Simpson Academy Girls Basketball Wins State Title With Unwashed Rag

Coach's lucky rag remains uncleaned after team's championship victory.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Simpson Academy girls basketball team won the state championship with the help of their coach's unwashed red rag. Coach Linda Dear has been grasping and waving the rag during multiple games, and she plans to keep it uncleaned following the team's 54-45 victory over East Rankin Academy.

Why it matters

The Simpson Academy girls basketball team has had a long-standing rivalry with East Rankin Academy, and this championship win marks a significant achievement for the program and community. Coach Dear's superstitious use of the unwashed rag has become a symbolic part of the team's success.

The details

Coach Linda Dear has had the Simpson Academy girls basketball team since they were in second grade. The team has faced off against East Rankin Academy multiple times in championship games, and this year they felt determined to win. Dear has been carrying and waving a red rag during games, and she plans to keep it unwashed following the team's 54-45 victory over their rivals.

  • Simpson Academy won the state championship on February 15, 2026.

The players

Linda Dear

The head coach of the Simpson Academy girls basketball team, who has led the program for many years.

East Rankin Academy

The rival basketball team that Simpson Academy defeated in the state championship game.

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What they’re saying

“I've had these kids since they were in second grade. East Rankin Academy has stood in our way of several championships, and we felt like this was our day, and we were not going to be denied.”

— Linda Dear, Head Coach, Simpson Academy Girls Basketball (Hattiesburg American)

The takeaway

Coach Dear's unwashed rag has become a symbolic part of the Simpson Academy girls basketball team's success, representing their determination and long-standing rivalry with East Rankin Academy. The team's championship win highlights the power of superstition and the importance of perseverance in sports.