The Rocky Mount Telegram

3-A STATE TITLE GAME

CHAMPIONS: Gryphons' state title ends in grand fashion

Telegram photo / Alan Campbell

Rocky Mount High’s T.J. Walker, center, celebrates with his teammates Saturday following the Gryphons 84-79 win against Concord in the NCHSAA 3-A state championship game at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill.

CHAPEL HILL — T.J. Walker stood on the court next to coach Mike Gainey with a massive brace running down his left leg.

Walker entered the contest even though he could barely walk. He’s been injured since late December when he tore his ACL in a holiday tournament.

PHOTO GALLERIES

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LOCAL SPORTS COLUMNS

GRILLO: Battling Bishops coach Thompson enjoyed team's championship run
N.C. Wesleyan’s basketball season ended suddenly in defeat two and a half weeks ago in the USA South basketball tournament’s title game.

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COLLEGE HEADLINES

Tar Heels get chance to extend season with NIT bid
CHAPEL HILL — Marcus Ginyard is relieved and grateful to have the chance to keep playing at North Carolina. It doesn’t matter that the reigning national champions are reduced to playing in the NIT, either.

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HIGH SCHOOL HEADLINES

Gryphons win cold Big East Conference opener
Rocky Mount High freshman Zack Green left his feet, his hands (one grasping a tennis racquet) clenched at his side in celebration.

On his way down, his shoes skidded across the court and Green nearly took a header.

Not a bad way to cap a three-set tiebreak victory against Nash Central’s Zack Connor on Tuesday at Nash Central.

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PROFESSIONAL HEADLINES

Peppers signs with Chicago Bears
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Julius Peppers is no longer a Carolina Panther.

The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end and top free agent prize agreed Friday to a six-year deal with the Chicago Bears, the biggest move on a day the team showed it’s intent on contending again after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.