Mississippi Girls Team Wins 23rd State Championship

A small Mississippi school just proved that excellence never goes out of style, winning their 23rd state basketball championship in a victory that showcased years of dedication and teamwork.

Leake Academy's girls basketball team defeated Kirk Academy 56-34 on Saturday to claim the MAIS Class 3A state title. The Rebelettes dominated from the opening tip, leading by 8 points after the first quarter and never looking back.

Senior guard Jenna Allen led the charge with 14 points, including four three-pointers that brought her season total to an impressive 94 made shots from beyond the arc. Freshman Sarah Prince added 13 points along with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals, showing the program's bright future.

The victory marked Leake's first state championship since 2022 and extended their winning streak to 14 consecutive games. The team finished the season with a 32-4 record, winning their playoff games by an average of nearly 34 points.

Coach Amanda Hatch has been part of eight state championships at Leake, both as a player and coach. In her 12 seasons leading the program, she's compiled an astounding 412-56 record, giving her an 88% winning percentage and 529 career wins overall.

"I'm so excited for our team," Hatch said after the game. "I love their competitive edge. They demonstrate it daily in practice and have also demonstrated it in each game throughout the year."

Senior forward Addie Crowe emphasized the team's preparation and mental toughness. "We've worked so hard all year for this moment and now our hard work has finally paid off," she said.

Why This Inspires

This championship represents more than just another trophy for a small academy. It shows what happens when a community invests in young athletes and gives them strong role models. Coach Hatch, who played on Leake's undefeated 1999 championship team, has created a culture where excellence becomes tradition and younger players learn from watching their older teammates compete.

The Rebelettes now advance to the Overall Tournament, where they'll face the state's best teams across all divisions. Three of their four losses this season came against teams in that tournament, giving them valuable experience and motivation.

For the seniors on this team, Saturday's victory capped years of early morning practices, late-night film sessions, and unwavering commitment to each other. Their determination earned them a place in their school's storied history.