Stangline’s Final-Second Free Throws Propel Park Crossing Girls Past Fort Payne to 6A Title Game

Thunderbirds Secure 48-46 Semifinal Victory Over Fort Payne

BIRMINGHAM, AL — With less than a second on the clock, Park Crossing junior Tyler Stangline stepped to the free-throw line, the weight of the season on her shoulders. In a moment of pure composure, she sank both shots to give the Thunderbirds a dramatic 48-46 victory over Fort Payne in the AHSAA Class 6A Girls’ state tournament semifinals. The win, secured at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena, sends the reigning champions back to the title game.

The final play unfolded in the last seconds of a tense, back-and-forth contest. After a shot attempt by teammate Tariah McGee missed its mark, Stangline fought through traffic to grab a critical offensive rebound and draw a foul with just 0.4 seconds remaining. Her subsequent free throws sealed the win and set up a highly anticipated championship showdown.

“She has ice in her veins,” Park Crossing coach Freeah Smith said of Stangline. “I know Tyler. I was celebrating before it went in.” This is not the first time Stangline has delivered in a high-pressure semifinal. In the 2025 Final Four, she made game-winning shots to defeat Hazel Green in overtime, showcasing a pattern of clutch performances.

“I just had to trust my training and just lock in,” Stangline commented on her decisive moment at the line.

A Battle on the Boards

The game was a physical contest defined by relentless defense and a fight for every possession. Fort Payne entered the matchup with a clear strategy: limit Park Crossing’s second-chance opportunities. Despite their efforts, the Thunderbirds dominated the glass, outrebounding the Wildcats 46-34. Park Crossing pulled down 18 offensive rebounds, none more important than Stangline’s final grab.

“It was what we expected—a tough, tough game where every possession matters,” said Fort Payne coach Steve Sparks. “We felt like the key was going to be rebounds. … We knew it was going to be a battle to keep them off the boards.”

Mallyah Meeks was a dominant force for the Thunderbirds, recording a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds. Trinity Adams contributed 10 points to the winning effort, while Stangline finished with six points and four rebounds.

Fort Payne’s defense created significant trouble for Park Crossing, forcing numerous turnovers. The Wildcats recorded an impressive 17 steals compared to Park Crossing’s five. Zimri Craig led all scorers with 19 points for Fort Payne, and Naomi Wise added 10 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals.

Rematch Set: The “Let ‘Em Know Tour” vs. The “Revenge Tour”

With the semifinal victory, Park Crossing (31-3) advances to the 6A Girls Basketball Championship. Their opponent is a familiar one: the Hazel Green Trojans. This matchup is steeped in recent history, renewing a fierce rivalry that has defined Class 6A girls’ basketball.

Last season, Park Crossing ended Hazel Green’s historic seven-year reign as state champions with a dramatic 56-54 double-overtime victory in the semifinals. That win stopped a dynasty and propelled the Thunderbirds to their first-ever 6A state title. The game was a classic, with Saniya Jackson scoring 30 points and hitting the decisive free throws in the final seconds of the second overtime.

Now, the stage is set for a rematch. Hazel Green has openly spoken of their journey back to the final as a “revenge tour,” eager for a chance to reclaim their spot at the top. Coach Smith and the Thunderbirds have responded with a motto of their own.

“We’re going to use the ‘Let ‘Em Know Tour,’” Smith stated. “We’re looking forward to it.”

The championship game represents more than just a single contest; it’s the culmination of a year-long narrative. For Park Crossing, it is a chance to defend their hard-won title and prove their championship pedigree. For Hazel Green, it is an opportunity for redemption. The teams will face off for the Class 6A state title on Saturday in what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the AHSAA Final Four.

FEATURED IMAGE: Park Crossing senior Maliyah Meeks (12) powers inside for two points – finishing with a double-double 12 points and 15 rebounds in Wednesday’s AHSAA Class 6A state tournament semifinal game with Fort Payne at the BJCC Legacy Arena.
(AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)