By Jack Daigle
 

4th Grade Boys Championship:
Collins Hill def. Lambert

Collins Hill defeated Lambert 31-28, to claim the 4th Grade Boys championship at the GYBA Finals on Sunday afternoon. 

Collins Hill was led by Calam Howard, who finished with 19 points. Howard was a dominant force all season long and finished the season with a strong showing. 

For Lambert, #4 Holbein led the way with 9 points. Lambert played a hard-fought game that was tense until the very end. 

This game was a fantastic finish season for the 4th Grade GYBA bracket, with lots of young talent on display.

5th Grade Boys Championship: Chattahoochee def. North Gwinnett

In the 5th Grade Championship, Chattahoochee defeated North Gwinnett, 40-38, to cap off the season. 

PG Nazir Winfrey steadied the ship for Chattahoochee, attacking the defense in both half court and transition. Winfrey had 13 points and a number of assists to lead a balanced attack from Chattahoochee. 

When asked about the season, Head Coach David Anderson said “There’s been a lot of dedication and commitment both from players and parents. This is a huge milestone for the organization, where we’re trying to build a winning culture”. Anderson also complimented on his team’s ability to stay composed in such an intense game. 

North Gwinnett played an incredibly tough game throughout. SG C.Davis (#30) poured in 19 points, including 4 threes. 

Both of these programs have very bright futures ahead, and should return with competitive teams next season. 

7th/8th Girls Championship:
Gainesville def. Marist

On the lady’s side of the tournament, the 7th/8th Gainesville team easily handled Marist, winning 53-32. 

Gainesville ran like a well-oiled machine all game, with nearly every player on the roster. Gainesville’s defense and team play was a sight to behold all season, and was on stage again in the championship. 

Marist was led by #24, who had 19 points. Marist also had a great season with the GYBA, but ultimately wasn’t able to pull it off in the championship. 

These two teams provide an exciting look for the future of women’s basketball in Georgia!

8th Grade Boys Championship:
Milton def. Buford

The final game of this GYBA season was one for the books! This was some of highest level basketball seem all season, with the 8th Grade Milton Team defeating Buford, 55-37. 

The game was close until the 4th quarter, when PG Christian Edwards (28 points) completely took over, and put the game on ice. Edwards was aided by his teammates, who were making the right plays the entire game. 

“We came, we saw, we conquered. We’ve had battles with this team all season, and I’m proud of my guys for sticking together”, said Milton Head Coach Reggie Dixon. Dixon also commented on his team’s toughness, noting the skill level of the other teams they have played this season. 

Buford’s size and athleticism were on display this game, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to take down the Eagles. #2 led the way for Buford with 15 points. 

Couldn’t ask for a better finish to the GYBA season. Some of the best of Georgia’s youth basketball talent was seen this season, and we can’t wait to continue to see these players and teams develop.