Lancaster Tigers Win First State Basketball Championship, Inspired by Coach’s Battle with Cancer

The Lancaster Tigers secured their first UIL 6A Division II girls basketball championship on Saturday, March 7, 2026, defeating previously undefeated Austin Westlake 51-37 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The victory marked a historic moment for the Lancaster program and was deeply intertwined with a powerful story of resilience, and dedication.

A Season Dedicated to Strength

This championship season was dedicated to assistant coach Lamesia McKinney, who is courageously battling stage four breast cancer. McKinney shared her diagnosis with the team last season, and her unwavering spirit has become a source of inspiration for the players.

“I don’t know how many more tomorrows I have, but I know I’m living in the moment now,” McKinney said. “This season has meant so much to me personally – my growth as a coach and also just as a warrior battling breast cancer.”

Senior Monique Phoenix explained how McKinney’s fight motivated the team: “It made us realize that no matter what life throws at you, you could still overcome it.”

Game Highlights and Key Performances

Despite a strong start by Westlake, who initially led 6-0, Lancaster quickly gained momentum. A layup by MaKenzie White with one second remaining in the first quarter gave the Tigers a 13-11 lead. Lancaster continued to build on this advantage, extending it to an eight-point lead before a three-pointer by Westlake’s Peyton Hensle.

Lancaster responded with a dominant 10-0 run, taking a 31-18 lead into halftime. While the third quarter saw limited scoring from both teams, Lancaster maintained control. They ultimately led by as much as 22 points in the fourth quarter, securing a decisive victory.

MaKenzie White, named the game MVP, led the Tigers with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals. Journee Hampton contributed 12 points, and Ava Womack added 10.

Overcoming Adversity and Making History

Lancaster finished the season with a 33-5 record, while Westlake concluded their season at 40-1. Westlake had defeated Lancaster 78-74 in overtime earlier in the season on November 15th, making this championship win even sweeter for the Tigers.

Coach LaJeanna Howard expressed the significance of the win for the Lancaster community: “To bring history to a community who has believed in us and supported us means the world to us. It’s a special thing to be the first.”

Lancaster ISD is planning a community event in March to celebrate the team’s historic championship win.

Key Takeaways

• Lancaster High School won its first UIL 6A Division II girls basketball championship.
• The team dedicated their season to assistant coach Lamesia McKinney, who is battling stage four breast cancer.
• MaKenzie White was named the game MVP with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
• Lancaster defeated previously undefeated Austin Westlake 51-37.