MACON, Ga. — In the final moments of a championship already slipping out of reach, Alexander senior Christian Moore delivered one last emphatic statement — a thunderous left-handed dunk that punctuated the Cougars’ dominance and sealed their place atop Georgia high school basketball.
The slam came late in the fourth quarter of the GHSA Class 5A boys state championship game, serving as the exclamation point in Alexander’s 81–67 victory over Woodward Academy on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Macon Coliseum.
Cougars Pull Away Late for State Title
What had been a tightly contested matchup turned decisively in Alexander’s favor down the stretch. With the score tied 58–58 in the fourth quarter, the Cougars unleashed a decisive run, outscoring Woodward Academy 25–12 in the final period to break the game open.
The surge included a 17–4 run that transformed a back-and-forth battle into a comfortable victory, showcasing Alexander’s depth, pace and defensive pressure.
Moore’s dunk — delivered in the closing seconds — electrified the crowd and underscored the Cougars’ control as the final buzzer approached.
Balanced Effort Lifts Alexander
Alexander’s championship run was fueled by a balanced offensive performance.
- Gregory “Pops” Dunson led the Cougars with 25 points, including a long-range buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter.
- Jayden Crawford added 18 points and nine rebounds.
- Christian Moore contributed 15 points, highlighted by his late-game dunk.
Woodward Academy (25–7) was led by Myles Hayes (17 points), along with contributions from Jarvis Hayes Jr., Brantley Lusakueno, Bradyn Elder and Donovan Johnson, but could not match Alexander’s fourth-quarter surge.
Second Title in Four Years
The victory marks Alexander High School’s second state championship in four years, solidifying the program’s emergence as one of Georgia’s premier high school basketball powers.
Head coach Jason Slate described the team’s approach as relentless, wearing down opponents over time.
“It’s just an accumulation… body blows,” Slate said, describing the Cougars’ sustained pressure throughout the game.
A Defining Moment
For Moore, a senior leader, the final dunk was more than just two points — it was a defining image of the Cougars’ championship run. As teammates and fans erupted, the play symbolized both the culmination of the season and the program’s continued rise on the state stage.
Alexander players celebrated on the court moments later, hoisting the championship trophy after completing a 30–2 season with a decisive victory in one of Georgia’s most competitive classifications.
