DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — The Alexander High School Cougars are once again one win away from bringing a state title back to Douglasville.
Alexander (29-2) will face Woodward Academy in the Georgia High School Association Class 5A boys basketball state championship on Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Macon Coliseum, marking the Cougars’ third appearance in the state finals in the past four seasons.
The Cougars’ sustained run of success has cemented Alexander as one of Georgia’s premier high school basketball programs. The team captured the Class 5A state championship in 2023 and returned to the finals in 2024, finishing as runner-up. A victory this year would give the program its second state title in four years.
A dominant season
Alexander enters the championship with a 29-2 record after an impressive season that saw the Cougars dominate both region and postseason competition. The team finished undefeated in Region 5-AAAAA play and built one of the best records in the state while climbing near the top of statewide rankings.
The Cougars advanced to the state finals after defeating Tri-Cities 85-76 in the Class 5A semifinal, showcasing the fast-paced offense and defensive pressure that have defined their postseason run.
Head coach Jason Slate has guided Alexander through one of the most successful eras in school history, building a program known for depth, athleticism and relentless tempo. The Cougars’ ability to control the pace and create scoring opportunities in transition has made them a difficult matchup throughout the tournament.
A championship clash
Standing between Alexander and another state title is Woodward Academy (25-6), which reached the finals after a dramatic 62-61 semifinal victory over Gainesville. The War Eagles feature a talented young roster highlighted by standout guard Jarvis Hayes Jr., the Region 4 Player of the Year.
The matchup pits two of Georgia’s top Class 5A programs against each other on the sport’s biggest stage. While Woodward Academy won its only boys basketball state title in 2020, Alexander is seeking to add another championship to its growing legacy.
A chance to finish the job
The state championship game is part of the GHSA / Dr. Ralph Swearngin Basketball State Championships, held March 11–14 at the Macon Centreplex.
For Alexander players and fans in Douglasville, Friday night represents another opportunity to cement the Cougars’ place among Georgia high school basketball’s elite.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Macon Coliseum, where the Cougars will attempt to bring another state championship trophy back to Douglas County.
