Lakeview Academy (26-5) made a playoff run for the ages and capped it with a 53-44 overtime win over Heritage-Newnan to claim the GIAA 3A state title, the first title in school basketball history. Lakeview Academy was led by Mekhi Barber with 24 points and Tayden Ware’s 10 points in the victory.
“We were 3-of-18 on three’s and 10-of-23 from the free throw line and you do not win games like that against really good teams unless you are tough,” Lakeview Academy head coach Benji Wood said. “We defended our tails off and held a great Heritage team to 44 points including OT,” Wood added.
Wood also had plenty of emotions about winning his first state championship as a head coach.
“There have been a wide variety of emotions, but I think mostly I’m grateful. Having come close so many times, I truly appreciate this at this point in my career,” Wood said about winning the title.
In the state tournament Lakeview Academy entered as the No.3 seed and received a bye until the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals they defeated John Milledge Academy 52-34, and two-time defending GIAA 3A champion St. Andrew’s 56-54 in the semifinals to advance to the finals.
For the season Lakeview Academy was powered by Mekhi Barber (14ppg 4spg), Tayden Ware (12ppg 8rpg) and Justyce Sadler (12ppg 8rpg).
Lakeview Academy also posted a 4-2 record against GHSA state tournament teams with wins over Rabun County (2x- GHSA 1AD1 Second Round), Oglethorpe County (GHSA 1ADI Second Round), and Athens Christian (GHSA D1DI Second Round). The losses were to Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (GHSA 2A Second Round), and Athens Christian.
Lakeview Academy also had key wins over GIAA teams Loganville Christian Academy (GIAA 4A Runner Up) twice out of three games and Monsignor Donovan Catholic (GIAA 1A State Champ).
“Trust and toughness! Our guys bought into the process and we preached toughness all season,” Wood added. “We feel like the future is very bright here and we eight guys who played in the state championship returning because none of them are seniors,” Wood elated.
One would have to think that the future is bright at Lakeview Academy and winning a state championship only makes being apart of the program for those returning gives them an opportunity to build on their mark at Lakeview Academy.
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