Class 6A No. 5 Fort Payne Defeats Oxford in Northeast Regional Semifinals

Fort Payne will face Mountain Brook in a regional final rematch on Wednesday.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Class 6A No. 5 Fort Payne Wildcats defeated Oxford 58-35 in the Northeast Regional semifinals on Friday. Fort Payne used a strong second and third quarter to pull away from Oxford after a slow start. Naomi Wise led the Wildcats with 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Zimri Craig added 14 points and 7 rebounds. Fort Payne will now face Mountain Brook, who they lost to in last year's regional final, in a rematch on Wednesday.

Why it matters

This game was an important step for Fort Payne as they look to return to the state championship game. The Wildcats have improved throughout the season and will now have a chance to avenge last year's regional final loss to Mountain Brook, one of the top teams in the state.

The details

Fort Payne started slowly, leading just 7-6 after the first quarter, but then used a 19-7 second quarter and a 21-10 third quarter to pull away from Oxford. Naomi Wise scored a game-high 20 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Zimri Craig added 14 points and 7 rebounds. Zaria Craig also contributed 6 points and a game-high 6 assists for the Wildcats.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • The regional final rematch between Fort Payne and Mountain Brook is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 9 a.m. at Jacksonville State.

The players

Kinsley Worthy

A senior on the Fort Payne team.

Steve Sparks

The head coach of the Fort Payne Wildcats.

Naomi Wise

The leading scorer for Fort Payne with 20 points and 7 rebounds.

Zimri Craig

Scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for Fort Payne.

Zaria Craig

Contributed 6 points and a game-high 6 assists for Fort Payne.

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What they’re saying

“It's definitely more than what we have at home. So, it's a little nerve-racking, but it's fun.”

— Kinsley Worthy, Senior (al.com)

“Overall, I thought we played well. Got started off slow. First game, regionals, a little bit of anxiety, but I thought we settled in the second quarter and played much better overall. I thought we played well defensively, we played solid and made some shots down the stretch.”

— Steve Sparks, Head Coach (al.com)

“A lot of times your more challenging groups are the ones you love the most, because it's not your easy pass. Everything just kind of comes after. It comes easily with this group. It was a grind, it was a crawl, but we stuck together late.”

— Melissa Bennett, Oxford Head Coach (al.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.