Gainesville Girls Narrowly Miss Comeback Against Lanier

Lady Red Elephants to face Woodward Academy in state tournament after Region 7-5A third-place finish.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Gainesville High School girls basketball team staged a furious comeback in the Region 7-5A third-place game against Lanier, but ultimately fell just short, setting up a first-round state tournament matchup with Woodward Academy.

Why it matters

The Lady Red Elephants' narrow defeat in the regional tournament represents a heartbreaking end to their season, but also sets the stage for an exciting state tournament clash against a formidable opponent in Woodward Academy.

The details

Gainesville trailed Lanier by a significant margin for much of the game, but mounted a late rally that nearly allowed them to overtake their opponents and secure third place in the regional tournament. Despite their best efforts, the Lady Red Elephants came up just short, setting up a first-round state tournament matchup against Woodward Academy.

  • The Region 7-5A third-place game took place on February 20, 2026.
  • Gainesville will face Woodward Academy in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament on Tuesday.

The players

Gainesville High School

The Gainesville High School girls basketball team, known as the Lady Red Elephants, competed in the Region 7-5A third-place game.

Lanier High School

Lanier High School, Gainesville's opponent in the Region 7-5A third-place game.

Woodward Academy

Woodward Academy, Gainesville's first-round opponent in the Class 5A state tournament.

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What’s next

Gainesville will face Woodward Academy in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Despite their heartbreaking defeat in the regional tournament, the Lady Red Elephants have the opportunity to rebound and make a deep run in the state tournament, where they will face a formidable opponent in Woodward Academy.