Spring Garden Girls Secure Third Consecutive 1A State Championship Behind Ace Austin’s 40-Point Performance

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Spring Garden Lady Panthers continued their basketball dominance on Thursday night, capturing their third straight AHSAA Class 1A title with a 73-43 victory over the Brilliant Tigers in the 105th AHSAA State Basketball Championships at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.

Led by an outstanding performance from senior Ace Austin, Spring Garden showcased why they remain a powerhouse in Alabama high school girls’ basketball.

Ace Austin’s Career-Defining Performance

Austin, who has become a household name in Alabama high school sports, delivered an unforgettable performance in her final game. She scored 40 points, shooting 14-of-27 from the field, 7-of-15 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. The University of Alabama signee also grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out 8 assists, and recorded 5 steals, showcasing her versatility and skill on both ends of the court.

Austin closed her illustrious six-year career with remarkable stats, including 3,940 career points, 1,382 rebounds, 1,429 assists, and 863 steals over 213 games—an AHSAA state record for most games played and wins (203). She was named MVP for each of Spring Garden’s state title wins in 2023, 2024, and 2025, underlining her immense impact on the program.

Coach Ricky Austin, Ace’s father, praised her contributions, stating, “Ace has left a legacy that will be remembered for years. She’s the ultimate competitor, and her dedication has inspired her teammates and coaches alike.”

Team Effort Seals Victory

Spring Garden (36-1) relied on more than just Austin’s brilliance to secure the win. Fellow senior Maggie Jarrett contributed 18 points, hitting 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, while Kristen Lewis added 6 points to the effort. Montana Highfield provided key defensive support with 3 rebounds, ensuring a balanced team performance.

Brilliant (23-12), making their first-ever state title game appearance under Coach Ryan Sanderson, fought valiantly, staying competitive early on. Junior standouts Brooke O’Mary, Hadlee Sanderson, and Laine Johnson each scored 11 points, while senior Macy Moore added 8 points and 5 rebounds in her final high school game.

Stats That Tell the Story

Spring Garden’s efficiency proved to be the difference in the state title contest:

  • Team Shooting: 26-of-55 from the field (47%), including 16-of-35 on 3-pointers (45.7%).
  • Rebounds: 28 total, with 23 points scored in the paint.
  • Possession Efficiency: Averaged 1.327 points per possession.

Comparatively, Brilliant shot 11-of-35 from the field (31.4%) and averaged 0.815 points per possession. While Brilliant displayed resilience, Spring Garden’s superior shooting and defensive execution paved the way for a decisive victory.

Spring Garden senior Maggie Jarrett (41) takes aim with Brilliant’s Karagan Stanford guarding. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)
A Legacy of Excellence

This championship marks Spring Garden’s 10th state title overall, further cementing their legacy as one of Alabama’s premier girls’ basketball programs. The program’s recent stretch under Coach Ricky Austin, who has won 12 state championships across basketball and volleyball, includes consistent excellence:

  • 2025 Season Record: 36-1
  • State Titles: 2023, 2024, 2025
  • Overall Record Since 2020: 203-10

Seniors like Austin, Jarrett, Olivia Law, Kristen Lewis, and Avery Steward have left an indelible mark on the program, leading the team through an era of unprecedented success.

“I’m very, very proud of this group.”  Said coach Austin. “Very proud of these five seniors.  Not only is their legacy strong they put an exclamation point on it today.”

Looking Ahead

For Brilliant, the 2024-25 season marked a major milestone, with their first trip to the state finals. Coach Sanderson expressed immense pride in his team, stating, “This group made history for our program. They’ve set a foundation for the future, and I couldn’t be prouder of their effort.”

Senior Macy Moore added, “It’s been an amazing ride. I’ll always cherish the memories and the bond with my teammates. We’ve grown so much together.”

Meanwhile, Spring Garden bids farewell to its senior leaders but looks poised to remain competitive with its strong program culture and upcoming talent.

Spring Garden’s championship win represents more than a victory—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, commitment, and the kind of leadership exemplified by Ace Austin and her teammates. The Panthers have set a standard of excellence that will inspire future generations of players in Alabama high school sports.

FEATURED IMAGE: Spring Garden star Ace Austin scores two of her 40 points Thursday at Legacy Arena.  (David Holtsford | AHSAA Photo)

PrepsNet

PrepsNet
High School Sports Live Here.