Lady Royals Magical Season Comes to an End
Jacksonville-The 2025-2026 Jay Lady Royals basketball season ended on Friday at the University of North Florida in the 1A Rural State Championship. The championship game appearance marked the first time in 30 years that the girls’ basketball team reached the state championship.
Before Friday night, Jay had won 17 games in a row, the last loss coming on January 2nd and the Lady Royals looked poised to capture a state championship title.
From the opening tip, it was evident that Jay refused to let the moment be too big for them, as Aubreigh Nelson scored on the opening possession after two quick passes to open the game for Jay. Williston (22-2) would have an answer, however, as the next three made baskets were all three pointers for the Red Devils. Just as Jay was rallying back from an early ten point deficit, star junior Hattie Locklin drove into the lane and suffered an injury towards the end of the first quarter and was unable to return to action.
Down eight and minus a key starter from their lineup, the Jay Lady Royals continued to play their game, chipping away at Williston’s lead. Both Kaylee Gilbreath and Presley Hawthorne scored four in the second to lead the Lady Royals as Jay out scored Williston 14-10 in the period. The Red Devils’ lead had been cut to four by halftime, 30-26.
Jay came out of the break determined to get back into the game and they did just that, actually taking a one point lead midway through the third. Sophomore Lucy Locklin, coming in off the bench for injured sister Hattie, proved that she was ready for the moment, securing timely rebounds and contributing underneath both offensively and defensively. She would finish the night with five points.
Heading into the fourth, Williston, led by Kierce Solomon who connected on 7 of 9 three point attempts through the game and finished with 25 points, was able to capitalize as Jay’s shooting cooled in the fourth.
The 66-49 score was not indicative of the actual game. As time was running out and forced to foul, Williston simply made their free throws and extended their lead.
Aubreigh Nelson lead the Lady Royals in the score column, recording 18. Senior Kaylee Gilbreath added 13 while Presley Hawthorne scored 10.
While the season didn’t end the way it had been dreamed about, this group has so much to be proud of. The 25-5 record for Jay was the fruit of their labor from the hard work and long hours in the gym. The joy that was shared among teammates when two of their own reached the 1,000 point club was an example of the group’s desire to support and build each other up. The trip to the final four this year was a testimony of this team’s and their coaching staff’s refusal to give up after coming so close over the previous seasons. And the 600 plus Royal fans that made the five hour trip east to Jacksonville was what small town love and support for a school and their team looks like.
Congratulations on a great year ladies.
JHS 12 14 14 9-49
WHS 20 10 16 20-66
(A Nelson 18, P Hawthorne 10, K Gilbreath 13, L Locklin 5, G Lewis 3)
