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The Heritage-Catoosa girls basketball team picked up a 3A Georgia High School Basketball title with a win over Sandy Creek on Wednesday night. Controversy surrounded the final moments of action.
Top player Morghan Reckley was ejected after picking up her second technical foul in overtime. Without her presence on the floor, the Patriots fell.
The Heritage Generals won the game 65-63 to secure the championship.
The contest was full of both excitement and emotion as players battled for the GHSA crown. Sandy Creek led 28-20 at the halftime break.
Heritage would stand its ground to match the Patriots in the third quarter of play before closing the deficit late. The Generals used a 24-16 final period to force overtime. They’d get the job done in the extra session.
Georgia high school basketball ejection creates controversy.
Sandy Creek’s Morghan Reckley was the best player on the floor. She scored 29 points while adding five steals and six boards. Unfortunately, her night ended early.
No way in overtime of a state championship do you make this call to kick out the best player. Theres no way.. pic.twitter.com/ew0mcrVOiU
— SSN Jay-O (@Jay_3shifty) March 11, 2026
With 2:35 remaining in overtime, she was tossed from the game. That exit was a result of extra-curricular activity following a Sandy Creek bucket.
Reckley led a fast break before dishing a pass to her teammate for a layup. It ended with a made basket and Heritage foul.
Before the Patriots could complete the and-1 attempt, Reckley bumped a Heritage player. While contact was minimal, she was T’d up.
Reckley, who is a Top 10 prospect in her respective class, had already received a technical in regulation. Her second ended her night.
Not only did the foul force an exit, but it gave the Generals a chance to tie the game.
Reckley’s assist helped Sandy Creek gain a 62-60 advantage. Heritage would get two free throws and the ball back. The Generals tied the game at the charity stripe before winning a few possessions later.
Referees had to maintain control.
Morghan Reckley’s first technical absolutely played a role in the second offense. Officials had a quick whistle. They did not want emotions to boil over.
While Reckley went out of her way to make contact, the Heritage player sold the bump with an obvious flop. The ejection sparked debate online.
“Absolutely the right call,” wrote one follower. “That player made a spirited beeline straight for that girl and definitely shouldered her on purpose… She deserved what she got.”
“That’s such an obvious flop to get the desired result,” said another.
Most pointed out officials’ attempts to keep emotions in check.
“Consistency throughout the game is key – plus adjusting if things get chippy – as this game CLEARLY was,” commented this fan.
Without Reckley on the court, her team was outscored 5-1. Sandy Creek finishes the year as state runners-up.