Just as they have throughout the 2026 playoffs, No. 1 Lincoln was on a mission last Friday night.

The Bulldogs needed one win to get back to their 6th consecutive state tournament.

And they did just that.

In emphatic fashion.

Lincoln (26-2) completely dominated in all facets, rolling 92-34 over No. 9 Weatherford in the area championship at Stroud.

"Friday night was another special chapter in the story of this program," said Lincoln head coach Melody Stewart. "To go to our 6th straight state tournament is an incredible accomplishment for our team and our program."

The Bulldogs started extremely fast, opening the game on a 25-2 run behind efficient offense and relentless defense.

Lincoln led 34-6 after the first quarter.

"Our girls played outstanding basketball," said Stewart. "What stood out the most was how connected they were. The chemistry, the unity, and the confidence they played with on both ends of the floor was unmatched in my entire career as a coach."

Lincoln opened the 2nd quarter on a 14-4 run and eventually led 56-17 at halftime.

The Bulldogs shot a blistering 65% from the floor as a team in the win - a season high. 

Lincoln was also 12-of-20 (60%) from three in the win and 9-of-13 (69%) from the foul line.

The Bulldogs scored an incredible 1.38 points per possession and led in all categories.

Lincoln had a 24-6 edge in transition, a 32-11 advantage in points off turnovers and a 16-2 lead in second chance points.

The Bulldogs also led in points in the paint (44-16), rebounds (31-16) and steals (21-10).

"They executed with such a high basketball IQ, moving the ball, trusting one another, and locking in defensively. It's a joy as a coach to watch a group play with this kind of rhythm and purpose," said Stewart.

Meanwhile, Lincoln held the Eagles to just 32% from the floor and forced 25 turnovers.

Sophomore guard Azariah Woodruff had a game-high 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting and 4-of-5 from three. She played just 16 minutes and added three assists.

Senior wing Maddi Stewart had 14 points on 4-of-5 from the floor and 4-of-4 from therefor the Bulldogs. She added seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in just 18 minutes.

Senior guard Alexis Leyva had eight points on a perfect 3-of-3 from the floor and 2-of-2 from three. She added three rebounds and four assists in just 13 minutes of action.

Freshman guard Laine Dooley had eight points on 4-of-6 from the floor and sophomore forward Niya Wiloby had eight on 3-of-4 from the floor in the win.

Junior forward Jayla Albert had seven points and three rebounds in just 10 minutes.

Ivey Wheeler also had seven, while Hayden Van Valkenburg had eight and Leah Moore had six.

"I just love the disposition of this team," said Stewart. "They play with energy, excitement, and genuine joy for each other's success. That spirit has been so fun to watch all season, and it continues to grow stronger every game."

Lincoln led 66-21 midway through the 3rd and 72-31 after three quarters.

The Bulldogs' largest lead came late in the game at 90-31, after Lincoln opened the final quarter on a 19-0 run.

Lincoln is three wins away from repeating in Class 4A, as the Bulldogs have played in the state title game for three straight years, as well.

"These trips are always special, and we are excited for the opportunity ahead," said Stewart. 

After last year's magical 30-2 run to the program's first title, this year has been particular special as Stewart's group has met and exceeded expectations thus far and has put themselves in position to do it again in March.

"It has been such a privilege watching this group grow into their own over the course of the season," she said. "They continue to compete, believe in each other, and represent our program so well."

The Bulldogs have won all four playoff games by 50 points or more. Lincoln is averaging 84 points per game in the playoffs while allowing just 30.

Lincoln opens play on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. vs. Kingfisher in the new OG&E Coliseum in Oklahoma City.

With a win, the Bulldogs would play the winner of McLoud and Harrah on Thursday night at 6 p.m. in Yukon at Yukon High School.

The finals are slated for Friday night at 7:45 p.m. back at the OG&E Coliseum.



Photos by Lee Talley