Thursday afternoon at Colonial Life Arena will forever be etched in Landrum High School history. In a dramatic 45–43 victory over Atlantic Collegiate Academy, the Lady Cardinals brought home the program’s first‑ever South Carolina Class 2A Girls Basketball State Championship, fulfilling a dream the community has championed all season long.
From the first game to the final buzzer in Columbia, this season was never just about wins and losses — it was about heart, resilience, and a family that believed in each other. Landrum finished the season with a 20–7 record, underscoring consistent excellence, competitive spirit, and moments that defined a championship‑caliber team.
A Season of Signature Wins and Unforgettable Moments
Long before the state championship, the Lady Cardinals showed they were a force to be reckoned with. In early January, they captured the 26th Battle at the Border title with a hard‑fought 69–61 victory over 5A Spartanburg High School, proving the team’s grit and ability to compete with larger programs.
Their remarkable postseason run continued with a commanding 66–47 Upper State Championship win over the Andrew Jackson Volunteers. After overcoming an early deficit, the Cardinals rallied behind balanced offense and energized defense to take control and punch their ticket to the state final in Columbia.
Championship Performance Under Pressure
In the state title game, sophomore #2 Delaney Caldwell delivered one of her best performances of the season, finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Her two late free throws in the final minutes helped seal the historic win and will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season.
Senior leader #3 Kylie Fortner added 10 clutch points and continued her legacy as one of the program’s greatest players. Earlier in the year, Fortner became the all‑time leading scorer in Lady Cardinals history, leaving a lasting mark on the community and the sport.
Every player on the roster stepped up throughout the journey:
#3 Kylie Fortner
#2 Delaney Caldwell
#20 Avery Caldwell
#4 Cameryn Haro
#15 Emalynn Bright
#10 Hadley Robinson
#1 Hannah Tydings
#5 Hazel Cain
#11 Kennedy Gardner‑Speech
#21 Leena Schembra
#12 Sullivan Price
#25 Matiee Clayton
Each provided heart, hustle, and selfless play that defined the team’s identity.
Together, they formed a true family on the court — supporting one another through adversity, celebrating together in triumph, and playing with a level of unity that lifted everyone around them.
Guided by Exceptional Leadership
Head Coach Kali Koenig, along with assistant coaches Scottie Armstrong and Kelsi Pack, did more than coach a team — they cultivated a culture built on belief, preparation, and togetherness. Their steady leadership helped the Lady Cardinals make smart adjustments, stay composed in pressure moments, and rise to every challenge.
A Community Rallying Behind Its Team
This championship belongs not just to the players and coaches but to every student, teacher, family member, and fan who packed the gym nights, drove long distances for away games, lined downtown streets for send‑offs, and wore red and black with pride. Your cheers, support, and Cardinal spirit were felt in every game. Thank you to the Landrum community, Spartanburg One students, teachers, staff, and families, and fans who packed the Colonial Life arena and brought the energy all game long. Your support helped fuel this historic moment.
A Championship Season to Remember
From dominating early wins to signature victories like the Battle at the Border triumph over Spartanburg High School 5A and the Upper State title over Andrew Jackson, two-time winner 2A State Champions, the Lady Cardinals’ season was a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and heart. Their state championship victory isn’t just a milestone; it’s a story of a community that believed together.
Congratulations to the 2026 Landrum High School Lady Cardinals Class 2A State Champions, a team that has forever changed the legacy of girls basketball at Landrum.