The idea that Miller Grove’s third consecutive championship was a greased ride fails to acknowledge this team’s resiliency, or its need for it.
A year ago, star center Tony Parker missed most of the state playoffs with toe and ankle injuries, and Miller Grove defended its title anyway, surviving a one-point win in the semifinals without him.
This season, it was Henry Brooks, the 6-foot-8 senior who did not play in the Class AAAA semifinals or the final because of an ankle injury.
Without its second-leading scorer, Miller Grove on Friday became the 10th Georgia boys basketball team to win three titles, defeating Rockdale County 67-59 at Gwinnett Arena.
‘’This team we have, we’re strong,’’ said Justin Colvin, who replaced Brooks in the starting lineup and scored 11 points in the first half. ‘’We’re like a brotherhood. We always figure out how to win.’’
Parker, making the most of his opportunity to play in the finals this year, scored 21 points and had 15 rebounds and five blocked shots. Parker said Brooks’ absence was a challenge. Brooks also didn't play in the semifinal victory over Jonesboro.
“Henry fought for us all year, and it was my time to fight for him,’’ said Parker, perhaps Georgia’s No. 1 college prospect among juniors. “He’s my brother, and I love him. But it wasn’t just Henry that pushed us. We wanted to win three. It wasn’t a goal, but a standard at Miller Grove.’’
Miller Grove coach Sharman White called it “Mission Possible,’’ the quest for three, and the championship game had its tense moments.
Miller Grove made its first five shots of the second half and led 58-43 after a 11-2 run, but the lead would not hold. Rockdale County battled back to tie the score 53-53 with 4:37 left. Deshaun Sunderhaus scored eight points in a 20-5 Rockdale County run.
Miller Grove went inside to regain control. Brandon Morris, Miller Grove’s other 6-8 forward, scored six of his 11 points in the final quarter.
In the first half, it was Miller Grove’s underrated backcourt that got the team going. Devon Provost scored 12 points, and Colvin made three 3-pointers.
“I always felt like today was my day to step up,’’ Colvin said. “Henry’s a tough individual. If anything, I wanted to win for Henry.’’
Rockdale County (26-6) was playing in its first final since 1987, which it won but later vacated because of ineligible players. The team was led in scoring by Bernard Thompson, with 15 points.
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