Lauderdale County Secures 14th Girls’ State Basketball Title with OT Win Over Saint James

Marks Leads Comeback in Thrilling Championship Game

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Senior guard Shila Marks delivered an unforgettable performance to lead Lauderdale County to a 58-52 overtime victory against Saint James in Friday’s Class 3A girls’ basketball state championship at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.

Marks finished with a game-high 32 points, including the last five points in overtime, helping the Tigers (34-1) erase an 18-point second-half deficit. This victory marks Lauderdale County’s 14th state championship—a record in AHSAA history—and its first title since 2016.

“I’ve put so much work into this moment,” Marks said, reflecting on her game-winning performance. “It’s all worth it now.” The senior was named tournament MVP for her electrifying contributions.

How the Game Unfolded

Saint James (34-3) started strong, ending the first half with a dominant 27-15 lead. The Trojans, led by coach Katie Barton, extended their advantage to 36-18 within the first three minutes of the second half. Key plays included consecutive baskets from Kaitlyn Mitchell and a strong surge capped by Mitchell’s three-pointer.

However, Lauderdale County didn’t back down. The Tigers launched a 13-2 run, spearheaded by Marks and Meredith Newton. By the start of the fourth quarter, the deficit was cut to 12, setting the stage for the dramatic comeback.

Over the following minutes, the Tigers’ high-pressure defense forced several turnovers, fueling their run. Sarah Smith sparked a 7-0 stretch with a tip-in, and her layup with 2:38 left in regulation secured a 48-47 lead. Saint James rallied to send the game to overtime after Natalie Barton sank two clutch free throws, tying the score at 49.

Overtime Highlights

Overtime began as a back-and-forth battle. Ansley Shelton seized momentum for Lauderdale County with a twisting layup putting them ahead for good. Marks followed up by scoring five consecutive points, sealing the game and the championship.

“We fought hard, and this win shows just how resilient this team is,” said Tigers coach Carla Clemons. “They kept their heads up, chipped away at the deficit, and found a way to win.”

Saint James point guard Natalie Barton (5), guarded by Lauderdale County’s Armani Thomas. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)
Player Highlights

Lauderdale County:

  • Shila Marks led all scorers with 32 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range and 7-of-10 at the free-throw line.
  • Armani Thomas added 10 points and five assists.
  • Meredith Newton contributed seven points and four steals.
  • Sarah Smith scored five points, grabbed eight rebounds, and sparked the late-game rally.
  • Ansley Shelton added four points and six assists, including the critical overtime layup.

Saint James:

  • Natalie Barton delivered 17 points, four assists, six rebounds, and four steals.
  • Kaitlyn Mitchell tallied 14 points, including crucial shots early in the second half.
  • Morgan Lilly added 13 points, five assists, and five rebounds.
  • Jordyn McRae dominated the glass with 15 rebounds and contributed six points.
Stat Breakdown
  • Lauderdale County shot 45.8% from the field, 31.6% from beyond the arc, and 57.1% at the foul line.
  • Saint James shot 40.0% overall and out-rebounded Lauderdale County 37-22 but committed 22 turnovers that led to 24 points for the Tigers.
  • Marks’ MVP performance, combined with All-Tournament selections for teammates Armani Thomas and Sarah Smith, highlighted Lauderdale County’s dominant postseason run.
Class 3A state tournament MVP Shila Marks shouts with joy when the final buzzer seals the Tigers’ state championship win over Saint James.  (AHSAA PHOTO | Josh Bean)
Historical Significance

This landmark victory extends Lauderdale County’s AHSAA record to 14 state championships, three ahead of Pisgah’s girls and the R.C. Hatch boys. The team’s resilience and execution under pressure solidified its place in history as the winningest high school basketball program in Alabama.

Coach and Player Reflections

Saint James coach Katie Barton commended her team for their toughness, saying, “We put ourselves in a great position, but we lost composure during their run. I’m proud of how these girls have represented their school.”

Lauderdale County players echoed gratitude and determination, with Sarah Smith noting, “Not one time did we think we were going to lose, even when we were trailing. We knew we still had a chance.”

FEATURED IMAGE: Lauderdale County’s Ansley Shelton (11) heads up court with a Saint James’ Sydney Johnson (14) closely guarding her.  (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)

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