GDW Analysis:
BIRMINGHAM: Cullman Bearcats had gone through a group of good athletic basketball teams prior to the AHSAA 6A state championship Saturday against No. 1 Oxford from Legacy Arena.
Playoff wins over Jasper, Hazel Green, Clay Chalkville, Lee Huntsville and Calera were a tale tale story.
It was unfortunately different for the Bearcats on March 7 of 2026.
Oxford grabbed the championship in a 68 to 44 victory.
A fast start by the top ranked Yellow Jackets would be way too much for the much determined Bearcats to overcome.
Oxford had the Bearcats down 22 to 7 with a period into the books.
Both teams had trouble delivering points in the 2nd with the Bearcats scoring 9 to 5 for Oxford. Cullman was still facing a challenging deficit, down by the score of 27 to 16.
The offense could not rev up to how the Bearcats had been scoring from recent games at Wallace State in the NW Regional final and the thrilling OT victory last Wednesday at Legacy Arena against Calera.
Oxford won the tally by 20 to 11 and led the 'Cats 47 to 27 heading into the final stanza of play.
Cullman's attack was 16 of 34 in field goals for 47 percent. The 3 point shooting was off sync with the 'Cats 5 of 16 for 31 percent.
At the line, the 'Cats hit 7 of 9 for 77 percent.
Oxford put up good numbers with 22 of 42 in total shots for 52 percent and 8 of 19 in threes for 42 percent.
The Yellow Jackets took advantage from the line with 16 makes out of 21 for 72 percent.
Gray Hopper would lead the 'Cats Saturday with 12 points, sophomore center Brooks Loftin scored 9, senior G Sam Dorough had 8.
The rest of the group were held to low numbers including semifinal playoff hero Emory Bonds who put in 3 points. Owen Graves had 3, Colt Fletcher 2, Evan Swindle 3 and Bryce Burden 2.
Cullman was playing in the 6A final for the first time since 2022, the year they brought the championship trophy home for the first time.
The 'Cats finish with 27 wins and 6 losses.
Cullman has raised greatness on the floor in 5 years with Stuedeman. The 'Cats have posted 131 victories out of 160 games.
Their winning percentage with Stuedeman through 5 years is .818.
Photo of Cullman G Colt Fletcher attempting to score a layup in the AHSAA 6A state championship game vs. Oxford on Saturday from Legacy Arena.
Photo courtesy of Cullman Daily.
