Cousins Derrick and Ty Shine face off in GHSA 3A basketball state championship

The two junior guards have been rivals since childhood, playing together at their family's training gym

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Derrick Shine Jr. of Cross Creek High School and Ty Shine Jr. of Harlem High School are cousins who have been playing basketball together since they were kids. The two will now face off in the GHSA 3A state championship game, putting their lifelong rivalry on the biggest stage yet.

Why it matters

The matchup between Derrick and Ty Shine is a unique family affair, with the two having grown up playing together at their uncle's training gym. Their competitive rivalry has deep roots, and the state championship game will be the culmination of years of friendly competition between the two talented guards.

The details

Derrick and Ty, both juniors, have been talking trash and making bets on their games against each other all season. Derrick's Cross Creek team has won all three matchups so far, with Ty owing him $30 in bets. Now Ty is looking to finally get a win and the state title, doubling the bet to $20. The two have similar playing styles as lead guards who can score and facilitate, having played together on an AAU team when they were younger.

  • Derrick's Cross Creek team defeated their semifinal opponent on March 10 to advance to the state championship game.
  • Ty's Harlem team defeated their semifinal opponent on March 10 to also advance to the state championship game.
  • The GHSA 3A state championship game between Cross Creek and Harlem will be played on Wednesday, March 11.

The players

Derrick Shine Jr.

A junior guard for the Cross Creek High School basketball team.

Ty Shine Jr.

A junior guard for the Harlem High School basketball team and Derrick's cousin.

Darrin Shine

The uncle of Derrick and Ty, and the operator of the Shine Hoop Grind training facility where the two grew up playing basketball together.

Derrick Shine Sr.

Derrick Shine Jr.'s father, who also played basketball at Richmond Academy.

Ty Shine Sr.

Ty Shine Jr.'s father, who played Division I basketball at Seton Hall.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're really close. Everyday we're talking after practice, before practice sometimes. We text each other before the game to have a good game. It's crazy, it's really a blessing because we've put so much work in.”

— Derrick Shine Jr. (yahoo.com)

“Just being competitive in the gym all day working out. I've seen arguments in the gym when they were nine years old just being competitive. So everything they had coming up, we'll see it [at the game]. It's just a great family affair.”

— Darrin Shine, Derrick and Ty's uncle (yahoo.com)

“We can do whatever man. We're gonna win this game.”

— Ty Shine Jr. (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The state championship game between Cross Creek and Harlem will be played on Wednesday, March 11 in Macon, Georgia.

The takeaway

The matchup between cousins Derrick and Ty Shine in the GHSA 3A state championship game is a unique family rivalry that has been brewing since their childhood days playing together. Their competitive spirit and close relationship will make for an exciting championship game that showcases the deep basketball roots in the Shine family.