Fort Hill wins 4th straight WestMAC title

No. 1 Fort Hill defeats No. 2 Southern 47-35 in defensive battle

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Fort Hill Sentinels basketball team defeated the Southern High School Rams 47-35 on Friday to win their fourth consecutive Western Maryland Athletic Conference (WestMAC) championship. Fort Hill's coach Thad Burner praised his team's defensive effort, describing it as a "defensive masterpiece" to end the game.

Why it matters

Fort Hill's victory extends their dominance in the WestMAC, cementing their status as the top high school basketball program in the region. The win also sets up the Sentinels as a team to watch in the upcoming state tournament.

The details

In a tightly contested game, Fort Hill used a stifling defense to pull away from Southern in the second half. The Sentinels held the Rams to just 35 points, a testament to their defensive intensity and discipline.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Thad Burner

The head coach of the Fort Hill Sentinels basketball team.

Fort Hill Sentinels

The No. 1 ranked high school basketball team in the Western Maryland Athletic Conference (WestMAC).

Southern High School Rams

The No. 2 ranked high school basketball team in the WestMAC, who were defeated by Fort Hill.

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What they’re saying

“Fort Hill basketball isn't a work of art according to its coach Thad Burner, but his Sentinels painted a defensive masterpiece to end the game Friday.”

— Thad Burner, Head Coach, Fort Hill Sentinels (Cumberland Times News)

What’s next

The Fort Hill Sentinels will now prepare for the upcoming state tournament, where they will look to continue their dominant run and capture another championship.

The takeaway

Fort Hill's fourth consecutive WestMAC title demonstrates the program's sustained excellence and ability to win with a strong defensive identity, positioning them as a top contender in the state tournament.