The Lake Oconee Academy girls basketball season ended with a 31–23 loss to Towns County in the first round of the Region 8 - Class A Division II tournament.
After dropping two earlier meetings to Towns County by wider margins, the Lady Titans (7-17) stayed within striking distance this time, trimming the deficit to single digits behind a revamped defensive approach. However, the result was the same in the end.
LOA head coach Josh Seymour said the Lady Titans adjusted their game plan in an effort to limit Towns County guard Ava Thompson, forcing the game into a slower, more controlled pace.
“We changed up our defensive approach and really tried to single her out,” Seymour said. “Unfortunately, our shots weren’t falling, and that’s just kind of how it goes sometimes.”
Offensively, LOA struggled to convert opportunities, but the effort level remained consistent — something Seymour said became a defining trait as the season progressed.
This season marked a rebuilding year for Lake Oconee Academy, with a young roster learning on the fly and leaning heavily on senior leadership.
From the opening weeks to the final game, Seymour said the team’s grit and willingness to compete never wavered.
“They knew they weren’t the most talented team out there this year,” he said. “We embraced that early on and kind of got counted out. What I really appreciate is their determination and grit.”
Seymour pointed to the development of underclassmen as one of the season’s biggest positives.
While the Lady Titans were led throughout the year by senior Ansleigh Padgett, Seymour said several younger players stepped into larger roles as the season unfolded, gaining valuable experience that should pay dividends down the road.
“We knew it was Ansleigh’s team, and after that, there was a drop-off,” Seymour said. “But a lot of players stepped up, and I’m super proud of them.”
That growth has helped generate optimism heading into the offseason.
Seymour said excitement around the program is building, with interest increasing across campus and nearly the entire roster expected to return for the 2026–27 season.
“I think we’ve stirred some excitement,” Seymour said. “A lot of girls are talking about coming out or coming back, which is great. We’ve got a great nucleus in place.”
With experience gained and continuity on the horizon, Seymour believes the Titans are positioned to take another step forward.
“Sky’s the limit,” he said.