ROCHELLE, Ga. (WALB) — The Wilcox County Lady Patriots are back-to-back state champions after defeating Washington Wilkes 48-39 in a rematch of the 2025 title game.

Tyliah Benjamin scored the first six points of the game and finished with 20 points and a double-double. Shamauri Martin also recorded a double-double in the win.

Slow start, strong finish

Both offenses struggled early. Washington Wilkes finished with 20 turnovers in the gamee. Kamauri Martin applied consistent pressure, forcing multiple turnovers that converted into points.

The Lady Patriots’ offense came alive in the final 16 minutes. Lezlee Roberts, who struggled with her shot early, was a key contributor down the stretch. Roberts converted layups as Rochelle’s guards repeatedly drove to the basket.

Players react

“It was just a really high-intensity game,” Shamauri Martin said. “It was very frustrating in the beginning of the game. But just calming down and staying in the moment is really what helped us win this game.”

“It feels good. To be back-to-back with my cousins, siblings, and our family. It feels great,” Zariyah Martin said.

When asked how they want to be remembered, players pointed to the program’s standards.

“I want to be remembered as a fun team that can get out and run with you. We’re the best of the best,” Benjamin said.

“We set standards every year,” head coach Santita Coon “And those standards of Lady Patriots basketball means that, hey, we’re going to stick to these standards. And we’re going to do what we have to do to come back and get this win.”

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