Bozeman Gallatin Aims to Defend Girls Basketball Title

The Class AA state tournament is set to tip off with the defending champions looking to repeat.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:38am

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The 2026 Class AA state girls basketball tournament is on the horizon, and the Bozeman Gallatin Raptors are eyeing a repeat championship after winning it all last year. The Raptors, led by standout senior guard Ava Wilkins, are considered the team to beat as they look to defend their title against a competitive field of opponents from across Montana.

Why it matters

Girls basketball is a beloved high school sport in Montana, and the state tournament is a highly anticipated annual event that draws passionate fans from around the region. Bozeman Gallatin's title defense will be a major storyline as they seek to cement their status as one of the top programs in Montana.

The details

Bozeman Gallatin is led by 6'1" senior guard Ava Wilkins, who averaged 18.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game last season en route to being named the Class AA Player of the Year. The Raptors also return several other key contributors from last year's championship team, making them the clear favorites heading into the tournament.

  • The 2026 Class AA state girls basketball tournament is scheduled to tip off on March 12th.
  • Bozeman Gallatin won the 2025 Class AA state championship.

The players

Ava Wilkins

A 6'1" senior guard for Bozeman Gallatin and the reigning Class AA Player of the Year.

Bozeman Gallatin Raptors

The defending Class AA state champions, led by standout senior Ava Wilkins.

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What they’re saying

“We know everyone is going to be gunning for us, but we're ready for the challenge. This team has the talent and experience to repeat as champions.”

— Ava Wilkins, Senior Guard, Bozeman Gallatin

What’s next

The Class AA state tournament bracket will be announced in the coming days, setting the stage for the highly anticipated championship showdown.

The takeaway

Bozeman Gallatin's quest to defend their Class AA girls basketball title will be a major storyline to follow as the state tournament approaches, with the Raptors and their star player Ava Wilkins looking to cement their status as one of Montana's premier high school programs.