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Simpson Academy Lady Cougars defeated East Rankin Academy Lady Patriots 54-45 on February 14, 2026, to win the MAIS Class 4A Division I State Championship, the team's first title since 2019 and fourth in program history

The team finished the season with a 31-6 record and advanced to the MAIS Girls Basketball Overall Championship finals, where they lost to Madison-Ridgeland Academy

Head Coach Linda Dear, in her 23rd year at Simpson Academy, led the team alongside Assistant Coaches Chaucer Funchess and Josh McNulty

The 15-member roster includes Brooke Blackledge, Danni Cooper, Maggie Shivers, Jayda Smith, Elie Stewart, Anniston Bass, Charlye Bowen, Emma Henderson, Ansley Jones, Madi Davidson, Elle McNulty, MC Hunt, Lucy Walker, Gracie Pinkerton, and Annmarie Blakeney

The Mississippi House of Representatives formally commends the team and coaching staff for bringing honor to Simpson Academy, Mendenhall, and the state