LILBURN, GA – All season Region 8-AAAAAA has been a slugfest. The teams have worn each other out during the regular season.

So, why would the championship game be any different?

Berkmar and Shiloh were locked into a nail-biting final, where shots were made and defensive stops were needed to crown a champion. Fortunately for the Patriots they hit four free throws in the waning seconds for a 51-47 win on its home floor.

Now, Berkmar will host Johns Creek in the first round of the Class AAAAAA state playoffs.

“The last four region champions were playing in this game,” an emotionally drained Greg Phillips said after the game. “It has become a really good rivalry.”

Well, the latest chapter in the rivalry was decided on the line – literally.

Shiloh was gaining momentum and tied the ball game with less than 20 seconds to play. Berkmar (22-6) called a timeout designed to not only get the ball in-bounds or play for the potential game-winner.

The Patriots’ Kiair Crouch was fouled with a chance to not only help take the lead but to redeem himself from the previous night. In the semifinal game against Dacula, he missed seven three throws that could have helped seal the game. This was his redemption. Crouch proceeded to swish both shots with ease for a 49-47 lead.

Shiloh setup its own opportunity to either tie or take the lead when it went to the basket only to find Tim Rowe waiting. The 6-foot-10 senior changed the direction of the shot. He cradled the missed and was fouled. He went to the line and nailed two free throws.

“That’s what you expect your seniors to do,” Phillips said.

Closing the game was important for Berkmar.

“When they made the comeback we had to keep our poise,” Crouch said. “I’ve been in these situations before. I had to make the free throws.”

Shiloh (18-8) rallied behind its ball pressure and consecutive three-pointers by Malik Chandler turning a nine point deficit into a 47-47 tie. Unfortunately, the Generals went cold the remainder of the game.

“The youth really showed a little tonight and it caught up with us,” Shiloh coach Kim Rivers said. “We were trying to keep the ball away from Kiair but we fouled him.”

Rowe led all scorers with a game-high 27 points. Crouch finished with 13 points.

The Generals, which will host Chattahoochee on Saturday, was led by Kareem Brewton’s 12 points. Chandler had 11 points.