COLUMBUS, GA – The St. Andrew’s Lions added yet another chapter to their storied basketball history Friday night, defeating Brookwood 54-43 at Columbus State University to claim their third GIAA AAA state championship in the past four seasons—and the sixth state title in program history.
The victory capped a dominant season for the Lions, extending their winning streak to 15 games and marking their 101st win over the past four years—surpassing the previous program record of 90 wins set from 1996-2000 under standout Evan Aldrich. The championship also adds to the winning culture that head coach Mel Abrams has built during his ten-year tenure at St. Andrew’s.
Both teams showed early nerves in the championship atmosphere, with Brookwood holding a slim 4-2 lead after four minutes of play. But St. Andrew’s found its rhythm through strong play in the post. Ja’Cari Glover muscled down an offensive rebound, finished through contact, and completed the three-point play. On the next possession, freshman Page Getter grabbed his own miss and dished to Miles Cummings for a powerful finish. Cummings then set up Glover for another score before Zayden Edwards sprinted the length of the court for a layup, fueling a 9-0 run that put the Lions up 11-4.
Brookwood’s Roscoe Jones answered with a personal 6-0 run, including a four-point play after being fouled on a three-pointer, cutting the deficit to 11-10 at the end of the first quarter. St. Andrew’s responded with another big surge, opening the second quarter on an 11-3 run to push their lead to 22-13. The Lions carried a 28-21 advantage into the halftime break.
The second half opened with an Edwards basket, but Brookwood stormed back with a 9-0 run to tie the game at 30-30 midway through the third quarter. The two teams traded baskets down the stretch, with the third quarter ending in a deadlock at 39-39.
Brookwood freshman Thomas Lee struck first in the fourth, giving the Warriors a brief lead. Edwards answered with a three-pointer, but Brookwood’s 6’9” senior Walker Jackson responded with a thunderous dunk to reclaim a 43-42 edge for the Warriors. That lead, however, would be short-lived. Edwards drained another three-pointer to put the Lions up 45-43, setting the stage for a pivotal moment with just over four minutes remaining.
As Edwards brought the ball up, Lee was called for a holding foul at half-court. In frustration, he shoved Edwards after the whistle, drawing a costly technical foul. Though Edwards made just one of the two ensuing free throws, the play ignited a 9-0 St. Andrew’s run that secured the championship. The Lions’ defense locked down the Warriors in the closing minutes, sealing a 54-43 victory.
Edwards led the way for St. Andrew’s with 21 points and 5 rebounds, while Glover dominated the paint with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Cummings played a crucial role inside, adding 7 points and 7 rebounds. Brookwood’s Jones led all scorers with 21 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.
With the victory, St. Andrew’s finished the season with a 26-3 record, further solidifying the championship culture that Coach Abrams has built. Over the past four seasons, the Lions have compiled an 18-1 postseason record and now hold six state championships in program history.
Brookwood, which entered the championship game with a stellar 28-2 record, finishes the year at 28-3.
St. Andrew’s Scorers:
Zayden Edwards, 21; Ja’Cari Glover, 18; Miles Cummings, 7, S. Singleton, 4, Brown 3, Scott, 1
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy St. Andrew's Athletics/GIAA Sports on Social Media
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