By: Karsyn Phillips

The Bellbrook High School girls basketball team has officially come to a close.

The Golden Eagles brought their regular season to a triumphant finish by clinching the OHSAA Division III Southwest 4 District Championship on Saturday, February 28. In a defensive masterclass at Springfield High School, top-seeded Bellbrook dismantled the Monroe Hornets with a decisive 56-11 victory, securing their spot in the “Sweet 16.”

The 2025-2026 campaign has been a historic run for Head Coach Jason Tincher and his squad. Finishing the regular season with a 24-2 overall record, the Golden Eagles went undefeated in league play (10-0) to claim the Southwestern Buckeye League title.

While the underclassman movement led by freshman Macy Miller and sophomores Libby Bunsold and Macy Westbeld has provided a spark, the team’s engine was fueled by its veteran leadership. Seniors Ainsley Gregory, Zoe Howard, and Emmie Sears provided the poise necessary for a deep postseason run.

“Some of my biggest accomplishments are with the team,” senior Emmie Sears said. “Winning 6th-peat SWBL, being named first in the state in D3, getting the first seed in the tournament. These are all examples of what we have been able to accomplish this year together.”

Freshman Miller led the charge, draining four three-pointers on her way to a 20-point performance. The Eagle’s defense has become their calling card, allowing an average of fewer than 35 points per game during their win streak.

“Our team has improved tremendously on both sides of the court and we never stop,” senior Ainsley Gregory said. “We won some great games.”

At their Regional Semifinals game, down by as many as 14 points in the third quarter, Bellbrook rebounded with several clutch three-pointers, cutting the deficit to just three points (38–35) early in the fourth quarter.

Despite the loss, head coach Jason Tincher expressed immense pride in the team’s effort and their 15-game winning streak leading up to the regional tournament.