Ryze Recap - State Title Games- 3/12/26

Game 1:

Clinch County - 63

Portal - 43

The Clinch County Panthers have secured its first GHSA State Championship since 1989. Sophomore Traviian Miller, posted a double-double, scoring 25 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, and earned the game's MVP Award. The Panthers had only nine 3-Point attempts on the night but did a good job generating paint touches by working the offensive glass, creating off the dribble and getting to the free-throw line. Juniors Jakyri Posley (15 points, 7 rebounds) and Kamarion Johnson (10 points, 4 assists) were the other Panthers to score in double-figures.

Game 2:

St. Pius X - 54

PAce Academy- 51

The evening matchup featured Pace Academy, a program that has won state championships in prior seasons and St. Pius X, a program seeking to finish their season undefeated and earn its first ever state title. Early on the game was back and forth as both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Star guard, and future Clemson Tiger, Harris Reynolds didn't see his first made bucket until a buzzer-beater to end the first quarter. Midway through the 2nd quarter St. Pius were 1-9 from three and had committed 7 turnovers but found themselves lucky that the game was still tied at 15. The Golden Lions would find their stride and go on a 13-2 run to close the half and take a 28-18 lead. Pace senior guard Jaydon Avery led pace with 12 points as the Knights found themselves down 38-33 entering the 4th quarter. After finding themselves down five points, a clutch 3-pointer by junior Gavin Fountain tied the game at 49 with 51.2 seconds left to play. Less than 20 seconds later, senior guard Westin Keppen sank a three-pointer from the left wing which would give St. Pius the lead. After free throws from both teams, Pace had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but the three-point attempt missed off of the back iron. St. Pius secured its first-ever undefeated season and GHSA State Championship. Harris Reynolds finished with 23 points and 9 rebounds and the game MVP while Westin Keppen chipped in 13 points. For the Knights, Jadon Avery finished with 19 points, Hayden Clay scored 11 points, and Gavin Fountain scored 10 points.