Ryze Recap - State Title Games- 3/14/26

Game 1:

Morgan County - 53

Butler - 52

The Morgan County Bulldogs have repeated as GHSA State Champions as a last second Butler layup rolled in and out, giving Morgan County one-point victory. Senior guard Zeki Locus recorded a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds as he constantly made big plays in a game in which his Bulldogs went the majority of the game trailing until Garrett Ward sank a free throw with 2:10 left in the fourth quarter to give them their first lead since the first quarter. Senior guard Kwamane Bridges of Butler led all scorers with 22 points and had his game-winning attempt bounce on the rim three times before missing, sending both the game into overtime. In the extra period both teams traded but it was Zeki Locus who stepped to the free throw line to deliver what would be the game-winning free throws to secure the second straight title for Morgan County. Garrett Ward and Trey Carter both scored 10 points each for Morgan County. De'Cori Fleming chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds for Butler.

Game 2:

Wheeler - 62

Pebblebrook - 52

The Wheeler Wildcats also secured its second straight GHSA State Championship with a 10-point victory over Pebblebrook. Future UConn Huskie Colben Landrew capped off an impressive high school career with a double-double, scoring 29 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Wheeler would start the game on a 13-2 run, which gave them a 15-4 lead. Wheeler would take a 31-23 lead into halftime. In the second half KSU-signee Zyree Brown made a layup to bring the Eagles to within two, but Wheeler quickly responded with an 8-2 run and wouldn't look back. LaMarrion Lewis scored 11 points for the Wildcats. For the Eagles, Alex Jones scored 18 points, Anthony Moon and DJ McMillan both chipped in with 11 points, and Zyree Brown finished with 7 points, four rebounds, and four assists.