They came into the game as the two of premier programs in the state and the country. And what they did on Friday night only enhanced that reputation.

In an historic game that lived up to the hype, Norcross outlasted Wheeler, 57-54, to win its third consecutive Class AAAAA title. Norcross led by as many as 15 points early, but Wheeler, winners of three state titles in 2002, 2003 and 2005, pecked away at the lead as the teams traded baskets in a intense fourth-quarter, in which no team led by more than four points. But up by one point, 53-52 with 25 seconds left, Al-Farouq Aminu calmly drained two free throws to give Norcross a three-point lead. Wheeler's Phil Taylor answered with a fading jumper with 14 seconds left. After a timemout, Norcross' Zach Lamb inbounded to Taariq Muhammad who had broken free downcourt. Muhammad faked, pivoted and scored for the history-clinching bucket. No team in the largest classification had won three straight titles since Lanier did in 1938-1940.

"Three-peat," Muhammad said in the jubilant Blue Devils' locker room. "This ain't happened since World War something. Defense wins championships. (Wheeler) didn't want to play D. Offense gets you points, defense gets you championships. That's what coach (Eddie) Martin has been telling us since Day One."

Ranked No. 6 by USA Today, the Blue Devils (29-2) held Wheeler, the highest scoring team in the tourmament to their lowest total of the year. Their previous low was 66 points. Aminu sparked the defensive charge with six blocks with help from A.J. Hawkins. Aminu, the McDonald's All-American, was held to 17 points, six below his average, but played his usual terrific all-around game.

After falling behind early, Wheeler (ranked No. 15 by USA Today) did some play defense, holding Norcross to a total of 20 points in the second and third periods. Ari Stewart led all scorers with 18 points and Richard Howell added 12. The Wildcats (30-3) made a valiant comeback that led to the thrilling finish but it wasn't enough.

"They wanted it just as bad as we did," Hawkins said. "But we just had to take it away. This was something I've been wanting for alont time. It's a dream come true."

Norcross came out on fire, scoring the first six points of the game. Halfway into the first quarter, Norcross was up 17-2 led by Aminu who had eight points, but wouldn't score again in the half. That gave Wheeler time to settle down and the Wildcats went on a 9-0 run to finish the quarter.

Norcross led 28-24 at intermission.