For the fifth year in a row, the Greenville Parks and Recreation Department 18-and-under basketball team is the state champion.

In the first round of the ARPA state basketball tournament in Gadsden last weekend, Greenville defeated Madison County 89-49 in the opening game.

Montrez Cannon had 26 points for Greenville, followed by Bobby Goldsmith with 22.

Greenville continued to play well, rolling over Trussville before meeting up with Dothan in the championship.

Dothan defeated Greenville in the district tournament, but Greenville came to play in the championship.

Michael Peagler scored 16 points, and both Goldsmith and Patrick Tolliver scored 11 points each.

Greenville won the game 69-63.

“We were more motivated at the state than at the district level,” said GPRD director Jerome Harris. “I think pride took over and they showed they were the best team there. These guys didn’t want to be the team that didn’t win the state championship. Some of these kids have been involved in four of the championships.”