COLUMBUS, Ga. (March 1, 2026) — Terrell Academy’s Lady Eagles won the GIAA Class AAA girls basketball state championship Friday, defeating Lakeview 51-48 at Columbus State University.

Slow start, strong finish

Terrell Academy fell behind by 11 points in the first half before rallying. A floater in the lane by Sally Masters just before halftime cut the deficit to four and kept the Lady Eagles within reach heading into the break.

The second half belonged to Terrell Academy. Lily Addison was a consistent scoring threat, and Natalie Oliver knocked down three-pointers in the second half. Hadley Webb scored early and was a factor down the stretch, converting free throws in the closing minutes. Lakeview’s best player fouled out late in the game.

Annalea Massey also contributed, taking a physical toll during the contest.

Players react after the win

“We knew we could be here, and we knew we had what it took to be here,” Massey said. “That was the best game I think we’ve ever played.”

“I’ve got to do it for my teammates,” Lily Addison said. “We came short in softball and this was my time. I love my teammates. I love our coach. It was our year.”

“It means really leaving the program in a really good place,” Masters said.

Webb added, “Winning with my best friends — these are the people I’ve grown up with. We’ve worked so hard to get to this point. It just means the world to play with my best friends one last time before Sally and Annalea graduate.”

“It’s not just about the girls basketball team,” head coach Eric Israel said. “It’s about the entire program. The girls that came before us. The girls that are going to be after us. The entire school. I love Terrell Academy.”

Terrell Academy was led by head coach Eric Israel.

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