GAC Earns Hard Fought Victory, Advances to Title Game

Well it certainly was not a waste of gas driving out to Milledgeville, Ga last night. The Laney vs GAC game provided tons of excitement, and finished with GAC claiming a hard fought 64-56 victory. GAC advances to play Bleckley County in the AA State Championship on March 8th at 4:45 at the Macon Centreplex.

The atmosphere was crazy throughout the whole night. Laney brought their fans and GAC brought theirs as well; including their student section which was rowdy the whole night. From the opening tip this game was intense. Each team battled hard in the first quarter using solid defense and good ball movement on offense to get open shots. The first quarter ended with Laney in control up 16-10.

In the second quarter it was much of the same. Both teams continued their physical ways on both ends of the floor. Laney had some success when Zep Jasper was able to beat his man off the dribble and get in the paint for an easy shot or an assist. But, Laney also got into foul trouble which allowed GAC to stay in the game in the first half. The half ended with Laney holding a narrow 27-25 lead.

The third quarter is when GAC made their move. They outscored Laney 20-12 in this quarter to take a 45-39 lead into the final quarter. GAC used a good zone defense that enable them to force some difficult Laney shots, as well as get some steals that lead to transition points. GAC also got the ball down low in the post at a higher rate which lead to some easier buckets.

But, Laney came out firing early in the fourth quarter lead by Jashawn Brooks (21 points). During one stretch he hit three straight 3 pointers to bring his team back in it. And with tons of hustle, leadership, good defense, and their fans help Laney took a 48-47 lead with 6:20 left in the game. But, that lead was short lived as GAC hit a big three with 4:15 left to go back up 50-48. From that point, they did not look back as they closed the game on a 14-8 run.

GAC was lead by Isaiah Wilkins (16 points) and Collin Swinton (14 points).

Congratulations to GAC for advancing to the State Championship game! Good luck to the Spartans! And congrats to Laney as well, on a great season. The future is bright for you Wildcats!

Watch the highlights above to see how GAC advanced to the AA Title Game!