Andrew Rogers hit 1 of 2 free throws with 24.3 seconds left and a last-second shot by Brantley's Wesley Person Jr, came up short to give top-ranked St. Jude a narrow 57-56 victory in the Class 1A boys state title game Friday.
Rogers was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
St. Jude (28-6) captured its seventh state title and its first since 2008.
Roderic Scott scored 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from behind the 3-point line for St. Jude.
LaDarius Brinson added 11 points and Keith Washington 10 for the Pirates.
Person finished with 22 points for unranked Brantley (21-6), while making all 12 of his free throws.
Otis Guice added 17 points for the Bulldogs, who led 28-23 at the half.
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