​​There’s a Winning Number at Tri-Cities High School​!

The Bulldogs captured their third Georgia High School Association (GHSA) 5A Boys Basketball State Championship this season, adding another chapter to the proud tradition of excellence on the court and in the classroom.

It was also the third state title for Coach Omari Forts, who has long believed in the power of perseverance—and in the importance of support from the entire school community.

“Three is my favorite number,” Forts said. “I wore #33 in high school.”

This season, Forts said, was defined by growth and resilience: “We had a season of maturation. It took a lot of support in school and on the court to grow guys to maturity.”

That combination of talent and teamwork led several players to shine.

“Sean Van Dorn, who has already signed with Georgia Southern University, was our rock,” Forts said. “He was our most steady guy and instrumental in raising the level of play of the guys around him to his level.”

Sophomore Tre Keith made school history by becoming the first sophomore point guard to lead Tri-Cities to a state championship. Meanwhile, Jalan Wingfield, named the Morgan & Morgan Most Valuable Player of the game, continues to draw national attention with 20 Division I college offers, including from SEC standouts Auburn and Alabama. Jalan also carries a family legacy. He is the son of former NBA player Antonio Wingfield.

“Not many sons and fathers have won state championships in Georgia,” Forts said. “Between the two of them they have won five.”

Success at Tri-Cities extends beyond the basketball court. The entire team boasts a 3.0 GPA or higher, proving the Bulldogs are true scholar-athletes.

For Principal Dr. Amanda Gorham, herself a proud Tri-Cities alumna and former basketball player, the victory held personal meaning.

“It’s major coming in as a first-year principal to be able to win a state championship,” Dr. Gorham said. “I was also a basketball player at Tri-Cities. It’s something we never accomplished, although we made it to the Sweet 16.”

The school and community celebrated the championship with a victory parade on April 2. Players rode through the streets of East Point in black trucks, greeted by cheering residents, colorful signs, and even a few pom poms waved by East Point Mayor Deanna Ingraham alongside Tri-Cities students.

For Dr. Gorham, the moment brought everything full circle.

“It’s really going full circle to be able to experience this win in a different role at my alma mater,” she said.

Three championships. A team GPA above 3.0. And a legacy at Tri-Cities High School that will inspire for years to come.

Tri-Cities marching band leads the parade celebration.

 

Tri-Cities basketballers celebrate in the parade.

 

Principal Gorham, Tri-Cities players, & Coach Forts with the state championship trophy.

 

East Point Mayor Ingraham (left) and Tri-Cities Principal Gorham at the parade for their win.