MACON – Morgan County saved its best moment for the biggest stage.
In a back-and-forth battle that wasn’t decided until the final seconds of overtime, the Dogs defeated defending state champion Butler 53-52 on March 14 at the Macon Coliseum to capture the GHSA Class 2A title.
Morgan County senior point guard Zeki Locus stepped to the free-throw line with 6.2 seconds left, trailing 52-51. Calmly, he sank both shots, giving the Dogs the lead. Despite a tough day at the stripe, finishing 8 of 15, Locus delivered when it mattered most.
“He's just a winner,” said Morgan County head coach Cody Anderson of Locus after the game. “He hasn't had an easy road in a lot of different areas, but he just keeps winning. People have doubted his shooting, but I had no doubt about those last two free throws.”
Butler had one final chance after a timeout, inbounding to junior De'Cori Fleming, who pulled up for a jumper as the clock wound down. The shot rimmed out, sealing Morgan County’s thrilling 53-52 victory.
The Dogs rushed the court in celebration, winning their first state championship since 2019.
“I missed a lot of free throws in this game,” Locus said. “We weren't great from the three, but just getting into the paint, getting to the free-throw line—that’s what we're going to try to live at if the three's not falling.”
The Dogs came out firing, jumping to a 10-0 lead early. Butler battled back, trailing just 12-10 after the first quarter and 23-20 at halftime. The third quarter remained tight, with Butler holding a slim 32-31 lead entering the fourth.
The Bulldogs’ dynamic duo of Fleming and Kwamane Bridges combined for 34 points, but Morgan County answered every push, keeping the game within reach. Jacoby Simmons, who fouled out in overtime, hit a clutch jumper with 44 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 44.
Locus was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. He finished with a double-double, leading the team with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
Guards Garrett Ward and Trey Carter each added 10 points, while Kobi Jefferies contributed six points and nine rebounds. Simmons finished with five points.
Anderson, who has coached him for four years, was proud to see Locus and the senior class end their careers on top.
“To go from where our program was four years ago to now, for him and Jacoby to be part of that from day one is special,” Anderson said. “He'll go down as one of the most decorated players to ever play here.”
Morgan County finished the season 26‑6, riding a 19‑game winning streak to close out the year.