East Laurens topples Thomasville, advances to first state finals

Lady Falcons to face Elbert County on Friday at Macon Coliseum

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The East Laurens Lady Falcons secured their spot in the state championship game with a 55-45 victory over Thomasville in the semifinals on Saturday. Led by double-doubles from Deanna Lowther and Garyunna Mitchell, East Laurens overcame a slow start to pull away in the second half. They will now face Elbert County on Friday at the Macon Coliseum, seeking the program's first state title.

Why it matters

This marks the first time the East Laurens girls' basketball team has reached the state championship game, a historic achievement for the program. The Lady Falcons have built on last year's success, winning the region title again and advancing further in the playoffs.

The details

East Laurens used a variety of defensive looks to frustrate Thomasville, including a 2-2-1 zone, man-to-man, and 1-3-1 and 1-2-2 zones. Jameria Bing hit three big 3-pointers in the second half to help the Lady Falcons pull away. Deanna Lowther recorded a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Mitchell added 6 points and a game-high 19 rebounds.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 9, 2026 at Fort Valley State University.
  • The state championship game is scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2026 at 1 p.m. in the Macon Coliseum.

The players

Danielle Lowther

The head coach of the East Laurens Lady Falcons, guiding the team to its first-ever state championship game appearance.

Deanna Lowther

A standout player for East Laurens, recording a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds in the semifinal win.

Garyunna Mitchell

The leading rebounder for East Laurens, pulling down 19 boards to go with 6 points in the semifinal victory.

Jameria Bing

Hit three crucial 3-pointers in the second half to help East Laurens pull away from Thomasville.

Elbert County

The No. 12 seed that East Laurens will face in the state championship game on Friday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm at a loss for words because it just feels so good. Practicing since October, coming down to our last game next Friday. It's a good feeling.”

— Danielle Lowther, Head Coach, East Laurens Lady Falcons

“It was just the extra effort, the extra heart, the extra hustle that kind of got us a lead, got us putbacks every now and then, a steal every now and then. Jameria hit couple of big 3s at key points in the game. Deanna got some rebounds and putbacks and Gary came out and got more aggressive and had more energy. It was just a collective team effort in regards to just trying to finish the drill.”

— Danielle Lowther, Head Coach, East Laurens Lady Falcons

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.