2025 GHSA Girls Basketball: A Year of History

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 calendar year in <strong>Georgia High School Association (GHSA) girls basketball</strong> was one of the most compelling in recent memory. From undefeated championship runs and tight playoff battles, to marquee regular-season showdowns and rising stars across classifications, the state's girls basketball scene showcased depth, drama, and elite talent throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>State Champions Crowned in Macon</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The GHSA <strong>Dr. Ralph Swearngin Basketball State Championships</strong> returned to the Macon Centreplex in March 2025, where champions were crowned in every GHSA girls classification. A mix of perennial powers and historic first-time winners marked this year's finals: <a href="https://www.ghsa.net/congratulations-2025-ghsa-basketball-state-champions?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia High School Association</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>6A — Newton High School:</strong> The Rams captured the 6A state title with a closely contested <strong>59-56 victory</strong> over Grayson, completing one of the most competitive title games of the tournament. [player_tooltip player_id='674571' first='London' last='Smith'] cemented her status as one of Georgia's elite, posting 23 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block, helping clinch Class 6A Player of the Year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>5A — River Ridge High School:</strong> The Lady Knights lifted the 5A championship after a strong season, adding to their elite reputation statew<a href="https://www.ghsa.net/congratulations-2025-ghsa-basketball-state-champions?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ide</a>, rallying from down 16 with 3:30 to play to win 52-47 as [player_tooltip player_id='674569' first='Kyla' last='Cantey'] scored nine of her 12 points in the fourth quarter to stem the comeback.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>4A — Creekside High School:</strong> Perhaps the most memorable championship storyline of the year, Creekside finished a <strong>perfect 32-0 season</strong> and won its <strong>first state title</strong> in program history — a feat that instantly became one of the season's defining achievements. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>3A — Cherokee Bluff:</strong> Cherokee Bluff took home the 3A girls crown for the first time in program history, upending defending state champ Baldwin thanks to Emery Jones' heroic 14 points off the bench,</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>2A — Hardaway High School:</strong> The Lady Hawks captured 2A glory with a commanding title game performance, building on a strong tournament run to secure their first ever title.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Division I — Fannin County</strong> and <strong>A Division II — Wilcox County:</strong> Both schools seized state titles in their respective small-school divisions. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Private Schools — Holy Innocents' Episcopal:</strong> The Golden Bears shut down Hebron Christian, holding them to 0-19 shooting from beyond the arc while Hailee Swain capped off her career with 30 points and 10 rebounds. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These champions reflected the range of competitive balance in GHSA girls basketball, with every classification delivering its own unique drama.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Season Storylines: From Preseason to Playoffs</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Creekside's Undefeated Historic Run</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The standout storyline of 2025 was <strong>Creekside High's unbeaten season</strong> culminating in a 4A state title — the first in school history. The Lady Seminoles' perfect <strong>32-0</strong> campaign was defined by strong defense, efficient scoring, and poise in every playoff moment. Point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='671766' first='C'India' last='Dennis']</strong> emerged as the team's leader on both ends of the floor, averaging <strong>21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists</strong> per game and earning recognition as the championship MVP. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their success wasn't just about winning, but <strong>how</strong> they did it — with a balanced attack, solid depth, and defensive discipline that overwhelmed opponents all season long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Performers &amp; All-State Standouts</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond championship teams, the 2025 season was propelled by numerous elite performers whose individual success helped elevate their programs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='671766' first='C'India' last='Dennis'] (Creekside):</strong> A consistent force throughout the season, Dennis was not only the heartbeat of her undefeated champions but also one of the most versatile players in the state. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='541419' first='Kate' last='Harpring'] (Marist):</strong> The junior guard earned national attention and was recognized with the <strong>Gatorade Georgia Girls Basketball Player of the Year award</strong>, a testament to her scoring prowess and impact. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='968104' first='Reagan' last='Mulligan'] (River Ridge):</strong> Showed sharpshooting excellence by winning the <strong>girls 3-point contest</strong> at the state championships. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='867595' first='Rhianna' last='Boynton'] (Hardaway):</strong> In the 2A state title run, Boynton's double-double performances anchored Hardaway's success and helped seal their championship. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to these stars, teams like <strong>North Oconee, Langston Hughes &amp; St. Francis</strong> posted winning campaigns, finishing high in state rankings and turning heads with their consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Regular Season Results That Mattered</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While official statewide statistics vary by classification, strong records from teams like:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Creekside (32-0)</strong> — undefeated champions in 4A,</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>River Ridge (31-1)</strong> — 5A champions,</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Newton (25-5)</strong> — 6A champions, and</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Grayson (30-2)</strong> — national contender who fell just short of a title</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>highlight how competitive the upper echelon of girls basketball was in Georgia this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These programs not only thrived in the playoffs but also showed regular season dominance — winning region titles, stacking long winning streaks, and defeating top rivals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Looking Ahead: The Future of Georgia Girls Hoops</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2025 season closes, several storylines are already spilling into 2026:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Creekside's returning talent</strong> and new challengers looking to dethrone them.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The continued rise of <strong>young stars</strong> like rising juniors and sophomores poised to take the spotlight.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Increased exposure and recruiting attention for Georgia's top performers.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With deep rosters across classifications and a strong youth pipeline, GHSA girls basketball continues to be one of the state's richest athletic landscapes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From historic undefeated runs to thrilling playoff finishes, <strong>2025 was a year that showcased the best of GHSA girls basketball</strong> — a season full of grit, growth, and unforgettable moments that Georgia hoops fans will remember for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->