BIRMINGHAM — Plainview held off a late rally by Midfield to win a defensive battle 40-37 and claim the Class 3A boys basketball state championship on Friday.
The Bears led for the entire second half but could never pull away from the Patriots, who cut the deficit to one point three times in the fourth quarter.
Plainview did not make a field goal in the final 5:35 but went 5-of-6 from the free throw line down the stretch to secure the victory. Midfield had one last chance when Shannon Jones launched a deep 3-pointer at the buzzer that bounced off the rim.
It’s the second straight state title and fourth since 2018 for Plainview (31-5). Midfield (26-6), aiming for its first championship since 2021, came up just short.
“We didn’t achieve our goal of being state champs, but best believe we’ll be back,” Midfield coach Courtney Jones said.
Plainview switched up its signature full-court press defense, instead slowing the pace and turning it into a halfcourt game. Luke Smith took advantage, scoring 10 of his 18 points in the third quarter as the Bears erased a halftime deficit.
“I knew if we got beat not pressing I would be the goat and I don’t mean the greatest of all time,” Plainview coach Robi Coker said. “But I thought our best chance to win the game was in the halfcourt.”
Smith finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. De’Marreon Baldwin paced Midfield with 17 points and nine boards.
Midfield shot 50 percent from the floor but attempted just 17 shots. Plainview made four 3-pointers compared to one for the Patriots.
The teams were tied 20-20 at halftime before Plainview opened the third quarter on a 10-2 run to take the lead for good. Neither team led by more than five points as defense ruled the day.
“This is a resilient group,” Coker said. “They showed their character and love for one another, and we figured out an identity. Because of that, they deserve to be champions.”