After last year’s successful season, the 2025-2026 basketball season has just rolled in.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Goodpasture Cougars kicked off the season with a win 56-51 against the CPA (Christ Presbyterian Academy) Lions.
“The game went great and went as planned: we got the win,” junior Slim Leavell said.
This year’s basketball team slogan is: Sometimes you, sometimes me, always us. The belief behind this slogan is that it’s not about the individual or caring about stats, social media, or attention, but having collective trust and love for one another.
“I’m excited to win a state championship this year,” senior Jameson Webb said. “I’m a shooting guard, and I think I’ve had a pretty significant jump of improvement in basketball this year.”
In last year’s basketball season, the Cougars made the Elite Eight, and they went to State where they played in the Final Four, finishing with a 33-3 record for the entire season. Furthermore, the team ranked #5 among other basketball teams in Nashville. Also, they ranked #2 in Tennessee Division II-A rankings.
“I came to Goodpasture for football mainly, but also for basketball,” freshman JoJo Patton said.
Moreover, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Lady Cougars 2025-2026 basketball season started. The final score was 52-25 with the Lady Lions taking the win.
“I am extremely excited to get back on the court this season with my teammates and compete,” junior Presely Cavender said. “One of my main goals for the season is to grow as a team and be someone other girls can count on and look up to.”
In last year’s season, the Lady Cougars finished with a 22-9 record and were District Tournament runner-ups with a record of 12-2. They were also second in the district and made the Elite Eight.
“I can’t wait to see how the team develops and progresses,” junior Brooklyn Jones said. “A goal I have is just to score more points than last year.”
Jones scored 1,000 points in her basketball career last season. Jones has also been awarded All-Region Tournament MVP and All-District.
“I’m excited to see the group of girls and their development and growth,” Girl’s Basketball Coach Taylor Clay said.
Coach Clay was previously named All-Area Small Class Coach of the Year in 2024.
“Basketball has really just given me a massive eye opener to just stop and look around, and to just take in the small moments and be thankful to God for them,” senior Aspen Finch said.
