect 7-0 season with a resounding 28-11 championship victory over the Knights.

In the 8U division, Coach Scoot once again proved why he remains one of the most successful figures in youth basketball. His Knicks secured their third consecutive championship in thrilling fashion, edging out the Warriors in a nail-biting 15-13 contest.

Meanwhile, Coach Wilber and his staff continued their reign of excellence, leading the SuperSonics to another championship, completing back-to-back winter and spring league titles with a decisive 34-18 victory.

But the basketball action in the Tri-City area is far from over. Excitement is already building for the 2nd Annual Battle of the Valley, a must-see showdown featuring the top young talent from Tri-City, Marion County, Stewart County, Chattahoochee County, and Talbot. Organized by Double Coverage, this event promises to be an intense battle for supremacy, with games tipping off at Shaw High School at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 8th.

Amid all the basketball excitement, St. Anne-Pacelli also is making major moves on the football front, ushering in a new era with the hiring of Walter “Smitty” Grider as their next head coach.

Coach Grider brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for turning programs around, making him a perfect fit for the Vikings. His coaching journey has taken him through various successful stints, including launching Park Crossing’s football program in Montgomery and leading Beauregard High to sustained success. He takes over from Dwight Jones, who steps away after an incredible 44-year coaching career, leaving behind a lasting legacy at Pacelli.

With championship celebrations still echoing and new opportunities on the horizon, Tri-City sports fans have plenty to look forward to. Whether it’s the final push for state titles, the rise of young basketball stars, or the new chapter in Pacelli football, one thing remains certain—the spirit of competition and excellence in this region continues to thrive.

As one season concludes, another begins, and the promise of even greater moments looms ahead. The best, as always, is yet to come.