An exciting final eight plus minutes of action saw the Indians go on a deciding 9-0 run mid-way through the fourth quarter to secure the victory following an 8-0 run from Wheeler that cut the deficit from eight points to 47-46 with 6:55 remaining in the contest.
Bailey ignited the McEachern run with a three-pointer from beyond NBA range on the left wing to extend the Indians lead to 50-46 with just over five minutes remaining. Senior forward
Nnadozie Onyirimba grabbed a Bailey miss nearly two minutes later and converted an and-one to continue the momentum.
A transition layup followed by one made free throw extended the McEachern lead to 56-46 with under three minutes to go in the game.
Five-star Rutgers signee Ace Bailey continues his stellar play in the postseason with an impressive performance in the Georgia state semifinals. (Photo: Corey Jones)
Although Wheeler clawed back to make thing interesting late, Bailey ultimately saved the day on the defensive end of the court as he erased a shot in the final 10 seconds that would have cut the deficit to 59-56.
McEachern (26-5) advances to the GHSA Class AAAAAAA state title game where the Indians will face off against the winner of Grayson versus Milton on March 9. The Indians look to capture their second state title in program history and first since running the table in 2019.
Bailey continued his strong play in the state tournament after putting up 33 points and 16 rebounds in a state quarterfinal victory over Norcross and recording 33 points and 14 rebounds in a victory over Newton in the Round of 16. Bailey also recorded 33 points and 17 rebounds in the opening round of the state tournament.
