On March 11, 2026, our very own Lady Generals made history at the AAA Basketball State Championship. The Heritage team went up against Sandy Creek, and ended up defeating them 65-63. Not only did the Lady Generals make history for their team, but they made history for all of Catoosa County as the first ever high school championship win for any team in the county, including men’s basketball.
Senior Tori Epps who was named the championship’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), was in shock during her interview with GPB Sports after the game. Epps shared a bit about what was going on in her head during that close second quarter, and how she stayed locked in on the game. “It was just us focusing on what we’re needing to do next and not overly focusing on the past, the mistakes, the stuff we did wrong, and just playing the next play,” Epps said.
The game was exhilarating for everyone, and it was a huge honor to even be there, let alone win. Emma Tanner, another senior at Heritage, said, “I was just excited to be there.” When asked whether or not she was nervous about the game, Tanner replied, “I wasn’t really that nervous because I knew we didn’t have a lot to lose. We were just going to go out there and play. [However] it definitely kicked in once I walked out on the court. Just seeing the big area and all the fans…”
Coach Greg Elkins, who was recently named Coach of the Year, is extremely proud of his team and all that they accomplished. “I think it’s been super fulfilling,” Elkins said during his interview with GPB Sports alongside Epps. “To watch the girls grow through some adversity, a couple of injuries early in the year, and [fighting] through some tough losses along the way…when you have players that can compete everyday…I’m just so happy for them.”
All in all, it was an excellent game for the Lady Generals, and a surreal experience. They had an amazing season full of obstacles, grit, determination, and victories. We are so incredibly proud of them and we cannot wait to see what happens next season.
