Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Lady Makos' season ended after a hard-fought loss in the Class 4A Sweet 16. The team battled illness and a tough opponent throughout the game. Despite their effort, they lost 48-42 to the Jackson Lady Aggies. The loss marked the end of the season for the young Orange Beach squad.

The game was the Lady Makos’ final appearance for the 2025-2026 season. Orange Beach finished with a 16-17 overall record. The team had only one senior on its roster, highlighting its youth and inexperience heading into the postseason.

Three Lady Makos players scored in double figures during the loss. Sloane Stephen led the team with 17 points. Allie Roach added 13 points. Arianna Santos contributed 10 points in the six-point defeat.

The team also battled the flu in the days before the game. Several players were affected, but the Lady Makos took the court determined to compete. Head Coach Mike Chase said the team would not blame illness for the outcome.

“We make no excuses,” Chase said. “We battled, but Jackson was more physical, and that was the difference in the game. Super proud of this group - we will celebrate this season and get back to work for next year.”

Jackson advanced to the next round with the victory. The Lady Aggies will face Geneva on Feb. 24 at 4 p.m., and the winner of that game will earn a trip to Birmingham and a spot in the Class 4A Final Four.

For Orange Beach, the focus now shifts to the future. With most of the roster expected to return, the Lady Makos aim to build on the experience gained this season. Coaches and players plan to regroup and prepare for another postseason push next year.