By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The Highland Home School varsity girls ended a remarkable season Monday night in the Class 2A Girls’ Semifinals at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena. The Flying Squadron fell to Pisgah, 64-31, and though the outcome was not what they had hoped for, the team’s journey to the Final Four was nothing short of historic, marking their first appearance there in 24 years.

“Our model has been P.P.L all year: Passion. Purpose. Love,” said Head Coach GeVonne Cooper. “We lived by it and through it to overcome every obstacle. Winning and losing is a life lesson you need to understand and embrace both in order to grow. The love we share as a team is bigger than basketball, and that will keep us coming back stronger for years to come.”

The Squadron (22-9) took an early 5-4 lead just two minutes into the game when JaNya Foster made a layup, electrifying the Highland Home supporters in attendance. However, Pisgah’s Campbell Barron responded with a three-pointer that gave the Eagles a lead they never relinquished. 

By the end of the first quarter, Highland Home trailed 16-7, and by halftime, Pisgah had stretched the margin to 31-13. The Eagles’ relentless defensive pressure proved to be the deciding factor, forcing 28 turnovers and converting those miscues into 30 points.

Despite the loss, the Flying Squadron had standout performances. Foster led the team with 16 points, while Anicah Rodgers contributed nine points and nine rebounds. The team struggled from beyond the arc, making just 3-of-26 three-point attempts, while Pisgah connected on eight shots from long range.

For Pisgah (21-8), the win moves them one step closer to their sixth state championship in nine years. The Eagles will now face Decatur Heritage in the Class 2A title game on Friday at 9 a.m. With 10 state championships already under their belt, Pisgah remains a dominant force in Alabama high school basketball.

The Squadron’s thrilling 32-30 overtime victory over Ranburne in the Central Region finals was a testament to their resilience. Foster was named tournament MVP, while Rodgers earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Head coach GeVonne Cooper, who has coached many of these players since they were in seventh grade, praised their dedication and growth.

“These girls have come such a long way,” Cooper said. “They’ve reset the standard.”

According to Lucy McKenzie, through all the challenges, her team has proven something much more important than just a win or loss. They have shown the true meaning of teamwork, perseverance, and heart.

“This team will always hold a special place in my heart not just because of the bonds we all formed with each other but because of how we played as a team on the court with each other,” Mckenzie said. “This team is unselfish and we fight through adversity without giving up. Although this is not the outcome that we hoped for, we exceeded everyone’s expectations this season and plan to do it again next year.”