Cullman Bearcats Advance to Final Four with Blowout Win

Cullman High School basketball team secures spot in state tournament with 80-53 victory over Lee-Huntsville

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Cullman Bearcats basketball team is heading back to the Final Four in Birmingham after a dominant 80-53 win over Lee-Huntsville in the Class 6A Northwest Regional final. Cullman built a 20-point halftime lead and held off a third-quarter rally by Lee-Huntsville to secure the victory and punch their ticket to the state tournament for the first time since 2022.

Why it matters

Cullman's return to the Final Four comes four years after the team's first appearance, showcasing the program's continued success and ability to compete at the highest level in Alabama high school basketball. The win also marks a significant achievement for the Bearcats, who have established themselves as one of the top teams in the state.

The details

Cullman came out firing, sinking seven 3-pointers in the first half to build a 34-14 lead at the break. Lee-Huntsville made a push in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 11, but the Bearcats regained control with key shots from Colt Fletcher and Gray Hopper. Cullman eventually pulled away for the 80-53 victory, handing Lee-Huntsville its worst regional loss in program history.

  • Cullman secured its first Final Four berth four years ago.
  • The Bearcats punched their ticket to the state tournament for the first time since 2022.

The players

Stu Stuedeman

The head coach of the Cullman Bearcats basketball team, leading the program to its second Final Four appearance in four years.

Sam Dorough

The Cullman Bearcats' leading scorer, earning tournament MVP honors after a 20-point performance in the regional final.

Greg Brown

The head coach of the Lee-Huntsville Generals, whose team suffered its worst regional loss in program history against Cullman.

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What they’re saying

“We talked about not coming to take part but take over. It's a worn-out term in all of basketball that you survive and advance. We aren't here to survive, we're here to thrive. I thought that our kids executed our game plan and everything we asked them to do perfectly. This is a special group, and it's been a great run.”

— Stu Stuedeman, Head Coach, Cullman Bearcats (Cullman Times)

“When we're making 3's and can set our pressure, we're pretty nasty. A lot of what we do is predicated off making 3-point baskets, playing fast, getting into our pressure and getting people sped up into bad shots whether we turn them over or not. It's not easy to shoot it in a regional gym, and our guys stepped in there and shot it confidently.”

— Stu Stuedeman, Head Coach, Cullman Bearcats (Cullman Times)

“They got off the bus, and we didn't. I think our guys kind of listened to all the talk about how this should be an easy game, and they bought into it rather than show up and do what we do.”

— Greg Brown, Head Coach, Lee-Huntsville Generals (Cullman Times)

“It's a blast knowing that you're up however many you're up, and that you can play with no fear or anything. It's fun playing in that atmosphere with all my friends and family there.”

— Sam Dorough (Cullman Times)

What’s next

The Bearcats (26-5) will play Calera or Spain Park next Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Class 6A Final Four in Birmingham.

The takeaway

Cullman's dominant performance in the regional final showcases the team's ability to excel under pressure and their determination to not just participate, but to thrive in the state tournament. The Bearcats' return to the Final Four is a testament to the program's sustained success and the community's passion for high school basketball.