CA Johnson for the win! Hornets bring home first hoops state title since 2014
The CA Johnson boys basketball team, playing less than four miles from its campus, used that proximity to its advantage and won its first state championship in more than a decade.
The Hornets gave their fans who packed the Colonial Life Arena on Saturday plenty to cheer about as they defeated Bethune Bowman, 72-64, in the Class A championship game.
It was CA Johnson’s third title in program history and first since 2014. The other one came in 1989 when Carey Rich was a player. Rich, now an assistant coach at South Carolina, was among those who helped bring back the championships to Columbia for the first time since 2020.
“It makes it very special, being from right up the street,” CA Johnson coach Robert McCray said. “It makes this even more special. … Nothing like playing at the CLA. I am glad they brought it back here. I want to thank Carey Rich and those who brought it back here. We couldn’t be more happy and more excited.
“... Just looking and seeing all the smiles in the crowd and the joy. Looking at the cheerleaders, they are a big part of it. This whole community is special, and it made me proud.”
As the final buzzer sounded when McCray’s son Milton slammed home the final basket, the CAJ head coach took it all in, turning around and saluting the Green Hornets fans as he was able to deliver the title he promised when he was hired three seasons ago.
The players and coaches wasted no time celebrating on the court, breaking out the championship T-shirts that athletic director Dameon Franklin had made for them that read, “The Hornets Champs 2026 Are Here.”
“Our AD said we ain’t losing so we are going to T-shirts made. I said go ahead,” McCray said.
Aissacc Germany and Blythewood transfer Javarius Wyche each scored 24 points to lead the Green Hornets. Class A Player of Year Milton McCray added 14 points.
Germany, a senior, grabbed 17 rebounds and had a double-double by halftime as the Green Hornets led 37-25 at the break.
“This was a hard mountain to climb, but we got through it. And winning the state is all that matters,” Germany said. “Bringing this championship for the program, helping out the alumni at CA Johnson is special. We are glad we brought it home.”
Germany also had seven of the Green Hornets’ 18 steals. CAJ’s defense caused problems for much of the game. Bethune Bowman had 31 turnovers, leading to 32 points for the Green Hornets.
CAJ’s lead grew to 16 points before Bethune Bowman finished the quarter on a 9-0 run, capped off by a Kejuan Guinyard layup to cut the Green Hornets’ lead to 48-41.
The Mohawks got to within 67-64 with just over a minute left, but Germany answered with a layup and Tony Odom hit a free throw to make it 70-64 with 16 seconds left.
“We knew they couldn’t play with us,” Wyche said. “So we had to stay what we do, stay disciplined, stay together, and we were able to come away with the victory.”
Terrance McFadden led Bethune Bowman with 31 points and 13 rebounds. Jaden Bell added 16 points. The Mohawks were making their second championship appearance in the past three seasons.
CA Johnson: Aissicc Germany 24, Javarius Wyche 24. Milton McCray 14, Odom 8, Harper 2. Bethune Bowman: Terrance McFadden 31, Jaden Bell 16, Guinyard 8, Elliot 5, Keitt 2, Asbury 2.
This story was originally published March 7, 2026 at 4:46 PM.
