MACON — With a chance to win in regulation and in overtime, the ball did not fall Butler’s way as the Bulldogs fell 53-52 in overtime against Morgan County for the Georgia High School AA Basketball State Championship on Saturday, March 14 at Macon Coliseum.
“We got a shot attempt two feet in the paint with (guard De’cori) Fleming; we will take that everyday of the week,” said Butler Coach Chaz Clark. “We weren’t the best version of our self today. All the praise goes to the coach and Morgan County. They were the better coached team today.”
The Bulldogs got down early 10-0 before battling back on a 13-3 run. Butler took the lead 23-20 after the first half as senior Kwamane Bridges led with 13 points.
It was a back-and-forth battle from there on as 10 lead changes occurred in the game.
Junior guard De’cori Fleming gave Butler a 44-42 lead on an and-one layup, but a jumper from Jacoby Simmons of Morgan County tied the game with 34 seconds remaining.
Bridges shot open midrange look, but it rolled out and the game headed to overtime.
Down 53-52, Fleming drove for a layup that would also fall in and out, handing Morgan County the win in overtime.
Bridges finished with 22 points, leading all scorers. Clark praised Bridges and many of his players after the game.
“He is going to end his career at Butler with 1,500 plus points, and I don’t think to many people had a career like him,” Clark said. “Wherever he decides to sign, I am sure going to miss him and whatever coach is lucky enough to get him, I promise you won’t find no one who works harder than him.”
Although Butler is losing two-star seniors in Bridges and last year transfer Ahmaad Anthony, Clark is excited for his other guys returning next season.
“I am so excited about the future,” Clark said.
Butler won the state championship last season, winning their first title in 59 years. Butler’s other recent appearance in the state title came in 2022 when the Bulldogs lost to Westside.
“Now we are back in our comfort spot being the hunters”, Clark said. “Will be back and will be much better.”
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
