Mobile Christian advances to 3A state championship after defeating Glencoe

Lady Leopards one win away from AHSAA title after 55-42 semifinal victory

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Mobile Christian's Lady Leopards defeated Glencoe 55-42 in the Class 3A girls state semifinal at Legacy Arena, advancing to the state championship game. Junior center Hadley Kelly led the way with 19 points, 18 rebounds and 6 blocks, while the Leopards' stifling defense held Glencoe to just 25% shooting and forced 14 turnovers.

Why it matters

This victory puts Mobile Christian, a small 3A school, one win away from an AHSAA state championship. The team's dominant defensive performance and the continued excellence of star player Hadley Kelly have captured the attention of high school basketball fans across Alabama.

The details

Mobile Christian's defense was the key to the victory, holding Glencoe to just 25% shooting and forcing 14 turnovers. Junior center Hadley Kelly was a force in the paint, finishing with 19 points, 18 rebounds and 6 blocks. Kai Wright also made some crucial plays down the stretch, hitting back-to-back layups to help the Leopards maintain control of the game.

  • The Class 3A girls state semifinal took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2026 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

The players

Hadley Kelly

A junior center for Mobile Christian who had a dominant performance in the semifinal game, finishing with 19 points, 18 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Kai Wright

A player for Mobile Christian who made some key plays down the stretch to help the Leopards maintain control of the game.

Kenny Wright

The head coach of the Mobile Christian Lady Leopards, who praised his team's execution of the game plan and their resilience in the face of a late Glencoe comeback attempt.

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What they’re saying

“The girls were tremendous. They followed the game plan. They executed the scouting report to a tee. We had a little drought in the third quarter, the beginning of the fourth — I think we were running out of gas a little bit. But our girls just kept the same mentality that we've been doing all year. Next play, being selfless, and we're just super excited. We're in the state championship. Who can ever imagine that? A small 3A Mobile Christian school can be where we are right now. We're just still blessed and happy about this opportunity. We got one more to go. Go Leopards.”

— Kenny Wright, Head Coach

What’s next

Mobile Christian will face top-ranked Saint James in the Class 3A state championship game on Friday, March 7, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. in Birmingham.

The takeaway

Mobile Christian's improbable run to the state championship game is a testament to the team's stifling defense, the dominance of star player Hadley Kelly, and the resilience of a small 3A school program that has captured the attention of high school basketball fans across Alabama.