PHOTOS: Southwest falls to B.E.S.T. in state title game

The Southwest Patriots fell to B.E.S.T. Academy 62-56 in the GHSA Class A Division 1 State Championship Saturday.

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March 8, 2025
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The Southwest Patriots fell to B.E.S.T. Academy 62-56 in the GHSA Class A Division 1 State Championship Saturday. Photos by Mark Powell and Jason Vorhees

Southwest fans cheer on the Patriots during their GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship against B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Mark Powell / For The Melody
Southwest guard C.J. Howard (1) puts up a shot past a B.E.S.T. Academy defender during the GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Jason Vorhees / The Melody
Jason Vorhees / The Melody Mark Powell / For The Melody
Southwest fans cheer on the Patriots during their GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship against B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Mark Powell / For The Melody
A basketball player wearing a white "Patriots" jersey with the number 0 shouts in celebration, clenching his fists. He has a white headband and curly hair, and his face shows intense emotion. Behind him, teammates in matching white uniforms and a crowd of fans, many dressed in red, cheer with raised arms. An opposing player in a dark uniform stands in the background.
Southwest guard Chase Dupree (0) reacts after a driving basket during the Patriots GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship against B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Jason Vorhees / The Melody
Southwest head coach Monquencio Hardnett speks to his team during a timeout of the Patriots’ state championship loss to B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Mark Powell / For The Melody
Southwest fans cheer on the Patriots during their GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship against B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Mark Powell / For The Melody
Southwest students cheer on the Patriots during their GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship against B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Mark Powell / For The Melody
Southwest guard Brandon Ashley (4) attempts to block the shot of B.E.S.T. Academy’s Jacob Mickell (4) during the GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Jason Vorhees / The Melody
Southwest guard C.J. Howard (1) reacts after a driving basket during the Patriots GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship against B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Jason Vorhees / The Melody
The Southwest bench reacts to a three-point shot by C.J. Howard duiring the Patriots GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship against B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Mark Powell / For The Melody
Southwest guard Chase Dupree (0) attempts to steal the ball from B.E.S.T. Academy’s Jacob Mickell (4) during the GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Jason Vorhees / The Melody
Southwest guard C.J. Howard (1) puts up a shot over a B.E.S.T. Academy defender during the GHSA Class ! Division 1 State Championship Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Jason Vorhees / The Melody
Southwest head coach Monquencio Hardnett consoles Brandon Ashley after the Patriots’ state championship loss to B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Mark Powell / For The Melody
Southwest guard Chase Dupree (0) sits at halfcourt after the Patriots’ state championship loss to B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Jason Vorhees / The Melody
A basketball game at Macon Coliseum with the crowd cheering, with many fans standing, raising their arms, and celebrating. Players on the court, wearing white and black uniforms, also react to the moment. The large arena is packed with spectators, and the excitement is visible throughout the scene.
Southwest head coach Monquencio Hardnett consoles Brandon Ashley after the Patriots’ state championship loss to B.E.S.T. Academy Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. Jason Vorhees / The Melody

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Author
Jason Vorhees

Jason is our photographer. An award-winning journalist, he has spent more than 25 years capturing the sights, sounds and people of Middle Georgia. He lives in Macon with his wife, Brandi, and their sons Cooper and Evan. Jason is an avid sports fan and bourbon aficionado.

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