Plainview Advances to Class 4A State Finals with Semifinal Win Over Top Ranked Fairfield 

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Plainvew Bears are one step closer to a coveted Blue Map after defeating the top ranked Fairfield Tigers 51–42 in the nightcap of the AHSAA State Finals inside the BJCC’s Legacy Arena in Birmingham. 

Led by head coach Cade Willingham, a former Plainview standout who won a 3A title with the Bears in 2018, Plainview (30-6) more than held their own against Fairfield (30-5), last year’s 5A state champions. The Tigers were playing in Class 4A this season after reclassification and were led by veteran head coach Maurice Ford. 

Crucial Moments in the Matchup 

The Bears dominated the game for 30 minutes and 47 seconds of the 32-minute contest. Despite their lead, Fairfield made a strong comeback attempt in the final minutes, ramping up the pressure. However, Plainview held their ground, thanks to clutch performances at the free-throw line. 

Junior guard Sawyer Wilborn proved to be a decisive factor for the Bears, going 11-of-12 from the free-throw line, including a flawless 6-for-6 in the game’s final 74 seconds. Wilborn finished with 15 points and four assists to lead the Bears. 

“It’s really just a confidence thing,” Wilborn said about his composure under pressure. “When I step to the line, I just tell myself, ‘I ain’t missing.’” 

Sophomore Grant Nickleson also put on an impressive performance, scoring 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including a pair of three-pointers. 

Bears’ Defensive Stand 

Plainview’s defense shined throughout the semifinal showdown, holding Fairfield to just 28.6% shooting from the field. The Tigers managed to stay within reach by dominating the charity stripe, sinking 11 of 12 attempts in the first half alone and finishing 19-of-22 for the game. 

Fairfield’s Milton Jones led the Tigers with 15 points and five rebounds, while Jeffery Duncan added 11 points. The Tigers also out-rebounded Plainview 27-23, with DeMarcus Williams contributing seven boards. 


 

Plainview’s Path Forward 

With the win, Plainview now moves on to face the defending Class 4A champion Jackson Aggies in the Class 4A championship game on Friday at 5:45 p.m. The Aggies (22-4) edged past Brooks in their semifinal game with a narrow 37–34 victory. 

Coach Willingham acknowledges the challenge ahead, saying, “It’s definitely going to be a tough battle. They’re the 4A state champions. We know they’re winners. We’ll prepare and be ready to play for a state championship.” 

Plainview will face the daunting task of defeating two reigning state champions back-to-back to claim the blue map, as Fairfield won the Class 5A crown last year, and Jackson is the defending Class 4A champion. 

AHSAA 2025 State Finals 

The 105th AHSAA State Basketball Championships continue with semifinal games in Classes 6A and 5A on Wednesday, followed by 7A semifinals on Thursday. Championship games for Classes 1A through 4A are set for Thursday and Friday, while the tournament will conclude with Classes 5A, 6A, and 7A title matchups on Saturday, March 1.

PrepsNet

PrepsNet
High School Sports Live Here.