Boys' Basketball | 2/27/2022 8:15:00 AM

For the first time since 2004, St. Andrew's won the final game of their season to claim the GISA AAA State Championship. The Lions (25-4) again relied on a swarming defense to overcome John Milledge Academy (22-3) by the score of 49-47 in the championship game.

Nerves again had an effect early on in the game for St. Andrew's. Combined with the Trojans hitting four early 3-pointers, the Lions found themselves behind 18-8 after the first six minutes of play. However, scrappy play brought the score back to 21-15 at the end of the first quarter. Then something incredible happened. With the Lions pestering and frustrating the Trojans' guards, John Milledge went scoreless for the entire second quarter leading to a 25-21 St. Andrew's lead at halftime.

Fans in attendance witnessed a thrilling second half as the teams fought to take control of the game. Although John Milledge was never able to take the lead in the second half, the Lions were also never able to push the lead to anything bigger than four points. In the end, St. Andrew's relied on their star Zyere Edwards to bring home the win.

With one minute left on the clock and the Lions holding a narrow 46-45 lead, the ball was put in Edwards hands as John Milledge burned through five fouls to get to the bonus. Once on the line, Edwards hit one of two to push the lead to 47-45. On the ensuing play, John Milledge missed a three point shot but got the offensive rebound in the paint. As fans braced for the putback, Edwards stripped the ball from the rebounder and was again fouled. This time he hit both free throws to push the score to 49-45.

After a quick layup, John Milledge fouled Kaleb Lofton to send him to the line with only 0.6 seconds left in regulation. Wisely missing both free throws, the Trojans did not have enough time to get off anything other than a desperation full court attempt that fell short.

Altogether this season has been record breaking for St. Andrew's for both team records and individual records. Although this is the fourth state championship in school history for the Lions, it is their first at the AAA level. The team also ended the season with a 14-game winning streak, tied for second longest all-time. Within this streak, the Lions completed an undefeated regular season in the region for the first time in school history and, with the two wins in the region tournament, went 10-0 overall against region opponents. The team also loaded their non-region schedule with GHSA teams for the first time in school history and was victorious in 10 out of the 11 games.

Individually, Zyere Edwards set the score record for most points in a season with 685 points while also setting the school record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 90 makes. His brother, Zayden Edwards, broke the school record for most points as a freshman with 326 while also breaking the record for most rebounds as a freshman with 176.

With four out of five starters returning next year, the future appears to be bright for the St. Andrew's Lions.

St. Andrews (49): Zyere Edwards 27, Kaleb Lofton 11, Edwards 8, Sheppard 3

John Milledge (47): Marcus Preestwood 17, Keith Robbins 15, Butts 6, Ba. Early 5, Br. Early 4