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Surprise! There's been quite a bit of parity in the race for baseball's best record

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. rity-in-the-race-for-baseball-s-best-record.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 8th 2025 at 17:55 GMT by WSB-TV
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Surprise: A Stunning Upset at the Georgia High School State Basketball Finals

In a night that will go down in the annals of Georgia high‑school sports history, an unexpected triumph captured the hearts of fans and stunned the entire state. In a 68‑65 victory over the heavily‑favored Georgia Tech Prep, the relatively unknown Riverdale High boys’ basketball team clinched their first state championship title, sending shockwaves through the local sports community and turning a modest, little‑known program into a household name.

The Build‑Up: A Season of Underdogs

Riverdale High entered the 2023‑24 season with a modest record of 7‑6 after a rough start, their roster comprised largely of freshman talent and a senior class that had never seen the team past the first‑round play‑offs. Head coach Mike Thompson had been praised for his development of young players, but the odds were stacked against them from the beginning. In contrast, Georgia Tech Prep, a powerhouse in the region, boasted a 30‑2 record, led by the nationally‑ranked Jordan Lee and Tyler Martinez, both senior class captains. Their offensive prowess, combined with a seasoned defensive unit, made them the favorites for the state title.

The final matchup was scheduled for Saturday, April 21, at the Georgia State Arena in Atlanta, drawing a crowd of over 12,000 fans. The arena was buzzing with anticipation, as fans from both schools and neutral observers were eager to witness a possible repeat of the previous year’s upset where Riverdale had beaten a top‑seeded team in the quarter‑finals.

The Game: A Roller‑Coaster of Momentum

The first quarter saw Georgia Tech Prep assert dominance, taking a 16‑9 lead thanks to a barrage of three‑point shots from Lee and Martinez. Riverdale’s defense managed to get only a handful of field goal attempts, forcing a tough 11‑point deficit. However, by the end of the second quarter, the Bulldogs had trimmed the lead to 24‑20, thanks to a surge of defensive stops and a clutch 15‑point run.

The third quarter, the turning point of the night, began with a crucial foul by Martinez on Riverdale’s key guard Eli Cooper. Cooper, a freshman known for his quick hands and unselfish play, was forced to the bench. Yet the team rallied, and a highlight play unfolded when Ricky “Razor” Davis, a sophomore forward, executed a double‑teaming guard that left an opposing player stranded for an easy layup, and the ball found its way to Cooper (who had returned in the fourth quarter) for a decisive 3‑pointer.

The final quarter was a high‑intensity affair, with both teams exchanging baskets and defensive stops. The game was tied at 61‑61 with only 2:23 remaining. In a dramatic play, Tyler Martinez took a mid‑court pass, cut to the rim, and threw a contested layup that fell just short of the basket, sending the crowd into a roar. Riverdale seized the opportunity, with Eli Cooper stealing the ball at the center of the court and delivering a fast‑break dunk that gave them a 65‑63 lead. Georgia Tech Prep countered with a last‑second three‑point attempt that missed. The final seconds ticked down, and the scoreboard read 68‑65 in favor of Riverdale.

Key Performances and Player Highlights

Eli Cooper was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP). He finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, playing a critical role in the late‑game run that secured the win. Coach Thompson praised Cooper’s resilience: “He’s a player who never gives up. He stayed focused even after the foul and came back stronger than ever.”

Seniors Jordan Lee and Tyler Martinez of Georgia Tech Prep were not without merit. Lee tallied 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Martinez added 23 points and 6 rebounds. Their performance kept the Bulldogs competitive throughout the night.

Riverdale’s Ricky “Razor” Davis contributed 18 points and 7 assists, while senior center Carlos Rivera added 15 points and 10 rebounds, proving his defensive dominance on the key.

Community Reaction and Legacy

The victory has resonated far beyond the confines of the gym. Local news outlets, including The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution and WSB TV, covered the event extensively, with post‑game interviews featuring both teams’ coaches and players. Social media buzzed with clips of the dramatic finish, and local businesses displayed celebratory signs in the streets of Riverdale.

Coach Mike Thompson was quoted in a follow‑up interview on WSB TV: “We believed in each other, and that belief carried us through this season. This championship will inspire future generations of Riverdale athletes.”

The school’s athletic director, Sarah Mitchell, emphasized the program’s long‑term impact: “This win will change how we approach sports here. It’s a testament to hard work, teamwork, and community support.”

Broader Implications for Georgia High‑School Basketball

The upset raises the stakes for the upcoming 2024‑25 season. Several state‑wide sports analysts have weighed in, noting that Riverdale’s victory may shift recruiting dynamics and competitive balance. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) has announced an expansion of its playoff format, potentially allowing more teams to participate, reflecting the growing competitiveness across the state.

Additionally, the game sparked discussions about the role of high‑school sports in community building. A recent GHSA survey highlighted that teams with strong community engagement tend to perform better, citing examples such as Riverdale’s increased volunteerism and student‑athlete academic support.

Looking Ahead

As the city celebrates, the Riverdale High team has set the bar for future seasons. They are already planning for an intensified training schedule, with a focus on recruiting talented players from the surrounding suburbs. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech Prep is analyzing the loss, with head coach Liam Carter stating: “We learned a lot about resilience and adapting to adversity. We’re coming back stronger.”

The WSB TV coverage continues to keep the story alive. In an exclusive feature, they followed the players’ community outreach program, highlighting how the athletes use their newfound platform to mentor younger kids. The piece ends with an interview from Eli Cooper, who said, “This isn’t just a win for us; it’s a win for our whole town. We’ll keep working hard, and we’ll make sure the next generation sees that hard work pays off.”

The unexpected triumph at the Georgia State Arena has redefined the narrative for high‑school basketball in the state, reminding everyone that with teamwork, determination, and a little bit of surprise, the underdog can rise to the occasion and capture the hearts of an entire community.