Following the Tigers’ 57-39 loss to Class 6A, No. 1-ranked, and six-time defending state champion, Hazel Green on Tuesday in the finals of the Northwest Regional, the Tigers girls immediately were focused on how they can do even better in 2025.

“I hope this fuels them,” said Hartselle head coach Amber Deline. “Losing is the best lesson and we got a taste of it this year. We were three games away from a state championship and today we saw what it’s going to take to get there.”

Photo by Deangelo McDaniel
Hartselle’s Anna Hampton Burroughs goes for two points against Hazel Green’s Brett Douglas during the Northwest Regional 6A championship game on Tuesday at Wallace State.

Despite suffering a season-ending loss, the mood was positive for the Tigers and for good reason. Next season Hartselle will return all five starters from a team that finished with 20 wins and advanced to the Elite Eight.

“When you look at everything we accomplished this season and then again returning all five starters, it definitely makes next season very exciting,” said junior Mary Frances Itsede.

Hartselle kept pace early with the defending state champs, but Hazel Green quickly showed why it’s won eight straight regional championships. The Trojans shot six of eight from 3-point range in the first half and held the Tigers to nearly 10 minutes without a field goal.

Photo by Deangelo McDaniel
Hartselle’s Gracie Hill shoots for two points against Hazel Green’s Amiya Redus during the Northwest Regional 6A championship game on Tuesday at Wallace State.

By halftime Hazel Green led 33-22 and by the end of the third quarter the Trojans pushed that lead to 46-26.

Hannah Burks led Hartselle with 15 points with Itsede adding nine. Both players were chosen for the 6A girls all-tournament team.

After returning to the regional tournament this year in Deline’s second season, the Tigers have plans for more improvement next year.

“Last year we took losing to Mortimer Jordan in the subregional personally and it fueled us for this year,” Itsede said. “I’m excited to see how this will fuel us for next year.”