By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Crenshaw County teams made a strong showing during the 2025 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) basketball season, with all three public schools — Highland Home, Luverne and Brantley — earning spots in the Sweet 16. The county’s basketball talent was on full display as teams battled for a chance to advance further in the state playoffs.

Squadron Advance to Elite 8

The Highland Home Flying Squadron girls’ team secured the Area 5 Class 2A championship on Feb. 5 with a 46-39 victory over The Calhoun school. The squad continued their impressive run on Feb. 11 during the regional tournament game, defeating the Lanett Panthers with a hard-fought 39-32 win at the Alabama State University (ASU) Acadome.

JaNya Foster led the charge, scoring a game-high 23 points. Anica Rodgers contributed nine points, including two clutch three-pointers that stretched the defense, while Lucy McKenzie added six points and four rebounds. Defensively, Jakeria Foster played a key role with five rebounds and a steal.

The game remained tight heading into the fourth quarter. A pivotal moment came in the final minute when Foster nailed a crucial shot to extend the lead. Highland Home will move on to face Ranburne Monday, Feb. 17, at Alabama State University in the Elite Eight, with tipoff set for 9 a.m.

Luverne Ends Basketball Season

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams from Luverne saw their seasons conclude after tough losses to Abbeville at the Garrett Coliseum on Tuesday.

Although Abbeville appeared to control the game, the Squadron did not go down easy and put up a good fight. Abbeville, ranked No. 5 in the state, came out with a 54-38 win and will now advance to face Providence Christian for a spot in the Final Four in Birmingham.

The boys team fought hard to close the small gap maintained throughout the game. However, the second-ranked Abbeville boys’ team defeated Luverne 69-51, securing their place in the regional final against No. 1 Providence Christian.

Brantley Advances to Elite 8

The Brantley’s boys’ team continued their dominant postseason run, defeating Southern Choctaw, 64-49, in a South Regional semifinal on Tuesday. 

Jayden Parks was the star of the night, scoring 30 points while going a perfect 13-of-13 from the free-throw line. He also contributed seven rebounds, seven assists and five steals. He is currently second in the state for scoring game points.

Michael Thompson added 11 points, while Jon Harper Kilcrease came close to a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

Brantley’s victory sets up a crucial matchup against J.F. Shields in the Elite 8 at Garrett Coliseum on Monday.

Head coach Andre Parks said he is very proud of his team and how they have fought hard to get where they are. 

“They have battled through injuries and sickness and overcame a lot of adversity,” Parks said. “J.F. Shields is one of the hottest playing teams at the moment and they have not lost a game since Brantley’s Christmas tournament where they beat us by a small margin. They are a very well coached team and they play hard. I am excited to have five days to prepare and get ready. It will definitely be an edge of your seat kind of game.”