For the fifth time in six years, the Lady Eagles are heading to the state in basketball this week.
When asked about making it to state for the fifth time in six years, Whitaker said, "It means a lot. This team had a lot to prove to themselves. The expectations that have grown as our program has grown can be difficult to handle, but these girls still accomplished something so special and that so many teams only get to talk about."
Fairfield punched its ticket to the state tournament on Friday, Feb. 21, after defeating the Little River Academy Lady Bees 61-43 to claim the 3A Region III, Division I title.
"It is so surreal at the moment. We missed out last year and we thought we had a good chance. All year we have been working to get to this point. I'm just so proud of the girls for realizing what they have been trying to do all year. I'm really happy to see them so excited," Coach Sally Whitaker said after the game on Friday night.
The Fairfield Lady Eagles (31-6) were to take on the Corpus Christi West Oso Lady Bears (31-5) on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. in the State Semifinals at the Delmar-Tusa Sports Complex in Houston. The Tuscola Jim Ned Lady Indians (34-2) and the Winnsboro Lady Raiders (35-3) will play in the other 3A, Division I State Semifinals at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at China Spring High School. The two winners will match-up on Friday, Feb. 28, at 1 p.m. at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The winner will be crowned the 2025 3A, Division I State Champion.
"As coaches, we want to prepare our kids to compete," Whitaker said. "As a team we want to take advantage of the opportunity we have to still be competing for another state title."
Fairfield is making their sixth state tournament appearance. They also competed in the 2011, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 tournaments.
In 2020, Fairfield won the 4A State Championship title by defeating Argyle 40-39 in double overtime in the state championship. The Lady Eagles defeated Dallas Lincoln 76-51 in the State Semifinals.
In 2021, the Lady Eagles defeated Bishop 78-41 in the State Semifinals before falling in overtime to Brownfield 68-64 in the State Championship.
In 2022, Fairfield defeated Idalou 54-35 in the State Semifinals and then Winnsboro 60-54 in the State Championship to bring home the 3A State Title.
In 2023, the Lady Eagles defeated Winnsboro 51-43 in the State Semifinals before falling to Holliday 58-47 in the State Championship.
Last year, Fairfield lost a heartbreaker to Huntington in the Regional Championship by one-point, 42-41, as they missed the opportunity to play in the state tournament.
Junior Blayke Brackens is excited to make it to state this year after the loss in the Regional Final last year.
"It means a lot to me and to my teammates to make it to state. We lost the Regional Championship game last year, so to just be able to get past that round means a lot," Brackens said. "My teammates mean everything to me. No matter what happens, win or lose, we will always stick together, which is a very important trait to have on a State Championship level team."
This year's Lady Eagles team consists of seniors Jaci Abram, Addison Posey, Jimilyah Nash, juniors Blayke Brackens, Kaylee Williams, Delaney McGowan, Rhett Ralstin, sophomores Kole Brackens, Samone Garrett Jacelynn Schmidt, and freshmen KeKe Alexander and Aaliyah Nash.
"It is very exciting advancing to state and it means a lot to me considering the fact that so many people doubted us," senior Jimilyah Nash said. "My teammates are very important to me. All of the tough losses and hard practices we went through together and I am so glad that we get to experience this together."
Whitaker is thankful for the Fairfield community and hopes the girls can bring home another state championship.
"The community has always played a huge factor in our success," Whitaker said. "It is pretty special that these girls get to play in such a great atmosphere each game."
Whitaker is excited for her team and all that they have accomplished so far.
"I can’t tell you how happy I am for each and every player on our team. This year's team is special to me. They have faced adversity, they have worked, and they have come together. It is amazing how much pressure these girls deal with, and I love seeing them celebrate success," Whitaker said. "Thank you for supporting them and please show up in Houston on Tuesday. We want to go to San Antonio.
