Flash Facts from the 2026 AHSAA NW Regional:
Cullman Bearcats have earned their 2nd trip to the AHSAA Final Four under coach Stu Stuedeman after they claimed the Northwest Regional title Tuesday in Class 6A by romping over Lee Huntsville 80 to 53 at Tom Drake Coliseum.
The Bearcats won the state title in 2022. They lost in the regional final to Buckhorn in 2024. In 5 seasons with Stuedeman, Cullman has 130 victories and 28 losses.
Near perfection by Cullman basketball:
Cullman's tradition is "up tempo" play. The Bearcats displayed it in the regional final with 46 points in the 2nd half vs. Lee Huntsville, erupting for 28 in the 4th period.
Cullman was solid from 3 point range with 13 makes, the most by any team in a regional final.
Reserve G Colt Fletcher delivered 4 with 3 being converted by Sam Dorough and 2 each by Gray Hopper, Emory Bonds and Owen Graves.
Cold Springs has a record setting year in wins:
Despite not winning the 2A Northwest Regional title, the Cold Springs Eagles compiled the best record the program has ever experienced in school history.
With Drew Adams in his first year, the Eagles grabbed 29 victories against 5 losses.
That surpassed 28 victories for the Eagles in 2008 when Tim Burleson was leading the squad.
Cold Springs earned the runner up position to Red Bay in 2A play after the Eagles stunned No. 1 rank Decatur Heritage 65 to 58 in OT in the regional semifinal.
Back to the regionals after missing out last year:
Local hoops went 0 & 4 in the 2025 sub regional round. For 2026, the Cold Springs Eagles and Cullman Bearcats showed redemption that would carry both to the "Elite Eight" round in their respective class.
Cold Springs defeated Lamar County 68 to 58 on February 14 while Cullman was a winner by the score of 55 to 53 against Hazel Green in sub regional play.
The two teams that have combined for 55 victories this season, worked their way to the championship game in 2A for Cold Springs and 6A for Cullman.
All tournament selections:
Cullman: Sam Dorough (MVP), Gray Hopper, Brooks Loftin.
Cold Springs: Ayden Black, Breydon Hallman
Current records after NW Regional:
Cullman: 26 & 5, 6A regional champion
Cold Springs: 29 & 5, 2A regional runner up
Photo of the Cullman Bearcats showing happiness behind coach Stu Stuedeman during the AHSAA Northwest Region 6A championship game Tuesday vs. Lee Huntsville at Wallace State CC.
Photo courtesy of Cullman Daily.
