GDW Analysis:
A year ago, local basketball was 0 & 4 in the AHSAA sub regional with Cullman, Cold Springs and West Point losing in this round while playing on their campus.
On Valentine's night of 2026, things changed.
Cold Springs was able to rally and get by Lamar County 58 to 48 at its new gymnasium in Class 2A.
From Bearcat Arena, Cullman had a similar task to take care off with Hazel Green in 6A hoops.
The 'Cats were behind 42 to 36 heading to the 4th. A 19 to 11 run was presented for a 55 to 53 victory in which Cullman is on its way to the Northwest Regional next week from Wallace State.
Stu Stuedeman's Bearcats are 24 & 5 and on a 5 game winning streak.
His group compiled a 13 & 1 record from Bearcat Arena. Their only loss was by a 56 to 54 score to Jasper January 22 that gave Jasper the 6A Area 13 regular season title.
Next for Cullman:
Vs. Clay Chalkville Thursday in 6A Northwest Regional from Wallace State 4:30 p.m.
(cullmanbearcats.com)
Other local results Saturday:
Boaz 62, West Point 46: Boaz pulled away in the 2nd half after West Point was down by two at the half.
The Warriors finish the season with 23 wins, 9 losses and their first Cullman County championship since 201.
Winfield 60, Vinemont 38: For the 2nd consecutive game, Vinemont struggled in point production as the first season under James Brown ended with a loss in Marion County.
The Eagles had a good year at 18 & 13, winning the 3A Area 11 regular season title.
But the Eagles went into being inconsistent in the stretch run of the season, losing 4 of their last 6 assignments including the Area 11 championship on February 10 at the Pinnacle to Locust Fork.
Photo of Cullman Bearcat Gray Hopper vs. Hanceville's Sam Abney in a game at Bearcat Arena January 27.
Photo courtesy of Martha Needham.
