McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) finally did it. The national No. 1 Indians won the GHSA Class 7A state championship for the first time in program history, defeating defending champion Meadowcreek (Norcross, Ga.) 62-54 in the highly anticipated showdown.
The last two seasons have ended in disappointment for McEachern, losing in the state semifinals in 2016-17 and the state quarterfinals last season.
A strong start from Meadowcreek saw the defending state champions take a 15-12 lead late in the first quarter, but the Indians responded strong — as they have all season. A 16-2 run gave McEachern a 28-17 lead midway through the second quarter, one it wouldn't relinquish, holding off a strong second-half surge from the Mustangs.
Sharife Cooper battled foul trouble and fouled out late, but finished with 20 points and four rebounds for the undefeated state champions. ...