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St. Pius wins first state title with crucial 3-pointer
Golden Lions complete perfect 33-0 season with victory over Pace Academy
Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:43am
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St. Pius X guard Westin Keppen hit a clutch 3-pointer in the final minutes to lead his team to a 54-51 victory over Pace Academy in the Class 4A GHSA State Championship game. The win capped off an undefeated 33-0 season for the Golden Lions, the only team in Georgia to finish the year without a loss, and secured the school's first-ever state title.
Why it matters
St. Pius X's perfect season and first-ever state championship is a major accomplishment for the school's basketball program, which has long been overshadowed by other powerhouse teams in the state. The dramatic victory over rival Pace Academy also cements the Golden Lions' status as one of the top high school basketball teams in Georgia.
The details
With the game tied 51-51 in the final minutes, Westin Keppen received a pass on the left side and confidently knocked down the go-ahead 3-pointer to give St. Pius the lead. The Golden Lions then held on defensively in the closing seconds to secure the 54-51 win and complete their perfect 33-0 season.
- The Class 4A GHSA State Championship game was played on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Macon Coliseum.
The players
Westin Keppen
A senior guard for St. Pius X who hit the game-winning 3-pointer to lead his team to the state championship.
St. Pius X
The Golden Lions basketball team, which finished the 2025-26 season with a perfect 33-0 record and won the first state title in school history.
Pace Academy
The rival high school that St. Pius X defeated 54-51 in the Class 4A GHSA State Championship game.
What they’re saying
“Westin's shot hit nothing but net and paved the way for St. Pius to defeat Pace Academy 54-51 in the Class 4A championship game.”
— Stan Awtrey, Author
The takeaway
St. Pius X's perfect season and first-ever state championship is a landmark achievement for the school's basketball program, showcasing the team's talent, resilience, and ability to deliver in the biggest moments. The dramatic victory over rival Pace Academy will be remembered as one of the most thrilling high school basketball games in Georgia history.
