GHSA: Pace execution leads to AAAA title

GHSA: Pace execution leads to AAAA title

Macon, GA – If a team plays Pace Academy they need to be prepared for anything to come at them.

The Knights made one adjustment after another to beat Fayette County, 66-54, to win the Georgia High School Class AAAA boys state championship on Wednesday at the Macon Centerplex. Pace secured its fifth title in school history and its first since 2021. The Knights’ Sharman White picked up on for the other thumb and career win 498.

“I have a bad memory when it comes to things like this because I try to treat each one like it’s the most important one,” said White after the game. “We didn’t take no days off in preparation trying to get ready for a really, really good team in Fayette County.

“I don’t take these moments for granted. I try to make sure our guys don’t. It is not always guranteed you will get here every year. I’ve been fortunate as a coach to get here quite a few times.”

Kyle Green Jr and LJ Moore gave Pace (25-7) a dynamic duo to set the pace on both ends of the floor. Moore locked it down on the interior scoring 23 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

Green was spectacular at the point. He finished with 19 points by getting into the paint with ease and playing relentless defense. Kendall Evans pulled down 11 rebounds to help the Knights outrebound Fayette 41-19.

White has been building the program since taking over the Pace program to a championship level over the last few years.

“It has been fun,” he said. “When I got there they were very receptive to the things I wanted to do to make sure this program was synonomous with one of the top programs, not only in the state but in the country.”

Fayette (26-8) had two players in double figures from Robert Hurst (12 points) and Tobi Ijiwoye (10 points). The Tigers leading scorer RJ Kennedy was held to eight points.