Photo Credit: @Sportztography_by_mr_woody
Macon, Georgia -The GHSA 5A State Championship matchup between Woodward Academy and Alexander delivered exactly what fans expected early on intensity, momentum swings, and high-level shot-making. But in the end, Alexander’s second-half surge proved too much, as they pulled away for an impressive 81-67 victory to secure the state title.
The first half was packed with explosive plays and dramatic shifts in control. Woodward Academy came out strong, building a double-digit lead and setting the tone with their energy on both ends of the floor. However, Alexander responded in a big way behind the efforts of Gregory Dunson. After trailing by ten, Dunson knocked down a huge three-pointer to give Alexander a 29-28 lead, igniting their sideline and shifting the momentum.
Despite that push, Woodward Academy had the final say before halftime. Myles Hayes brought the crowd to its feet with a powerful slam dunk that capped off a strong closing stretch, sending Woodward into the locker room with a 39-32 advantage.
Coming out of halftime, Alexander looked like a different team. Their defensive intensity picked up, and their offensive execution became more precise. The game tightened as both teams traded baskets, but Alexander began to find their rhythm at the most critical moments. Late in the third quarter, Jayden Crawford stepped up and delivered, knocking down clutch three-pointers to give Alexander a narrow 56-55 lead heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Alexander. With confidence building and momentum fully on their side, Dunson and Crawford took control of the game. Crawford hit a pivotal three-pointer to extend the lead to 61-52, creating separation that Woodward Academy couldn’t recover from. From there, Alexander continued to execute, turning a close contest into a decisive win.
Dunson led the way with 25 points, showcasing his ability to take over when it mattered most, while Crawford added 18 points, including several timely shots that shifted the game in Alexander’s favor. After the game, Dunson emphasized the team’s unity and resilience. “As a team we stayed together,” he said. “The coaches told us this is going to be a four quarter game.”
That mindset proved to be the difference. Alexander’s composure, execution, and second-half dominance ultimately sealed their 81-67 victory, earning them the GHSA 5A State Championship in convincing fashion.
