Stanhope Elmore Girls' Basketball advances to Class 6A Sweet 16

The Lady Mustangs blew out Blount High School 81-48 to advance to the regional tournament

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Stanhope Elmore girls' basketball team defeated Blount High School 81-48 in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs to advance to the Sweet 16. The Lady Mustangs were led by junior Heaven Bailey, who scored 31 points, and senior Aubrey Newton, who scored 10 points in her final home game. Stanhope Elmore will now face defending state champion Park Crossing in the Class 6A South Regional tournament.

Why it matters

Advancing to the regional tournament is a significant achievement for the Stanhope Elmore girls' basketball team, as they look to make a deep playoff run and potentially reach the Class 6A Final Four. The Lady Mustangs will face a tough challenge against the defending state champion Park Crossing Thunderbirds in the regional tournament.

The details

The Lady Mustangs dominated Blount High School, winning 81-48 in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs. Junior Heaven Bailey led the way with 31 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, while senior Aubrey Newton scored 10 points in her final home game. Kuraji Crosby also had a strong performance with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 blocks. The team's strong shooting and defense were key factors in the victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Kelvin Stokes

The head coach of the Stanhope Elmore girls' basketball team.

Heaven Bailey

A junior on the Stanhope Elmore girls' basketball team who scored 31 points in the playoff win.

Kuraji Crosby

A player on the Stanhope Elmore girls' basketball team who had 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 blocks in the playoff win.

Aubrey Newton

A senior on the Stanhope Elmore girls' basketball team who scored 10 points in her final home game.

Teonna Davis

A player on the Stanhope Elmore girls' basketball team who had 10 rebounds, 6 points, 2 steals, 2 assists, and 5 blocks in the playoff win.

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What they’re saying

“It was rewarding to host and win a playoff game. All of the hard work we put in during the summer and during the season has paid off. It is always good to play in your own gym in front of your fans.”

— Kelvin Stokes, Head Coach (elmoreautauganews.com)

“For us to make it back to the regionals means a lot...not for our team but for any team. For us it solidifies the achievement of set goals.”

— Kelvin Stokes, Head Coach (elmoreautauganews.com)

What’s next

The Mustangs will advance to the Class 6A South Regional tournament, where they will face defending state champion Park Crossing in the Sweet 16 matchup.

The takeaway

The Stanhope Elmore girls' basketball team has achieved a significant milestone by advancing to the regional tournament, but they will face a tough challenge against the defending state champion Park Crossing Thunderbirds. The Lady Mustangs will need to play their best basketball to have a chance at reaching the Class 6A Final Four.