Wheeler wins third championship in 4 years

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) Sparked by a 9-2 run late in the second period, Wheeler captured its third state championship in four years, beating Norcross 63-47 in the Class AAAAA boys final Friday.<br> <br> James Florence scored 19 points and Sharaud Curry 14 for Wheeler (31-1), which also won titles in 1994, 2002 and 2003. The Wildcats beat South Gwinnett and Norcross in the final three rounds of the state tournament.<br> <br> ``All year long we were confident,&#39;&#39; said Curry, who played on three state championship teams. ``We knew there were a lot of good teams.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Wheeler led 31-18 at halftime and baskets by James Florence and David Gonzalvez early in the third period, gave them a 17-point cushion. Norcross (31-1), bidding to become the first undefeated state champion in 10 years in the state&#39;s largest classification, reeled off a 10-0 run to pull within 35-28.<br> <br> But Wheeler outscored the Blue Devils 9-4 over the final three minutes of the period and sealed the win with a 6-0 run midway through the fourth. Bryan Bostic scored 13 for Norcross and Jodie Meeks added 12.<br> <br> (AP story)