The A-Town Animals get hype during the warm-ups before the March 13 Class 5 State Basketball Championship at the VCU Siegel Center in Richmond.

Junior guard Tristian Smith goes in for a dunk during the first quarter. The Patriots were down by 6 at the end of the first half.

Junior power forward MarJaylen Jackson lines up a shot in the first quarter. Jackson led the team in field goals throughout the game.

Sophomore forward Makai Ragland blows past Green Run to go in for the slam during the first half. Ragland led the team in rebounds and foul shots in the March 13 game.

The cheer squad rallies the crowd during a Patriot foul shot attempt. The JV and Varsity winter cheer squads combined for the boys’ run to the state championship.

Senior forward Zevion Robinson takes an airborne three during the third quarter. Depth perception issues in the new venue threw off of the Pats shooting game, ending up 0-13 for three pointers.

Junior guard Isaiah Harris makes a stunning underhand finish during the second half. Harris led the team with four steals.

Junior Xzaivon Carter guards up during the second half. Carter put up two field goals for the Patriots.

Junior forward Azareon Claxton makes a breakaway layup following a steal during the second half. Claxton had three steals overall.

The crowd watches intently as the seconds tick down. With 30 seconds left, the Patriots were down 39-37.

Albemarle basketball coach Greg Maynard gives a fist bump to a Patriot as the clock winds down during the intense final minutes.

The fans celebrate when the Patriots tied up the game 41-41 with under 15 seconds left.

The Patriot faithful react in disbelief as Green Run makes a final field goal with only 6 seconds left on the clock, winning 43-41.