Butler Wins First State Basketball Championship Since 1966, Defeats Union County 59-47
Butler High School’s basketball team beat Union County 59-47 to win the Georgia High School Association Class 2A championship on March 6, 2025.
The long-awaited win gives Butler its first state title in six decades, following an amazing comeback. After starting rough with a 7-8 record, the team caught fire and won 14 games in a row.
Star player Kwamane Bridges led the way with 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. His fellow teammate De’Cori Fleming added 11 points and dominated with 14 rebounds.
The game was close until the end. Union County got within one point in the fourth quarter, but Butler pulled it together and took control for the win.
“It’s going to take some time for them to sit back and get a little older, get a little wiser and realize what they have done, not only for a school but for a community, a community that desperately, desperately needed something like this,” said Coach Chaz Clark to News 12.
Clark’s journey is something special. Starting as a player, then assistant, and now head coach, he’s the first person ever to serve Butler basketball in all three roles.
With Denmark-Olar boys also winning their championship the same day, the AA state trophy stays in Augusta for the fourth year in a row.
