Undefeated Wagner ready for 'new start' going into the postseason

The Thunderbirds look to capture their first state title after falling short in last year's final.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The undefeated and top-ranked Wagner Thunderbirds girls basketball team is ready to put their regular season success behind them and focus on the playoffs. After losing in last year's state championship game, the Thunderbirds are determined to prove they are the best team in Class 5A. Led by a talented roster that includes three returning starters from the state final, Wagner is confident they have the pieces to win their first state title.

Why it matters

Wagner's undefeated regular season and No. 1 ranking in the state have raised expectations, but the team knows that past success doesn't guarantee future results. After falling short in last year's state final, the Thunderbirds are driven to finish the job this postseason and cement their status as the top team in Class 5A.

The details

The Thunderbirds enter the playoffs with a 32-0 record, having outscored their district opponents by an average of nearly 46 points per game. However, they had some close calls against top-ranked teams Plano East and Sotomayor during the regular season. Wagner's relentless defensive pressure and transition offense have been the keys to their success, but the team knows they need to improve their free throw shooting after struggling at the line in last year's state final loss.

  • The Thunderbirds face Buda Hays in a Class 5A Division I first-round playoff game on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Last year, Wagner lost to Denton Ryan 58-47 in the Class 5A Division I state championship game.

The players

Annissa Jackson

The eighth-year head coach of the Wagner Thunderbirds.

Leah Mitchell

A senior guard for the Wagner Thunderbirds.

Elle Williams

A junior guard for the Wagner Thunderbirds.

Nahilah Bell

A junior forward for the Wagner Thunderbirds.

Nia McBride

A junior guard for the Wagner Thunderbirds.

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What they’re saying

“That doesn't mean anything right now. We have to prove everything. We have to keep working hard. All this erases, basically. It's a new start going into playoffs. We have to continue to work hard. We can't have a big head.”

— Leah Mitchell, Senior guard (San Antonio Express-News)

“We don't think about rankings. We just think of defense winning us that state championship.”

— Elle Williams, Junior guard (San Antonio Express-News)

“Composure – making shots when it matters. Making free throws. That's what killed us last year. Composure. Staying composed. That's what we've been working on.”

— Nahilah Bell, Junior forward (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

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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.