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Lagrange Today
By the People, for the People
LaGrange Gators advance to state finals
Gators defeat North Vermilion 53-44 in semifinals, will face Wossman for championship
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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The LaGrange Gators girls basketball team is headed to the state championship game for the first time since 2021 after defeating North Vermilion 53-44 in the Non-select Division II semifinals at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association state tournament in Hammond. The Gators will face three-time defending state champion Wossman in the finals on Saturday.
Why it matters
LaGrange's appearance in the state finals marks a significant achievement for the program, which last reached this stage in 2021. The Gators have won 18 consecutive games since an early-season loss to Wossman, setting up a highly anticipated rematch between the two powerhouse programs.
The details
The Gators led for most of the game, building a lead of as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter. LaGrange dominated the paint, scoring 42 of its 53 points in the interior. Sophomore point guard Kayla Harding led the Gators with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 7 steals, while senior guards Ramiyah Thomas (10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals) and Marleigh Alexis (11 points, 4 assists, 5 steals) also scored in double figures.
- The LaGrange Gators and Wossman Wildcats previously met on January 2 at the Lafayette Christian tournament, with Wossman winning 62-47.
- The Gators will face Wossman in the state championship game on Saturday, March 7 at 6 p.m.
The players
LaGrange Gators
The girls basketball team from LaGrange High School that is making its first state finals appearance since 2021.
Wossman Wildcats
The three-time defending state champion girls basketball team that will face LaGrange in the state finals.
Kayla Harding
The sophomore point guard for LaGrange who led the team with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 7 steals in the semifinals.
Ramiyah Thomas
The senior guard for LaGrange who scored 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in the semifinals.
Marleigh Alexis
The senior guard for LaGrange who scored 11 points, 4 assists and 5 steals in the semifinals.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The LaGrange Gators and Wossman Wildcats will face off in the state championship game on Saturday, March 7 at 6 p.m.
The takeaway
LaGrange's return to the state finals after a five-year absence showcases the program's resilience and ability to overcome early-season setbacks. The rematch with three-time defending champion Wossman promises an exciting conclusion to the Louisiana high school basketball season.
