Cold Springs Defeats Lanett, Advances to AHSAA 2A Girls State Final

March 4, 2026

Adams Guides Eagles to Championship Game in First Season

BIRMINGHAM, AL — In her first year at the helm, Head Coach Paige Adams has guided the Cold Springs Eagles to the Class 2A state championship game. The Eagles secured their spot with a decisive 55-43 victory over the Lanett Panthers in the AHSAA Final Four semifinals on Monday at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.

The win marks a significant milestone for Adams, a Cold Springs alumna who has a rich history with the program. As a player, she contributed to back-to-back state championships in 2008 and 2009. Now, she has the opportunity to add a championship title to her coaching record. Adams took over the program after legendary coach Tammy West departed for Cullman High School following the 2025 season.

“I’ve always dreamt of being here,” Adams stated. “I didn’t think I would get here in Year One, but that credits coach West and the program she’s built.”

Cold Springs (23-10) will now prepare for the Class 2A girls’ championship game, scheduled for a 9 a.m. tip-off on Friday. This appearance marks the school’s fourth trip to the state final in the last eight years, continuing a tradition of excellence that includes four state titles, the most recent in 2019.

Dickerson’s 22 Points Lead Eagles’ Offense

Senior guard Ella Dickerson delivered a commanding performance, leading all scorers with 22 points. Her leadership on the court was crucial, especially during a key moment in the fourth quarter. After Lanett rallied to cut a 20-point deficit down to just nine, Dickerson sank a critical 3-pointer from the right corner that halted the Panthers’ momentum.

“You just get this feeling sometimes right before you catch the ball,” Dickerson said. “I knew we needed a big score, we needed a big basket to go back up, and I felt like it really helped our confidence.”

Lanett guard Nakeriona Heard (1) sets up the Panthers’ offense with Cold Springs’ Paizley Whitlow guarding closely on defense. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)

The Eagles established control after a tight first quarter that ended in an 11-11 tie. A strong defensive effort in the second quarter held Lanett to just four points, giving Cold Springs a 22-15 lead at halftime. The team extended its advantage with a 20-11 run in the third quarter, building a lead that proved insurmountable.

Several players contributed to the balanced Eagles attack. Macie Huffstutler added seven points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Aleah Addison and Hollyn Baker also scored seven points each.

Lanett’s Season Ends in Semifinals

The Lanett Panthers (17-10) fought hard in their pursuit of the school’s first girls’ basketball state title. Eighth-grade guard Makenley James led the team with an impressive 17 points and eight rebounds. Senior Nakeriona Heard posted a double-double, finishing with 11 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and five steals.

Lanett coach Charlie Williams noted the challenges his team faced with injuries throughout the season. “We started off really slow this season. We were injured. I didn’t have my whole team together until right after Christmas,” Williams explained. “I knew if I could ever get everyone back healthy, we could make a run.”

Despite the loss, the Panthers demonstrated significant potential and resilience in reaching the state semifinals.

Eagles Await Championship Opponent

The atmosphere in Legacy Arena was electric, with a large and vocal contingent of Cold Springs fans filling the stands. The strong community turnout underscored the town’s passionate support for its basketball program.

Cold Springs will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup between top-ranked North Sand Mountain and No. 9 Clarke County. The Eagles are now just one victory away from capturing the program’s fifth state championship.

Game Statistics

Cold Springs: Ella Dickerson (22 points, 3 rebounds), Macie Huffstutler (7 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists), Aleah Addison (7 points), Hollyn Baker (7 points), Paizley Whitlow (6 points), Kaydance Williams (6 points).
Lanett: Makenley James (17 points, 8 rebounds), Nakeriona Heard (11 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals).

FEATURED IMAGE: Cold Springs senior Ella Dickerson (24) brings the ball up court in the Girls’ 2A state basketball finals at the BJCC Legacy Arena Monday afternoon with Lanett’s Serenity Roberts on defense for the Panthers (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)